John Wayne Shafer

Course Description

It can be argued that most live entertainments developed from theatre. This course is an introductory overview of the arts and crafts of live theatrical venues. We will begin with, 'what is theatre and how did it begin?' What kinds of shows and styles of theatrical live entertainment can I see and how have they evolved? What kind of theatre space is this? Who are the people in my theatre program? What are their roles? Who decides if a show is good or bad? How do I assess the quality of a show? How do they pull it all together? What goes on in behind and in front of the curtain? Whose voices do American playwrights represent and what are their backgrounds? The class will examine the major elements of theatre and answer each of the previous questions.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Our collective shadowed subconscious has summoned darkly fascinating dramatic characters to life in our theatres time and time again.  The villains; the incestuous, the murderers, the vile, and the profane abound in our dramatic literature. But, not all sex and not all violence are painted as horrific or criminal. Many are presented as the ‘normal’ or appropriate actions for the circumstances. Our heroes indulge in sex and violence as well. Drama has therefore been dead center in the debate about sex, gender, violence, and taboo as far back as our records exist. This class shall discuss the societal need for these presentations, their communal context, common human themes, and their impact on the storytelling and entertainments of today.

Class time will consist of a mix of lecture, discussion, scene reading, student presentation of class projects, and video.  Students may expect announced tests and unannounced Quizzes. Students are expected to have completed all assigned material in a timely fashion.  Students should be prepared to participate in class discussion and activities. Reading assignments will be plentiful. MATURE THEMES will be discussed.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

 This course is designed to introduce the young actor to broader acting vocabulary. The student will work very specifically to discover and develop his/her acting technique through exercises that induce strength and flexibility in the voice and body, increase imagination and concentration and encourage trust. We will also work on “talking and listening,” focus, packing, playing actions, and releasing your emotional life, as well as sharing the space with other actors without losing your sense of self critical behavior in the imaginary world.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

 This course is designed to introduce the young actor to broader acting vocabulary. The student will work very specifically to discover and develop his/her acting technique through exercises that induce strength and flexibility in the voice and body, increase imagination and concentration and encourage trust. We will also work on “talking and listening,” focus, packing, playing actions, and releasing your emotional life, as well as sharing the space with other actors without losing your sense of self critical behavior in the imaginary world.