Junior Contemporary Scene Study
Unit: Scenes: Performing as a Duet

Enduring Understanding: Dialog in the contemporary theatre world is about selling the reality of the moment. As absurd, dramatic, tense, or hilarious as a moment may be, the scene in a contemporary play is expected to be performed as if it were the first time the characters have ever said any of these words. Natural composure of a character for an actor is a feat. In this unit we will explore through dialog scene work how a character can be fleshed out and expressed as if what he/she is expressing is happening in that moment onstage.

Essential Questions: How do you tell the difference between acting and living the moment? Where is the fine line between a convincing portrayal and performing lines in excess? How do you know as an actor when you have or have not hit the part correctly? How much is too much, conversely, how much is too little?

Students will
Activity 1: Read the play! It is imperative that you and your partner read the entire play, cover to cover before choosing a scene! Pick a play from the script list. Once choosing that script, read it with your partner to establish character notes, understand the author's intent, and develop a sense of where the dialog that you wish to perform is in the plot line.

Activity 2: With your partner, memorize your lines and ask the instructor questions about the script to define areas with which you may struggle. 

Activity 3: Journal your experience in the weekly Thursday journal. Talk about progress, things that are not working for you, etc.

Activity 4: Block your scene and perform it for other partners getting feedback as you go.

Activity 5: Perform your scene for the class. (Grading will be done using the NIES standard rubric for 2016 - see attached)