This course surveys the major aesthetic
movements of the last century utilizing dramatic texts and theoretical
writings to illustrate successive paradigms. Movements such as Naturalism,
Symbolism, Expressionism, Dadaism, Surrealism, Epic Theatre and the Absurd
are examined through close readings of associated works. The works of Büchner,
Ibsen, Chekhov, Strindberg, Jarry, Pirandello, Shaw, Brecht, and Beckett
provide the cornerstones for discussion and investigation. Students will
respond critically to the material by comunicating mastery of texts and
concepts. Classes combine lectures and seminars that require student particpation.
[Course Syllabus]
SHAKESPEARE
THROUGH PERFORMANCE
This class is predicated upon the conceit
that Shakespeare--as a member of a producing theatre company--wrote his
plays as theatrical artifacts and not literary works. To understand, appreciate
and master the plays of the Bard, students must approach the texts as performance
specimens. Functioning as scholarly artists in a laboratory setting, students--working
from both the Folio and modern editions--will master the rudiments of Shakespearean
performance, become acquainted with historical and contemporary staging
conventions, investigate the notion of textual integrity and explore dramaturgical
issues. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the desirability and/or
need to subvert through performance problematic texts.
[top] [Course
Syllabus]
THE
HOLOCAUST ON STAGE AND SCREEN
This course utilizes dramatic
literature and film to examine the Nazi policies of genocide that were
initiated and enacted before and during the Second World War. Various representational
strategies are analyzed and contrasted in an effort to gauge the relative
effectiveness of artists to come to terms with these ineffable events.
Issues to be examined include the relationship between a dramatic text
and its historical model, the problem of transfiguration, the applicability
of a structural model for organizing texts, documentary versus dramatic
enactment, varying national perspectives,the emergence of feminist and
gay perspectives, and the problems of exploitation and revisionism.
[top] [Course Syllabus]
BASIC
ACTING
This is an extremely challenging
course that synthesizes theoretical and practical components to introduce
students to the art of acting. Students will be expected to perform as
both scholars and practitioners as they learn the underlying fundamentals
of acting and begin to master the basic principles of the craft. Students
will participate in a series of exercises, games and improvisations to
improve concentration, focus and creativity. In addition, students will
perform two scenes with partners for in-class presentation and will participate
in a public performance at the end of the semester. By the end of the course,
students will be able to perform in a confident and competent manner while
inculcating the theoretical ideas that form the basis for the Stanislavskian
approach to acting.
[top] [Course Syllabus]
FUNDAMENTALS
OF DIRECTING
This
course is an intensive introduction to the practice and theory of theatrical
direction. Students will be expected to perform as both scholars and artists
during the semester. The course intorduces the young artist to the rudiments
of the directorial process and encourages creativity in a supportive and
collaborative environment. Classroom and laboratory work is closely integrated
as students are taken through each step of the production process. The
course begins with a series of lectures that delineate the theory of directing
as it has evolved over the past century. The ideas of seminal practitioners
such as Stanislavsky, Craig, Meyerhold, Brecht, Clurman and Brook are explored.
The students are then expected to put some of these ideas into play as
they develop first their own short, original theatre piece and then mount
a full one-act play.
[top] [Course Syllabus]
ADVANCED
DIRECTING
This is an upper level course for students
wishing to explore the theoretical and practical elements of the craft
of directing. Students will function as scholarly artists in the production
of a major theatrical work. In addition to mounting a work, students will
explore the theory of directing, dramaturgy, and dramatic criticism. Students
will conduct extensive scholarly research that will provide a theoretical
underpinning for their practical work. Examples of work will be brought
into the classroom to serve as laboratory specimens for critique and dissection.
[top] [Course Syllabus]
PLAYWRITING
The Playwriting Tutorial is a challenging
practicum that expects students to function as scholarly artists in a workshop
environment. The first goal of the class is to open your imaginations and
to get you writing on a regular, disciplined basis. The second goal is
to provide you with a few basics about the craft of writing and dramatic
structure. To accomplish both of these objectives, we need to establish
a creative, safe and open environment.
[top] [Course Syllabus]
GREEK
DRAMA
This class will introduce students
to the theatricality and dramaturgy of Greek Drama. The texts will be viewed
in translation as theatrical artifacts reflecting the values, politics,
and religion of the Greek world. In addition, we will examine the impact
of the plays upon the development of later Western drama. Students will
function as scholarly artists in a seminar setting.
[top] [Course Syllabus]