*Dramatic Arts 105 (formerly *Dramatic Arts 5). Production Dramaturgy
Catalog Number: 7592 Enrollment: Limited to 20.
Ryan Scott Mckittrick
Half course (fall term). W., 1:10–3:10. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7, 8
Principles of dramaturgy introduced and explained in the context of full productions of performance events. Students will apply literary research and analysis techniques to the preparation of scripts for performance. Specific projects will serve as examples for studying historical background, formal plot theory, scene units, tempo dynamics, and action theory, as they are handled by directors, actors, and stage managers in the rehearsal hall.
*Dramatic Arts 110 (formerly *Dramatic Arts 11). Beginning Acting
Catalog Number: 3321
Thomas Derrah
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
An exploration of the basic techniques of acting, beginning with exercises that flex the imagination and heighten observation; the course will then move towards work on rhythm, an actor’s instincts, focus, concentration, and character with an ongoing emphasis in improvisation. The texts of Anton Chekhov will be used as a point of reference for the work. The latter part of the course will concentrate on selected scene study from Chekhov’s major plays.
Note: Enrollment determined by audition.
Dramatic Arts 111 (formerly Dramatic Arts 17). Intermediate Acting
Catalog Number: 9738
Karen L. MacDonald
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
An expansion of basic acting techniques, with an emphasis on the actor’s work done during rehearsal: creating a character, building a role and finding one’s own way of preparing for and making the most of rehearsal time. Actors will use exercises and improvs to help explore character and sharpen instincts, and do monologue and scene work using classical and contemporary texts, both comic and dramatic.
Note: Enrollment determined by audition.
*Dramatic Arts 112r (formerly *Dramatic Arts 18r). Advanced Acting: 20th-Century Texts
Catalog Number: 8011
Marcus Stern
Half course (fall term). Tu., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
For actors interested in working in television, film and theater, this is a course of advanced acting techniques using 20th-century dramatic texts for scene work. The emphasis is on action based acting and the creation of an acting process that is specifically tailored to the individual actor. Includes character work -- making physical and vocal changes. Emphasis also on learning how to audition better, includes helping actors assemble a group of working monologues to use in auditions.
Note: Enrollment determined by audition on the first day of class.
Dramatic Arts 113. The History and Practice of Non-Traditional Theater in America - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 14394
Edward Weiner
Half course (fall term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
This Fall, the A.R.T. will re-launch its venue at Zero Arrow as an emporium of "non-traditional theater." Using the Zero Arrow space as our classroom, we will explore, analyze, conceive and present "non-traditional theater" inspired by circus, revival meetings, concert saloons, dime museums, wild west shows, grand guignol, nightclub theater, vaudeville, Yiddish theater, burlesque and professional wrestling. At the end of the semester, there will be a final theatrical performance at Zero Arrow.
Note: See PANDORA! http://www.theboxnyc.com.
Dramatic Arts 114 (formerly Dramatic Arts 36). Practical Aesthetics
Catalog Number: 8994
Scott Zigler
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Practical Aesthetics Acting Technique was developed by playwright David Mamet and actor William H. Macy, based on the work of the American acting teacher Sandford Meisner and the Russian acting teacher Konstantin Stanislavski. In this course, students will focus on rigorous text analysis combined with emphasis on enhancing the actor’s spontaneity through training in Meisner’s "Repetition Exercise." Students will do scene work drawn from a wide selection of plays.
Note: Enrollment will be determined by lottery at the first class meeting.
Prerequisite: Dramatic Arts course in Acting, previous study in Practical Aesthetics, or extensive undergraduate performance experience.
*Dramatic Arts 115 (formerly *Dramatic Arts 12). Acting Shakespeare
Catalog Number: 6659 Enrollment: Limited to 20.
Jeremy Geidt
Half course (spring term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Investigation of the texts of Shakespeare as theatre, developing an American approach to verse speaking and character analysis. Scenes are rehearsed to interpret the verse and prose by the light of modern experience. Explores the imagination of the playwright in order to develop the imagination of the student.
Dramatic Arts 116 (formerly Dramatic Arts 13). Acting Workshop: Comedy
Catalog Number: 9926
William S. Lebow
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
A course developing the actor’s approach to and playing of comedy and humor. Using characters and scenes from Shakespeare, Molière, Shaw, and contemporary writers from Christopher Durang to Steve Martin, the course focuses on the universality of comic technique and the specific demands of comic playing. The question of humor is explored with respect to dramatic situations and characters that are inherently serious. Student scenes will occasionally be critiqued by members of the A.R.T. Company.
