DRAMA MAYMESTER Offered Maymester (May 10 - June 3, 2009)
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Maymester Drama Program in Cortona will be a practical experience culminating in several public performances of a short Shakespearean text. Students will study the history, technique and practice of Italian style comedy, improvisation, Commedia dell’ Arte and Shakespeare. The combined efforts of both courses will result in a short performance (under one hour) that will be offered to the Cortona and surrounding communities in both indoor and outdoor venues. Participants in the program will have the opportunity to experience the special demands of outdoor performance and be able to perform in scenically exquisite locations around Tuscany. In addition, the program will contain an overnight trip to Florence to view a performance of Italian theatre and visit the major museums there under a guided tour (the Uffizi, Michelangelo’s “David,” the Duomo). An additional field trip is planned, in conjunction with the Viticulture Program, to Montepulciano and Montalcino to view vineyards and the wine-making process. The Maymester Drama program is open to undergraduate and graduate students of all majors and requires no prerequisite, nor does it require prior performing experience. Students enrolling in this program will be required to take both Drama courses for a total of six credit hours.
Both Courses are open to students of ANY MAJOR.
Faculty:
Ray Paolino, Associate Professor, Head of MFA Performance; Director of Theatre. Read Full Biography
DRAM 5590/7560, Projects In Drama Maymester 3 undergraduate or graduate semester hours. No prerequisites.
Focus will be on planning, writing and polishing the short comedic script for performance. The course will center on the styles of Italian Comedy, pantomime scenarios, improvisation or Commedia dell’Arte in conjunction with a short Shakespearean text. Course may include a field trip to a major city to view Italian performances.
DRAM 5580/7580, Performance Topic Maymester 3 undergraduate or graduate semester hours. No prerequisites.
This acting class will include study and practice on a reduced Shakespeare script for public performance. Elements of various comedic styles will be incorporated into the rehearsal and performance of the piece. Focus will be on developing a short public performance for the Cortona community. Plans include several outdoor performances in both the Cortona community and neighboring hilltop towns in Tuscany. Course may include a field trip to a major city to view Italian performances.
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