English 2235 / Spring 2008

Attending a Dramatic Performance Requirement

1.) Go see Brighton Beach Memoirs, a play by Neil Simon, produced by ARCC’s Theatre Department, and directed by Dr. Thomas McCarthy.

2.) Performances are April 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the ARCC Performing Arts Center. The ASL-interpreted performance is probably April 24, but check on this if you want to go. The post-play discussion is on April 19.

3.) Students can get two (2) free tickets to this performance if they present a student ID to the Bookstore before the show.

4.) Keep a copy of your ticket. Staple it to your response.

5.) Write a response. The paper should be about 300-350 words. When you write the paper, you do not need to summarize the play, since we've all read it. Instead, pick two or three specific elements of the performance that caught your eye, ear, or brain. Briefly summarize each performance element -- including vocal delivery, body language, other nonverbals, stage movements, props, lighting, scenery, sounds, etc. -- and then respond to each one:

• How did it illuminate a part of the play for you?
• How did it help you understand that part of the play better?
• How did it help you recognize something as important but that you might have overlooked when just reading the play?
• What did you learn?

6.) The response credit paper is due no later than Wednesday, April 30, 2008.