Theatre and Performance Studies Commons^™

Prepare To Pivot: Shifting From The Projection Surface To The Zoom Screen Necessitated By Global Pandemic, David E. Mills-Low

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Design for theatre is an endeavor in which the physical, the corporeal, the defined, is applied to an ephemeral artform, one meant to happen only in the moment and then fade away. As such, building the world of the theatrical space, whether physical or digital, is similar to shooting at a moving target. While one angle of approach may be perfect for a moment, being ready and flexible enough to pivot, whether to reimagine due to limitation or to adjust an entire project due to calamity, like the shift from in person to online streaming. This paper investigates the joy …

Lived Experience: The Training Of Therapists, Actors & Human Beings, Richard Williams

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

There is much in common between theater and therapy. Both happen live. Both are explorations of human experience. Both require participants to be emotionally and mentally present. Both are hard to do well (and easy to do poorly). Training to be a clinical psychologist requires hours of coursework, administrative work, supervision, and on the job clinical experience. Training to be a professional theater maker or actor requires hours of rehearsal. The elements of acting are deconstructed during training so that rehearsal consists of voice-work, physical theater, scene study, etcetera. Training to be an actor entails much more practice of the …

Fashion As Freedom - The Bustle And Women Of The Late Victorian Era, Sydney A. Everett

The Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research

In contrast to the general bias of Americans, the First- and Second-Bustle periods allowed the women of the time to find freedom through changes in the Victorian fashion. The women of the 19th century were able to achieve freedom through the bustle periods between 1867 and 1889 by gaining freedom of movement more so than through any of the other fashions, first by gaining social and economic benefit through smuggling items in their bustles and finally, through being able to remove the bustle for athletic wear. This research uses primary research sources and contemporary scholarly essays to analyze how these …

Impacts Of Theatre On The Mental Health Of High School Students, Madeline Ludwig

Honors Program Theses

This thesis explores the effects of participation in theatre on mental health in high school students. Though there has been more research since 2008 on mental health and its relation to the arts, there have been very few focused on mental health and theatre. However, the majority of these studies are centered around adults or young children. There is a lack of research centered around the impacts that theatre and drama have on the mental health of high school students. This study specifically focused on college students at the University of Northern Iowa and their reflection on their time in …

Modern Dance, Embodiment, And Society: The Graham Technique’S Resistance To Conditioned Physicality, Cara Mcmanus

Dissertations and Theses

Martha Graham, foremost pioneer of American Modern dance, is the originator and developer of what is known today as the Graham technique. When this technique is removed from performative contexts, the philosophy of its practice can add insight to a discussion of embodiment and what it means to resist socially prescribed embodiments. This paper will examine the ways in which the Graham technique cultivates awareness of embodiment’s origins and processual nature, and therefore how a conscious resistance to social conditioning can arise. The neuroscientific and physiological processes behind this cultivation of awareness will be discussed, and several examples of resistance …

An Arrow Against Profane And Promiscuous Dancing. Drawn Out Of The Quiver Of The Scriptures. [1686], Increase Mather, Paul Royster , Ed.

Zea E-Books Collection

"The unchast Touches and Gesticulations used by Dancers, have a palpable tendency to that which is evil."

When a dancing master arrived in Boston in 1685 and offered lessons and classes for both sexes during times normally reserved for church meetings, the Puritan ministers went to court to suppress the practice. Increase Mather (1639-1723) took the leading part, writing and publishing this tract, which compiles arguments and precedents for the prohibition of “Gynecandrical Dancing, [i.e.] Mixt or Promiscuous Dancing, viz. of Men and Women … together.” These justifications were certainly shared with the court, which found the dancing …

The Well-Made Man: An Exploration Of George Tesman In Henrik Ibsen's Hedda Gabler, Ryan Ernst

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Hedda Gabler is one of the best-known works of Realism theatre, and the character, Hedda, is a showcase of dynamic and challenging work; but her husband, George Tesman, rarely, if ever, is showcased. Here I explain why George’s character deserves more attention and actually makes for a better protagonist than Hedda. Textual analysis shows the absence of the play’s parental figures and a rubber band metaphor illustrates how all the characters are con-nected to each other. The misconceptions and subtext concerning George: a social filtering mechanism, perception of character, George’s selflessness, how he is made fun of, the heart compared …

