Australian Performance: Theatre, Music and Dance

December 27 - January 16, 2010
THET 399A

Organized primarily around the works of Australian performance, this dynamic course aims to identify questions concerning the development of approaches that will advance the scholarly and public receptions of the field.

For three weeks each January, Sydney Festival offers a rich program of around 80 events involving upwards of 500 artists from Australia and abroad covering dance, theatre, music, visual arts, cross media and forums.  Students accepted into the course will have the unique privilege of experiencing cutting edge arts, music and images from around the planet alongside global conversations on social and contemporary issues such as reconciliation, climate change, and Sydney’s relationship with Asia.

Students will attend performances, participate in discussions and debates of the performances, and participate in hands-on workshops that explore theatre, music and dance, led by renowned Australian artists.

Itinerary

Students will go behind the scenes and attend workshops with the best that Australian theatre has to offer - from improv classes with Australian Improv Sports, to workshops with and the National Institute of Dramatic Arts, whose  famous graduates include: Cate Blanchett, Mel Gibson, Judy Davis, Toni Collette, and Baz Luhrman.

Students will have the opportunity to explore the music of Australia through the Sydney Symphony and the Sydney Opera House, and participate in Australian contemporary music through lectures and demonstrations.

Dance will be represented through workshops with Australia’s indigenous company, Bengara Dance, and the Sydney Dance Company – Australia’s premier contemporary dance company.

Students will also be able to choose workshops in photography, art, and architecture; visit the historical Botanical Gardens; Zoo; explore beautiful beaches; enjoy a bridge climb; and take day trips to the Blue Mountains and Great Ocean Drive.

Students will enjoy experiencing and learning about the city by traveling on Sydney’s trains, water taxis and buses.

Faculty Director

Professor Scot Reese
M.F. A., Directing, Northwestern University, 1994; B.A., UCLA, 1981 Professional theatre credits include productions from Los Angeles to New York. Television credits include daytime dramas, situation comedies, variety specials, and commercials. Most recent credits include the world premiere of Blues Journey at the Kennedy Center and To be Young Gifted and Black at the University of Maryland.

Honors and Awards: Emmy Award for Individual Achievement in Performance; General Research Board Summer Research Awards; Creative and Performing Arts Awards; Instructional Improvement Grant; Research and Travel Grant; Outstanding Teacher Awards

Please contact Professor Reese for information about course content and itinerary.

For questions about the application, registration and pre-departure logistics, please contact the Study Abroad Office at 301-314-7473.