Introduction to Theatre (SP 114A) – Spring 2004
Texts: Theatre:Collaborative Arts. (2004). Wainscott, R. & Fletcher, K. Allyn & Bacon
12 Plays:A Portable Anthology. (2003). Gardner, J. (ed). Bedford St. Martens
Instructor: Mari Miller Burns, Assistant Professor
Office Room 40
Telephone #’s 362-7955 (Office) 362-3110 (Home)
E-mail mburns@iowalakes.edu
Office Hours MWF
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Introduction to theatre introduces drama as a separate literary form as approached historically from Greek drama to the present, including both classic and contemporary drama. This course also examines the various duties of all persons involved in theatrical productions.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: Students are expected to gain an understanding and appreciation for theatre by: 1) completing reading and writing assignments, 2) attending theatrical events, and 3) participating in class discussions and read-throughs.
GRADING: A total of 150 points are possible throughout the course. Grades will be determined by the following weighted categories:
Assignments (150 pts) 50%
Final Project (100 pts) 40%
Participation (100 pts) 10%
Even though
95-100% A 67-69 D+
90-94 A- 63-66 D
87-89 B+ 60-62 D-
83-86 B 0-59 F
80-82 B-
77-79 C+
73-76 C
70-72 C-
Date Tentative
Schedule
Jan 15 The Elements of Theatre
Course overview
Complete information sheets
Jan 20 Cultural Collaboration: Theatre & Society Chapter 1
Jan 22 Understanding the Play: A Theatrical Blueprint Chapter 4
Jan 27 Interpreting the Play: Understanding Genre, Chapter 5
Reading & Writing
Jan 29 Foundations: Classical Theatrical Forms Chapter 7
Theatre’s
Role in Society Paper Due
Feb 3 Oedipus Rex by Sophocles Anthology pp. 1-45
Feb 5 Oedipus Rex
Feb 10 Reinterpretations:
Classics
Feb 12 Hamlet,
Prince of
Feb 17 Hamlet
Feb 24 A Doll House by Henrik Ibsen Anthology pp. 213-271
Feb 26 No Class: ICCOC Conference
March 2 A Doll House
Audience & Space
Live Performance
March 8 – 12 No Classes: Spring Break
March 30 The Actor: From Mask to Contemporary Chapter 11
Performance
Actor Interviews
April 6 The Designer: Materializing Conception and the Chapter 13
April 8 No Class
April 15-May 6 Rehearsals
All Reaction Papers Due no later than May
6th
May 11(
Categories
ASSIGNMENTS:
Theatre’s Role in
Society – This one-page, typed
paper is meant to express your opinions and beliefs of the theatre’s role in
today’s society. You should address such
questions as the value of live theatre in this age of technology and the future
of live theatre. (Due January 29th - 20 points)
Debate – Imagine you are the executive board for
the Spencer Community Theatre with one more slot to fill for your upcoming
season. You must choose between Oedipus
and Hamlet. Your discussion
should bring out the strengths and weaknesses of each play according to
characterization, plot, setting, staging, appropriateness for audience, and any
other topics you feel merit discussion.
Students will be graded on the quantity and quality of their
contributions to the discussion. (Due February 19th – 20 points)
Actor Interview – Students will research a favorite actor
and be prepared to answer questions in first-person during a five-minute press
conference wherein classmates will ask questions. The interviewee will be graded on thoroughness
of answers as well as answering from the actor’s point of view. (Due March 30th – 35 points)
Playwright Paper – Researching one of the playwrights from
the provided list, students will write a three-page, typed biography of that
person’s life and accomplishments. Please
don’t make this a dry recitation of factual information, but rather act as a
storyteller to make this person’s life come alive! (Due April 6th – 50 points)
Reaction Papers – Students will attend two area theatrical
productions. For each production,
students will write a two-page, typed reaction paper according to the
guidelines provided by your textbook and the instructor. A copy of the
production’s program must also be included.
(No later than May 6th
– 25 points each) Note: Students may attend additional theatrical
performances and write reaction papers for extra credit.
THE FINAL PROJECT: The entire class will become a production company presenting a one-act play. The following roles will be determined and each student will fulfill the expectations of those roles. You will receive points according to the successful completion of each task, and some points may be divided if multiple people fulfill them. You must complete each obligation or not only will points be lost, but the overall production will suffer. The production will be open to the public. (100+ points)
The Director: Determine the overall focus/direction/interpretation – 20 pts
Cast roles – 10 pts
Develop rehearsal schedule & provide copies – 10 pts
Blocking/Lighting/Sound – 20 pts
Direct rehearsals – 40 pts
Designer(s)/ Research play and time period of play – 10 pts
Technician(s) Determine appropriate staging (i.e. arena, black-box, etc.) - 5 pts
Prepare set layout – 30 pts
Prepare property list – 5 pts
Secure props, light, & sound – 15 pts
Secure costumes – 10 pts
Secure make-up – 5 pts
Technical support for performance – 20 pts
Actor(s): Audition for roles – 10 pts
Attend all rehearsals – 30 pts
Performance (w/ lines memorized) – 60 pts
PARTICIPATION: All students are expected to participate in
class discussions and play read-throughs.
Most read-throughs will require each student to take on the role of at
least one character. (Ongoing – 100 points)
Note: Students may receive extra
credit for participating in