Bravery In The Delicate: An Actor's Exploration Of Thea Elvsted In Henrik Ibsen's Hedda Gabler, Mary Catherine Goff

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This purpose of this document is twofold: to examine the process of character creation over the course of my experiences performing the role of Thea Elvsted in West Virginia University’s spring 2020 production of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, and to define Thea’s dramatic significance to Hedda Gabler as a whole. The following text will provide a detailed look at the research I collected in the interest of building a cohesive view of the world of the play. Additionally, it will describe the various techniques I employed throughout the rehearsal and performance process of the production, with specific attention paid to …

But They Purloined My Coat: Walking Through The Actor’S Process Of Entering Into The Role Of Tom Collins In Jonathan Larson’S Rent, Cameron Amir Khoshgam

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

To explore an actor’s process is to explore the foundation of all acting methods. The purpose of this document is to do just that. From character creation to final performance of the role of Tom Collins in West Virginia University’s spring 2021 production of Jonathan Larson’s Rent, this document will share a detailed look at research into the historical framework of the musical, the playwright, and character inspiration in the pursuit of crafting a well-rounded understanding of the show. Additionally, it will provide an account of textual analysis, an in-depth look at the rehearsal process, and various acting techniques …

“Beychella:” Beyoncé’S Homecoming To A Futuristic Queer Utopian, Jolie V. Brownell

sprinkle: an undergraduate journal of feminist and queer studies

Beyoncé’s 2018 Coachella performance and 2019 Homecoming film set the stage for a radical Black queer reimagining. Yet, how can Beyoncé—who is straight—be located within a queer critique? In this paper, I argue that through a radical and political expansion of queer, the creative deployment of dis/identification, and the unapologetic expression of the erotic, Beyoncé performs an embodiment of queer of color critique. These creative gestures within “Beychella” invite viewers into a queer futuristic utopian and provide new creative modes to politically inhabit, resist, and reimagine interlocking systems of oppression.

Keywords: Beyoncé, queer, dis/identification, erotic, QoCC, …

"Keep Your Facts, I'M Going With The Truth": Toward An Ethical Perfromance Of Satire In The Age Of Hyper-Polarization And Culture War, Carson Betts

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Satire is having a unique cultural moment. Conversations about what constitutes satire, why it should be performed, and how can it be done ethically are abundant in American popular culture. As with many forms of art and entertainment, satire has become a major subject of discussion in the great American Culture Wars: the conflict between the highly stratified ideological poles of right and left over the dominance of each's closely held social values, political ideals, and aesthetic sensibilities. Divides, real and imagined, in the American public have given popular discourse a sharp and biting edge, driven by growing political polarization …

Combating Performance Anxiety: Reflections Of A Personal Anti-Anxiety Plan For Onstage And Filmed Media, Megan Friend

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

As a performer, I am still challenged with thoughts of anxiety, fear, and premeditated responses. This anxiety often prevents me from exploring choices in the rehearsal room and impedes my character's given circumstances during a performance. It has become imperative for me to explore a new way to approach a role psychologically, emotionally, and physically. I hope to eliminate the persistent problem that occurs in my process; the common gap between mind and body that prevents me from creating a dynamic, holistic performance. This document will examine two vital stages of the development and application of my new process. As …

An Actor Auditions, Jessica T. Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

In the fall of 2020, I began one of my most demanding graduate career courses, Audition Techniques. We explored Michael Shurtleff's book, Auditions, to learn about his auditioning techniques. I found early on in this journey that I lacked a consistent approach to auditions. This thesis represents the process of auditioning and will serve as a tool for actors transitioning from the educational theater, seeking to improve confidence in auditioning. In a regional theater audition for the Orlando Shakes, I will evaluate my ability to apply techniques learned in educational theater training, such as Shurtleff's 12 guideposts and ways to …

Braving The Discomfort: An Examination Of Hate Speech And Racially-Motivated Violence Onstage, And How We Should Approach It, Sarah Hubert

