Descriptor Details

  • Descriptor Title
    Introduction to Theatre
  • C-ID Number
    111
  • Units
    3.0
  • Date of Last Revision
    10/12/2017 04:43:59 PM PDT

General Description

This course focuses on the relationship of theatre to various cultures throughout history, and on the contributions of significant individual artists. This course introduces students to elements of the production process including playwriting, acting, directing, design, and criticism. Students will also survey different periods, styles and genres of theatre through play reading, discussion, films and viewing and critiquing live theatre, including required attendance of theatre productions.

Prerequisites

No information provided

Corequisites

No information provided

Advisories

No information provided

Content

  1. Background and development of theatre: the rise of theatre, the development of drama and theatrical performance, theatre and its relationship to society, multicultural issues, relationship to TV and film.
  2. The play and the playwright:  the elements and structure of a play, basic differences between the play and the novel, and the substance, form, and technique of the playwright.
  3. The acting and the actors: theories and techniques of acting, the actor’s relationship to the technician, playwright, and play.
  4. The direction and the director: theories and techniques of directing a play, coordinating roles of the physical theatre.
  5. The evolution of theatre architecture
  6. The design and design technicians: the role of costumes, scenery, sound, and lighting design and designers in production, technical elements of the play and the role of the technicians in properties, lighting, painting, building, special effects, music or sound effects, and wardrobe and make-up.
  7. The business of show business.
  8. The audience and dramatic criticism.
  9. The Greek theatre: development, performance style, production elements, and cultural and/or political significance.
  10. The Roman and Medieval theatre: performance style, production elements, and cultural and/or political significance.
  11. Asian theatre: performance style, production elements, and cultural and/or political significance.
  12. Renaissance theatre: performance style, production elements, and cultural and/or political significance.
  13. Neoclassic, and Restoration theatre: performance style, production elements, and cultural and/or political significance.
  14. Romantic theatre: performance style, production elements, and cultural and /or political significance.
  15. Realism and Modern theatre: performance styles, production elements, and cultural and/or political significance.

Lab Activities

No information provided

Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Analyze and evaluate the nature of theatre and its role in society.
  2. Assess the historical, artistic, social, and philosophical in which theatre exists.
  3. Critically analyze dramatic literature and performances.
  4. Identify and examine theatrical components in production.
  5. Propose alternative solutions to theatrical production situations.
  6. Appreciate viewing theatre as an art form.

Evaluation Methods

Exams, quizzes, class participation, projects, term papers, and written theatre critiques.

Textbooks

The Essential Theatre by Oscar G. Brockett and Robert J. Ball
Theatre: The Collaborative Art by Wilson and Goldfarb
Action and Idea: The Roots of Entertainment by Dr. Edward Emanuel
Theatre: A Brief Version by Robert Cohen
Experiencing the Art of Theatre: A Concise Introduction by Downs, Wright, and Ramsey
Twelve Plays for the Theatre by Robert Cohen
Individual play scripts for reading and analysis

Descriptor Administration

  • Public Review Needed
    No
  • Next Descriptor Review
    No information provided
  • Resubmission Requirements for Courses
    No information provided
  • Resubmission Deadline
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  • Comments

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  • Notes

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  • Keywords

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