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Regent University Mission Statement:
Regent University serves as a center of Christian thought and action to provide excellent
education through a Biblical perspective and global context equipping Christian leaders to
change the world.
School of Communication & the Arts Mission Statement:
To prepare emerging and established Christian leaders to inspire, enrich and transform the
media, the arts, and the academy through excellence and innovation in scholarship and practice.
COURSE SYLLABUS
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION & THE ARTS
DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE ARTS
THE 719
DRAMATURGY
FALL 2013
COURSE TYPE: DISTANCE
MEETING LOCATION: IN BLACKBOARD
MEETING TIME: ANYTIME
COURSE INSTRUCTOR: ANDREW J. LEASE
All students are required to read and have a thorough understanding of the
syllabus. Any questions or concerns need to be addressed to the instructor.
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SECTION 1 – COURSE OVERVIEW
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:
Instructor: Andrew J. Lease, Adjunct Professor of Theatre
Telephone: (717) 669-7158
E-mail: [email protected]
Best time to contact me: I am glad to interact with students any time though phone, Skype, or email. I
recommend you email to schedule an appointment via Skype (Andrew.lease) to ensure my availability.
Students are also welcome and encouraged to contact me with any questions or concerns related to the
course.
PERSONAL GREETING FROM THE INSTRUCTOR:
Teaching dramaturgy is a great pleasure to me because of my love of theatre history and research. There
are few positions in the theatre that are more important than that of the dramaturg. They are the biggest
advocates for getting a play from page to stage. This course has the added challenge of applying the
requirements of a literary manager to the demands of a play adapter, critic, and researcher. Each task
that a dramaturg encounters will be explored. The dramaturg must have the mind of an actor, director,
historian, and playwright in order to successfully honor a specific work. As an actor director, and historian,
I learn a great deal in exploring these exercises and I certainly hope you will as well.
INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS/BIOGRAPHY:
Professor Lease is a recent graduate of the MFA Acting/Directing program at Regent University. He holds
a B.S. degree in Theatre Arts from Southeastern University. He has had the privilege of interning in
theatrical archives departments both regionally with the Fulton Theatre, and on Broadway with the
Nederlander Producing Company.
As a musical theatre history specialist, he advocates a detailed research approach to the dramaturgical
process, drawing heavily from his expertise in cataloguing and historical data-basing. While serving as
the archivist for the Nederlanders, he created a small-scale ephemera archive of family history and also
served as an office assistant to producer Kathleen Raitt (producer of The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Civil
War, and Bonnie and Clyde). He has taught musical theatre history at Theatrix Productions Inc. in
Virginia Beach, VA and has served as dramaturg on such musicals as: Where’s Charley?, The Scarlet
Pimpernel, Jane Eyre: The Musical, and West Side Story. He currently resides in Boston, MA and is
pursuing a career in acting, directing, and theatre education.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
History and role of the dramaturg in developing production concepts, research, choosing
translations, and developing adaptations of literature for performance. The dramaturg’s functions
within a theatrical organization to assist in season selection, audience education, and audience
development.
INTEGRATION OF FAITH
As dramaturgs, we are excavators and seekers of truth for each production we encounter. As we seek to
discover deeper truths in a given production, we must turn to God for his help and wisdom. The
dramaturgical process is vital to the success of any major theatre group. We must be willing to search
after the truth in each production and make ourselves available to God’s guidance as we faithfully and
reverently serve the playwright and the text. Proverbs 24:3-4 serves as the reminder of this teaching: By
Regent University, THE 719- DRAMATURGY Course Syllabus
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wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are
filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
SECTION 2 – COURSE EXPECTATIONS
COURSE OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

Outcome: Articulate what a dramaturg is and what a dramaturg does
Assessment: Essays, Discussion postings, Cardullo readings, Smash viewing, Thompson vs.
Larson

Outcome: Research, read, and create a season of shows for a mock repertory theatre
Assessment: Repertory season project

Outcome: Create an educational study guide of a classic play
Assessment: Oedipus Rex project

