Introduction to the Theatre

THE 101 / University of Idaho

 

Syllabus Final Project Section Info Review Guidelines Theatre Department Resources Course Notes Calendar Course Text

Introduction to the Theatre

Project Description

 Description:

 We will break the class into equal groups.   Each group will be responsible for preparing a short "mini-production" of no more than 15 - 20 minutes using a scene from one of the plays in your anthology or from the historical period assigned to your group.   The production will be done in the original style of the period.   The group may elect to do the production in an updated, or modernized, setting and style.   Extreme care should be taken in presenting the production as a modernized version.   The production should retain the flavor and values (or themes) of its original period.   The places where these "mini-productions" are produced do not have to be in the classroom but can be elsewhere on campus.   The group must take care of all reservations and arrangements.   The use of an actual theater space is prohibited.

 The periods we will use will be: Greek, Elizabethan, Neoclassicism, Realism, and Anti-Realism.   You are encouraged to use the plays from the existing anthologies in your text or from the library.   Your instructor will provide you with a list of suitable works for each period should you have trouble finding a suitable play yourself.   Both historical periods, and production dates, will be drawn by a lotto.   The instructor will form the groups.

After selection, each group will meet and determine the individual roles that members will fulfill on the production team.   The roles are: dramaturge (researcher / consultant), producer / director, designer (set and costumes), and actors.  It may be necessary to play more than one role due to the size of the chosen scene (e.g. actor / dramaturge).   Each group will hand in a listing of the roles they will play in developing the production.   This will also serve as the informational base for the typed production program distributed on the day of the production.

A rough time-line or production schedule is to be turned in for the instructor's approval as soon as the groups meet for the first time.   The whole group is responsible for the 50 minutes of class on their assigned performance day.   The group should plan to present a short historical background previous to the performance, the scene itself, and a discussion and response period afterwards.

Finally, a group paper detailing individual research for all the respective production team roles should be presented at the end of the presentation to the instructor.   The research should be evident in the "mini-performance" and presentation.   These group papers should be two pages in length, typed, and double spaced for each member in the group (e.g. eight members equals a 16 page paper) This paper is due at the time of the "mini-performance."   The instructor will outline the specifics research necessary for each role.

Definition of Roles:

·       Researcher/Dramaturge – (One per Group).   Is responsible for researching the stage history and production methods of the assigned period and for disseminating this information to all the members of the group.  Copies of this research must be handed in.

 ·       Producer/Director – (One per Group).   Is responsible for overseeing all aspects and scheduling of the production, planning, and rehearsals. Decides which values and/or themes are to be communicated in the production and how to translate them to a contemporary audience (if necessary).  Decides which actor's play which characters (casts).  Blocks character movement and helps the actors define their characters (rehearses).

·       Designer(s) – Is responsible for planning and executing the visual look of the production. This includes the set, props, and costumes.  It is possible to divide this role depending on the needs of the group.

 ·       Actors – Is responsible for portraying the character assigned to the best of their ability.  Must memorize their lines and attend all rehearsals to which they are called.

Over-Arching Process:

 ·       Analyze the script and research the period / play / playwright.

·       Decide what values and/or themes are in the script / production and which are to be communicated to the class.

·       Plan and prepare the performance.  This should include design conferences and consultation meetings, rehearsals of the actors with the script, and a final dress rehearsal in which all the components are brought together.

·       Perform the production in class on the given day and give a supporting presentation.

·       Review and critique your efforts and results.

  • How effective were you accomplish your objective(s)?

  • In what areas were you successful?

  • In what areas could you have improved?

·       Grade the other members of the group. Assign a letter grade for each member along with a short explanation.

 Instructors Key Components of Evaluation:

·       Application of the theme / analysis to the period and the play.

·       Translation to a more updated / modernized production. (if done)

·       Apparent planning and preparation.

·       Effectiveness of the group to communicate to the audience as a production team and as presenters.

·       Accuracy and detail of the research in performance and presentation.