DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/QGXT-DS53
Defense Date
2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
Theatre
First Advisor
Aaron Anderson
Abstract
ABSTRACT
THE FIVE SENSES: FUNDAMENTALS IN ACTING TRAINING
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MFA Theatre Pedagogy at Virginia Commonwealth University
by
LANDON NAGEL
Thesis Chair: Aaron Anderson, PH.D.
Theatre Graduate Program Director, Department of Theatre
The following is presented as a tool for new acting teachers, students and potentially parents. It identifies and explores the fundamental lessons that I believe are necessary inside a beginning acting studio, inspired by that which I believe is necessary when raising a young child. Rather than focusing on one particular technique, system or method - I purpose a set of qualities that can be fostered in the classroom and developed in the training of new actors. It encourages those in a position of influence to consider a shift in their approach. Suggesting practices that release teachers and students from measurable outcomes and learning objectives, and instead leads them toward a sense of agency, community, space, purpose and wonder inside of their training. And in their life as well.
This thesis exploration follows my path as an actor, a parent and a teacher. First, I will describe my experiences as a young actor and the teaching methods that fostered confusion, competition and a lack of connection. Then I will describe how I worked to become an available, secure and consistent parent. The lessons I learned and how they changed me as a person, as well as an artist. In the body of the text, I will discuss how I translated these discoveries into a teaching philosophy, and applied these principles in the classroom. I will recount the ways in which I attempted to develop these fundamentals in our work, and share some of the exercises I created. And finally, I will offer some actual feedback presented by the students in my first Fundamentals of Performance Class, in 2018.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
12-8-2023