THEA 309      CHILDREN’S THEATRE     Spring, 2002

 

Ro Willenbrink Blair                                                           Ofc. Hrs.                   CH 224

Email:  [email protected]                                                 or by appointment, 732-2877

 

Goal of Course: The goal of this course is to provide historical, theoretical and hands-on experience producing plays for young audiences.  Students will: 1) help select, analyze, design, and produce a play for young audiences; 2) learn stage terminology and blocking basics; 3) discover selected works of dramatic literature for young audiences; and, 4) research history and theories of child drama.

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

 

In order to receive a passing grade you must complete all of the following requirements with at least a D.   If you fail to complete any of them, you will not pass.

 

1.  Regular, punctual attendance and participation in class.  (20 %) 

  Attendance will be taken at each class meeting.  Please be sure to check your attendance record regularly, especially if you are late for class. 

  You will receive 1 point for each day you attend and fully participate in class.  You will not receive points for not attending.  However, an official excused absence will allow you to make up any work that was due. 

  The following scale is used to compute attendance grades: 42+ pts = A, 41 = B, 40 = C, 39 = D

 

2.  Play reading.  (20%) You will read and be quizzed on 10 pre-approved plays that are available on reserve at the library or included in one of the optional anthologies. Guidelines and a timeline will be distributed later.

 

3. Quizzes and practical demonstration of stage terminology and blocking basics, history and theory of child drama. (20%)

  Two fill-in/short answer quizzes.

  The demonstration will be a group (or paired) project.

  A = 90-100, B = 80-89, C = 70-79, D = 60-69, 59 or less = F.

 

4.  Director’s promptbook and produced scene.  (40%)  You will demonstrate your knowledge and application of various aspects of producing theatre for young audiences through production of an approved scene for young audiences.  You will support your scene with a director’s promptbook.  This will be an ongoing part of the course, assigned throughout the semester.  (See grading criteria below.)

 

Demonstration and promptbook grading criteria: 

 

  “C”   You must present all aspects of the assignment correctly.  The work must be sound in presentation and content.  Proper spelling, grammar and punctuation are required. 

  “B”  In addition to the above requirements for a C, your work must show an insight and understanding of the material, including fresh and original ideas.

  “A”  You must produce work of an exceptional nature to receive an A.  You must demonstrate complete understanding of the material, present it in a thorough and engaging way, and show your comprehension of its function in and applicability to theatre for young audiences.

 

 

 

 

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

 

1. Come to class. Take notes.  Stay home if you are sick.

 

2.  Unless otherwise specified, all work must be typewritten, proofread, spell-checked, and turned in on time in order to receive credit.

 

3.    You may only makeup assignments or quizzes with an excused absence.  Whenever possible, please arrange to make up work before a scheduled absence.

 

4.  In an emergency, alternate assignments may be available.  It is your responsibility to arrange an appropriate alternative.  Any alternative assignment must be approved first.  I cannot guarantee an alternate assignment; I will only try to work with you to do so.

 

5.  If you have trouble meeting requirements or deadlines, have problems or need to talk, please see me.  I can be available outside my regularly assigned office hours by appointment.  Or you can email me:  [email protected]

 

6.      If you have any special test- or note-taking requirements, let me know.