Performing Arts Storytelling (PAST)

This course is an introduction to the foundational principles of Western narrative construction and how they’ve changed over time. Studying Aristotelian theory and traditional structures like myth, fairy tale, the hero’s journey, and conventional comedic tropes, as well as more recent departures from standard narrative strategies, the student will deconstruct and examine the elements of Western narrative that lie at the heart of today’ s theater, film, TV, and the media storytelling. In addition to analyzing readings, film, theater and TC scripts, and video games, the student engages in creative writing and performance exercises that both demonstrate and push against traditional Western storytelling conventions. This is a prereq to Playwriting or Screenwriting I.

This course examines numerous movements in the struggle for diversity and equality in both theater and film. It examines racial/ethnic history and dynamics, politics, and marketplace reality and perception, as well as other factors influencing diversity and equity.