UC Santa Cruz

Through an examination of the UCSC production of Birth of Stars, this thesis investigates the potential of performing arts as a pedagogical tool, the relationship between art and science, and the potential they hold if utilized together to gain a better understanding of the human condition and the universe around us. The project consists of two parts: a dramaturgical casebook for the UCSC production of Birth of Stars and a thesis that documents my process working on the show as a dramaturg. The show joins a repertoire of productions confirming the importance of performing arts disciplines as viable approaches towards a greater understanding of the human condition and the world we inhabit. It also illustrates how artistic performance can have pedagogical success, making difficult content an audience may not be familiar with easier to understand and learn about. This thesis has found that art is a necessary, yet underutilized, exploration for knowledge and learning that is just as influential and crucial to one’s education as are the sciences.