Browsing by Subject "Reflective practitioner"
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Item Conversation with an Apple : play development as movement-building against mass incarceration(2015-05) Goodnow, Natalie Marlena; Gutierrez, Laura G., 1968-; Alrutz, Megan; Jones, Omi Osun Joni L.This reflective practitioner research project explores if and how viewing and responding to drafts of my original solo play in development, "Conversation with an Apple," contributes to efforts to build a movement against mass incarceration, with a particular focus on dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline. I draw upon Michelle Alexander's theorization of mass incarceration in the United States, social movement theory elaborated and archived by contemporary activists, and theories in performance and affect studies to contextualize my investigation. I describe how I utilized Liz Lerman's Critical Response Process to elicit audience responses to staged readings of "Conversation with an Apple," and also how I employed modified grounded theory techniques to analyze those responses. I then explain how insights gained through these methodologies informed revisions of the "Conversation with an Apple" script and my plans for future post-show workshops. I conclude with an evaluation of the usefulness of these play development and research methodologies in my artistic practice. I find that both Liz Lerman's Critical Response Process and the modified grounded theory analysis I utilized, along with a return to my guiding theoretical frameworks, contributed meaningfully to my reflective practice, yielding several key insights. First, I discovered that the play does seem to have the potential to raise consciousness among audience members regarding multiple manifestations of mass incarceration as it affects young people, although I decided that a few key mechanisms of mass incarceration might be more fully elaborated through script revisions. Second, I found that when audiences responded to the play, the shared experience of viewing the performance functioned as a springboard for conversation about other shared experiences in their lives, thus building a sense of community in at least a small way. I also theorize that the act of transmitting heightened affect together while viewing this play built community. Finally, my analyses revealed that although some audience members felt outraged at the realities of mass incarceration and inspired to make a change, many felt hopeless after viewing the play. These analyses informed my most significant revisions to the "Conversation with an Apple" script and plans for post-show workshops.Item Managing a writing center within a changing university(2010-05) Bitzel, Alanna Mae; Rhodes, Lodis; Leit, LisaThis report addresses how leaders at the Undergraduate Writing Center (UWC) at The University of Texas at Austin (UT) can respond to changes in administration, staff, and funding to promote awareness and recognition of the UWC and increase funding to both preserve and enhance UWC programs and services that will address the needs of UT’s dynamic student population. In doing so, I apply reflective and deliberative practitioner theories to writing center work, analyzing my work at the UWC from the perspective of a reflective practitioner and participatory planner. I first provide an overview of the UWC. I then explore theories related to writing pedagogy and practice and serving as a reflective and deliberative practitioner. Next, I discuss trends in the university climate in general and UT in particular, using them to contextualize the challenges affecting the UWC as an organization working with the university system as it enters into the transition period. Finally, I propose responses to these challenges as well as future directions for UWC leaders.Item The mountain : a journey from self to summit(2018-05-03) Haas, Jonathan Edward; Lynn, Kirk; Ortel, SvenAs a reflective theatrical practitioner, I must engage with my design process and perpetually investigate the methods I employ in my craft as a multi-disciplinary designer. Concurrently, recent trends in technology have challenged traditional models of theater and numerous artists are inventing new methods of storytelling. Just as the smart phone has put the user in the center of their digital sphere, installation art is putting the participant in control of their story and their experience. This thesis was developed to investigate my creative process and how I might integrate my own personal experiences in alpine mountaineering into an installation that sought to empower participants. Further, the installation explored interactive design techniques and technologies including positional motion tracking. This thesis documents the development and implementation of an immersive art installation, The Mountain, which incorporated concepts of video games and theater within a mythological narrative framework directly informed by Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey. This mixed methods study analyzes the experiences of a collaborative design team and audience participants as a way to assess the impact of the project. Findings include a deepened understanding of my process and aspirations as a generative artist alongside an increased experience with integrated technical systems. This document concludes with a conceptual outline for future installation work.