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Which subject	Drama
What age group	College
What topic	Katie Mitchell acting
Number of lessons	30
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Course Plan: Exploring Katie Mitchell's Acting Techniques

Course Introduction

Welcome to Exploring Katie Mitchell's Acting Techniques, a comprehensive course designed for college-level students interested in the intersection of acting, directing, and innovative theatrical practices. This course delves into the methodologies and practices of award-winning director and playwright Katie Mitchell, known for her distinctive visual storytelling and text-based approaches.

Over the course of 30 lessons, students will engage with various aspects of her work, ranging from script analysis to performance techniques, and understand how Mitchell's unique style can influence contemporary theatre. Through a combination of theoretical study and practical exercises, students will acquire the skills necessary to analyze and implement Mitchell's techniques in their own work.

Course Goals

• To understand the significance of Katie Mitchell's contributions to modern theatre.
• To analyze and apply her acting techniques in practical scenarios.
• To develop a comprehensive skill set for performance and direction inspired by Mitchell’s methodologies.
• To foster critical thinking and collaborative teamwork through group projects and presentations.

Course Aims

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of Katie Mitchell's career and influential works.
2. Analyze scripts and performances through the lens of Mitchell’s techniques.
3. Implement specific acting methodologies developed by Mitchell in practical performances.
4. Critique performances based on Mitchell's principles of clarity, emotional truth, and text-driven action.

Course Structure

Module 1: Introduction to Katie Mitchell (Lessons 1-5)

• Lesson 1: Who is Katie Mitchell?

  • Overview of her biography, career, and major works.

• Lesson 2: Historical Context of Theatre in the UK

  • Examination of British theatre evolution and Mitchell's place within it.

• Lesson 3: Mitchell's Directorial Style

  • Characteristics of her directing methods and concept of theatricality.

• Lesson 4: Exploration of Text

  • Importance of the playwright's text in Mitchell's approach.

• Lesson 5: Overview of Key Productions

  • Case studies of notable productions, such as Cleansed and The Blue Dragon.

Module 2: Acting Techniques (Lessons 6-15)

• Lesson 6: Text as a Tool for Action

  • Understanding text-driven acting through scene work.

• Lesson 7: Emotional Realism

  • Techniques for achieving authenticity in performance.

• Lesson 8: Physicality in Acting

  • The role of movement and physical expression in Mitchell’s practice.

• Lesson 9: Ensemble Work

  • Collaborating effectively within a group setting.

• Lesson 10: Character Development

  • Methods of building a character using Mitchell's techniques.

• Lesson 11: Preparing for Performance

  • Strategies for rehearsals and developing a rehearsal process.

• Lesson 12: Script Analysis

  • Tools for dissecting scripts to uncover subtext and meaning.

• Lesson 13: Voice Work

  • Exercises focusing on vocal expression and text delivery.

• Lesson 14: Directing Actors

  • Specific methods Mitchell employs when working with actors.

• Lesson 15: Feedback and Critique Sessions

  • Strategies for providing and receiving constructive feedback.

Module 3: Practical Application (Lessons 16-25)

• Lesson 16: Creating a Shared Language

  • Establishing communication methods for ensemble work.

• Lesson 17: Scene Study I

  • Application of learned techniques in guided scenes.

• Lesson 18: Scene Study II

  • Advanced scene work focusing on thematic depth.

• Lesson 19: Devising a Performance

  • Collaborative creation using Mitchell’s techniques.

• Lesson 20: Performance Feedback Loop

  • The iterative process of performance and critique.

• Lesson 21: Staging Techniques

  • Analyzing stage movement and blocking.

• Lesson 22: Designing for Performance

  • Interpreting design through Mitchell's visual storytelling methods.

• Lesson 23: Technology in Theatre

  • Exploration of how technology is integrated into Mitchell's productions.

• Lesson 24: Role of the Director

  • Understanding the director's vision in the context of a Mitchell-led production.

• Lesson 25: Final Rehearsal Feedback

  • Preparing for final presentations with peer and instructor reviews.

Module 4: Reflection and Exploration (Lessons 26-30)

• Lesson 26: Performance Presentations I

  • Students present their devised scenes.

• Lesson 27: Performance Presentations II

  • Continuation of scene presentations.

• Lesson 28: Reflection on Process

  • Group discussion on lessons learned and personal growth.

• Lesson 29: Future of Acting Inspired by Mitchell

  • Exploring how to carry lessons forward into future work.

• Lesson 30: Course Wrap-Up and Final Review

  • Final remarks, feedback collection, and recommendations for further study.

References

• Mitchell, K. (2011). The Director's Toolkit: A Comprehensive Guide to Directing and Acting in Theatre. London: Oberon Books.
• Innes, C. (2006). Modern British Drama: The Twentieth Century. Oxford University Press.
• McAuley, J. (2014). The Creative Director: The Essential Guide to Leading Theatre. Routledge.
• Dutton, R. (2018). Katie Mitchell: The Art of Creating Theatre. London: Routledge.
• O’Reilly, L. (2009). Directing in the Theatre: A Practitioner’s Perspective. Theatre Communications Group.

This course is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of Katie Mitchell's significant approach to acting and directing, fostering an environment of exploration and creative growth. Prepare to engage, learn, and apply to become informed, innovative artists in the field of theatre.