Outcome: Compare and contrast an adaptation of a classic play
Assessment: Oedipus vs. Oedipus Rex Project

Outcome: Conduct social research for a production
Assessment: Modern day “Everyman” project

Outcome: Develop a new concept for a production
Assessment: Romeo and Juliet PowerPoint presentation

Outcome: Adapt a scene of a play, using multiple translations, for a new production
Assessment: Three Sisters adaptation project

Outcome: Prepare production notes for a production
Assessment: J.B. blog project

Outcome: Prepare a press kit for a new play
Assessment: Grace Project

Outcome: Assemble a dramaturg’s prompt book
Assessment: West Side Story projects
Regent University, THE 719- DRAMATURGY Course Syllabus
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REQUIRED MATERIALS
Students are responsible for acquiring the following books and materials for this course before the first
class meeting:

Bert Cardullo, ed. What is Dramaturgy? 3 ed. New York, NY: Peter Lang, 2000.
ISBN # 0-820-42177-4.

Houghton, Norris. Romeo and Juliet/West Side Story. New York, NY: Random House, 1965.
ISBN # 0-440-97483-6.

Mamet, David, et al. Three Sisters. New York, NY: Samuel French Inc., 2010.
ISBN # 0-573-69319-6.

MacLeish, Archibald. J.B. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1989.
ISBN # 0-395-08353-2.

Wright, Craig. Grace. Evanstown, IL: Northwestern University Press, 2012.
ISBN # 0-810-12899-3.
rd
Note: The School has partnered with the Regent Bookstore to have textbooks available for
purchase for all students, including distance students. Items may be ordered using the secured
online catalog found at www.regentbookstore.net.

Daily access to the Internet and email

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) version 2007 or later.

The latest version of a web browser compatible with Blackboard and media players. For
assistance, visit the links provided in the Helpful Resources section of the course in Blackboard
or contact IT Helpdesk via their website, phone at 757-352-4076, or email at
[email protected].

Additional materials (e.g., PowerPoint files, quizzes, media, and the like) will be provided via
Blackboard. (see “Use of Blackboard” below for more information).

Understand and adhere to the Regent Honor Code found in the Student Handbook. A persistent
link can also be found in Blackboard’s “RU Resources” tab.
Recommended Course Materials:

“The Dramaturg.” Smash: Season Two, Episode Three. Writ. Bryan Golubuff. Dir. Larry Shaw.
NBC. 2013. Episode available on ITunes and Amazon.

Other play scripts, essays, and videos: A Few of the plays utilized in the course will be available
online or in the Regent Library. Specific texts will be confirmed as class work is assigned.
Anticipated plays to be provided by professor on Blackboard: Oedipus (Sophocles and Seneca
versions), Everyman (Anonymous), the Book of Job from the bible, and other translations of
Three Sisters (Chekhov). Essays and videos will also be provided by the professor on
Blackboard as class work is assigned.

West Side Story. Dir. Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise. Twentieth Century Fox, 1961. Film.
Regent University, THE 719- DRAMATURGY Course Syllabus
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
West Side Story [New Broadway Cast Recording]. Sony Masterworks, 2009. CD.

West Side Story [Original Broadway Cast Recording]. Sony Masterworks, 2012. CD.

Other resources such as writing style guides, Blackboard tutorials, University policies, IT
Helpdesk, and information may be accessed via the “RU” and “Helpful Resources” tabs in
Blackboard as well as in the Helpful Resources section of this course.
USE OF BLACKBOARD
Blackboard will be used to facilitate this course. Please keep the following in mind:

All discussion posts should be scholarly in nature and respectful of colleagues. The posts will be
available by Monday night of each week. Each individual post will be due by Thursday night at
11:59 pm. This is to ensure that each student has enough time to respond to the other posts.
Responses are due each Sunday night by 11:59 pm. There will be a total of 25 posts over the
course of the semester, each worth two points each. Some of the posts will be questions
presented by the professor. Others will be critiques of sections of work presented by the
students.
Posts should be two paragraphs in length and convey understanding of each question posed.
Each student is required to read all of the posts and to comment on at least two other student’s
posts. Responses should also be two paragraphs in length and discuss the thoughts and ideas
that the other students pose.

