Training the student actor in the production process : a look at areas in which a director within a training institution can facilitate the learning process in a student actor

Date
1997-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A thesis in which the author examines ways in which the director within an acting training institution may use the full-scale theatre production as a means of intense training for the students involved. The author contends that much of the theory and practical work taught within a classroom situation cannot be fully comprehended and/or brought to fruition if it is not tested and experienced within as realistic (pertaining to professional theatre) as possible a scenario, in the form of the student production. For the purposes of this thesis, the typical practical production process is used as a model and different areas in which the director may act as a teacher or catalyst to self-discovery are discussed largely in the order in which they might occur in practice. The author concludes that to provide intensive training through the production process would be a very time-consuming and costly endeavour, although very rewarding if it were at all possible. In addition to this, it would require a highly qualified director-trainer, with an holistic understanding of the 'theatrical art, who is prepared to invest a great amount of time and effort in such a production. Research for this thesis included reading material, practical directing and acting projects, and teaching practical acting in the capacity of a part-time lecturer at the University of Stellenbosch Drama Department.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: 'n Tesis waarin die outeur maniere ondersoek waardeur 'n regisseur binne 'n akteurs-opleidingsinstansie die volskaalse teaterproduksie kan gebruik as 'n metode vir intense opleiding vir die betrokke studente. Die outeur meen dat 'n groot gedeelte van die teorie en praktiese opleiding wat in die klaskamer weergegee word, nie ten voile verstaan of benut word, tensy die student dit beproef en beleef in so 'n realisties (wat professionele teater betref) moontlike scenario, in die vorm van 'n studenteproduksie. Vir die doeleindes van hierdie tesis word 'n tipiese produksieproses as model gebruik, en verskeie areas waarin die regisseur as onderwyser of katalisator tot selfontdekking kan optree, word grotendeels bespreek in die volgorde waarin dit in die praktyk mag voorkom. Die gevolgtrekking is dat intensiewe opleiding in die produksieproses 'n uiters tydsame en duur oefening sou wees, dog baie lonend indien prakties uitvoerbaar. Daarby sou dit 'n hoogs gekwalifiseerde regisseur-opleier verg, met 'n holistiese kennis van die teaterkuns, wat bereid is om baie tyd en moeite op s6 'n produksie te bestee. Navorsing vir hierdie tesis sluit in leeswerk, praktiese regie- en toneelspelprojekte sowel as klasgee in toneelspel as deeltydse lektor aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch se Departement Drama.
Description
Thesis (MDram)--Stellenbosch University, 1997.
Keywords
Acting -- Study and teaching, Acting -- Technique, Dissertations -- Drama, Theses -- Drama
Citation