This work is part of a retrospective collection of 179 electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) from the VCU Libraries pilot ETD system that were designated as available only to VCU users. Please contact us at if you have questions or if you are the author of one of these and would like to release it for online public access.

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Defense Date

2005

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/G5Y0-AT07

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts

Department

Theatre

First Advisor

Dr. Noreen C. Barnes

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the actor's process in tackling the roles of Harry Dalton in Equus by Peter Shaffer, Duke Senior in As You Like It by William Shakespeare, and Dionysus in The Bacchae by Euripedes. Each production is assigned its own chapter, respectively. The chapters explore each role vocally, psychologically, and physically, including the examination of the Alexander Technique. Reflection on the experience of portraying the character and an evaluation of the actor's growth also transpires. The fourth chapter, Finding My Light, summarizes related observations and analysis as a result of performing all three roles. Finally, the fifth chapter, Curtain Call: A Tableau of Contemplation, deliberates on three years of graduate education. It features the benefits and shortcomings realized as a result of participating as one of the first students the Professional Studio Acting Track of Virginia Commonwealth University.

Comments

Part of Retrospective ETD Collection, restricted to VCU only.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

June 2008

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