THR 305 Theatre Experience in Milwaukee

THR 305 Theatre Experience in Milwaukee

Spring 2017

Dates: Wednesday evenings January 25-May 10, 2017

Meetings:(check the calendar for details)

4 class sessions @ NWQ BldgD #1871 6:00 PM-8:45 PM

11 productions @ Milwaukee area theatres6:30 PM-10:30 PM

Generally, we meet on site at 6:30 for a short pre-show seminar. Then, we see the show (most begin at 7:30 PM). Shows run between 70 minutes to 3 hours (depending on the production). In the case of longer running shows we will meet at 7:00 instead of 6:30 PM.

Getting there: Each student is responsible transportation to and from the theatres. Many students group their resources and travel together via public transportation, Uber, or car pool.

Tickets: The course fee pays for tickets. Your tickets will be given to you when you enter the theatre. If, for some reason, you are not able to attend a performance your ticket cost will NOT be refunded. You may NOT give your ticket to any other person other than yourself.

Investment of time:

5 Class sessions 3 hrs. x 5=15 hours

11Productions4+ hrs. x 11 = 50 hours

Assigned homework 2 hrs x 15 weeks = 30 hours

Travel time to and from theatres1 hr x 11=11

Total semester commitment 106 hours

Weekly average (using 15 weeks)~7 hours per week

Instructor:Dr. Robin Mello (please call me by my first name). I prefer the ‘she’ pronoun.

Email:

Office: Theatre 220

Office hours: Wednesdays 1:00-3:00 PM

(except 1/25, 2/22, 3/29, 4/26) or by appointment

Cell Phone:(text or call): 414-469-9279

Course description: This course provides students with access to theatre artists and their work by attending a variety of theatre productionsin the Milwaukee area. This course requires each student to engage actively as a theatre patron and to analyze and evaluate theatre by making specific connections between theory and practice.

University Policies: Please make yourself familiar with the following UWM syllabus policies:

Guidelines: Learning happens through feedback, study and reading,humane and respectful interactions, thoughtful reflection, discussions that share ideas, and through creative and written projects.

Students are expected to make this a learning experience that works for them and to follow these guidelines:

Be curious.
Use your common sense and be compassionate to yourself and others.
Empathize with others.
Show up prepared and ready to work.
Disagree respectfully
Acknowledge diversity
Dividing your attention is rude and stops you from getting the most out of this course. Turn off your cell phones and other devices unless specifically needed for course activities.
Organize your work ahead of deadlines.
Communicate frequently.
Ask questions (questions are encouraged) in private or during class.
Mistakes are part of learning.
If you need a standing ovation, ask for it.

Audience Behavior: We are ‘out and about’ the Milwaukee arts scene. Dress neatly and respectfully when attending the theater. Expect to turn off and not use your personal communication devices (in off/silenced mode). Expect to turn off your personal communication devices (in off/silenced mode) during the ENTIRE course experience unless you are specifically requested or permitted to do so.

All university ‘rules’ apply when we are out and about. This includes regulations pertaining to controlled substances.

Most theatres have given us special discounts and access to their work. We are their guests.

Rude, disorderly, or disrespectful behavior, or plagiarism may result in your being administratively dropped from the class or summarily failed.

Student Outcomes:

Students will examine ways by which a script, improvised work, or devised text is realized.
Students will apply critical perspectives in response to performances.
Students will express personal perspectivesin response to performances.
Students will examine their cultural viewpoints in response to theatre.
Students will develop their aesthetic perspectives as a response to theatre.
Students will engage in writing and presenting their responses to seeing theatre in Milwaukee.

How to succeed: You will succeed if you do all the work in an exemplary fashion, read and follow the directions, study and view all materials, explore, actively participate, and submit your work within the established deadlines. Active participation is considered requisite for everything we do in this class.

Attendance: There are 15 regularly scheduled sessions of this class this semester.

You may miss 1 on-campus class and 1 required show and still pass this class. However, you are still expected to complete all assignments in order to pass (not fail) the class.Keep in mind that assignments are directly related to the shows we see.

