MacPhail College of Music - Coda Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

Page 58 text:

9.9. , ,... . ... AA Q .. . .. , .A. 4. Q .. I ,4 ,.,. ,,.,, , .... . .. ...4 E2 . , S2 ,,., ,,.. E? ,,.. . ,.. .4. ,, ..., ... ... ,... ..,. . Elements of Acting This course gives thorough training in both the theory and practice of acting. The first semester is devoted largely to farces and bright one-act comedies, through which are taught the fundamental principles of stage technique. Advanced Acting Further training in acting is given in the harmonic gymnastic and gesture work outlined below. The advanced work in acting for those who desire to pre- pare themselves for stage work includes two years of thorough training in all that goes to make the well trained actor. This training includes voice culture, stage diction, gesture, bearing and practical training in characterization. The drai- matic literature studied covers every phase of the drama from the Greek tragedy to the modern one-act play. At least five Shakespearian plays are studied care- fully, with detailed impersonation of all the roles and working out of stage business. Five to eight modern dramas are treated in the same way. Voice Culture Two hours per week for the Hrst two years are given over to the training of the speaking voice. The object of this training is to establish correct breathing, free the tone passage from constriction, and so correlate mind, voice and body that the voice may be a beautiful and effective agent of the imagination. Diction Training in pure speech forms. training add drill to make correct and beautiful speech habitual. Harmonic Gymnastics The purpose of this course is to make the body a sensitively responsive medium through which every subtlest mental and emotional state may be clearly revealed. Literary Analysis and Foundations for Vocal Expression A course in which the excellencies of vocal expression are shown to grow primarily from an appreciation of qualities in the literatureg method of analysisg stimulation of the impression necessary to adequate expression 5 intensive thinking for expression, training for ideal vocal responses, a course in the psychology of vocal expression. ' Story Telling To Children flj Story tellingg its place and valueg CZJ choice of the storyg application of the short story ideal of Hsingleness of impression and dramatic strubbleug CSJ reconstruction of the story from the child's viewpoint, Q45 the problem of deliveryg QSD the group consciousness, holding attention, self-effacement, vocal and verbal adaptation.

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MACPHAIL SCHOOL OF MUSIC 59 English and Literature The School is especially fortunate in having Hazel Lotze XVhittaker in charge of its teaching of English and literature. Mrs. XVhittaker possesses in unusual degree the ability to keep academic standards and yet teach both writing and literature from the point of view of expression. Evening Classes For the benefit of students unable to come at any other time, special evening classes in dramatic art and expression are offered. Credit is given toward a diploma. MacPhail Little Theatre Club The aim of this organization is to give practical stage training and opportuni- ties for public appearance to those interested in dramatic art. All pupils taking work in the school are eligible to membership. During the last three years the Players have successfully produced more than forty modern one-act plays and many full-length dramas receiving excellent press comment for their artistic stand- ards. Careful attention to stage settings and lighting effects characterize these performances. The MacPhail Players Club The JllacPl1ail Players club under the direction of Maude Moore, was organized for the purpose of presenting standard plays. The club gives several programs each year, finishing the work with a produc- tion calling for a large cast, extensive scenic equipment and elaborate costuming. Membership is open to all students of sufficient training and talent. Following a recent appearance of Hazel Laurence from the class of Maude Moore, Carlton Miles wrote in the Journal: I seldom have heard a reading that brought out the spirit of a play in better fashion. Lyceum and Chautauqua Engagements Students who are competent to do platform work are in great demand as readers and entertainers. No one with real ability who will earnestly prepare for this work need have any fear that there will not be a place for him when the course is completed. Many graduates of the school are now in Lyceum and Chautauqua work as entertainers and professional readers. The Little Players' Company is a dramatic organization of students of the school which has successfully played throughout the middle-west. The Repertoire Players Club The Repertoire Playersl' club under the direction of Clara Rice, was organ- ized for the benefit of her pupils to give them practical stage training and oppor- tunities for public appearances, working out a varied repertoire of new and inter- esting worthwhile plays. Although a little over a year old, this club has produced several very successful plays. Next year the club plans several programs with special scenic equipment, effective lighting, and artistic costuming.

Page 59 text:

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