University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Theatre Department
FUNDAMENTALS OF DIRECTING
Course Syllabus Theatre #97-367
Spring 2009

Professor: Jane Purse-Wiedenhoeft     Credits: 3
Office phone: (920) 424-4425         Class Location: ACW18 & Studio
Email: pursewij@uwosh.edu            Time: Tues and Thurs @ 9:40A.M.
Office Location: ACW119                 Office Hours: Mon. 10:00-11.30 am, Tues and Thurs from 11:15a.m. – 12:35p.m. and by appointment.

**Script Analysis is a prerequisite for this class**

Texts
Reading assignments will be distributed from a variety of texts. Students will need to purchase a copy of the play, A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry. This is a very available play and is included in the Bedford Introduction to Drama - an anthology that is available in the theatre department library and which has been periodically required by other theatre classes. We will be referring to this in class so you need a copy of your own.

Course Objectives
The student will learn basic directing techniques: rudimentary blocking, play analysis through given circumstances, dialogue, rhythms, beats or units of action and theme or idea. The student will also identify and understand dramatic action, its purpose and the playwright’s intent. The student will be introduced to the principles in the elements of form and have a basic knowledge of working with designers, actors, and technicians. Students will be exposed to a variety of rehearsal techniques including warm-up and improvisation exercises that can be used by a director in rehearsals to develop a sense of ensemble. Basic rehearsal scheduling, casting and communication issues will be introduced. The student will also begin to recognize these skills when observing live theatrical productions. The student will establish an effective working ensemble for rehearsal performance and develop a stimulating, supportive and creative working environment. Much of this work will then be documented in the required prompt book assignments.

Attendance Policy
Attendance is mandatory. Students are expected to attend class and to be on time. Participation is an integral part of the work being done in this class. If you are sick, you may call Jane’s office phone, the theatre department office @ (920) 424-7042 or email Jane. This must occur the day of the absence. If a student arrives after attendance has been taken, it is up to the student to inform the professor immediately following the class. For every three late arrivals to class a student’s total semester points will be deducted 15 points. Unexcused absences will result in a 25 point deduction from the total semester points. If there are questionable weather conditions, the professor will follow the recommendations as recorded on the UW Oshkosh weather line which is (920) 424-0000 and/or as announced on local television. There are no “make-ups” on performances.

Expectations
-Commitment: Listen, focus on the work at hand, be a supportive member of the class and disciplined in your work ethic.
-Attend class regularly and punctually!
-The student is expected to rehearse outside of class time although there will be class time available for scene partners to rehearse. Specific dates and assignment criteria will be given to you in class.
-Complete assignments on time.
-Participate in discussions.
-All electronic devices must be turned off. Cell phones, laptops, iPods, etc. If you need to be contacted in case of an emergency, then give the phone numbers of the theatre office and campus security and they can find you if it is indeed an emergency.
-No eating or gum chewing in class. They interfere with the actor’s instrument.
-If there are concerns about any aspect of the class, please make an appointment to meet with me to discuss them so they can be addressed.
-Treat others in the class, the professor and yourself with respect. Harassment of any form won’t be tolerated! Use good judgment and appropriate behavior in class.
-Academic honesty and integrity is expected at all times. Plagiarism or other cheating will result in a zero on the assignment and appropriate official steps will be taken.

Course Requirements
The students will be required to attend the following three UW Oshkosh productions: Doubt, Student Directed One Acts and The Grapes of Wrath and write a production analysis of each one focusing on the directing most specifically. Students are also required to attend a Grapes of Wrath rehearsal and tech rehearsal. Students need to fulfill the assignments as listed below and on the next page.

Assignments and Grading
Participation =100
(Participation in and commitment to daily exercises and explorations, discussions, using a disciplined work ethic and to being a supportive member of the class are the items that are covered under this category.)
Wordless Scene =100
A Raisin in the Sun prompt book =100
Ten Minute scene –final =100
Ten Minute scene prompt book =100
Production Critiques 50 pts each =150
Miscellaneous Assignment = 50

700 Total Points

Grading Scale:
A=700-650, AB=649-599, B=598-548, BC=547-497, C=496-446, CD=445-395,
D=394-344 and F=343 or less.

General Information:
-All papers must be typed using black ink and contain consistent spacing, fonts and margins. Papers will be graded for content as well as general writing skills. Two sided pages are acceptable as long as they are neat and easy to follow.
-Papers need to be turned in on time which is at the beginning of class. Late papers will have 25 points deducted from them per day.
-Dates that class won’t meet: March 5^th - professor is presenting at a conference and March 24^th and 26^th - Spring Break.

Course Goals
Knowledge: To enhance understanding of the nature and function of dramatic form, to develop the ability to analyze and communicate effectively as a director. To communicate a dramatic text to an audience.

Skills: To effectively research and produce a production. To gain a basic understanding of blocking and style. To develop the student’s awareness of being a comprehensive and collaborative artist.

Artistry: To develop effective skills as a communicator to production staff and actors and to communicate his/her own ideas of text and the playwright’s intent.

Liberal Arts Statement
Theatre is a collaborative creative process requiring a broad knowledge of the human condition to be successful. The importance of theatre in society is well documented, and understanding the role it plays in society contributes to the development of a well rounded citizen. Theatre holds a mirror to society and communicates to us what it means or can mean to be human in this diverse world. Theatre, as with all areas of the Liberal Arts, is most effectively employed when it is built on a broad base of knowledge. A quote by Michel Saint-Denis defines theatre as follows, “The purpose of theatre is to illuminate the human spirit.” Students who have successfully completed this class will appreciate theater as a unique discipline – as a pure art form that is performance based. Once students are able to appreciate theater’s uniqueness they should then be able to apply theatre skills to other situations as a communication or learning tool. Theatre does truly illuminate the human spirit through its use of imagination, concentration and discipline as well as through its collaborative creative processes and reflections of humans’ daily interactions in both professional and personal settings.

(Several components of this syllabus and class were developed by Merlaine Angwall.)

The professor reserves the right to modify the syllabus to accommodate the needs of students in the class. If any such modification is needed, it will be announced to the class.