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Full-Text Articles in Arts and Humanities
[Re]Fashioning A Means: Exploring And Adapting Anna Cora Mowatt's Fashion Through A Feminist Lens., Jordan Tudor Haggard
[Re]Fashioning A Means: Exploring And Adapting Anna Cora Mowatt's Fashion Through A Feminist Lens., Jordan Tudor Haggard
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This MFA thesis explores gender representation in Anna Cora Mowatt’s Fashion (1845) and the adaptation [Re]Fashion presented by the University of Louisville’s Department of Theatre Arts in Spring 2021. Directed by Dr. J. Ariadne Calvano, University of Louisville faculty, staff, and students worked together to repurpose the script for a modern audience. Cast as the governess, Gertrude, I aimed to find truth in my character without ignoring the social prescriptions of mid-19th-century America. Gertrude values purity and honesty, virtues considered innately feminine by the period’s cultural feminists. I argue that Fashion is a cultural feminist work and Gertrude …
In Bloom: Nurturing The Liberation Process Of Performer And Character As Rose In August Wilson's Fences., Paula O. Lockhart
In Bloom: Nurturing The Liberation Process Of Performer And Character As Rose In August Wilson's Fences., Paula O. Lockhart
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Rose Maxson is the 43-year-old matriarch of the Maxson household in August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Fences. She is a character with an inviolable spirit. The unwavering force she possesses rattles the pages as she relives past loves, loss, experiences heartbreak. Imagine, how I, a then 24-year old devoid of the immense life experience that Rose encompasses found my way into her. The answer is through nurture. To nurture is a process of feeding, protecting, or rearing someone or something. It is a journey with or without a destination. Rose is in a constant state of nurturing her family, …
Under Construction : Acting, Creativity, Collaboration, And Siti Company., Carol Stewart
Under Construction : Acting, Creativity, Collaboration, And Siti Company., Carol Stewart
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation is a case study of New York’s Saratoga International Training Institute (known as SITI Company), one of the most innovative American theatre companies of the last twenty-five years. Research for this study was based in part on the author’s experience with the work of SITI throughout those years, including participation in intensive training with the company and observations of rehearsal and performance of the 2014 world premiere production of Steel Hammer at the Humana Festival of New American Plays, at Actors Theatre of Louisville. SITI Company is defined by their dedication to actor training, and to a democratic …
Will-Power Through Physical Connectivity., Mia Donata Rocchio
Will-Power Through Physical Connectivity., Mia Donata Rocchio
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This thesis is an examination of my process within the creation of my thesis role, Eurydice in Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice. I begin with the technical skills, such as analysis and dissection of, the text and all of its components (punctuation, alliteration, rhyming, the organization of the lines, etc.), character action and reaction, and historical research into the primary source material for the play, (the Greek myth, Orpheus and Eurydice). These discoveries are framed around a discussion of situating Eurydice within contemporary standards of girlhood. From there, I dive into an examination of the steps I had to take in order …
Gestures Of Creative Recovery For The Egocentric Actor Through Performance In Wertenbaker's Our Country's Good., Ross Joel Shenker
Gestures Of Creative Recovery For The Egocentric Actor Through Performance In Wertenbaker's Our Country's Good., Ross Joel Shenker
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This document serves as a travelogue for the creation of two roles for the U of L Fall 2017 Production of Timberlake Wertenbaker’s Our Country’s Good. At odds throughout the process were intellect and vulnerability. In an attempt to find openness with my primary scene partner, I tried a variety of techniques including, but not limited to: Konstantin Stanislavski’s “Bits and Tasks”; Michael Chekhov’s “Psychological Gesture”; Carl Jung’s theories on Archetype; F.M. Alexander’s notions of “Inhibition” and “Nondoing” as expounded upon by Betsy Polatin; and Julia Cameron’s “Morning Pages.” My original goal of achieving vulnerability on stage became consumed …
Finding Exuberance For The Role Shelby In Baltimore., Danielle Smart
Finding Exuberance For The Role Shelby In Baltimore., Danielle Smart
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This thesis documents my discovery of exuberance as the key to a successful performance and reveals the challenges I faced in developing a character whose major actions in the play fall into the category of masking (i.e. hiding, avoiding, dodging). I define exuberance and discuss how I came to understand that sustaining exuberance requires a great deal of technical expertise specifically in acting, movement and voice in order to accommodate the demands of the character. I contend that exuberance also requires commitment and nurturing of the actor’s personal artistic vision. This thesis will discuss some of the difficulties I faced …
Building The Bastard : Confidence Through Preparation In Shakespeare's King Lear., Shaleen Tarun Cholera
Building The Bastard : Confidence Through Preparation In Shakespeare's King Lear., Shaleen Tarun Cholera
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This thesis is to chart my discovery that confidence is essential to an actor’s craft. This thesis focuses on my performance as Edmund in King Lear, as well as my production the previous summer playing Hussein in Ayad Akhtar’s Disgraced. I draw from a variety of sources, such as meditation and formal acting exercises, to achieve confidence. Most importantly, I distill my missteps as an actor for a better understanding of what hinders confidence when building a role for performance.
