HISTORY OF STYLES
THEATRE -202-381

Spring Interim 2008
London/ Paris Study tour component

Roy Hoglund            424-7043
AC/W 103  hoglund@uwosh.edu
Kathleen Donnelly        424-7127
AC/W 220  donnelly@uwosh.edu


Text:
There is no text assigned to this class, however we will provide a CD-rom with course material relating to class lectures to use as reference.

Goals:
Based on goals established by the Theatre program , the goals of this course, for the student, are: 1.  To have a broad knowledge of the processes of theatrical production; 2. To develop a comprehensive understanding of the history of the theatre; 3. To make effective use of the research tools available to the theatre artist, critic and historian;  4. To develop a commitment to the pursuit of artistic excellence and integrity.  

Objectives:
The goals listed above will be achieved through the following objectives of this course. The objectives are: to provide a basic knowledge of architecture, decor and fashion trends in the major historical periods of Western drama, and to equip the student with the research tools available for use in theatre design.  The student must demonstrate a proficiency of knowledge in the historical period styles and its application to design in order to pass the class.  The information will be presented in class lectures, and tours of museums, theatres and historical sights in England and Amsterdam.  The student’s knowledge will be tested through quizzes, comprehensive final exam, research projects and class discussion.

Instruction:
The three week semester will be divided into two parts:  the first part will be held at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and consist of class lectures covering the architecture, furniture and fashion of each historical period; the second part will take place at locations in and around London, Stratford, Bath and Paris, and consist of tours to historical sights and museums, and attendance at theatre performances. Each class period will be divided into a session on architecture and furniture, and fashion. The tours will relate to material covered in class. See attached class schedule for specific dates.

Exams:
There will be a quiz at the start of each lecture relating to material covered in class on the previous day,  as well as a final exam which will be comprehensive.  See attached schedule for dates of tests and material to be covered.

Attendance:
The student will be required to attend two performances of plays while on tour in England: one at the Globe Theatre in London, the second at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford.  There is also a possibility of attending a performance in Paris. In addition, students are expected to attend all events listed on the tour itinerary attached.  




PROJECTS:

A. Designing Shakespeare
There will be a research project in this class, based on  a play by William Shakespeare, which will be seen in performance at the Globe Theatre or  Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford. This project will involve reading the play, writing a paper analyzing the script as it relates to design, and completing a research project with visual references of a particular historical period as it relates to scenic, prop and costume elements of the play assigned.

    a) Script analysis paper: will be due by 5/23.  It should be 1-2 pages typewritten, and provide an analysis of  the play as it relates to theme, and list design requirements for sets, furniture,  props and costumes. Guidelines for analyzing the script are attached.
    b) Design research: will consist of visual research relating to the set, furniture, props and costumes for the play chosen.  The student must choose a historical period to place the design of the play.  Research can include photos, postcards, photocopies, and books from museums relating to places, furniture, props and clothing seen while in England.  The student will be expected to provide a booklet of research for scenic and costume elements based on requirements listed below. All research material must include source of research (date of item, artist , name of painting, specifics about architecture and décor).
Scenic:  Choose an interior scene in the play.  Research must include an interior setting with a doorway,  window, and furniture.
Costume:  Choose 4 characters: 2 male and 2 female.  Research must include costume, accessories and hairstyles.

The research for costumes and scenic elements must be from the same time period.

B. Additional play by  William Shakespeare  (tbd)
Student should read script and provide an analysis before we see the performance in England.  There will be a class discussion following the performance to look at the design of the show and relate it back to historical research covered in the class lectures.  Participation in the class discussion is required.

C. Sketch Notebook/Log:
The student will keep a sketch notebook illustrating and documenting architecture, furniture and/or costumes from the museums included in the tour.  Sketchbook will include material from England and Paris. Students will produce 2 sketches for each museum , one architecture or furniture, other costume.

D.  Tartuffe by Moliere:
The student will read the play, Tartuffe, and provide a script analysis as it relates to the scenic elements in the play. This analysis will be used to compare and contrast actual architecture seen on the tour to Versailles, France, and how the design would translate on stage. There will be a class discussion following the tour. Participation in discussion is required.


Grading:
    -Quizzes (5)                    20%
    -Final Exam                    25%
    -Projects:
         A. Designing Shakespeare
                 a. Script Analysis         10%
                 b. Design research        15%
        B.  Shakespeare play tbd        10%
        C.  Sketch Notebook/Log        10%
        D. The Misanthrope             10%

                                          100%