Thunderous Applause: Essential Acting Quotes

Choose one of the following quotes and tell me how you think it applies to the work we are doing with Uta Hagen. Think of this as a mini-essay: give me a thesis statement with your opinion, and two (or more)  sentences of support explaning why you believe what you do.

1. "For most actors, success is achieved through study, struggle, preparation, infinite trial and error, training, discipline, experience and work!" - Robert Cohen

2.  “With any part you play, there is a certain amount of yourself in it. There has to be, otherwise it's just not acting. It's lying.” - Johnny Depp

3. “Growth as an actor and as a human being are synonymous” - Stella Adler

Quotes courtesy of Actor's Realm/Volcanic Theatre (http://www.actorsrealm.com/index.php?p=1_24_Essential-Quotes)

Drama I - Friday 9/16 Ensemble Journal

Of the four activities we did today (Birthday Line Up, Story Mirror, Interview, and Two Minute Movie), which activity helped your group really work together? In other words, which activity do you think helped bring group members together so that they worked to achieve a common goal without anyone dominating the activity? Be sure to say WHY you think this activity was the best at creating an ensemble dynamic!

Your answer should be at least 100 words - be thoughtful and SPECIFIC - vagueness is the enemy of art!

Thunderous - Hagen Work

First: sorry not to clarify exactly what I wanted from you today/tonight. Please read the introduction and chapter 11, and prepare your basic object exercises - bringing two minutes of your life to the stage and making them look like they are happening for the first time. Hagen specifies precision and actual physical rehearsal - we can spend time on that in class, but the written history you should work on tonight (answering the Basic Object Exercise questions). I am very excited to work with you tomorrow!!

To read more about Uta Hagen, I encourage you to do some web research. You might also look up Sanford Meisner, Stainslavski, and The Actor's Studio. All will give you an idea of where we're heading for our acting intensive.

After reading and beginning work on Uta Hagen's Basic Object Exercises, predict whether you think you will benefit from this type of work, and how/why.

If you don't think it will be helpful, why not? What are some of the techniques you've successfully used to build character and authenticity?

Give me substance and honest answers!

Drama I - Ensemble Work

Drama I students should reflect on the following questions and post an answer to each one that is at least 100 words (total, not per question) - if you have ten (10) words per sentence, you do the math . . . Please think for yourself and do not parrot anything others have said!

What can you learn from working in an ensemble? Why is it important to learn to work as a team - not just in theatre but elsewhere?

REMEMBER: FIRST NAME, LAST INITIAL ONLY!!