This is an introductory course in theater-making for those with little or no experience in acting or production. The Winter 2018 version of the course will work in conjunction with the upper-level Drama course, HUMS 482: Director and Text. Students in HUMS 281 will be working with student directors on a series of acting exercises and theater games leading to a midterm performance project based the short dialogues from Love and Information from the contemporary British playwright Caryl Churchill. The second half of the semester will involve work on various one-act plays from the contemporary American comic and surrealistic playwright David Ives. In addition to acting assignments, students will research and report on aspects of their respective roles and, as informed audience members, will critique 2-3 play performances in the Ann Arbor area.

Final performance projects will be chosen by the student directors individually, with the advice and consent of the Instructors. These have ranged from very contemporary works to adaptations of Greek tragedy and Shakespeare.

Course Requirements:

In addition to acting assignments, students will research and report on aspects of their respective roles and, as informed audience members, will critique 2-3 play performances in the Ann Arbor area.

Intended Audience:

No previous theatrical experience necessary. RCHUMS 281 is a required course for the “Text-into-Performance” Minor.