As part of the theatre studies program offered by Montgomery County (Maryland) senior high schools, this instructional guide for advanced acting is designed to train students in the rigorous skills of preparing and presenting a character in performance. After listing 11 educational objectives, including being able to identify character elements inherent in a dramatic script and being able to function effectively in a group performance of a scene, a statement of philosophy is presented. Unit One, "The Actor," emphasizes the refinement of acting skills. Unit Two, "The Actor Explores the Script," deals with script and character analysis. Unit Three, "The Actor Explores the Performance," demonstrates application of script and characterization analysis to performance. Unit Four, "The Actor Explores the World of Theatre," explores the educational and professional opportunities available to actors. Each unit consists of a brief course outline, the instructional and performance objectives to be mastered, activities to help the student reach those goals, and suggestions for assessment. (DF)