THEA 101: Introduction to Theatre Arts

• analyze a script with a higher level of knowledge and understanding
• identify specific contributions of the playwright, the director, the actor, and the designers to a theater production
• analyze and explain the role history has played in the development of the theatre
• have a basic understanding of the tools an actor uses to create various characters in a theatrical production
• have a basic understanding of a directors responsibilities in a theatrical production
• identify and define the various genres of theatre
• have a basic understanding of production needs
• have a basic understanding of the steps needed to take a play from script to stage

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1. The Theatre as an Art Form
   1. The audience and the critic
   2. Dramatic structure, form and style
2. The Theatre of the Past
   1. The beginnings of theatre
      1. Ancient Greek theatre and drama
      2. Roman theatre and drama
      3. Medieval theatre and drama
   2. Asian Theatre: Performance style, production elements, and cultural and/or political significance.
   3. The Renaissance Era and the theatre
      1. Italian Renaissance
      2. English Renaissance
      3. The Restoration and the Eighteenth Century
      4. Romantic drama and melodrama
3. Modern Theatre
   1. Realism and naturalism
   2. The beginnings of American Theatre
   3. American Theatre since World War II
4. Contemporary Theatre in America
   1. The playwright and the producer
   2. The director
   3. The actor
   4. The scene designer
   5. The costumer
   6. The lighting designer
   7. Music and dance
   8. The theatre as a profession
5. Script Analysis
   1. Given Circumstances 
   2. Dialogue 
   3. Dramatic Action
   4. Characters
   5. Idea
   6. Metaphor