Theatrical Futures:The Edinburgh Fringe Festival
2009 Exploration Seminar in Scotland
Program Director: Andrew Tsao
Date of Instruction: August 6 – Sept 1, 2009
NOTE THAT THIS PROGRAM IS A SUMMER AND NOT AN EARLY FALL PROGRAM: This affects how credit, payments and financial aid are handled. Please click here for information.
Each year scores of performing arts groups and hundreds of artists converge in Edinburgh, Scotland for the world’s most celebrated festival of trailblazing live performance. The staggering schedule of over 2000 events in 250 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 that is a key ingredient to the advancement of global performing arts.
Edinburgh, Scotland is one of Europe’s most intriguing cities, with a rich and varied history. From Arthur’s Seat to Roslyn Chapel and Edinburgh Castle, epochs of English history provides a stunning backdrop for the carnival-like events that comprise the Festival. Combining the influential International Festival, the Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh has become THE annual global gathering place for art and culture.
Now in its third year, the Theatrical Futures Seminar will have a new twist: join with other undergraduate drama students in bringing a world premiere original show to the festival. Already in development in the School of Drama, THE GRIND SHOW is an original work developed by the TBA Collaborative. Together, students will produce, direct, perform, and tour this show to Edinburgh as a special class in producing live theatre. And you don’t even have to have a theatre background to join in.
 There will be opportunities in set, costume, lighting, sound, stage management, marketing, running crew and more in this project. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn how to put together a show and take it abroad. Definitely something you can’t learn in a classroom.
In addition to this, the seminar will also offer a section devoted to studying global performance for those who prefer a more scholarly approach to learning about world theatre. Students in this section see over 25 shows in three weeks, attend lectures and workshops while comparing and contrasting international performance trends, and have ample time to explore and discover everything Edinburgh has to offer during the festival. All students will live in the Chester Street House, a renovated Georgian period mansion that accommodates 16 comfortably. Its central location allows for easy access to all the festival has to offer, and serves as a classroom and gathering place common meals, lectures and workshops.
Students: The study section of the class will be targeted to all students in the School of Drama, who have or intend to declare a Drama major, as well as to graduate students. 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.
 Credits: This program will offer a total of 6 credits, including five (5) credits of one of the following options, plus one (1) credit of GEN ST 392.
- DRAMA 494:Special Studies in Theatre and Drama (VLPA)
- The class would fulfill a Group 3 Theatre History requirement in the School of Drama, as well as a Critical Studies requirement.
- This VLPA credit class fulfills a theatre history requirement as well as an elective in the various majors of dance, music and art.
- The production section of the class would fulfill 5 credits towards a 400 level production class or special topics elective.
- NOTE: There is a limited enrollment for this seminar, both the production and study section. Student slots are awarded based on applications, class level and a brief interview.
- Students should check with their advisors in specific applications towards their majors.
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.
Student costs:
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