Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Pedagogy In Vietnamese International Schools, Robert Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a look at the evolutionary journey of applying dramatic pedagogy in a foreign land. It does not by any means specifically pertain to theatrical elements, but everything herein is a direct reflection on the training I received as a theatre practitioner. The last four years have also molded and defined what it means to be an American theatre student living, experiencing, and working in a land that is in many senses in infancy as a nation.

A Long Low Whistle In The Distance, Blair C. Runion

University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Erin is returning to her childhood home on a Native reservation in New Mexico. She hopes to see her father one more time before he dies, but she has other motives as well. Her relationships with her family, and with her lover Maddie come under pressure through this change in her life. Between the looming dream of reuniting with her father, and coming to terms with the new stage in her life Erin is learning how to accept herself and others.

Prodigal, Jonathan R. White

University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Following a similar pattern of the classic Biblical story of “The Prodigal Son”, the play allows for a modernization of the characters and setting. Set in 1968, the playwright takes a look at what happened after the “Prodigal Son” returned home as well as the effect the return had upon the Son that stayed as well as the Father. How can family relationships survive in the midst of lies and turmoil of a time of great change in America’s history.

Playing House With Coward’S “Hay Fever”, Sarah M. Klocke

University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

A retired actress and her quirky family trap four guests in elaborately woven games in Noel Coward’s Hay Fever. Within the concept of “playing house,” the glamour of Coward’s work lives on through scenery, costumes, and lighting, while his quirkier side is highlighted in hopes of making his Comedy of Manners accessible to a new audience.

Towards A Better Use: The Utah Shakespearean Festival, Teaching Artists, And Outreach Programs, Karen Marie Kidd

Theses and Dissertations

Teaching Artists are an important component of the Utah Shakespearean Festival's Education Department's outreach touring program that visits K-12 schools throughout Utah each year. However, the Education Department could be using Teaching Artists in different and better ways to help K-12 teachers infuse theatre into their curriculum. This work looks carefully at the outreach offered by the Utah Shakespearean Festival's Education Department and then compares it to the outreach work being done by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Shakespeare Santa Cruz. Based on the analysis of the three festivals, assessment benchmarks are identified to aid the Education Department in evaluating …

Korean Mask-Dance And Aristotle's Poetics, Teayong Pakr

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Korean mask-dance is the traditional theatre of Korea. It was formerly the country's most well-known form of drama among traditional theatrical entertainments. This study explores the theatrical structure of Korean mask-dance as well as its historical background.

The rise of Korean mask-dance may be traced back to the shamanistic village ritual which gradually became similar to the extant form after absorbing aspects of the Buddhism festival through the Goryeo Dynasty, which lasted from 918-1392). During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), the mask-dance had acquired its basic form with aspects of professional theatrical entertainment. The mask-dances have been performed during traditional holidays …

Portraying The Role Of Ezra Chater In Tom Stoppard's Arcadia, Joshua David Kellman

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In January of 2011 I began working on the role of Ezra Chater

in Tom Stoppard's 1993 masterpiece

Arcadia . The production was under the

direction of Mavourneen Dwyer. After a month and a half of

rehearsal we opened on February 25th, 2011, and began a run of

performances that lasted until March 6th. Ezra Chater appears twice

over the course of the play, first in Act 1 scene 1, then in Act 1 Scene

III, and his character is integral to the mystery that connects the past

and present scenes together. In this paper I will be detailing the …

Moral Performances: Melodrama And Nineteenth-Century American Literature, Jeffrey Taylor Pusch

Dissertations

Despite a high number of ticket sales, theater reviews, and innumerable letters and diary entries detailing trips to the theater, the stereotype that theater in nineteenth-century America was almost culturally invisible continued well into the twentieth century. Indeed, a scan of anthologies of American literature fails to yield any examples of nineteenth-century drama, even though figures like Henry James were also theater critics and playwrights. Just as it did in American life, theater exhibits a strong presence in the literature of the time. Considering theater’s pervasiveness, this dissertation seeks to restore it to its proper place in our study of …

El Gracioso En El Teatro De Calderón: Un Análisis Desde Las Humanidades Digitales, Miriam A. Peña-Pimentel

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This study has two equally important objectives: firstly, the design of a new methodology for analyzing literary texts that make use of new technologies to facilitate the task of the researcher. Secondly, the application of the methodology to a selection of Calderón de la Barca´s comedies to analyze the central role that the character of the gracioso plays in defining the essential characteristics of such plays.

