About the Book
- Page ID
- 313600
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)About the Book
This textbook offers a deeper understanding of how performance shapes everyday life and how oral interpretation brings literature to life through voice, body, and connection with an audience. Oral interpretation blends everyday conversation and theatrical elements, focusing on meaningful engagement rather than imitation. Beyond its expressive dimensions, oral interpretation functions as a critical practice. The study of performance invites reflection on whose voices are validated in public spaces, which narratives are elevated or marginalized, and how interpretive choices can illuminate or challenge cultural norms and power structures. As an academic discipline, performance studies situates oral interpretation as both an art form and a means of cultural inquiry, encouraging students to consider how performed literature can contribute to understanding identity, social dynamics, and the potential for social change. At its core, this book encourages curiosity, empathy, and intentional expression to amplify the power of language and storytelling.
How I Found Performance
When I decided to major in Communication Studies, I was completely unaware of the world of performance studies and oral interpretation. I originally chose to major in Communication Studies because I had no idea what I wanted to do with the rest of my life, and I figured communication was important in every career. Like many Communication Studies majors, my journey in the discipline began with courses in public speaking. I learned how to organize and deliver speeches, and although I made progress in overcoming some of my speaking anxiety, I still felt incredibly apprehensive in front of an audience. My heart would race, my hands would shake, and my face would turn red. I also noticed these physiological responses when speaking in small groups. The reality was that I had social anxiety, and even though I enjoyed learning about communication, I still struggled to feel comfortable speaking in front of others.
When I transferred from my community college to a university, I was required to attend a welcome orientation. The person leading the orientation was a Communication Studies instructor. During the session, he mentioned that he would be teaching a performance studies course and invited all of us to register. The thought of performing brought up many of the same anxious feelings I had about delivering speeches, perhaps even more intense ones. Still, the instructor seemed kind, so, reluctantly, I signed up for the class.
At the time, I had no idea that the course would completely open my eyes to a world that would change the trajectory of my life. I learned techniques to overcome my social anxiety within that class, and the idea of performing began to feel less intimidating. Now, I have the privilege of being the instructor who introduces a new generation of students to the world of performance and oral interpretation. I look forward to seeing what we create together.