Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation

5-2012

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

M.F.A.

Department

Theatre Arts

Committee Chair

Steiger, Amy Lynn

Author's Keywords

Richard III; Shakespeare; Acting; Movement; Voice

Subject

Acting; Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616--Characters--Richard III; Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616. King Richard III

Abstract

This thesis is a culmination of process and real life experiences I used as an actor to reach the goal of performing the role of Shakespeare's Richard III. Not only do I discuss the process I used, but I discuss the choices I made in pursuing this role through research, mentorship, and professionalism. Mostly I discuss why I was perfect for this particular role performed at the University of Louisville. This thesis is divided into four parts covering background, college, professional work, graduate work and finally performance of Richard III. Part One gives a historical background on my life from high school to my acceptance here at the University of Louisville. Broken into smaller sub-chapters I discuss mentorship, professionalism, research and technique, all of which I use in my daily work as an actor. Part Two explores the use of process here at the University of Louisville and how I used it to my advantage in Richard III. I focus on the processes specifically used in the rehearsal of Richard III including the voice, acting and movement work that helped me shape my character of Richard. Finally Parts Three and Four cover my performance and conclusion of why I was perfect for this role. In Part Three, I delve deeper into choices I made by the use of technique and research, and how the particular process Dr. Rinda Frye uses in her rehearsals formed a coherent and comedic Richard like none other any has seen before.

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