> OLLI Courses By Topic > Film, Music & Theater

Film, Music & Theater

Film and The Other Arts
In this course, members will examine the relationship between the medium of film and the other arts. Thus, classes will focus on such topics as the intersection of film and literature, painting, opera, theater, design, and dance. For each class, a feature film will be assigned (to stream prior to class) and supplemented by excerpts from experimental and documentary films shown during the class session. Cinema will be emphasized as an interdisciplinary/intermedial form that easily draws on many artistic sources (will they be generally available or netflix only?).
Show Description
Instructor: Lucy Fischer Fee: $0.00
Dates: 6/27/2023 - 8/1/2023 Days: Tu Times: 3:15 PM - 4:45 PM Sessions: 5
THIS CLASS WILL MEET OVER ZOOM
This class will meet on June 27; July 11, 18, 25 and Aug 1.

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Film and TV Title Design: A Survey
Most people love watching movies, yet few take the time to watch the film titles up front or the end credits after the movie ends. Many do not regard them as part of the movie. This course will start with a brief history of film titles, their reason for being, and how they evolved. Then, the course will examine the transition from static titles to dynamic sequences in the 50s and 60s. A close look at the work of iconic designers like Saul Bass and Kyle Cooper, among others, will provide opportunities for context and comparison. Besides movies, members will look at title sequences for TV and streaming services. Over five weeks, many title sequences will be reviewed, as it is the only way to really understand and appreciate them. This journey will be informative and fun!
Show Description
Instructor: Daniel Boyarski Fee: $0.00
Dates: 5/18/2023 - 6/15/2023 Days: Th Times: 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM Sessions: 5
THIS CLASS WILL MEET IN-PERSON
This class will meet on May 18, 25; June 1, 8 and 15.

Forward to the Past: Social and Political Impact of 60’s Popular Music
This course will explore how the sociology and politics of the revolutionary 1960’s decade shaped popular music, and how music may have altered history. Guest lecturers with expertise in various subjects are included. Attendees will follow the evolution of 1960’s music as a unique art form and a social force. The subject matter will be explored through lectures, Powerpoint presentations and selected YouTube videos with discussion. A handout will be provided each week outlining the material for the day.

Show Description
Instructor: David Crippen Fee: $0.00
Dates: 6/26/2023 - 7/31/2023 Days: M Times: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Sessions: 5
THIS CLASS WILL MEET OVER ZOOM
This class will meet on June 26; July 10, 17, 24 and 31.

Gene Kelly: A Pittsburgher in Pictures
A native of Pittsburgh and graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Gene Kelly had one of the most successful careers in motion pictures. He was a dancer, singer, actor, choreographer, and director – often more than one at a single time. His screen persona was often of the ‘good guy’, but he also played against type, such as his dramatic performance in Inherit the Wind. He was influential not just as a performer in classics such as Singing in the Rain and An American in Paris but on the art of filmmaking itself.
Show Description
Instructor: Michael Young Fee: $0.00
Dates: 6/28/2023 - 7/26/2023 Days: W Times: 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM Sessions: 5
THIS CLASS WILL MEET IN-PERSON
This class will meet on June 28: July 5, 12, 19 and 26.

Great Great Musicals: Part I
Join us to view and reflect on five topics that explore the greatest in American musicals. We promise that members will leave the course with toes tapping and a song in their hearts. In this course, members will enjoy magical moments in non-musicals, Oscar winning musicals, American musicals set in foreign countries, jukebox musicals, and animated musicals.
Show Description
Instructor: Sam Caponegro Fee: $0.00
Dates: 5/19/2023 - 6/16/2023 Days: F Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Sessions: 5
THIS CLASS WILL MEET OVER ZOOM
This class will meet on May 19, 26; June 2, 9 and 16.

Great Great Musicals: Part II
Join us to view and reflect on five topics that explore the greatest in American musicals. We promise that members will leave the course with toes tapping and a song in their hearts. In this course, members will enjoy magical moments in non-musicals, Oscar winning musicals, American musicals set in foreign countries, jukebox musicals, and animated musicals.

Part I is not a prerequisite for this course.

