PERFORMANCE COURSES
Performance in Detonated Language
Adapting techniques of classical rhetoric for performing heightened language in verbally adventurous contemporary plays and texts. Participants learn to recognize and apply a wide range of rhetorical devices, in their expressive speaking, to exploit the verbal power embedded in highly crafted contemporary language. (Course created by Milan Dragicevich)
Stage Movement
Utilizing the physical theater training developed by Japan’s Tadashi Suzuki, this course explores the evocative power of disciplined movement in an actor’s performance. It is concerned with the ways imaginative gesture and sharply crafted physical choices transform a stage performance, providing an arresting focus and simple strength by paring away random, weakening movements.
Acting Shakespeare
Placed against the vibrant cultural and historical backdrop of Elizabethan London and the Elizabethan Stage, this course explores the world of Shakespearean performance, giving particular emphasis to understanding and utilizing the powerful verbal craft that is the hallmark of Shakespeare’s dialogue. Verse speaking, meter, rhetorical tools—all foster a courageous skill, attitude, and performance on stage.
Acting
Contemporary acting techniques, emphasizing a strong pursuit of action, intention, communication, active listening, discovery, and partnership. Performers also develop a journal, chronicling their practical research into the background and core “life” of their character, aided by the creative, imaginative techniques developed by multidisciplinary artist Twyla Tharp.
Detonated Language/Directing Studio
MFA directors and undergraduate actors work together on verbally adventurous texts and plays, exploring language-driven discoveries. How does the language itself change or shape interpretation? Staging? Character analysis? A director’s guidance? How can the muscular text provide important clues for telling the story—in vivid colors?
Suzuki Movement class, photo by Katelyn Viera
Adapting techniques of classical rhetoric for performing heightened language in verbally adventurous contemporary plays and texts. Participants learn to recognize and apply a wide range of rhetorical devices, in their expressive speaking, to exploit the verbal power embedded in highly crafted contemporary language. (Course created by Milan Dragicevich)
Stage Movement
Utilizing the physical theater training developed by Japan’s Tadashi Suzuki, this course explores the evocative power of disciplined movement in an actor’s performance. It is concerned with the ways imaginative gesture and sharply crafted physical choices transform a stage performance, providing an arresting focus and simple strength by paring away random, weakening movements.
Acting Shakespeare
Placed against the vibrant cultural and historical backdrop of Elizabethan London and the Elizabethan Stage, this course explores the world of Shakespearean performance, giving particular emphasis to understanding and utilizing the powerful verbal craft that is the hallmark of Shakespeare’s dialogue. Verse speaking, meter, rhetorical tools—all foster a courageous skill, attitude, and performance on stage.
Acting
Contemporary acting techniques, emphasizing a strong pursuit of action, intention, communication, active listening, discovery, and partnership. Performers also develop a journal, chronicling their practical research into the background and core “life” of their character, aided by the creative, imaginative techniques developed by multidisciplinary artist Twyla Tharp.
Detonated Language/Directing Studio
MFA directors and undergraduate actors work together on verbally adventurous texts and plays, exploring language-driven discoveries. How does the language itself change or shape interpretation? Staging? Character analysis? A director’s guidance? How can the muscular text provide important clues for telling the story—in vivid colors?
Suzuki Movement class, photo by Katelyn Viera
