THST 403 Improvisation for the Actor

College of Performing Arts Ira Brind School of Theater Arts

2 credits 45.0 hours
400 level undergraduate course

The course is designed to familiarize the student actor with the fundamentals of long-form scenic improvisation (storytelling, creating a platform, physical/non-verbal techniques, creating an environment and a point of view). The student will be given the tools to generate improvised monologues, scenes, and performance pieces. The course focuses strongly on truth inspired scene work in which conflict, dramatic action and character are heightened. They will work as an ensemble in the application of these skills in the construction of a long-form performance piece to be performed both inside and outside the classroom. By empowering the student to engage wholeheartedly in play they will be liberated to take risks and support their own and the team’s creative decisions. In short this is ‘playwriting on your feet.’

Prerequisites THST*202

Open to Acting majors only.
This course is not repeatable for credit.
This course requires permission by the offering program office.