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This course is designed for teachers, librarians, actors, clergy, and anyone eager to explore the potential of storytelling in their lives and work. The class examines oral traditions and the current renaissance of storytelling in a nurturing, supportive environment. Experiential in nature, the course is designed to empower participants to discover their own authentic styles as they gain confidence as tellers of stories. Attendance at the first class is required. Enrollment limited to 16.

This course explores the history of theatre and performance in Chicago from 1837, when a group of touring actors staged the first show in the Chicago's Sauganash Hotel, to the present. We will discuss salient moments of Chicago's theatre history and non-theatrical performance in the broader context of the history of American modernity. Topics include the Columbian exposition of 1893, Chicago's Little Theatre Movement of the early twentieth century, the development of Chicago realism in some of its major playhouses, including the Steppenwolf and the Goodman Theatres, the city's rich experimental theatre scene, and the continuing commitment of off-Loop theatre artist to initiate dialogue about social diversity and enfranchisement. We will read works by famous playwrights who wrote for Chicago theatres, such as Tracy Letts and August Wilson, as well as works by lesser-known playwrights, such as Alice Gerstenberg. The course emphasizes the analytical skills that artists and critics deploy to produce and evaluate theatre. Equal attention will be given to elements of the dramatic text (plot, characterization, and dialogue) and elements of the theatrical production (acting and directing styles, theatre architecture, design, and conventions of spectatorship). Carries humanities credit.