Laban for the Actor: The Mind/Body Connection

When it comes to actor training in higher education, an extremely strong emphasis is placed on understanding the voice and interpreting the text. While some institutions do incorporate movement courses into the curriculum of the students, many do not serve the learning actor in the most effective way. The work of Rudolf Laban is a way to strengthen the curriculum taught to actors, specifically in regards connecting actors to their bodies. This thesis discusses and analyses the use of Laban’s movement theory in the movement classroom, and focuses on the most effective way of presenting the material to the student. Included is research on Laban’s theories, the structure of a Laban for the actor course, feedback from participants, exercises crafted to better suit the learning actor, and connections to other acting and movement practitioners. The aim is to provide actors with a well-rounded toolbox that will assist them in creating more dynamic and livable characters. This thesis hopes to serve as a guide for both instructors of movement and students alike, providing all with a resource to refer to when working with the body on or off the stage

Kenblue Kentucky Bluegrass

Since the early 19th century the Blue Grass Region of Kentucky has had a worldwide reputation for its Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) As early as 1835, people from adjoining states visited the region to see its luxuriant fields and to learn of the culture and management of this valuable grass. This interest has led to the development of a profitable seed industry in central Kentucky. Kentucky produced the bulk of Kentucky bluegrass seed for the nation during the latter half of the 19th and the first half of the 20th centuries. Since 1960, foreign importation and competitive production of seed in the Northwestern region of the United States have resulted in a drastic decline in production of Kentucky bluegrass seed

Grass Seed Production

Producing cool season grass seed crops has historically been a profitable venture on Kentucky farms. When growing maximum yields of grass seed, the pH level should be maintained between 6.0 and 7.0, when the recommended rates of limestone are used, and when phosphate and potash are maintained at medium-to-high levels (based on a soil test). Similarly, grass should be grown in pure stands. Weeds and insects must be controlled to prevent yield reduction. Following seed harvest, excess herbage should be removed, preferably by grazing. All cool season grasses can be grazed until growth stops in the late fall or early winter, and grazing can continue on tall fescue until March without reducing seed yields

New Bluegrass Variety Kenblue

The production of certified seed of Kenblue, a new Kentucky-grown bluegrass, may start this fall. It will be the first time a Kentucky-grown bluegrass of what the scientists call known origin is available to farmers and home owners. It will be much more desirable for Kentucky use than the other standard varieties such as Merion, Delta, or Newport. All of these are considered good varieties, but not under Kentucky conditions. These are more susceptible to diseases than the new variety, Kenblue