Show Description
Instructor: Sam Caponegro Fee: $0.00
Dates: 6/30/2023 - 7/28/2023 Days: F Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Sessions: 5
THIS CLASS WILL MEET OVER ZOOM
This class will meet on June 30; July 7, 14, 21 and 28.

Introduction to Shakespeare’s Tragedies
Tragedy? For Shakespeare, tragedy did not simply mean a sad ending, but a very specific type of story. Participants will start with a model of tragedy and look at how these plays are shaped by that model. An examination of five of Shakespeare's tragedies will help members understand what happens and what issues lie under the surface. The instructor will present the basic story of each play, so the class has a solid introduction for those who have not read or seen them.
Show Description
Instructor: Alan Irvine Fee: $0.00
Dates: 5/17/2023 - 6/14/2023 Days: W Times: 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM Sessions: 5
THIS CLASS WILL MEET IN-PERSON
This class will meet on May 17, 24, 31; June 7 and 14.

Music, Media, and the Counterculture in America 1950-1980
This class examines music, media, and culture at a time of profound social upheaval. The intersection where they met in post-WWII America was pivotal. The effect they had on each other was unprecedented and altered them in ways that still impact society today. At the core is a classic struggle between art and commerce, innovation and orthodoxy, freedom, and control. With a mix of lectures, audio-visual elements, music, and discussion, this course will study why it is a story worth remembering and retelling through our personal narrative of the time.
Show Description
Instructor: James Pagliasotti Fee: $0.00
Dates: 6/29/2023 - 7/27/2023 Days: Th Times: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Sessions: 5
THIS CLASS WILL MEET OVER ZOOM
This class will meet on June 29; July 6, 13, 20 and 27.

Opera in Depth: The Barber of Seville
Participants will take a deep dive into The Barber of Seville, a comic opera of unbelievable energy, especially during the first act, in which nine of the most popular moments in all opera are packed into less than forty minutes of music. Why was Gioachino Rossini called "Signor Crescendo" and how could he write an opera in a few weeks? Why were some of the solo pieces in The Barber of Seville termed cavatinas and some arias? Explore the bel canto music in depth to appreciate the overture, the coloratura, the stretta, and the patter. Learn about the astonishing amount of history surrounding The Barber of Seville and the near fiasco opening night. Meet Rosina, the count, Dr. Bartolo, and the barber Figaro. Explore Figaro’s famous music and what a barber pole symbolizes. This course will even include some Rossini-inspired recipes.
Show Description
Instructor: Marilyn Egan Fee: $0.00
Dates: 6/28/2023 - 7/19/2023 Days: W Times: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Sessions: 4
THIS IS A FOUR-WEEK COURSE

THIS CLASS WILL MEET OVER ZOOM
This class will meet on June 28: July 5, 12 and 19.

Pittsburgh Jazz Legends: The Land of the Innovators
Pittsburgh is known by jazz insiders as the "Land of the Giant Killers." The lexicon of exceptionally accomplished jazz musicians who were either born in or began their careers in Pittsburgh before building national and international reputations will be featured during the course. Pittsburgh innovators have established unique stylistic trends that have proliferated among succeeding generations. The course will highlight and explore the music, history, and artists that carry on the legacy of Pittsburgh's jazz heritage.
Show Description
Instructor: Nelson Harrison Fee: $0.00
Dates: 6/29/2023 - 7/27/2023 Days: Th Times: 3:15 AM - 4:45 AM Sessions: 5
THIS CLASS WILL MEET IN-PERSON
This class will meet on June 29; July 6, 13, 20 and 27.

Singer-Songwriters
When singers perform music by other songwriters, they provide a particular interpretation of the circumstances and emotions expressed in the song. By contrast, songwriters who perform their own music can give a direct and authentic expression of that music as intended. Moreover, we are often impressed by these musicians who share their gifts as both composers and performers. In this course, members will examine the singer-songwriter's history and examples from various geographical regions.
Show Description
Instructor: Raymond Uy Fee: $0.00
Dates: 6/28/2023 - 7/26/2023 Days: W Times: 3:15 PM - 4:45 PM Sessions: 5
THIS CLASS WILL MEET OVER ZOOM
This class will meet on June 28: July 5, 12, 19 and 26.

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