Acting Commons^™

Unifying Text And Music: Applying Shurtleff's Twelve Guideposts To Operatic Arias For Soprano, Jamey J. Wright

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

In the present culture of operatic performance, artistry is measured not only by singers’ musical interpretation and vocal technique, but also by their ability to communicate compelling characterization. This monograph explores a helpful technique for dramatic interpretation in opera. The discipline of musical performance provides helpful guides to characterization through elements such phrasing, rhythm, harmony, and instrumentation. Techniques borrowed from the spoken theater, particularly those pioneered by Constantin Stanislavski, include the Magic If, objectives, actions, and tactics. The literature on auditioning for the theater is useful for synthesizing these techniques for singers, because audition techniques emphasize compelling characterization with particular ...

"My Two Ears Can Witness": Feminist Pedagogy From Rehearsal Hall To Classroom, Ben Long, Noah Long, Laura Grace Godwin

Feminist Pedagogy

Given that university rehearsal halls are a natural home for feminist pedagogy, this paper addresses professors across campus under the contention that the signature pedagogy of theatre offers a model for faculty in other disciplines. The essay adapts a series of rehearsal hall techniques for traditional classrooms as efficient ways of fostering subjectivity, empowerment, community, and reflection in service of socio-cultural ends. The original teaching activities outlined herein do not require theatrical performance, but they nevertheless draw upon the power of live witnessing and interactive response that make theatre a powerful pedagogical tool. The authors conclude with an illustration of ...

Finding My Place In The Piazza: An Exploration Of Learning And Performing A Lead Role During A Pandemic, Emma Johnson

Honors Theses

The following thesis is a reflection of one student’s process as she learns a lead role in a musical amidst a global pandemic. The author begins with why she chose to be a performer and what has led her to this moment. She examines how significantly the pandemic has affected the performing arts job sector. The author explores her first exposure to the musical “The Light in the Piazza” and the role of Clara in a scenes program at the university which took place in the spring semester of 2021. The thesis then follows her journey through the abnormal ...

Reclamation: The Crown Of African American Identity, Lindsey Kellogg

English MA Theses

African American voices have been the main sources of influence on society and culture. For this reason, it is important that African Americans speak up and reclaim their voices. Not only are their voices important, but the stories that lie behind the voices are what need to be amplified. With the application of postcolonial theory, this thesis takes modern stories located in North America depicting racist behavior towards African Americans from the year 1970 to present-day New York City in order to fully amplify the process of social struggle. As these narratives are passed down through generations serving as a ...

Meet And Run, Gia M. Binner

Theses and Dissertations

A defense for Gia Binner’s MFA Thesis, Meet and Run, argues that accessible art, known in this paper as commercial dance, is a meaningful vehicle for social change and that it has the ability to dismantle the outdated, European concert dance dominance by modeling the interdependency of both worlds.

Creating Controversy: An In-Depth Look At The Creation Of Redux, Alexandria Miles

University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

The following thesis will provide a detailed account of the process by which Redux, a devised play produced by The Radical Buffoons, was created. I will explain how I developed various original characters as well as the acting choices I made along the way. I will shed light on the social climate that inspired this piece and the historical implications that influenced our work. Redux was performed on January 28^th, 30^th, 31^st, and February 4^th, 6^th, and 7^th of 2022 at The Hotel Peter Paul in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Shape Of Things: A Theatrical Examination Of The Progression Of Emotional Manipulation, Kylee Lorio

Honors Projects

In Neil LaBute's work, The Shape of Things, graduate art student Evelyn Thompson meets security guard and future muse, Adam Sorenson, in an art museum during his late-night shift. Their meeting poses the question of just how far humans are willing to go for love. In less than two hours, LaBute’s insight regarding manipulation between intimate partners calls the integrity of our own interpersonal relationships into question. This project encapsulates the materials of Bridgewater College student Kylee Lorio while directing this production during the Covid-19 pandemic.

9 To 5 Playbill, Providence College, Emma Lowrey

Playbill and Promotion

Providence College Department of Theater, Dance & Film

Angell Blackfriars Theatre

9 to 5: The Musical

Book by Patricia Resnick

Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton

April 8-10 and 22-24, 2022

Directed by Jimmy Calitri

Musical Direction by Lila Kane

Choreographed by Jennifer Hopkins

Kelly Slader - Stage Manager

Carrie Selwood, Laurel Franczek, Joseph Pekar - Asst. Stage Managers

Sydney Cahill, Alex Cannon, Halle Pratt - Asst. Directors

Halle Pratt, Katelyn Salvato - Asst. Choreographers/Co-Dance Captains

Molly McGoldrick - Asst. Scenic Designer

Jillian Forrester - Sound Board Operator

Carolyn Bradley - Light Board Operator

Kelsi Canada, Mary Bryz-Gornia - Costume Crew

Nicholas Bullock, Clare Krug - Student Vocal Assistants ...

9 To 5 Poster, Providence College, Kailey Collins

Playbill and Promotion

Providence College Department of Theater, Dance & Film

Angell Blackfriars Theatre

9 to 5: The Musical

Book by Patricia Resnick

Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton

April 8-10 and 22-24, 2022

Directed by Jimmy Calitri

Musical Direction by Lila Kane

Choreographed by Jennifer Hopkins

Strengthening Adolescents With Anxiety Through Drama Therapy, Jeremy M. Moeller

Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)

Strengthening Adolescents with Anxiety Through Drama Therapy

Jeremy Moeller

In recent years the issues associated with social anxiety have become increasingly common in adolescents. With these issues becoming more common it is important that they continue to be nurtured and helped. With so many forms of therapy though it may be hard for someone to find a practice that suits them. That is where drama therapy comes in. Drama therapy is a fairly new practice that helps these adolescents to become more expressive and engaging in their everyday lives, decrease their social anxieties, and build a new sense of confidence ...

