Territorial Acknowledgment

We acknowledge with respect the Lkwungen-speaking peoples on whose traditional territory

the university stands, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical
relationships with the land continue to this day.

THEATRE 225: INTRODUCTION TO STAGE MOVEMENT

Course Dates: January 3 to April 6, 2018

Class Times: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 15:30 to 16:50 (3:30 to 4:50 pm)

Room: 136, Phoenix

Instructor:

Office: Phoenix 108a

Phone: 250.580.5524 (please text or call if necessary)

Email: conrada@uvic.ca

Office Hours: Wednesdays, 17:00 to 18:30 (5:00 to 6:30 pm), or by appointment

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

THEA 225
Units: 1.5, Hours: 0-4.5-0

Development of a basic movement vocabulary for the stage.

Note: Credit will be granted for only one of 225, 260.

Prerequisites: 105, 111, 120a and 132a; audition and/or interview; permission of the
department.

Course description:
The course will commence with an exploration of the basics of anatomy and kinesiology.
Students will learn a warm-up sequence derived from yoga, Pilates and physiotherapy that
engages the whole performer, as well as other components of bodywork, such as core strength
training and overall conditioning. All of this is informed by the principles of the Alexander
Technique. But the bulk of the term’s work is based on the concepts and practices of Laban
Movement Analysis, with additional elements from the Michael Chekhov technique.
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Course Objectives:
To develop an awareness of dynamic alignment, and ease and economy of movement.
To introduce or augment awareness of basic physical fitness, kinesthetic sense, range of
expression, and body intelligence.
To develop an awareness and effective use of three-dimensional space.
To integrate breath and voice with movement.
To increase powers of concentration, observation, sensitivity to others, and to apply these to
developing a sense of ensemble.

Specific learning outcomes:

 To acquire and apply a basic knowledge of anatomy.
 To increase core and limb strength.
 To learn a comprehensive warm-up sequence that emphasizes stretch and release.
 To experience finding the ‘universal’ body.
 To become familiar with the basic concepts of the Alexander Technique.
 To acquire an awareness of the body in space and in interaction with others.
 To exercise the ability to recall and reproduce shape, gesture and sequence.
 To implement an understanding of the way character is expressed through posture and
gesture.
 To learn and apply the basics of Laban Movement Analysis, in particular to acting verbs.
 To acquire composition skills in the medium of physical theatre.

Curricular Materials and Policies:

 A notebook and pen or pencil are required.
 Some handouts will be given in the course of the term.
 Appropriate attire is essential: clothing that allows ease of movement, but also reveals
the profile of the body.
 No hats or jewelry please!
 Loose hair must be tied back, and kept off the face.
 For reasons of safety, among others, we will work in bare feet.
 Please wear clothing that allows unimpeded movement of your hands and feet: This is
an issue of function as well as safety.
 Please DO NOT wear scented products of any kind, as this may cause discomfort or even
illness to others!

Assignments:
Three assignments based on the concepts and practices explored in class will be given. Some
in-class preparation time will be allotted, but outside rehearsal time is necessary, up to two
hours for every hour of class time.
Shape and Space study (25% of final grade) Friday, February 9
Fantastic Animal (25% of final grade) Wednesday, March 14
Childhood Episode (30% of final grade) Wednesday, April 4 and
Friday, April 6
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Please note that presentation dates are subject to change.

Participation counts for 10% of the final grade.

Technical ability and progress count for 10% of the final grade.

Grading Criteria:
1. Assignments: It is essential that students understand the subjective nature of the assessment
process in the fine and performing arts. The instructor will make every effort to abide by stated
grading criteria; but any grade is, in the final analysis, based on an intuitive response to works
of performance: This is NOT math class!
The grading of these will be based upon the following considerations and criteria:
(a) Comprehension: The student should be able to demonstrate a sound grasp of the
objective of the assignment. The assignment should be complete and accurate. The student
should be able demonstrate the ability to incorporate suggestions and adjustments as
required.
(b) Effort: The student should be self-motivated, work with others in a supportive and
cooperative fashion, be able to manage time efficiently, and present their work with focus
and commitment.
(c) Creativity: The student should apply their full creative capacity to each assignment,
which entails a willingness to take risks and to invent freely. A high premium is placed on
originality of expression.
(d) Specific criteria: As a general rule, students’ work is evaluated according to four main
criteria: 1) Concept, 2) Composition, 3) Performance, and 4) Impact. Each assignment is
accompanied by an instruction sheet in which requirements and suggested methods are
described, as well as any variations on the above four items specific to that assignment.

