Bachelor of Arts (BA), Ohio University, 2024, Music

Transitive Property was a structured improvisational performance that explored spontaneous co-creation through music and dance. The project sought to explore interdisciplinary relationships using coexistent, process-based, and collaborative creative methods inspired by Shultis, Cage, and Cunningham. In addition, the project explored how the use of collaborative improvisation in performance can incorporate the audience and physical environment in creative ways. The rehearsal process for Transitive Property occurred over six weeks and included collaborators specializing in music and dance. Rehearsals were planned based on improvisational and pedagogical methods of Reeve, Morgenroth, and Hahn, and ongoing feedback and responses from the collaborators were essential throughout the process. The rehearsal process resulted in the hour-long performance Transitive Property. Two performances of this work (Spring 2024) investigated the inherent musicality of dance and speech, the dance-like qualities of artists drawing or musicians playing, the visual artistry of written language and scores, and the performance of everyday action. Transitive Property demonstrated that process-based artmaking in the form of interdisciplinary and collaborative improvisation can be an effective way to strengthen inter-performer relationships and create meaningful experiences for performers and audiences.

Committee: Christi Camper Moore (Advisor) Subjects: Dance; Fine Arts; Music