THEA 294: Shakespeare in Production

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2025
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 80
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 26
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Total Student Learning Hours: 188
Strongly Recommended: THEA 284; ENGL C1000.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Catalog Course Description

Translating the Shakespearean text into an hour long performance adaptation. Students may participate in a theatrical production of a Shakespearean play for middle and high school students as well as public performance. A final presentation for performance will be required. In-class and out-of-class rehearsals may be necessary. 54 lecture hours, 26 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • demonstrate understanding of the particular demands of preparing a Shakespearean play for middle and high school audiences
  • plan and lead a creative dramatic workshop
  • create and select appropriate materials for performance for young audiences
  • analyze a Shakespearean text for oral interpretation and performance values

Major Course Content

  1. Review of Shakespeare's Dramaturgy
    1. Shakespeare’s England
      1. Elizabethan life
      2. The Elizabethan theatre
      3. The Elizabethan audience
      4. Elizabethan acting
  2. Shakespeare in Production for Middle and High School Audiences
    1. Theatrical values vs. literary values
    2. Reinterpreting Shakespeare
      1. the fundamentalist view
      2. the reformist approach
  3. Detailed Discussion and Analysis of One of Shakespeare's Works
    1. Rehearsal and performance techniques for middle and high school audiences
    2. Rehearsal and performance techniques for public audiences.
  4. Creative Dramatic Post-Show Shakespearean Workshop
    1. Kinesthetic awareness of voice and body
    2. Introducing and implementing the dynamics of Iambic Pentameter
    3. Discussion of Shakespeare's England
  5. Participate in one or more areas of production for performance.
    1. Costume
    2. Props
    3. Set
    4. Music
    5. Lighting
    6. Dance

Lab Content

  1. Learn and rehearse Shakespearean verse.
  2. Learn and rehearse Shakespearean prose.
  3. Learn and rehearse movement techniques unique to classical acting.
  4. Preparation for final performance.
  5. Final Performance

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

A 2 - 3 page written character and script analysis is required.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Memorize dialogue and blocking Character analysis Production work

Instruction Type(s)

Lab, Lecture, Online Education Lab, Online Education Lecture