Theatre Production Practices Syllabus

Modern Theatre Production Practices

2012 (2º semestre/Spring semester)

2012 (2º semestre/Spring semester)

(6ªs feiras/Friday, 17h00-20h00; sábados/Saturday, tardes hora a combinar/afternoon to be confirmed )

Thomas Hines, Professor of Theatre, Whitman College, USA

e-mail: hinest@whitman.edu

Sumário/ Course Programme

Modern Theatre Production Practices: How does a production of a play come into being? How does a script compare to a performance? Who are the people who create theatre and what are their processes? How does artistic collaboration impact a production? How has the architecture and machinery of theatre evolved to serve modern production expectations and what is the impact of commercial risk on artistic choices? This course will examine the process of producing theatre in the 21st century. The ideal class would use the classroom, site visits to working theatre spaces, and conversations with working professionals to advance the discussion.

1. Theatre Production Colloquium: Presentations by visiting theatre professionals on practice of producing theatre.

Colloquium Presenters:
Design, Architecture and Production: Professor Thomas Hines
The Director: Professor Nancy Simon
Design, Painting, Stage Management: Professor Nadine Charlsen
The Actor's Process: Anna Bullard
The Playwright: Daniel Heath
Producer and Production Management: Lee Potter
Presenter Bios

2. The Collaborative Production Project: Required class project with an oral presentation and written paper.

Members of the class will form collaborative production teams (director, scenographers, dramaturge) and will develop a presentation for a hypothetical production.
Collaborative Production Project Description

3. Theatre Site Visits: Guided tours of various theatre spaces in Lisboa.

Visits to theatre spaces in Lisboa:
Culturgest (English) - 25 Fevereiro (13:45h-15h)
Teatro Nacional D. Maria II - (English) - Fevereiro 28 (11h - 12h)
Chapito - (English) -

4. Theatre Performance Attendence Attend theatre performances when possible. We will discuss in class.

...................WEEK 1
Fevereiro 17 - sexta feira (17h - 20h):
Introduction to the Course:
Methodology and Assessment Rules.

Resources For: Introduction to Theatre and Theatre Production

- Introduction to Theatre and Production
- Production Components
- Theatre: A Collaborative Art
- The Collaborative Production Project

Lecture Slides: The Production Process
Lecture Slides: Introduction to the "Collaborative Production Project"
"The Collaborative Production Project"

The Experience of Theatre by Debra Bruch:
How Theatre Happens by Debra Bruch (Job Descriptions):

Supplemental Reading: Brockett, Oscar. The Essential Theatre. New York : Holt, Rinehart, and Winston. (Chapter 1, The Nature of Theatre)

...................WEEK 2
Fevereiro 24 - sexta feira (17h - 20h):
Theatre Architecture: Spaces and Equipment Used in Theatre Production Resources For: Theatre Architecture: Spaces and Equipment

- An Historic Perspective
- Front of House Spaces
- Audience Viewing Spaces
- The Performance Space
- Technical Spaces and Equipment
- Shops and Rehearsal Spaces

Lecture Slides: Theatre Spaces
Lecture Slides: Ancient Theatre Buildings
Lecture Slides: Greek and Roman Theatres: A Comparison

16th Century London Theatres
17th Centuary Paris Theatres
Introduction to Greek and Roman Theatre Buildings
Ancient Theatre Archive
The Roval National Theatre Tour:
Liberal Arts College Theatre Tour:

Supplemental Reading: Gillette, J. Michael. