Welcome back to our first week of school and our adventures in Acting Ensemble. This blog will serve different purposes throughout the year, firstly as a place to discuss our ideas and expectations, but also a resource for you regarding both the class and your extracurricular theatre endeavors (should you so choose to have them). There are links along the right side of this page that you may find helpful- especially the green and red light publishing lists which let you know which publishers/playwrights you can choose from when selecting monologues and scenes for class and/or festivals and conferences.
For this first entry, I'd like you all to think about your expectations for this class this year. What are you hoping to accomplish? What do you feel you have a strong understanding of, and which types of things do you think you are still struggling to master? What types of theatre do you hope we spend time on this year? Where should we spend the most time? We are going to start this discussion at our first class meeting today, and I look forward to seeing it continue here!
Theatre, like any art form, is always evolving. It's such a creative venue for communication, serving many purposes, that the actor needs to have a lot of different ways to express him or herself. In Drama Practicum I and our productions, we often talk about different ways to connect with and become a character. What are some that you routinely use? Which ones are more challenging for you than others? Why?
I try using different combinations of techniques depending on the character, play, and type of show, but recently, I've been exploring more with the use of body shape and gesture as a starting place for a new character. Instead of jumping right to the text to figure out what he or she "wants," I let the new shape, way of walking or gesture start to decide how this new person feels about the world around her. I've always enjoyed using this method (especially with improvised, unscripted characters), but I usually layer it in after I've spent a lot of time with the text or establishing my ideas about a character rather than as a first step.
I'm very much looking forward to working with this group and to hearing what you have to say!
My expectation for the year is for myself and my fellow classmates/actors to further advance and polish their portrayl of any character they may be playing, both to them personally and through their interactions with other characters. That being said, I hope we focus on comedic theater this year. Making people laugh and laughing along with friends is what I love most about theater. My weak side would be musical theater. My singing voice makes babies cry. I also hope we spend lots of time improving our improve skills. Improve is so much fun and very entertaining when it comes out naturally. To answer the questions about becoming your character, I would have to say the easiest way that I become my character is to talk like them. Every character I have every played talks almost nothing like me (ex. orphan off the street, skater boy, drunk white trash). This simple technique lets me think like my person by thinking about what their response would be to random situations. In my opinion, the most time consuming part of becoming your character is immersing yourself in the history of the character and the events they went through to end up where they are. Of course, I believe all aspects of acting are fun (aside from last minute line memorizing; don't act like you've never been there) and I am looking forward to excelling in my abilities as an actor with my fellow acting ensemble class! By the way, why am I the first one to comment on this post? For those who don't know me, I always take my sweet time with anything and everything.
ReplyDeleteI really do love this blog post. The line - "Theatre, like any art form, is always evolving" really struck me. I believe that statement is one of the things that really drives NorTHeatre for many of the students. I can speak for myself and many of my fellow student theatre peer kids when I say that the majority of everyone came into theatre with some kind of person to look up to. Whether it was their brother, a friend, or just a really talented senior, or maybe even a professional actor that they loved. I say this because I think that everyone takes in their particular role-model's traits and makes them a million times better. Evolves them into something only they can evolve them into. So what I want to accomplish in this class year, and what I expect to accomplish are the same thing, to evolve as an actor. Every avenue of theatre really interests me, honestly. I could spend the entire term writing or directing or acting or singing every class, but that's not what this is about. This is about creating well rounded actors (all three of us) and several powerful well rounded actresses. I would love to work on character development and improvisation as Elizabeth too. Those are some of the things I have trouble with and they are both very important. I think the most powerful thing this class will become is a relatively close-knit ensemble. And that is amazing. I feel like I have dragged on. Peacin' it.
ReplyDeleteWell first off, let me start by thanking you, Mrs. Arthur, for all the warm welcomes, and this fantastic first blog posted already! I agree with Ben when he mentioned that line 'striking' him, and i feel that way about most of the blog itSELF, and even what my fellow two peers above have written already. I really appreciate the genuineness i felt conveyed while reading this all.
