Introduction to Theatre

Course Dossier

Throughout history, Theatre has been used to reflect and often challenge a society’s beliefs. From the Ancient Greeks and their ritualistic festivals to the modern Broadway stages, Theatre has endured as a part of civilization. The innate need to tell each other stories is a fundamental human condition. In this course, we will explore over 2500 years of Theatre History, the people who created it, the technological advancements that developed from it, and what it still means to us and for us today. Upon completion of this course, students will:

• communicate using basic vocabulary used by theatre practitioners,

• articulate clear definitions of what various participants in theatre do as well as basic theatrical space types,

• read a play in its script form and communicate the basic plot,

• develop and write coherent critical analysis of theatrical productions seen for class using the basic theatrical vocabulary,

• develop an awareness of how Theatre allows us a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.