The methodology presented here helps to manage large amounts of information while maintaining the semantic structure inherent in the dramatic text. It is divided into five distinct phases: manual annotation of the works following …

Projection Design For A Contemporary Dance Work By Iván Angelus In Hungary, Tennessee Dixon

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to document and analyze my projection design for a new dance piece, "VŰ", directed by Angelus Iván and staged at Trafó in Budapest, Hungary. Included is an account of the design process, the concept and projection development described scene by scene, execution, performance and evaluation. The paper ends with reflections on the relatively new field of image projections, and my professional goals in scenic design.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee: A Costume Design Process, Alexis Lauren Foster

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis will describe the costume design process for the production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee produced at the University of Arkansas University Theatre. In this thesis I will detail the process that I followed to create and produce costume designs for the production; from original idea to completed costumes. The design process will include an explanation of my design philosophy, initial reaction and analysis of the play, research, renderings, completed costumes and final thoughts on the overall process.

An Exploration Of The Collegiate Experiences Of Theatre Students In A Regional University, Robyn N. Pursley

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose for conducting the study was to describe the collegiate experience of performing arts students studying theatre in a comprehensive university setting through a qualitative examination of the perceptions that theatre students hold regarding their interactions with faculty, students, administrators, and the college campus. The study was guided by an ethnographic design identifying the sample of theatre students as a culture sharing group engaged in the formal study of theatre in a university setting. The significance of the study rested in its identification of theatre students as a student subpopulation in need of further study aimed at providing a …

The Man On The Postcard, David Williams

All Theses

The Man On the Postcard is the tale of a generational struggle against 'history' itself, in which one family attempts to discover the identity of a hero long ignored by the US.
On one August afternoon in 1916, the USS Memphis capsized off the coast of the Dominican Republic after being caught in a massive tsunami. Howard Weaver, just seventeen, was nearly lost to the unforgiving ocean before being saved by a native fisherman. Decades later, Weaver would leave his sons, Frank and Nathan, with a single remnant of this unknown hero's legacy: a faded postcard bearing his likeness.
Now, …

Forgiven: Creating The Role Of Elizabeth Proctor, Laura Kay Harrell

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The following documents my process of creating the role of Elizabeth Proctor in Arthur Miller's The Crucible. It follows the audition process, table work sessions and my own personal and detailed journal entries I kept in rehearsals while creating this role.

Audience Development Of An Emerging Theatre Company In Charlotte, North Carolina, Jennifer Quigley

Graduate Theses

Many studies exist on the topic of audience development for arts organizations. This paper specifically seeks to study the methods of audience development for emerging theatre companies in Charlotte, North Carolina in the early 21st century. My research compares published information on audience development to that of a successful emerging theatre company. After comparing this information, I provide an eight step guide of audience development strategies for emerging theatre companies.

Into The Fire: My Journey Into The Life Of John Proctor, William Dale Grayson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The following is the record of my time working on the character of John Proctor in Arthur Miller's, The Crucible. I will discuss my approach in creating the role as well as my experience in the rehearsal room. The end of the paper contains a retrospective journal where I cover rehearsals and performance.

The Development And Production Of Justin Blasdel's Play Your Last Friend, Inc., Justin Morgan Blasdel

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis details the process of the creation of the new script, Your Last Friend, Inc., a play about two conmen who realize that selling death isn't nearly as easy as selling life to the hopeless. It follows the many evolutions of the script; from the first version developed in the Graduate Playwriting class all the way to the final production at Boar's Head Players 2010 New Play Showcase at Nadine Baum Studios at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The playwright's choice to add humor to a serious topic is challenged, the characters actions face outside opinions, and …

Lighting The World Of Urinetown: The Musical By Greg Kotis And Mark Hollman, Justin Brett Ashley

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis will describe the lighting design process for the production of Urinetown: the musical produced at the University of Arkansas, University Theatre, October 2010. The thesis will detail the process that was followed to create and produce the lighting design from original idea to completed production. The process covers visual and textual research, artistic process, technical process, development of light plot and associated paperwork.

“To Kill A Mockingbird”: A Production Analysis, Richard D. Edmonson

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The purpose of this academic thesis is to study and analyze a production of To Kill a Mockingbird (novel by Harper Lee, stage adaptation by Christopher Sergel). This study includes pre-production research that explores the similarities and differences in plot, timeline, characters, and themes between the novel and play, as well as the historical significance and contemporary relevance of the story. Notes and evaluation from the production at the University of Texas-Pan American are included.

Emotional Storytelling Choreography—A Look Into The Work Of Mia Michaels, Bethany Emery

Theses and Dissertations

One of the top television reality shows today is So You Think You Can Dance? This show showcases many talents of top choreographers, including Ms. Mia Michaels. But what makes her stand out from the other choreographers in her field? With this thesis I explore why I believe Mia Michaels to be the best emotional storytelling choreographer of the twenty-first century. Analyzing examples from the show, four from Michaels and four from other choreographers and using a movement scoring method, I find why her work stands out. I will also explain how Michaels got her start in choreography, her philosophy …

A Hell House Divided: Performing Identity Politics Through Christian Mediums Of Proselytization, Allan N. Davis

