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Theatre Practice (442-0-20)

Topic

Innovating Your Artistic Process

Instructors

Shoshana Ela Cooper

Cristal Chanelle Truscott

Meeting Info

Wirtz 225 Instruct Black Box 2: Tues 2:00PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

A Master Class examining the value of artistic process, this course will introduce you to the tools and the structure needed to deepen your practice as a director or actor. Over the quarter we will investigate how we can bring a greater sense of innovation and risk taking to our rehearsal process and experiment with new types of rehearsal methodologies. Students will learn Shana Cooper's original rehearsal methodology called Essence Work, a technique which aids theater makers in being responsive to the individual needs of a project. Essence work also enables all artists to contribute more deeply to the creative process, and to take greater ownership over the production.

In addition to a close investigation of Essence Work, students will study the artistic processes and techniques employed by innovative artists like choreographers Twyla Tharp and Pina Bausch. This course is an opportunity to expand your understanding of and experience with non-traditional rehearsal methods and techniques. It will help you to break open your habits of creation and storytelling, and develop the tools to innovate your artistic process and the work generated by that practice. Both directors and actors will physically participate during in-class explorations.