TH 101
Introduction to Theatre
T/Th 9:35 - 10:50 a.m.
Robert L. Yowell, PhD
Office: School of Performing Arts Room
108
Ph: 523-2279
Email: Robert.Yowell@nau.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 11:00
- 12:00
Course Description (No Prerequisites)
Thematic Focus: Valuing the
Diversity of Human Experiences
Introduction to Theatre is a liberal
studies course that surveys Theatre from the world of the ancient Greeks to the
present day. Students gain an appreciation of the aesthetics and humanistic
aspects of Theatre. One of the main goals of theatre is to examine people in
conflict, to this end; this course will help students appreciate the diversity
of the human condition. Students will be exposed to dramatic literature from a
variety of historical periods and ethnic cultures. This diversity will also be
examined in live theatre productions, a medium that allows students to
understand the human experience as a performing art.
Distribution Block: Aesthetic
and Humanistic Inquiry
Because Theatre 101 is a liberal studies
course, it will provide students with opportunities to develop aesthetic and
humanistic inquiry skills. In this course students will learn these skills by
seeing live theatre. By studying plays the student will appreciate how this
performing art works by means of metaphor. In addition, this course will help
students to understand the process that creative and interpretative artists go
through in order to create Art.
Essential Skills: Critical
Thinking, Critical Reading and Effective Writing
Introduction to Theatre will show students
the journey that performing artists travel as they create live theatre. By
observing performing artists’ creative processes, students will have the
opportunity to reflect on, and understand how creativity is an important aspect
of all people. The course will also require that the student critically read
plays for plot, structure, character and theme. Finally, this course will
assist students in developing effective writing skills. Students will be
required to see three live performances and to write a critical review of each
performance that they attend.
Course Objectives:
This course is designed to introduce
students to the various elements of theatre and to familiarize them with the
history that produces these elements. By the term’s end, students will be able
to:
1.
Read a play (dramatic literature) identify and discuss:
a.
Plot
b.
Character
c.
Theme
(CRITICAL
THINKING, CRITICAL READING)
2.
Reflect on and discuss the “Art of Acting”:
a.
Describe how the actor “creates a character”
b.
Explain Acting as a creative art requiring collaboration with others
(CREATIVE AND CRITICAL THINKING)
3. Delineate the contributions
of “Design” in a live theatre experience. Students will identify
and write about:
a.
The role of the scene designer
b.
The role of the costume designer
c.
The role of the lighting and sound designer
(CRITICAL THINKING AND EFFECTIVE WRITING)
4. Be an informed
“Theatre-Patron”:
a. Understand the creative process that
produces a live theatre experience
b. Evaluate talented acting
d.
Describe the role of theatre directors and designers (CRITICAL AND
CREATIVE THINKING)
5. Be capable of writing
effectively about a live theatre presentation:
a.
Recognize and assess the quality of performances
b.
Write knowledgeably and critically about the contributions of directors
and designers
c.
Identify important themes of various live performances (CRITICAL THINKING
AND EFFECTIVE WRITING)
6. Recognize issues of gender,
ethnic and class conflict scripted or presented through
performance of theatre. (CRITICAL READING AND CRITICAL THINKING)
Course Structure/Approach
Each class will consist of a combination
of lecture and discussion. The course will employ video, film and dramatic
literature to illustrate the many ramifications of understanding human diversity
through theatre. Further, this course will invite actors and designers to class
to “demonstrate acting techniques” and to show and discuss design projects for
performance. Since theatre is an art the course will attempt to encourage
students to be bold in their attempt to evaluate the human condition through
theatrical experiences. For example, students should be able to employ both
oral and written communication to express their personal reasons why they like
or dislike a theatre experience.
Course Content:
1.
Lecture and class discussion on topics presented by the text including
the significance of culture, gender and socio-economic status to theme.
2.
Demonstration of performance techniques.
3.
Discussion of the following plays in the anthology text:
a.
Antigone
read by September 23rd
b.
The Glass Menagerie
read by October 19th
c.
Twilight Lost Angeles,
1992 read by
November 16th
4.
Discussion of plot, character and theme of the live performance of three
out of four plays.
a.
Play #1 A Shayna Maidel September 1,2,3,4,8,9,10,11,12,15,16,17
& 18 written evaluation due 9/23/99. Ticket Price is $5.00. Theatreworks is
located on 120 N. Leroux. For Tickets Call 774-7555
b.
Play # 2 Theatrikos – The Diary of Anne Frank September 17,
18,23,24,25, (matinee @ 2:00) Oct 1,2, (matinee @ 2:00) 7,8 & 9 written
evaluation due by 10/19/99. Theatrikos is located on Cherry Avenue (at Beaver)
across from the Catholic Church. Ticket Price is $5:00. Tickets call 774-1662.
c.
Play # 3 NAU Theatre Picasso at Lapin Agile October 6,7,8,9
13,14,15 & 16 written evaluation due by 10/26/99. Tickets at Student Union or
call 523-5661. Season Tickets are much cheaper at $14.00 for the entire
season. Individual tickets price is $6.00 per show.
d.
