DATZ110 Basics of Acting

Theatre Faculty
Winter 2026
Extent and Intensity
0/2/4. 2 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
doc. Mgr. Kateřina Jebavá, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
doc. Mgr. Petr Francán
Audiovisual Media and Theatre Department – Dean’s Office – Theatre Faculty – Janáček Academy of Performing Arts
Supplier department: Audiovisual Media and Theatre Department – Dean’s Office – Theatre Faculty – Janáček Academy of Performing Arts
Timetable
Mon 14:30–16:00 A701, Thu 14:30–16:00 3
Prerequisites
Prerequisites: none
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives

The course focuses on acting improvisation and actor training as tools for fostering collaboration and ensemble awareness within a group. Students develop the ability to respond to situations in real time, develop awareness of their surroundings, and interact with partners and the group.


Through practical exercises in acting and improvisation, they deepen their imagination, spontaneous responsiveness, and open communication. They also engage in reflection and analysis of situations and become familiar with the fundamentals of acting and directing practice – learning to set tasks, give feedback, and lead a creative process.


The course supports self-awareness as well as understanding of others, and strengthens team coordination, which is essential for collaborative work on theatre projects, film shoots, and other creative activities.

The course may be taught in English if international students are enrolled. Required and recommended reading will be adjusted accordingly.
Learning outcomes

  • Learning outcomes:

    Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
  • respond to situations in real time using principles of improvisation
  • develop awareness of their surroundings, perceive non-verbal cues, and interact with a partner and the group
  • analyse dramatic and improvised situations and identify key elements of acting
  • give feedback and explore basic principles of directing through small creative tasks
  • collaborate within a team and communicate effectively in a creative process
  • apply acquired experience in their own projects and group work
  • demonstrate their skills in practice during an open class at the end of the semester
Syllabus
  • Fundamentals of acting, improvisation and group work
  • Responding to situations and working in real time
  • Awareness of partner, group, and environment
  • Developing spontaneity, imagination, and communication
  • Analysis of dramatic and improvised situations
  • Basics of directing and giving feedback
  • Introduction to major acting methods
  • Practical collaboration and leading short creative exercises
  • Presentation of work in an open class
Literature
    recommended literature
  • Antonin Artaud: Divadlo a jeho dvojenec. Praha : Herrmann a synové, 1994. info
  • Bláhová, Dagmar: Herectví a film, NAMU 2020
  • ČECHOV, Michail. Hercova cesta. 1990. info
  • HYVNAR, Jan. Herec v moderním divadle. 1st ed. Praha: KANT, 2011, 268 pp. ISBN 978-80-7437-060-1. info
  • Brook, Peter : Prázdný prostor. Praha, 1988. info
Teaching methods
seminar (practice-based)
Assessment methods

Assessment methods:


Continuous assessment based on the student’s performance.
Regular attendance and active participation are required.


Assessment: pass

Language of instruction
Czech
The course is also listed under the following terms Winter 2014, Winter 2015, Winter 2016, Winter 2017, Winter 2018, Winter 2019, Winter 2020, Winter 2021, Winter 2022, Winter 2023, Winter 2024, Winter 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
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