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

Available for download on Saturday, March 18, 2215

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