Interdisciplinary Arts 0193 - Intro to Design Driven Perf

Working collaboratively and individually, students will undertake a series of design exercises as they work toward shaping "performances" that are inspired by design ideas. Traditionally, theatre directors, playwrights, or actors take the lead in creating performed projects. What happens when designers initiate theatrical work? How can design speak to an audience? How does design develop narrative, tension, and conflict? After an introduction to the individual theatre design disciplines, we will examine methods that can carry an audience and sustain engagement. We will also explore how design ideas can spark the development of devised work involving performers. Throughout the semester we will survey the work of selected artists while analyzing how they mix traditional theatre design forms (sound, lighting, costumes, scenery, props) with new media and technology. With the assistance of classmates, students will develop and "perform" individual pieces inspired by their own design visions.

Arts, Design, and Media Independent Work In this course, students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. This time includes reading, writing, research, designing, and presentation preparations.