ReplyDeleteAs for connecting to characters, and the different techniques already afore mentioned, I find myself wanting to learn more how to incorporate the movements and ways that they stand, walk, (using a left hand), ect., similiar to what Mrs. Arthur said she had been exploring recently, (body shape and such).
I have always just emotionally tried to connect to how the character may FEEL in situations, and really in a way empathized with anything they may be saying. But this is in a way just a safe haven for me, and i want to find out other ways to do this. What Elizabeth brought to the table of her speaking, and connecting to the character through how she talks, ect, interests me greatly, because i immediatley can recognize how she DOES do this very well. (mini shout out to you elizabeth (: ) I would like to emmulate her ability and try to learn how to do this!
I really agree with what Ben said in his entire comment. And with many of the people in Acting Ensemble, I look up to YOU. I remember last year just...I don't even know how to desribe it. The entire atmosphere is just great, and allows for expressiveness, through not only acting or improv, but behind the scenes 'just hanging out',...and just the relationships made.
In this class, I hope to get to know every person on a deeper level, and learn to appreciate for some part of who they are.
I may have gotten off topic now, and probaly don't even make any sense anymore...but i alos just want to thank everyone, including Mrs. Arthur for just being you!
You guys all do it so very well.
I also would like to work on improv...but yeah (:
(Briana Bergeron...that weird girl)
Hello Everyone!
ReplyDeleteI would like to start this off by saying I am very much looking forward working with everyone, I can see we are all very different and many of you I don’t even know. This year should be fun!
To answer the questions, I feel like, with me, that there is always something that needs improving weather its body movement or speaking louder, I can always improve. If there is one thing that I should particularly improve on it would be improv, I think. Improv is not one of favorite things to do. I am never very comfortable with making things up off the top of my head, but it seems a lot of people want to work on improv this year, and if that’s the case it would be an opportunity to improve on this.
This year I would like to do some more with musical theatre. I had a lot of fun last year doing Legally Blond and the smaller groups. It’s just something that I love and it could be very fun.
For me personally, I feel like last year we spent a lot of time working with comedy and the aspects of comedy. I’m not saying I didn’t like it because I did, The Rules Of Comedy was amazing and unbelievably fun to do, but maybe this year we could work on a more serious level and work with some serious pieces and learning the aspects of serious theatre.
Theatre to me has helped me a lot. Sophomore year I was put into drama 1 because I didn’t have a 5th period class. I loved it. I used to do theatre when I was little and I was so happy to be put back into it. It has helped me so much with my confidence level and learning to speak easier in front of people, I’ve also become more outspoken and not as shy anymore. So thank you!!
I am looking to learn how to develop into my characters better and learn to stick with my gut. Movement is a big thing with me so I’m also hoping to get a better grasp on that.
My apologizes for the length.
Alex Blanchette
I remember when I never really thought I was interested in theater until I got to high school, and tried for the fall play. It really made me realize that there was so much to learn about theater that I didn’t know and I knew that I wanted to. This year in acting ensemble I am hoping to expand my knowledge of the different types of theater, and come out with a better understanding of it. I also hope to get to know everyone just like last year in drama one! I feel that I have a strong understanding of more contemporary theater. I am struggling to master musical theater, for I can’t sing at all, and I haven’t had much experience with it. I really enjoy improv because without a script there are endless possibilities of what you can do. It’s really exciting to be up there and just say the first thing that pops into your head. I hope we spend time on all types of theater, serious, contemporary, comedic etc. I hope we spend the most time on comedic theater, it’s a lot of fun and everyone always enjoys it. For me, to connect to my character I try to relate to them, think of a situation like theirs that I might have been it. I connect by reading the text given, then looking for things that can help me understand them better. For me its challenging to focus and get into character at first, I need to work on focusing and not being nervous. So well I’m excited for this year and I’ll see everyone in class!
ReplyDeleteOk so I wrote out this big long thing last night and it says its way to long to post in one comment so here’s Part 1 of my response. This is Isabella Bennett by the way.
ReplyDeleteThe assignment you asked of us was to read and respond to acting ensembles latest blog post. Last night when I was reading and trying to construct a response, I found that there are so many different ways to think about and approach the questions you have asked. So somehow my thinking turned into a really abstract thought process that I typed up the main points of.
