Student enrolling in this course will develop a basic knowledge of theatre through participating in learning activities with a focus on improvisation, theatre games, and performance. They will study the history and development of a variety of dramatial froms, including comedy, tragedy, and farce, as well as the ways in which the theatre reflects the culture and beliefs of diverse places and historical time periods. They will develop a broad base of knowledge of theatrical texts, and they will practice some of the techniques required for successful playwrighting. There will also be emphasis on developing methods of responding thoughtfully to theatrical performances and productions.

Students enrolled in this course will be introduced to the basic elements of acting, as well as varied styles and techniques of acting, through individual performance and scene work. They will begin to develop a character through analysis, interpretation, and varied techniques. They will identify and apply the principles of effective use of voice and speech. They will identify and apply the priciples of effective voice and speech. They will study the history and development of more complex dramatic forms, including monologue and soliloquy, as well as the ways in which the theatre reflects the culture and beliefs of diverse places and historical time periods. They will continue to develop their knowledge of theatrical terminology and vocabulary. They will read, analyze, and perform diverse theatrical literature. There will be emphais on exploring the basic elements of technical theatre (e.g., makeup, lighting). Students will also continue to develop effective methods of responding thoughtfully to theatrical performances and productions.

Students enrolled in this course will develop and refine acting skills through ensemble work using characterization, as well as a variety of acting methods and philosophies. They will continue to explore the principles of effective voice and speech. There will be an emphasis on reading, analyzing, and performing material from a variety of theatrical eras and playwrights, as well as the study of diverse directors and actors. Students will learn the skills necessary to be successful in unique preformance styles (e.g., duo acting, reader's theatre), as well as the many ways in which theatrical writing and performance history have influenced, and been influenced by, cultural, social, and political events. There will be emphasis on continuing to explore the elements of technical theatre (e.g., stage management, blocking). Students will also continue to develop effective methods of responding thoughtfully to theatrical performances and productions.

Updated 3/2/07
M. Fauber