Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Ohio University, 2018, Theater

This paper explores Theatre for Development (TfD) as a research and development tool through a case study conducted in the Mathare slum of Nairobi, Kenya. Mathare is densely populated, with over half-a-million people in one square kilometer. Sanitation and water systems are poorly constructed and often controlled by cartels. This leads to health and security issues that disproportionately affect women. Development initiatives that aim to address these issues often ignore the role that community members play in development. TfD, as I modify it for this project, is an adaptation of Augusto Boal's forum theatre that generates community-led solutions to specific development issues. Using TfD, I rely on stakeholder participation to pursue a holistic research methodology that informs initiatives aimed at improving sanitation challenges. My research seeks to answer two questions: What information surfaces as a result of creating a TfD workshop in Mathare? And how does TfD succeed and fail as a methodology applied in Mathare? I present the data collected through the process of developing the workshop, conducting the workshop, and participant feedback. The data show that the practice of TfD in Mathare generates nuanced information on limitations to sanitation, and illustrates how gendered limitations restrict women's ability to make choices about their own sanitation. The data also show that TfD is useful in empowering participants to guide community dialogue around issues and ways of addressing them, and clarifying areas of misinterpretation. However, challenges can arise with budgeting time and negotiating a language barrier. Overall, I will show that TfD is a research and development tool that empowers stakeholders in the process of information collection, and allows them to invest directly and specifically in the desired outcomes.

Committee: Edna Wangui Dr. (Advisor) Subjects: African Studies; Environmental Studies; Gender; Theater

Master of Arts, University of Akron, 2017, Theatre Arts

An exploration of the necessity of the dramaturg in theatre, beginning with an historical overview of the role. It also looks closely at three types of dramaturgical functions in theatre: production dramaturgy, new play development, and devised theatre.

Committee: James Slowiak (Advisor); Durand Pope (Committee Member); Hillary Nunn Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Performing Arts; Theater; Theater History; Theater Studies

Master of Arts in English, Youngstown State University, 2015, Department of Languages

The Write Way to Act addresses the pedagogy of utilizing composition, sociolinguistics and second language acquisition in developing a character for the stage. The assertion is that aspects of the English discipline can be applied by the method actor through the composition of a Character's Diary, which takes into consideration important theories of sociolinguistics and second language acquisition, to develop a deeper and more meaningful connection to any character an actor may embody. Furthermore, this connection can be re-acquired almost immediately either before a performance or while onstage because the Character's Diary reveals memories of the character that the actor can relate to and draw upon for emotional recall. This thesis not only addresses the theoretical aspects of such pedagogy but also offers a blueprint of application through my own personal ethnographic study in which I successfully applied this theory to my own character when taking on the role of Mama in, I Remember Mama.

Committee: Jeffrey Buchanan PhD (Committee Chair); Steven Brown PhD (Committee Member); William Greenway PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Composition; Fine Arts; Language Arts; Linguistics; Performing Arts; Teaching; Theater; Theater Studies

Master of Arts, Miami University, 2008, Speech Communication

Theatre-based improvisational training for executives is becoming a trend with improv-based theatres such as Chicago's Second City catering their skills to the corporate world. Unfortunately, effectiveness of such training has relied primarily on assumptions and anecdotal testimony, with little supporting empirical data. This study seeks to take the first step toward quantifiably assessing the effectiveness of workplace improvisational training and the use of a supplementary simulation activity. Malcolm Knowles' assumptions of adult learning guide the research. The Group Behavioral Inventory (GBI), used for assessing impact of organizational interventions, allows for the testing of changes in dimensions of group behavior across time. Results indicate no significant increases in dimensions of group behavior following training and a simulation; however, analysis of trends points to the potential for improv-training to temporarily encourage positive group bonds and reinforce existing group goals. Trends also reveal the value of simulation activities for creating increased self-awareness.

Committee: James Patterson PhD (Advisor); Gary Shulman PhD (Committee Member); Judith Weiner PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Adult Education; Business Community; Business Education; Communication; Education; Educational Evaluation; Educational Psychology; Fine Arts; Higher Education; Teaching; Theater

Master of Arts, University of Akron, 2011, Theatre Arts-Arts Administration

This practical thesis discusses the considerations, planning efforts, and implementation process needed to create an online branding marketing video for a nonprofit arts organization. The goals are to sell the organization, its values and culture, build online brand awareness, drive customers to the website, and inform purchase intent. The final product is a short two minute and thirty second digital marketing video to be used to benefit the organization in its current marketing position. The commercial-like video captures the essence and values of The Akron Civic Theatre's brand and aligns with the current and future goals of the organization. The message of the video tells the evolving story of the organization and offers a fun, inviting, and personal connection with the venue by showcasing the versatile space and highlighting organizational leaders. The content broadens and advances the organization's digital online presence and communicates that the community can use the versatile space for purposes other than programmatic entertainment.

Committee: Durand L. Pope Mr.. (Advisor); Neil Sapienza Mr. (Committee Member); Phillip Hoffman Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Arts Management; Marketing; Theater Studies