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This thesis is an exploration of best practices in regards to creating a safe space within the theatre for artists to feel comfortable creating without risk to their emotional or physical safety. These safe spaces are particularly needed around shows which call for onstage racial violence or racist language. Methodology for these best practices includes theatrical intimacy, safe space creation as utilized by various advocacy groups, Theatre of the Oppressed, and drama therapy. In addition to these best practices that apply to the entire production, ideas for individual practice are explored. As a case study, Theatre UCF's production of Sweat …

The Death Of Beowulf: Exploring The Conception, Process, And Lessons Of An Original Solo Performance Based On A Classic, Jeffrey Sneed

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The Death of Beowulf: Exploring the Conception, Process, and Lessons of an Original Solo Performance Based on a Classic is the exploration of a performer's journey understanding how their own identity and aesthetic has been defined by other works of art and how it affects their creative expression. The author examines the nature of classics as culturally and personally formative texts, and how the artist's experiences and interpretation can potentially deliver fresh understandings of a familiar text. Then, by applying this to his own process of devising a script based on the epic poem Beowulf, he grapples with the challenges …

Sympathy For The Devil: A Compassionate Approach To Morally Reprehensible Characters In Drama, Amy Livingston

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Empathy is often heralded as a vital part of the theatrical experience. Generally understood as the experience of feeling what another person is feeling, it is believed to help actors create more honest performances and to help audiences better understand viewpoints different from their own. These empathic experiences are complicated, however, when applied to stories about characters who commit unforgivably evil acts and may lead people to feel manipulated into justifying or sharing the immoral beliefs of these characters. This thesis argues that for theatre practitioners telling stories about morally reprehensible characters, compassion, involving feelings of care and concern for …

Emotional Availability: A Practice-As-Research Exploration On Acting In Film And Theatre, Janice Munk

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Actors are frequently required to be emotionally available on the spot, in situations ranging from an early morning acting class, to filming a scene well past midnight after a full day on set. In theatre, there is the expectation to deliver the right emotion every performance, and in film, when the camera and crew are ready, the actor is expected to produce the emotion at that moment. This demand to give emotionally compelling performances can cause an actor to stress under the pressure to deliver. Acting for stage and film have similarities and differences, and an actor needs to learn …

Towards A Postdramatic Jazz Aesthetic: Per(Form)Ance And Its Discontents, Johann Robert Wood

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

In Karen Jürs-Munby's introduction to her English translation of Hans-Thies Lehmann's Postdramatic Theatre (2006), she positions a single African American theatre practitioner, Suzan-Lori Parks, within the canon of postdramatic writers in spite of Lehmann's blind spot for the contribution of Black artists to innovations in theatre practice and aesthetics. This thesis draws from critical jazz studies, particularly Parks's "Rep & Rev" and Fred Moten's analysis of jazz improvisation from his seminal work, In the Break: The Aesthetics of the Black Radical Tradition (2003), in order to visibilize Black contributions to theatre innovation through what has often been overlooked as merely …

The Actor And The Iceberg, Christopher Creane

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Actors have ingrained vocal, physical, and mental habits they unknowingly use on stage in the form of physical movements, vocalization, and character choices which can inadvertently communicate information to the audience. Rarely, however, are actors asked to play themselves and if their own habits are unconsciously being merged with their intentional character choices, then the audience's perception of the actor's portrayal may be shaped by unintentional behavior. "The Actor and the Iceberg" will be a synthesis of awareness building and control techniques for the mind and body, specifically: meditation, mindfulness, the Feldenkrais Method, and the Alexander Technique. The goal of …

Performing Belvile: Developing A Transformative Method, Brian Wiegand

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Learning to act is a difficult process, particularly for a young adult who is still discovering the wide variety of human experiences that make up much of dramatic literature. As an actor in training, I have struggled to play characters whose experiences and given circumstances differ from my own. I am not resistant to this idea, I have, however, come to realize that my own personal habits continue to get in the way of making a full transformation into the inner life of the character. As a result, my characters are often similar to one another, even if these characters …

Past, Present, And How To Proceed: Creating My Actor Tool Kit, Joshua Kimball

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

As theatre graduates walk across the stage and receive their diplomas, the message they hold close to their hearts is "Go forth and act." The next day, week, or month the question becomes very clear, "HOW?" This thesis focuses on a practical problem facing theatre graduates whose goals are pursuing the field of acting professionally. Theatre students are given the basic tools for honing their skills but are unequipped to create a viable, sustainable career in the field. The objectives in this paper are to outline problems actors encounter when attempting to build a career and offer practical advice for …

