This course approaches the study of theater within a series of different cultural contexts. Theater literature, performance practices, and theater architecture will be studied within the larger context of the culture from which the various types of theatrical expression are derived. Topics will be investigated in a comparative format which can consider such topics as masked theater, populist and elitist theaters, and literary and non-literary theater traditions. This course continues a student's introduction to the theory and practice of acting technique by exploring the psychology of performance. Students work extensively with improvisation and mask-work leading to performances of Chekhov, Shepard, and Shaw.
Enrollment is limited.
During the semester, students prepare and perform up to three scenes from classical and contemporary drama. 1 unit Bouchard 361. These are applied courses for students. The course may be repeated for credit. This course offers an intensive performance study for the singing actor and the acting singer.