HUMDEV E15, Theater – History of Comedy

This seminar provides a supportive environment for older adults to discuss with their peers a variety of topics of interest to seniors, including the study of aging, public policy related to older adults, philosophy, literature, music and musicals, or religion. The course is designed to allow older adults to relate any of these topics to their life experiences and socialize with others in similar stages of life. Specific topics may vary from semester to semester and may include the history of comedy, the great American songbook, etc.

Course Number: 9565 Time: 9 - 10:50 a.m. WLocation: EC 1227 107Instructor: Achorn J CWe will look at “Caesar’s World and His Writers” — the 1950s comedy of Sid Caesar and his writers Neil Simon, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Mel Tolkin, Larry Gelbart and Woody Allen etc. No text required.

TH ART E01, Principles of Acting

This course allows older adults to explore the human condition in historical and contemporary dramatic literature, fairy tales, myths, and legends, satire, and parody. By learning how to analyze and interpret these texts, older adults will be able to craft the characters that inhabit these stories. Through the transformative process of creativity, older adults improve their acting skills and participate in a public performance, which builds self-confidence and self esteem.

Course Number: 9593 Time: 11 a.m. - 1:50 p.m. TLocation: ONLINEInstructor: Gannen B

TH ART E02, Theater Arts Appreciation

This course expands older adults’ knowledge of play production methods and the history of the theater as it relates to current society and the life experiences of older adults. Older adults will learn about theater production from the viewpoint of the director, actor, critic, and viewer.

Course Number: 9594 Time: 9 - 10:50 a.m. FLocation: ONLINEInstructor: Abatemarco A MIn addition, taped and/or filmed productions will sometimes be streamed.

TH ART E05, Reader’s Theater

This course increases older adults’ knowledge of how to present dramatic literature and allows them to express themselves by reading scenes, poetry, illuminating literature, or speeches in front of an audience. Older adults also interpret plays and practice acting skills with their peers. This course expands older adults’ experience with dramatic literature without requiring perfect recall from memory.

Course Number: 9608 Time: 11 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. FLocation: ONLINEInstructor: Abatemarco A M

TH ART E20, Improvisation

This course encourages older adults to awaken their childhood by introducing them to the fundamentals of theatre improvisation. Students will joyfully explore essential improvisation performance techniques like spontaneity, creating an environment, character development, and structuring a scene. Build community with classmates through exercises, games, and group activities while having fun developing transferable life skills like quick-thinking, playfulness, imagination, and self-discovery. No improv experience necessary.

Course Number: 9595 Time: 10 - 11:50 a.m. MLocation: ONLINEInstructor: Camilleri G J

TH ART E22, Principles of Illusion: Close-up and Stage

In this performance-based class, students will be expected to learn and perform Close-up and Stage Magic. From card tricks to dinner table gags, the illusions covered in this class are practical, easy, and fun to do. Students will focus on entertaining friends and family while mastering the physical and mental concentration needed to create a successful trick. We will also discuss performance skills and presence on stage.

Course Number: 9598 Time: 12 - 1:50 p.m. MLocation: ONLINEInstructor: Camilleri G J

TH ART E30, Dramatic Interpretation Through Movies

This course helps older adults explore the art, technology, language and appreciation of film from the point of view of the older adult. Older adult students analyze the fundamentals of film production as a means of encouraging mental stimulation and peer socialization. Film examples are shown in class for comparison and discussion.

Course Number: 9596 Time: 1:30 - 4 p.m. WLocation: EC 1227 107Instructor: Abatemarco A M