Learning My Lessons: Research, Rehearsal, and Reflection on the Greats

A successful actor often requires a specific acting method or style to enhance their performance. Through theatrical research, rehearsal and performance, an actor can narrow down their seemingly endless search for the most productive methodology. By researching, studying, and applying the methods of Constantin Stanislavski, Stella Adler,and Tadashi Suzuki to my rehearsal process, I have found my most effective acting style: Stella Adler?s method. I utilize this acting method during the performance period of my early professional acting career. Experimental research for this thesis was completed inthe studio. I applied each of the three aforementioned methods to a dramatic/classical monologue. The results I gathered helped me to decide upon Adler?s methodology to carry with me through my upcoming professional auditions and career. From casting resulting from the auditions, I will employ the methodology to my professional work asan actress. Each acting teacher has provided the performance world with a new way to experience their stage time. The methods are unique and enable the actor to find the most dynamic performance through engaging technical skill.

Teaching the Millennial Generation in the Religious and Theological Studies Classroom

This essay provides an overview of the distinctive challenges presented to teaching and learning in religious and theological studies by the conditions and characteristics of “millennial” students. While the emerging literature on this generation is far from consistent, it is still instructive and important to engage, as students that are immersed in technology and social networking have different facilities and difficulties that educators would do well to carefully address and critically employ. Teachers in theological and religious studies are distinctly positioned to grapple with such conditions, particularly around the practices of identity formation, media literacy, and embodiment. Attention to the development of such practices engages key issues for both the millennial students and the religious and theological studies teacher: virtual reality, spiritual identity, globalization and violence, critical consumption and ethical creativity, focused and contemplative thinking, and intercultural and interpersonal respect.