Butler Community College	Dr. Phil Speary
Humanities/Fine Arts Division	Spring 1998

Course Outline SUMMER THEATRE I

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
TA115. Summer Theatre I. 6 hours credit. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. This course introduces the student to the principles and practice of summer theatre presentation. 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 special problems of acting, directing and technical production in summer theatre play presentation.

TEXTBOOK:
This will vary from summer to summer depending on the playscripts selected for production in conjunction with the course. Choices may range from classical theatre such as Shakespeare to contemporary dramas and comedies common to summer theatre offerings regionally.

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

1. demonstrate appropriate discipline in a rehearsal period that is different in terms of length and concentration of effort from the typical educational rehearsal period found during the regular academic year.
2. demonstrate competency on analyzing and preparing at least one and possibly multiple dramatic characterization(s) for live performance.
3. exercise effective techniques for the memorization of dialogue in preparation for the performance of the role(s) assigned.
4. demonstrate a consistency in performance of such role(s) over the extended run of performances presented (more than 4).
5. demonstrate a competency in responding appropriately to a variety of audience makeups and reactions.

TOPICAL OUTLINE OF UNITS:
Rehearsal Process: The student will be taken through the various stages of the necessary rehearsal processing preparation of the script(s) for public performance.
    Objectives: The student should be able to:

1. exercise appropriate discipline by attendance at all required rehearsals.
2. set appropriate personal work goals for creating the characterization(s) required for performance.
3. pace his/her efforts through the rehearsal period so as to reach the goal of effective performance.
4. meet set deadlines for memorization of scripted dialogue.

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

1. perform his/her role(s) giving all of the required lines of dialogue without significant memory lapses or paraphrasing.
2. project his/her lines so that they are easily audible.
3. physically and vocally perform his/her role(s) in a manner which makes both the characterization and the play's actions in the context of the production concept clear to the audience(s).
4. perform in a series of performances both with necessary consistency and appropriate flexibility given varied audience conditions and responses.
5. behave in an appropriate, cooperative manner on stage, backstage and out front during the performance process.

METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
Methods of instruction may include: lecture, group discussion and problem solving, required memorization, various types of rehearsal techniques including conventional blocking, improvisation, work through, run through, polishing rehearsals, technical and dress rehearsals, preview performances, theatre games, 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, and verbal critique of performance by guest clinicians. It should be noted that it is mandatory for completion of the course experience and appropriate evaluation that the student participate in at least five live performances of the play(s) 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.