THEA 293B: Theatre for Young Audiences - Intermediate

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2020
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 80
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 26
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Prerequisite: THEA 293A.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Catalog Course Description

An intermediate approach to theatre for child audiences. Students are required to participate in a theatrical production for young audiences. Content includes hands-on methods in leading creative dramatic workshops. Along with "on-campus" performances, the production may include a tour to local elementary schools. In-class and out-of-class rehearsals may be necessary to complete production. 54 lecture hours, 26 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • Demonstrate a deeper understanding of the demands of preparing a theatrical production for young audiences.
  • Communicate the effectiveness of a scripts merit for a child's personal empowerment and growth.
  • Begin to apply hands-on creative dramatic techniques in a controlled setting as introduced in THEA 293A.
  • Understand how a child's attention and retention differs from an adults in a performance environment.
  • Communicate effectively the messages and themes inherent in the script in a one on one or group post-performance setting.

Major Course Content

  1. A continuation and a deeper understanding of The Child as Spectator
    1. Directed participation
    2. Stimulated participation
    3. Spontaneous participation
  2. A continuation and a deeper understanding of Production demands
    1. How not to 'play down' to an audience for children
    2. How to keep rhythm, pace and tempo alive and forward moving
    3. How to respond 'in the moment' to the possible variables unique to child audiences
  3. A continuation and deeper understanding of selecting appropriate performance material
    1. How significant and topical is the inherent message?
    2. Is it suitable and appropriate to age level?
    3. Is said material adaptable to a variety of performance spaces?
  4. Applying creative dramatics techniques as introduced in Thea 293A
    1. Imagination
    2. Independent thinking
    3. Cooperation and collaboration
    4. Vocal and physical awareness
    5. Side coaching - different approaches for the 'introverted child', the 'extroverted child', the 'uncertain child'
    6. Maintaining a positive environment
  5. Understanding group dynamics
    1. Pre-school age
    2. Elementary school age
    3. Middle school age
  6. Prepare and lead a short creative dramatics session

Lab Content

  1. Learn and rehearse children's play scripts.
  2. Learn and rehearse a broader variety of acting techniques geared towards reaching younger audiences.
  3. Prepare a short creative dramatics session for presentation.
  4. Rehearsals for final performance
  5. Final performance.

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

A two-three page outline of a creative dramatics session for presentation

Examples of Outside Assignments

Memorizing lines Memorizing blocking Viewing outside productions Attending outside rehearsals Prepare a short creative dramatics session for presentation

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Lab