INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE - Spring, 2013 COURSE OUTLINE TR Class (10726)

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1 INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE - Spring, 2013 COURSE OUTLINE TR Class (10726) COURSE NUMBER: THEA 1030 COURSE SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS: 3 INSTRUCTOR: MELEIA LEWIS OFFICE & PHONE # S: GYM 181, ADDRESS: OFFICE HOURS: REQUIRED TEXT: METHODS OF INSTRUCTION: mlewis@dscc.edu M: 8-11; 3:30-4:30 (Advising Center?) T: 8:30 9:00; 2:15-2:45; 3:30-4:30 W: 8-11 TH: 3:30-4:30 (Advising Center?) THEATRE: THE LIVELY ART -8 th ED. WILSON AND GOLDFARB Lecture, discussion, group work, video instruction, production experience COURSE COMPETENCIES/OJECTIVES: At the completion of this course, students should be more aware of the origins, development, structure, and elements of theatre. Students should be able to understand how theatre and its various forms have both reflected and affected diverse societies and cultures from Ancient Greece through the present day. Students should, likewise, be able to recognize and potentially analyze significant dramatic texts and theatrical practices to assess the ideas and values expressed therein. In addition, students should gain an appreciation of theatrical and other artistic endeavors, and the collaborations therein. GRADES: Assessed as follows: 2 Production Critiques....15% each Theatre Reviews Summary....5 Mid-term exam Final exam Final Scene Project...10 Class participation % = A = B = C = D 0-59= F

2 ATTENDANCE POLICY: Since learning centers on classroom activities, attendance is required for successful completion of any course at Dyersburg State Community College. Class attendance policies are as follows: 1. Class attendance without fail is expected. Students must attend class in order to be successful. An explanation of the cause of any absence should be given to the instructor of the class. This explanation should be presented in advance whenever possible. 2. Absences will be counted from the first meeting of the class. 3. If an absence occurs, the student is responsible for contacting the instructor about continued enrollment. The student is also responsible for completing missed work as deemed appropriate by the instructor and for gathering missed information. 4. Students with unexcused absences who miss three consecutive classes will be reported as having stopped attending (exceptions may be made in courses that meet in 3 hour blocks). This designation may negatively impact receipt of current and future financial aid. 5. At the discretion of the instructor, a student who exhibits a pattern of absences even if not consecutive absences may be reported as stopped attending. This designation may negatively impact receipt of current and future financial aid. 6. If a student is not able to continue in the course, the student must officially withdraw. Failure to withdraw will result in a grade of F and may negatively impact future financial aid eligibility and continued enrollment. 7. Three tardies constitute one absence. The door will be locked once class begins, and no latecomers will be admitted. 8. Accumulating more than four absences will result in the reduction of your grade by 1/2 a letter per absence beyond four. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Students are required to complete the Theatre Reviews Summary assignment, and present a brief (3-5 minutes) oral report of such in class. Students are required to complete eight hours of work on the DSCC THEATRE Production of The Foreigner, scheduled to be presented March 21 st -23 rd in the First Citizens National Bank Auditorium (Campus Activities Building). Work may be completed in the areas of lighting, props, costumes, or set construction, publicity, etc., as necessitated. A work schedule is attached, but more specific information will be presented in class. Note: This requirement is calculated into the class participation grade. Students are required to attend the DSCC theatre production of The Foreigner, scheduled to be presented March 21 st -23 rd and to submit a typewritten critique of it by March 28 th, according to the attached Play Critique Assignment Criteria format. Students are required to attend one outside theatre production this semester presented by another college/university, or by professional company. There will be some group attendance opportunities. A partial schedule is attached to the syllabus. Other opportunities to attend productions will be announced throughout the semester. They must also submit a typewritten critique of it by the second class period following their attendance, (but no later than April 24 th ) according to the attached Play Critique Assignment Criteria format.

