Theatre
Technical and Performance Instruction for Tennessee's Young Thespians
Our philosophy is simple --- to supply an opportunity for the student to learn. We do this by providing a program of dedicated and focused study in all areas of theatrical studies, with an emphasis on the process of creating live theatre. Students are to be given every opportunity possible to explore, to question, and to grow. The Theatre Program is a safe place where there are no wrong answers and no stupid questions. It is an environment fostering open communication and the exchange of knowledge and ideas.
The mission of the Theatre Program of the Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts is based on the idea that we are part of a "school" and the objective should always be on learning and exploring the multiple facets of the art of theatre. The mission of the Theatre Program is to instill in every student the respect and understanding of all aspects of the theatrical process as it leads to its final culmination in the performance, as well as to give the student the knowledge, skills, and creative opportunities to realize their own potential and grow as an individual, an artist, and a craftsman. Additionally, the student should gain a sense of where the art of theatre resides in relationship to the other art forms of the school, and how all these art forms are interrelated.
Theatre Curriculum
There are now two classifications for theatre students: Performance and Technical Theatre. Students may apply for both concentrations but must realize they will be accepted into only one classification -- not both. However, all students must demonstrate a willingness to participate and learn in all aspects of theatre. Instruction will include skills and knowledge development in areas such as:
- PERFORMANCE STUDIES (Stage Movement, Stage Combat, Alexander Technique, Acting for the Stage, Acting for the Camera, Vocal Training, Musical Theatre, Pantomime, Improvisation, Dance, Auditioning, etc.)
- DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY (Costumes, Scenery, Lighting, etc.)
- THEATRICAL/LITERARY STUDIES (Playwriting, Theatre History, Dramaturgy, etc.)
- THEATRE MANAGEMENT (Theatre Business, Stage Management, etc.)
- PERFORMANCE STUDIES (Stage Movement, Stage Combat, Alexander Technique, Acting for the Stage, Acting for the Camera, Vocal Training, Musical Theatre, Pantomime, Improvisation, Dance, Auditioning, etc.)
- DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY (Costumes, Scenery, Lighting, etc.)
- THEATRICAL/LITERARY STUDIES (Playwriting, Theatre History, Dramaturgy, etc.)
- THEATRE MANAGEMENT (Theatre Business, Stage Management, etc.)
Goals
The Theatre Arts discipline embodies four fundamental goals and component knowledge, processes, and skills which this Tennessee framework terms strands. The goals are to enable the learner to:
1. Develop means of expression for the individual through the use of drama/theatre experiences
a. Sensory perception
b. Emotional expression
c. Imagination
d. Movement
e. Language
f. Voice
g. Artistic discipline
h. Concentration
i. Self-concept
2. Create drama/theatre through individual effort, group interaction, and artistic collaboration
a. Ensemble and interpersonal skills
b. Problem solving
c. Improvisation
d. Acting
e. Directing
f. Playmaking and Playwriting
g. Technical elements
h. Theatre management
3. Experience drama/theatre in its multicultural, social, and historical contexts
a. Dramatic literature
b. Theatre history and heritage
c. Drama/Theatre in a multicultural society
d. Roles and careers
4. Form aesthetic judgments of drama/theatre experiences
a. Elements of drama
b. Audience
c. Theatre and other arts
d. Aesthetic response
1. Develop means of expression for the individual through the use of drama/theatre experiences
a. Sensory perception
b. Emotional expression
c. Imagination
d. Movement
e. Language
f. Voice
g. Artistic discipline
h. Concentration
i. Self-concept
2. Create drama/theatre through individual effort, group interaction, and artistic collaboration
a. Ensemble and interpersonal skills
b. Problem solving
c. Improvisation
d. Acting
e. Directing
f. Playmaking and Playwriting
g. Technical elements
h. Theatre management
3. Experience drama/theatre in its multicultural, social, and historical contexts
a. Dramatic literature
b. Theatre history and heritage
c. Drama/Theatre in a multicultural society
d. Roles and careers
4. Form aesthetic judgments of drama/theatre experiences
a. Elements of drama
b. Audience
c. Theatre and other arts
d. Aesthetic response
John Mauldin
John Mauldin
Theatre Chair
Theatre Chair
John Mauldin joined the MTSU faculty in the Fall of 2003. He received his MFA from Florida Atlantic University in 2001. He received his undergraduate degree, BS in Speech & Theatre from MTSU. John has performed with Ideaprov (Improv Theatre Company), Naked Stages (The Merchant of Venice, Twelfth Night) People’s Branch Theatre (True West), and John Holleman and Co (Oedipus the King).John was last seen on stage as Oedipus in Oedipus the King performed in the Parthenon at the foot of Athena. John is also co-host, writer and producer of a weekly theatre based podcast (which takes it’s name from Hamlet’s advice to the players) called The Inexplicable Dumbshow.
For more information on John Mauldin please visit his website: www.jmauldin.com.
Theatre Faculty
Theatre Faculty
Lee Blair, Finale Musical Director
West Virginia University
Richard Browder, Choreographer
Middle TN State University
Mark Cabus, Acting, Finale Director
Freelance Actor
Cecilia Lighthall, Stage Manager
New York, N.Y.
Robert P. Robins, Lighting and Sound Design
Freelance, Gainesville, Florida
Stoney Westmoreland, workshop
Actor, Los Angeles, CA
Bill Bowers, workshop
Actor, New York, NY
Other guest workshop artists.
West Virginia University
Richard Browder, Choreographer
Middle TN State University
Mark Cabus, Acting, Finale Director
Freelance Actor
Cecilia Lighthall, Stage Manager
New York, N.Y.
Robert P. Robins, Lighting and Sound Design
Freelance, Gainesville, Florida
Stoney Westmoreland, workshop
Actor, Los Angeles, CA
Bill Bowers, workshop
Actor, New York, NY
Other guest workshop artists.