Theatre Practice (442-0-20)

Topic

Innovating Your Artistic Process

Instructors

Shoshana Cooper

Meeting Info

Wirtz Center WALLIS: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sa 10:30AM - 4:30PM

Overview of class

Important scheduling information: This class will only run for 2 weeks: 7/22/24 - 8/3/24, Monday - Saturdays from 1030am - 430pm.

A Master Class examining the value of artistic process focused on new play development, this course will introduce you to the tools and the structure needed to deepen your practice as a director, actor, dramaturg or stage manager. Over an intensive two-week workshop, we will investigate how we can bring a greater sense of innovation and risk taking to our new play development process, centering the excavation of one play by a new American writer, who will be present for the process. Students will learn Shana Cooper's original rehearsal methodology "Essence Work", a technique which aids theater makers in being responsive to the individual needs of a project and how their specific identity and point of view can impact the creative process. Essence work also enables all artists to contribute more deeply to the creative process, and to find greater agency in the new play development process. Essence Work techniques as well as in depth table work in intimate conversation with the professional writer will be used to explore the new play text in addition to the characters and world of the play.

Registration Requirements

To apply, please email a short paragraph describing your interest in this course to shanacooper@northwestern.edu: please include the specific ways you would be open to participating in the class (options: assistant directing, dramaturg/assistant dramaturg, assistant stage management, actor). Please include the name of one faculty reference at Northwestern.