PLAY LAB: Advanced Studio Course for collaborators where we make new work
Course Description
Summary
"May what I do flow from me like a river, no forcing and no holding back, the way it is with children."
-- Rainer Maria Rilke
This course is open to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year students who may join as directors, writers, actors, designers, or in more than one capacity. Think of this as a studio where you may hone many aspects of the craft of theatermaking and cinematic storytelling. Ensemble is key to the success of this course. If you prefer to work solely with under or upperclass students, this course is not for you.
This new course centers the development, rehearsal techniques, and performance of original student work. It is open to those interested in experimenting with directing, acting, and writing, highlighting plays but also screenplays, pilots, solo pieces, short videos, even songwriting for those who wish to create and perform their own work. Students will learn how to guide the process of a professional staged reading, for example, which often prioritizes working effectively in a short period of time.
There may be public showings throughout the term on selected Monday evenings as groups are ready to show work for feedback. There is a possibility of students creating an original short video or offbook performance of a short play as their final project. You may write, read, and memorize outside class. Most rehearsals will happen in class time.
Every student will be encouraged to develop their awareness of others, of their own emotional response, their curiosity about the world of the play, and their ability to ask and respond to questions. We are limiting the practical and production aspects of the work so students can fully develop their imagination, vision, and follow through. The word “play” is also “play.” We will play, listen, support, create, and have fun.
Learning Outcomes
- To learn the process of moving a script or idea from the page to the stage.
- To hone skills in text analysis, physicalization of character, and the role of embodied intelligence.
- To learn to listen deeply: to a text, a space, a moment, internal responses, and to each other.
- To learn to craft a work of time-based art and share it with a live audience.
- To lean into what you don't know and turn fear into curiosity and wonder.
- To free up your artistic voice and share it with confidence.
Prerequisites
Successful completion of courses in one or more of the core drama areas: acting, playwriting, directing, dramaturgy, design, stage management.
By permission of the instructor in consultation with the Drama Faculty.
Please contact the faculty member : jrandich@bennington.edu