This course will explore some of the ways in which actors work on translating literary play texts in performance. A number of acting theories will be examined, using plays from different historical periods. The suitability of various approaches to acting will be examined in relation to these plays. Acting excercises will be prepared and performed in workshop sessions.

On completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Analyse various theories of acting.
2. Verbally articulate ideas about acting theories and how these relate to the performance of play texts.
3. Contribute to group discussions about acting theories.
4. Express, in written form, ideas about acting theories in relation to play texts.
5. Apply ideas about acting theories to the performance of play texts.
6. Justify your approach to performance based on your understanding of acting theories.

Tutorial attendance and active participation (12.5%), Written Tutorial paper (12.5%), Major Essay 1,500-2,000 words (25%), Practical performance and active participation in weekly workshops (25%), End of semester performance task (25%).

In order to pass the course, students must pass both the written/tutorial and the practical components of the course.

Four contact hours per week, including 1-hour lecture, one 1-hour tutorial and one 2 hour workshop. Plus approximately two hours reading per week and at least four hours extra rehearsal during the semester.

2. Gogol, N., the Government Inspector, London, Nick Hern Books 1999

3. Shakespeare, W., A Midsummer Night's Dream.