Theatre and Performance Studies Commons^™

The Commissions: Devoted To Investigating And Research By Members Of Usitt: Computers And Software, Patrick Michael Finelli

Theatre and Dance Faculty Publications

Describes the history of theatre-related computing over the past 50 years including the evolution of computer-controlled lighting and sound. Covers the development of CAD software for set design, data visualization and intelligent lighting fixtures. Mentions a wide variety of technical, design and historical applications.

The (Un)Written Heart In Brecht’S Baal And Journeys Of The God Of Happiness : Heart Matters In The Development Of A Playwright And His Ideas On Acting, Ralf G. Rauker

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

In the 1918 and 1919 versions of his play Baal, Brecht had used
autobiographical material about a heart problem that he suffered from and
had recorded in his diaries since 1913. When he revised the 1919 version
and the play was first published in 1922, it seemed that this very personal
connection had disappeared. An observable shift in his work began to take
place, which led to his adopting an apparently unambiguous rationalist take
on theatre. However, his extremely critical, sometimes polemical position on
the intertwined subject of heart and emotions raises questions about the
motivations for the move towards …

Imagining The Imaginary: Finding Mr. Marmalade, Brian Kappler

Theses

Unavailable.

A Pattern Of Patience: On Providing Technical Direction For King Lear, Theron L. Seckington

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

The following writing will document my process as technical director for the 2009 mainstage production of King Lear at the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film (JCSTF) at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL). King Lear was directed by Virginia Smith with scenery designed by fellow Master of Fine Arts (MFA) candidate Patric Vendetti, lights by senior Angela Sharman, and sound by sophomore Max Holm. Costumes were designed by MFA candidate Cecilia Sickler. The shop foreman was Bryan Ruhs, and the production was stage managed by junior Amber Naylor. I was advised by JCSTF technical director Edward Stauffer. …

Jerry Herman's Leading Ladies, John Mansell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Jerry Herman is celebrated for his ability to showcase strong leading female roles in his canon of work that spans some fifty years. In writing such strong female characters, he must produce strong male counterparts to these women who can communicate on their level and not become overpowered by the women's presence. I was cast in the musical revue, It's Today: An Evening of Jerry Herman, conceived, directed, and choreographed by Earl D. Weaver. My portion of the revue explored Herman's leading male roles of Cornelius from Hello, Dolly!; Mack from Mack and Mabel; Colonel Tadeusz Boleslav Stjerbinsky from The …

The Estate Of Mendacity: An Interpretation Of William's Most Ambiguous Character, Daniel Bowlen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

I performed the role of Brick Pollitt at Lake Mirror Theatre in Lakeland, Florida from April 20- April 30 2006. The role of Brick Pollitt provided me with several acting challenges as well as multiple subjects to research. The most challenging aspects of portraying the character of Brick Pollitt are his alcoholism, issues of sexuality, and tormented familial relationships. Brick Pollitt journeys in the period of one day through major challenges in two key relationships. He moves from dominance in his relationship with Maggie to capitulation and from isolation in his relationship with Big Daddy to mutual understanding. Brick's relationships …

Developing The Individual To Strengthen The Whole: The Application Of Viewpoints Training To Impact The Social Cognitive Development Of Actors In A High School Ensemble, Elizabeth Horn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research explores the application of Viewpoints and Composition training with a cast of high school students to measure changes in the social cognitive development (SCD) of individuals and the collective group. The research centers on the writing of Michael F. Mascolo and Deborah Margolis, which takes a coactive approach to the relationship between one's social cognitive development and how it is manifested in his or her actions within a social group. Using this framework, the researcher assesses the personality types within the cast and analyzes how utilizing Viewpoints training creates shifts within these personalities. The researcher approaches this study …

Sharing The True Colors: An Exploration Of Theatre Created By Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, And Transgender Youth, Nicholas Bazo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

