Events in the Department of Theatre
Artists-in-Residence: The Arts as a Creative Catalyst
For the 2006-2007 season, the University of Maryland, College of Arts and Humanities have come together with the units in the performing and creative arts to present five renowned artists-in-residence. We are taking this opportunity to investigate how the arts in the university unleash the creativity that changes our world. Featured artists include Walter Dallas, critically acclaimed Broadway, off-Broadway and regional theatre director; Liz Lerman, Liz Lerman Dance Exchange; Russell Banks, author of a dozen novels and short story collections; Joe Goode, choreographer, wirter and director; and Laurie Anderson, singer and song-writer. To learn more about this program, click here.
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Storyteller, director, puppeteer, composer and musician Blair Thomas demonstrates his singular approach to the creation of theatrical stories and productions. Blair's work is dedicated to applying serious literature, original music and intricate design in the presentation of theatre using contemporary and classical traditions of puppetry as a means of creative expression. At a special reception, in conjunction with the Fall 2006 Henson Seminar, Blair was introduced as Resident Guest Artist with the University of Maryland Department of Theatre in the 2006-07 academic year, made possible by generous support of Jane Henson. Blair also performed at the Smith Center as part of Maryland Presents last year. Click here to read more about BlairThomas's work. |
Also in spring 2006, the Department of Theatre hosted a reception honoring Dr. Jackson Bryer, a Professor Emeritus of the Department of English with more than 40 years of service to the University of Maryland. He was honored in 2004 with the university's Distinguished Scholar-Teacher Award. Over the years, Dr. Bryer has worked closely with the Department of Theatre as an affiliate faculty member and literary advisor, and his efforts have been instrumental in bringing such notable theatre practitioners as Edward Albee, Beth Henley, and Wendy Wasserstein to speak to our students. His major areas of teaching and scholarly interest are American and modern dramatic literature and the twentieth-century American novel, with an emphasis on the work of F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Inside French Theatre
The Department of Theatre and Study Abroad Program co-sponsored Inside French Theatre (IFT) in conjunction with Friches Théâtre Urbain in Paris during summer 2005 and 2006. Students learned an imaginative approach to the exploration of a theme and the development of a text using physical theatre techniques, and created an energetic and unique performance to take place "en déambulation" (promenade) in the Paris streets and parks.
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Theatre
Majors Tiernan Madorno and Jessica Henry |
Tiernan
Madorno |
Edward Albee visited the Center as part of our Inside Theatre Series created by the Department of Theatre and the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. This Seriec features luminaries of the stage discussing their craft and sharing the secrets of their artistic achievements. Pulitzer Prize-winner Edward Albee has defined American Theatre with four decades of provocative and brilliant works. His visit to the University of Maryland included a playwriting workshop with students, an informal discussion/Q & A session with students, and at 8 PM in the Kogod Theatre - a conversation with Mr. Albee, moderated by Professor Bryer from the Department of English.
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| Mr.
Albee speaks with Theatre majors Dominic D'Andrea, John LaBombard, and Robert Drayton. |
Mr. Albee addresses
questions from Theatre majors. |