Theatre Studies Unit 1 & 2

Theatre Studies focuses on the interpretation of playscripts and the production of plays from the premodern era to the present day. Students apply stagecraft including acting, to study the nature, diversity and characteristics of theatre as an art form. Throughout the study students work with playscripts in both their written form and in performance. They learn about the times, places and cultures of key theatrical developments and develop awareness of the traditions and histories of theatre. This knowledge is applied through use of stagecraft to collaboratively interpret playscripts in performance. Through contribution to the production of plays and performance of a monologue, students also develop knowledge and understanding of theatrical styles. This knowledge and understanding is further developed by analysis and evaluation of their own productions and productions by professional theatre practitioners. Theatre Studies provides students with pathways to further studies in fields such as theatre production and theatre design, script writing and studies in theatre history.

Unit 1: Theatrical styles of the pre-modern era

This unit focuses on the application of acting and other stagecraft in relation to theatrical styles of the pre-modern era. Students work with playscripts from the pre-modern era of theatre, focusing on works prior to the 1880s in both their written form and in performance. They also study theatrical and performance analysis and apply these skills to the analysis of a play from the pre-modern era in performance. Periods from the pre-modern era of theatre include Ancient Greek theatre, Roman theatre, Liturgical drama such as morality/miracle/mystery plays, Italian theatre and the Commedia Dell’Arte, Elizabethan and Shakespearean theatre, Restoration comedies and dramas, Neo-classical theatre, Spanish and French theatre and non-Western theatre such as Beijing Opera, Noh theatre, Bunraku and Kabuki. The term ‘playscript’ refers to play/s and/or excerpts from play/s.

Stagecraft

In this unit stagecraft includes acting, costume, direction, dramaturgy, lighting, make-up, multimedia, properties, promotion (including publicity), set, sound and stage management. Students research and apply acting and other stagecraft to interpret playscripts.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to identify and describe the distinguishing features of playscripts from the pre-modern era.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to apply acting and other stagecraft to interpret playscripts from the pre-modern era.

Outcome 3

On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse a performance of a playscript from the pre-modern era in performance.

Unit 2: Theatrical styles of the modern era

This unit focuses on studying theatrical styles and stagecraft through working with playscripts in both their written form and in performance with an emphasis on the application of stagecraft. Students work with playscripts from the modern era focusing on works from the 1880s to the present. Students study theatrical analysis and production evaluation and apply these skills to the analysis of a play in performance from the modern era. Theatrical styles in the modern era include Naturalism/Realism, Expressionism, Theatre of the Absurd, Epic Theatre, physical theatre, political theatre, feminist theatre, and Eclectic theatre (contemporary theatre that crosses traditional boundaries). Modern theatre has been influenced by practitioners such as Ibsen, Strindberg, Stanislavsky, Chekhov, Brecht, Jarry, Pinter, Beckett, Anouilh, Grotowski, Artaud, Craig, Churchill, Hewitt, Kane, Cusack and Rayson.

Stagecraft

In this unit stagecraft includes acting, costume, direction, dramaturgy, lighting, make-up, multimedia, properties, promotion (including publicity), set, sound and stage management. Students apply stagecraft to interpret a playscript and consider the impact of stagecraft on audiences.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to identify and describe the distinguishing features of playscripts from the modern era of theatre.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to apply stagecraft to interpret playscripts from the modern era.

Outcome 3

On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse and evaluate stagecraft in a performance of a playscript from the modern era.