3 Students are further required to present a comic 2 - person final scene project, approved or assigned by the instructor. They will not be judged (graded) on natural acting ability, but rather on participation in and commitment to the assignment. The scenes should be approximately 4-6 minutes. Assignment Checklist Worth Completed Grade Eight hours production work -factored into Class Participation Grade Theatre Reviews Summary 5 % DSCC Theatre Production attendance and typed 15 critique Outside Theatre production attendance and typed 15 critique Mid-term Exam 15 Final (Comprehensive) Exam 25 Final Scene project 10 Class Participation % EXTRA CREDIT Students may obtain extra credit by working beyond the required eight hours on the DSCC Theatre production(s). The amount of credit depends upon the number of hours worked. Each extra hour results in one point added to the student s class participation grade. Extra credit may also be earned by attending and critiquing additional plays produced by area high schools, colleges or universities, or professional theatre companies, beyond the ones required. Dates of outside productions will be announced soon. Students who audition for and/or participate in plays or musicals, whether produced by DSCC or another theatre group, earn extra credit. Proof of such participation must be provided. Note: Dyersburg State Community College is committed to providing a discrimination-free environment. If you have any type of disability, please see the DSCC ADA Counselor, whose phone number is Honors Option Note: This course is offered for Honors credit. If you qualify to and are interested, see me for additional information by January 30 th. Tutoring Note: Grade Results offers 24/7 tutoring with instant messaging, writing lab, quick feedback, etc., with real instructors.

4 DSCC Theatre Spring, 2013 Work Schedule Fri., Jan :30-2:30 Theatre workday (Mark off set) Sat., Jan :00 Theatre workday (stair/steps construction) Fri., Feb. 1 12:00 Production Meeting for crew Fri., Feb. 1 12:30-2:30 Theatre workday Sat., Feb :00 Theatre workday (lights and painting) Fri., Feb. 8 12:30-2:30 Theatre workday (prep for pageant) Fri., Feb :30 2:30 Theatre Workday (erect set) Sat., Feb :00 Theatre Workday (erect set) Fri., Mar. 1 12:30-2:30 Theatre Workday Sat., Mar :00 Theatre Workday (sound and lighting) Fri., Mar. 8 12:30-2:30 Theatre workday (Complete sound and lighting) Thurs. Sat., 6:45 8:15 The Foreigner box office Mar (2-3 people each night) Sat., Mar. 23 9:30-11:30 p.m.? The Foreigner strike Mon., Mar. 25 3:30 5:30 Replace props, costumes, etc. Fri., Mar :30-2:30 Theatre cleanup/re-organization Fri., Apr. 5 12:30-2:30 PDC/Yates Auditorium workday NOTE: Workday locations will be announced just prior to each one and are subject to change. However, most will take place in the First Citizens National Bank Auditorium in the CAB. Notice will be given in class the Thursday before the scheduled workday. HELPFUL THEATRE WEBSITES theatre-link.com aislesay.com chicagotribune.com whatsonstage.com broadwayworld.com DSCC Theatre website at

5 CLASS SCHEDULE Jan. 23 Introduction: To Course Jan. 28 Discussion: Chapters 1 & 2 Video: Broadway: The American Musical Disk 1, Episode 1 Jan. 28 & 29 Auditions: for The Foreigner (5:30) FCNB Auditorium by Larry Shue Jan. 30 Discussion: Chapter 3 Feb. 4 LRC 134 To find theatre reviews Assignment: For Wed., Feb. 6 - bring assignment to discuss in class Feb. 6 Due: Theatre review summaries (to be discussed in class) (3-4 minute student presentations) Feb. 11 Due: Theatre review summaries continued Video: Broadway: The American Musical Disk 1, Episode 2 Feb. 13 Discussion: Chapters 4 & 5 Feb. 18 Discussion Chapter 5, and acting exercise comfortable dress Feb. 20 Discussion: Chapter 6 Feb. 25 Video: Stages of Theatre Discussion: Chapters 7 & 8 Feb. 27 Meet in /Tour: FCNB Auditorium Discussion: Chapter 8 & 9 Mar. 4 Select and rehearse: Scene and scene partner Review: For mid-term exam (ch. 1-9) Mar. 6 Mid-term Exam: Covering ch. 1-9 Mar Spring Break! Mar. 18 Discussion: Chapter 10 Greece Mar. 20 Discussion: Critiquing Guidelines Videos: Stages of Theatre, Medea

