ACTING THESIS GUIDELINES

A. Proposal
1. Write a one page proposal outlining the faculty-directed show and role that you would like to work on for your thesis project. This proposal needs to be approved by the faculty before registering for the thesis course.

  •     Title of play
  •     Role to be performed
  •     Dates and location of performances
  •     Name of producing organization (Theatre UAF)
  •     Name of the director
  •     What role you are interested in playing and why.
  •     A brief synopsis of the plot and description of the character that you are interested in playing.
  •     Why this play and character is an appropriate choice for you as an actor and what you hope to gain from the experience.

B. Advisor Meetings
1. You are expected to set up and attend bi-weekly meetings with your thesis advisor to discuss your progress on the project. It is your responsibility to set up these meetings with your advisor, not the advisor’s responsibility to track you down.

C. Project Binder
Please divide a three-ringed binder into the following categories:

  1. Analysis: detailed written analysis of the play, including style, character, structure, setting, storyline, relationships. Be as detailed as possible about all the characters, themes, concepts in the play.
  2. Research: historical research of the time period in which the play takes place, reviews of past performances, interviews with the playwright, articles written about the playwright or play, interviews with actors or directors who have been involved in past productions, academic analysis or commentary on the work, visual research or media viewed.  Please provide a detailed bibliography of sources used and collected.
  3. Character analysis and detailed character background of your character. Be as detailed as possible including character objectives/goals, others, obstacles, tactics, expectations, relationships, victories. Discuss in detail physical and vocal acting choices based on character’s physical and vocal attributes. Include any research for portraying character’s physical and vocal characteristics. Include your understanding of the director’s concept for the show and how that played into your character development.
  4. Detailed journal of rehearsal process and personal preparation outside of rehearsal done for role. Journal should also include reflection on performances and a final self-assessment of your work on the role.
  5. A personal “critique” of the project.  This critique should address the major facets of your performance journey. This may include discoveries you made during the production process, both personally and as an artist.  Your response should address specific challenges and/or breakthroughs you experienced in terms of preparation and the enactment/portrayal of your character.  Conclude your critique with comments regarding what types of things you would encourage others to repeat, avoid, or change if they were required to do a similar project.
  6. Copy of the rehearsal schedule.
  7. Copy of the script broken down into units and beats. Assign an active verb to each of your character’s lines and an objective for each unit.
  8. Copy of script with blocking clearly marked (can submit same copy as unit/beat copy if neat and readable).
  9. List of personal props and costumes used.
  10. Copy of all notes taken during the rehearsal process (can submit handwritten notes if legible. Please type up if illegible).
  11. Copy of publicity, posters, reviews, program, photographs from show.
  12. Copy of updated resume and headshot.

D. Thesis Defense

  1. You will have a public thesis defense where you will give a presentation on your work on the role and written project. There will also be an opportunity for the audience to ask you questions publicly.
  2. You will have a private thesis defense with the theatre faculty and staff who will be able to ask you further specific questions about your process, choices, and written project.