Overview

An online, yet participatory, survey of the creative processes involved in modern theater. In video lecture and readings, students will learn some of theater’s most famous stories, characters, and theories. In practice, students will explore each art form that contributes to the creation of great theater: acting, directing, producing, dance, voice, costume, scenic and prop design, lighting, sound, and more.

 

Goals

• To help students enjoy and interpret theater performances and explore ways they can participate.

• To gain a basic vocabulary and understanding of the variety of creative roles involved in theater production.

• To expose the student to 9 of the most famous and often quoted plays using play summaries and discussion.

• To strengthen students’ appreciation of the ongoing contribution theater has made to human culture.
   

Requirements

1. This course requires reading and writing skills in English.

2. Access to a computer on a regular basis. This is an online-only course. Each student must have access to computers with access to the internet at speeds that allow easy viewing of streaming video.

3. Video and still camera for class assignments & participation.

4. A student account to access our online class work area, Skype, and Google.

 

Evaluation

Class participation is expected.
 

Final scores will be based on student’s synthesis of the ideas, terms, and discussions presented in the class. Their knowledge will be assessed with creative assignments, a mid-term multiple choice exam, and a final project.  

 

For their final project, students produce a design or performance element for a play we have studied with a brief written description of their creative process.