20810230Introduction to Theatre
Course Information
Description
This is a beginning study of theatre especially as it relates to modern audiences. Students will examine and experience theatre in its various forms. A survey of theatre history from a global perspective provides the foundation for a greater understanding and perspective of the art. This course is an opportunity to explore playwriting, acting, directing and design leading to critical analysis of production. Students are expected to analyze scripts and attend performances turning in written reviews. The sequence of this course begins with audience perspective layered with historical and performance perspectives.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Analyze historical trends, cultural perspectives and classifications of theatre
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a critique from selected scripts by specified date
    Criteria
    group member stays on task
    group member performs the individual duties assigned by the group
    group member shares ideas and information
    group member listens to other group members
    group member shows respect for of other's ideas and opinions of others
    group member helps the group reach consensus
    group explains stage movement (blocking)
    group demonstrates stage movement (blocking)
    group explains stage design and scenery
    group demonstrates stage design and scenery
    group explains the use of stage property
    group demonstrates the use of stage property
    group explains the use of costumes
    group demonstrates costumes

  2. Examine audience/performance dynamic to include the capacity to critically analyze the performance.
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a critique from selected scripts by specified date
    Criteria
    critique includes a description of the inciting incident in a selected script
    critique includes a justification for selecting the inciting incident
    critique includes a description of the episodes of action in a selected script
    critique includes a justification for selecting the episodes of action
    critique includes a description of the crisis in a selected script
    critique includes a justification for selecting the crisis
    critique includes a description of the climax in a selected script
    critique includes a justification for selecting the climax
    critique includes a description of the denouement in a selected script
    critique includes a justification for selecting the denouement

  3. Examine script construction and performance
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a critique from selected scripts by specified date
    Criteria
    you examine the motivations of a character
    you implement use of a character-consistent prop
    you command space as the character
    you observe actual people who are similar to the character
    you take on the characteristics of a character
    critique includes a personal description of how three characters are developed physically in a selected script
    critique includes a personal description of how three characters are developed socially in a selected script
    critique includes a personal description of how three characters are developed psychologically in a selected script
    critique includes a personal description of how three characters are developed morally in a selected script

  4. Synthesize the relationship between theatrical elements and production concept.
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a minimum of two critiques from selected plays by specified date
    Criteria
    critique includes the identification of the correct classification from the selected scripts as tragedy, comedy, melodrama, farce, or tragicomedy
    critique includes an explanation of the classification choice from the selected scripts
    critique includes the identification of specific movements as realism, symbolism, expressionism, existentialism, or surrealism from the selected scripts
    critique includes a description of the inciting incident in a selected script
    critique includes an explanation of the specific movement choice from the selected scripts
    critique includes a justification for selecting the inciting incident
    critique includes a description of the episodes of action in a selected script
    critique includes a justification for selecting the episodes of action
    critique includes a description of the crisis in a selected script
    critique includes a justification for selecting the crisis
    critique includes a description of the climax in a selected script
    critique includes a justification for selecting the climax
    critique includes a description of the denouement in a selected script
    critique includes a justification for selecting the denouement
    critique includes a personal description of how three characters are developed physically in a selected script
    critique includes a personal description of how three characters are developed socially in a selected script
    critique includes a personal description of how three characters are developed psychologically in a selected script
    critique includes a personal description of how three characters are developed morally in a selected script
    critique includes an analysis of the effectiveness of lighting
    critique includes an analysis of the effectiveness of sound
    critique includes an analysis of the authenticity of the costumes
    critique includes an analysis of the credibility of the makeup
    critique includes an analysis of the stage design