Acting for Social Change
Fundamentals of Acting I
Courses | Summer 2020
Enrollment in TDPS summer courses is open to everyone.
Please visit the Summer Sessions website for application requirements, enrollment information, and list of fees.
Interest in the Summer Certificate is not required to enroll.
Theater 5 | Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
Session D: July 6 – August 14 | 3 Units
Students will learn to present themselves and material clearly, confidently, and persuasively, using age-old arts of oral communication. They will learn techniques for overcoming stage fright, developing clear enunciation, finding and using their natural, unaffected vocal register, varying tone and intonation to hold audience interest, controlling pacing, moving with assurance and purpose, using appropriate gestures, and eye contact as well as exploring methods to change behaviors that bar effective communication and structure speeches to maximize persuasiveness.
Theater 10 | Fundamentals of Acting I
Session D: July 6 – August 14 | 3 Units
Fundamentals of Acting I is the entry level course for the acting sequence and focuses on releasing and cultivating the actor's inherent creativity. Through exercises, improvisation, scenes, and monologues, the actor begins to develop basic techniques designed to stimulate the imagination, develop vocal and physical ability, increase awareness of self and others, introduce effective ways to analyze texts, think critically about the craft of acting, and enhance self-confidence and communication skills. This class is the essential beginning of the actor's studies, which will ultimately allow her or him to effectively engage and explore work from a rich diversity of genres, styles, and backgrounds.
Theater 14 | Performance Workshop
Interactive Theater: Acting for Social Change
Session D: July 6 – August 14 | 3 Units
For 6 weeks we will create a summer theater company. Each day we will deepen our practice by developing our full-bodied and whole-hearted skills: the technical needs of an actor (voice, speech, physical movement, and character development), the rigorous commitment and curiosity of an educator, and the personal and cultural awarenesses and communication practices of an activist. We will challenge our imaginations, give voice to stories of injustice, and move the classroom community from page to stage, from company membership to civic leadership.
Theater 113B | Summer Abroad: Afro-Feminism, Creative Process, and Brazil *
Session D: July 6 – August 14 | 6 Units
This six-week cultural experience is rooted in social justice and black feminist pedagogy exploring the power of performance with a particular focus on Afro-Brazilian dances, songs and rhythms for the Orixas, and Capoeira of the Candomble tradition.
* Also known as Afro-Feminism, Dance, and Brazil
Theater 118AC | Performance, Television, and Social Media (Online)
Session C: June 22 – August 14 | 4 Units
This course examines the intersections of performance and media—specifically the media forms of television and social media in the U.S.—with a focus on how various types of difference (race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic class) are enacted, articulated, represented, and played on TV and social media platforms.
Theater 190 | Performance Appreciation
Session D: July 6 – August 14 | 3 Units
The course examines performance as a primary mode of human expression, communication, and cultural production. Through viewing live and recorded performances, readings, movement/theater exercises, discussions, and written responses to performances, students will learn to place performance in a variety of cultural, artistic and historical contexts. Live performances viewed by the class will vary each term, dependent upon the offerings of prominent Bay Area Theater/Dance companies. Theater directors, choreographers, performers, and curators will give presentations and share their perspectives on related course material. No prior experience with performance required.
Theater 197 | Field Studies in Theater: Performing Arts Internship *
Session D: July 6 – August 14 | 3 Units ( 22.5 Hours of Work per Week )
Supervised field work is an opportunity for learning through practical experience and engagement with local arts leaders, organizers, and practitioners.
- Requires Application & Interview: Interested students must email a one-page resume and letter of interest to Prof. Lisa Wymore (lisawymore@berkeley.edu) by 5pm on Friday, May 1, 2020. Selected students will then be interviewed by one of the internship host organizations.
- A list of host organizations and available internships will be posted by February 2020. Students should list their preferred internship in their letter of interest.