Course Syllabus
THEA 112: Introduction to Theatre – Production
KENN WHEELER kwheeler@eou.edu
Office: Loso Hall 104B Phone: 541-962-3318
Office Hours: M – TH, 10:00 – 11:00
Catalog description: An overview of the process of putting a play into performance using directions, hands-on application, current productions, and dramatic literature. Emphasis will be on the elements of acting, directing, design and playwriting.
Course Requirements: This course will require that students attend lectures having read the material assigned and being willing to discuss the concepts. Students will need to take notes and then answer questions on exams aimed at testing their understanding of the discussions. The student will also be required to work in a small group on a specific project designed to help them understand the collaborative nature of the theatrical art form. The student will further be required to attend two of the EOU Theatre Program’s dramatic productions, Orphans and Coyote Tales and report in written form on the success of the productions.
Text: The Enjoyment of Theatre, 7th edition, by Kenneth Cameron and Patti Gillespie
Materials: Note taking materials. Some limited arts supplies. They will also need to purchase tickets to theatrical productions at a price of between $4.00 & $5.00.
Course Objectives:
Course Outcomes/Major assignments:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to
Course Calendar:
Week One: Reading: Chapter 1: Theatre: Performance and Art (pages 2 - 17)
Chapter 2 Theatre: Cultural Expression, Business, and the role of Audience (pgs. 18 - 33)
Video Presentation: The Elements of Theatre
Video Presentation: The Man Who Came to Dinner
Week Two: Quiz #1
Reading: Chapter 3 How to Read a Play (pages 34 – 51)
Chapter 4 How to See a Play (pages 52 – 71)
Discussion of the Accessibility of Theatre to its Audience
Discussion of Production Review
Week Three: Quiz #2
Reading: Chapter 6 Making Theatre Today: The Context (pages 86 – 103)
Discussion of “The Production Hierarchy”
Discussion of “The Producer” in American Theatre
Week Four: Quiz #3
Reading: Chapter 7 Playwrights (pages 104 – 124)
Discussion of “Dramatic Structure”
Discussion of “Dramatic Genre”
Oct. 19-22 @ 8:00 pm – EOU Theatre presents ORPHANS, Schwartz Theatre, Tickets: $4.00
Week Five: Quiz #4
Explanation of “Director/Designer/Actor Project”
Reading: Chapter 9 Directors (pages 150 – 183)
Discussion of “The Director” in American Theatre
PRODUCTION REVIEW #1 FOR ORPHANS DUE
Week Six: Quiz #5
MID-TERM EXAMINATION
Reading: Chapter 8 Actors (pages 125 – 149)
Discussion of “The Life of an Actor”
Production Meeting #1
Week Seven: Quiz #6
Reading: Chapter 10 Designers and Technicians (pages 184 – 204)
Discussion of “The Role of the Designer”
Production Meeting #2
Nov. 9-12 @ 8:00 pm – EOU Theatre presents COYOTE TALES - McKenzie Theatre, Tkts: $5.00
Week Eight: Quiz #7
Discussion of “The Designer” continues.
Production Meeting #3
PRODUCTION REVIEW #2 FOR COYOTE TALES DUE
Week Nine: Quiz #8
Production Meeting #4
Review
Week Ten: Present “Director/Designer/Actor Project”
The FINAL: Tuesday, December 7, 8:00 – 10:00 am (Can you believe it?!?!??!)
EXTRA CREDIT: December 7, 8, 9 & 10 – EOU Theatre Presents BROADWAY CHRISTMAS RETURNS Schwartz Theatre 8:00 PM Tickets: $6.00
Disclaimer: Class schedule/assignments may be altered during the course of the term as needed.
Means of assessment: Students will be assessed on their comprehension of the reading material by periodic quizzes and by in class discussion participation. Students’ ability to work collaboratively will be assessed through success in a creative role-playing project. Their retention of facts concerning the production of theatre will be assessed through two examinations using multiply choice and short essay questions. The second exam will be comprehensive. Also, the students will have an opportunity to test their understanding of the success of theatrical collaboration through reviews of two EOU Theatre department productions.
Grading method: Attendance 200 pts. (10 pts. per class period)
Quizzes 200 pts. (25 pts. each)
Mid-term Exam 200 pts.
Final Exam 200 pts.
Production Reviews 300 pts. (150 pts. each)
Dir/Des/Act Project 200 pts.
TOTAL 1300 pts.
95% - 100% = A
91% - 95% = A-
87% - 91% = B+
83% - 87% = B
79% - 83% = B-
75% - 79% = C+
71% - 75% = C
67% - 71% = C-
63% - 67% = D+
60% - 63% = D
Below 60% = F
Attendance/Lateness Policy: Students are responsible for attending class every time that it is held. Absences will result in a loss of ten points. The only exception is mandatory university sponsored events and THEN, ONLY if I know in advance. Work due on a day that you miss will be accepted with a 10% deduction per each period it is late.
Statement of Academic Misconduct:
Eastern Oregon University places a high value upon the integrity of its student scholars. Any student found guilty of an act of academic misconduct (including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism or theft of an examination or supplies) may be subject to having his or her grade reduced in the course in question. It might also require your being placed on probation or suspended from the university, or being expelled from the university – or a combination of these. (Please see Section II of the 2002-2003 Student handbook and Planning Calendar: Campus Citizenship (Academic), p. 32ff: Campus Citizenship (Behavior), p41ff.)
If you have a documented disability or suspect that you have a learning problem and need reasonable accommodations, please contact Disability Services program in Loso Hall. Telephone: 962-3081.