Theatre 101
This course completed my Aesthetic Expression Pillar requirement, where we focused on past and present day theatrical subjects. We discussed anything from theatre in Shakespearean times, modern day Broadway productions, and the process of writing, directing, and otherwise producing theatre productions in various settings.
This course was incredibly enjoyable. I think that I found the course so entertaining due to its hands on, interactive, and discussion based nature. We were encouraged on a daily basis to work with others to analyze theatrical pieces and discuss our thoughts on many unique selections. We also engaged in many activities that put a new meaning on seemingly simple interactions between people that make theatre so incredible for audiences of all types. For example, we each participated in silent, slow moving, sword fights with pool noodles to demonstrate the importance of non-verbal communication between people interacting within the theatrical sphere. This course has made me appreciate theatre more than I ever thought that I could. I now truly understand everything that goes into the final production of theatrical shows and how every small detail can make a show so incredible.
The artifact that I’ve included below is an analysis that I completed on the children’s play titled Treasure Island. I wrote about the magically wonderful set of a ship that was designed by Lizzie Clachan. The ship was like that of a true living ship, it moved back and forth and deconstructed itself to show various parts of its interior. It was an incredible play with an even more incredible set design.