Reading and Writing for Broadway

July 26-30, 2027 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 L. Calderazzo earned a PhD in Theatre with a focus in Cognitive Studies from the University of Pittsburgh in 2012 and a Master’s Degree in Theatre from the University of Central Florida in 2005. She has taught Theatre and/or Communications at both of those universities, as well as Central Texas College and Bronx Community College. Diana was also a scholarship recipient at Smith College, where she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre. Diana has published peer-reviewed articles in such journals as Theatre Topics and Theatre Symposium, and has presented papers at national and international conferences such as the American Society for Theatre Research and the International Federation for Theatre Research. She is also a member of Wardrobe Local 764 in New York City, where she works as a wardrobe technician for various Broadway shows. She worked as a full-time dresser for SPIDER-MAN: TURN OFF THE DARK ON BROADWAY from 2010 to 2013. Diana is a former Tour Actor/Director for the Missoula Children’s Theatre and has taught Theatre to over 2,500 children around the country with this company. She has also toured in Europe as a performer with Music Theatre Bavaria.

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
July 26-30, 2027, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Rose Hill Campus
Instructor: Diana Calderazzo

Course Number: SULA 0164 RN3
CRN: 16563

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

Tuition

Residential: $2,086.00 (2026 rate; 2027 prices will be available in December)
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: $1,418.00 (2026 rate; 2027 prices will be available in December)
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: The deadlines for 2027 will be posted by December 2026. Please note that admission decisions are rolling until the class is full, and course caps are around 20 students. The deadline to be considered for a limited number of need-based discounts is April 1. 

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.

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

There is a $75 fee to apply and a $300 deposit to secure your seat. Housing requires a $50 deposit. All payments will be treated as deposits toward your final bill.

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!

Immersion 3 Resident Move-In/Move-Out

Date  Resident Information
June 26 All medical forms and consents due
Sunday, July 25 Move-in between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Saturday, July 30 Move-out between 6 and 9 p.m.

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