6 Mar DSCC Theatre The Foreigner 7:30 FCNB Auditorium Mar. 25 Video: Medea Discussion: Chapter 10 Rome and Medieval Period Mar. 27 Discussion: Chapter 11 (Asia brief) Mar. 28 Easter Break Apr. 1 Discussion: Chapter 12 Italy and England Apr. 3 Discussion: Chapter 12 - Spain and France Apr. 8 Video: Hamlet Apr. 10 Video: Hamlet Continued Discussion: Chapter 13 Apr. 15 Discussion: Chapters 14 & 15 Apr. 17 FCNB Auditorium: To Rehearse scene projects Apr. 22 Discussion: Musicals Get Study Guide For: Final Exam Video: Broadway, the American Musical Apr. 24 Video: Broadway, the American Musical Apr., 29 Video: Broadway, the American Musical Review: For Final Comprehensive exam May 1 Final Exam: Comprehensive -need blue book for essay question May 6 Rehearse: Scene project (Auditorium) Wed., May 8 Due: Scene project 2:45 (Final Exam period) (Auditorium) Consider becoming a member of the Oaktree Players Drama Club! TUTORING LABS See information on the DSCC website at: and GradeResults 24/7 online tutoring at

7 Outside Theatre Productions The Left Hand Singing POTS Theatreworks Jan. 5- Jan The Mountaintop Circuit Playhouse/Hattiloo Jan. 18 Feb Sunset Boulevard Playhouse on the Square Jan. 25 Feb Six Degrees of Theatre Memphis Jan. 25 Feb. 10 Separation Mary Poppins Orpheum Feb The Doll House Freed-Hardeman Univ. Feb. 7-9 at 7:00 and 2:00 Black Box Theatre Bouffant: La Teuer Rhodes College Feb. 8-9; de Vampires Annie SEMO University Feb /Voice of the Prairie Arkansas State Feb. 22, 23, The G ment Inspector University of Memphis Feb ; Feb. 28- Mar. 2 Debbie Does Dallas Circuit Playhouse Mar A Chorus Line Theatre Memphis (Next Stage) Mar The Footsteps of Jesus Union University Mar Radium Girls Freed-Hardeman Univ. Mar at 7:00 and 2:00 Black Box Theatre See How They Run UTMartin Mar , heatre% %20season.pdf

8 Angels in America Playhouse on the Square Mar Millennium Approaches Angels in America Playhouse on the Square Mar Perestroika Million Dollar Quartet Orpheum Mar Miss Firecracker SEMO University Apr. 3-7 Contest Sylvia Theatre Memphis Next Stage Apr As You Like It Rhodes College Apr , Medea University of Memphis Apr Rhinoceros Arkansas State Apr. 12, 13, Time Stands Still Circuit Playhouse Apr Memphis, the Musical The Orpheum Apr EXTRA CREDIT PERFORMANCES An Evening with the Honorable David Crockett of Tennessee Feb. 8 & 9 at 7:00, and Feb. 10 at 2:00 Ruffin Theatre, Covington The Marvelous Wonderettes Tuesday, April 9 at 7:30 Yates Auditorium See Mrs. Lewis. Pricing Information: Playhouse on the Square and Circuit Playhouse tickets are $20 for students with ID. Theatre Memphis tickets are $15 for students with ID. Most college/university ticket prices are $5 17 for students with ID. DSCC student ticket prices are $5.00.

9 BASIC SCHOOL POLICIES Sexual Harassment A student who individually, or in concert with others, participates or attempts to participate in a sexual offense is subject to disciplinary actions by the College notwithstanding any actions that may or may not be taken by law enforcement authorities. Members of the DSCC community who have been sexually assaulted are strongly encouraged to: 1) talk to a DSCC counselor (ext. 3242) and sexual harassment coordinator (Director of Human Resources, ext. 3316). 2) report the assault to DSCC Security ( , or ext after 4:30 p.m.). 3) obtain medical assistance, without first showering or changing/destroying clothing, which may serve as evidence. Alcoholic beverages, weapons, illegal drugs The use of and/or possession of alcoholic beverages, weapons (including hunting rifles) and illegal drugs on campus is strictly prohibited. Plagiarism The use and/or presentation of someone else s work (not just words), without giving proper credit/citing sources, is strictly prohibited. NOTE: Dyersburg State Community College is committed to providing a discrimination-free environment for both its students and its employees. If you have a disability of any type, please notify the DSCC ADA Counselor at All the above plus: Be respectful of others at all times. Class Policies Electronic Devices No texting, IM-ing, calling or answering calls in class. Cell phones and other electronic devices, (I-pods, etc.) must be turned off. Appearance No distracting, revealing or offensive clothing in class. This should be self-explanatory.