Artistic Science: An Exploration Of Dramaturgy Through Inquiry-Based Learning For Youth Artists, Sam Dirosa

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

In the unique world of a play, dramaturgy provides the essential multi-dimensional foundation for comprehensive exploration. As the identity of dramaturgy is complex and continues to evolve, the artistic value discovered through practice positively contributes to the theatrical experience for both artists and audience members. This substantial element is mostly absent from theatrical experiences for youth, usually making a meaningful appearance in professional and collegiate theatre productions. To promote the importance of dramaturgy, I attempt to construct and explore a learning opportunity at Long Lake Camp for the Arts, a summer performing arts camp for youth artists and performers. This …

Directing Atreus: Re-Envisioning Classic Greek Theatre, Yaureybo Jordán Salivia

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Directing Atreus: Re-envisioning Classic Greek Theatre. Mankato: Minnesota State University, Mankato, 2021. This document is a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the Master of Fine Arts degree in theatre. It is detailed account of author's artistic process in directing Minnesota State University, Mankato’s production of Atreus in the Spring of 2021. The thesis chronicles the director’s artistic process from pre-production through performance in five chapters: a preproduction analysis, an historical and critical perspective, a rehearsal and performance journal, a post-production analysis and a process development analysis. Appendices and works referenced are included.

The Creation Of The Role Of Edward Ferrars In Sense And Sensibility, Ty Hudson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This document is a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting. It is a detailed account of author Ty Hudson’s artistic process in creating the role of Edward Ferrars in Sense and Sensibility as a part of Minnesota State University, Mankato’s mainstage theatre season in the winter of 2021. The thesis chronicles the actor’s artistic process from pre-production through performance in five chapters: a preproduction analysis, an historical and critical perspective, a rehearsal and performance journal, a post-production analysis and a process development analysis. Appendices and works cited are included.

Creating The Role Of Lady Macduff In Macbeth, Ashley D'Lyn Gunn

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This document is a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the Master of Fine Arts degree in theatre. It is a detailed account of author Ashley Gunn’s artistic process in creating the role of Lady Macduff in Minnesota State, Mankato’s production of Macbeth in the spring of 2019. The thesis chronicles the actor’s artistic process from pre-production through performance in five chapters; an early production analysis, a historical and critical perspective, a rehearsal and performance journal, a post-production analysis and a process development analysis. Appendices and works cited are included.

Isolated Joint Block Progression Training Improves Leaping Performance In Dancers, Paige E. Rice, Kiisa Nishikawa, Sophia Nimphius

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a 12-week ankle-specific block progression training program on saut de chat leaping performance [leap height, peak power (PP), joint kinetics and kinematics], maximal voluntary isometric plantar flexion (MVIP) strength, and Achilles tendon (AT) stiffness. Dancers (training group n = 7, control group n = 7) performed MVIP at plantarflexed (10◦) and neutral ankle positions (0◦) followed by ramping isometric contractions equipped with ultrasound to assess strength and AT stiffness, respectively. Dancers also performed saut de chat leaps surrounded by 3-D motion capture atop force platforms to determine center of …

Supporting The Performance Of Noongar Language In Hecate, Clint Bracknell, Kylie Bracknell, Susan F. Studham, Luzita Fereday

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

As the first adaptation of a complete Shakespearean work presented entirely in one Aboriginal language of Australia, Hecate is a landmark production in Australian theatre. The Noongar language of the southwest of Western Australia is a critically endangered language impacted by colonisation since the early 1800s and suppressed until the 1970s. Working with an all-Noongar cast learning what is by birthright their mother-tongue, the Noongar language, on a full Shakespearean work presents a range of challenges. Consideration of effective rehearsal strategies to support brave spaces for the cast to flourish holistically, both as language learners and performers, was imperative. As …

Weather Bodies: Experimenting With Dance Improvisation In Environmental Education In The Early Years, Jo Pollitt, Mindy Blaise, Tonya Rooney

