Speech

Course open to MFA1 Acting Program students only.
The first semester of the first year consists of
a myriad of articulation exercises that lead the
actor to the dexterity needed to produce vowel,
diphthong and consonant sounds effectively.
Developing the ear for the identification of the
sounds of Spoken English is crucial during this
time. Students are introduced to the
International Phonetic Alphabet, to
transcription, to Edith Skinner-based Speech
training and to the elements and principles of
Good Speech, in the Edith Skinner tradition/
Classic American Stage Speech. Extensive personal
practice outside of class is expected and
necessary in order for the understanding and
execution of the skills to become a real tool in
the creation of character speaking options.
Students will be evaluated partly on the basis of
evidence of their personal study and practice.