Solo Theater

Level: Undergraduate

Division: The New School for Public Engagement

School: School of Undergraduate Studies

Department: Visual and Performing Arts

Course Number: NACT 3325

Course Format: Studio

Location: NYC campus

Permission Required: No

Topics:

• Acting
• Performance
• Performing Arts

Description:
Solo theater, with ancient roots in traditional storytelling, is enjoying a renaissance, from small theatres and fringe festivals to Broadway. This highly personal genre encompasses many forms, including one-person plays, multi-character comic monologues, performance art, and storytelling. In this studio course, each student works on an original solo show or a collection of short solo pieces. Equal attention is given to writing and performing. In-class writing and improvisation exercises help students to find their own voices. Basic elements of drama and storytelling are taught, but students are welcome to work in non-traditional modes. Assigned readings include texts by solo theatre artists such as Anna Deavere Smith, John Leguizamo, and Lisa Krohn. Performance venues and opportunities will be discussed, and the course will culminate with an invitational performance of student works-in-progress.