TORONTOLABORATORYTHEATRE’s

TORONTO LABORATORY THEATRE’s

E MBODIED E NGLISH:

A Drama/ESL Course for Advanced Language Learners

Course objectives: E mbodied E nglish is a custom-designed intensive course comprising 8 days of group and individual classes that aim to help advanced English learners to move closer to the native speaker[1] ideal in oral communication.

Course structure: The course consists of three components that focus on elements of communication commonly ignored by most ESL courses.

The first component focuses on such aspects of oral communication as intonation, rhythm, clarity of articulation as well as voice and body expressivity. The second component incorporates close observation and thorough analysis of various samples of native speakers’ verbal and non-verbal behaviour, as it happens in real life, in a TV series, on stage, etc. Participants are encouraged to note the differences between language choices and strategies native speakers of English tend to make and their own way of using English. Finally, the last component comprises acting exercises and games aimed at the realistic imitation and appropriation of the verbal and non-verbal behaviour ofa native or highly proficient speaker of English. As part of their training, participants will also work on two contrasting English-speaking characters from a contemporary American or Canadian play and present the results of their work at the end-of-the-course performance. Participants are expected to incorporate the acting techniques they have been taught in order to create a realistic portrayal of the native-speaking characters.

Advanced grammar and vocabulary, while not taught explicitly, will be integrated in all three components of the course and adapted to the needs of each individual student. Continual feedback both in writing (by email) or oral form (through immediate or delayed correction), is expected to contribute to the students’ language development.

Forms of instruction:

· group sessions, including the final performance – 21 hours

· class outings (professional theatre production or film in English, if available) – 2-3 hours

· one-on-one or pair tutorials – up to 1 hour (more available at additional cost)

· guided homework – approximately 8 hours

Homework: participants are advised to allocate 4 hours per week for homework.

Class times: group sessions are held on Mon-Thu, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm. Tutorials can be held before and after certain group sessions.

Teacher-student ratio: 10-14 participants, 1 principal instructor

Course Day	Group Sessions	Other Activities
Week 1. Day 1: 1. Body and voice warm-up. 2. Mastering Small Talk. 3. Psychological gesture.	June 10, 6:30-9:30 pm Note: Arrive 15-20 minutes early to meet other students and teachers	Make sure you’ve completed the course registration form
Week 1. Day 2: 1. Body and voice warm-up. 2. Dealing with humour, irony and sarcasm 3. Actions and subtext.	June 11, 6:30-9:30 pm Note: Monologues handed out	15 min tutorials before or after the class: 5-6:15 and 9:40-9:55
Week 1. Day 3: Observation and Noticing: Theatre Outing.	June 12, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm Tickets: 750-3500 rubles (not included in the course fee) The Animals and Children Took it to the Streets by 1927 Theatre Company (London, UK)	Post-show discussion. Place TBD
Week 1. Day 4: 1. Body and voice warm-up. 2. Vocabulary choices: Switching between Registers 3. Given circumstances.	June 13, 6:30-9:30 pm	15 min tutorials (cont.): 5-6:15 and 9:40-9:55
Week 2. Day 5: 1. Body and voice warm-up. 2. Speaking under pressure: 3. Spontaneity and Order. Tempo-rhythm.	June 17, 6:30-9:30 pm tickets (friends and family are welcome)	Second set of Tutorials (in pars – 30 min) 4:45-5:15, 5:15-5:45, 5:45-6:15, 9:30-10:00
Week 2. Day 6: 1. Body and voice warm-up. 2. Speech rate 3. Emotion and Emotionality.	June 18, 6:30-9:30 pm	Second set of Tutorials (in pars – 30 min) 4:45-5:15, 5:15-5:45, 5:45-6:15, 9:30-10:00
Week 2. Day 7: 1. Body and voice warm-up 2. Review: “Higher Ego” 3. “Dress” Rehearsal	June 19, 6:30-9:30 pm
Week 2. Day 8: 1. Body and voice warm-up. 2. Final Performance and Party 3. Course Evaluation	June 20, 6:30-9:30 Note: Family and friends are welcome to join the performance and final party: 7:30-9:30 pm	-

[1] “Native speaker” is a term that has been problematized by research in applied linguistics. In this document it is used only to indicate any highly proficient speaker of English for whom English would be the only dominant language or one of his/her dominant languages.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-04