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A Character Study Of Two Trouser Roles For Mezzo-Soprano In Opera: "Cherubino" From W. A. Mozart's Le Nozze Di Figaro And "Octavian" From R. Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier, Tammy Jo Hensrud-Kerian

Theses and Dissertations

Trouser roles are roles in opera in which women portray young men. These roles present a special problem for the singer-actor - the problem of performing a character through transvestism.

This thesis is a study of two popular trouser roles for mezzo-soprano. It addresses the general history of trouser roles and the specific characters of "Cherubino" from W. A. Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro and "Octavian" from R. Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier. The study analysis of these two roles incorporates the history of the characters as reflected through the development of librettos in which they appear, a character study focusing on …

The Use Of Music And Art As Directorial Tools In A Production Of Kevin O'Morrison's Ladyhouse Blues, Roseann Sheridan

Theses and Dissertations

Human beings make decisions every minute of the day. These decisions are based upon need, desire, impulse, mood, and knowledge. As we grow older, we learn skills in decision-making primarily through trial-and-error. The theatre artist, likewise, is constantly searching for new skills and techniques to aid this process. In life and in art, however, decision-making is not totally grounded in intellect but includes inst1inctive and emotional sensations. It is through finely blending intuitive responses with intellectual skills that a work of theatre art can be produced. In order to accomplish this blending however, the director needs first to identify his …

A Description Of The Theatre Curriculum At Hopewell High School, Don P. Mcmillan

Theses and Dissertations

The theatre curriculum at Hopewell High School began eleven years ago with one course; it now has expanded to three courses. Because the last course in the sequence may be repeated for credit, a student in this curriculum may earn four credits in theatre study.

The first course is English 124, entitled Drama I, and it may be taken by students in grades 9 through 12. This course introduces the student to performing in pantomime, improvisation, and in scripted scenes. The second course is English 125, entitled Drama II, which is open to students in grades 10 through 12 who …

The Evaluation Of Plays For Children: An Analysis Of Kenneth L. Graham's Basic Purpose Of Children's Plays, Karla J. Unkenholz

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Comparative Analysis Of Selected Thematic Elements In Jean Genet's The Maids And Wendy Kesselman's My Sister In This House, Connie Joan Breding

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Norwegian-American Debating Societies: A Historical And Rhetorical Analysis, Rosemary R. Wick

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate two Norwegian-American debating societies: the Forward Debate Society, founded in 1889, and the Wig Debate Society, founded in 1890. Both societies were in Minnesota. The study included a brief history of the self-improvement movement that eventually paved the way for immigrant debate societies, and an analysis of each society using three criteria: the categories of the topics debated, the annual pattern in which the debates occurred, and the type of propositions that were debated. These immigrant debate societies provided an atmosphere conducive to learning and helped to ease the assimilation process. Through …

The Audience In Charleston's Theatres, 1790 - 1860, Pamela Morris Adams

Theses and Dissertations

From the perspective of the 20th century, Charleston, South Carolina, seems an unlikely beginning for American theatre, but Charleston of previous centuries had the location and economy to attract theatrical activity. More importantly, Charleston had a population that was consistently receptive to theatre. Eola Willis' The Charleston Stage in the XVIII Century, with Social Settings of the Time demonstrates that a number of American theatrical firsts occurred in Charleston, such as the first performance by a professional actor, the first opera, and the first American prologues.

Poe Per Se, Robert Williamson Storrs Iv

Theses and Dissertations

There are four elements involved in this production of Poe per se which make it interesting and suitable as a thesis: the actor, the subject, the format, and the audience. I will discuss the problems posed by each and the methods of attack I will pursue to those problems. I will then describe the evolution of the script from research through performance. My conclusion will be an assessment of the success of the script in solving my acting problems.

The Formulation Of An Adult Dramatic Program For The Division Of Recreation And Parks In Henrico County, Virginia, Sandra Bishop

Theses and Dissertations

It is hoped that the contents of this thesis will help to provide a course of action through which the dramatic arts program may move closer to the objectives established for it by the HDRP administration. The dramatic arts program for adults, as set forth in the thesis, should create specific goals so that the HDRP may provide a consistent direction for the development of a dramatic arts program for adults. The adult dramatic arts program as formulated in the thesis should, combined with the already established dramatic arts program for youth, form a major portion of the comprehensive cultural …

Scenic And Lighting Designs For Lanford Wilson's Fifth Of July, Rudolf Herman Roggenkamp

Theses and Dissertations

In the fall of 1981 I came to the point in my studies where it became necessary to choose a thesis project. The standard procedure in the Department of Theatre at Virginia Commonwealth University is to have design students do set designs for one of the mainstage productions as their thesis project.