Students are expected to check the Announcements section of Blackboard each week beginning
one week before the start of the course. Students are also expected to have verified that their
computer hardware and software meet the requirements for online courses at Regent University
before the first week of the term.

Students must keep their e-mail address current in Genisys in order to receive communications
from Blackboard and the instructor. Students are expected to check their Regent e-mail daily to
ensure timely receipt of messages from the professor.
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION
Attendance and active participation is required in order to complete this course.
Because this is an online distance course, it is imperative that each student engage in Discussion Board
questions on Blackboard, stay on schedule with weekly readings and projects, and be in contact with the
professor with any questions or comments regarding the course.
Note: International students should consult the Office of International Student Services before
registering for a Distance or Modular course.
SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS
Assignment pages will be provided by the professor that outline and detail requirements for each paper
and project due in the course. Unless otherwise instructed, all assignments for this course must be
submitted via the “Assignment Link” found in Blackboard. All files should be submitted using the following
naming convention:
YourName_AssignmentName (e.g. John Smith_Essay 1)

Papers should be in MS Word format (.docx) compliant with the MLA writing style guide.
Regent University, THE 719- DRAMATURGY Course Syllabus
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Unless otherwise stated in Blackboard, no assignment will be accepted if submitted via any
method other than Blackboard. Assignments are due no later than 11:59 pm on Sunday, onless
otherwise stated. It is recommended that students give themselves a buffer of time before the deadline to
for trouble-shooting should your upload attempt be unsuccessful. Students should look at the assignment
submission page to verify that the submission was successful.
Late Assignments
No work will be accepted late. The dramaturg’s position in the theatre is based on time-effectiveness.
Usually, they only have a limited amount of time with the production, and must produce a quality product
regardless of personal conflicts. That being said, exceptions can made for extenuating circumstances,
only with the approval of the professor.
NOTE: Technical difficulties when submitting to Blackboard will not be accepted unless
documented by the IT Help Desk. The IT Help Desk is your first point of contact for problems with
Blackboard. Deadline extensions will be allowed only when a system issue occurring on Blackboard’s
side is documented by Regent University IT department.
METHOD OF EVALUATION
The course consists of 1000 total possible points to be earned. The final grade for the course will reflect
mastery of course content and quality of thought as expressed in:
Dramaturg Papers (2 Total @ 25 points each) - 5%
Discussion Board Entries (25 Total @ 2 points each) - 5%
Adaptation Project (100 points possible) - 10%
J.B. Blog Project(100 points possible) - 10%
Abstract of What is Dramaturgy? (100 points possible) - 10%
Exercise Projects (6 Total @ 50 points each) - 30%
West Side Story Project (300 points possible) - 30%
Grading Rubric
Grades will be assessed based upon the student’s execution of the exercises demonstrated and
discussed on Blackboard. The goal behind each exercise will be explained at the time the assignment is
made. Evaluation will then be based on how successfully the student has met the goal. Individual
feedback from the instructor will provide the necessary insights for continued improvement as the
semester progresses.
The following grading scale will be used:
Grade
Percentage
Score
Quality
Points
A
96-100
4.00
A-
93-95
3.67
B+
90-92
3.33
B
85-89
3.00
B-
81-84
2.67
C+
78-80
2.33
C
75-77
2.00
C-
71-75
1.67
Regent University, THE 719- DRAMATURGY Course Syllabus
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D+
68-70
1.33
D
65-68
1.00
D-
60-65
0.07
F
0-59
0.00
SECTION 3 – SCHEDULE AND EVALUATION
COURSE SCHEDULE
The schedule below includes the due dates for all assignments in this course. It is recommended that
you place this Course Schedule in a convenient place and refer to it each week of the course. You need
to follow it closely, as late assignments may be subject to a grade reduction.
Monday marks the beginning of the week for this course. Therefore, unless otherwise stated in
Blackboard, assignments for each week must be submitted no later than Sunday, 11:59 pm
(Eastern time) of each week.
Week 1: August 19 to August 25
Syllabus Review and Introduction
Assignment: Read through syllabus and send as discussion post, acknowledging you have done so.
Write a two- page, double-spaced paper on your understanding of what a dramaturg is. Post one of your
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points on Blackboard. Discussion Board post is due by 11:59 pm on Thursday, August 22 . Responses
th
to Discussion Board are due by 11:59 PM on Saturday, August 24 . This will ensure that each student
has enough time to read through the comments they have received in order to make any necessary
th
adjustments. Dramaturgy paper #1 is due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 25 .
Week 2: August 26 to September 1
What is Dramaturgy?
Assignment: Read the introduction and first three chapters of What is Dramaturgy? Research a notable
