DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/E1X1-BY34
Defense Date
2015
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
Theatre Pedagogy
First Advisor
David Leong
Second Advisor
Dr. Aaron Anderson
Third Advisor
Patti D'Beck
Abstract
Abstract
DEVISING, REFINING, AND REHEARSAL IN A 30 YEAR WAR
By Bradley Harris Willcuts, M.F.A.
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of
Fine Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Virginia Commonwealth University, 2015
Thesis Chair: David Leong
Devising, Refining and Rehearsing in a 30 Year War is an account of the process
of developing movement and choreography for the production of Mother Courage and
her Children at Arena Stage in Washington D.C. It was my largest project during the
two years I spent at Virginia Commonwealth University studying an MFA. The title
reflects the chronological process that my mentor, director, and colleague David Leong
and I went through to produce the work that earned a Helen Hayes Nomination for
Outstanding Choreography in a Play. The show starred Kathleen Turner and was
directed by acclaimed artistic director of the Arena Stage, Molly Smith. The demands of
the work not only had serious responsibilities, but they also asked for a higher caliber of
iv
work than I had ever been a part of before. It proved to be the single most influential
theatrical experience of my career.
The movement work needed to be approached with great research and merit
due to the highly stylized nature of the project and the national acclaim for it’s opening.
This thesis documents that process and the successful outcome of the work which
David Leong and I spent over 8 months on.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-5-2015