At the time that the thesis proposal was due the 1981-1982 season had not been decided upon, so I submitted a proposal stating that I would design a "mainstage production for Theatre V.C.U." as my project and that the documentation of this project would be my thesis. I …

A Production Approach To The Shadow Box: A Thematic Study Of Death And Dying, Michael Joseph Kramer

Theses and Dissertations

Life continually ceases to exist, making death a mysterious frontier that even learned people have been unable to grasp. Death has been the subject of all genres of literature where answers to this phenomena have been infinitely scrutinized. Within the last few decades, a curiosity over the unknown dinensions of death has risen. Literature has also shared this curiosity. In the late seventies, Michael Cristofer's The Shadow Box adopted the theories of contemporary research and depicted three social units adjusting to the dying process. My purpose in this study has been three-fold: to compare other twentieth century plays on death …

I Think I Can: Analysis Of A Theatrical Experience For Pre-School Children Ages Four To Six, Pamela Marie Donelan

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

History Of Theatre And Theatre Curriculum At Ricks College, Rexburg, Idaho, Through 1981, John Thomas Bidwell

Theses and Dissertations

This history of theatre at Ricks College provides the only comprehensive written work available on the subject. Whenever available, the thesis provides the reader with concise information concerning plays performed, their authors, the directors, performance dates, and performance locations. Changes and growth in course curriculum offerings, physical facilities, and faculty have been recorded as well. The work reveals that Ricks College theatre has been a vital contribution to theatre in the Upper Snake River valley of Southeastern Idaho.

This comprehensive history will serve as a resource for future departmental planning in the Department of Theatre at Ricks College, and for …

The Scouting Difference: Development, Direction, And Evaluation Of A Documentary Film, Kirk E. Strickland

Theses and Dissertations

There is a need for supplemental reference material of an in-depth, specific nature to suggest methods of general application to the novice film director. Because film production is such a highly collaborative art, craft, and business with limited opportunities open to beginners, the novice director can benefit a great deal from the documented experiences of another. This study will provide insight into the practical role of the film director in motion picture production. In this way, this study can influence directorial practice in a positive manner by offering a forewarning of potential production challenges and help the novice to avoid …

The Communicational Function Of Wearing Apparel For Lady Missionaries Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, Alice W. Buehner

Theses and Dissertations

Because the need exists for a professional image among lady missionaries, this thesis will define what knowledge concerning communication of clothing is necessary in order to create a desirable image of professionalism. The term "professional" is derived from available research describing the most appropriate attire for women business executives. In lieu of an experimental study by this author, the interpretation of the professional look is supported by Molloy's extensive research on women's wearing apparel. His research shows that beyond a doubt, the skirted suit and blouse give women "a look of authority and a sense of presence in business." In …

6 Cubicles (Original Drama)., Daniel Warren Landes

Theses and Dissertations

6 Cubicles is a three act drama that is best labeled a "tragicomedy." The plot revolves around the life of Hilda Stag, an elderly English professor whose obsessive behavior is best typified by her kleptomania and her mania for watching soap operas. Eventually Hilda's bad habits are chosen by her colleagues as the "sins" of the faculty office for which "atonement" must be made. Hilda thus becomes a scapegoat who is "sacrificed" by her officemates by means of a seemingly harmless prank. Suffering a mental breakdown, Hilda fantasizes herself in a religious soap opera but is victimized here as well, …

The Bantling : An Application Of Dramatic Structure To Gothic Screenwriting, Gerald J. Demartin

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Theatre Activity In Devils Lake, North Dakota Between 1899 And 1910, Jan M. Huesgen George

Theses and Dissertations

Devils Lake, North Dakota was an active and progressive city between 1899 and 1910* In the search for a more cultured lifestyle, the pioneers took great pains to bring theatrical troupes to their city. Thus, Devils Lake had a substantial amount of theatre activity in those years.

