Theatrical Futures:The Edinburgh Fringe Festival
2008 Exploration Seminar in Scotland

Program Director: Andrew Tsao
Date of Instruction: August 3 - August 26, 2008 (please note: this program begins before Early Fall Start period)

Each year thousands of performing arts groups and artists converge in Edinburgh, Scotland for the world’s most concentrated and celebrated festival of trailblazing theatrical work, first established in 1947. The staggering schedule of 1,800 events in 261 venues provides a one-stop experience to see and experience new work from all over the world. During the festival, the unique community of artists and audiences provides a rich environment for the exchange of ideas and cultures that is a key ingredient to the advancement of global performing arts.

Edinburgh, Scotland is one of the UK’s most remarkable cities, with a rich and varied history. From Arthur’s seat, to Roslyn Chapel, to Edinburgh Castle, epochs of English history provide a stunning backdrop for the carnival-like events that comprise the Festival. Combining the Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Edinburgh International Book Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Edinburgh has become THE global gathering place for the arts in epic proportions.

During the four weeks of the festival, students will attend a wide array of performances, interface with artists, study trends and themes that inform the work they experience.  The variety of disciplines on display at the Fringe Festival make this seminar appropriate for students interested in drama, dance, music and fine art. Students will live in the recently renovated Chester Street House, which accommodates 16 persons comfortably. This housing situation will allow for a daily class schedule and central meeting location. A program of common shows will be created by the instructor, and students will exchange reviews and reports on these shows with the group. There will also be ample opportunities for students to select performances on their own or in small groups.

Our main focus will be the study of global performance trends, interviewing performers about their influences and creative impulses, and exploring theatrical creativity with an eye towards learning more about our own creative processes. Rollo May’s influential study on the nature of creativity, “THE COURAGE TO CREATE” will serve as a text and inspiration for the class.

Students: This class will be targeted to all students in the School of Drama, who have declared a Drama major, as well as to graduate students.  The class would fulfill a Group 3 Theatre History requirement in the School of Drama, as well as a Critical Studies requirement. In addition, this course would be open to a wide range of Arts and Sciences majors who are interested in culture and performance, globalization, cultural anthropology and ethnic studies. This 5 VLPA credit class fulfills a theatre history requirement as well as an elective in the various majors of dance, music and art. Students should check with their advisors in specific applications towards their majors.Participants can alternately earn 5 credits of CHID 471 Europe Study Abroad (I&S).

Instructor Background : Andrew Tsao is an associate professor with the School of Drama. He  has directed professionally in theatre and television for the past  twenty years, both nationally and internationally. He teaches  dramatic structure and creativity, acting, directing, and screen acting for the Professional Training Program. For more information:  http://web.mac.com/andrtsao


Student costs:  
$2,600 Program Fee
$200 IPE Fee
Additional costs include: RT transportation to Edinburgh, health insurance, personal spending money, and meals.

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