Transcending Time and Space in the Performing Arts

Transcending Time and Space in the Performing Arts is intended for the serious student of performance who wishes to understand the arts as a force for education and social change. As an essential element of cultural expression worldwide, the performing arts are both celebrated and censured because of their inherent power to provide metaphors and symbols that reflect cultural norms. They challenge stereotypes, cultural hierarchies, and existing paradigms. Theatre, dance, and music are honest recorders and commentators of the psyche, and reveal hidden values. With this in mind, all participants will be engaged in a variety of activities, including lectures, film viewing, movement workshops, guest artists, field trips, script development and production workshops, improvisation exercises, seminars, and the development of writing and reflective papers.

In fall quarter, we will begin to develop scripts for production. These scripts will be developed from the students' own stories, and will be subject to revision, editing, and peer review. Students will learn to develop proposals to understand the realities of funding, audience, and production. Students will do a presentation of their work at the end of fall quarter. In winter, we will continue with production, which entails final drafts of scripts, development of a realistic timeline, and production plans prior to performance. This program does not culminate in a performance.

Throughout the program, participants will explore different genres of production to inspire their own work though film and field trips to professional venues. Regular rehearsals and production meetings in and outside of class are mandatory. Every student will also keep a journal throughout the quarter to document her/his growth as a writer/producer. Collaborative projects are encouraged.