Students must work one light crew for a theatrical production as a laboratory. A study of the elements of playwriting through writing exercises designed to enhance the understanding of structure, style, character and dialogue. Junior standing or consent of instructor. A study of the principles of various styles and periods of dramaturgy, involving a history of criticism from Aristotle to the present. Representative plays will be analyzed for theme, structure, characterization and dialogue with a view to their influences on contemporary theatre.
Emphasis is placed on written student criticism and evaluation of plays.
A course in advanced rendering and design to prepare the costume, scenery, or lighting design student for the competitive marketplace. There is actual direction of short scenes, which increase in length and complexity during the year. Credit 3 each. Analysis of plays that depart from the realistic genre and examination of new production possibilities arising out of developments in theatre technology that will complement the experiments of the playwrights. Application of theory in laboratory productions.