Theatre Department

FUNDAMENTALS OF DIRECTING

Course Syllabus Theatre #97-367

Spring 2013

**Script Analysis and Acting Studio I or Fundamentals of Acting are prerequisites for this class**

Professor: Jane Purse-Wiedenhoeft Credits: 3

Email: pursewij@uwosh.edu Class Location: ACW122/Experimental Theatre

Office Location: ACW119 Time: Tues and Thurs @ 9:40am-11:10am

Office Hours: Monday, 12:15-1:15 and Wednesday 10:30am-1:00pm and by appointment

Required Texts and other materials:

-Required to read the syllabus and be familiar with course requirements/policies

-Clybourne Park play script, By:  Bruce Norris

(must be the same script version found in the campus bookstore)

-A Raisin in the Sun, By Lorraine Hansberry-required to read-can use various versions

-Reading assignments will be distributed from a variety of texts.

-Several 2-3 three ring binders will be needed for handouts and for prompt scripts.

-Attendance at three plays @ $4 each = $12 (if order online = additional fee added.)

Course Objectives

You will learn basic directing techniques:  rudimentary blocking, play analysis through given circumstances, dialogue, rhythms, beats or units of action and theme or idea.  You will develop an understanding of the playwright’s intent.  You will be introduced to the elements of form and to the collaboration required when working with designers, actors, and technicians.  A variety of rehearsal techniques, basics of rehearsal scheduling, casting and communication issues will be introduced.  You will learn to recognize these skills when observing live theatrical productions.  For the final directing project, you will establish an effective working ensemble and develop a stimulating, supportive and creative working environment for your actors.  The planning and execution of this work will be appropriately documented in the required prompt book assignment.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is required.  You are expected to attend class and to be on time.  Participation is an integral part of the work being done in this class.  Two absences are allowed for the entire semester.  Use them well.  If you are unable to attend class, you need to email me.  If you arrive after attendance has been taken, it is up to you at the end of class to make sure that I have you marked present. 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 per each absence after the two allowed absences.  If there are questionable weather conditions, I 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” FOR MISSED PERFORMANCES.  A DIRECTOR HAS TO RELY ON HER/HIS ACTORS.

Expectations:

-You will be responsible for finding actors for your directing projects and will be expected to rehearse outside of class.

-As a director, it is your responsibility to be sure that your actors are prepared and available for the due date of a performance project.

-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!

-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 in class.

-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 or bullying 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

You are required to attend the following three UW Oshkosh productions: American Dream/Zoo Story, Student Directed One Acts and Madwoman of Chaillot and write a production analysis of each one focusing on the directing most specifically.  Students need to fulfill the assignments as listed below and on the next page.

Assignments and Grading:

If you are unprepared for class, 10 points will be subtracted from your point total for a given day.  If you are late to class, 5 points will be deducted from your point total.  You must be in the classroom by 9:40am.

Wordless Scene-25 points process/25 points performance                =  50 points

Quiz on A Raisin in the Sun =  50 points

Ten Minute Play-Script Analysis                                                      =  50  points

Ten Minute Play Performance-50 pts. process/50 pts. perf.                        =100  points

Quiz on Clybourne Park =  50  points

Production Critiques 50 pts each                                                       =150  points

**Ten Minute scene Performance 50pts. process/50pts. perf          .           =100  points

**Ten Minute scene prompt book                                                     =150  points

700 Total Points

**If you don’t turn in a prompt book or if you don’t complete the final performance, you won’t pass the class.

Grading Scale:

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.  No electronic submissions unless approved ahead of time.

-Dates that class won’t meet:  March ??^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 an 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.

I reserve the right to modify the syllabus to accommodate needs of students as the class progresses. If any such modification is needed, it will be announced to the class.  (This syllabus was jointly developed with Merlaine Angwall, who also teaches this course.)