This thesis is a study of the theatre activity in Devils Lake between 1899 and 1910. Included in the study are the names and types of travelling troupes that were engaged in the city during that period, and the types of entertainment the troupes performed* The lake and the railroads were prime factors …

Attitudes Of Clog Dancers Regarding The Formation Of A National Association, Dennis H. Cobia

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of Clog Dancers in regards to forming one unified National Clog Dancing Association.

The study found the following results: 1) the majority of clog dancers and leaders want one unified National Association, 2) competition and exhibition festivals should be continued, 3) dance terminology should be standardized, and 4) the more number of years a person is involved in clog dancing the more they want a unified National _Organization.

Hedda Gabler: A Design Interpretation, Katherine J. Jacobs

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is an exploration of my design approach to the University of North Dakota production of Hedda Gabler, presented on October 5-9, 1977. The first chapter contains a brief theatrical history of the era in which the play was written, a short biography of the playwright, an analysis of the play and a brief study of late Victorian costume.

The second chapter explores how the concepts of the director and scenic designer, coupled with the necessity of recreating a historical era, influenced my final designs.

The third chapter discusses the execution of the designs. It explores the problems I …

Audience Participation In A Production Of Canterbury Tales For Children, Jean Pendray Logan

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Blues As Equipment For Living : An Application Of Kenneth Burke's Classification Of Strategies, Dianne Lynn Flint

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Performance Approaches To Jean Rhys' Novel V̲O̲Y̲A̲G̲E̲ I̲N̲ T̲H̲E̲ D̲A̲R̲K̲, Donna Marie Nudd

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Critical Appraisal Of James Whale's The Old Dark House, Christopher P. Jacobs

Theses and Dissertations

This study uses various critical approaches to analyze James Whale's 1932 film, The Old Dark House, and to some extent, the J. B. Priestley novel, Benighted, upon which it is based. The greatest difference between the two works is in their endings—the character Penderel dies in the novel but survives in the film version. The film also emphasizes the plot more than the characters, cutting much of the novel's character-developing monologues. This sacrifices, as well, much of Priestley's social commentary. The film nevertheless has more depth to its characters than many plot-oriented films of the period.

The Old Dark House …

Implications Of Sunbelt Cities Growth, Vincent Werner

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Sourcebook For The Production Of Musical Dramas And Programs In The Elementary School, Carole Elizabeth Bradley

Theses and Dissertations

The search for educational goals in music productions leads the teacher to a variety of sources for guidance: publications, workshops, and other teachers. None of these sources alone are adequate to the task. The need, then, is to bring together all of this information into one sourcebook. It is this sourcebook that the present study has endeavored to provide.

The purpose of this study has been to develop a sourcebook of practical information for the production of elementary musical dramas and programs and to provide general principles of production as a guide for music teachers. Criteria for creative environments which …

Wolf: A Screenplay, Thompson Crane-Baker

Theses and Dissertations

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts in Theatre at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Uncle Vanya By Anton Chekhov : A Translation, Duane Fish

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Study Of A Selected School Theatre Arts Program, Jonathan Charles Tabbert

Theses and Dissertations

The Problem: The purpose of this study was to develop an analytic profile of a secondary education theatre arts program. Five major areas were exam ined: (1) the students, (2) the school's administration, (3) the theatre arts faculty, (4) theatre arts course work, and (5) theatre arts produc tion work. In addition, an examination of the self concepts of theatre students and non-theatre students was made to see if differences existed between the two groups.

Sample: The sample for the study was made up of: (1) one hundred senior high school students from one North Dakota high school, (2) the …

A Study Of Friedrich Durrenmatt's Hero In Romulus Der Grosse, Der Besuch Der Alten Dame, And Die Physiker, Helen Weber Hausler

Theses and Dissertations

The fact that Durrenmatt is a writer of Komodien is well-known. He maintains that in depicting the present, comic elements must be used in order to create distance between the action on the stage and the audience. This does not mean that the tragic is entirely impossible, but rather that a portrayal of the tragic can only be attained through the comedy. And indeed the outcome of a Durrenmatt Komodie better resembles that of the tragedy than that of the comedy. Keeping in mind that there is then a mixture of the comic and the tragic, it is the purpose …