10B: Basic Research Tasks - Class Scene

THAR 10B:  Class Scene - Basic Research Tasks 

8 pts.  Estimated Completion Time:  ½ hour

INSTRUCTIONS:  

1.  Click "Submit Assignment"

2.  Highlight all the questions below and copy them into your Text Entry box.

3.  Answer all questions, formatting your answers differently than the questions in order to visually differentiate.

4.  Click "Submit Assignment"

PDF OPTION:  If you prefer, you can download and print the PDF (see link below), enter your answers, and save/scan/photograph your completed form and submit it here.

THAR 10B Research Tasks (S25).pdf Download THAR 10B Research Tasks (S25).pdf

THE QUESTIONS:

Class Play/Playwright:  Stanton's Garage by Joan Ackermann

When was the play written?                  When was the play first produced?:                         

Traditional Research - Play History:  Find out three quick facts about the play’s history that are not already asked on this form or discussed in class. (such as:  Where was the play first produced?  Were there any controversies regarding the play/production?  How was it originally received by audiences and critics?  How often is it produced?  Has it been produced on Broadway?) Record the facts below, as well as the source(s) you used.

Fact 1

Fact 2

Fact 3

What role are you playing?                                                                

Traditional Research - Acting History:  Who played your role before?  (Hint:  Look at who played your role in the first professional productions or famous revivals.  Also, find out if one or more film versions have been made, and if so, who played your character in the film.) Either insert a picture here or describe the actor (or both). 

What did you learn about that actor (such as other roles they have played, their “type”, etc.)?   

How might this specific research help you in visualizing/developing your character?

Traditional Research - Reading a Review:  Find and read one review of a production of the play (preferably a professional production; if the play is an older script, choose a recent professional revival).  Insert a link to the review you found below.

Describe one new thing about the play and/or your character that you learned from reading this review.

Creative Research Idea: 

Actors can benefit by conducting both traditional research (such as what you did above) and creative research intended to help you get more into character.

Here are some examples, but there are many other possibilities:

• try something your character would do that you haven’t done before (like going fishing if your character fishes):
• experience something that your character would experience for pleasure (like attending a rap concert if your character likes rap or reading a novel your character would have read);
• visit a place that helps you get into character (like touring a hospital if your character is a nurse or eating at a fancy restaurant like one your character would go to);
• conduct an interview (such as interviewing a veteran if your character has seen active duty);
• complete an art project such as creating a character collage or a work of art that represents your character.
• create a scrapbook, photo album or sketch book that your character would have created.
• make something your character would make (a special dessert, a sewing project, a bird house, etc.)
• writing project (such as a series of diary entries or letters written as your character)

1.  If you were to play your character in a full production of the play, describe a creative research project that you might do.  [You do not need to actually do this project; just come up with the idea and be specific in your description.]

2.  How do you think this particular project might help you develop the character?