THEA 209
Realism: Scene Study Spring 2025
Division I

A studio in the acting, craft, and performance of realism. How do we perform in the present moment? How do we act with purpose and intention? What makes something look and feel like it is happening for the first time? When might acting require us to do less rather than more? In this studio, we will explore tools and methods used by actors to tell truthful stories and convey the close imitation of reality on stage. Beginning with basic techniques and exercises, we will move into more advanced scene studies based on short scenes from works by contemporary U.S. playwrights. Playwrights may include Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Bess Wohl, Amy Herzog, Annie Baker, Dominique Morisseau, Eboni Booth, Quiara Alegría Hudes, Jackie Sibblies Drury, Lauren Yee, Mona Mansour, Martyna Majok, Taylor Mac, and others. As a final project, students will perform two- or three-person scenes, potentially in front of an invited audience.