School of Theatre > For educators > In your classroom > Acting

Acting

In this engaging workshop your students learn to express themselves while venturing into the dynamic world of acting. Using improvisation exercises and scene work, students are introduced to the elements of dramatic action, text analysis and character development. Berkeley Rep Teaching Artists will modify curriculum based on students’ grade, level of experience and teacher feedback. Acting is offered as a one- or three-hour workshop.

program benefits

Introduces and develops basic acting skills, knowledge and vocabulary.
Students develop skills necessary to pursue objectives while using a variety of tactics.
Provides an avenue for creative expression and increased self-confidence, particularly through public speaking.
Exposes students to multiple modalities of learning and expression.
Offers flexibility of curriculum for students in all degrees of learning, ELL, students from different cultural backgrounds and students with learning and physical disabilities.

To bring a Acting workshop into your classroom, please complete the registration form. We will contact you to confirm your scheduling once we have received all necessary registration information.

workshop dates

September 2011–May 2012

workshop length

One- or three-hour sessions

maximum class size

30 students / 1 teaching artist

grade level

Grades 6–12

workshop costs

First one-hour workshop—FREE * (one hour per public school)
Additional one-hour workshop—$75/hour
($60/hour educator discount **)
Three-hour session—$60/hour
($55/hour educator discount **)
Title I discount—$55/hour
Non-public schools—$75/hour

* Limited to one free teaching hour per public school in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma counties. Based on availability of Berkeley Rep School of Theatre staff. Limited to 30 students per classroom. Must sign and agree to Berkeley Rep School of Theatre booking agreement.

** Must be paid by personal check or credit card for use in educator’s own classroom.

Register now

new concepts and vocabulary introduced

Character
Character development
Character want
Conflict
Dialogue
Diction
Ensemble
Gesture
Given circumstances
Improvisation
Mood
Neutral scene
Objective
Place
Playwright
Rehearsal
Rhythm
Script
Stage direction
Status
Subtext
Tactic
Theme
Vocal projection
Voice

content integration

All of the subjects below are integrated into the Acting curriculum. Depending on grade level and number of bookings, some subjects are explored further than others.

all standards covered

English Language Arts: Literary Response and Analysis: 3.3, 3.4; Writing Applications: 2.0; Listening and Speaking: 1.6, 2.1
Physical Education: 1.4, 1.5, 5.3, 5.4
Visual and Performing Arts, Theatre: 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 4.2, 5.2

key standards

English Language Arts

Analyze characterization as delineated through a character’s thoughts, words, speech patterns and actions.
Identify dramatic elements within a script.
Use speaking techniques, including voice modulation, inflection, tempo, enunciation and eye contact.

Physical Education

Demonstrate body management and locomotor skills.
Evaluate the effect of expressing encouragement to others while participating in a group physical activity.

Visual and Performing Arts, Theatre

Artistic Perception

Identify a character’s objectives and motivations to explain that character’s behavior.

Creative Expression

Use effective vocal and facial expression, gesture and timing to create character.
Create characters, environments and actions that exhibit tension and suspense.
Make acting choices, using script analysis, character research, reflection and revision to create characters from classical, contemporary, realistic and nonrealistic dramatic texts.