With Djola Branner
This workshop course explores principles of acting through the lens of contemporary American drama, and simultaneously pushes our perceptions of gender. In addition to expanding physical awareness, vocal expression and relaxation & focus, we will consider the ever-changing historical, cultural and social landscapes that have defined and continue to define male, female and gender non-conforming identities, and develop a vocabulary for translating those identities to the stage. The curriculum is designed to deepen an understanding of how we express our own genders, and to develop a facility for embodying characters who experience and express gender differently than we do. Students will be required to do a significant amount of independent work outside the classroom/studio, to read and write critically (as well as imaginatively), and to work in collaboration with peers. Completion of at least one college level acting class (or experience) is required for enrollment in this course.