Nursing At Hiram

What is hiT?

The Hiram Institute of Theatre (HIT) is a three-day residential learning opportunity held at Hiram College and run by Hiram College's theatre arts department.  HIT is designed to be an acting-intensive program for students to focus primarily on a specific style of acting.  Sixteen dedicated high school students will focus their energy on learning the skills and values that make Vaudeville one of the most explosive forms of live theatre.  Focus areas will include movement, dance, vocal quality, improvisational technique, and character study.  HIT will conclude with a Saturday night exhibition that will be open to family and friends.

The objective of HIT is to instill the qualities of performance that dedicated actors gain through intensive training.  By using the skills of the past, we can produce better performers for the future.

WHAT IS "VAUDEVILLE"?

From the 1880s to the 1920s, “vaudeville” was the most popular form of entertainment in America.   At a time when America was becoming more culturally diverse, this form of variety show promised something for everyone.  Magicians, jugglers, actors, dancers, comedians, musicians, acrobats, ventriloquists, and more promised “A Dazzling Display of Heterogeneous Splendor.”   Performers such as W.C. Fields, Buster Keaton, Kate Smith, the Three Stooges, Charlie Chaplin, Abbott and Costello, and Judy Garland began their careers in Vaudeville.  In this workshop we will explore the history of Vaudeville and the beginnings of musical theatre, as we create our own entertainment with comedy routines, songs, dances, and other acts.  From the truly talented, to the unusual and quirky, we can use it all.  Bring your instruments, tap shoes, and individual talents!

WHAT DOES HIT COST?

Students chosen to participate in HIT will be invited to do so free of charge.

WHO CONDUCTS HIT?

HIT is led by Hiram College's Department of Theatre Arts Professor Rick Hyde and Assistant Professor and Department Chair, Elizabeth Bauman.  Professor Hyde will serve as theatre historian and production director.  Professor Bauman will work on musical theatre technique and costume and make-up design.

WHO IS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE?

HIT is aimed at theatre students of all grades in high school.  High school guidance counselors and teachers are invited to nominate students who will be in the 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grades in the fall of 2008.  All schools are encouraged to nominate students who have a positive attitude and strong commitment to the theatre.

WHEN AND WHERE IS HIT?

HIT is July 23-26, 2008 on the campus of Hiram College, a 45-minute drive from Cleveland and Akron.  Participants will stay overnight in a residence hall on Hiram's campus.