Theatre 101
How theatre uniquely explores and processes the human experience by shaping ideas and perceptions about our lives into an active experience that can stimulate critical thought, discussion, and action.
What's included
16 live meetings
14 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursAssignments
1-2 hours per week. 1-2 per weekLetter Grade
3-6 throughout the classClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner Level
COURSE OBJECTIVES Using this course as an instructional medium, the instructor will • Create an awareness in Students of how theatre uniquely explores and processes the human experience by shaping ideas and perceptions about our lives into an active experience that can stimulate critical thought, discussion, and action. • Help students develop the critical acumen to evaluate the effectiveness of theatre practitioners’ work, as well as their collaborative interaction in theatrical productions. • Help Students recognizing theatre’s diversity by understanding the relationship between dramatic literature (of different periods and styles) and the performance conditions, practices, and conventions for which it was written. • Increase student understanding of the function, process, and methods linked to the art form’s various practitioners— playwrights, directors, designers, actors, and so on.
Learning Goals
• Provide written analysis of theatrical elements as observed through live and filmed theatrical performances.• Identify historical influences behind the dramas and the playwrights’ purposes in writing their works.
Syllabus
16 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Discovering Theatre
1. As an audience member of a theatrical event we give feedback or respond to the performers through our active engagement. What are some of these ways that they help the performer?
2. Why is theatre considered one of the most immediate ways of experiencing the human condition? 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The Seeing Place
1. Discuss some of the reasons that language in Elizabethan Theatre had to be richer and much more descriptive than plays presented in Italian proscenium theaters of the same time.
2. Wagons and fixed stages can be considered precursors of some contemporary stages and performances. Discuss specific production and staging styles of today that were influenced by these medieval approaches. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Alternate Theatre Spaces
1.Discuss how certain types of theater spaces actually can dictate the types and specific styles of the production that can be presented.
2. Environmental theatre seems to allow the exploration of more substantial themes and ideas about our human experience, and expression, political repression etc. Why do you think more traditional theatre companies oftentimes avoid these important themes? 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
The Playwright
55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
The Text for this class is Theatre a Way of Seeing and is not required. I will supply all other curriculum materials.
Language of Instruction
English (Level: A2)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined August, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
Conferred a Master of Fine Arts in Dramatic Arts by The University of Connecticut, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre by Western Illinois University, and an Associate of Arts in Secondary Education by Richland Community College, I am sure to meet national accreditation requirements as well as any expectations
My most recent credits include teaching at Carl Sandburg College and Western Nebraska Community College as a full-time Instructor and Program Director. I taught at Knox College and Monmouth College as an Adjunct and The University of Connecticut as part of my Graduate Assistantship.
This experience has helped me to develop highly effective instructional methods to receive all styles of completers from all over the world. I foster a fun and engaging learning environment that effectively teaches the art of storytelling, promotes creativity, and encourages independence for anyone choosing theatre classes.Reviews
Live Group Course
$13
weekly2x per week, 8 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
6-18 learners per class