True Colors: Out Youth Theater at The Theater Offensive is a Boston based program that focuses its theatrical and social mission on engaging Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered (GLBT) at-risk, youth and the community that surrounds them. Through the process of generating an original touring production, True Colors employs theatre as a tool for personal, social, and artistic expression, empowerment, and activism. The program's balance of both process and product focused goals creates an environment of multifaceted engagement and provides an example of how art can thrive in a structure of youth outreach. Though directors and facilitators guide the process …

Computer Technologyin The Design Process, Gregory Montague

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This is a study of computer technology's impact on the theatrical design process. The tools of communication provided by technology were studied, and an analysis was conducted in the classroom of Digital Rendering, Digital Rendering Videos, and 3d CADD. After-wards, these tools were applied to an actual production of West Side Story where, with the addition of 3d light simulation software, the tools were used to communicate the design ideas from the lighting designer to the director. The goal of this process was to provide a 'real to life' virtual representation of the show to the director with the least …

0776: Elaine Novak Papers, 1956-1995, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

This collection is composed of the papers of Elaine Novak, theatre professor at Marshall University. Included are class notes, shows notes, and personal ephemera.

Character Memory Exploration: What It Is And How To Apply It To Your Classroom, Dana Giampiccolo

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to implement Character Memory Exploration (a specific pathway towards character justification) within a BFA Acting II course. Primarily using given circumstances and magic if, Character Memory Exploration creates a rich and developed character history through a combination of visualization exercises, improvisation, and writing. The following summary will show individualized exercises and how to implement them, as well as their original purpose, placements, and pairings. This work also delves into student responses and my own successes and failures throughout the experience. The primary conclusion of this writing is that Character Memory Exploration leads to an …

Le Théâtre Amateur Marocain. Trajectoire D’Un Théâtre Alternatif, Omar Fertat

Présence Francophone: Revue internationale de langue et de littérature

Modern Moroccan theatre was born with non-professional artists and has remained intimately linked to this milieu. Unlike professional playwrights, non-professional artists have never bowed to the demands of political authorities, whether it be the French administration or the local Makhzen. They used this artistic medium as a forum for debate and resistance against the oppressor. This freedom of expression operated not just at the political level but also at the aesthetic level. Since non-professionals were not constrained by the need to please an audience fond of social comedies and melodramas, they could explore more risky avant-garde paths. In spite of …

La Dramatisation De L’Écriture Chez Sony Labou Tansi, Georges Ngal

Présence Francophone: Revue internationale de langue et de littérature

As an author always articulates his writing with idioms that reflect a specific time period and a given social group, Sony Labou Tansi talks about “tropicalité”, and gives himself the goal to create multiple “tropicalités”.

Dance Usm! Program [2009], University Of Southern Maine Department Of Theatre

Programs 2009-2010 Season

Directed by Maria Tzianabos

A Christmas Carol (December 3-6, 2009), Charles Dickens

Student Theatre Programs

Program for A Christmas Carol (December 3-6, 2009).

To view the photos from this production of A Christmas Carol, please click here.

Andrea's Got Two Boyfriends And Berniece At Bay (November 19-21, 2009), David Willinger, Nagle Jackson

Student Theatre Programs

Program for Andrea's Got Two Boyfriends and Berniece at Bay (November 19-21, 2009).

Tea And Sympathy Program, University Of Southern Maine Department Of Theatre

Programs 2009-2010 Season

By Robert Anderson

Directed by William Steele

Dueling With Spt Questions: Members Of The College Of Fight Masters Share Their Ideas For Skills Proficiency Tests, T. Fulton Burns

Theatre Faculty Research

As the rehearsal process grows closer and closer to the Skills Proficiency Test (SPT) common questions arise regarding what is needed in order to pass. Many of these questions involve the same basic idea – “What are the Fight Masters looking for so that I can pass the test?”, but the most important question that is asked is – “Do you think I will pass?”

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (November 11-14, 2009), Rachel Sheinkin

Student Theatre Programs

Program for 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (November 11-14, 2009).

To view the photos from this production of 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, please click here.

The Hobbit (October 29-31, November 6-7, 2009), J. R.R. Tolkien

Student Theatre Programs

Program for The Hobbit (October 29-31, November 6-7, 2009).

To view the photos from this production of The Hobbit, please click here.

