3/31/2025 6:43:19 AM	THAR 2 Course Outline as of Fall 2025	Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION
Discipline and Nbr:  THAR 2	Title:  INTRO TO THEATRE ARTS
Full Title:  Introduction to Theatre Arts
Last Reviewed:2/24/2025

Units		Course Hours per Week			Nbr of Weeks	Course Hours Total
Maximum	3.00	Lecture Scheduled	3.00		17.5 max.	Lecture Scheduled	52.50
Minimum	3.00	Lab Scheduled	0		6 min.	Lab Scheduled	0
		Contact DHR	0			Contact DHR	0
		Contact Total	3.00			Contact Total	52.50
		Non-contact DHR	0			Non-contact DHR Total	0

Total Out of Class Hours:  105.00

Total Student Learning Hours: 157.50

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade or P/NP
Repeatability:  00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As: 
Formerly:  THAR 301

Catalog Description:

Students will be introduced to theatre as both an art form and social forum, emphasizing the interrelated processes of playwriting, acting, directing, design, technical theatre, theatre criticism, theatre management, and theatre architecture.Theatre will be studied from a variety of perspectives through lectures, attending plays, reading scripts, and hands-on experiences. Attendance is required at three or four assigned theatre productions (discounted admission; students provide own transportation unless specifically designated as a field trip)

Prerequisites/Corequisites:

Recommended Preparation:

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description:

Students will be introduced to theatre as both an art form and social forum, emphasizing the interrelated processes of playwriting, acting, directing, design, technical theatre, theatre criticism, theatre management, and theatre architecture.Theatre will be studied from a variety of perspectives through lectures, attending plays, reading scripts, and hands-on experiences. Attendance is required at three or four assigned theatre productions (discounted admission; students provide own transportation unless specifically designated as a field trip)

(Grade or P/NP)
Prerequisites:
Recommended:
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;UC.
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:		Effective:	Fall 2005	Inactive:
Area:	E	Humanities
CSU GE:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
	C1	Arts		Fall 2005
	C1	Arts		Fall 1981	Fall 1988
IGETC:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
	3A	Arts		Fall 2005
CSU Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 2005	Inactive:
UC Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 2005	Inactive:
C-ID:
CID Descriptor: THTR 111	Introduction to Theatre	SRJC Equivalent Course(s): THAR2

Certificate/Major Applicable: Both Certificate and Major Applicable

COURSE CONTENT

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a general knowledge of the theatre as a complex and diverse art form, as well as its ever-changing role in modern society.

2. Analyze and discuss theatre as informed audience members, readers, and/or practitioners.

3. Participate in one or more areas of the theatre at an introductory level, applying correct terminology and working constructively with others.

 

Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Analyze the different responsibilities and contributions of the actor, playwright, director, designer, technician, management, producer, critic and audience, while recognizing the collaborative nature of the theatre.

2. Attend and critique a theatrical production, both holistically and through an analysis of the contributions of the various artistic elements.

3. Identify and theoretically solve the artistic challenges of a script, applying basic script analysis techniques for structural, thematic, and interpretive elements.

4. Correctly apply basic theatre terminology while demonstrating an introductory understanding of the positions, processes, and career opportunities in the theatre.

5. Discern the interdisciplinary contributions of other art forms and fields of study to the creation of theatre.

6. Recognize the major genres, styles, and movements of the modern theatre.

7. Communicate using various theatre design vocabulary such as mood, sound, light, texture, color, rhythm, etc.

8. Outline and implement a basic research strategy which includes identifying questions, accessing key theatre resources, and problem-solving when necessary.

