Course syllabus

Drama 100/G 

SEMESTER 2, 2018

15 points

Image: The Cast of Love and Information by Caryl Churchill, presented by The Actors' Progam, 2015. Source: Theatre Scenes

Theatrical performance requires dynamic presence, effective communication and creative thinking. In “Taking the Stage” you will develop skills in theatrical performance that are transferable to a wide-range of disciplines including: effective oral communication and developing presentations with impact, stage presence, the ability to work collaboratively within a group, and creative problem solving.  We will focus on three main areas: public speaking; acting and inhabiting a character; and devised group performance.

Convener: Dr James Wenley

Email: james.wenley@auckland.ac.nz

Office: Arts 1 (Humanities Building), Room 611
Office Hours: Wednesdays 2-3pm; Fridays 2-4pm; or by appointment. 

Quick Links:

• Drama 100/G Course Pack and Assessment Information 
• Week by Week Lecture and Workshop Topics + Readings Schedule

Course delivery format:

1 hour lecture + 2 hour Workshop per week.

Theory and practice will be divided between the lectures and workshops.  The weekly one-hour lecture will draw on a lively range of examples to analyse the dynamics of effective performance. Lectures are complemented by the two-hour practical workshop in the Drama Studio, where you will explore different exercises and develop your skills ‘on the floor’.

Lecture:
Mondays 10-11am (OGGB Business School, 260-073)

Workshop Groups:
Mondays 12-2pm
Tuesdays 3-5pm
Wednesdays 9-11am
Wednesdays 12-2pm
Wednesdays 3-5pm
Thursdays 3-5pm
Fridays 9-11am
Fridays 12-2pm 

All workshops are in the Drama Studio (Level 3 of the Arts 1 Humanities Building, room 206-325)

***WORKSHOPS BEGIN IN WEEK ONE***

(Timetable and room details can be viewed on Student Services Online)

Learning Outcomes

Our course aims are:

• To enhance your appreciation of effective public speaking 
• To improve your confidence in public performance
• To develop your understanding of vocal and physical skills that underlie effective performance 
• To provide you with the skills to work effectively in a team
• To develop your potential to make dynamic creative presentations

By the end of the course you will be able to: 

1. Use the vocal and physical skills you have learned to deliver an effective oral presentation
2. Apply acting techniques to develop stage presence and listening skills
3. Apply improvisation and devising techniques to develop dynamic and creative group presentations
4. Apply ideas and approaches learned in the course to deliver an effective oral presentation that incorporates dynamic audiovisual elements

Prescribed Texts:

Love and Information by Caryl Churchill. Preorder here: https://ubiq.co.nz/p/love-and-information-9781559364409

 Workload and deadlines for submission of coursework:           

The University of Auckland's expectation is that students spend 10 hours per week on a 15-point course, including time in class and personal study. Students should manage their academic workload and other commitments accordingly. See the coursepack for assignment deadlines. You should submit your work on time. In extreme circumstances, such as illness, you may seek an extension but you may be required to provide supporting information before the assignment is due. Late assignments without a pre-approved extension may be penalised by loss of marks.