In this course, students examine the current landscape of the New York theater scene, investigating the artistic climate of Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off Broadway and regional productions. The course covers the history of New York Theater and traces its evolution over the past two hundred and fifty years. Since the mid-eighteenth century, professional theater has acted as the beating heart of New York culture. What influence does theater have on society? How do you design a contemporary season? What are the current staging trends and where are they heading? How has the commercial success of Broadway ebbed and flowed in recent decades and why? Students are asked to attend professional productions, enriching their experience in acting classes. Their thoughts and experiences provide a rich component to class discussion as we evaluate how theatrical motifs translate from the page to the stage.