THT 100 -  Introduction to Theatre

Syllabus                                                                                           SUNY Cortland  Performing Arts

Fall 2022                                                       

Instructor: Scott Holdredge                                               Text: 607- 643-2896 (provide your name)                                                         email: scott.holdredge@cortland.edu

Office: Dowd Fine Arts Center Rm. 215                   Office Hours: by appointment                                                                                                                                                                         

Course Description:

Intro to Theatre introduces students to the art, profession and history of theatre. We will look at the individual artists that make up the collaboration of theatre. We will examine and discuss historic elements of theatre craft and the artistry and influence of theatre on the human condition.  This course is designed to create a greater appreciation and understanding of the Theatre Arts

Course Objectives

·       Understand the Theatre craft

·       Identify and discuss theatrical spaces

·       Understand the roles individuals play in the collaboration of the creation of theatre

·       Be able to read and analyze a play and create a personal, visceral and intellectual response.

·       To identify Theatricality in our own lives

Course Texts:

I will be teaching out of Theatre, the Lively Art 8th edition by Edwin Wilson and Alvin Goldfarb.  It is NOT required, you may purchase and older edition if you’d like to have a textbook.  I will also refer to Living Theatre, by Edwin Wilson and Alvin Goldfarb.  These will be on reserve in the Library, if available.

Attendance:

Attendance is mandatory for your success.  I will be lecturing, showing slides and video.  I will also ask for your input and engagement.  I want to know what you think, how you react.  This is not a class about collecting and reciting data.

I will have a role sheet for you to initial at the start of class.  Do NOT sign in for anyone else.  I can count.  You are allowed two absences.  After two absences your grade will be lowered by 1/3 of a letter grade per additional absence.  If you have issues beyond your control, illness, family, accidents, etc, it is your responsibility to let me know so I can help you succeed.

This is a participatory class, I will not allow cell phone use, social media, etc.  No food or drink is allowed in the classroom, with the exception of water.  Clean up after yourselves, you are adults.

Participation:

The majority of your grade comes from your participation.  This includes being an active listener.  Be engaged.  Ask questions.  Just being present does not count.  You will be able to track your scores on Blackboard.

Grading:

Your grades are based on:

Attendance ………………………….…………..100

Participation ……………………….…………....Affects your grade up or down

Quizzes ………………….20 pts. Each…..…….40

Friday Observations……20 pts. Each…..…….140

Critique ……………………….………...……..…100

Final Exam …………………….…………….……100

Total                                                   480  (score subject to change)

Extra Credit= There may be extra credit opportunities throughout the semester

Quizzes:

There will be unscheduled quizzes to test your attentiveness to lectures and the readings.              20 pts per quiz.

Performance Critiques:

You are required to attend 1 theatrical performance events on campus and write a critique utilizing topics discussed in class. (100 pts each) It is your job to obtain tickets in advance. If a show sells out and you can not attend, the responsibility falls on you to find an alternative event. The paper is due on the next class, following a show’s closing weekend.

The Bone Harp, Dowd Theatre Fri. Dec 9th 7pm, Sun Dec 11th 2pm. (suggested donation)

You may attend an off campus event for extra credit.  You must bring in a ticket stub and program with your paper.

Others include, Syracuse University, Binghamton University, Tri-Cities Opera, Opera Ithaca. It must be a professional production.

Policy for written assignments: 

Papers are to be turned in through BlackBoard or in person.  There will be a shut off date, each day a paper is late lowers your grade.

I do not accept papers by email without special arrangement

All papers must be double spaced and be 3-5 pages in length.

Type written in 12pt font.  Arial, Times New Roman or similar font, nothing fancy.

Spelling and Grammar count.  I will make examples of egregious errors, (anonymously).

I do not want slang or book reports.

Critiques are due at the start of class following the last performance.

Final Exam:  Tues Dec. 13.  1:30-3:30 Sperry 105

All students must take the final exam. The test will include slides, multiple choice, true/false and short answer.

Accommodation of Disabilities Statement

If you are a student with a disability and wish to request accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services, located in Van Hoesen Hall, Room B-1,or call 607-753-2066 for an appointment. Information regarding your disability will be treated in a confidential manner. Because many accommodations require early planning, requests for accommodations should be made as early as possible.

Students with disabilities are required to register with Student Disability Services in order to receive accommodation.

If you ask for an accommodation due to a disability, you should also hand me a form issued by Student Disability Services notifying me of the disability and the accommodation that is expected of me. If the student in question does not have this paperwork, no accommodation is necessary. Common accommodations are: a distraction-free testing environment (provided by Student Disability Services), extra time for exams, note-taking by another student in the class. For details and questions, call Ute Gomez at Student Disability Services, 607-753-2066.

THT 100 Intro to Theatre              Class Calendar:                              Fall 2022       

Week 8             Mon.      17                   Fall Break                      No Class

Wed.       19                  Class Introduction/ Greek Civilization Greek Theatre

Fri.          21                 Greeks Cont’d

Week 9             Mon.        24                 Playwright’s/Metaphor/Simile/ 5 act Structure/ Maslow’s Pyramid

Wed.        26                 Words

Fri.          28                     ---- R&J Assignment

Week 10          Mon.        31                

Wed.        Nov. 2          Costume         

Fri.           4                               ---- costume observation          

Week 11          Mon.         7                   Costume part 2

Wed.         9                  (Comedy)

Fri.          11                             ---- comedy text chain

Week 12           Mon.        14                 (Tragedy)  

Wed.        16                 History- Pageant Wagons/ Church/ Renaissance/ Trompe L’oeil / Opera/

Fri.          18                             ---- TBD

Week13           Mon.        21                 Directors/ Actors

Wed.        23                 Thanksgiving Break

Fri.          25                             Thanksgiving

Week 14           Mon.        28                 Scenic Design

Wed.        30                 Lighting Design

Fri.           DEC. 2                      --- Light Observation/mood

Week 15           Mon.          5                  Manual Cinema/ War Horse

Wed.          7                 Sound Design

Fri.             9                             ---- Sound Observation

Finals Week-  Tues            13                Final 1:30 -3:30