The current premise maintains that the qualities that characterize the relationship between verbal and nonverbal expression displayed by the actor, while speaking scripted, memorized text, will be naturally, and spontaneously, influenced by the circumstances inherent in the text, just as these qualities would be influenced by circumstances inherent in comparable “real-life” situations. My research demonstrates that the current implied premise underlying actor training theory - geared towards acting with scripted text - is flawed and, as such, jeopardizes skill development in a safe learning environment, through its inability to accommodate conditions found necessary through this research for both practical skill development, and the development and maintenance of empathic student/teacher relations A narrative telling of my personal history in training and professional work will preface my research finds and argument. This narrative will then be used as reference during the course of the argument, which will use research studies from the behavioural sciences to support the logic behind the narrative developments. Evidence strongly indicates that the claim for the equation in the current premise for actor training is unfounded. When this equation is removed experimentally, it becomes apparent that the criteria used in various training procedures are limited solely to the training exercises, and cannot be applied successfully to the final product. When training and performance situations do not share circumstantial similarity, and comparable criteria, the basic conditions for practical skill development cannot be fully met. The absence of transferable criteria to the performance situation also inhibits the development of an empathic relationship between student and teacher, a relationship deemed necessary by my findings for optimal skill transference as well for ensuring a safe learning environment. Under the current premise, exercises are used which have an actual final goal other than that for which they are ultimately directed. This poses a potential threat to the safety of the student. Without empathy the teacher’s discretion in determining the appropriateness of these training exercises is compromised. In this dissertation, I propose an alternative premise, that recognizes the inherent circumstantial difference in “real-life” and “scripted” reality, exercises are offered that share both criteria and circumstantial comparability with the performance situation. This will guarantee the conditions necessary to both skill development and the growth of student/teacher empathy; thus ensuring a productive and safe learning environment. / Graduate

Diss. Helsinki : Teatterikorkeakoulu.

Thesis (Ed.D.)--Teachers College, Columbia University. / Typescript; issued also on microfilm. Sponsor: Paul Kozelka. Dissertation Committee: Gordon Klopf. "An annotated bibliography of acting": (leaves 156-159); "An annotated bibliography of books and articles of special interest to actors": (leaf 159).

Thesis (M.F.A.)--West Virginia University, 2005. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains v, 40 p. Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 37-38).

Thesis (M.F.A.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison. / Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaf 121).

Thesis (Honors)--College of William and Mary, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 68-69). Also available via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.F.A.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison. / Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 88-89).

Thesis (M.F.A.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison. / Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 84-85).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1935. / Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [270]-278).

This thesis documents the process implemented in creating the character of Ellen Van Oss in Lee Blessing’s Two Rooms. It includes research, character analysis, script analysis and an evaluation of my performance. Two Rooms was produced by the UNO Department of Film and Theatre and directed by Erick Wolfe. The play was performed at the Robert E. Nims Theatre in the UNO Performing Arts Center November 7, 12, 13, 21, 2015 at 7:30pm and November 8 and 22, 2015 at 2:30pm.