This course explores the relationship between live performance and media technology. We will ask how technology facilitates everyday encounters between people as well as the significance of technology to live arts such as theater, dance, music, and comedy. Faced with the difficulties of gathering in person in our current moment, this course turns to histories and theories of media that shed light on the problems and possibilities of communicating across distance.

Course Requirements:

The course requires participation in class meetings, held via Zoom, including student presentations, group discussions, and exercises that experiment with listening and performing practices enabled by video conferencing. Assignments will include reading, weekly reading responses, exercise facilitation, a class presentation, and a final paper or project.

Intended Audience:

This course will take place entirely online; no activities will take place on campus or in person. Undergraduates at all levels and across all departments and programs are welcome. The course will especially appeal to students interested in media and technology as well as to students interested in live performance, including (but not limited to!) theater, music, dance, and comedy, however no technical skills or performance experience are required.

Class Format:

This course will meet synchronously via Zoom. Students should have access to a camera, microphone, and internet. Readings and writing assignments will be posted to Canvas. We may occasionally use additional digital platforms. No face to face activities will be part of the course.