Maui Community College Course Outline
1. Alpha and Number: DRAM 260
Course Title: Dramatic Production
Number of credits: 3
Date of Outline: February 24, 2004
2. Course Description: Studies the process of converting the play to the performance.
3. Contact Hours/Type: 3 hours/lecture
4. Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
Recommended Preparation:
Approved by Date 5. General Course Objectives:
Students will research, write and rewrite reports, essays, critiques and evaluations of theatrical/stage productions from both the past and present. They will work individually and collaboratively, discussing, analyzing and sharing their particular views on the current theatre scene. They will each have the opportunity to design theatre sets, sound scripts, lighting schemes and publicity campaigns for individual productions, as well as an entire theatrical season. They will understand the basic organizational structure of a non-profit, educational, repertory and professional theatre company from a “backstage” perspective.
6. Student Learning Outcomes: For assessment purposes, these are linked to #, Recommended Course Content.
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
a. present, both written and orally, clear set designs, lighting plans, musical/sound considerations and other technical aspects of theatre production; b. demonstrate a clear understanding of dramatic production from a historical and cultural perspective; c. work collaboratively on projects and presentations, both written and oral; d. develop and illustrate a working business plan for a fictitious theatre organization.
7. Recommended Course Content and Approximate Time Spent on Each Topic: Linked to #6, Student Learning Outcomes
1-2 weeks Synthesize theatre history (b)
2-3 weeks Evaluate various theatre styles ranging from melodrama to farce (a, b, c)
1-2 weeks Oral presentations of various aspects of technical theatre (a)
1-2 weeks Analysis of theatre genres (b)
1-2 weeks Write/rewrite specific theatre play critiques (a, b)
2-3 weeks Organize, revise and present business plan for fictitious theatre company (a, d)
1-2 weeks Backstage preparation for semester ending student production (c)
1 week Formal written critique of student production (a)
8. Text and Materials:
Appropriate text (or texts) will be chosen at the time the course is offered from those currently available in the field. Examples include:
Text: Play Production Today by Ronald Adler] Handbook: The Stagemanager’s Handbook by Alan Touraine
Materials: Articles Theatre journals Trade publications Other relevant material provided by the instructor
Other: Video tapes, films, guest speakers, field trips, Internet sites
9. Recommended Course Requirements and Evaluation:
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the course is being offered. Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited to:
50-60% Writing assignments including portfolios with sketches
10-15% Quizzes
25-30% Presentations
15-20% Attendance & participation
10. Methods of Instruction:
As instructional methods vary with instructors. Specific methods will be at the discretion of the instructor teaching the course and might include, but are not limited to:
a. instructor lectures; b. guest lectures; c. group discussions/dyad interaction; d. audio, visual or computer presentations; e. student presentations and projects, both written and oral; f. other learning experiences, especially service learning at local theatres.