dramaturg and write a three- page, double-spaced paper on your findings. Attempt to include excerpts of
interviews with the dramaturg, their philosophy on dramaturgy, if known, and an example of some of their
work. Post a brief summary of your dramaturg and their studies on Blackboard. Discussion Board post is
nd
due by 11:59 pm on Thursday, August 22 . Responses to Discussion Board are due by 11:59 pm on
st
st
Saturday, August 31 . Dramaturgy paper #2 is due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, September 1 .
Week 3: September 2 to September 8
What Does a Dramaturg Do?
Assignment: Each student will be given a theme on which to base a ficticious season of a repertory
theatre off of. Seven shows will be selected by adherring to genre requirements in connection to the
chosen theme. A single-spaced paragraph should accompany each show, describing why each show
th
was chosen. Post your season selections on Blackboard by 11:59 PM on Thursday, September 5 .
th
Responses to Discussion Board are due by 11:59 PM on Saturday, September 7 . Repertory Season
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project is due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, September 8 .
Week 4: September 9 to September 15
The Educational Study Guide
Regent University, THE 719- DRAMATURGY Course Syllabus
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Assignment: Read Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex. Research study guides. Create a 5-7 page, double
spaced educational study guide, including the following: history of the play, themes and motifs in the
play, character analysis for the main characters, textual analysis of the play, and two pictures from
famous productions. Post an element of your study guide on Blackboard for peer review by 11:59 pm on
th
Thursday, September 12 . Responses to Discussion Board are due by 11:59 pm on Saturday,
th
th
September 14 . Educational Study Guide project is due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, September 15 .
Week 5: September 16 to September 22
Comparison and Contrast
Assignment: Read Seneca’s Oedipus. Write a 5-7 page, double-spaced paper comparing Seneca’s
adaptation to Sophocle’s version. Include specific differences in scenes and also explore how the Roman
style of theatre differed from that of the Greeks. Post one similarity and one difference on Blackboard by
th
11:59 pm on Thursday, September 19 . Responses to Discussion Board are due by 11:59 pm on
st
Saturday, September 21 . Comparison and Contrast project is due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, September
nd
22 .
Week 6: September 23 to September 29
Social Research
Assignment: Read Everyman and conduct social research for a new production of the play. Focus
research on modern day everymen that resemble the Everyman of the play (For example: Charlie
Brown). Write a 5-7 page, double-spaced paper examining your results. Post two examples of
th
Blackboard by 11:59 pm on Thursday, September 26 . Responses to Discussion Board are due by 11:59
th
pm on Saturday, September 28 . Modern Day Everyman project is due by 11:59 pm on Sunday,
th
September 29 .
Week 7: September 30 to October 6
Conceptualization
Assignment: Read Romeo and Juliet. Conduct social and economic research and create a new concept
for the production. Prepare a powerpoint presentation on your concept, with at least 10 slides. Post a
rd
brief outline of your concept on Blackboard by 11:59 pm on Thursday, October 3 . Responses to
th
Discussion Board are due by 11:59 pm on Saturday, October 5 . Romeo and Juliet Powerpoint project is
th
due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, October 6 .
Week 8: October 7 to October 13
The Adaptation Project
Assignment: Read David Mamet’s translation of Three Sisters. Choose one scene to adapt. Read other
translations provided on Blackboard and create an adaptation for a brand new production. Type out your
new script in MS Word and embed comments with your process of choosing lines from each translation to
create your adaptation. Post about your experience adapting on Blackboard by 11:59 pm on Thursday,
th
h
October 10 . Responses to Discussion Board are due by 11:59 pm on Saturday, October 12 .
th
Adaptation Project is due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, October 20 .
Week 9: October 14 to October 20
Fall Break
Assignment: Continue working on the Adaption Project and continue reading What is Dramaturgy?,
Chapters 4-7 (Dramaturgy in Germany). Post two thoughts about the chapters you have read by 11:59
th
pm on Thursday, October 17 . Responses to Discussion Board are due by 11:59 pm on Saturday,
th
th
October 19 . Reminder: Adaptation Project is due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, October 20 .
Week 10: October 21 to October 27
Production notes
Regent University, THE 719- DRAMATURGY Course Syllabus
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Assignment: Read J.B. by Archibald MacLeish and the Book of Job from the Bible. Research production
notes. Based off your research, and from reading both the play and its source, create a blog with your
th
production notes. Post two items from your notes on Blackboard by 11:59 on Thursday, October 24 .
th
Responses to Discussion Board are due by 11:59 pm on Saturday, October, 26 . J.B. blog project is
rd
due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, November 3 .
Week 11: October 28 to November 3
The Dramaturg in Rehearsal
Assignment: Read What is Dramaturgy?, Chapters 8-9 and Watch “The Dramaturg” episode from
Season Two of Smash. Post one comment about the readings and one comment about the episode on
st
