Students in Acting One are preparing for several weeks before finals for a non-traditional final assessment. Instead of sitting down and taking a written test, they will get a chance to perform the acting skill of their choosing, from self-written group comedy sketches to singing to dramatic monologues. Acting One gives students a chance to be in an experiential-based class and learn important life skills, whether it is the first or last time they stand on a stage. 

The class, taught by Michelle Bayer, instructs students on “different techniques we can use when performing such (as) ‘method acting,’” sophomore Leo Gonzales says. They also have been exploring other aspects of theater; they “studied famous plays and we all were able to pick one scene to perform.” 

Junior Kyla Pereles, who took the class her freshman year, says Acting One is “mostly the basics,” but serves as a “gateway into other ‘drama/theater classes.” Freshman Josh Bonds, who took the class to support his dream of being a cinematic actor, says he worked on improving his “memorization, tempo, focus, tension building.” 

The skulls actors focus on translate beyond the theater. Gonzalez says the class gives students an opportunity to “put yourself out there and perform for others.” Pereles still remembers Bayer teaching her how to put together a character: “figure out what motivates them and how to translate that through our choices.”  These tools help students learn memorization and analytical tools they can apply in classrooms, and the confidence to perform in other settings.

The showcase, which students have been preparing for two weeks, is on Monday and will count as the final for the course. Between selecting a monologue or writing their own scenes, they will demonstrate all the skills they have developed while still getting to have creative agency over the project. 

Students who “aren’t afraid to put themselves out there and who have fun creating their own work,” will enjoy the hands-on, diverse experiences Acting One offers, Gonzalez said.