DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/RR26-3K56
Defense Date
2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
Theatre
First Advisor
Karen Kopryanski
Second Advisor
Dr. Keith Byron Kirk
Third Advisor
Dr. Jesse Njus
Abstract
Speech training for actors in the United States has a history deeply rooted in prescriptive practices. Many speech trainers have and still do teach from a model that they consider to be the “correct” way to speak. These practices have proven to be quite damaging to students’ emotional and cultural identities, as speech is an inherent part of who we are as individuals. This thesis first examines such speech training pedagogies of the past, specifically the progression of William Tilly’s World English to Edith Skinner’s Good American Speech. Doing so establishes the necessary contextual understanding required to provide an alternative method for actor speech training. I compare the aforementioned pedagogies to Knight-Thompson Speechwork, an organization whose training methodology is focused on exploring the physical actions of speech while honoring each student’s individual identity. After outlining the progression of work that Knight-Thompson Speechwork offers, I provide an example of how I would apply it to a specific coaching session. Lastly, I broaden my scope and explore potential applications of Knight-Thompson Speechwork’s pedagogical practices to issues within professional settings outside of the realm of theatre.
Rights
© Harrison Gray Runion
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-9-2023