How to Learn Kabuki Theater
Kabuki is a traditional form of Japanese theater, which continues to enjoy popularity. Kabuki theater combines elements such as dance, music, mime and song. It's a highly stylized type of theater, with heavy makeup, bright costumes and exaggerated movements. To learn Kabuki, you must find good Kabuki resources.
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Instructions
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Study the history of Kabuki theater. History is a key part of Kabuki, so you need a background in it before you can really grasp Kabuki. You can find Kabuki history online at Internet sites like BookRags.
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Visit a Kabuki theater performance to decide if this stylized work appeals to you. Kabuki theater troupes tour all around the world. If possible, talk to the actors after the show about the training they did and see if they offer master classes while in town.
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Check into training programs in Japan. Since this is a Japanese theater style, the greatest number of resources is in Japan. By studying in Japan, you gain the advantage of centuries of experience with Kabuki theater. Waseda University in Tokyo offers a Traditional Japanese Theatre Studies program with training in Kabuki through its Institute for Theatre Research.
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Find Kabuki training in the United States. Kabuki theater programs are harder to find in the U.S. but there are a few available. One advantage to these programs is that you don't have to travel abroad or speak a foreign language to attend.
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Tips & Warnings
For information on how to find Kabuki theater performances, see the related eHow article titled "How to See Kabuki Theater." http://www.ehow.com/how_2064547_see-kabuki-theater.html
Kabuki is so stylized and so steeped in history and tradition that you need formal training in order to learn it. This isn't something you can pick up from a book or from watching a video.
