Performing Arts - SOA 2011
There probably aren’t many people who can say they have never been moved to tears by a song or someone’s performance. At the School of the Arts Performing Arts classes, discover what moves you and helps you move others. Skill levels for courses range from beginner to advanced; check the course listing for details. Take to the stage for the first time in your life, or become more proficient on an instrument you’ve played for years.
Acting with Bob Curry (B2) 8:30-10:00 am
Of all the arts, acting demands the greatest personal investment from the artist. We use our body, voice, emotions, and knowledge of human nature to create complex characters in the service of literature. This beginning- to intermediate-level class will cover movement, voice and character work, script and beat analysis, developing stage presence, and scene work. Acting is essential training if you are a fiction or drama writer, a public speaker, a teacher…or if you just want to be more comfortable in your own skin. Fun guaranteed.
Bob Curry writes fiction, plays, and screenplays and teaches writing at the UW-Extension and Madison College. Recent editing projects include Spirit Falls, Robert Townsend's recently published novel, and I, Nixon, a play by historian Stanley Kutler, which was produced recently in Chicago. He co-wrote the screenplay for The Last Great Ride, starring Ernest Borgnine and Eileen Brennan.
Folk Music Ensemble with Chris Powers (C5) 10:15-11:45 am
Learn the secrets to successful jamming, and how to move on to playing with the band! Using well-known folk songs and tunes, we will work on playing backup, melody and harmony. Bring your guitar, voice, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, Dobro, harmonica, bass, etc. and we will build a band using the instruments and skills of all participants. You should have some basic-to-intermediate experience playing your instrument. Music-reading ability is not required.
Christopher Powers is the long-time radio host of "Mud Acres," a weekly acoustic music program on Madison's WORT-FM. He has worked in a dozen different string bands, toured six years with UWExtension's Heritage Ensemble, and teaches both group and individual instrument and ensemble music lessons in the Madison area.
Music Appreciation: American Roots Music with Chris Powers (E5) 1:30-3:00 pm
In the days before our mass media was able to spread diverse music all around the world, Americans in isolated areas developed their own distinct styles. Appalachian, Blues, Cajun, Western Swing, Urban Folk, and Bluegrass were some of the best-known and most influential. In this listening course, we’ll explore the roots of popular American music, the artists and instruments that define these styles, what messages they wanted to convey, and the lasting impact of their influence on American music. This course is for all music lovers and learners.
Christopher Powers is the long-time radio host of "Mud Acres," a weekly acoustic music program on Madison's WORT-FM. He has worked in a dozen different string bands, toured six years with UWExtension's Heritage Ensemble, and teaches both group and individual instrument and ensemble music lessons in the Madison area.
Instrumental Music Lessons with Chris Powers (B6) 8:30-10:00 am - Class is full
Students receive a private or semi-private 20-25 minute daily lesson on mandolin, guitar, harmonica, or other folk instrument; songwriting; improvisation; performing; harmony singing; or just how to become a better musician. Decide on a reasonable goal for the week and bring your instrument and any specific music you would like to work on. The instructor will supplement this with appropriate study material to aid you in your goal.
Christopher Powers is the long-time radio host of "Mud Acres," a weekly acoustic music program on Madison's WORT-FM. He has worked in a dozen different string bands, toured six years with UWExtension's Heritage Ensemble, and teaches both group and individual instrument and ensemble music lessons in the Madison area.
Playwriting Lab for Actors with Bob Curry (C9) 10:15-11:45 am
Actors have been essential collaborators in the creation of plays since the Greeks. They give the playwright’s characters their first life and offer valuable insights to the playwright. Join us in this collaborative workshop as the first readers of new work written in the Playwriting Lab for Writers. This is an exciting session if you are interested in acting, playwriting, or the creation of theater generally. No experience required.
Bob Curry writes fiction, plays, and screenplays and teaches writing at the UW-Extension and Madison College. Recent editing projects include Spirit Falls, Robert Townsend's recently published novel, and I, Nixon, a play by historian Stanley Kutler, which was produced recently in Chicago. He co-wrote the screenplay for The Last Great Ride, starring Ernest Borgnine and Eileen Brennan.
Playwriting Lab for Writers with Liz Fentress (A3) 8:30-11:30 am
This intermediate- to advanced-level workshop provides a review of playwriting basics and an opportunity to develop a play. Participants will discuss theme, character, plot, and writing and revising dialogue. If you have a script in progress, bring it along, or, consider sending your script to the instructor prior to SOA. Be prepared to discuss classmates’ plays, and to work with actors during the Playwriting Lab for Actors held in conjunction with this class.
Liz Fentress is a director, playwright, and actor. In 2008, her play The Honey Harvest won the North American Actors Association annual playwriting competition and was staged in London's West End. Kentucky Educational Television's production of Liz's autobiographical play, Liz's Circus Story, which she wrote and performs, won the 2005 National Educational Television Association award for Best Dramatic Narrative.