Summer Courses

This summer, we will be offering several free Zoom classes taught by BUA instructors as a way for new students to get to know their new teachers and classmates. Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please use this form to indicate which courses you are interested in registering for. Please complete the form by Monday, April 19.

The summer course offerings are as follows:

June 28-July 2 & July 5-9

The History and Performance of Musical Theatre
Dr. Brett Abigaña and Mr. Bill Gardiner
12:30-2:30 p.m.
In this summer course, we will explore the rich history of Music Theatre, focusing on important trends, shows, composers, and writers. Students will also have the opportunity to perform and record scenes or songs from some of the shows we discuss.

Story of Your Arrival: The Art of Translation
Dr. Pat Larash and Dr. Carlos Martinez
12:30-2:30 p.m.
This class will explore translation in various forms using Ted Chiang’s short novella Story of Your Life and the movie adaption Arrival as a focus. We will investigate how these texts are both about translation and, in the case of the film, a kind of ‘translation’ itself. Together, we will think through ways that films more generally attempt to capture the letter or spirit of a text and why and how some films branch into fully novel interpretation.

July 12-16 & July 19-23

Gilgamesh and the World of Myth
Mrs. Olive Brown and Dr. Pat Larash
9:00-11:00 a.m.
Encounter bold warriors, rivalries, friendship, treachery, grief, and wisdom as we read the Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh and explore Greek mythology together. We will practice the reading, discussion, and writing skills you’ll need in a BUA classroom, plus spend some time on a creative side project.

The Food Lab: Chemistry of Cooking
Ms. Victoria Perrone and Dr. Rosemary White
9:00-11:00 a.m.
In this class, you will become an experimental scientist in your very own kitchen laboratory! We will explore topics of food science including baking, emulsions, flavors, and The Poison Squad, and make some delicious treats along the way.

BUA On The Air
Dr. Brett Abigaña and Mr. Bill Gardiner
12:30-2:30 p.m.
Students will construct, rehearse, and record a radio variety show exploring and learning the various techniques associated with such a performance. Topics include but won’t be limited to foley sound effects, voice acting, recording techniques, and more, all with a goal of having a completed and recorded radio show for release to the BUA community.