Graduate School

Effective Performance Workshop

Breadcrumb

Effective Performance Workshop

Effective Performance is a series of workshops that helps students build foundational skills in communicating research. These workshops are taught by professional actors, who give students instruction in communicating, improvising and responding dynamically to an audience. Sessions focus on some of the foundational aspects of communicating and presenting.

In this interactive series, participants learn from experts from the Trinity Repertory Theater, as they find new ways to engage their bodies, voices and passions in order to communicate in compelling ways. Students will develop many theatrical skills, such as enhancing one’s presence, active listening and storytelling. The workshops also build community among participants, as people collaborate in interactive and fun activities with one another. 

The Graduate School and Trinity Repertory Theater host workshops each semester. Students may apply to join a cohort of 12 to 20 students to participate. Participants should wear comfortable clothes and be ready to move and play. The Graduate School welcomes all students, especially those without any background in public speaking or theater.

Purpose

To help prepare graduate students to be effective communicators for research and teaching through interactive workshops.

Objectives

  1. Explore theater techniques, experimenting with play, spontaneity, and connecting to your audience.
  2. Discover the story behind your research and study.
  3. Develop comfort and confidence in making an engaging research statement.

Structure

  • Improvisation and Performance Values
  • Shaping Speech
  • Your Fullest Voice
  • Dropping into the Body
  • Putting it All Together: Performance

Instructor: Mauro Hantman, Trinity Repertory Resident Company Member

Selection

A committee of Trinity Rep and Graduate School representatives will help select a diverse and cross-disciplinary cohort of graduate students who can benefit from the workshop.

Selection Criteria

  • Articulated commitment to expanding communication skills.
  • Potential for program to advance student's educational and professional goals.
  • Articulated need for the program to make a significant difference in developing skills.

Application Requirements

Students interested in applying must:

  1. Be a current doctoral or master's student in good academic standing (all disciplines are eligible to apply).
  2. Be able to attend all sessions, since each builds on the previous one. 
  3. Complete an online application form by September 16, 2024. 

Dates for Upcoming Program

This three-day workshop will take place from September 27-29, 2024. It will involve five blocks of time:

  • Friday, September 27, 12-3 pm
  • Saturday, September 28, 9-12 and 1-4 pm
  • Sunday, September 29, 9-12 and 1-4 pm

Questions

For questions, please contact graduate_dean@brown.edu or byrd_mcdaniel@brown.edu.