Drama
Course Objectives
The purpose of this course is to give the student experiences in the theatrical arts.
1. The student will have a better understanding of the preparation necessary for the production of an acting role and a play.
2. The student will strive to understand the steps necessary to create a character and that the actor may be entirely different from the role s/he plays.
3. The student will have an understanding of the roles of the directors, costuming, props, lighting, sound, etc.
4. The student will understand and demonstrate a knowledge of theatrical terminology.
5. The student will always attempt the assignments given and be supportive of all other students in the class. Refusal of either may result in your dropping the class.
6. Attendance: Since this is basically a performance course, your attendance and participation in individual and group projects is imperative. Your partner or group will suffer if you are not here to practice. Therefore, I reserve the right to lower both your academic grade and effort grade for poor attendance. I may also remove you from a group if your lack of attendance is hurting their progress.
Semester Projects
There are three major projects required for this course.
1. You must attend the Prep production this semester. After having attended a performance, you will submit a review of the production. You will be given a guideline of areas to be included in the review.
2. You must attend a play performance outside of Prep and review the performance. Again, you will follow the guideline given to you. The performance can be any play production: another school’s (high school or college), a community theatre, church theatre group, or a professional production. However, it is important that you plan in advance. There are area productions ranging in price from free to $50.00 +. There are many different types of plays as well: comedies, dramas, modern, classical, musical, etc. Know your taste and budget and plan in advance, or you might have to pay a lot of money for something you are not interested in.
3. You are required to complete a group film project. Your film needs to
be about five minutes in length. The story may be original or an
adaptation. You must have your idea approved by me. We have
equipment that may be checked out. Also, there is editing equipment in the
library. Once again, this must be reserved in advance. The following
dates will be closely observed:
Project 200 points
Roughly, we will follow this semester outline:
A. acting exercises
B. improvisations
C. ensemble acting scenes
D. scripted scenes
F. culminating assignment(s)
Behavioral Expectations
I expect that you are on time to class with the materials required for that day.
You need to be in dress code.
No food or drink is allowed.
If I ask for your card (for an violation), you need to give fit to me immediately. If you would like to discuss the situation, we may do so after class.
A word about taste and appropriate behavior: Unlike TV or film, we cannot “change the channel” in class. Be careful that your words and actions are not offensive to anyone in class; that includes me. There will be no lewd sexual remarks or actions, racist, homophobic, or sexist remarks. At times, and especially in contemporary threatre, raw language is used to make a point or to illustrate a particular type of character. Obviously, this is a fine line. There is the temptation to imitate what is seen on TV. However, you should be using your own creativity. Also, there is a reason why certain programs are on cable and/or late at night; they are not appropriate for everyone especially class work. Do not run the risk of a lower grade or removal from the class. Check with me first. Be able to intellectually express why this should be allowed. Remember, our intention is to understand the art of acting and theatre; not to appeal to the lowest form of entertaining.
Drama Review
100 points
The purpose of this review is to provide experience for you as well as a means for you to illustrate the knowledge you have developed concerning the theatrical arts.
You need review the production in the following areas:
1. Acting. Select one or two actors whose performance was well done. Discuss what was impressive about their performances. How were the convincing or believable? What made their acting unique? compelling?
Select one or two actors whose performance was below standards. What did they need to work on? Why were they not believable?
For this portion of your review, it is important that you consult the program. Please use the character's name and the actor's name.
2. Directing. How do you assess the overall production? Did the play have focus? Did all the parts fit together well? Did it seem that the director casted the play well? Were the actors prepared for the show?
3. Technical Theatre. This included sets, props, music, lights, and special effects. Did these enhance the performance or detract from it? What was especially effective?
For your outside review, you may need to provide a short summary of the play. Do not let this become more than a short paragraph. Your focus needs to be on the aspects listed above.
You need to include when and where the production was seen. For example, "The Pink Panther" was performed by the Prep Players in the Creighton Prep Forum on November 14, 2003.
Your paper needs to be well organized and well written. It should be about 2 pages, typed. Include either the program or your ticket stub.