The Spirit of Play

This course is designed to liberate actors and other human beings through immersion in the 'state of play,' and by providing a set of tools for its cultivation. Awareness, availability, fun, and spontaneity are natural components of playing - but they often fade when actors step onto the stage (or when non-actors step into an important task). Students will develop their capacity to respond freely and to innovate with joyful freedom. In this course, we seek to dissolve the barriers between playfulness and our actions, in order to become more free, authentic, comfortable, and happy - onstage and off. In addition, students will learn creative methodologies for using 'play' to develop new material for the theatre. Developed specifically for Stanford students, this course takes perspectives from clown and physical theatre practice. Using games, improvisation, inquiry, and self-reflection, we will attend the capacity for 'play' like a muscle that can be strengthened. No previous experience is necessary; out-of-class investigation will be required weekly.