A comprehensive introduction to the art, history and workings of the theater. Students will be given a broad and general background in theater including production elements (lights, sound, sets, costumes, make-up, etc...) of acting, theater history and criticism. Students will attend live performances, view videos of plays and write reviews of live and filmed theater. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: Develop a working definition of theatre. Identify the roles of theatre practitioners. Identify the basic structure of a play script. Apply the basic criteria for theatre criticism. Identify the various theatre genres. Identify and describe the functions and use of different lighting, sound and other stage equipment. Examine the values within the range of the human experience and its impact in the expression of Theater.
Students will be able to foster an appreciation of literature and develop creative skills in public speaking and performance. Students will analyze various literary forms (poetry, novels, plays, letters, diaries, etc.) as texts for oral presentation. Students will explore oral traditions and other nonliterary sources and events as oral presentation material. Class exercises introduce vocal, physical and other speaking techniques to effectively communicate a point of view. Recommended: College-level reading and writing skills are highly recommended for success in this course.
