Traditional dramaturgy in community theatre involves research to reveal the historical context of a play. What are the manners and dress of the time? Do words have a different meaning in the play’s timeframe? What is the political climate? However, Dr. Powell, Psychology Department Head at St. Thomas More in Covington, Kentucky, has developed a method of research that assists actors in understanding why and how they may make decisions based on psychological principles.

Presenters:

Kathy Pingel was the Director of Education and Youth Programming at the Des Moines Community Playhouse for 10 years, until her retirement in 2015. She also served as Artistic Director of the Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre. She holds a B.A. in Theatre from Eastern Michigan University, an M.A. from Northwestern University in Performance Studies, and an M.A.T. from Northwestern, as well. Since leaving the Des Moines Playhouse, Kathy has directed and taught in Kentucky, Oregon, Michigan, Iowa, Florida, Oklahoma, and Ansbach, Germany. Kathy’s newest role is Dramaturge for AACT’s NewPlayFest.

Dr. Caitlin A. J. Powell received her doctorate in experimental psychology from the University of Kentucky in 2010. She has taught at Georgia College and State University, St. Mary’s College of California, and, most recently, Thomas More University, where she is Chair of the Psychology Department. Caitlin has a lifelong love of theater, and has had extensive experience as a volunteer at The Des Moines Playhouse.

The AACT Fall 2021 Webinar Series provides enrichment courses for actors, directors, theatre educators, and administrators, with an emphasis on enhancing skills and expanding perspectives. These affordable sessions are designed to deliver superior professional/vocational development with no travel costs. As an attendee, you can enhance your expertise and knowledge in all aspects of theatre-making, by interacting directly with artists, practitioners, educators, and consultants. 

Each session offers 1 to 1.5 hours of streaming webcast that includes a live discussion with the presenter, video demonstrations, and presentation materials.

Per-session registration: AACT members, $15; non-members, $20.

aact.org/webinars

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