THA 30 Introduction to Theater

Instructor: Patrick Toebe

Office: Creative Arts 208

Phone: 239-3132

Office Hours: Thursday 1:00-2:00 and by appointment E-mail: ptoebe@ccsf.edu

About this class

I will be your guide through the “Introduction to Theatre” this semester. I am actively involved in the Bay Area performance community as a Lighting and Scenic Designer. I will advise you about a variety of theatrical ventures including professional shows. This class is designed to introduce you to the art of theatre through a historical survey of theatrical forms, and will provide you with the resources to make your own playgoing a richer and more satisfying adventure.

This is an in-depth study of various performances, including classical and contemporary plays. We will meet in person twice a week during the course. During these class meetings, we will view recorded plays and discuss the performances as well as the underlying principles they illustrate. You will view a variety of taped theatrical productions on Tuesdays. These are taped performances from distinguished BBC productions and feature leading actors, directors and designers of the world theatre. On Thursdays, lecture/discussions will cover textual analysis, design concept, performances and critical viewing. The quiz will be available on Canvas after class on Thursday and remain available until Tuesday of the next week.

syllabus

Textbook

All files are located on Canvas

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

Analyze and evaluate the nature of theatre and its role in society.
Identify and examine theatrical components in production.
Assess plays as direct responses to the historical, artistic, social and environmental factors which form their cultural context.
Critically analyze dramatic literature and performances.
Classify a play by structure and genre

Methods

Weekly discussions
Viewing of BBC series “Drama: Play Performance, and Perception”, and other videos
Weekly Quizzes
One performance evaluation paper

Exams and Papers

Weekly quizzes as well as a Final examination
One Performance Analysis paper of one production. Discuss themes, design concept, directorial choices and performances. I will provide some suggestions for productions to view.

Cheating

Cheating will not be tolerated and will result in an automatic F for the quiz, exam, or paper in question with subsequent discipline according to CCSF rules.

Cheating includes: assisting someone else on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing other's work

Special Needs

I encourage any students with special needs (e.g. learning/physical disabilities) to approach me and discuss their needs in confidence. It is required that such students register with and be evaluated by the Disabled Student Program Services (DSPS) before any special considerations may be granted.

Exam and grading policy

There are no "throw-out" exams. All material covered in this course is important.

Students with special needs cannot be given extra time on exams unless they have registered with and been assessed by DSPS (this is state law).

Generally, there are no make-up exams/quizzes. If a genuine emergency requires that you miss course work, you must provide me with appropriate written documentation (e.g. Dr.'s certificate)

If you have a dispute with me about a grade, email me with your concerns for consideration.

Grading Scheme

You grade will come from an accumulation of points as follows:

13 quizzes worth (100 points each, 1,300 points total)
13 discussions or mini quizzes (50 Points each, 650 points total
Final Exam (250 points)
Production performance analysis paper (200 points)

Grades:

A 2,400-2,160 Points

B 2,159-1920 Points

C 1,919-1,680 Points

D 1,679-1,440 Points

F Less than 1,440 points

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