While visiting the College as a Montgomery Fellow, Richard Schechner is currently teaching a class in the drama department titled, "Performances of Great Magnitude." The class discusses such epic theatrical events as the Olympics, ancient town rituals, and other similar events that cannot take place in a traditional theater space.
A drama expert with a host of directing and acting experience, Schechner is a professor of performance studies at New York University. He also serves as the artistic director of East Coast Artists, the professional repertory company performing this weekend's production of "Hamlet."
Schechner also plans to give two public lectures while at the College, one about the future of theater in the 21st century and another about general theater performance.
Before East Coast Artists, Schechner founded and presided over a theater group at the Performing Garage in SoHo, New York. He directed the group for over 13 years before leaving to spend time writing. Elizabeth LeCompte later took over the Performing Garage which eventually became the Wooster Theater Group.
Schechner founded East Coast Artists in 1991 in the interest of reinvestigating classic texts and mentoring new actors and actresses.
The company has 10 active members but often has a number of guest actors assist in performances and rehearsals. Some members have been active in the group for over 15 years, while other have only been members for fewer than five.
The Montgomery Endowment, initiated in 1978 by Kenneth Montgomery '25, invites prominent individuals from various disciplines to come to the College to share their experiences in lectures or classes.
