Course Description & Syllabus Table of Contents: Performing Arts (In Ministry) - TCA College/University of Wales

Module Title	Performing Arts, WAETH40110
Module Leader	Kimberly Creasman
Credits	10
Level	4
Contact Hours	30 through classroom encounters and 70 generated study time
Teaching Methods	Classroom instruction with student participation, discussions, presentations and practical sessions
Pre-requisite(s)	None
Co-requisite(s)	None
Term dates	24 August 2009 to November 2009, lecturer absent week 9 October 19th

Description of the Module

An introductory course designed to acquaint the student with various performing arts used in Christian Ministry. A combination of lecture, video and live examples, class participation, performances, readings, and various exercises will be done in class.

Aims of the Module

1)               A framework of knowledge and appreciation for performing arts used in ministry (various styles of theatre, and dance).

2)               Opportunity to experience a variety of styles as a performer, and/or for use as a director in developing and leading performers.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1)               Properly warm up and strengthen their vocal instrument and bodies for greater flexibility, strength and ensemble work on stage.

2)               Draw from a variety of styles of theatre for use in educational settings or worship.

3)               Perform as an actor. Students will be given the tools to capably memorize lines, create a character and feel more at ease with themselves in front of an audience.

Methods of Assessment

1 Reflection, Application & Critical Analysis of Text (30%)

1 x class group performance (group storytelling scriptures) (10%)

1 x in class performance piece (3-7 minutes) (60%)

NOTE: See pgs ____for how these assignments are marked)

Content

1)               Vocal & Physical Strengthening

2)               Stage Directions & Performing Vocabulary

3)               Improvisation & Theatre Games

4)               Building Ensemble/Team Among A Cast

5)               Acting Fundamentals/Character Analysis/Creating a Character

6)               Mime Basic Skills: Imaginary Objects

7)               Biblical Storytelling

8)               Memorization

9)               Playback Theatre & Enacted Prayer

10)            Reader’s Theatre

Required Textbook

Pederson, Steve. Drama Ministry: Practical Help for Making Drama a Vital Part of Your Church.Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1999.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

IMPORTANT Note:Students will be expected to read the syllabus note prior to the week those notes are discussed.

WEEK 1: Introductions & Overview of Course

Character Analysis Form (to introduce yourself)                               1

Basic Theatre Vocabulary                                                                  2

“Acting Muscles” & Theatre Games                                                   3

Other Icebreakers & Warm Ups                                                        4

Lyrics: May the Mind of Christ My Saviour                                                5

Stage Directions                                                                                 

Demo: Traveling Light Video

WEEK 2: SKETCHES NOT SKITS                                                                6

Demo: Bruce Kuhn, Video 

Explore Diamond Ensemble

Review – Student run warm ups

Vocabulary

Game: The Machine

Show how to turn into a drama: Psalm 23 Antithesis                         6

Elements of a Play (the arch)

            

Read Sample Scripts at Han’s:                                                           

Have You Tried Nicotene Watchers                                                   7

The Unemployed Children’s Ministries Director                                 9

Gahhhssssip                                                                                      10

The Date                                                                                             12

Faith, Contemporary Sketch for Advent                                             14

Drama Ministry Recruitment Reader’s Theatre                                 16

WEEK 3: THE VOICE & STORYTELLING THE SCRIPTURES 

Vocal Exercises & Vocabulary                                                           21        

Warm up Exercises for Body & Voice                                                            

Storytelling the Scriptures                                                                   22

Dramatically using the text of Scripture as a 1^stperson account

TEXT: Daniel 2-Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream                                        26        

Variations on using the Scriptures verbatim:      

The Prodigal Son in the Key of F                                                        31

Samson in Street Slang                                                                      32

Traveling Light – The Pig Farmer                                                       34

Acts 3                                                                                                  35

WEEK 4: VOICE & MIME

Keys to Singing                                                                                   39

Mime: - illusion, the use of imaginary objects                         40

WEEK 5: READERS THEATRE                                                                    41

DUE: Reflection, Personal Application, Critical Analysis of Text

            Segment of Daniel 2: Group Project 

WEEK 6: STUDY BREAK – video night

WEEK 7: Rehearsal & Filming of Daniel 2 (10% of grade)

WEEK 8: PLAYBACK THEATRE & ENACTED PRAYER                           42

Choose final project by next week.

WEEK 9: ACTING: Improvisation & Creating a Character                      49

            Rules for Improvisation, Improv Games

            Vocabulary: Forms of Theatre

            Characterization Exercises                                                                50

            Vocabulary: Acting                  

            Memoriation Tips

            Notes on Acting                                                                                  51

            Character Analysis (short form)*                                                       52

            Character Analysis (long form)*                                                         53

            

WEEK 10: Applying the Acting Lessons

DUE: Character analyses* & Journal

WEEK 11: ACTING: “The Twelve Guideposts”                                        56

“Off book” with scripts

WEEK 12: Rehearsals for Final

DUE: Detailed Description of Immediate Surroundings

WEEK 13: FINAL PERFORMANCES(35% of grade)

DUE: Student Self-Assessment

Internet Resources                                                                                         57

Recommended Books                                                                                                58

Articles 

“Why Drama’s Potential is Under-Realized in Ministry”                                 59

“How Drama Has Affected My Walk with Christ”                                           60

“What is the Ministry of Drama Ministry”                                                        61

ASSESSMENT GUIDEfor grading                                                                62

Glossary of Performing Arts Terms                                                               Appendix

Do nothing from selfish ambition or vain conceit, 

but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Philippians 2:3