THEA 241A: Fundamentals of Stage Direction - Beginning

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 80
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 26
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 101.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Catalog Course Description

A beginning approach to the director's involvement in play analysis, casting, and rehearsal techniques leading to a performance. Students will receive practical experience in directing short scenes. 54 lecture hours, 26 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • Apply beginning analysis techniques to the structure, style, and content of a play.
  • Understand the importance of casting and how casting plays a significant role in a productions success.
  • Understand the importance and begin to implement organized and efficient rehearsal and performance schedules.

Major Course Content

  1. The Historical Role of the Director in the Theatre
  2. The Contemporary View of the Director
  3. Directorial Techniques
    1. Play analysis
    2. Casting
    3. Beginning rehearsal techniques
    4. Beginning scene work and character development
    5. Duties of the director during performance
    6. Evaluation of the performance
  4. Geography of the stage
    1. Black Box
    2. Proscenium
    3. Thrust
    4. Round
  5. Various Theatrical Genres

Lab Content

  1. Observing live performances for director choices in character development, rhythm, tension, plot progression and audience appeal
  2. Rehearsal and performance of selected scenes.  Implementing concepts as introduced in class.  Character development, plot progression, moment to moment behavior, the character's world, and the director's vision.
  3. Various directing exercises as introduced in class to be utilized during the rehearsal process.  Student directors will be working with student actors on scenes for performance and evaluation.

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Biographies Autobiographies Various genres of theatre

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

A 5 - 10 page production book including play analysis, critical play commentary, character analysis, and visual aides is required.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Research plays and playwrights

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Lab, Online Education Lecture, Online Education Lab