THEA 101
The Art of Playing: An Introduction to Theatre and Performance Fall 2019
Division I
Cross-listed THEA 101 / COMP 151
This is not the current course catalog

An introduction to the global art and practice of making theatre. Students will learn basic principles of different approaches to the actor¿s labor, alongside the history, aesthetics, and literature associated with select performance forms from around the world. Emphasis will be on the analysis of embodied practices and the relationship between the stage and everyday life. Through readings, audiovisual materials, discussions, attendance at live performances, and workshops with guest artists and faculty, we will engage with theatre as a constantly evolving art form, sharpening our analytical skills through theoretical approaches from the fields of theatre and performance studies. As a capstone project, students will stage and perform selected scenes before an audience, using practical and interpretive skills gained from the course. This course is open to all students, is a gateway to the major in Theatre, and is a prerequisite for THEA 201, THEA 204, THEA 301, and THEA 401. Class will meet on Fridays when time is needed for studio exercises, rehearsals, mentoring student projects, or guest artist workshops.