Students will demonstrate their understanding of Uta Hagen’s Endowment exercise by rehearsing and performing the exercise.
Materials Needed
· Respect for Acting by Uta Hagen · Random objects · A medium-size piece of cloth per student
Lesson Directions
Anticipatory Set/Hook
Play the game This is a What? How to play: Stand in a circle. Whoever goes first will manipulate a random object into something it is not. As they are performing this task, they will say “This is a (recreated object)”. The rest of the group will respond with “a what?”. The originator will repeat the object’s name, with the same response from the group: “a what?”. The originator will identify the object’s name once more and the group will response with an “ohhh, a (recreated object)”. Repeat this process, allowing someone else to change the object into something else, etc. For example: A: (while rocking a piece of cloth) This is a baby. B-Z: a what? A: (still rocking the cloth) A baby. B-Z: a what? A: (rocking) A baby. B-Z: Ooohhh, a baby. (Next person) B: (while rubbing the same piece of cloth on his face) This is a face towel. A, C-Z: a what? B: (continuing action) A face towel. A, C-Z: a what? B: A face towel. A, C-Z: Ohhhh, a face towel. ETC.
Instruction
Step 1: · As a class, read Uta Hagen’s Respect for Acting, pages 112-117. · Throughout the reading, refer back to the hook and periodically asks students o to summarize what they’ve read o for examples from productions they’ve seen o for personal experiences they’ve had
GOAL: Students will have an understanding of 1. the exercise 2. important elements to successfully executing the exercise (e.g. avoid pantomiming, being specific in choices, etc.)
Step 2: · Pass out a cloth to each student · Inform them that they are going to reenact their nightly chores (for about 90 secs); however, they must manipulate the piece of cloth into 3 different props they would use during this routine (For example, the cloth becomes a toothbrush, face towel, and blanket) · Give them 10-15 minutes to decide and rehearse the exercise NOTE: Encourage students to be detailed in their interactions with the cloth so viewers know exactly what the prop is
Step 3: · Once students have had sufficient time to practice, begin performing.
CLOSURE:
Once everyone has performed, discuss their process in doing this exercise (Possible questions: what did this exercise do for you? How did it help you? How do you think it can help the performance overall?, etc.)
Assessment
Participation: 10pts Implementation of Exercise: 5pts Total possible points: 15pts
Implementation of Exercise POINT VALUE Description of Qualifying Standard Points Barely understands the exercise and its application to improving one’s acting ability 1 Sufficiently understands the exercise and its application to improving one’s acting ability 3 Understands the exercise and successfully applies it to improve one’s acting ability 5
