Download SOTA Intro to Theatre Fall 2016

INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE
Tacoma School of the Arts
Fall 2016
Kelly Doran
[email protected]
Course Description
In this class students will read and use parts of the textbook Theatrical Design and Production, read A Raisin in the
Sun by Lorraine Hansberry and critically analyze , research and write a paper on a dramatic genre and the elements
of theatre, perform a monologue, perform a speech, act in a scene, and write a play.
Course Objectives
A student successfully completing this course will be able to…
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Identify the elements of theatre
Rehearse and perform a monologue
Rehearse and perform narrative speech/storytelling
Rehearse and perform a scene
Read to critically analyze a play
Respond critically to oral and written presentations by other students
Gain understanding of how theatre can be an agent for social change by researching historical and social
context.
Write a short 5-act play
Perform in a short 5-act play
Assignments and Grading
Elements of Theatre Assignment (10%)
Research Paper on Lorraine Hansberry(10%)
A Raisin in the Sun Critical analysis (15%)
A Raisin in the Sun Seminar (10%)
Scene Assignment (10%)
Monologue Assignment (10%)
Narrative Speech/Storytelling Assignment (15%)
Play Assignment (10%)
Final Reflection (5%)
Peer critiques and discussions (5%)
Extra Credit (Go to one theatrical performance and write a 2-page typed review) 10%
Weekly Schedule:
Week
1
2
3
4
Assignment
Introduction Speech
Improv Classes and games
Elements of Theatre
Essay/Seminar
Watch A Raisin in the Sun by
Lorraine Hansberry
Read A Raisin in the Sun by
Lorraine Hansberry, in class.
Homework
Research and write essay
Due Date
9/13
9.15
9/20
9/22
Write a biography of Lorraine Hansberry
9/27
Seminar on Lorraine Hansberry
5
Read A Raisin in the Sun by
Lorraine Hansberry, in class.
READ A Raisin in the Sun by
Lorraine Hansberry,
6
Seminar on A Raisin in the Sun
by Lorraine Hansberry
7
Scenes
Scenes
Perform Scenes
Attend A Raisin in the Sun by
Lorraine Hansberry at Seattle
Repertory Theatre
10
11
12
13
17
Narrative Speeches
Narrative Speeches
Narrative Speeches/Storytelling
Presentations and Performance
Write play
Perform plays in class
Perform Plays
Read The Good Woman of
Szechwan
Read The Good Woman of
Szechwan
Discuss The Good Woman of
Szechwan
Improv
Final Reflection Due
9/29
Write a critical analysis.
10/4
Prepare for seminar
Prepare for seminar
10/6
Critical analysis due
Choose a scene from A Raisin in the Sun by
Lorraine Hansberry
Rehearse and memorize
10/11
10/13
10/18
10/20
leave SOTA at 8:15
Write an idea for a narrative speech
Rehearse opening paragraphs in large groups
Type play and print 5 copies
10:30 am
10/27
10/29
11/1-3
11/8-10
11/15
11/17
11/28
11/30
12/6
Prepare final reflection
12/8-15
12/15
Elements of Theatre Assignment
1
General Purpose:
To research and write a 2-page paper on Aristotle’s elements of theatre
and today’s elements of theatre.
Specific Purpose:
To research, write a 2-page paper, and actively participate in seminar on
the elements of theatre, to write a play using the elements of theatre
Length:
2 pages
Requirements:
2-page research paper using rubric provided
Site sources using proper format.
Organization:
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Research and write paper
Participate actively in seminar
The sources you used for your acting method.
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At least two credible sources (beside yourself) and referenced
properly.
Make sure your information comes from credible sources. If you have
questions about what a credible source is, here is a helpful link:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/588/02/
Sources:
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2
A Raisin in the Sun Assignment
Tacoma School of the Arts
Kelly Doran
General Purpose:
To read and critically analyze A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry.
To write a biography of Harper Lee.
Specific Purpose:
To read A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry to understand
historical context, social context, and how to identify themes.
Length:
Critical Analysis: 3 pages
Biography: 1page
Reflection Essay: 1 page
Requirements:
1.
2.
3.
Critical Analysis: 3 pages double spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point
font, name, date and assignment title on the left top, bibliography listing 2
credible sources
Biography: 1page double spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font,
name, date and assignment title on the left top, bibliography listing 2
credible sources
Seminar: Participate actively in seminar. Be able to: Briefly summarize
and identify the main themes in the play. Talk about the author, why you
think the author wrote the play and if you think the author succeeded in
achieving her goals. Talk about how this play relates to the radio show
House Rules.
Organization:
1.
2.
3.
The critical analysis
The biography
The seminar
Sources:
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At least two credible sources (beside yourself) and referenced
properly.
Make sure your information comes from credible sources. If you have
questions about what a credible source is, here is a helpful link:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/588/02/
3
Narrative Speech Assignment
Purpose:
Length:
The purpose of this assignment is to tell a story and make it into a
well thought out, interesting speech. Choose a particular moment in
your life in which you learned a valuable lesson or fact. Expand on
this topic by focusing on how the audience could benefit from
knowing this information. It could be something you learned in
hindsight or something you are still trying to understand; either way
it must be relevant to the audience.
3-5 minutes (thirty-second grace period either way)
Topics:
You choose your topic, but it must be approved by the instructor first.
Email your desired topic to Kelly.
Requirements:
This speech should be an original effort to convey a story about your
experiences to your audience in an interesting manner. While you
will be conveying a story in this speech, you must still follow the speech
organizational pattern: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion! Also focus
on how knowing this information will benefit your audience – it is not
just a story.
The speech should be interesting, well organized, competently
presented, and should be appealing to your audience. You must have
a captivating introduction, logical organization in the body, and have a
conclusion that summarizes your theme memorably.
4
5
Scene Assignment
Work together to rehearse a scene and perform for class.
Play Writing Assignment
Tacoma School of the Arts
Kelly Doran
General Purpose:
To write a 10-minute play in 5 acts.
Specific Purpose:
To write a play using the elements of theatre.
Length:
10 minutes (approximately)
Requirements: Write a play in class, type play and make 5 copies of your play.
Act in peer plays.
Watch ALL peer plays and make comments on at least 6 plays.
Organization:
 Write play in class
 Type play and make 5 copies.
 Act in at least 1 peer play
 Comment on at least 6 plays and how they used the elements of theatre.
Late Policy
It is always a good idea to check the syllabus regularly. Work is not accepted late or on alternate dates unless
arrangements have been made.
Plagiarism and/or cheating are not condoned by Tacoma School of the Arts. A student who cheats or plagiarizes
the works of others is at risk of receiving a failing grade for the course in which such action takes place.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is designed to ensure that students with disabilities have an equal
opportunity to access academic programs and successfully complete their studies. Tacoma School of the Arts is
committed to providing accessibility to all students. Any student with special needs must complete a selfidentification form available in the counseling office. This information will remain strictly confidential.
Respect expected. Learning to speak in front of people is frightening enough without anyone having any added
fear; on the other hand, your fellow students are doing you a major favor by as acting as your test audience, and you
do not have the right to exploit their courtesy. I doubt any such issue will come up, but should anything occur which
I interpret as hate speech, intimidation, heckling, or harassment, I will take appropriate measures.