The Beams Are Creaking, Diane C. Merchant, Rebecca M. Baker, Rebekah Priebe, Jonathan R. Sabo, Tim Phipps

Theatre Productions

The inspiring, powerful, true story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian who defied the Nazis and ultimately led an assassination attempt against Hitler. Part political thriller, part love story, and leavened with moments of humor, it is filled with a compassion that reaffirms one’s faith in man.

Beneath The Surface: A Memory Play On Asperger's Syndrome, Conner Case

Senior Honors Theses

While academic, formal research proves to give readers an intellectual understanding of Asperger’s syndrome, this thesis serves as an approach to understanding the psychology of an Aspie on an emotional level. Through both research from peer-reviewed studies and the personal perception of an Aspie writer, a playwright develops a script inspired by the psychological aspects of Tennessee Williams’ memory play, The Glass Menagerie, to create an informative, yet engaging story about an Aspie protagonist. The playwright seeks to express that Aspies, despite their stereotypically cold exteriors, are emotionally complex individuals beneath the surface.

Program: The Sound Of Music, University Of Dayton, Teejai Dorsey

Production Programs

Production program for The Sound of Music

Let The People Speak: How Verbatim Theater Allows Historically Marginalized Groups Tell Their Stories, Kalala C. Kiwanuka-Woernle

Theatre and Dance Honors Projects

motherhood: the good, bad, and ugly was born out of my research of Verbatim Theater, specifically the practices of Anna Deavere Smith, The Tectonic Theater Project, and Eve Ensler; and the lack of fully fleshed out mother characters represented in theatre. In my research, I focused on how these different playwrights crafted their plays, identified the topic or event they wanted to explore, and the selection of their subjects. During the pandemic, I had the idea to create a theater piece that would tell the good, the bad, and the ugly of motherhood because in the media especially in the ...

Risk, Resilience, And The Essential Experience Of Being Seen: Helping Actors Move From Self-Care To Deep Freedom With The Alexander Technique, Jennifer Schulz

Theatre Faculty Publications

In actor training, Alexander Technique (AT) encourages release of tension, ease, efficiency of movement, and greater expressivity. It evokes deep transition into character, and helps the actor avoid injury. While AT often transpires in quiet spaces between an AT teacher and student, it can also be utilized as a practical tool by the director in group experiences, both in the classroom and in rehearsals, in order to restore expansiveness and brighten the creative inner life of the actor for the audience. Its principles are flexible and comprehensive, fostering freedom and play. While a certified AT teacher is required for full ...

Death Of A Salesman: A Theatrical Examination Of The “American Dream” On The Human Psyche And The Effects On Aging On The Mind., Kylie Chisnell

Honors Projects

Willy Loman is a salesman who is nearing the end of his life. As his mind begins to deteriorate, the viewer experiences several memories, dreams, arguments, and conversations that Willy has had. The Loman family in the play is in a perpetual cycle of denial, confrontation, and contradictions. Willy is most notably difficulty on his eldest son, Biff, who does not seem to live up to Willy’s expectations. The play tragically ends with Willy’s suicide and funeral. This theatrical version of the play will focus on the problematic issues that arise from chasing the notion of the “American ...

Lerner And Loewe's Gigi, Lynn University

Drama Programs

Elaine's Annual Musical Treat

Exclusive production sponsor Elaine J. Wold, invites you to Lerner and Loewe’s beloved Gigi. Lerner and Loewe’s musical comedy is about a free-spirited young girl living in Paris at the turn of the 20th century and the wealthy young playboy who falls in love with her as she is transformed into a poised courtesan. Includes songs “Thank Heaven for Little Girls” and “I Remember It Well.

Book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner
Music by Frederick Loewe
Based on a novel by Colette

As produced by Edwin Lester for the Los Angeles and ...

Internalized Misogyny As Displayed By Aunt March In Little Women, Sydney Lofton

Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)

It seems that more women fight against each other than for one another. Women have developed a reputation for gossiping to disparage the reputation of each other, leveraging terms like “floozie,” “bimbo,” and “slut” against one another. While women will rage against men who support the patriarchy, women are often some of the strictest enforcers of its standards. In Kate Hamill’s playscript Little Women, an adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 novel, it is Aunt March, not a man, who places pressure on Jo to assimilate to society’s expectation of women. This push of conformity may reflect ...

Meet Me In St. Louis, Rebecca M. Baker, Tim Phipps, Jonathan R. Sabo, Carlos Elias, Rebekah Priebe, Stacey Stratton

Theatre Productions

It is the summer of 1903, and the Smith family eagerly anticipates the opening of the 1904 World’s Fair. Memorable musical numbers include "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "The Boy Next Door," "The Trolley Song," and "Whenever I’m with You." A delightful show for all ages!

Staging A Metaphor: Transplant As A Relationship In Lauren Gunderson's I And You, Georgia Su Ga

Honors College Theses

First time directing offers many lessons to be learned. No two directors will learn the exact same things. For the sake of diversity of perspective, this is a positive thing. Directors are meant to be different from one another. It is necessary and eye opening to see one play presented in several different ways. While every directing process, vision, and final product varies from person to person, we can learn a thing or two from our fellow directors and gain inspiration.

Directing, especially for those just starting out, is an experiment for their methods, organization skills, rehearsal routines, collaborations with ...