FUNDAMENTALS OF DIRECTING

COURSE # 97-367, SPRING 2012

INSTRUCTOR: Merlaine Angwall

OFFICE HOURS: Mon. – Thur.. – 1:00-1:50 or by appointment

PHONE: 424-7050, EMAIL: Angwall@uwosh.edu

TEXT: Fundamentals of Play Directing, 5^th ed., Alexander Dean and Lawrence Carra. Supplemental Text: Master Harold and the Boys, Athol Fugard

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1. 1. The student will learn basic directing techniques: rudimentary blocking, play analysis, given circumstances, dialogue, rhythms, beats or units of action, and theme/idea.
2. 2. The student will identify and understand dramatic action, its purpose and the playwright’s intent.
3. 3. Introduction to the principles behind the elements of form, and the student will gain a basic knowledge of working with designers, actors, and technicians.
4. 4. The student will be exposed to a variety of rehearsal techniques including warm-up exercises, improv., and acting exercises. Basic rehearsal scheduling, casting and communication issues will be introduced.
5. 5. The student will establish an effective working ensemble for rehearsal, performance, and develop a stimulating and creative working environment.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

In addition to the text, Fundamentals of Play Directing, you must purchase a copy of Master Harold and the Boys, by Athol Fugard. . Master Harold and the Boys will serve as a reference throughout the semester. You will create a prompt book for this play. The prompt book will contain all blocking and technical notes for the play. In addition, you will submit designs for floor plan, costumes, lights and sound in your prompt book. A separate list of prompt book requirements will be given to you in class. You will cast and direct a wordless scene with music and/or sound, details of specific requirements will be given to you in class.

Students are required to attend the UW Oshkosh productions of Almost, Maine, Student directed one-acts, and Tartuffe, and to write a 3-5 page critical analysis of the directing of two of the three productions. Due dates will be given to you in class. Analysis papers are to be word processed in black ink, double-spaced, and are graded for both content and clarity; including grammar usage, spelling and general writing skills. Late papers will have one letter grade deducted from the total grade for every day the paper is overdue.

The student is required to select, cast, and direct a final 10 minute play, and turn in a prompt book for that play. The student will participate in discussion of readings from the text and in-class exercises.

The student will read selected chapters from the book and take quizzes after the readings.

Quizzes on assigned readings from the text: 30 pts. each for 150 total pts.

Wordless Scene: 50 pts.

Prompt Book for Master Harold and the Boys: 100 pts.

2 Critical Analysis: 50 pts. Each: 100pts.

Final 10 minute scene: 100 pts.

Prompt Book for 10-minute scene: 100 pts.

Discussion and participation: 100 pts.

The total points for the class equal 700 and the grading scale is based on a “percentage of points” system, which translates to letter grades as follows:

DUE DATES FOR ASSIGNMENTS:

(SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

-Discussion of Master Harold and the Boys: Feb. 28

-Chapter quizzes: Chapters 2&3: March 1; 4&5: March 15; 6: March 27; 7&8: April 10; 9: April 24

-Wordless Scene Performance: Feb. 21 and 23

-Master Harold and the Boys, Prompt Book: March 13

-Final 10 minute scene and prompt book: May 8 and 10

-Prompt book for final scene is due the day of performance

-All critical analysis are due the Tuesday after the play closes

Due dates may be modified to fit the needs of the class.

THERE ARE NO MAKE-UPS ON PERFORMANCES

ATTENDANCE:

Attendance is mandatory. Students are expected to attend class and to be on time. There are no “make-ups” on performance assignments. Everyone is allowed 3 absences for whatever reason; sickness, emergency, etc. For every unexcused absence beyond the 3 allowed absences, the end of semester grade will be lowered one grade level. If you are sick, call or email Merlaine BEFORE class begins. Each unexcused absence will result in a 25 point deduction from the total semester points. For every late arrival 25 points will be deducted 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, (920-424-0000), and /or as announced on local television and

radio stations.

If a student is late to class on a regular basis, points will be subtracted from the total semster points earned at the discretion of the professor. Arriving a half-hour late to class is considered an absence.

EXPECTATIONS AND GENERAL INFORMATION:

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.

Papers will be graded on successful completion of criteria, grammar usage, spelling and standard writing skills. All papers must be word processed using black ink, double-spaced, with a 10 or 12 point font. Back to back pages are acceptable. Papers need to be turned in on time which is at the beginning of class on the due date. Late papers will have 25 points deducted from the total points earned for every day the paper is late.

Treat everyone with respect. Harassment of any form won’t be tolerated, racial or sexual. Use good judgment and appropriate behavior in class and in rehearsal.

All electronic devices must be turned off. If you need to be contacted in case of an emergency, then give the phone numbers of the theatre office (424-7042) and /or campus security to the appropriate people and they will contact you.

Students are expected to rehearse outside of class time although there will some time available for rehearsal during class periods.

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 teaches us what it means to be human.

(The professor reserves the right to modify the syllabus to accommodate the needs of the class. If any such modifications are needed, they will be announced in class. This syllabus was developed by Merlaine Angwall).