THEA 241B: Fundamentals of Stage Direction - Intermediate

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 3.5
Total Contact Hours: 90
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 36
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Prerequisite: THEA 241A.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Catalog Course Description

An intermediate approach to the director's involvement in play analysis, casting, and rehearsal techniques leading to a performance. Students will explore character nuance, behavior shifts, rhythm, tempo and build upon staging techniques. 54 lecture hours, 36 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • Apply intermediate analysis techniques to the structure, style and content of a play.
  • Specifically communicate a character's unique qualities in order to cast appropriately.
  • Investigate the element of 'surprise' in the text for more dramatic effect.
  • Create clearly defined rehearsal schedules leading to clearly defined performance schedules.
  • More efficiently communicate theatrical concept with actors and designers.

Major Course Content

  1. Casting
    1. Director's behavior in the casting process
    2. Having a clear vision of each character
    3. Having alternative visions of each character
    4. Working with actors during the audition process
  2. Play analysis from an objective point of view
    1. Tracking each character's journey through the play
    2. Finding conflicts and how said conflicts can redirect a play's progress
    3. Developing visual images
    4. The importance of the character off stage as well as on stage
    5. Examining the character's thoughts
  3. The duties of the director after opening night
  4. Learning to give clear and workable rehearsal notes
  5. Collaboration between the Design team, Stage Manager and technical crew

Lab Content

  1. Observing live performances for a deeper understanding of the director's approach, choices and concept.  An analysis of how differences in said approach, choices and concept could change the direction and/or meaning of the play.
  2. A more detailed and nuanced analysis of scenes for rehearsal and performance. Focus on 'silences', 'surprises', and character 'secrets'.
  3. A build upon a variety of directing exercises as introduced in class and learning how exercises may differ from actor to actor in order to create a fully developed unique portrayal.

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Biographies Autobiographies Various genres of theatre

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

A more complex 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