Occasionally, there is a REAL emergency and in the case of real emergencies we will figure out ways to excuse your absence and help you get caught up. There are alternative assignments available. Alternative assignments are assigned at the discretion of the instructor and after you have met with Robin to discuss the emergency.

What is a real emergency?Answer: Real and unplanned events that pertain to your personal (or your family’s) safety, death, or acute illness and other “Acts of God” (like blizzards or tornados). If you encounter a transportation-related problem get to class or the theatre as soon as you can. Being late is better than not showing up at all.

None of these reasons are real (i.e. excused) emergencies:

Missing the bus or any similar transportation problem.
Losing your phone.
You are/were in a show and the production that took up your time so you couldn’t complete an assignment.
You forgot or misread the calendar and syllabus and “didn’t realize that the assignment was due.”
Roommates and friends/family needed to socialize so you did not have enough time.
Computers or other technologies broke; and/or you had no access to the Internet;and/or there was no possible way for you to find a computer or internet connection anywhere; and/or your mobile data plan didn’t work.
You were on a vacation, took time off, or went on a trip.
You had a hang over.
Your dog/cat/pet was ill.
Your roommate’s dog/cat/pet was ill.
Your boss scheduled you for lots more hours at work than originally planned.

What to do if you have an emergency? Email AND call or text Robin’s cell: 414-469-9279 ASAP. When you send a text please include your name in the text.

General Education Requirement: All of the activities in this course build toward developing ways to look at and view theatre. The first essay is our starting point. Therefore, this essay is considered the GER assignment. It is assessed using the rubric (see rubric in D2L) .

This course is approved as part of the GER Breadth requirement, satisfies the GER Arts credit requirement. THR 305 addresses Arts GER Criteria because it focuses on responding to, and interacting with, works of art.

THR 305 addresses UW System Outcomes by focusing on:

The cultural significance of works of theatre in our communities (SLO #1); and
Exploring and learning to critique, discuss, and developing effective ways to communicate the experience of viewing theatre. (SLO #3).

Grades: Students are expected to complete all the assignments.If a student encounters a problem with completing a learning task on time they may ask for an extension ahead of any deadline—not after the deadline has passed. Late submissions will result in lower grades but it is best to complete assignments.

Homework is due in D2 and (often) as a presentation in class. If a class is cancelled, homework for that class will be due in D2L

If you have a real emergency let Robin know as soon as is practicable. You will work with her on a sensible alternative so that you are not penalized for a problem outside of your control.

Grades are evaluated using the following rubric/scoring:

A = all learning tasks completed, all portions completed in an exemplary fashion and on time: 100%-93% of points.

B = all learning tasks completed, all portions completed well with high quality work and on time, 85%-92% of points.

C = all learning tasks completed, all portions of completed satisfactorily, 84%-78% of points..

D = all or some of the learning tasks were partially completed or work was unsatisfactory, lacking, or consistently late: 77%-76% of points.

F = all learning tasks were not completed or were completed in a way that did not meet standards (see rubrics), some portions were not completed, and/or were missing: Below 75% of points.

INC = Students are awarded an INC grade if anylearning tasks are not complete. An INC defaults to an F grade at the start of the next semester. If you receive an INC grade you will be allowed to redo or complete make-up work during the default period only. In other words, if your INC defaults to an F the F is your final grade.

Useful Vocabulary: In this class we will be using the following language.

Aesthetics:a set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty, especially in art, or the branch of philosophy that deals with the principles of beauty and artistic taste.

Catharsis:when a performance or piece of art allows you to release energy thereby providing relief from strong or repressed emotions.

Dramaturgy:a way to look at and research plays. It is the practice of looking at the cultural, personal, ideological, philosophical, and historical content of the play as well as the history of the play's original production history.

Efficacious:successful in producing a desired or intended result; effective.

Methexis: group experience in theatre when an audience participates, creates, and improvises in response to, or as part of, the performance.

On Time: Being at least 10 minutes early.

Intermission: interval after the first or second act of a play. Most intermissions last 10 -15 minutes. Many plays do not have intermissions.

Praxis: change or shift in perspective that often happens as a result of fully experiencing a work of art.

