The following is an overview of curriculum specifics, but some of those specifics may get the lion's share of attention with certain students, depending on the individual's age and background in acting, as well as the student's level of previous training. Of course, individual goals are also considered in structuring lessons.
For students at every level of experience, but especially beginners, improvisation is an important lesson activity. Generally speaking, improvisation accomplishes the following: a) It helps beginning students through a process of simply learning to be comfortable when placing themselves in front of others; b) It helps students develop and begin to master a sense of purpose on stage - to focus on overcoming obstacles in order to acheive a goal, or an objective, as a character. c) It helps students develop and begin to master a sense of spontaneous life and immediacy on stage - of being in the moment; and d) It helps students to realize the importance of a physical life on stage. To aid in this realization, special attention is given to working with props.
Students will learn Aristotle's dramatic structure and how to analyze a play to find given circumstances, to discover a through-line of action and to break a script down into units of action. Acting choices must be made on the basis of what the playwright has provided.
Emphasis will be placed on exercises in voice and speech: 1) Correct breathing 2) Projection 3) Articulation. Actors must not only be seen, but must also be heard and understood.
Exercises in movement will focus on the importance of relaxation and will touch in a VERY BASIC way upon Alexander Technique, as well as textures of space, manipulating personal space and developing a relationship with the space one moves through.
The "Actor's Reference Points" will be taught and utilized in improvisation and monologues. These reference points are: 1) Objective/Obstacle 2) Point-of-View 3) Hopes and Dreams 4) Fear 5) Secret. These "reference points" determine the character's "inner dialogue." This technique is based on Stanislavski. Other exercises in the lessons come from Meisner or Hagen. Learning to use and define relationships on stage with people, objects and places will be included in this work.
There will be lots of monologue work, as well as some focus on audition technique. Also, my students are required to audition on a regular basis for Richmond area theatres.
Generally speaking, all of the above specifics, and more, are taught with the goal of helping the student to realize and become comfortable with the fact that: 1) Action defines character, and 2) Action without intent is meaningless.
Lessons are scheduled one hour per week at the student's residence. The cost is $25.00 per hour, with an initial pre-paid commitment of six weeks required. To schedule lessons, please contact Larry Gard at the e-mail link provided below.
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