The first question you asked was “what do you hope to accomplish?”. I’m sure that I could probably come up with some cliché answer like “ I hope to get a good grade” or “I hope to get to know everyone really well” but neither of those are the answer I’m going with. Now don’t get me wrong both of those would be nice, and I’m defiantly going to work on getting a good grade as I would in another class and getting to know the people I’m going to see every day 2 period 3 for the rest of the year; but that’s not truthfully what I hope to accomplish.
This is because as of this moment in time I have no set in stone “this is what I hope to accomplish” for this class. Now please don’t take this as me not taking this class seriously. Me taking this class seriously is part of the reason why I have no accomplishment goal (at the moment). You see, like you said yourself theater is an art. Art is ever changing as are people, so as a show or scene is evolving into its full potential, the people working on it are changing as well. Now I don’t mean physical changes although those are possible too. I mean the state of mind the actor/ techie is in. Frankly thoughts, opinions, attitudes, personalities, egos, ect. aren’t forever lasting, they can change just as frequently as time does. So why restrict my self and the class with a limitation of expectations, and make this attempt to accomplish what I had hope to. For all I know what I hope to accomplish today (which I still have no idea what that is yet) probably wont be the same tomorrow.
While I don’t know what I hope to accomplish, I do have a general idea of what I feel the overall goal for the class is. In my opinion it would be to improve as an actor/actress. Isn’t that something we all strive for when it comes to theater? That’s really one of the only expectations I have, that we all work towards improving ourselves when it comes to theater and that were all there as a support system for each other.
Part 2 of my response by Isabella Bennett
ReplyDeleteAnother question you asked was “What do you feel you have a strong understanding of, and which types of things do you think you are still struggling to master?”. I cant fully answer this question because I just don’t agree with it. This is because of the fact that there are so many different elements of theater, and so many different peoples perspectives on every aspect of it. So there for I do not accept the word “master” when it comes to my strengths and weaknesses in theater. Theater is such a diverse form of art that its constantly evolving, and were one person may see flaw or imperfection, a so called weakness, another may see nothing wrong, nothing to fix, a feeling of perfection. When it comes to any form of art beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Now it may seem like I’m trying to dodge bullets here, but that’s not what I’m trying to do at all. I’m simply attempting to answer your questions in a way that make’s sense to me. If you haven’t noticed I have a bit of an abstract way of thinking which is why this response is so very long and somewhat confusing. Now as I was saying before the thought came to me that I haven’t really answered the question, I don’t think I’m struggling with anything in particular, but I don’t think I have a strong understanding of anything at the same time. There’s always room for improvement, and always an opportunity to learn and build upon all skills. Weather it be as simple as rehearsing or practicing, or as complicated as taking classes and workshops, if you put forth effort you will get better at the skill your working on.
This year I hope we spend a little bit of time on musical theater. If we do end up doing a unit on Musical Theater I think it would be interesting if we involved dance in it as well, because dance defiantly if a big factor that helps distinguish the difference between a musical and a play. Like you mentioned in class group work is another idea that I think would be a lot of fun for this particular group of students to do. If we start earlier in the year writing and performing something we all contributed to could also be an interesting possibility.
Sorry that this response is so long but this is what first went through my head when I read the post. I figured I might as well share it, considering I already wrote it.
I just want to start off by writing why I loved drama practicum one and why I look forward to acting ensemble. I love it because I love people. Not only do I get to know the people I am working with and have fun but acting helps me understand why people do what they do. What it's like to be someone else, and how other people think. That's also kind of my expectations for the class, to understand people better. If I understand my character (inside and out) then I end up developing it better. I often however, struggle to find my characters motivations when character building. And I do believe Mrs. Arthur taught me that's a huge part to understanding your character. I guess when I try to connect to a character, I envision the simple things. Like how they poor their milk on their cereal (sloppy with out care or meticulously to get all the flakes wet.) Little things like that. But sometimes I struggle with finding the big picture. I can not wait to get the ball rolling and the drama juices flowing tomorrow. I feel like I have just entered my new adoptive drama family!