Student Directed One Acts (October 1-3, 8-10, 2009), Lindenwood University

Student Theatre Programs

Student Directed One Acts (October 1-3, 8-10, 2009).

The Bear & The Proposal Program, University Of Southern Maine Department Of Theatre

Programs 2009-2010 Season

By Anton Chekhov

Directed by Thomas Power

This production was a Participating entry in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KC/ACTF).

Directing Autobiographical Theatre, Shanea Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

This is an exploration of the director's role in autobiographical theatre. The director is in a unique position when storytelling on a personal level is being executed theatrically. I explored this topic over the course of directing three plays, each of which contained a strong personal storytelling element, which broadened my perspective of the director's role. The three plays were Slashtipher Coleman’s The Neon Man and Me, Birth by Karen Brody, and Will Power to Youth Richmond presents: William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Traditionally, the director’s role includes a myriad of tasks. These tasks can include and are not limited …

Harvey (July 17-18, 24-25, 2009), Mary Chase

Student Theatre Programs

Program for Harvey (July 17-18, 24-25, 2009).

Puppets, Pioneers, And Sport: The Onstage And Offstage Performance Of Khmer Identity, Marel Angela Stock

Theses and Dissertations

Most tourists visiting Cambodia only seek to visit the World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat. The Cambodian, or Khmer people are capitalizing on this booming tourist industry, but they are also disseminating a more complex Khmer identity through other sites and festivals. This identity simultaneously hearkens back to the affluence of the Angkor Period in Khmer history and looks forward to the modernization of the country. After the reign of the Khmer Rouge, from 1975-1979, which led to what is now called the Cambodian Killing Fields, the Khmer people needed to create a new, hopeful, peaceful identity for their nation. …

I Can’T – I Have Rehearsal: Rehearsal Guidelines And Techniques With Fight Scene Work, T. Fulton Burns

Theatre Faculty Research

The rehearsal process often contains excitement, uncertainty, and, at times, stress for all involved. It is at this stage of the process where the culmination of skills acquired (research, character study, and embodying choreography) all come together. The following guidelines and techniques are aimed toward helping the actor address and conquer both acting and fight needs during the rehearsal process

The Games People Play: Rehearsal Games & Approaches For Fight Scenes, T. Fulton Burns

Theatre Faculty Research

There are as many approaches to the rehearsal period as there are directors, actors and acting texts combined. Rehearsals are the time that we all look forward to because we truly get to do what we do best in theatre, which is “play.” The games and approaches in this article are intended to spice up the life of your stage combat scene and enhance the time spent in rehearsal; following the initial time period of learning choreography and discovering initial acting choices. Many people see the rehearsal process as the time to work. I couldn’t agree more but, as stated …

Corsets: The Foundation Of Fashion, Leigh-Ayna Josele Passamano

Honors College Theses

No abstract provided.

De-Masking The Silence - Drama Therapy: For Children With Asd, Joshua M. Galligan

Theses and Dissertations

This dynamic form of pedagogy attempts to cross the interdisciplinary boundaries between theatre, psychology, and modern medicine. What I attempt to present in this thesis is a systematic developmental framework for the theoretical use of drama therapy with children suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder. This approach has been based on in-depth interdisciplinary study which makes use of the most current research looking at the neurological makeup of the autistic brain. This systematic approach examines the mirror neuron system which has been labeled as a major defect in children with ASD. Through the use of theatrical techniques such as acting, movement, …

The Politics Of Tea And Theatre: How Women’S Suffrage Groups Used Tea And Theatre To Influence Working And Middle Class Women To Become Politically Active, Lisa Kelly

Theses and Dissertations

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries the members of the woman’s suffrage movement in the United States and Britain looked to soften their hard masculine image given to them by the press and to increase participation in the cause. They found that by including theatrical performances and benefits at meetings, and hosting tea socials afterwards, they could motivate many women to join without alienating or threatening men. This study looks at how tea socials and theatrical performances were used subversively to recruit new members, to debate ideas, and to disseminate information about the cause. Playwrights wrote plays that …