This document captures the full discussion thread for the LEH 353 OA11 "Studies in the Arts" course overview in Spring 2026. The instructor, Brian McCormick, posted the slide deck and prompted students to watch a set of videos: Laurie Anderson’s "O Superman," a behind‑the‑scenes look at the multimedia theater piece "Spy Garbo," live‑recorded performances by Janelle Monáe and Sly & The Family Stone, and a Dread Scott talk. Students responded with reflections on how the material reshaped their understanding of theater as a pervasive, technology‑infused practice that appears in social media, concerts, sports, and everyday life. Themes that emerged include the blending of sound, visuals, and performance; the labor and collaboration behind live productions; the power of art to provoke social commentary; and the role of digital platforms (TikTok, AI, streaming) in redefining artistic creation and consumption. The instructor reinforced these ideas, emphasizing that theater is everywhere, that the course will be discussion‑driven with no high‑stakes exams, and that students are encouraged to interrogate the boundaries between performance, reality, and technology. The thread shows a wide range of student sentiments—from excitement and curiosity to confusion and critical questioning—highlighting the course’s aim to broaden perspectives on media, performance, and cultural impact.
Topics
Laurie Anderson’s "O Superman" as a Prototype of Tech‑Driven Multimedia Performance
Discussion of Anderson’s early electronic work, its eerie vocal style, visual minimalism, and its role as a historical touchstone for integrating technology and performance.
Behind‑the‑Scenes Engineering of "Spy Garbo" – Collaboration and Technology in Live Theatre
Exploration of the technical crew, equipment, and collaborative processes required to stage a multimedia theater piece, illustrating the hidden labor behind performances.
Live Recording Paradigms – Janelle Monáe, Sly & The Family Stone, and the Question of "Live"
Comparison of contemporary and historic live recordings, examining how camera work, sound mixing, and performance style affect the perception of liveness.
Dread Scott’s Art as Social Commentary – Provocation, Reception, and Political Impact
Analysis of Scott’s talk and work, focusing on how art can generate polarizing reactions, raise awareness of power structures, and challenge audiences.
Redefining Theatre: From Stage to Social Media, Sports, and Everyday Life
Student reflections on how theater permeates TikTok, streaming, concerts, and even sports, expanding the definition of performance beyond traditional venues.
Technology’s Dual Role: Enabler and Mediator in Contemporary Performance
Discussion of AI, digital editing, and platform algorithms as both tools for artistic creation and forces that shape audience perception.
Pedagogical Approach – Open Discussion, No Exams, Collaborative Knowledge Building
Instructor’s emphasis on a stress‑free, discussion‑driven class structure that values student voices and diverse interpretations.