Dramaturgy: The World of Annie
Ages 13–18
What was America really like during the Great Depression? What did kids in orphanages experience? Why did stories like Annie matter so deeply to audiences then—and why do they still resonate today?
In this unique dramaturgy class, students will step beyond the stage and into the historical, cultural, political, and emotional world that shaped Annie. Through research, discussion, performance exploration, design inspiration, and character study, students will discover how understanding the “why” behind a story transforms the way we perform it.
Students will explore:

• The Great Depression and 1930s America
• Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal
• Orphanages and childhood during the era
• Costume, music, radio, and pop culture of the 1930s
• How history influences acting and storytelling
• Character relationships, objectives, and social class
• The role dramaturgy plays in theater production

This class is perfect for students who love theater history, directing, acting, writing, design, or digging deeper into the meaning behind a script. Great performers don’t just memorize lines—they understand the world their characters live in.
Come discover the history, humanity, and heart behind one of musical theater’s most beloved stories.