9. Collaborate with others in the development of theoretical and/or practical theatre projects.

Topics and Scope

I. Defining Theatre

     A. Short history and theoretical overview of origin

    B. The role of theatre in society today

    C. Difference between theatre, other arts, and other events

II. How to Read a Play

    A. Dialogue and stage directions

    B. Structure, plot, and story

    C. Character

    D. Language

    E. Theme

III. Attending and Watching a Play

    A. Buying tickets

    C. Audience etiquette

IV. The Role of the Audience

    A. Relationship between audience and performer

    B. Composition and expectations

    C. Brief history

V. The Role of the Critic and Reviewer

    A. How to access and read a review

    B. Comparing reviews

    C. Writing a review or critique

VI. Types of Plays and Productions

    A. Genres

    B. Styles, theories, and movements

    C. Conventions

VII. Producing Companies and Theatres

    A. Types and categories

         1. For profit

         2. Academic

    B. Where theatre is produced today

         1.  Local area/region

         2.  Famous theatres

         3.  Broadway and off-Broadway

    C. How a theatre company is organized

VIII. Theatre Architecture and Theatrical Spaces

    A. Short history

    B. Audience configurations

    C. Theatre buildings and found spaces

    D. Working spaces within a theatre

    E. Theatre tour

IX. The Art of the Playwright

    A. Short history and theories

    B. The process, research and terms

    C. Career paths

    D. Brief study of a modern playwright

X. The Art of the Actor

    A. Short history and theories

    B. The process, research and terms

         1. Researching and analyzing a character

         2. Introduction to performance techniques

              a.  Vocal

              b.  Physical

         3. Auditions to performance

          4. Rehearsal and memorization

    C. Career paths

    D. Brief study of a modern actor

XI. The Art of the Director

    A. Short history and theories

    B. The process, research, and terms

         1. Director's concept and research

         2. Collaborating with others

         3. Rehearsal process

         4. Staging techniques

    C. Related positions

    D. Career paths

    E. Brief study of a modern director

XII. Stage Management

    A. Duties and tools of a stage manager

    B. Education, training, and career paths

XIII. The Business of Theatre

    A. Box office

    B. House management

    C. Producer

    D. Artistic director

    E. Promotions, public relations, and audience development

    F. Government support, grants, and underwriting

    G. Unions

XIV. Introduction to Theatre Design and Technology

    A. Elements and principles of design

     B. Alignment is off

         1. Scenery                       

          2. Alignment is off

         3. Costumes

         4. Makeup and hair

         5. Lighting/visual effects

         6. Sound/composition

    C. History

    D. Process

    E. Positions and responsibilities

    F. Education and career paths  

XV. Designer and Director Collaboration

     A. Interpreting a script

    B. Working from the original concept

    C. Outlining a research path

    D. Communication tools and techniques

    E. Developing a cohesive vision

Assignments:

1. Reading Comprehension  

     a. Analyze and discuss 2-4 plays

     b. Analyze and discuss text (10-25 pages per week)

2. Attending Plays: Attend 3-4 theatre productions selected by the instructor and be prepared to discuss each production in class, Production details:

    a. Students will have multiple performance dates to choose from unless specifically designated as a class field trip

     b. Students will provide their own transportation

    c. Tickets: Selected productions may be Theatre Arts productions (voucher), community theatre productions (discounted admission), or professional productions (discounted admission).

     d. Field Trips to Community and/or Professional Productions: Viewing another live or recorded production

3. Hands-On Experiences:

    a. Playwriting assignment:

         i. Write a brief original scene in two drafts. (approx. 2-3 pages).

          ii. Participate in a in-class reading of the script

    b. Acting Scene (2-3 person, 1-3 minutes)

          i. Scenes may be from published plays or neutral scenes

          ii. Complete a character analysis for preparation (1 page)

    c. Alternative Assignment: (Students unable to participate may be given an alternative assignment to be determined by the instructor)

    d. Written Critique(s) (1-4) as determined by instructor may include: compare and contrast reviews, production reviews, or analysis worksheets.Suggested assignment options include:

         i. Compare and contrast two reviews of the same professional production. (2-4 pages)

         ii. Write a critique of one of the assigned productions attended, following review criteria. ( 2-3 pages)

         iii. Complete a worksheet answering analysis questions about an assigned production attended

     e. Production Hours (10) in one of the following areas:

         i. Costume shop

          ii. Scene shop

          iii. Ushering (4 performances)

          iv. Publicity

          v. Complete a timeline and log

          vi. Alternative assignments may be given for current production or Study Abroad students

4. Director/Designer Culminating Project

    a. Teams of 2-3 students as director and designers

     b. Collaborative production treatment for a chosen play

     c. In-class presentation and/or display required

     d. 3-5 page written summary, analysis, and bibliography

5. Quizzes and Exams

    a. Reading quizzes (10-20)

     b. Final exam

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.

Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.		Writing 20 - 40%
Playwriting, acting character analysis, critiques, reviews, director/designer summary, analysis, and bibliography, alternative assignments
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.		Problem Solving 10 - 20%
Director/Designer collaboration and presentation
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.		Skill Demonstrations 10 - 15%
Acting scene, Production hours
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.		Exams 15 - 30%
Reading quizzes, Final exam
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.		Other Category 15 - 25%
Play attendance, Production Hours log, Alternative Assignments

Representative Textbooks and Materials:

Instructor prepared materials

Theatre: A Way of Seeing. 7th ed. Barranger, Milly. Wadsworth. 2015. (classic).

The Theatre Experience. 13th ed.  Wilson, Edwin. McGraw-Hill. 2014. (classic).

The Enjoyment of Theatre. 9th ed. Patterson, Jim and Donahue, Tim. Pearson. 2013. (classic).

Another Opening, Another Show: A Lively Introduction to the Theatre. 2nd ed. Markus, Tom and Sarver, Linda. McGraw Hill Education. 2004. (classic).

Print PDF