COM 215W - Introduction to Theatre

1. Apply the basic criteria for criticism of a theatrical performance.
   1. Identify the difference between a critic and a reviewer
   2. Recognize the basis for criticism of a theatrical performance.
   3. Evaluate a live theatrical performance.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the challenges of acting.
   1. Examine how actors master the craft of acting by using the body and voice to portray characters.
   2. Examine how actors train to make believable characters.
   3. Recognize the use of synthesis and integration in acting.
3. Examine the role of directors and producers in theater.
   1. Identify the historical evolution of the director.
   2. Identify the types of directors.
   3. Examine the director at work.
   4. Identify the director's collaborators.
   5. Identify the role of producers in commercial and noncommercial theaters.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the types of theater spaces.
   1. Describe the characteristics and history of the proscenium stage.
   2. Describe the characteristics and history of the thrust stage.
   3. Describe the characteristics and history of the arena stage.
   4. Describe created or found spaces.
   5. Understand the use of multi-focus environments.
   6. Examine all-purpose and experimental spaces.
5. Examine the use of designers and their relationship to theatrical performance.
   1. Describe the scene designer’s objectives.
   2. Identify the physical aspects of scene design.
   3. Identify the process of scene design.
   4. Describe the costume designer’s responsibilities.
   5. Identify the costume designer’s objectives.
   6. Understand the elements of costume design including makeup, hair, and masks.
   7. Describe the objectives of lighting design.
   8. Understand the qualities of stage lighting.
   9. Discover the lighting designer’s resources.
   10. Understand sound design technology.
   11. Look at special lighting and sound effects.
6. Examine the playwright’s task in theater.
   1. Examine the playwright’s centrality and use of subject, focus, and dramatic purpose.
   2. Examine the genres of tragedy, comedy, heroic drama, melodrama, domestic comedy, and tragicomedy.
   3. Understand the essentials of dramatic structure: plot, action, conflict, opposed forces, and balance of forces.
   4. Examine different dramatic structures.
   5. Understand the types of dramatic characters.
   6. Prepare a short script in a group for performance.
   7. Perform the prepared short script onstage.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the historical background of theater production.
   1. Examine the beginnings of theater from the Greeks through modern times by reading and viewing representative plays.
   2. Examine the diversity of modern theater through reading and discussion.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of the collaboration that is necessary for a theatrical production through Service Learning.
   1. Recognize the connections between all of the theatrical aspects of a production.
   2. Select an area of theater to gain practical experience by participating in a play production.
   3. Participate in an actual production of a play through service learning.
   4. Report on Service Learning experience.
9. Perform writing tasks to promote learning of concepts.
   1. Document attainment of skills learned.
   2. Demonstrate knowledge of the subject.