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University of Saskatchewan Drama Department/ Drama 104.6 Introduction to Theatre
Raymon Montalbetti/ JMB 291 / 966- 5190 / rmontalbetti@hotmail.com / raymon.montalbetti@usask.ca

Course Description: The study, through direct experience, of theatre arts and crafts. The course is designed to encourage the individual’s creative impulse. Dramatic activities for teachers of all levels, are explored as students move towards an understanding of drama as education.

Material Fee: $20.00 & tickets to Greystone.

Course Outline

I. Preparing for Drama

The Individual
Begin to work in drama with everyone in the whole class, free from observation.
Learn about yourself as you participate.
Build on personal strengths.
Learn how you think and feel and, at the same time, develop your communication and awareness skills.

Discovery of resources
Concentration, the sense, imagination, physical self, speech, emotion, intellect.
Personal release and mastery of resources.
Sensitivity to others within discovery of environment.

The Group
Drama as a group process. Building trust & team work through cooperation and participation.
Partner exercises. Small and large group dynamics.

Acting Orientation
Creative experience
Aspects of spontaneity
Physicalization
Sensitivity and characterization
Refining awareness

II. Aspects of Drama

Relaxation & flexibility
Sound & movement
Games & activities
Prepared Improvisation
Role - play
Spontaneous Improvisation
Drama & language

III. Moving into Drama

What is drama? Objectives and the functions of drama.
Modes of dramatic activity.

IV. Finding the Drama

Drama without words: mime, dance drama, tableaux. Simulation games.
Problem solving drama.
Ritual into drama.
Building belief in drama.
Storytelling - enactment, elaboration, extension and
invention.
Social drama.
Masks.
The Script.

V. Drama in Practice

Function of the drama teacher
Planning and control, observation and involvement, selectivityand belief.
Drama in the curriculum
Drama as subject.
Drama as developer of CELs.
Context Drama.
Drama as inquiry.
Drama as Education.
Historical summary and theoretical framework
Peter Slade, Brian Way, Dorothy Heathcote, Richard Courtney, John Hodgson, Gavin Bolton
Questioning
Reflection
Analysis
Evaluation

VI. Class Presentations

Drama Projects
Revise, shape, rehearse your work so that you can communicate your ideas to others in the class. If necessary share your explorations with audiences.
Text & Drama
Play making: design, rhythm & tempo
Lessons - structures & methods
Elements of performance: staging, light, costume, make-up

Lab
Class members are expected to complete all lab assignments. Masks & puppets.

Evaluation
Participation (activities, exercises, readings, discussions, journal) 40

Major & minor projects (determined in consultation) 30

Final Exam 30