Basic Acting: The Modular Process

Basic Acting: The Modular Process not only introduces students to the exciting world of acting in a step-by-step and practical way, but also prepares students with the theme of the 21st Century: the "new multiculturalism." Epstein and Harrop have developed a systematic method of teaching acting which is "action-based." This pragmatic and flexible acting approach has been embraced by gay, African American, and feminist theatre. Written by two noted actors, directors, and teachers, Basic Acting: The Modular Process is a prequel to Acting with Style, Second Edition, 1990, Allyn & Bacon. As a beginning text, the process is clear and very specific in theory and application. The authors have created a “MAP” or a series of interchangeable modules of action which has shaped the careers of such diverse actors as Harry Hamlin, Denzel Washington, Anna Deavere Smith, and Annette Bening. This text interrelates all that has been taught in the 20th century and focuses it on the 21st century — from Stanislavski, Brecht, and Spolin to Grotowski and Artaud. It also includes improvisation from Keith Johnstone; "theories of creativity" from Edward De Bono; physicalized psychology from Rudolf Laban; psychological reality from Stanislavski; and game theory from Viola Spolin. Epstein and Harrop ask students to prepare for the demands of the new multicultural dramaturgy of the 21st century by using this new methodology known as the Modular Acting Process.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments. Prologue. I. The Map. On the Acting Process. On the Map Process. Notes to the Player. Notes to the Trainer. II. Map Modules. Shaping the Action. First Triad: Shaping Action Release Shape Flow Playing the Action. Second Triad: Playing Action Transformations Patterns Endowments Structuring the Action. Third Triad: Structuring Action Status Targets Hurdles Performing the Action. Fourth Triad: Performing Action Masks Language Set Sequence III. Map Classes. Map Classes. Session I: Flow Session II: Release Session III: Patterns Session IV: Transformations Session V: Balance Session VI: Status in Action Session VII: Scoring Session VIII: Bridging the Text Session IX: Monologue Text Session X: Approaching a Scene Session XI: Syncing Session XII: Style IV. Map Rehearsals. Map Rehearsals. Preparation Analysis of Preparation Scene Analysis Rehearsals 1-5 Coda. Guide to Exercises. Some Suggested Plays for Scenes.