THE 105 - Theater Appreciation [SUN# THE 1100]

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods

An exploration of the theory and practice of the discipline of theatre art. Includes setting the stage for understanding and appreciating theatre arts, the artists, and production of the play.

Information: Students are expected to attend and critique a minimum of one theatrical production. Students may, at the discretion of the instructor, receive additional credit for participation in a PCC theatre production when this participation is not part of the student’s requirements for another class.
Gen-Ed: Meets AGEC - FA and C; Meets CTE - A&H or SBS and C.

Course Learning Outcomes

Describe the nature of theater as an art form and relate it to other fine arts.
Identify and define different genre of dramatic literature.
Identify the role and responsibilities of the major individuals who collaborate to produce theatre.
Demonstrate in writing the ability to make critical judgment about a live theatre experience.
Articulate the academic and professional preparation required for employment in this discipline.
Provide a rough outline of the following phases of theatre history and literature: Ancient Egypt, Classical Greek and Roman, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Elizabethan, Modern and Contemporary American.
Explain who William Shakespeare was and what his contributions to theatre history.
Read and analyze selected plays referenced above for themes, plot, genre distinctions, denouement, character development, dramatic structure, and production challenges.

Outline:

Setting the Stage for Understanding and Appreciating Theatre Arts
1. Why study theatre arts?
2. Where the magic happens: “the seeing place”
3. Making critical judgment about the art
4. Historical beginnings
5. Choosing a season
6. Royalties
The Artists: A Collaborative Effort
1. The playwrights
  1. Past
  2. Present
2. Directors
  1. Play directors
  2. Choreographers
  3. Musical directors
  4. Actors
  5. The acting process
  6. Professional affiliations
3. Designers
  1. Scenic elements
  2. Lighting
  3. Costumes
  4. Properties
4. Pre-performance activities: bringing it all together
  1. Auditions: casting the play
  2. Taping the floor
  3. Rehearsal schedules
  4. Marketing
In Production: Getting to Opening Night and Beyond
1. Managing the play production process
  1. Stage managers
  2. House managers
  3. Box office managers
2. Performance
  1. Audience etiquette
  2. Actor responsibilities
  3. Manager responsibilities
3. Post-performance
  1. Strikes
  2. Post mortems
4. Theatre arts academic degrees
  1. Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  2. Master of Arts (M.A.)
  3. Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
  4. Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)
  5. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
5. The future of theatre artsa