Run Time:The time it takes to perform the play.

Theatre vs. Theater: TheatER is the building and/or stage on which a play is performed and theatre is enacted. Not all plays take place in a theater. TheaRE is the artistic and academic field of study. As in: "I went to the theater to study theatre with my professor."

Tony Awards: The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre (nicknamed the Tony Award)is an annual award that recognizes outstanding achievement in live Broadway theatre.

LEARNING TASKS

Due Description

1/25Preparation for 1st Class: Bring a hard copy print out of this syllabus and the class schedule. Come to class already familiar withthe D2L online version of our course. Be prepared to discuss your ideas and questions. Be on time. Attendance is mandatory. You may not attend any performances if you did not attend class! (10 Points).

2/1Attend theatre performance(10 Points).

2/3, 2/4, Attend one performance at ComedySportz (10 points).

2/10, 2/11You may attend either a 3:00 or 7:30 show. Late night shows will not count toward this assignment. Tickets should be waiting for you at the box office at ComedySportz. You will need to show ID. The first Essay Assignment is predicated on this performance. Therefore, it is wise to take notes before, during, and directly following the performance. Bring the ticket stub with you to class on 2/15. Your ticket is evidence of attendance. If there is no ticket you will not get credit for attendance.

2/13Essay Assignment on attending ComedySportz is due in dropbox by 11:30 PM. All elements of the essay are required so be sure to follow the template and concentrate on the queries. Look at the rubric so you understand the expectations (26 points).

2/15Class meeting on campus. Bring a hard copy print out of your essay. Be prepared to discuss what we have seen. Viewpoint Teams will be assigned and Viewpoint assignments will begin. We will have a guest artist as well (10 points).

2/20The Other Place dramaturgyreport due in dropbox (25 points).

2/22Attend theatre performance (10 points).

The Other Place dramaturgy seminar presentation (25 points).

Viewpoint teams focus is on Directing.

2/27The Few dramaturgy report(s) due in dropbox (25 points).

3/1Attend theatre performance (10 points).

The Few dramaturgy seminar presentation (25 points).

Viewpoint teams focus is on Design.

3/6Anon(ymous)dramaturgy report(s) due in dropbox (25 points).

3/8Attend theatre performance (10 points).

Anon(ymous) dramaturgy seminar presentation (25 points).

Viewpoint teams focus is on the way the play is crafted/written.

3/13Viewpoint team PowerPoint reports due in dropbox (50 points).

3/15Cinderella reading responses due in dropbox. You must also bring a hard copy to class. (25 points),

Viewpoint team Phase #1 reports and activities presented in class.

3/29Attend theatre performance (10 points).

Viewpoint Phase #2 begins. Viewpoint teams focus is on Actingthe song.

4/3Glass Menagerie dramaturgy report(s) due in dropbox (25 points).

4/5Attend theatre performance (10 points).

Glass Menageriedramaturgy seminar presentation (25 points).

Viewpoint teams focus is on American Realism.

4/10Carnival, Lysistrata, & Arcadiadramaturgy due in dropbox (25 points).

Viewpoint phase #2 PowerPoint presentations due in dropbox

(50 points),

4/12Meet on campus. (10 points).

Carnival, Lysistrata, & Arcadiadramaturgy seminars (25 points).

Viewpoint phase #2 teams report their findings.

4/19Attend theatre performance (10 points).

Viewpoint phase #3 begins. Viewpoint focus is on Lighting design.

4/26Attend theatre performance (10 points).

Viewpoint focus is on Choreography.

5/3Attend theatre performance (10 points). Viewpoint focus is on how the play, designer, director, and actors play with time and space to create an impact on the audience.

5/4Tony Award nominations are due in dropbox (50 points)

5/8Viewpoint phase #2 PowerPoint presentations due in dropbox

(50 points).

5/10Meet on campus. (10 points).

Pizza Party!

Viewpoint phase #3 teams report their findings.

305Tony Awards given out (25 points).

Essay Assignment:Responding toComedySportz

*At the top of your essay include your name, your major, and what pronoun you use in reference to yourself.

