DRAM 338 - Contemporary Drama and Theater in the U.S.

1 unit(s)

The United States has a strong and vibrant history of regional theater production. Across the country theater companies are producing exciting work and reimagining classic plays for new audiences. This course will take a careful look at the regional theater scene in order to understand what plays and production methods have captured the imagination of the country. Together the class will read plays that have been popular at a number of regional theaters and the reviews of those productions. Students will also study individual regional theaters in depth by researching the plays produced over the last five years and the design concepts used in production. (Possible choices include but are not limited to Steppenwolf, The Arena Stage, The Studio Theater, The Goodman, The Guthrie, Milwaukee Repertory, Actors Theater of Louisville, Seattle Repertory, The Mark Taper Forum, La Jolla Playhouse, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Hartford Stage, the McCarter Theater, Manhattan Theater Club, Playwrights Horizons, American Repertory Theater.) Students will also examine audience demographics and ticket sales, the organizational structure of the theater and its staff, policies for guest artists, the theater’s mission statement, board of directors and financial operations, development practices, community and educational outreach methods, marketing strategy, facilities, resources, and history. Besides a comprehensive knowledge of contemporary theater in the United States, each student will also gain exhaustive knowledge of at least one regional theater. Ms. Walen.

Prerequisite: DRAM 221/DRAM 222.

Enrollment limited to Juniors and Seniors.

One 2-hour period