Blackboard by 11:59 pm on Thursday, October 31 . Responses to Discussion Board are due by 11:59
nd
pm on Saturday, November 2 . Reminder: J.B. blog project is due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, November
rd
3 .
Week 12: November 4 to November 10
The Press Kit
Assignment: Read Craig Wright’s Grace. Research press kits and the press information for the Original
Broadway production. Assemble a press kit for a repertory production of Grace. Read chapters 11 and
12 from What is Dramaturgy? Post one aspect from your project and one comment about the reading on
th
Blackboard by 11:59 pm on Thursday, November 7 . Responses to Discussion Board are due by 11:59
th
th
pm on Saturday, November 9 . Grace project is due is by 11:59 pm on Sunday, November 10 .
Week 13: November 11 to November 17
Dramaturgy in Musical Theatre
Assignment: Read/Listen to West Side Story with the Original Broadway Cast Recording. Watch the
1961 film version and listen to the New Broadway Cast Recording. Choose one song and one scene to
be explored in the final prompt book. Song and scene should be approved by the professor. Description,
examples, and procedure for promptbooks will be provided on Blackboard. The promptbook will iinclude:
an educational study guide, a comparison and contrast to Romeo and Juliet, social research, a new
concept, production notes, and a press kit for the repertory production you have been hired to dramaturg
for. The New Broadway Cast Recording and the 1961 Film Version should be used for research
purposes. West Side Story project is due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, December 1st.
Week 14: November 18 to November 24
“The Rent Case” or Thompson vs. Larson/Thanksgiving
Assignment: Read articles and essays about Thompson vs. Larson and Read chapter 10 of What is
Dramaturgy? Continue working on West Side Story project. Post one comment about the Thompson vs.
Larson reading, and one comment about the What is Dramaturgy? reading by 11:59 pm on Saturday,
rd
th
November 23 . Responses to Discussion Board are due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, November 24 .
st
Reminder: West Side Story project is due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, December 1 .
Week 15: November 25 to December 1
How Do I Become a Dramaturg?
Assignment: Read essays, articles, and packets provided on Blackboard. Post one comment about the
reading and pose one question about becoming a dramaturg on Blackboard by 11:59 pm on Saturday,
rd
November 23 . Finish the reading for What is Dramaturgy? Responses to Discussion Board are due by
th
11:59 pm on Sunday, November 25 . Reminder: West Side Story project is due by 11:59 pm on Sunday,
st
December 1 .
Week 16: December 2 to December 8
Presentations
Assignment: Post your West Side Story project on Blackboard on your assigned day. Each student
should respond with two constructive comments for each project. Responses to Discussion Board are
due by 11:59 pm on each day that a project is presented. Don’t forget to fill out your course evaluation.
Final Discussion Board post and Abstract of What is Dramaturgy? are due by 11:59 pm on Sunday,
th
December 8 .
Regent University, THE 719- DRAMATURGY Course Syllabus
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SECTION 4 – PROGRAM GOALS
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION AND THE ARTS MISSION STATEMENT
To prepare emerging and established Christian leaders to inspire, enrich and transform the media, the
arts, and the academy through excellence and innovation in scholarship and practice.
PROGRAM GOALS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE ARTS
MFA Outcomes:
1. All MFA in Acting students will demonstrate mastery of objective-driven acting technique at a
professionally competitive level.
2. All MFA in Acting students will demonstrate objective driven acting as the cornerstone of
performance in diverse literary genres.
3. All MFA in Acting students will articulate and defend artistic choices in the language of acting
craft, ensuring their relevance as informed collaborators in the creative process.
4. All MFA in Acting students will demonstrate healthy, effective, character-driven work in the
applied disciplines of voice and movement.
5. All MFA in Acting students will effectively integrate and apply biblical principles of the
Christian faith to their academic and creative work.
MA Outcomes:
1. Students will demonstrate the ability to integrate and apply the Christian faith and biblical
truth and principles to the study and practices of communication within a theatre context.
2. Students will demonstrate a working knowledge of theatrical design elements and stage
management techniques to theatrical arts endeavors.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively critique and review theatre literature in
order to be able to evaluate varied theatre genres and to understand their structure and
meaning.
4. Students will demonstrate a working knowledge of an approach to acting and directing
techniques/theories for the stage to include directing and acting projects.
5. Students will demonstrate their obtained knowledge of theatre studies through realizing one
of the following final projects: writing a thesis paper on some aspect of theatre theory,
literature of creative endeavor in theatre; execute a creative portfolio; take a one/credit hr.
comprehensive exam, which asks them to test their acquired knowledge in a series of take
home questions researched and written over a week’s time.
SECTION 5 – UNIVERSITY POLICIES
Students should become familiar with all university policies as outlined in the Student Handbook
including:

