Interdisciplinary Improvisation Workshop

This course serves as an interdisciplinary introduction to structured improvisation through Soundpainting, a sign language for spontaneous composition originally developed by Walter Thompson as part of the vibrant downtown improv scene in 1980s New York. Soundpainting is open to students of all artistic disciplines whose work can be executed in real-time, and offers an opportunity for students across a wide variety of creative practices to consider improvisation as a form of empowered decision-making as part of an ensemble. Students will work together to learn the sign language under the guidance of a skilled conductor, rehearse as an ensemble, and develop an interdisciplinary performance practice by exploring the commonalities between the various disciplines employed within the group.