C-ID Descriptor
Introduction to Theatre

1. Background and development of theatre: the rise of theatre, the development of drama and theatrical performance, theatre and its relationship to society, multicultural issues, relationship to TV and film.
2. The play and the playwright:  the elements and structure of a play, basic differences between the play and the novel, and the substance, form, and technique of the playwright.
3. The acting and the actors: theories and techniques of acting, the actor’s relationship to the technician, playwright, and play.
4. The direction and the director: theories and techniques of directing a play, coordinating roles of the physical theatre.
5. The evolution of theatre architecture
6. The design and design technicians: the role of costumes, scenery, sound, and lighting design and designers in production, technical elements of the play and the role of the technicians in properties, lighting, painting, building, special effects, music or sound effects, and wardrobe and make-up.
7. The business of show business.
8. The audience and dramatic criticism.
9. The Greek theatre: development, performance style, production elements, and cultural and/or political significance.
10. The Roman and Medieval theatre: performance style, production elements, and cultural and/or political significance.
11. Asian theatre: performance style, production elements, and cultural and/or political significance.
12. Renaissance theatre: performance style, production elements, and cultural and/or political significance.
13. Neoclassic, and Restoration theatre: performance style, production elements, and cultural and/or political significance.
14. Romantic theatre: performance style, production elements, and cultural and /or political significance.
15. Realism and Modern theatre: performance styles, production elements, and cultural and/or political significance.

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Analyze and evaluate the nature of theatre and its role in society.
2. Assess the historical, artistic, social, and philosophical in which theatre exists.
3. Critically analyze dramatic literature and performances.
4. Identify and examine theatrical components in production.
5. Propose alternative solutions to theatrical production situations.
6. Appreciate viewing theatre as an art form.

Exams, quizzes, class participation, projects, term papers, and written theatre critiques.

The Essential Theatre by Oscar G. Brockett and Robert J. Ball
Theatre: The Collaborative Art by Wilson and Goldfarb
Action and Idea: The Roots of Entertainment by Dr. Edward Emanuel
Theatre: A Brief Version by Robert Cohen
Experiencing the Art of Theatre: A Concise Introduction by Downs, Wright, and Ramsey
Twelve Plays for the Theatre by Robert Cohen
Individual play scripts for reading and analysis