Butler Community College	Larry Patton
Humanities/Fine Arts Division	Spring 1998

Course Outline PLAY PRODUCTION

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
TA108. Play Production. 3 hours credit. This course introduces the student to the problems of producing plays. It is designed for the student who plans to work, teach or participate in amateur or professional theatre. Using lecture, discussion, and laboratory methods, the student will be exposed to the acting, directing and technical aspects of play production.

TEXTBOOK:
This will vary from semester to semester depending on the play script selected for production in conjunction with the course. Recent examples have included Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, by Tom Stoppard and Holiday, by Philip Barry, and Dames at Sea by Haimshone, Miller, and Wise.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the completion of this course, the student should be able:

1. To prepare and present an effective audition performance for casting in a theatre production.
2. To demonstrate appropriate discipline in a rehearsal process.
3. To demonstrate competency in analyzing and preparing a dramatic characterization for live performance.
4. To exercise effective techniques for the memorization of dialogue in preparation for the performance of a role.
5. To demonstrate competency in the actual live performance of a play.

TOPICAL OUTLINE OF UNITS:
Casting: The student will be taken through the process of auditioning and casting of the selected script.
    Objectives: The student should be able to:

1. Prepare an appropriate audition selection.
2. Present an effective audition selection.
3. Demonstrate competency in reading selected audition portions from the prescribed script.

Rehearsal Process: The student will be taken through the various stages of the necessary rehearsal process in preparation of the script for public performance.
    Objectives: The student should be able to:

1. Exercise appropriate discipline by attendance at all required rehearsals.
2. Demonstrate ability to set a progression of personal goals in the preparation of his/her performance during the rehearsal period.
3. Demonstrate competency in preparing an effective characterization of his/her assigned role.

Live Performance: The student will be given the experience of performing his/her role in the full-length production prepared during the rehearsal period in front of live audiences in a series of performances.
    Objectives: The student should be able to:

1. Perform his/her role giving all of the required lines of dialogue without noticeable memory lapses.
2. Project his/her lines so that they are easily audible.
3. Physically and vocally perform his/her role in a manner which makes both the characterization and the play's action clear to the audience.
4. Behave in an appropriate, cooperative manner on-stage, backstage, and out front during the performance process.

METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
Methods of instruction may include: auditioning, lecture, group discussion, required memorization, various types of rehearsals including blocking, work through, run through, polishing rehearsals, technical and dress rehearsals, improvisations, written assignments, and individual conferences. All instructors may use these methods individually or in combination.

Telecourses: Independent study of audio/video materials augmented by text and study guide; collaboration and participation with class members and faculty via available means. Faculty role is facilitator of learning experiences.

METHODS OF EVALUATION:
Methods of evaluation may include the following: attendance, meeting of memorization deadlines, written assignments, faculty critiquing of performance competency. It should be noted that it is mandatory for completion of the course experience and appropriate evaluation that the student participate in at least three live performances of the play prepared during the course.

Miscellaneous:
Students with impaired sensory, manual or speaking skills are encouraged and have the responsibility to contact their instructor, in a timely fashion, regarding reasonable accommodation needs.