10 Theatre Review Summary Assignment Guidelines The purpose of this assignment is for you to learn to recognize a theatre review, as well as how to research one. Please find and bring in to class for discussion two reviews of the same play production, (same show, same production company, same location, etc.) contrasting in tone if available, and be prepared to discuss these briefly in a short oral presentation to the class. In doing your research, look for the following elements of discussion in the review, then use the attached structure for organization. Producing Company (and where located) Acting and/or Singing Directing Design Elements such as Costumes, Set, Lighting & Sound Whether or not the reviewer liked the production Research websites such as: Playbill.com nytimes.com/library/theater/ canoe.ca/theatre/home.html) - Canada theater-link.com/ backstage.com/ whatsonstage.com - London broadwayworld.com culturecatch.com on If you have no idea which play or musical you might like to review, you can look at playbill.com for listings of Broadway and Off-Broadway, as well as regional theatre productions. You will sometimes find on this same website, reviews of certain productions. Don't feel limited to finding a review of a New York production. Consider looking for reviews of touring productions, or of productions in London, Canada, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Minneapolis or smaller cities where regional theatre is produced. Louisville, KY, for example, holds the Humana Festival annually to spotlight new plays and playwrights. Be prepared to briefly discuss the review in class. I suggest you highlight the main points of discussion in the review, then use the following summary to present in class.

11 Theatre Review Summary Student Name Title of Play or Musical Reviewed Playwright (and Composer if a musical) Venue and Production Company Play/Musical Summary First Reviewer and Publication Date of Review Comments on Directing Comments on Acting Comments on Design Elements (lights, sound, costumes, set) Overall review (circle one) positive mixed negative

12 Second Reviewer and Publication Date of Review Comments on Directing Comments on Acting Comments on Design Elements (lights, sound, costumes, set) Overall review (circle one) positive mixed negative Student Comments

13 Play Critique Assignment Criteria When you attend a theatre production, obviously you should try to enjoy it, but you must also be aware of the various aspects of the production. The following criteria should be followed when writing a critique of the performance for this class. In the opening paragraph provide basic production information. Answer the questions: What: What is the name of the play, and who is the playwright? Where: Where was the play presented (name of theatre and city)? Who: Who presented the play? production company plus names of director, composer and choreographer (if a musical), set designer, lighting designer, costume designer, etc. When: What are the dates of the production, and when did you see it? In one to two paragraphs, offer a brief summary of the play, clearly describing the action (what happens) from beginning to end, and discussing characters and their relationships. When discussing the action of (what occurs in) a play, use the present tense. Note: If there are numerous characters/actors in a production, or if the plot is very detailed, you will obviously need to use additional paragraphs. In three paragraphs (one paragraph each ),discuss three actors portrayals (use of voice and body, as well as overall characterization.) Generally, the performers you choose to critique should be those playing the major characters, but if a more minor character was portrayed particularly well, then feel free to use that actor s portrayal to evaluate. Be specific, providing examples. Also, be certain to clearly distinguish between the actors and the characters in your discussion. Make sure to focus on what and how well (or poorly) the actors did in these roles; don t simply repeat your discussion of what the characters did. In another one to two paragraphs, discuss the production elements (lights, set, costumes, sound, etc.), telling what was good, innovative, interesting - and why, as well as offering suggestions for improvement. In a final paragraph, discuss your overall impression of the theatre experience, telling whether you liked the production or not, and why. Note: The critique should be typed and turned in the first class period following your attendance of the production.

14 Outside Theatre Involvement Student Name Name of Producing Organization Name of Production Dates of Production Type of involvement by student: (Circle all that apply) Auditioned Played a role Lights Sound Costumes Props Publicity Other Approximate # of hours student was involved: Director s or Producer s Name (please print) Director s or Producer s Signature Date Student Signature