Unit 3: Character

What is character work?

Essentially it is about the student learning to observe the world around them, understand differences among people, appreciate unique qualities, and explore ways to play a character in a meaningful way.

Character work will lead the student to a better understanding of others, and ultimately of themselves. They will learn various methods of approaching character work, acting styles and skills.

The most important skills you can give students is to help them:

trust their instincts, impulses
observe carefully
listen and respond
open up to exploration of a character
work from truth
feel, think, do

This unit will lead the student through a process, at the end of which students will be able to:

provide experience with the monologue as a literary form
write an original monologue
create an original character
create a performance piece and learn about acting styles
perform the monologue for an audience

Note: You may find a student with an aversion to performance. You may wish to give them the option of directing another actor in a performance piece. The student would still write the monologue, create the character, and would use that material to direct the actor ( who could be given bonus marks).

Printable Resources (pdf):

• Warm Ups, Games and Exercises (a selection of favorites)
• Acting Technique (jigsaw activity)
• Objectives in Acting handout
• Actable Verbs (extensive list)
• Principles of Acting handout
• External Biography
• Rehearsal Techniques
• Improvisation Scenario's
• Rehearsal Strategies
• Self/Peer Evaluation (character)
• 6 monologues:

The Break I - bragging to friends on the phone	The Break VI - girlfriend won't stop crying
The Break II - dumped by girlfriend	The Break VII - stalker in an imaginary relationship
The Break III - it's me, not you	The Break X - a fake phone apology

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