Professor:  Dr. W.A. Kelly Huff               e-mail:  huffwak@peachnet.campuscwix.net

Phone:  (912) 927-5325 (for Savannah classes) and (912) 767-0819/0812 (for Liberty Center classes)

Textbook:  Hatlen, Theodore W.  (1992).  Orientation to the Theater (5th Ed.).  Englewood Cliffs, NJ:
                   Prentice Hall.

Catalog Course Description:  “Theatre as an art form and a profession.  Including the various roles of the
    playwright, actor, designer, director, stage manager, and theatre manager; the collaborative nature of theatre;
    the relationship of theatre to other art forms.”

Course Objectives:  This course is designed to develop a practical understanding of, and an appreciation for,
    theatre.  Emphasis is placed upon the following:  analyzing major dramatic forms and structure; identifying the play
    production process; investigating the roles and places in the production process of theatre personnel; and,  setting
    up objective standards of criticism for the purpose of evaluating plays and play performance.  Readings, lectures,
    and theatre experiences are used to increase the student’s knowledge and appreciation of theatre.

Methods of Instruction:  Several types of activities are planned, including lecture, group discussion, possible
    guest lecture(s), and exposure to theatre (pertinent films, video, and audio tapes).

Attendance Policy:  You are allowed to be absent a total of hours equivalent to one week’s classes.  For a class
    that meets three times per week, three absences are allowed.  For a class that meets two times per week, two
    absences are allowed.  For a class that meets once per week, only one absence is allowed.  Therefore, three,
    two, or one absence(s) respectively will not be penalized unless a project or test is missed.  Each two tardies
    (includes being late to class and leaving class early) will count as one absence.  You will be assigned project and
    examination times in advance.  DO NOT miss an exam or project.  If you know in advance that you will be taking
    one of your allowable absences for an important reason, inform the professor right away in person and in writing
    and arrangements can be made.  For classes that meet once per week, two total absences and your grade will be
    reduced one letter grade; three absences equal a penalty of two letter grades; four absences and you fail automatically.
    For classes that meet twice per week, four total absences and your final grade will be reduced by one letter grade;
    Five total absences reduce the final grade by two letter grades; six total absences and you fail automatically.

    All phones, beepers, radios, etc. must be turned off before class begins and they will remain off throughout class.
    No headphones will be allowed during class.

Audio/Visual and other classroom presentations and activities (i.e. guest speakers and in-class activities):  There
    will be no opportunity for make-ups on these provided by the professor.  Video and/or audiotapes will be played in
    class only.

Grade Scale:  A = 90 to 100 points B = 80 to 89 C = 70 to 79 D = 60 to 69 F = 59 and Below

Grading:      Theatre Activities and Reports          70 percent
                    Quizzes/Tests/Examinations              30 percent
                    Attendance also affects grading

Activity Reports:  Activities and reports will be assigned in advance.  All reports are to be typed or word-processed
    and double-spaced or will receive an automatic grade of “zero.”  Refer to the guidelines that will be issued to you
    prior to the project.  You can only do a report if you participate in the activity.  If you miss the activity for any reason,
    you will receive an automatic “zero” for the assignment.  You may, however, meet with the instructor in person to
    discuss your absence.  It may possible to make up the assignment.  No Late Reports will be accepted!  Conditions for
    each report will be specified.  The report must be turned in at the beginning of the very next class meeting!  Not at the
    middle or end or afterward:  NO exceptions!  (See attached "Production Critique Outline.")

Exam Make-Ups:  Students who miss an assignment or classroom activity must present a bona fide reason as
    covered under the same policies that govern final exams; for example, serious illness,* or a University-sponsored
    event,** or a death in one’s immediate family.***  For any of these reasons, the student must present his/her case
    to the instructor in person and in written form.

    * Illness:  The student must contact the instructor prior to the class.  If you are unable to do so, have a
    friend or family member do so.  (Note:  Under most circumstances the make-up must be scheduled prior to the
    next class period or within the same week of the class.  Note:  you may not take a makeup without an official
    medical excuse, then verification still must be presented to validate.)

    ** University-sponsored event:  The student must submit a written request to the instructor no less than two weeks
    prior to the event and must complete arrangements to make up the exam in advance.  As stated above, athletes must
    present a written notice to the instructor during the first week of class.

    *** Family death:  Students must contact the instructor prior to the exam or discussion.  The university
    typically verifies that the student must miss class because of a family death.  At the very least, leave a message
    at (912) 927-5325 (Savannah) or (912) 767-0819/0812 (Liberty Center) and contact the instructor as soon
    as possible.

Special Notes:

You must fill out and sign the last page, and return it to the professor when you receive it, or you will be assigned a
zero for the final grade.

Students who for some reason cannot participate in an activity as scheduled must notify the instructor in writing no
less than two weeks prior to the activity or as soon as the activity is assigned -- whichever comes first.  The
student must get that reason approved in writing by the instructor.

Students who have a need for special accommodations due to any type of disability should schedule an appointment
with me within the first week of the class.

Academic dishonesty penalties and definition are followed as outlined in the Student Handbook.

Use this outline to write your critique.  The paper must be two to three pages in length (no more and no less) and typed or computer word-processed.  Artistic work is always specific -- never general; therefore, avoid generalities when you write.
 

                    I. Introduction

                        A. Theater/physical plant
                        B. Plot analysis

                            1. Exposition
                            2. Discovery
                            3. Point of attack
                            4. Foreshadowing
                            5. Conflict
                            6. Climax
                            7. Denouement

                    II. Technical Aspects

                        A. Set
                        B. Props
                        C. Costumes

                            1. Appropriateness
                            2. Historical accuracy

                        D. Music/sound effects
                        E. Lighting

                    III. Acting

                           A. Characterization
                           B. Progression of character

                    IV. Direction

                           A. Use of the stage
                           B. Casting
                           C. Interpretation

                    V. Personal reaction/Evaluation of the production