**Note the date and time of the ComedySportz show you attended.

Paragraph 1 (Efficaciousness): How did the show effect/impact you? Why do you think you responded in the way you did? Do you think that the performers/director wanted you to respond in the way you did? Did you experience catharsis? Did you experience praxis? Give examples.

Paragraph 2 (Methexis): What did the performers do to engage the audience as a group? Identify one or two things that you observed happening to the audience as a whole. What things did the performers to do to create group responses? How did the performers use humor to get the audiences’ attention? Did the audience participate in shaping/inspiring the performance? Give examples.

Paragraph 3 (Social-Cultural context): What did you see or hear that made you laugh? Why were these things funny to you? Did the humor build community or divide the audience? What made you laugh and why? Comedy Improv—as an art form—originated in theMidwest. What regional forces or dynamics contributed to this?

Paragraph 4 (Aesthetics): What parts ofthe show did you like? What didn’t you like?Were their things that confused or upset you? Does ComedySportz have value? What were your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at the ComedySportz show?

Paragraph 5 (The playing space & design elements): At ComedySportz the stage, audience set up, lights, lobby, and even the parking lot influence how the audience perceives their experience. What design elements did you observe that were intentional? Do you think they added to the experience or distracted from it? Give examples.

Paragraph 6 (Performers and performance skills): Who were the performers? Choose two and specifically discuss two performers’ skills, choices, and tefficacy.

Paragraph 7 (Text/script): If a script is different all the time is it a script? Do performers need pre-written scripts in order to create theatre?

Paragraph 8 (Intent): What was the intent of the performance? What was the point that the artists were trying to make? Did they succeed? How and in what ways? Be specific.

Paragraph 9 (Coordinating elements): Discuss the flow of the production. Where did it start and where did it end? How did this impact your experience? What threads, flow, and/or structures did you observe that added to (or subtracted from) the experience as a whole?

Paragraph 10 (Checking in): How are things going in this course, so far, for you? What questions do you have?

THR 305 Rubric For First essay
Category / Requirements
26-22=A 21-18=B 17-13=C 12=D 11 or below =F / Achievement
2 / 1 / 0
Excellent
(A) / Good
(C) / Fail
(F)
1: Mechanics. On time & Originality* / There are no errors in mechanics, spelling, punctuation, and grammar. The student communicates ideas, opinions, and conclusions clearly and in complete sentences. Essay is on time. The student’s work is his/her own.
2. Respect / The student addresses beliefs and viewpoints clearly and deals with disagreements honestly and respectfully. S/he/they supports ideas and perspectives without resorting to sarcasm, objectification, or stereotypes.
3. Paragraph 1 / Clear, reflective, addresses all points.
4. Paragraph 2 / Clear, reflective, addresses all points.
5.Paragraph 3 / Clear, reflective, addresses all points.
6. Paragraph 4 / Clear, reflective, addresses all points.
7. Paragraph 5 / Clear, reflective, addresses all points.
8. Paragraph 6 / Clear, reflective, addresses all points.
9. Paragraph 7 / Clear, reflective, addresses all points.
10. Paragraph 8 / Clear, reflective, addresses all points.
11. Paragraph 9 / Clear, reflective, addresses all points.
12. Paragraph 10 / Information is included. Questions are answered.
Note on original work / Plagiarism is not acceptable. You will fail if you copy or use others’ work as your own.
13. Heading? / The heading information was included and complete.

Dramaturgy Assignment

At least once during this semester you will be responsible for a dramaturgical research presentation. Each time we see a show the dramaturges assigned to that show should we prepared to discuss the history of the play, its genre, and its impact. Dramaturges should also discuss the playwright and the production we will be seeing that evening. Dramaturges may elect to work as a group or solo.

Each dramaturgical report must include answers to the following dramaturgical questions:

Where was the play originally produced and performed and why?
When the play was originally produced and what did critics think of it at that time?
What did the playwright, first director, first actors, and first designer have to say about their work when the play originally premiered?
In this production what can we expect to see? What does the director have to say about this production?
What was the social and political context of the play in it’s time—what socio-cultural relevance does the play have in 2017?

Each dramaturgical presentation should cover the points brought up by the questions.