Current Search:  theatre theory (x)

View All Items

  • CSV Spreadsheet
(1 - 8 of 8)
STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S GESAMTKUNSTWERK: THE CONCEPT MUSICAL AS WAGNERIAN TOTAL THEATRE
Title
STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S GESAMTKUNSTWERK: THE CONCEPT MUSICAL AS WAGNERIAN TOTAL THEATRE.
Creator
Calderazzo, Diana, Listengarten, Julia, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Stephen Sondheim, famous for writing such musicals as Company, Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, and Assassins, is often referred to as the originator of the modern concept musical. Despite varying definitions of the concept musical, it is generally agreed that the form embodies a specific identity or mood, which it communicates to an audience both emotionally and intellectually. As such it offers audience members a complete experience resembling in theory the idea of "total theatre" proposed in...
Show moreStephen Sondheim, famous for writing such musicals as Company, Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, and Assassins, is often referred to as the originator of the modern concept musical. Despite varying definitions of the concept musical, it is generally agreed that the form embodies a specific identity or mood, which it communicates to an audience both emotionally and intellectually. As such it offers audience members a complete experience resembling in theory the idea of "total theatre" proposed in the nineteenth century by composer Richard Wagner. My thesis will argue that the similarity between Sondheim's concept musical and Wagner's total theatre is more than purely theoretical; it is practical as well, involving structural parallels such as leitmotif, minor chord development, and intricate lyricism. Congruently, many of Sondheim's choices describing communication with audiences on the emotional and intellectual levels also recall those utilized by Wagner over a century earlier. These similarities not withstanding, Sondheim, as a contemporary artist, creates work that has often been described in terms of theoretical movements that post-date Wagner, including "desconstructionism" and Brechtian theatre. While these terms certainly describe some differences between the work of Sondheim and Wagner, I will argue that their existence with regard to Sondheim does not preclude a Wagnerian approach to the contemporary composer's work. Elements of deconstruction and Brechtian alienation may, in fact, be linked back to Wagner in specific manners. My thesis will explore these connections, concluding that an approach to the work of Sondheim in the vein of Richard Wagner may suggest a successful method of interpreting the contemporary concept musical.
Show less
Date Issued
2005
Identifier
CFE0000714, ucf:46598
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000714
Synaesthetics
Title
Synaesthetics.
Creator
Turner, Samantha, Listengarten, Julia, Wood, Vandy, Weaver, Earl, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Synaesthetics is a new philosophy of the arts. Expanding on its predecessors, aesthetics and its many branches of thought, Synaesthetics bridges the long-standing explanatory gap across the disciplines of science, spirituality, and art. The arts become the vehicle of exploring new ways to synthesize and study their cognitive effects and implications on aesthetes, be they audience or creators. The examination of a synthesis in color and sound, inspired by research in synaesthesia, is a model...
Show moreSynaesthetics is a new philosophy of the arts. Expanding on its predecessors, aesthetics and its many branches of thought, Synaesthetics bridges the long-standing explanatory gap across the disciplines of science, spirituality, and art. The arts become the vehicle of exploring new ways to synthesize and study their cognitive effects and implications on aesthetes, be they audience or creators. The examination of a synthesis in color and sound, inspired by research in synaesthesia, is a model for explaining the new philosophy, as well as investigating its impact. Theatre is introduced as the most valuable art form with which to engage this area of thought, due to its inclusive nature of all sister artforms. Pulling from a strong philosophical background, quantum physics, psychology, neuroscience, and esotericism are compounded to create this new lens, with which to interpret, study, and evolve in a dialectical manner. The hypothesis posits a spiritually significant evolution, utilizing these elements of science and a framework of the arts; the methodological accomplishment ultimately reached through Synaesthetics.
Show less
Date Issued
2017
Identifier
CFE0006960, ucf:51640
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006960
Digesting Modern Acting Theory for Young Performers
Title
Digesting Modern Acting Theory for Young Performers.
Creator
Yagel, Brandon, Wood, Mary, Boyd, Belinda, Routhier, Mark, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
An actor seeking to improve his craft can find numerous sources containing countless tips and techniques on the art of acting. However, the majority of these books target the adult actor often leaving young performers struggling to understand complex acting theory. With the goals of creating a nurturing learning environment and quality performance work within a compact rehearsal schedule, this thesis project created and evaluated a new synthesis of modern acting theory for directors to use...
Show moreAn actor seeking to improve his craft can find numerous sources containing countless tips and techniques on the art of acting. However, the majority of these books target the adult actor often leaving young performers struggling to understand complex acting theory. With the goals of creating a nurturing learning environment and quality performance work within a compact rehearsal schedule, this thesis project created and evaluated a new synthesis of modern acting theory for directors to use when working with young performers. This technique adapted and coalesced several perspectives on foundational acting theory(-)specifically looking at the use of a character's wants and actions as described by Bruder et al., Caldarone (&) Lloyd-Williams, Cohen, Jory, Mamet, and Stanislavski. I tested the developed technique using an independent production of The Cat Who Ran by Naoko Kudo performed by a group of seventh through tenth grade actors.This thesis shares the process of creating this rehearsal tool with its readers. This process included researching and synthesizing the technique, documenting my process as director and acting coach for The Cat Who Ran, testing the technique throughout the production of The Cat Who Ran, evaluating the effectiveness of the technique through qualitative observation from production team and audience members, and theorizing the potential effectiveness for other scripts. The documentation of the project includes surveys, worksheets, text analysis, and production photos.