Working From The Outside In., Byron Lee Coolie Jr.
Working From The Outside In., Byron Lee Coolie Jr.
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This thesis serves as an examination (or exploration) of how an actor can approach a role by working from the outside in, also known as the external acting approach. This thesis also chronicles my beginnings as an actor and preparations for my thesis role as the character of Lymon Jackson in The Piano Lesson. In this thesis, I explain how I uncovered my growth, overcame challenges, failures, and successes in the role of Lymon. I elaborate on how I, initially an internal actor, externally approached a muscular and complex role for the very first time. Also, I describe my undergraduate …
An Actor’S Approach To Claire In Proof By David Auburn, Kathryn Patterson
An Actor’S Approach To Claire In Proof By David Auburn, Kathryn Patterson
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The areas of study in the Proof thesis contain research on the play, the playwright, and the acting style utilized in the performance and character analysis. The acting style in this process focuses on the actor’s creative work in preparation of portraying a female character. This character is a controlling woman that is unable to manipulate others. By using relaxation techniques involving the Alexander Technique, the actor was able to transition into the character with honest emotions and motives. Finding similarities to the character by using personal relationships gave the actor the ability to discover connections with the character in …
Presence And The Actor's Craft., Casey Richard Moulton
Presence And The Actor's Craft., Casey Richard Moulton
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this thesis is to establish that Presence is essential to an actor’s craft. This thesis makes considerable mention of my own work on Naomi Iizuka’s Polaroid Stories, playing the part of SKINHEADboy, as well as making mention of the theoreticians and practitioners of Acting who have dealt with the subject of Presence. The parallels I draw between actor training and the sources from outside of the field of Acting feed not only into an understanding of how consequential Presence is for the actor, but also how Presence can affect the lives human beings. This thesis also contains …
Recreating The Green-Eyed Monster : Iago For Modern Audiences., Travis Stolp
Recreating The Green-Eyed Monster : Iago For Modern Audiences., Travis Stolp
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This thesis is an examination of my approach to the role of Iago in William Shakespeare's Othello. The thesis explores my training as an actor and the struggles that have challenged me in the past. I then discuss my acting process for Iago in which specific imagery, sounds, and energies in Shakespeare's text influence my employment of Michael Chekhov's acting technique. By using this technique, I am able to make specific psychological and physical choices that authenticate my performance as a character who is not a racist villain, but a victim who suffers from multiple personality disorders. Through this approach, …
Adapting To Eda : Embracing Change And Acting Accordingly., Tia Leshaun Davis 1989-
Adapting To Eda : Embracing Change And Acting Accordingly., Tia Leshaun Davis 1989-
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This thesis serves to argue the importance of being able to embrace, promote and adapt to change in the pursuit of becoming a well-rounded artist. This thesis will chronicle my beginnings as a performing artist and show how the physical, spiritual and personal education I received from specific theatrical companies and academic institutions prepared me for my thesis roles and various production responsibilities in the University of Louisville production of Eda by Obotunde Ijimere, translated by Ulli Beier and directed by Nefertiti Burton. My education and willingness to embrace, promote and adapt to change allowed me to successfully immerse myself …
A Jew From Nebraska: An Actors Attempt At Stand-Up Comedy, Jeffrey Nathan
A Jew From Nebraska: An Actors Attempt At Stand-Up Comedy, Jeffrey Nathan
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Stand-up comedy has been a major influence on American culture and has given the "Everyman" the ability to laugh at ourselves. Stand-up comedians have been performing in nightclubs, bars, clubs, and, most importantly, theatres for the past 60 years. Stand-up comedy can take many forms: a monologue of entertaining incidents that form a story, or a string of one-liners, or a succession of jokes. This performance project and thesis is an examination and an attempt at the art form that we call stand-up comedy. It will answer the question of what is the best approach to writing comedy for an …
