Reading and Writing for Broadway

June 23-27, 2025 Rose Hill

Non-Credit Course

In this engaging course, students will build their analytical skills while uncovering how theatre has shaped—and been shaped by—political and social change. From the thrill of the stage to the rigors of research, students will explore a variety of theatre professions, the history of dramatic arts, and how plays reflect the world around us. They'll dive into plays as literature, conduct dramaturgical research, and try their hand at creative work in playwriting and theatre criticism. The course will include with a live theatre outing, where students will develop their critical voice through both spirited discussion and thoughtful analysis. Perfect for anyone passionate about drama, this course offers an in-depth, fun look into the magic of theatre and its power to inspire change.

Skills/Learning Outcomes

Students will learn to:

  • Understand the jobs and concentrations available to a theatre professional and explain the collaborative process.
  • Contextualize plays within the historical development of the dramatic arts.
  • Analyze plays with an appreciation of their value as literary blueprints for performance.
  • View and discuss theatre with a critical eye as an astute audience member.
  • Participate in the dramaturgical research process.
  • Create original theatrical writing in the form of scenes/monologues and theatrical criticism.

Overall Takeaways

Students will gain a feel for theatre academia/research/criticism that will help them become informed audience members as well as inspired creators and scholars of theatre.

Instructor Bio

Diana Calderazzo

Class Schedule

Monday

     9:30-10:30  Jobs in the Theatre

     10:30-12:30  Theatre History

     12:30-1:30  Lunch

     1:30-3:30 Dramatic Literature/Reading

Tuesday

     9:20-12:30 Dramaturgy

Wednesday 

     9:30-11:30 Hamilton in context

     11:30-12:15 Lunch

     12:15-1:00 Travel to Richard Rodgers Theater

     1:00-4:00 Hamilton on Broadway

Thursday

     9:30-10:30 Discussion of Hamilton 

     10:30-12:30 Writing reviews of Hamilton

     12:30-1:30 Lunch

     1:30-3:30 Playwriting

Friday

     9:20-12:30 Visit to NYPL for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center

Course Details

Reading and Writing for Broadway
June 23-27, 2025, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Lincoln Center Campus
Instructor: Diana Calderazzo

Course Number: SULA 0164 RP1
CRN: 

This non-credit course is open to high school students only.

Immersion 1 Resident Move-In/Move-Out

Move-in for Resident students is Sunday, June 22.

Resident students can move out on either of the following dates:

  • Friday, June 27 (after 5pm)
  • Saturday, June 28 (before 11am)

Tuition

Residential: $1,650.00 (2024 rate; 2025 rate will be available by December 15)
Tuition for the residential program includes the course, course materials, housing, meals, and excursions in and outside of class. Move-in is Sunday afternoon, the day before classes begin. Please click here for a more detailed calendar of important dates.

Commuter: $1,225.00 (2024 rate; 2025 rate will be available by December 15)
Tuition for commuters includes the course, course materials, lunches, and excursions in and outside of class. Additional meals are available on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Students may wish to bring funds for incidentals, shopping at the Fordham Bookstore, souvenirs, and any personal items they wish to purchase.

Apply

Application deadlines:

Course and housing: April 15, 2025; course only: May 15, 2025. Please note that admission decisions are rolling until the class is full, and course caps are around 20 students. Apply by April 1, 2025 to be considered for a limited number of need-based discounts. We recommend early application.

Application Requirements: this non-credit course is open to high school students who have completed their first year. The course is recommended for those with a 3.0 or better. No prior experience with the subject matter is required.

To apply, you will need a copy of your high school transcript and your fall report card if the grades are not reflected on your transcript.

If you are applying for housing, a brief letter of recommendation from a guidance counselor, coach, instructor, or supervisor, attesting to your maturity and responsibility as a student is required.

Please make note of the course details above because you will select your course as part of your application.

Apply

If you are not ready to apply, you can sign up to stay informed about the Fordham Summer Leaders Academy too, or email us with questions!