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

This paper reports on insights gained from incorporating dance improvisation into a broader early years environmental education ethnographic research project. Findings are reported from a two-day workshop where a dancer was invited to work with young children to attune to the weather through their bodies. In these workshops, the practice of dance improvisation was used as a deliberate interference to disrupt the disconnected and disembodied ways in which weather is often taught to young children. The paper argues that when children attune with weather through the embodied and relational practice of dance improvisation, this challenges the common practice of learning …

Understanding Stage Management In The 21st Century In Australia: A Preliminary Survey, Ping Sum (Teresa) Fok

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

As a vocation that has been around for at least 150 years, stage management has gone through years of evolution in its scope of practice. From existing as a purely mechanical part of the theatre process to becoming vital co-creators in collaboration with Directors, Designers, and Playwrights, the roles and skills of a Stage Manager has expanded beyond the theatre into the events and entertainment industry that includes large sporting events, rock concerts, and corporate productions.

Academic research into Stage Management is presently in its infancy, with a dearth of published literature. This research contributes a timely and critical reflection …

การสร้างสรรค์การแสดงหุ่นเรื่องพระพุทธเจ้าผ่านสื่อดิจิทัล, นิเวศ แววสมณะ

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

วิทยานิพนธ์เรื่อง การสร้างสรรค์การแสดงหุ่นเรื่องพระพุทธเจ้าผ่านสื่อดิจิทัล เป็นการวิจัยเชิงทดลอง ที่มีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อสร้างสรรค์สื่อการแสดงหุ่นไทยรูปแบบใหม่ผ่านสื่อดิจิทัล โดยมีเนื้อหาหลักธรรมผ่านการเล่าเรื่องพุทธประวัติสู่กลุ่มผู้ชมเป้าหมายคือเด็กช่วงอายุ 6-10 ปีจำนวน 40 คนที่สามารถเข้าถึงและใช้สื่อออนไลน์ได้ด้วยตัวเองและไม่คุ้นเคยกับเนื้อหาในการแสดงนี้มาก่อน ประกอบกับการสัมภาษณ์ผู้เชี่ยวชาญด้านสื่อ ด้านการแสดง และด้านพุทธศาสนาจำนวน 12 คน มีการทดลองสร้างสรรค์สื่อการแสดงหุ่นในรูปแบบ 3D print เรื่องพระพุทธประวัติในรูปแบบสื่อดิจิทัลเผยแพร่ในสื่อโซเชียลมีเดียจำนวน 2 ตอน (ตอน “แพะรับบาป” เกี่ยวกับศีลไม่ฆ่าสัตว์ความยาว 12 นาทีและตอน “คนเหมือนกัน” เกี่ยวกับการกลั่นแกล้งความยาว 9.30 นาที และเก็บข้อมูลผ่านระบบออนไลน์จากกลุ่มเป้าหมายมาประมวลผล ผลวิจัยพบว่า กระบวนการสร้างสรรค์สื่อดิจิทัลมีต้นทุนต่ำและมีกระบวนการผลิตที่รวดเร็ว เพราะใช้บุคลากรและขั้นตอนการผลิตน้อยกว่าแบบเดิม หลังชมผลงานสื่อการแสดงในระบบสื่อดิจิทัล ผู้ชมกลุ่มเป้าหมายได้ตระหนักรู้ถึงหลักธรรมของพุทธศาสนา มีความรู้ความเข้าใจพุทธประวัติมากขึ้น และชื่นชอบการแสดงหุ่นที่กระชับสวยงามสนุกสนานเข้าใจง่ายและเข้าถึงสถานการณ์ปัจจุบันผ่านเทคโนโลยีการสร้างสรรค์สื่อดิจิทัลที่เหมาะสมกับกลุ่มเป้าหมาย ซึ่งสอดคล้องกับความเห็นของผู้เชี่ยวชาญ ผู้วิจัยหวังว่างานวิจัยนี้สามารถเป็นแรงบันดาลใจและเป็นทางเลือกใหม่ในการแสดงหุ่นไทยผ่านสื่อดิจิทัลแก่ศิลปินและนักวิชาการงานศิลป์ โดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่งในช่วงสถานการณ์การแพร่ระบาดโควิด 19 อีกทั้งเป็นแนวทางใหม่ในการอนุรักษ์สืบสานและพัฒนาศิลปะการแสดงหุ่นไทยให้ดำรงอยู่ต่อไปในโลกอนาคต