COURSE
DESCRIPTION
This Advanced Composition class will focus on the art of playwriting
and the craft of theater research, known by those in the field
as dramaturgy.
During the
first quarter, you take on the role of dramaturg and explore
world theater traditions, an umbrella phrase encompassing
in-depth studies of theatrical practices, movements, playwrights,
periods, styles, genres, and theories) during the first quarter.
After you spend the first quarter exploring the significance and
possibilities of the play as an art form, you will spend second
quarter creating at least one short play. The playwriting process
itself will include play writing etudes, peer workshop sessions,
and staged readings with student actors.
OBJECTIVES
Students will gain:
1. An ability to research theater with understanding and confidence
2. A working knowledge of the evolution of play texts and traditions
from a variety of international perspectives
3. An appreciation of the role of criticism in theater craft
4. An understanding of the contributions a dramaturg and playwright
make in the production process
5. An ability to accept criticism in a professional manner
6. A knowledge and understanding of styles in theater history
– ranging from Greek Theatre to Postmodernism
7. An ability to read a play and give a thorough analysis and
interpretation
ADDITIONAL
COURSE WORK
In addition to the core classroom studies, there will also be
several on-going projects that need to be completed outside of
class:
1. On a regular basis (at least once a week), you will keep a
journal that reflects on their learning on and development of
plays. The primary function of the journal is to help the instructor
assess your progress and to help students prepare for the creation
of a portfolio at the end of the course. It will play a large
role in determining quarterly grades when students are assessed
by rubric. (Journals due approximately every four weeks)
2. Outside of class, you will view at least two live performances
and write a critical review of each in a format prescribed by
the instructor. A program should be submitted with each review.
(One review due per quarter)
GRADING
SCALE
25%: Weekly journals and portfolio
20%: Two play critiques
10%: Exercises graded for completion
20%: Dramaturg research commission prep work / final evaluation
25%: One act play script prep work / final evaluation
All performances
and assignments will be graded using a rubric listing standards
and expectations tailored to the particular assignment. Students
will receive the rubric when the work is assigned. Generally,
a grade of "C" on a project / performance is an indication
of satisfactory completion of the assignment, both in terms of
preparation and execution. Grades higher than “C”
will be based on those elements of the project / performance that
indicate a high degree of personal investment, thoughtful preparation
(particularly through practice exercises), and a desire to surpass
basic standards.
RETEACHING
/ REASSESSMENT
All assignments graded by rubric can be reassessed. A reassessment
must be requested by the student the same week the initial assignment
is returned. The reassessment will be scheduled within five days
of the return of the initial assignment. The assessment may be
in the original format or an alternate format. Students are expected
to seek additional help and guidance from the teacher outside
of class, preferably after school.
COMMUNICATION
All scores for work--written or performed--will be accompanied
by direct feedback from the teacher, in writing or orally. Scores
will be based a point system with more demanding projects being
assigned more points possible. Anytime you'd like an update on
your progress, check Edline
or schedule a brief meeting w/ the instructor before or after
class to ensure meaningful feedback. Parents wishing to discuss
your progress need only to contact the teacher via email. Otherwise,
the teacher will communicate progress regularly through interim
reports.
ALLOWANCES AND EXPECTATIONS
Theater Conservatory / IB students are granted a large amount
of freedom and responsibility when making artistic choices; to
prevent any infringement on a student’s choices, additional
help from the instructor, when needed, must be sought.
Also, since
this is a conservatory class, it should also be understood by
students enrolled in this class that all performances will be
critically scrutinized and evaluated; honest feedback by the instructor
(or other students) should be viewed as an opportunity for growth;
it should never be looked upon by a performer as a personal attack,
a judgment of personal worth, or an attempt to undermine confidence.
The critiques are part of the activities and are intended to help
individual students reach very deep within themselves so that
their work can be true.
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