Course

Creative Movement for the Stage

Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Department
Theatre
Course Code
THEA 1171
Credits
3.00
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
22
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Lab
Typically Offered
Fall

Overview

Course Description
This course is a practical workshop in movement for the actor. It initiates the exploration and development of the body as an instrument for theatrical creativity and interpretation.
Course Content

Body Awareness and Exploration

Alignment; centering; breath; use of levels, shapes and designs; locomotor exploration; relationships (status, focus); emotional connection to movement; vocal connection to movement; physical conditioning; warm-up process.

Movement Techniques

Whole body actions; body shapes; body base; body parts; body flow; energy; time; space; weight; flow; levels; floor patterns; air patterns; extension; leading; following; mirroring; action and response; tableau; flocking; stage directions; yoga; Feldenkrais; Alexander Technique.

Character Development through Physicalization

Movement exploration of intent and objectives, relationships, status, improvisation and scene study work.

Learning Activities
  1. Lectures to illustrate the physiology of alignment.
  2. Lectures to illustrate physiology, and the philosophy behind physical and vocal impulse.
  3. Warm-up exercises to encourage good physical preparation.
  4. Practical application of acquired body techniques to text including poems, plays, self story, film scripts, prose, songs and choreographed pieces.
  5. Discussion of material and presentations in a manner that encourages constructive criticism.
  6. Video and audio tapings of rehearsals, exercises and performances in order to allow the student the opportunity for self-observation, analysis, and evaluation.
  7. Public performances of selected projects to ensure the body techniques are efficiently and effectively maintained under the pressure of audience observation.
Means of Assessment

Attendance (10%)
Attendance and punctuality is mandatory in this course. Therefore, the following penalties will apply: 2% of the final mark lost per class missed and .5% lost per late class.

Written Journal (10%)
Students are expected to keep a journal for this class. The journal should contain a daily account of class work, the lesson from each session, and reflections with regard to the same. Special consideration will be given to“creative” journal application and the ability to find the relationship between class work and its application to acting and real life situations/experiences.

Attitude / Participation / Progress (20%)
Students are expected to approach their work in a mature and professional manner. Promptness, out-of-class preparation, and consideration of others will be reflected in this mark.
Students are expected to participate fully in all aspects of class work.
Students will be assessed on an ongoing basis according to level of commitment and dedication to the process of class work and practical application of techniques and levels of awareness.

Presented Work   (50%)
Students will be assessed their individual progress towards achieving course objectives and completing assignments with regard to presented work.

Written Exam   (10%)

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the successful student should:

  1. Develop an understanding of the principles of correct body alignment and apply those principles to adjust self alignment
  2. Know the components of a complete physical warm-up
  3. Start the development of a personal warm-up regime
  4. Understand the technique of various movement methods for use in character development as related to acting
  5. Acquire a personal movement vocabulary
  6. Have a greater kinesthetic sense
  7. Have a greater positive sense of physical and emotional self.
Textbook Materials

A list of recommended textbooks and materials is provided on the Instructor’s Course Outline, which is available to students at the beginning of each semester.

Example: appropriate studio attire (see handout provided), personal Yoga mat, knee pads and elbow pads.

Requisites

Prerequisites

Acceptance to the Theatre Program or Permission of the Theatre Program Coordinator

Corequisites

THEA 1110 and THEA 1111

Equivalencies

No equivalent courses.

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer Details for THEA 1171
Capilano University (CAPU) CAPU ACTR 1XX (3)
Simon Fraser University (SFU) SFU CA 1XX (3)
Simon Fraser University (SFU) DOUG THEA 1171 (3) & DOUG THEA 1271 (3) = SFU CA 1XX (3) & SFU CA 3XX (3)
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) TRU THTR 1XXX (3)
Trinity Western University (TWU) DOUG THEA 1111 (3) & DOUG THEA 1171 (3) = TWU THTR 175 (3)
University of Northern BC (UNBC) UNBC UNSP 1XX (3)
University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) UFV THEA 1XX (3)
University of Victoria (UVIC) UVIC THEA 1XX (1.5)

Course Offerings

Winter 2025