Note: Enrollment determined by audition on the first day of class.
*Dramatic Arts 117 (formerly *Dramatic Arts 35). Acting Chekhov
Catalog Number: 1465
Remo Francisco Airaldi
Half course (spring term). M., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
An exploration of Chekhov’s plays from an actor’s point of view in order to develop a practical approach to any dramatic text. We will balance the use of analytical skills--playable actions, active verbs, subtext and beats -- with the need to free the actor’s creative imagination, through exercises and improvisations. A variety of acting techniques will be used in scene work from the plays, including the techniques of Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov, Strasberg, Adler and Meisner as well as non-text-based approaches.
Note: Enrollment determined by audition.
Dramatic Arts 119 (formerly Dramatic Arts 28). Vocal Production for the Stage
Catalog Number: 8900
Nancy K. Houfek
Half course (fall term). Th., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Whether one is performing in a play, speaking professionally, teaching a class or leading a group, the ability to use one’s voice effectively is a primary element of the success of the presentation. Using several major techniques of speaking training, students learn not only how to use the voice, but how these various approaches to voice training correspond to specific performance challenges.
Note: Enrollment determined by interview.
*Dramatic Arts 120 (formerly *Dramatic Arts 14). The Art of Movement Design: Choreography
Catalog Number: 2983
Elizabeth Weil Bergmann
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 3:30–5:30. EXAM GROUP: 17, 18
This introductory choreography course utilizes movement exploration to tap into the participant’s aesthetic and interpretive skills as they are challenged to make dances. Explorations into the use of time, weight and space inform their creative process. Through a combination of readings, writings, discussions, videos and dance improvisation, the course focuses on how movement choices develop dances that are kinesthetic, dramatic, and artistic for both the performer and the audience. No previous dance experience necessary.
Note: Enrollment determined by interview the first week of class.
*Dramatic Arts 121 (formerly *Dramatic Arts 14a). Group Choreography
Catalog Number: 9209
Elizabeth Weil Bergmann
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Fall: W., 4–5:30.
The focus in this course will be on choreographing for groups of three or more dancers. Concentrating on the principles of group form along with the use of space and music, assignments will be individually tailored to suit each choreographer’s experience and needs. Texts and videos will be assigned based on each student’s previous experience.
Note: Permission of instructor. Enrollment determined by interview. For information call instructor at 617-495-1484. May be repeated with instructor approval.
Prerequisite: For students who have completed DA 120 or have choreograpic experience.
Dramatic Arts 123. The Alvin Ailey Legacy: A Celebration of the African-American Heritage and the Modern Dance Tradition - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 29501
Sylvia Waters
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 3:30–6.
This course, taught by Sylvia Waters and Elizabeth Roxas-Dobris, of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, will include Horton technique classes and Ailey repertory along with lectures, archival footage, interviews, and remarks by those who knew him. Focus will be upon Ailey and his musical collaborations with Duke Ellington, Max Roach, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Charlie Mingus, among others. Lectures will be laced with Water’s personal experiences and interactions with Mr. Ailey
Note: For experienced dancers only.
*Dramatic Arts 130r (formerly *Dramatic Arts 130). Directing
Catalog Number: 8160
Marcus Stern
Half course (spring term). Tu., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
A directing class for directors interested in theater, television and film, as well as for actors, dramaturgs, and designers investigating all aspects of theater. The class accommodates beginning to advanced levels of work. Students may bring in video or film scenes as part of the class work. Through constant scene work the course examines the directorial tools of text analysis, staging, design, and working with actors. The focus is on how to tell a story clearly and effectively.
Note: May be repeated with instructor and adviser approval. Enrollment determined by short interviews to be conducted on the first day of class.
Dramatic Arts 135 (formerly Dramatic Arts 30). Design for the Theatre: History and Practice
Catalog Number: 9503
J. Michael Griggs
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
The practice of designing scenery for the theatre is explored through the history of stage design and the architecture of the theater building. Students complete projects of research and design for plays from various periods. The projects will introduce basic techniques in drawing, drafting, and model making. No previous experience in design or art necessary.
*Dramatic Arts 136 (formerly *Dramatic Arts 31). Designing for the Stage
Catalog Number: 1116 Enrollment: Limited to 12.
J. Michael Griggs
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Students prepare and present for criticism stage design projects based on play texts that suggest varying interpretive and stylistic problems. Focus is on examining ideas through research of visual material and analysis of text. Through their design projects, students also complete assignments in perspective drawing, drafting, model making, and lighting design. No previous experience in design or art necessary.