Show less
Date Issued
2014
Identifier
CFE0005278, ucf:50562
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005278
PORTRAYING POINTILLISM: AN ACTRESS'S JOURNEY THROUGH POINTILLISM TO DEFINE THE ROLE OF DOT IN SONDHEIM AND LAPINE'S MUSICAL SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE
Title
PORTRAYING POINTILLISM: AN ACTRESS'S JOURNEY THROUGH POINTILLISM TO DEFINE THE ROLE OF DOT IN SONDHEIM AND LAPINE'S MUSICAL SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE.
Creator
Staffel, Chris, Tollefson, Kristina, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Upon receiving a role, an actor must research the major themes, concepts, and relationships associated with the play, its collaborators, and the character they are to portray. Only by layering this combination of research and analysis to the rehearsal process and performances in a detailed format can an actor cohesively transform the learned knowledge from the performer's training and research to a finished product on stage. Many forms of art are created using a similar process. This...
Show moreUpon receiving a role, an actor must research the major themes, concepts, and relationships associated with the play, its collaborators, and the character they are to portray. Only by layering this combination of research and analysis to the rehearsal process and performances in a detailed format can an actor cohesively transform the learned knowledge from the performer's training and research to a finished product on stage. Many forms of art are created using a similar process. This thesis will explore the similarities between the Post-Impressionist technique of pointillism and the actor's process in developing a role. Upon observing the basic process of each technique, one can conclude that the method of consistently adding many specific elements eventually creates a finished product whether it is in the form of a painting on a canvas or a performance on a stage. By paralleling these two artistic techniques, a new contribution to musical theatre is made by presenting a fresh outlook for performers in their approach to creating roles. Research on pointillism and George Seurat's painting technique when interwoven with Stephen Sondheim's techniques in music theory (specifically the examples derived from the score of Sunday in the Park with George), and compared to my technique and process as the actor playing the role of Dot in the University of Central Florida Conservatory Theatre's 2006 Spring production of Sunday in the Park with George, demonstrates how the theories of pointillism and the actor's process are clearly comparable and arguably inseparable.
Show less
Date Issued
2006
Identifier
CFE0001380, ucf:47009
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001380
DEVELOPING THE INDIVIDUAL TO STRENGTHEN THE WHOLE: THE APPLICATION OF VIEWPOINTS TRAINING TO IMPACT THE SOCIAL COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT OF ACTORS IN A HIGH SCHOOL ENSEMBLE
Title
DEVELOPING THE INDIVIDUAL TO STRENGTHEN THE WHOLE: THE APPLICATION OF VIEWPOINTS TRAINING TO IMPACT THE SOCIAL COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT OF ACTORS IN A HIGH SCHOOL ENSEMBLE.
Creator
Horn, Elizabeth, Listengarten, Julia, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
This research explores the application of Viewpoints and Composition training with a cast of high school students to measure changes in the social cognitive development (SCD) of individuals and the collective group. The research centers on the writing of Michael F. Mascolo and Deborah Margolis, which takes a coactive approach to the relationship between oneÂÂÂÂ's social cognitive development...
Show moreThis research explores the application of Viewpoints and Composition training with a cast of high school students to measure changes in the social cognitive development (SCD) of individuals and the collective group. The research centers on the writing of Michael F. Mascolo and Deborah Margolis, which takes a coactive approach to the relationship between oneÂÂÂÂ's social cognitive development and how it is manifested in his or her actions within a social group. Using this framework, the researcher assesses the personality types within the cast and analyzes how utilizing Viewpoints training creates shifts within these personalities. The researcher approaches this study from both a theoretical standpoint as a student during a two-week intensive training course for adults with SITI Company, and a practical standpoint in the direction of a fully mounted production with high school actors. The objective of the research is to propose a method to implement advanced Viewpoints training within a high school ensemble in order to cultivate ensemble and ultimately aid the social cognitive development of the individual actors.
Show less
Date Issued
2010
Identifier
CFE0002996, ucf:47936
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002996
The Power of Play: Creating A Theatre for the Very Young Experience
Title
The Power of Play: Creating A Theatre for the Very Young Experience.
Creator
Katsadouros, Maria, Listengarten, Julia, StClaire, Sybil, Freeman, Emily, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
The opportunity to enhance the sense of fulfillment necessary in revolutionizing and liberating a person's daily life, regardless of their age, can be found in the manifestation of play. It is through the acknowledgment of instinct, nature, and discovery that play reveals its power. As a Theatre for the Very Young (TVY) practitioner, I utilize creative play to inspire exploration and innovation among students under the age of six. However, what are the ways in which theatre, specifically TVY,...