ReplyDeleteSee you in class,
Marisa
Hi MA. I'm really excited for this class. I took Acting Ensemble my sophomore year, and I truly missed it last year. This really is a unique class that morphs and modifies itself from year to year. My expectation is for the class to be even stronger and even more motivating than I can recall. I'm hoping to accomplish strength and confidence when presenting monologues, as they are not my strong point in any stretch of the imagination. I would really love to work on musical theatre, as it may be one of my favorite forms of theatre. Another aspect that was mentioned in class on Wednesday was group scenes, which I think sounds fantastic. Acting with other people makes the experience more comfortable to me, as each member feeds off the others' energies. Taking on characters and truly getting to know them is something that I adore about theatre. My methods for doing this are ever changing, and I would love to be able to study a character for an extended period of time and walk in their shoes with ease.
ReplyDeleteI think I got everything I meant to. I'm really excited for this class. Everyone in the class already seems to be meshing, and I can't wait to get to know everybody on intense levels. Thank you so much!
I don't really think this classifies as 'something i hope to accompilish' but here it is anyway. I’m hoping to learn more about acting and more ways to ‘be the character’. I think that I have a strong understanding of the ways that listening to the suggestions from people around you can help you build up your character and the criticism that you are given is good because it will help you grow as an actor/actress. Even tho it is off stage, I think I have a good handle on lighting and stage managing(which can be very stressful at time). I’m still struggling with memorizing lines and I’m awful at improve. I don’t know where we should spend the most time. I would like to do musical theater. I think that doing a short one act show would also be fun, even if some of the class works back stage. Back stage work is fun too. I use a few techniques to connect and become a character. The one I use most often is reading and rereading the selection and think about how the character is feeling. I find that putting myself into the characters shoes usually works well. For instance, if the character is sad, I think about something that made me really sad and I concentrate on it for a few minutes and that usually makes me sad enough to feel like the character would feel. I just forget who I am for a while and be the character. I would walk, gesture, talk, and just be the character. I might get a few weird looks from people but it has worked. One thing I have found doesn’t work for me is reading the selection once and then acting it out as the character.
ReplyDeleteFrom,
Cat
I think I'll start off by saying that I am so excited for this class. What I loved about this class last year was how supportive everyone was of each other, and how close everyone became. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone, and to start helping each other out, because I think that is so important in an ensemble. I know how much my classmates, especially the amazing seniors last year helped me to learn and grow as an actor, and just a person overall.
ReplyDeleteI guess I'll state the obvious and say
that I truly do hope to improve as an actor this year. I'm going to try my absolute hardest to stop improving in "baby steps", and make bigger choices. It's not an easy thing for me to do, but I know that I have taken many steps since I began sophomore year. In no way can I say that I have a complete understanding of any one aspect of theatre, because there is always room to grow. The aspect I know I am struggling with, however, is movement, and connecting my words to my body, so I hope that we do spend time on that sometime this year.
As much as I hate to admit it, I wouldn't mind if we did musical theatre again. I struggle with the singing and dancing, but overall, it made me way more confident last year, and, of course, it was fun.
Although improv sometimes terrifies me, I feel as though I have become more comfortable with it, and would like to try it more this year. I know how important of a skill improv is for an actor to have, and I could use practice.
Finally, in terms of developing a character, I think I first try and find the similarities between the character and myself, and go from there. Also, after the end of last year when we started a little movement, I have tried to use basic, small changes in the way I walk and move to help with that development. However, I still try and find out more about my character through the text and objectives.
Once again, I'm looking forward to the rest of this year!
Julie Ryan
I think this year I really hope to learn more about how to really live into a role and a character. To really become this person you are acting as. My biggest problem I think is letting go and feeling as the character would. I think maybe its because I'm worried about lines, or messing up, or embarrassing myself. So this year I want to just get over myself. I want to learn how to become another person on stage, which I have seen other people do so well. I think changing my physical actions is one of the hardest things to do, because I sometimes forget that I should be standing a different way or I just don't know how this person would act physically. That is most definitely something I would like to focus on.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping to learn more about improvisation this year. I am truly awful at it, and I would like to improve my improv. When we are told to create a scene and characters within a moment, I freeze. Its hard for me to think of things on the spot and I would like to become better at it.