2. Participation and Attendance: The student is expected to participate in a supportive,

respectful manner in all facets of the course, whether as part of an in-class improvisation,
presentation, or in classroom discussion. The participation grade is based upon students’
commitment and openness to the work, respect for the process, the instructor and the
ensemble, and their attitude and contributions to in-class discussions and critiques.
Punctuality as well as attendance is imperative. Penalties towards students’ final grade for
unexcused absence and lateness are as follows:

1. Unexcused absence will result in a two percent penalty.

2. Lateness will result in a .5 percent penalty.

Consistent tardiness and/or repeated absences without appropriate excuse or prior consent of
the instructor may result in the instructor’s decision to dismiss the student from class either
temporarily or permanently.
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Further Considerations:
1. Attendance and Punctuality: As this is a laboratory course with grades based on in-class
work, classes missed cannot be made up. Punctual attendance at all classes and rehearsals is
therefore deemed mandatory. Participation in a class may be refused by the instructor for
misconduct, inattention or neglect of duty. Please note: you will not be allowed to participate
in class if you are more than FIFTEEN minutes late. You may observe, but you will be penalized
for an unexcused absence. Also: please DO NOT come to class if you have a fever, or are
unable to be away from a toilet for any length of time!
A student who is absent from any of the regularly scheduled classes for reasons other than
illness, accident, or family emergency, or who is absent without prior consent from the
instructor may be debarred from participating in the current project. An absence will be
considered unexcused if prior consent from the instructor has not been received, or if a student
fails to inform the instructor of an absence before class via phone or email. IT IS MANDATORY
THAT THE INSTRUCTOR BE INFORMED OF ANY ABSENCE BEFOREHAND.
2. Missed Classes: Missed in-class presentations may or may not be made up at the discretion
of the instructor. If a student misses classes it is incumbent upon that student to determine the
material and work assigned in class.
3. Assignments: All assignments must be prepared on time. An under-rehearsed assignment
may forfeit in-class presentation and receive a failing grade. Please note: if you are absent
without cause on the day of an assignment presentation you will receive a grade of zero.
4. Extensions: Extensions must be granted by the instructor before the due date, and, in
accordance with university policy, may be granted to a student dealing with illness, accident or
family affliction.
5. Conduct: Please feel free to bring water into the classroom. Note: Please do not drink TOO
MUCH water!
All other food and beverages should be consumed outside of the classroom. No food is to be
eaten during class time. And please, no gum!
NB. (Notez bien): Good personal hygiene is much appreciated!
Following one warning, there will be a .5% deduction for the sounding of electronic devices
during class.

Undergraduate Grading Scale

Grade
Passing Percentage
Point Description
Grades *
Value

A+ 9 90 – 100 An A+, A, or A- is earned by work which is technically

A 8 85 – 89 superior, shows mastery of the subject matter, and in
A- 7 80 – 84 the case of an A+ offers original insight and/or goes
beyond course expectations. Normally achieved by a
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minority of students.

A B+, B, or B- is earned by work that indicates a good

comprehension of the course material, a good
command of the skills needed to work with the course
B+ 6 77 – 79
material, and the student’s full engagement with the
B 5 73 – 76
course requirements and activities. A B+ represents a
B- 4 70 – 72
more complex understanding and/or application of the
course material. Normally achieved by the largest
number of students.

A C+ or C is earned by work that indicates an adequate

comprehension of the course material and the skills
C+ 3 65 – 69 needed to work with the course material and that
C 2 60 – 64 indicates the student has met the basic requirements
for completing assigned work and/or participating in
class activities.

A D is earned by work that indicates minimal command

of the course materials and/or minimal participation in
D 1 50 – 59
class activities that is worthy of course credit toward
the degree.

Complete (pass). Used only for 0-unit courses and

Excluded
COM N/A those credit courses designated by the Senate. Such
Grade
courses are identified in the course listings.

Excluded
CTN N/A Continuing. Denotes the first half of a full-year course.
Grade
For Failing Grades as well as other information on grading please see:
http://web.uvic.ca/calendar2015-09/FACS/UnIn/UARe/Grad.html

IMPORTANT! With the exception of the Self-Directed Focus, students must normally have an
average of 5.0 (B) in Theatre courses of their focus option to be admitted and advanced.
Acceptance and continuance in a Major Program is subject to approval by the department.

DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE POLICIES:

There is no food (including chewing gum) permitted in the classroom. There is to be neither the
smoking of tobacco products nor the consumption of alcohol in any of the rehearsals or
performances of scenes in the Phoenix Building.

No student is to perform any scene that involves sexual explicitness, or depicted violence that is
not staged safely. You may not be asked to perform in the nude or in revealing undergarments. 
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It is essential that rehearsals be conducted in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. If

there is anything about which you feel uncomfortable please speak to the instructor, or, if
necessary, to the chair of the department.

The department does not prohibit students from taking part in external theatre activities, but it
is concerned that such activities may affect a student’s studies.  Therefore, all Theatre students
must consult with the chair before accepting any major theatre commitment not related to
Department of Theatre activities.

The University of Victoria is committed to promoting, providing and protecting a positive, and
supportive and safe learning and working environment for all its members, and is particularly
committed to a policy that respects diversities of all kinds. For more information please see:

https://www.uvic.ca/universitysecretary/assets/docs/policies/GV0200_1105_.pdf