The Healing Process : Finding Oneself Through Character., Jody-Ann Peta-Gay Henry
The Healing Process : Finding Oneself Through Character., Jody-Ann Peta-Gay Henry
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This thesis examines my journey as an artist. It chronicles my beginning as an actor and the development of my skills and gift as a performer and educator. It also represents how theatre has been a major part of my self-discovery and continues to foster my growth and development. I describe how I fell in love with theatre, and what inspired me to pursue a career as an actor. I highlight my life changing experience at the University of Louisville, where I was challenged not only as an actor, but also as an individual. I discuss my most challenging experience …
Aerial Arial : A Lesson In Strength And Stamina., Ashley Elizabeth Smith
Aerial Arial : A Lesson In Strength And Stamina., Ashley Elizabeth Smith
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This thesis serves to argue the importance of skills related to strength and stamina in the field of theatre performance, particularly in regards to engaging young audiences by applying physical spectacle to classical theatre works. This thesis explores the physical theatre theories of Tadashi Suzuki, Mary Overlie, Rudolf Laban, and the theatrical style of Commedia dell’Arte as applied to my role as Ariel in The Tempest. It also reflects on the use of aerial silks in the same Shakespearean production, serving to prove that the skills required for such a strenuous physical activity are useful for actors as they attempt …
Walking To My Death : An Actor's Journey., David Elliot Galloway 1987-
Walking To My Death : An Actor's Journey., David Elliot Galloway 1987-
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
In the fall of 2011, I began a course of graduate theatrical training at the University of Louisville. Over my three years of study, I have developed a process for the creation of a well-rounded and emotionally interesting character. I call my process three-dimensional acting. This process is composed of: a keen and in-depth study of and adherence to the text, careful and thorough voice work, and well-rehearsed and executed physicality. This study shows, through its application to the character of Matthew Poncelet, in Dead Man Walking, that my process is succeeds in creating a character of emotional complexity that …
The Tempest Defending Prospera : The Ideation Of Spiritual Lineage And Practice In Performance For An Afro-Haitian American Actor., Iva-Kristi Maria Papailler
The Tempest Defending Prospera : The Ideation Of Spiritual Lineage And Practice In Performance For An Afro-Haitian American Actor., Iva-Kristi Maria Papailler
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Imagine: William Shakespeare’s final hero, Prospero and all of his beautiful and majestic White, Italian maleness played by an Afro-Haitian American actress. Something changes. No longer does the audience see a traditional view of the character onstage. The audience sees a woman of African descent delivering lines written for a man of European descent. They may or may not question what they are seeing: certainly, I the actor, must. My Blackness brings an ancestral line to the production that makes a variety of traditional African religions part of Prospera’s spiritual lineage. My Blackness and gender also imbue Prospera with a …
Digesting Modern Acting Theory For Young Performers, Brandon Yagel
Digesting Modern Acting Theory For Young Performers, Brandon Yagel
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
An actor seeking to improve his craft can find numerous sources containing countless tips and techniques on the art of acting. However, the majority of these books target the adult actor often leaving young performers struggling to understand complex acting theory. With the goals of creating a nurturing learning environment and quality performance work within a compact rehearsal schedule, this thesis project created and evaluated a new synthesis of modern acting theory for directors to use when working with young performers. This technique adapted and coalesced several perspectives on foundational acting theory-specifically looking at the use of a character's wants …
Developing New Works For The Stage: An Actor's Perspective, Lauren Butler
Developing New Works For The Stage: An Actor's Perspective, Lauren Butler
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
U.S. Theatre is often noted for its commitment to new play development. Since Eugene O’Neill, America has fostered a tradition of celebrating emerging playwrights and their bold, edgy new works through countless development programs such as festivals, new play readings, grant programs, workshops, and world premieres. Although in recent years new-play development has seen a steady decline in funding (Levitow 2), it remains a cornerstone of American identity and an essential medium for pushing boundaries in theatre, both culturally and artistically. New-play development is indispensable for keeping theatre relevant in our everchanging culture. For my thesis, I explore the process …