I would also like to hear about other people's experiences with their character development and how they prepare for a role. I think sharing experiences could be helpful, to me at least.
Another thing that just popped into my mind is the whole concept of group scenes. I haven't really done too many group acting activities and I would like to do more of them.
As far as the musical theatre topic that arose in class, I would really love to perform a song sometime. I think it's also nice if you're not in chorus, but you like to sing and the musical theatre performance gives you a chance to fulfill your singing dreams. And I was just wondering if the songs were practiced in class, or outside of class?
And lastly I want to become a better actor in the way of holding the attention of and audience. I want to have the people watching me react, respond and see the relevance(look at me with the 3 r's!) of what I'm talking about. Whether it be Shakespearean monologue, or one line, I want the audience to be interested and excited.
Well, thats about all I have to say. Those are the main things I want to focus on this year, but I will also be happy to learn about other topics as well! I'm very much looking forward to this year in drama!
Oh, by the way, I would also like to play theatre games. Thank you.
I am looking forward to this year. I am sad that we don't have more males in the class this year, but I am happy with what we have. I am hoping this year, to accomplish more experience at conferences. I would enjoy maybe trying something new for an individual event this year, rather than just monologues. Perhaps a duet with someone? I feel like I am very accomplished when it comes to monologues. Whether they be classical or modern monologues. I feel that I am still struggling when it comes to soft focus with people who I am good friends with. I don't mean that I would crack during a show, but rather in an activity that involves soft focus. That is one thing that I would like to work on this year. Also, I would really like to do musical theatre for maybe just one quarter. Whatever happens, I am very excited for the year. Let's make it a great one Acting Ensemble!
ReplyDeleteTyler Greene
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI'm extremely excited to get to work with such a great group of people! I can already tell that this year is going to be a blast. The things I'm looking to improve on the most would be presenting monologues, comedic theatre, and understanding and becoming a character.
ReplyDeleteI hope to spend time on musical theatre and group scenes. Admittedly, I am horrified by the idea of improv and thinking on my feet, but I believe it's an important part of theatre and I should brush up on some skills.
When portraying a character, I usually just start with the most obvious thing in my mind: What would it be like if I were *actually* this character? How would I act if I were to step into their shoes? After that, apply the visual aspect: How would they stand/walk/talk/move?
I've taken a workshop in theatre conferences called "The Play Is The Thing" in which we used neutral masks to eliminate the face and concentrate on body movements in certain situations. Ex: Pretend you're at an art gallery, browsing the art. You must portray this without ANY facial expressions! Kinda tough, but interesting! I've taken this workshop twice and believe it has helped me immensely. I would like to learn and practice different techniques on developing a character in this class as well.
The way I get inspired is through people. The way they move, talk, and simply be themselves. Little tiny things that I doubt few people really concentrate on. I'm hopeful that working with this group of people will give me that inspiration and motivation that I, and all of us, need to incorporate into acting.
See ya'll in class!
-Emma Romano
not to write again, or step over any boundries, ect.
ReplyDeletebut i must say, all of you have great things to say, and i really appreciate (yet again, sigh) haha, how genuine all of these responses are.
you all are awesome actors/actresses, and even better people! (that sounds odd..hmm.. oh well.)
alot of acting, and theatre in general, has to do with the chemistry and trust of fellow cast members, or people you work with in the progress.
and it's been said before, but i'll say it again...i just can't wait to further get to know all of you, and through those relationships, learn more about myself, and even learn how to highlight good qualities/skills in YOU all, in mySELF.
this is way too vauge and a tad silly... why am i doing this again? oh yeah, because you're all to awesome to ignore!
i'm glad we brainstormed that list today during class, and am looking forward to how everything shapes out/works.
i am sorry that my impulses got the better of me, and i wrote this repetative poorly conveyed comment!
my heart just suddenly started pounding with utter respect and gratitude for everone on stage today, though!
dude, i really need to stop.
okay, farewell. stay dry this weekend!
