The ensemble creates through workshops, rehearsal process and performance over the course of fall semester 2011 and several weeks of spring semester 2012 a trio of short musical theatre works written by PHTS students, alumni, faculty and guest writers.
Each writing team is made up of composer, lyricist and book writer. Each team of writers will include one professional playwright, lyricist or composer who will act as mentoring collaborator. The themes, writing requirements and casting will be agreed upon and writers will produce a first draft by 9/21/11. Workshop process continues until the end of the semester. Beginning spring semester six additional weeks of rehearsal will culminate in 2 weeks of performance.
During the initial writing period, the acting ensemble meets to develop connective material, including choreography and personal research related to the themes of the works. This material will be woven into the works as entre-actes and used within the pieces themselves. When the scripts are available, table work begins, terms are defined, images explored, the world of the play is discussed, and imagined. Actors will conduct personal research related to the requirements of the texts which they will document within their personal score work. Visual and choreographic response projects are an ongoing component of dramaturgical study that continues throughout the rehearsal process.
Short video performances may be created, designed and filmed for use in the production. Actors may assist with the overall costume, set and lighting design. Physical training, improvisation and rehearsal culminates in performance for an adoring public.
Ensemble members are expected to utilize the full complement of their vocal, physical and acting technique in rehearsal and performance. In addition to crafting a fine production and compelling performances, a key goal of this work is to illuminate the actor's process from page to stage in definable steps.
Course Calendar/Schedule (Subject to adjustment)
Fall Semester 9/16-12/9:
Theme work, creating original choreography and staging improvisations, rehearsal.
12/11-12/17:
Tech week and presentation, White Box Theater.
Spring Semester 2011 1/23-2/24:
Rehearsal
2/26-3/1:
Tech
3/2-4 6-9
Performances, Robert Moss Theatre.
syllabus
score integration
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Images and Impulses
Frontier - Balanced - Galaxy - Lullaby - Nightmare - Transmute - Ignition - Meteoric - Frail - Divide - Retreating - Review - Kindle - Austerity - Precocious - Amnesia - Communication - Coffee - Groggy - Story
"the joy of being historically important by association"
"A pair of six-shooters beats a pair of sixes." -- Belle Starr
"Sometimes you have to put friendship aside for cheap laughs."
"Sophie had instructed her to watch his face crumple, majestic and startling like a damp sheet collapsing from the washline..."
