Theatre: Introduction to Theatre

Overview of general theatre practices and theories, emphasizing history, script analysis, character development, and communicative skills directed toward a modern audience. Credit not awarded for both THE 1030 and versions of the course offered as THE 1010 to 1029.

Open to Degree and PACE students

In this course, we will create a common language from which to explore theatrical text and performance. The course will broadly cover theatrical traditions and contemporary form, delving into each subject by exploring a particular related artist or creative field. The course is designed as a conversation so that each week we can focus on a specific element of theatrical creation while finding how it relates to us as humans. The intention is to allow students to think of a play as something that must be engaged critically, spatially, and aurally, as well as embodied imaginatively. We will also make use of the main stage season at the Royall Tyler.

This class will combine lecture, group discussion and individual presentations. Multiple projects/writing assignments will require work outside of class. Students will be expected to attend two Department of Theatre and Dance productions - one play and one dance piece.

Grades will be based on class attendance and participation, written and project based assignments, class presentations, production analyses and a final project.