(briana...that weird girl...again)
This years group is different. But certainly not in a bad way. I, with the rest of the seniors, are now the people to look to in this group, which is simply amazing. Originally, I wasn't sure that this years class could measure up to last years, but I think that this group features the future of Drama Club. So it's really exciting me to think of what we will end up doing this year.
ReplyDeleteThere are always things that I feel that I can improve on. Nobody's perfect, and everyone can use help here and there to get them to their personal peak. My nerves are the first thing to pop into my head. I still freak out before performing monologues, or auditioning (incidentally, that keeps me from doing many things...). This year, I really want to work on group scenes, and possibly duet scenes again because last year really helped me become a better actor in terms of short scenes.
The short, duet scenes really do help people relate with a character they are trying to develop. Also, the activities we did last year, molded the character I was portraying in me. And because of all of that, I have improved a lot since Anatomy of Gray. This year, I do believe that the class as a whole can develop to levels that we didn't think before. Every single person in this years Acting Ensemble class brings something to the table that can be manipulated to show everyone how amazing we can be, will be, and are. I have high expectations everybody, don't let me down! <3
- Nick
Hi everyone. I hope this one goes through. I have been having issues with being able to publish these posts. I couldn't figure out how to post them, but I hope this time it will work.
ReplyDeleteSorry that this is SO late. But I am going to make it worth the wait. =D
The drama class that I was in last year was nothing like how this acting ensemble class is this year. I can tell already. There is much more focus and trust within this group, and I am hoping that soon I will be able to have that as well.
A few things that I want to do this year are those conferences and workshops that many of you have participated in that I have never been to. I want to have the opportunity to experience these things with all of you.
I also am looking forward to doing the group scene unit. I have done duet scenes in Drama 1, and a small play in front of an audience, but I would like to act with more than one person at a time and have that connection with you guys.
I am also excited for a comedy unit if we do one. Comedy is one of my favorite things to do because I love to make people laugh, but I could use some practice keeping a straight face.
I could improve on many things for sure. I could improve on my focus and my quick thinking and improv for a few things, and I am sure that with this class that will be no problem.
I feel much more comfortable in this class then in many of the other classes that I have been in and I am so excited to be part of this my senior year. You are all so supportive and I know that this is going to be a good year.
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and I will see all of you beautiful faces on Monday.
With love, hugs, and smooches!!!!!!!!!
Ashley Dougherty
Does anyone remember the sight BESIDES playcripts we could visit to find some good scenes. So far I haven't found anything and I've been looking for about 2 hours.
ReplyDeleteThanks :) Marisa
Vicki here.
ReplyDeleteSorry this is super late but my email got all screwed up and whatnot.
I'm excited to be in the class and I'm not sure what expectations I have except that I want to as much acting and exercises that improve acting. Drama I was fun but it was a lot of games and not as much onstage acting as I would have liked. I really hope to do soem comedy this year. I saw The Rules of Comedy last year and I was falling out of my seat laughing and I really hope to be a part of a show like that. Without pies haha.
I feel really comforatble being given a script and acting it out, so I think I need to work on my improv skills. I don't particularly like improv but it is an essential part of theatre so I think I need to face that fear.
It wont let me print this off of theater folk but I thought this may be a nice duet scene.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.theatrefolk.com/products/fight-over-fuchsia#samplePages
The Meisner technique taught me a lot of things about trust and connecting with people.
ReplyDeleteWhen we first began this exercise, I was a little hesitant, because I felt like I didn't know everyone well enough to really do it right. I remember having a partner and just standing there staring at them; I felt so uncomfortable. But I soon found out that you don't have to be best friends with someone to connect with them. I had numerous experiences where I felt like the person I was repeating with, really was effecting me. Sometimes I couldn't stop thinking about, making a good observation, or wanting to make my reactions sound different. I think that definitely distracted me and made me loose my focus. But when I did the exercise right, it was really great.
I think if we had more time to keep doing this exercise we could break down the walls of doubt more than we already have. I know that we can't do it all year, but if we could, I would definitely want to. I felt it really helped me feel more comfortable with everyone and it was a great beginning venture.