Shakespeares of our own speak: methods and adaptations of lds actors

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2018-05

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Abstract

This study uses oral history to examine the methods and adaptations of professional actors who are also participating members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the LDS Church or the Mormons). The interviews, which are included in this study, comprise of five professional actors and the director of the Music and Cultural Arts Department of the LDS Church. Using a basic script, the actors answered open-ended questions and discussed the acting methods they use, how the LDS faith influences their acting, and the particular religious language the actors use to describe their experiences. This Mormon vocabulary reveals a lack of anti-theatrical prejudice, while also exposing the tension between religious values and artistic views. Forcing LDS actors into a corner, this tension pushes LDS actors to adapt modern acting methods according to their LDS values, or choose to abandon LDS values.

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Keywords

LDS, Mormon, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Theatre, Acting, Acting methods, Oral history, LDS theatre history, Adaptation

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