ACTING TROUPE - BEGINNING / INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED

The Acting Troupe is devoted to exploring the humanistic elements of theatre through ensemble play in the spirit of support and encouragement. Students are enrolled at three levels, based upon their commitment, past experience, individual schedule, and skill assessment at each level. Ensemble work, creative writing, theatre games, improvisation and sensory work are the basis for all participants in this course.

Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Prerequisite: None.

MODERN WORLD THEATRE

This course introduces the works of several 19th and 20th century playwrights, including August Strindberg, Tennessee Williams, Anton Chekhov, Eugene O'Neill and Arthur Miller.

Daily reading of text, both group and independent, is followed by reflective papers on inquiries of theme (including cultural and political manifestations), style, character development and dramaturgy. Noting that plays are more than literary and historical pieces, the course examines dramatic interpretations through a variety of media, primarily live theater. Theater outings include local, regional and national productions where students are provided a talk-back situation with professional actors, who share their artistic experiences with the students.

Other media resources include film, staged readings, and digital archives. Through informal and formal readings of the texts, performance is explored and discussions are held regarding content and theme. The intent is to build a foundation of literary respect for the material while developing an understanding of dramatic structure from divergent points of view including acting, design, directorial and historical.

Level: ??

Prerequisite: None

THEATRE PRODUCTION

This course approaches theater from production aspects, such as directing, theater tech and design (set, scenic, lighting, sound and costume design). The goal of this class is to provide students with a clear overview of the demands of theater production and workable approaches to directing, producing and designing live theater.

Level: All levels

Prerequisite: None