Introduction to Dramatic Art

Angela T. Ledtke ATHR 107

e-mail via blackboard FALL 2010

518-466-4951(cell) T/R 11:45-1:05pm

PAC 349 (Tues. 1:30-2:30 and by appointment)

Course Description:

This course will explore the components of dramatic art. Through in-class discussion, films, selected readings, oral presentations and attendance to live theatre productions, we will examine the contributions of acting, script, makeup, scenery, lighting, sound, music and architecture to the theatre as a unified creative expression.

Course Requirements:

Texts/Material:

Experiencing the Art of Theatre: A Concise Introduction

A Pocketful of Plays
I-clicker

*All components are available @ the campus bookstore and MaryJane’s (downtown).

The I-clicker will be used to initiate participation, encourage discussion, test your reading comprehension and monitor attendance.

Your I-Clicker must be registered online via the I-clicker website by Tuesday, September 7th in order to receive full credit for their participation.

Performance Viewing Requirement:

Students will be required to attend two (2) live theatre performances on campus. For this semester they are:

#1“Plays in Process” – Friday & Saturday, 10/8 & 10/9 @8pm & Saturday – Sunday, 10/9 and 10/10 @ 2pm

Cost: $4

AND

#2“Dear Harvey” – 11/5, 11/6, 11/11, 11/12, 11/13, 11/18, 11/19 @ 8pm & 11/7 & 11/20 @ 2pm

Cost: $8 (11/5-11-7) or $10 (11/11-11/20)

Tickets are available at the PAC (Performing Arts Center) Box office during their open hours. The tickets are available at the door but be forewarned that the shows do sell out, so plan to get those tickets asap!

You will be required to submit the program and ticket stub – stabled together with yourname written on the cover. Non-attendance will result in the reduction of your grade by 10%. It is an easy 10%. Go and stay for the duration of the show. Quizzes and tests will cover the material from the show.

Attendance:

Attendance at all classes is required. However, non-attendance will not affect your grade until after a student has accumulated more than five (5) absences. Every class missed in excess of these 5 classes will result in the lowering of your final grade by 1/3 of a letter grade. Example: A “B” student who has missed 6 classes will receive a “B-” because of their attendance record.

Grading:

  • Quizzes20%
  • Mid-Term Exam20%
  • Final Exam20%
  • Performance Attendance (10% for each show)20%
  • Class Participation via I-clicker 20%

Extra Credit Opportunity:

Group Oral Presentation for Extra Credit

Oral presentation topics are available for extra credit on a 1st come, 1st basis. This project is worth up to an extra 15% increase (at least 10%) to your final grade (ex. if your final grade is a 80/B-, completion of this project can earn you a maximum of 12 extra points and get you an a 92 or “A-” for your final grade). Why is this project available for extra credit and not a requirement? Well, it used to be a requirement. But only 50% of the projects were fun, engaging and creative. These were the students who WANTED to get up and “perform” or “teach” the class. The other 50% were not worthy of my time or the class time. So, it is now optional. This is an opportunity for students who really want stack the deck. It is for the students who understand the true meaning of collaboration (not to worry – I’ll be covering this point in class)! Are you not a performer, or perhaps afraid to get up in front of a crowd? Not too worry…The best collaboration may include not just your outgoing student, but also requires a student who enjoys the technical aspect of making a great powerpoint, and a student who enjoy the hunt and organization associated with research. Bring it all together and you can have an amazing presentation!

Students who opt to take part in this project will be responsible for presenting a 20-minute oral report with a group of at least 3 members on a specific playwright, acting, directing or design topic. Topics must be chosen at least 2 weeks prior to presentation date. Topics and presentation dates are as follows:

10/28 – Tennessee Williams (Playwright)

10/28 – David Mamet or Marsha Norman (Playwright)

11/4 – Stanislavski (Acting Teacher/Actor)

11/4 – The Actor’s Studio (School for Acting)

11/18 – Peter Brook (Director)

11/18 – Susan Stroman or Hal Prince (Director)

12/2 – Julie Taymore (Designer/Director)

12/2 – Ming Cho Lee (Designer)

Groups of students wishing to reserve their date and topic must e-mail me via blackboard. Want to do a project but don’t know anyone in the class? Send a message via the “discussion topic” tab of blackboard and see if you can find a group to join!

Frequently asked Questions:

What is the best way to contact you? If you have a question that is not urgent, please e-mail me via blackboard or talk to me after class. I stay on top of e-mails sent via blackboard Tuesday through Thursday every week that school is in session. Some of you have my personal e-mail address, but I ask that you NOT use it for class questions. If you MUST reach me on the weekend (problem with blackboard, etc.) you may call my cell phone.

Where do I get tickets for the shows? Tickets are available at the PAC Box office – the PAC is the building that faces the library across from the big fountain. Go in the front doors and the box office in under the stairs, just to the left of the staircase. You can also purchase tickets by phone (442-3997) or by e-mail () and they take MC, Visa, checks and podium $.

Can I get the 1st edition version of the textbook? The 1st edition of the textbook, “Experiencing the Art of Theatre” may be purchased very cheaply and used for the course. There have been a few changes made to the 2nd edition; however, these details can be picked up through lecture and discussion. The only major difference is that Chapter 5 and 10 in the newest edition are all in Chapter 5 of the 1st edition. I still teach the two components together. So….if you have the orange cover – you only need to read Chapter 5, when the rest of the class (white cover) reads both 5 and 10.

Class ScheduleTo be COMPLETED for that day

Aug.30Intro/Syllabus

Sept. 2“Theatre, Art & Entertainment”READ: Chapter 1

7Chapter 1 – continued

9No class – Rosh Hashanah

14Comparing the Living Stage, READ: Chapter 2

Silver Screen & Home Theatre

16Chapter 2 – continued

Quiz avail. on Blackboard (Chapter 1 & 2); 9/16 @ 8pm – 9/19 @ 8pm

21Theatre & Cultural DiversityREAD: Chapter 3

23Chapter 3 – continued

28Audience, Criticism & Free SpeechREAD: Chapter 4

30“Trifles”READ: Trifles, by Susan Glaspell

Quiz avail. on Blackboard (Chapter 3, 4 & Trifles); 9/30 @ 8pm – 10/3 @ 8pm

Oct. 5Creativity & the EnsembleREAD: Chapter 5 and 10

7TBA

12Mid-term Review - TBA

14Mid-Term Exam (includes Ch 1-4, 5 &10 and Trifles)

19 “The Glass Menagerie”READ: “The Glass Menagerie” by TW

21 “The Glass Menagerie”DUE: P in P Program & Ticket Stub

26The Playwright & the ScriptREAD: Chapter 6

28Chapter 6 – continued

Quiz avail. on Blackboard (Chapter 6 & “The Glass…”); 10/28 @8pm – 10/31 @8pm

Nov. 2“The Art of Acting”READ: Chapter 7

4Chapter 7 – continued

9“A Raisin in the Sun”READ: “A Raisin…” by L. Hansberry

11“A Raisin in the Sun” continued

16“The Art of Directing”READ: Chapter 8

18Chapter 8 – continued

Quiz avail. on Blackboard (Chapter 7, 8 & “A Raisin…”); 11/18 @8pm –11/21 @8pm

23“Dear Harvey”

24NO CLASS – Happy Thanksgiving!

30“The Art of Design”READ: Chapter 9

2 Chapter 9 – continuedDUE: Dear Harvey Program/Ticket

Dec. 7Last Day – Final Review

13Final Exam (3:30-5:30)