Attention Must Be Paid: A Critical Study Of The Non-Traditional Leading Man In Twentieth Century Drama, Trevin Cooper
Attention Must Be Paid: A Critical Study Of The Non-Traditional Leading Man In Twentieth Century Drama, Trevin Cooper
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The role of the non-traditional leading man has painted a strong image which mirrors the cultural development of our identities; we turn to these men/characters to understand who, or why, we are. Their contributions require acknowledgement. This thesis is a study of the vital role the non-traditional leading man has played in the evolution of twentieth-century theatre. It will examine, through the use of ten plays, one from every decade of the twentieth century, and twelve male roles, the theory that some of the greatest leading male characters in modern theatre are not epitomized by the qualities identified with the …
9/11: We Will Forget, Jason Nettle
9/11: We Will Forget, Jason Nettle
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This study is based on the events of September 11, 2001. I will be writing a one man show containing fictional characters that I will write based on research of that day. The show will consist of numerous characters cut from different ages, religions, genders, and points of view. I will be portraying these characters using the tools I have acquired in studio and on stage. The challenge will be to make each character different and bring their experience and unique point of view to the performance. This study will begin at conception of the idea and follow the journey …
An Actor's Approach: Stepping Into A Role And A World Of The Past, Danielle Gosselin
An Actor's Approach: Stepping Into A Role And A World Of The Past, Danielle Gosselin
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
To step into a character and a world of the past, the actor must not discard the present, but seek to find connections and links between the worlds. I was cast in the Orlando Shakespeare Theater production of Sense and Sensibility, a Jon Jory adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel, in the role of Lucy Steele. This was an equity production, and it ran February 6th – March 17th, 2013, in the Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s Margeson Theater. Lucy is a female character from England in a period often referred to as the Regency era. As a woman from today’s United States …
Developing Actor Expertise : The Presentation And Representation Of Man In Will Eno's The Flu Season., Conrad Harding Newman 1984-
Developing Actor Expertise : The Presentation And Representation Of Man In Will Eno's The Flu Season., Conrad Harding Newman 1984-
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This thesis examines my work on the role of Man in the University of Louisville's 2011 production of Will Eno's The Flu Season directed by James Tompkins. It is composed of three primary chapters: rehearsal process, character development, and performance. The rehearsal chapter compares and contrasts my experiences working with Dr. Amy Steiger on Charles Mee's A Perfect Wedding and Professor James Tompkins on The Flu Season, highlighting the value of both collaborative and individual aspects in rehearsal. The styles of the directors are observed and discussed concerning their effect upon my acting process and development. In character development I …
Inheriting The Motley Mantle An Actor Approaches Playing The Role Of Feste, Shakespeare's Update Of The Lord Of Misrule, Andrew Clateman
Inheriting The Motley Mantle An Actor Approaches Playing The Role Of Feste, Shakespeare's Update Of The Lord Of Misrule, Andrew Clateman
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Playing role of Feste in William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night presents a complex challenge to the actor. Feste is at once a character in the world of the play and a clown figure with specific dramatic functions having roots in the Lord of Misrule of the English holiday and the Vice of the morality play. How can the actor playing Feste create a believable psychological portrayal that is aligned with the functions Shakespeare assigns the role? And be entertaining as well? I suggest that actor will benefit greatly from an exploration the traditional function of the clown its development in society …
Beyond Performance Portraying A Gay Character Truthfully And Effectively, Trent Fucci
Beyond Performance Portraying A Gay Character Truthfully And Effectively, Trent Fucci