Theses and Dissertations

Every year, during the month of October, hundreds of Christian churches throughout the United States open the doors of their Hell House to surrounding communities. Hell Houses are Christian haunted houses designed to literally scare the Hell out of visitors so they will accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. In the place of vampires or zombies, Hell Houses portray the sins Satan is mostly likely to tempt teenagers to commit. Scenes include young girls receiving abortions, young men believing lies that they were born gay, and careless individuals drinking and driving. As para-theatrical performances, Hell Houses lead …

Co-Learning Pedagogies In The Media Literacy Education Classroom, Erika Hill

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research project describes the experiences of students in BYU's Hands on a Camera Project as they were introduced to co-learning pedagogies. Hands on a Camera is a media literacy service-learning project where university students are placed in public schools to teach K-12 students documentary production and media literacy. The project consists of a preparation phase and a teaching phase. In the research project, students were required to complete peer-learning and peer-teaching assignments during the preparation phase as in order to prepare for the teaching phase. This ethnographic study describes student experiences—positive and negative—with peer learning during both phases …

Lady Libertines, Female Fops, And Lady Julia Fulbank: Aphra Behn's Extraordinary Female Characters., Sarah Audine Amundsen

Theses and Dissertations

Aphra Behn has, throughout her life and subsequent years, been both demonized as a writer of bawdy and licentious plays and poetry as well as being hailed as the forerunner of female writers. She was a woman writing in a man's world, and not only survived the experience, but was exceptionally successful in her efforts. While so little is known about her background, the numerous plays she has left behind demonstrate a skilled author in many forms, as well as a creative and innovative storyteller. This thesis will examine how Behn used the traditional theatrical forms of the time and …

Between Scenic Designer And Director: The Collaborative Process Of Four Productions, Elizabeth R. Muller

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents the unique designs for four productions: Ain’t Misbehavin’, Is He Dead?, Dead Man’s Cell Phone, and Legacy of Light. Presented here are the research images, conversations, situations and their resulting designs represented in my renderings and photographs of the fully realized production. Throughout, I will state my objectives in bettering the quality of interaction with each director and my reflections on the ongoing process of creating a trusting and balanced collaborative process, one that expertly serves the production.

Cry The Beloved Media: New Media And Student Perceptions In A World Literature Classroom, Timbre Janiece Newby Greenwood

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative action research project addressed the infusion of media literacy and new media into a standard secondary English language arts curriculum. In examining students' perceptions of South Africa as they interacted with new media texts in conjunction with the traditional literary text Cry, the Beloved Country, this study also explored the manner in which students' media interactions informed their reading of the novel. As a result of the research data, the author asserts that media literacy education can, in fact, play an effective role in teaching literature within the world literature classroom.

Labeling Abigail, Annora E. Brennan

Honors Theses

Three Plays I Like and Why- first research paper that explored my own personal interests in plays and what made them entertaining to me The Demands of Playwriting- second research paper that outlined the requirements of a play and how I would incorporate these demands in my own writing process Final Performance Script- Labeling Abigail: my final script with performance stage notes included Director’s Concept- third paper that detailed my intentions for the performance and my rehearsal process Director’s Calendar- created to present my intent for each rehearsal and when my tech and dress would be for the show; this …

Worklight Improv Team, Shannon N. Hill

Honors Theses

Contains information on the Worklight Improv Team's sessions, meetings, and activities.

Theatre-In-Action: Participatory Drama For Bullying Prevention, Kimberly M. Jordan

MALS Final Projects, 1995-2019

As school bullying, harassment, relational aggression, and cyberbullying gain recognition for their far-reaching, negative effects on youth development, Vermont school administrators have begun to take pro-active steps toward statewide anti-bullying education. Although guidance and behavioral supports link naturally with drama, Vermont's most commonly utilized bullying prevention programs do not include practical intervention tools with which students can practice being actors, participants, and critical observers. This thesis identifies and articulates the need for practical applications of participatory theatre within anti-bullying curricula in order to strengthen prevention plans already in place in Vermont schools. The author's research has led to the creation …

The Saylove Project: Conception To Fruition And Everything In Between, Jennifer Catton

Theses and Dissertations

The SayLove Project is an account of the process of developing and producing an original collaborative work, as well as a script that has been compiled and developed over the past. This is a LGBT based project and script.

Meeting Sanford Meisner: An Investigation Of The Origins, Development, And Practical Application Of The Meisner Technique, Mandy Butler

Theses and Dissertations

The Sanford Meisner Technique is among the most mysterious and misunderstood approaches to the craft of acting. Very often, it is taught poorly, incompletely, or even dangerously. Through the exploration of Meisner’s private life, as well as a detailed analysis of his system, this work aims to dispel some of the common misconceptions which plague the Technique and its most fervent supporters. After being made privy to his biography, readers will be taken through Meisner’s foundational exercises, beginning at the first phase of Repetition and ending with the introduction of text. In addition to the descriptions of student responsibilities, the …