Performing Arts Storytelling (PAST)

PAST 120 Fundamentals of Storytelling

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.

PAST 180 Theatre History I for Writers

PAST 210 Playwriting I for Theater and Media

PAST 220 Dramaturgy & Script Analysis

PAST 230 Screenwriting I for Writing for Theater and Media

PAST 240 Writing Comedy for TV

PAST 252 The History of Diversity and Equity in American Entertainment

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.

PAST 280 History of Diversity and Equity in Media Arts

PAST 310 Playwriting II for Writing for Theater and Media

PAST 330 Screenwriting II for Writing for Theater and Media

PAST 340 Writing the TV Drama