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Queer culture is finding an ever-increasing voice in the arts. Plays like The Laramie Project, Rent, and Angels in America have contributed to making queer identity a very present voice in popular culture. In this thesis, I investigate the excitement and complexity of a straight actor becoming a gay character on stage. Using my interpretation of "Jack" in Debbie Lamedman’s new play, Triangle Logic, as a case study, I catalogue a three-month journey towards the effective embrace of truthfulness on stage. I expand the idea that actors must not layer on possibly offensive stereotypes to convey sexuality, but, instead, focus …
The Anatomy Of A Fight Scene Characterization Through Stage Combat And Movement, Nona Lee Davis
The Anatomy Of A Fight Scene Characterization Through Stage Combat And Movement, Nona Lee Davis
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The study of stage combat is designed to fabricate the illusion of physical combat without causing harm to the performers. Most research in this field does not take into account the characterization of the actor during the training of a fight scene. An actor primarily learns the stunt choreography of the scene and often times the subtleties of the character is often forgotten. Scenes that involve physical contact are an essential aspect of the dramatic action. My aim is to eventually devise a process that will consistently create fight scenes that maintain the integrity of the fight director‘s work as …
The Actor's Role In Developing New Plays, Brooke M. Haney
The Actor's Role In Developing New Plays, Brooke M. Haney
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The constant development of new plays is vital for theatre to stay relevant. There is a desire, a yearning, a need to see the issues we face in our lives on stage in current contexts, and to watch characters living with them. The ability, as an Actor, to be an asset to the process of creating new works is invaluable. For my thesis, I discuss the role of the Actor in the process of developing new plays for the stage. I say “discuss” because I venture to guess that this role is constantly evolving. There may be as many ways …
Technique Arms The Imagination Developing An Acting Theory Best Suited For Motion Capture Performance And The Creation Of A Virtual Character, Brendan Rogers
Technique Arms The Imagination Developing An Acting Theory Best Suited For Motion Capture Performance And The Creation Of A Virtual Character, Brendan Rogers
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
“The untrained body, like the sculptor's marble, can express nothing but its own limitations” (Lust 70). As acting styles have changed through the years, corresponding schools of thought have arisen to prepare performers for their unique challenges. Perhaps the goal of producing a “gripping performance,” one in which the audience is truly invested, has remained the same since the time of Thespis. How one arrives at this desired result, however, has varied greatly through the ages. Techniques, not surprisingly, tend to build on previous theories, beliefs and practices. Étienne Decroux’s corporeal mime technique builds on the teachings of Jacques Copeau, …
Hamlet From The Stage., David Blair
Hamlet From The Stage., David Blair
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Hamlet From The Stage is a video production designed to be an extra feature on the DVD video of the stage production of Hamlet, performed by the Division of Theatre and Dance at East Tennessee State University, and filmed by the Department of e-Learning during the Spring Semester of 2009. Hamlet From The Stage is a professional interview style video package of the cast of Hamlet designed to help inexperienced collegiate actors learn some useful tools when approaching a Shakespearean audition or performance. This video package represents over eleven months of production: concept, writing, set design and studio setup, interview …
X: The Rise And Fall Of An Asylum Star (A Journey Of Two Actresses), Erika Wilhite
X: The Rise And Fall Of An Asylum Star (A Journey Of Two Actresses), Erika Wilhite
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The performance of X: The Rise and Fall of an Asylum Star, in conjunction with my thesis document, investigates the dichotomy of fantasy and reality for a performer. I compare the creative and emotional journey of Augustine, a young woman hospitalized for hysteria, to my own journey as an actress. Augustine was also performer, for her doctors led her in public demonstrations of the symptoms of hysteria. Her "talent" for hysteria earned her notoriety and celebrity. She was coached and directed from her doctors to enhance her demonstrations. As a result, the validity and authenticity of her state was questionable. …