U-M at vanguard of education, mirroring changes in creative practice
In the last half of the 20th century, the nature of performance art and theatre itself began to change. The happenings of the ’60s and ’70s, street theatre, performance art and video installation expanded and transformed definitions of live and time-based creative work.
To establish an interdisciplinary educational opportunity for the growing number of students who want to create original work that draws on skills and traditions ranging from acting to video installation, from play writing to costume design, and from set design to animation, the University has created the Interarts Performance Bachelor of Fine Arts program.
A collaboration between the School of Art & Design (A&D) and the Department of Theatre & Drama in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, this program is the first of its kind in the country among major universities. U-M is now reviewing applicants for Fall 2009 admission.
Interarts Performance capitalizes on the strengths of A&D programs in performance art, visual art and design, sound works, video installation, and animation; and the Department of Theatre & Drama’s programs in costume, lighting and set design, acting, directing, playwriting, movement and voice.
The program will be led by acclaimed performance artist Holly Hughes, associate professor of art and design, and veteran director/actor/performance artist Malcolm Tulip, assistant professor of theatre and drama.
“The less compartmentalized and more multi-disciplinary way of working that is a hallmark of the Interarts Program is, in fact, the way the professional world operates,” says program Co-director Tulip. “It offers students an important introduction to real world practices.”
“Yes, it is for people interested in creating performance pieces,” says program Co-director Hughes, “but it’s also for those interested in costume design, site specific public art pieces, social activism and comedy. Students will work closely with faculty to develop the individual programs that address their goals.”
The four-year Interarts Performance degree will balance required and elective courses from A&D and the Department of Theatre & Drama. Students also will complete courses from colleges and departments across the University. A significant international experience is highly encouraged.
“We have developed a curriculum that prepares students to be disciplined — mindful of tradition — and inventive,” says Mary Schmidt, associate dean for academic affairs and undergraduate education of A&D.
“In partnership with the Department of Theatre and Drama, we have created an exciting range of courses that combines studio, performance and academic work. This new undergraduate program will promote and energize the interdisciplinary field of contemporary creative performance work.”
“With our world-class faculty, students will be inspired to find their unique artistic voice,” says Gregory Poggi, chair of the Department of Theatre & Drama. “By encouraging students’ exploration of established and experimental approaches, we’re building the foundation for students’ life-long journey of discovery.”
For more information on the Interarts Performance program, go to www.art-design.umich.edu/pr_ugrad_curriculum.php??aud=u&menucat=pr.
