1st Edition
Foundations for Performance Training Skills for the Actor-Dancer
Foundations for Performance Training: Skills for the Actor-Dancer explores the physical, emotional, theoretical, and practical components of performance training in order to equip readers with the tools needed to successfully advance in their development as artists and entertainers.
Each chapter provides a fresh perspective on subjects that students of acting and dance courses encounter throughout their training as performing artists. Topics include:
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion in performance
- Mind/body conditioning for training, rehearsal, and performance
- Developing stage presence and spatial awareness
- Cultivating motivation and intention in performance
- Expanding repertoire and broadening skillset for performance
- Auditioning for film and stage
- Developing theatrical productions
This book also offers experiential exercises, journal writing prompts, and assignments to engage readers, enrich their learning experience, and deepen their exploration of the material described in each chapter. Readers will grow as performing artists as they analyze the principles of both acting and dance and discover how deeply the two art forms are intertwined.
An excellent resource for students of acting, musical theatre, and dance courses, Foundations for Performance Training encourages a strong foundation in creative analysis, technique, artistic expression, and self-care to cultivate excellence in performance.
Introduction 1. Embracing Performance and Communing with the Audience: Acting, Dance, and the Performer’s Role in Society 2. Performer Preparation: Practices from Theatre Movement for Mind/Body Connection and Free Expression 3. Performance Building Blocks: Key Concepts in Ballet Dance Technique for Presence and Authenticity on Stage and Screen 4. Discovering Character Motivation and Intention through Acting Technique and Physical Theatre 5. Jazz Dance and Musical Theatre: The Quintessential Combination of Acting and Dance in Performance 6. Auditioning: From a Necessary Evil to a Time to Shine 7. Performer and Theatre Maker: Creating New Works and Breathing New Life into Established Works 8. On Health and Wellness: Self-Care for Longevity as a Performer Final Thoughts Appendix Index
Biography
Cara Harker is a Professor and Associate Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), where she teaches musical theatre dance, theatre movement, jazz, tap, ballroom, aerial, improvisation, and composition. She also serves as program coordinator for the dance minor program.
