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-History of Theatre:
This class is the first time I realized just how much more there is to theatre than just acting. Theatre requires collaboration
among many artists: actors, craftspeople, designers, directors, producers, managers, composers, and choreographers in order
to create a wonderful performance for audiences. Since the time of the ancient Greeks, theatre has included elements like
costumes, scenery, props, music, and choreography, lighting, and sound that also help make the discipline what it is. Furthermore,
this class showed me the many ways theatre has provided insight into important times throughout history. For example, The
Crucibleis a play about the Salem Witch Trials, and Jesus Christ Superstar is a play about significant religious issues.
Another example is how theatre was used in the 1930s and 1940s in Germany to show the virtues of Adolf Hitlers actions. Theatre
was being used to influence, persuade, or shock audiences, and it is still doing that very same thing today.
-The Creative Process of Film:
This course was about all the different aspects of film. We looked at all types of films from all types of viewpoints.
We studied comedies, dramas, independent films, horror movies, and action flicks. Also, the class explored these films from
the eyes of the director, producer, actor, agent, writer, and production crew. This course opened my eyes to the enormous
world of film. I realized just how much went into each and every film and just how many people had to work on it to make
it what it is when we see it in the movie theatre. I also liked this course because we discussed a lot about ethics and morals.
We had heated debates on which actors go too far for a role or which movies cross the line to try and prove a point.
-Acting T.V. & Film:
This class was beneficial to me because it was my first introduction to television and film. I had always been a fan
of acting on stage, in a theatre-which is very different from acting on camera. I learned about cameras, microphones, television
equipment, and the production side of the television industry. The art of acting on camera is a very different skill than
acting on a stage. This class helped prepare me for my BIS401 class where I interned with ABC15. Learning such a vast amount
of information from my t.v. and film class made me more confident and knowledgeable when it came to interning at a successful
television station.
-Audition Techniques:
This course taught me about every aspect of an audition. It helped me understand the importance of researching a role,
learning about the company you are auditioning for, studying the part, dedicating yourself to the part....It taught me how
to present yourself from the moment you walk into an audition to the audition itself to the follow up after the audition...I
improved my self-confidence and my stage presence skills in this class. Furthermore, I can apply all the things I learned
from my auditioning class to job interviews. From researching a future employer to sending a thank you note after the interview;
the tactics and lessons I learned in this class will help me tremendously in the real world when I am searching for new jobs.
-Personal Growth in Human Relations:
This class helped me learn a lot about the importance of relationships. Whether it be with a sibling, romantic partner,
parent, child, co-worker, friend, or stranger....relationships that people develop through their lives help shape them into
the person they will become. I really enjoyed this class because there was a lot of self-reflection when it came to my own
life and the relationships that I have made with other people during my lifetime. This course helped me on more of a personal
level, which in turn, affects and changes everything I do. If I am becoming happier and trying to change and grow and evolve
into a better person, that is going to show in all areas of my life.
-Introduction to Communication:
This class taught me about the history of communication. I learned that communicating means much more than a conversation
between two people. The roots of communication go as far back as the ancient study of oratory. The ability to speak clearly,
fluently, and successfully has been recognized as the trademark characteristic of an educated person since the beginning of
time. From rhetoric, came the practice of communication which was a central focus for Greek, Roman, Medieval, Renaissance,
and early modern education for thousands of years. Today, communication is relevant to every discipline, every career path,
everything we do on a daily basis. This class showed me the importance of communication in the workplace, in families, in
mass media, in advertising, in public relations, and in everyday human relationships.
-Gender and Communication:
This was one of the most interesting and intriguing classes I have ever taken. This class explored the many differences
between men and women. We covered the impact of society and the media and how that affects each gender. We learned the difference
between homosexuals, transsexuals, transgendered people, people with sexual identity crisis's, and discussed the debate of
nature vs. nurture. Also studied in the class were social issues that deal with gender, such as: rape, sexual harassment,
family, relationships, and gender awareness. This class taught me to appreciate the similarities men and women share, and
better understand the differences they have, as well.
-Communication in Organizations:
This course gave me great insight on the importance of communication within the workplace. We covered all different types
of organizations, from international chains, to tiny shops. We covered relationships within the workplace, from co-workers,
to bosses, to subordinates, and the chain of command within each company. Furthermore, this class covered the importance
of an organization's culture. This concept has really stuck with me because I know how important the people you work with
and the environment you work in can have an impact on your attitude and feelings about work. This class was very beneficial
because the concepts we studied and learned about take place in the real life work situations every single day.
-Public Speaking & Advanced Public Speaking:
This was by far one of my favorite classes from all four years. More than any other course, this class allowed me to
combine both my concentrations: theatre and communication beautifully. I was able to do a great amount of public speaking
which I feel is one of my greatest strengths, and also able to work on my improvisational public speaking skills (which I
don't find as easy!) I really enjoyed choosing topics I felt passionate about, thoroughly researching them, writing the speech,
and delivering it as best as I could. I found the entire process very rewarding, and I really think I will take the skills
I acquired in this course wherever I go in any future career.
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