Play # 4 NAU Theatre – Kiss Me Kate November 6,7,10,11,12 & 13
written evaluation due by 11/16/99 Tickets at Student Union or call 523-5661.
Season Tickets are much cheaper at $14.00 for the entire season. Individual
tickets price is $6.00 per show.
5.
Each play will require a written student reaction paper.
a. A two-page guideline will be
distributed to each student setting out requirement and due
dates.
a.
Student reaction papers will be discussed in class and some may be read
in whole or part to the class.
b.
Where necessary re-writes will be required.
Required Texts: Theatre: The
Lively Art, brief edition, Second Edition. Wilson and Goldfarb, McGraw Hill
Anthology of Plays Wilson, McGraw Hill
Three Reaction papers are required. These
two to three page type written papers will demonstrate whether or not students
have understood a play in terms of plot, character and thematic possibilities.
The written analysis of conflict relating to gender, ethnicity and
socio-economic class will require students to identify and reflect on issues of
prejudice and diversity presented by theatre. Reaction papers will assist
students develop skills in written communication as they discuss the ability of
the art of theatre to aesthetically communicate through metaphor. Written tests
during the semester will give students opportunities to underlying humanistic
conflicts presented by this art form. The Midterm and Final will be multiple
choice, matching and short answer essay based on reading, lectures,
demonstrations, discussions, and plays attended.
In addition, the discussion and oral
questioning utilized during and after class presentations on the subject of
acting, directing and design will demonstrate students understanding of the
creative process that the performer goes through to create a role. This process
will assist the student in understanding that each and every person has within
himself or herself the ability to use creativity in their own lives to enhance
their “art of living.”
Students will be required to attend three
plays and write an evaluation of each play as explained above. One or more of
these could be included in the learning portfolio that they will be creating in
conjunction with their liberal studies program. In addition, students may also
include programs, and especially program notes that attempt to discuss theatre
pieces in terms of its historical importance as well as possible meaning for a
contemporary audience. While a good learning portfolio contains papers, tests,
journals, etc., a good play, or any great work of art, can last in the heart,
soul and mind of the student for the rest of their lives.
Course Requirements and Grading:
Midterm 20%
Final 20%
Reaction paper
#1 20%
Reaction paper
#2 20%
Reaction paper
#3 20%
The MIDTERM and FINAL will be
multiple choice tests based on the reading and potentially ALL topics of
discussion during class.
Three REACTION PAPERS are
required. See guidelines below.
Grading Scale:
90 -
100% = A
80 -
89 = B
70 -
79 = C
60 -
69 = D
60 and below
= F
Opt Out of Tests
STUDENTS MAY OPT OUT OF THE MID-TERM AND
FINAL EXAMS BY SEEING FOUR (4) PLAYS AND WRITING REACTION PAPERS FOR FOUR (4)
INSTEAD OF THE REQUIRED THREE (3) ASSIGNED.
PLUS
IN ADDITION, EACH STUDENT MUST BE A MEMBER
OF A GROUP THAT MAKES AN ORAL PRESENTATION IN CLASS. SERVING ON A GROUP AND
GIVING AN ORAL PRESENTATION ON ONE OF THE ANTHOLOGY PLAYS GIVES THE STUDENT
EXTRA CREDIT. (Extra credit - possible 50 points)
OR (instead of the group
report in class)
WRITE A TWO-PAGE PAPER ON ONE OF THE
ASSIGNED PLAYS FROM THE ANTHOLOGY TEXT. STUDENTS WILL INDICATE ON THEIR PAPER
THAT THIS REVIEW IS PART OF THE “OPT OUT OF THE TEST” OPTION.
THOSE PLAYS THAT WILL BE DISCUSSED ARE:
ANTIGONE
Group Presentation due: 10/7/99
The Glass Menagerie
Group Presentation due: 10/26/99
Twilight Los Angeles, 1992
Group Presentation due: 11/23/99
FOR THOSE STUDENT WHO CHOOSE TO TAKE THE
MID-TERM AND FINAL IT WILL BE HELD AT THE ASSIGNED TIMES (see schedule below).
EXTRA CREDIT MAY ALSO BE EARNED BY COMING
TO THE ITV CLASS TO PARTICIPATE IN A DISCUSSION OF ONE OF THE LIVE THEATRE
PERFORMANCES.
(Extra credit – possible 50 points)
On Plagiarism and Cheating
A student guilty of plagiarism
or cheating will be given a grade of ZERO (F) for the examination or paper
associated with such plagiarism or cheating. The instructor will recommend to
the Dean of Students that the student be barred from further attendance of the
class and given an F for the course.
REACTION PAPERS
on department productions are based upon YOUR reaction to and informed
evaluation of works and performances presented. Approximately three (3) pages
(see guidelines).
All papers must be TYPED/WORD PROCESSED,
double-spaced, 10 or 12 pt. font. Please follow the formatting guidelines
presented in an accepted style manual, such as the MLA Writers Handbook. Please
keep back-up copies of your papers.
Papers are due by 5:00 p.m. LATE work
turned in within TWO class periods of the due date will be graded down ONE FULL
grade. Late work will not be accepted after that, except in documented cases of
a medical emergency.
