FNA 2002 - Drama and The Theater

• Demonstrate an understanding of the history and relevance of drama as both a literary and a performance genre
• Read, discuss, and write clearly and effectively about several dramatic works; apply terminology for types of plays and performances, literary analysis, and performance critique
• Engage with theatrical performances and film interpretations
• Display an understanding of the physical theater and some basics of its engineering
• Display an understanding of the role of drama and theatrical performance in cultural identities, social critique and activism, historical exploration, progress in the arts, and communal experiences

• None

• Introduction to the history of the theater with a global survey approach
• Introduction to the history of drama leading to US theater (as most plays students will attend will be from Western or US playwrights) as a part of a distinct unit or integrated into the play selections below
• Introduction to drama and plays 
  • Types/genres of, and terminology for, plays or dramatic works (for ex., understanding straight plays vs musicals; defining genres such as tragedy, comedy and its subtypes like farce or satire, historical plays, theater of the absurd, guerilla/activist, or others)
  • Plays read or viewed will provide examples of at least a few of the above
• Engineering in the theater
  • Introduction to types of theaters or theatrical stages, the theater as constructed space
  • Introduction to the engineering of and in the contemporary theater (light and sound engineers, mechanical engineers and today’s complex stage designs, etc.), via a backstage tour of nearby theater (Marcus Performing Arts Center and/or the Rep)
• Drama as literature
  • In-depth reading of several scripts
  • Techniques and terminology for discussion and literary critique of dramatic works
  • Representation of both classic and contemporary works, with inclusion of playwrights from diverse backgrounds
• Drama in performance
  • In-depth reading of, or research about, at least one show that will be attended live as a part of the class (may or may not be combined with the above)
  • Terminology for discussion and critique of theater productions
  • Attendance of a live show by a professional production company: coordinated attendance of a show at Marcus PAC or the Rep, which will vary depending on the theater’s season. Attendance of local community theater or smaller free shows may be added as fits into the semester/season.
  • Audience experience
• Live theater’s role in the contemporary world
  • Role in US social critique, community life, etc.
  • Importance of live community performance
  • Intro to some theories of audience identity and communal experience