Show moreThe opportunity to enhance the sense of fulfillment necessary in revolutionizing and liberating a person's daily life, regardless of their age, can be found in the manifestation of play. It is through the acknowledgment of instinct, nature, and discovery that play reveals its power. As a Theatre for the Very Young (TVY) practitioner, I utilize creative play to inspire exploration and innovation among students under the age of six. However, what are the ways in which theatre, specifically TVY, invites all generations of people to experience the power of play? This thesis documents the three-year development of When Pigs Fly, an original TVY experience that encourages audience members of all ages to engage in creative play through sensation, fellowship and discovery. This study explores the collective creation of When Pigs Fly as developed through research, education, and practice. In highlighting the cognitive and emotional benefits of creative play, this study seeks to legitimize TVY as a valued art form, and invites theatre-makers to utilize the research and practice shared to inspire future endeavors that will shape the outlook of TVY throughout the United States.
Show less
Date Issued
2018
Identifier
CFE0007405, ucf:52882
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007405
Audience Engagement in Theatre for Young Audiences: Teaching Artistry to Cultivate Tomorrow's Theatre-Goers
Title
Audience Engagement in Theatre for Young Audiences: Teaching Artistry to Cultivate Tomorrow's Theatre-Goers.
Creator
Woods-Robinson, Julie, Horn, Elizabeth, Wood, Vandy, Boyd, Belinda, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
As a teaching artist and theatre educator, I believe an important part of the theatre-going experience is when an audience engages with the play before and after the performance: learning about context, analyzing the production, and identifying themes relevant to the play. Theatre is a powerful teaching tool with regards to empathy and political and social awareness, but also, for young audiences, theatre can help students understand content in other subject areas like language arts, history,...
Show moreAs a teaching artist and theatre educator, I believe an important part of the theatre-going experience is when an audience engages with the play before and after the performance: learning about context, analyzing the production, and identifying themes relevant to the play. Theatre is a powerful teaching tool with regards to empathy and political and social awareness, but also, for young audiences, theatre can help students understand content in other subject areas like language arts, history, and even health. This thesis develops best practices for creating effective audience engagement with young people in theatre(&)nbsp;in the form of Field Trip Plus at Orlando Repertory Theatre, an enrichment program linking professional season productions to pre- and post-show workshops. It explores(&)nbsp;the following questions: What is audience engagement, and what are the benefits of audience engagement practices on retention and meaning-making? What is the history of audience engagement in Theatre for Young Audiences, and what are some examples of TYA companies intentionally engaging young people before and after performances? It(&)nbsp;focuses specifically on the development of Theatre-In-Education in the United Kingdom as an example of integrated drama and education practice which is supported by the pedagogy of Lev Vygotsky, Dorothy Heathcote, and Augusto Boal. It considers how the work of these theorists can also be applied to Field Trip Plus. This thesis is the personal exploration of a teaching artist(&)nbsp;practicing engagement strategies within Orlando Repertory Theatre, an established Theatre for Young Audiences,(&)nbsp;that will help young people make connections between state education standards and the play, cultivate their curiosity for learning through the arts, and become life-long active audience members.
Show less
Date Issued
2018
Identifier
CFE0007115, ucf:51949
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007115
LIGHTING DESIGN FOR FROM SUN TO SUN: A DAY IN A RAILROAD CAMP
Title
LIGHTING DESIGN FOR FROM SUN TO SUN: A DAY IN A RAILROAD CAMP.
Creator
Szewczyk, Nathan, Scott, Bert, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
In this thesis the notion of a theoretical approach to the beginning stages of designing lighting for a theatrical production will be discussed. The topic being researched is: How a theoretical approach to entering the design process will enhance the final lighting design. The target audience for this study is theatrical lighting designers. A theoretical approach, in this case to the beginning of the design process, could be described as utilizing current dramatic theories to develop a better...
Show moreIn this thesis the notion of a theoretical approach to the beginning stages of designing lighting for a theatrical production will be discussed. The topic being researched is: How a theoretical approach to entering the design process will enhance the final lighting design. The target audience for this study is theatrical lighting designers. A theoretical approach, in this case to the beginning of the design process, could be described as utilizing current dramatic theories to develop a better understanding for the design of this production. In order to better understand this topic one would need to know how the process of lighting design is typically created and where the theoretical approach is implemented. An issue with this approach is that the short period allowed for the design process does not allow sufficient time to utilize a theoretical approach in a real world setting. A way of determining if this process is effective is through personal self review. Journaling and discussion with my advisor for this production will be the method of data collection. The method of validation will be a self reflection at the end of the final performance. An issue with the collection process is its reliance on personal opinions, including the author's. There are no ethical issues relating to this study. When applied, a theoretical approach to the design process will enhance the quality of the final lighting design through allowing the designer to be better prepared for a specific scene that he/she is struggling with.
Show less
Date Issued
2011
Identifier
CFE0003609, ucf:48874
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003609