Disability services (Note: Requests for accommodation must first be submitted through Disability
Services).

Regent Honor Code (as an academic and Christian community, Regent University takes seriously
the call for integrity and penalizes breaches of academic integrity.)
Regent University, THE 719- DRAMATURGY Course Syllabus
Page 11 of 11

Withdrawing from a course or the University

Discipline policies
A link to the Student Handbook can also be found in Blackboard’s “RU Resources” tab along with links to
University Library, Student Services, University Bookstore, academic writing assistance resources, and
more.
Blackboard’s “Help” tab provides additional resources including:

Blackboard tutorials

IT Help Desk contact information
STUDENT COURSE EVALUATION
Students have the opportunity to provide feedback throughout the course through e-mail, telephone, and
on-campus appointments. Near the end of the course, students will complete an anonymous online
course evaluation form. Since the results contribute to improving course design and presentation, it is
important that students be honest and constructive in their evaluations. Students will receive an e-mail
reminder from the University when it is time to complete these evaluations. Please take time to provide
this input. Students can access the online evaluation system at:
http://eval.regent.edu/regent/survey/students.cfm
If you have questions about the online evaluation please contact [email protected].
This syllabus is subject to change without notice.
Last updated: 8/8/2013
Template version 8/2012
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Regent University, THE 719- DRAMATURGY Course Syllabus