Drama 280/281 Studio Theatre Production: 7 Minutes to Midnight Fall 2008

Instructor/Director: Dennis Schebetta

347-661-0012 Office: E224 Office Hours: By appointment

Rehearsal Mon-Th 7 – 10 pm and Sat 1-5 and as scheduled

Performances: Nov. 14^th, 15^th, 21^st , 22^nd, @ 8:00 pm, Nov.20^th @ 7:00 pm, 2008

Text: Script of 7 Minutes to Midnight, conceived by Dennis Schebetta using found text, research documents and prepared scenes, which will be developed in collaboration with the ensemble.

You must come to all rehearsals called and be prepared and ready to work in a collaborative and open spirit. You must work in a respectful and focused manner.

CLASS ETHICS:

-This class requires that each and every student take emotional, intellectual, and some physical risks. Therefore it is imperative that a high level of respect and support be maintained both in and out of class.

-As so much of this class and therefore your grade, is dependent upon your work with your fellow actors, and director, it is crucial that you stay on task and on time with regards to memorization, rehearsal and in class performances.

GRADING:

As this class is completely based upon your participation, attendance is critical. Missing rehearsals will cause your grade to be lowered. You must be off book when scheduled, have your written prep work done and work both within and outside of rehearsals.

Learning Outcomes and Outline for Drama 280 and 281

Drama 280/ Drama 281

Studio Theatre/ Advanced Studio Theatre

5 credits/2-5 credits

All students in the class are cast in the Studio Theatre Production. Students will analyze, prep, rehearse and perform a play. This class provides practical experience in rehearsing and performing a play or musical.

Learning Outcomes: (At the end of this course, students will be able to…)

-Identify a process of analyzing a specific play or musical.

-Know a variety of warm up and rehearsal exercises.

-Create a character and execute a successful rehearsal process.

-Perform a role a number of times before an audience.

-Identify the connection between spoken text and nonverbal actions within the finished production of an ensemble-based play.

-Work positively with a director, designers and other actors to responsibly and collaboratively create a unified production.

Course Content Outline:

Warmups (vocal & physical), ensemble-building exercises and theatre games

Rehearsal techniques

Performance standards and practice

Theatre Production methods and execution, methodologies including:

- Reading play to be produced

- Researching background of play and character

- Memorizing lines, staging (music and choreography if a musical)

- Analyzing play for theatrical objectives, beats, character arc

- Readying for performance

- Performance