All papers are to be turned in at Dr.
Yowell's office CCA #108.
GUIDELINES FOR REACTION PAPERS
There are many facets of a
production to consider. While this list can be considered a "springboard" for
your reaction papers, it is hardly the definitive set of considerations for a
theatrical production. I am confident that you will find elements in each
production that will stimulate observations other than those specifically
addressed below.
Elements to consider:
The Play or Concert
What do you think the author
was trying to say? Tell me what you think is the theme. What was the climax of
the play? Was it written in a realistic or unrealistic style? Did you believe
the characters? Explain and support your conclusions to these questions with
your reasons for your answers.
What do you think the Director
was trying to say? Was a message conveyed or just abstract images? Be specific
in your support of your conclusions.
Technical - lights, sound,
costumes, sets
Give your impression of each
of the above. How effective were these elements? Describe the mood or feeling
you think the technical aspects were intended to convey. Include details on the
specific designs and the design concept. In what ways do you believe they could
be improved? Why?
The Performance - actors
and dancers
What did you observe about the
performers as an ensemble? As individuals? Could you hear and understand the
actors? Were they believable? Were the relationships between (performers)
characters clear? Did you understand what each character wanted? Were any
special skills required of the performers that they employed?
Direction - what the
director/choreographer did/intended
How did the casting influence
the production? Did all the visual elements work together? Was the style
intended to be realistic or unrealistic? What were the elements of each? Was
the director/choreographer trying to tell you a story or presenting you with
isolated episodes?
Your Experience
Did you like the play? Did
you like this production of it? Why or why not? Did you identify with any of
the characters? If so or if not, did this influence your enjoyment of the
production?
When presenting your
evaluation and reaction to the play it is best to consider all information
available. In other words, wait until the end of the play to make some notes
(maybe you write your first draft) and wait a day to make final judgments.
Also, don't handicap your powers of observation by attending the production with
only these considerations in mind or in hand. LEAVE THIS PIECE OF PAPER AT
HOME!
TH 101 - SCHEDULE
8/31 Tour of
Theatre
9/2
Introduction
THEATREWORKS – “A Shayna Maidel”
September 1,2,3,4,5,8,9,10,11,12,15,16,17, & 18
9/7 Chp 1 -
Audiences and Critics
9/9 Being a
Member of the Theatre Audience
9/14 Chp 2 -
Performers, Directors & Producers
9/16
THEATRIKOS –“The Diary of Anne Frank”
September 17, 18,23,24,25,30, Oct 1,2,7,8 & 9
Matinee’s on Sept 25 and Oct 2 @ 2:00
9/21 Chp 3 -
Theatre Spaces
9/23 Chp 4 -
Designers: Scenery & Costumes
Written
Evaluation of The Shayna Maidel due
9/24 Deadline to
Drop
9/28 Chp 5 -
Designers: Lighting & Sound
9/30 Chp 6 -The
Playwright: Subject, Focus, Purpose, & Viewpoint
10/5 Chp 7 - The
Playwright: Dramatic Structure & Characters
NAU
THEATRE -“Picasso At Lapin Agile” -
October
6,7,8,9,13,14,15 &16 - Performed at the Clifford White Theatre – Building # 37
10/7 Discuss
Antigone
10/12 Chp 8 -
Creating a Production
10/14 Chp 8 –
Review for Mid-Term
Written
Review of The Diary of Anne Frank due
Review
10/19 Midterm at
9:35 a.m. in the Clifford White Theatre
Creative
& Communication Arts Building
10/21 Chp 9 - Greek
& Roman Theatre
10/22 Mid-Semester
Break
10/26 Discuss A
Glass Menagerie
Written
Evaluation of Picasso At Lapin Agile due
10/28 Chp 10 -
Medieval Theatre
11/2 Chp 10 -
Asian Theatre
11/4 Chp 11 -
Renaissance Theatre
NAU
Theatre -“Kiss Me Kate” performance begins
November
6,7,10,11,12 & 13
11/9 Chp 11 -
Shakespeare
11/11 Chp 12 -
1660-1875 Restoration
11/16 Chp 13 -
Modern Theatre: Realism
Written
evaluation of Kiss Me Kate Due
11/18 Chp 14
-Modern Theatre: Departures from Realism
11/23
Discuss Third Play from Anthology Twilight Los Angeles 1992 by Anna
Deavere Smith
11/25 Thanksgiving
Break – No Class
11/26 Thanksgiving
Break – No Class
11/30 Chp 15 -
Ethnic Theatre & Alternative Theatre
Written Evaluation of a Play from
Anthology of Plays due (if student elects)
12/2
Chp 15 –
Contemporary Theatre
12/7 Chp 15 -
Musical Theatre & review
12/9 Review for
Final – Last day to run in all papers
12/10 Last Day of
Scheduled Classes
12/14 FINAL - 7:30
a.m. in the Clifford White Theatre
Creative
& Communication Arts Building
The instructor reserves the right to
adjust and/or modify the schedule to meet the course objectives