INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE, DRAMA 1304, FALL, 2011
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance
and participation are required. You are allowed two absences before
your grade will be affected.
Should you miss a class for any reason, it is your responsibility
to cover missed material and be prepared for the next session. Failure to meet deadlines will be
reflected in the evaluation of that particular assignment. A large measure of your
understanding of theatre will be demonstrated through your participation in the
public production at the end of the course. You are expected to honor mutually agreed upon deadlines,
crew calls and rehearsals. Failure
to fully participate in the rehearsal process and public performance will
result in a full letter grade off the composite evaluation for the semester.
ACADEMIC
INTEGRITY:
Whereas this course is a mixture of individual and collaborative creativity, it is assumed that each student can distinguish when it is proper to use and incorporate the ideas of others and when it is ethically improper. Drama 1304 adheres to the guidelines set forth by the Trinity University Honor System.
TEXT:
There is no required text for Drama 1304. You will be required to download and print a copy of Mr. RazaviÕs play script for our class production when it becomes available.
ASSIGNMENTS:
All written assignments and performance work are due on the
dates specified in the syllabus, unless otherwise noted by the instructor. The syllabus and assignment due dates
reflect the overall concepts, content and structure of the course; however,
this syllabus is an
instrument of process and must remain flexible; dates and assignments may
change to reflect the specific needs and dynamics of this learning community.
THEATRE TICKETS:
You are required to attend the Trinity University mainstage
productions this semester. You
will need to purchase tickets at the Ruth Taylor Theatre Box Office.
ÒThe Bacchae,Ó by Euripides, Feb 18-20, 23-26
ÒPrideÕs Crossing,Ó by Tina Howe, April 15-17, 27-20
MATCHBOX THEATRE:
The major focus of Drama 1304 is the production and rehearsal process for four public performances of ÒSullivanÕs Detours,Ó a play commissioned for this class. Matchbox TheatreÕs Creative Staff includes: Executive Producer, Professor Steve Gilliam; Playwright and Director, William Razavi: Acting Coaches and Assistant Directors, Deanna Husting and Judson Rose. The students in Drama 1304 will act in, execute scenery and costumes, as well as advertise and promotion this Matchbox Theatre production.
Sullivan's Detours
by William M. Razavi
The year is 1939. Ross Sullivan, the popular director
of such films as The Code of the Morses, Moonlight Melodrama and The Restless
Sebastians is having a crisis of conscience and decides to ride the rails in
search of the real America. But the executives of the studio have another
plan: They want Sully to direct a frivolous comedy and they will stop at
nothing to get him back in line. When Sully falls in love with the woman
sent by the studio to bring him back complications ensue. Tune in to find
out which station the train finally rolls into.
PUBLIC PERFORMANCES will be April 26 and 27, with show
times at 6PM and 8:15PM each evening.
NOTE: If you know that you will have a conflict on either of these
dates, you must drop this course.
Participation is mandatory to receive full credit.
EVALUATIONS:
Final assessment for Drama 1304 will be based on
á written and performance assignments 35%
á class participation and team work 15%
á participation in MATCHBOX THEATRE 40%
á final paper 10%
THE FIRST
ASSIGNMENT
Due: 1/25
ASSIGNMENT: Perform something
engaging to watch.
The class will be divided
into small groups. Each unit represents a performance company. Each company
will develop and present a 4-7 minute performance for the class to enjoy. The
following are guidelines as you prepare for this assignment.
THE SCENE: SOMETHING ENGAGING
TO WATCH. The scene must be at least 4 minutes in length and not more than 7
minutes. Adherence to time requirements will be considered in the evaluation of
the project. Your group will determine what is engaging to watch. Then, as a
group, you will develop and write a scene, rehearse the scene and perform it
for the class on Thursday, 1/25. A
written outline must be submitted at the time of performance.
CREATIVE PROCESS:
á
T
1/18: During
a brief company meeting during class, you will exchange names, e-mail addresses
and phone numbers as this assignment will require outside of class rehearsal
and preparation. Brainstorm with
one another and discuss what is engaging or compelling to watch.
á Homework: Before the next class session, (R 1/20), each student is to write a Òconcept pitchÓ, a narrative outline of a 4-7 minute scene. Each outline will be discussed as a possible scene, which the individual companies might produce. Use your imagination. These do not have to be dramatic scenes. Street performers engage. Traffic cops engage. The unusual engages. The ordinary engages when confronted with extraordinary circumstances. What do you think will engage the class for 4-7 minutes using the members of your company in the scene?
á
Type
your outline or concept. Prepare 6 copies.
One copy is to be turned in to the instructor as you enter class on
1/20. The remaining copies will be
distributed to members of your company.
á
R
1/20: Turn in one copy of your
Òconcept pitchÓ outline to the instructor.
á
Meet with your company to discuss the
ideas of the group.
á
After
selecting one concept to be developed, as collaborative artists, discuss the
development of the concept for performance. It is not up to the person whose idea will be performed to
direct or write the scene.
á
This
is a group project and will be graded as such. How you proceed from here is up
to your group. However, it is important for you to rehearse and ÒsetÓ your
performance before the next class meeting. This is NOT an improvisational assignment. A final written outline of the scene is
due on the date of performance, signed by everyone in the group.
á
Remember,
it must be no less than 4, no more than 7 min. Consider music, costume
accessories, props or whatever else will assist in making your performance
engaging.
á T 1/25: SHOW TIME! Engage us!
SYLLABUS | ||