Course Description
This course unites writers, apprentice directors, actors and stage designers/technicians for the purpose of developing new play scripts for production. Students will work as ensembles, in their own disciplines, and in cross-discipline roles, to simulate the operation of a small theatre company. In addition to learning how to work on a new script, students will learn other skills that make productions possible, such as leadership, teamwork, stage management, grant writing, fund raising, and house management. Mentors in various specialties will augment the instruction delivered by the primary instructor.
Course Content
Script development
- The Cold Reading
- The Role of the Dramaturge
- Rewriting
- The Staged Reading
Directing
- Pre-production Text Analysis
- Casting Issues
- Rehearsal Tools and Techniques
Leadership
- Building a Collective Vision
- Building a Committed Team
Teamwork
- Understanding Roles
- Interpersonal communication
Acting
- The Actor’s Role in Creating New Characters
- Workshop Protocol.
- Advanced Practice in Working as an Ensemble
Designing a Production
- Approaching a new script.
- Visual storytelling
- Creative Process for Design Elements
Stage Management
- Organizational Skills
- Aspects of Production Management
The Business of Production
- Grant writing
- Fund raising through private sources
- Budgeting
- Advertising and Promotion
- Legal issues
Front of House
- Box office, ticket sales
- Concession
- Programs
Learning Activities
Lecture: 3 hours per week
Workshop/studio: 12 hours per week
Means of Assessment
| Weekly research assignments on topics such as dramaturgy, directing, design, budgeting and promotion |
40% |
| Class participation |
20% |
| Written assessments of scripts at the cold reading and staged reading phases |
10% |
| Final projects (including final written analysis of the various aspects of production |
30% |
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:
- be able to discuss new scripts in an informed and constructive manner;
- (the student writer will) recognize contributions from other members of the artistic team and be able to move scripts forward by rewriting;
- (the student designers will) be able to create an elementary design for a new play;
- be able to work together in multiple capacities as a collective with a common goal;
- understand the artistic, financial and administrative aspects of developing and producing a new play; and
- be able to mount a festival consisting of new plays.
Textbook Materials
- Scriptwork, A Director’s Approach to New Play Development, David Kahn and Donna Breed, Southern Illinois University Press
- Working on a New Play, Edward M. Cohen, Limelight Editions (Prentice Hall)
- Produce Your Play Without A Producer, Mark Hillenbrand, A Smith and Kraus Book
Lab fees of $100 for the Production Budget