The Course Presentation Is A More Formal Research Project On

The course presentation is a more formal research project on a specific theatre topic studied or prominent in the field

The course presentation is a more formal research project on a specific theatre topic studied or prominent in the field. The presentation should be on one of the theatrical topics listed below or an approved topic of your own choice. Possible topics include Early Theatre and the Greek City Dionysia Festival, Japanese Kabuki Theatre, Christopher Marlowe, Lord Chamberlain's Men and London’s Historic Drury Lane Theatre, Tennessee Williams and Society's Outcasts, American Musicals by Stephen Sondheim, Theatre in Prisons, The Tony Awards, and Stage Musicals on Film.

Areas to cover in the presentation include a general history of the period, event, playwright, etc., staging and production conventions if applicable, plays and related productions, and audience responses or involvement. Unlike other assignments, this presentation is not limited to a standard written essay; originality and creativity are encouraged through the use of graphics, charts, images/videos, multimedia programs like PowerPoint or Prezi, and audio-visual elements.

The length should be around 8-10 pages if created in Word, or 14-16 panels if in PowerPoint or Prezi. The presentation can be submitted anytime during the semester but must be completed by the last week of classes (Sunday, May 1). Early submissions are welcome. Grading will follow the Research Project/Presentation Rubric provided.

Paper For Above instruction

The course presentation constitutes a formal research project focusing on a specific theatre topic that has been studied or holds prominence within the field of theatre studies. This assignment emphasizes research, historical context, production practices, and audience engagement, aiming to deepen understanding of theatrical movements, figures, or phenomena. Students have the latitude to select from a provided list of topics or propose an original subject, pending instructor approval.

Potential topics encompass a broad spectrum of theatrical history and practice. For instance, students may explore the origins and significance of the Greek City Dionysia Festival, a central event in ancient Greek theatre that celebrated the god Dionysus and showcased theatrical performances that influenced Western drama. Similarly, the rich tradition of Japanese Kabuki Theatre presents an aesthetic and cultural domain ripe for investigation, with its distinctive staging, makeup, and storytelling conventions. The figure of Christopher Marlowe offers insights into Elizabethan drama, rivaling Shakespeare during the English Renaissance and illuminating theatrical innovation of the period.

Another focus might be on London's historic theaters such as the Drury Lane Theatre, reflecting the evolution of stage practices and theatrical commerce from the Restoration to modern times. The impact of Tennessee Williams as a playwright who challenged societal norms through the portrayal of outcasts and marginalized groups exemplifies the relationship between theatre and societal issues. In the realm of musical theatre, the works of Stephen Sondheim serve as exemplars of lyrical sophistication and innovative staging, illustrating the genre's development.

Additionally, the presentation could examine modern phenomena such as theatre in prisons, exploring how theatrical practices serve rehabilitation and outreach. The Tony Awards symbolize recognition and celebration within the theatrical community, while stage musicals adapted into films demonstrate the crossover between live theatre and cinematic storytelling. Audience participation and response are integral aspects explored in various topics, revealing how theatre interacts with and influences its spectators.

Creativity is highly encouraged for this project. Students may incorporate visual aids such as images, videos, charts, and graphics, or employ multimedia tools like PowerPoint or Prezi to enhance their presentation. The project length should be approximately 8-10 pages for written formats or 14-16 panels for visual presentations. Submissions are accepted anytime during the semester but are due by the final week (Sunday, May 1), with early submissions highly encouraged. The grading will be based on the criteria outlined in the Research Project/Presentation Rubric.

References

• Brockett, O. G., & Ball, M. (2010). Moving Pictures: American Theatre and Film. Wadsworth Publishing.
• Bratton, J. (2016). Theatre & Society: An Introduction. Routledge.
• Harper, G. (2011). The Cambridge Introduction to Theatre Studies. Cambridge University Press.
• McConachie, B. (2013). Theatre Histories: An Introduction. Routledge.
• Neill, S. (2008). Theatre in History. Routledge.
• Seaton, T. (2003). The Death and Afterlife of the Greek Theatre. Routledge.
• Shattuck, R., & Shewin, M. (2010). Theater in Practice. Routledge.
• Willett, J. (2014). Theatre and Society: An Introduction. Routledge.
• Wilson, R. C. (2002). Understanding Theatre. Routledge.
• Willet, J. (1997). Theatre and Modernity: A Critical Introduction. Oxford University Press.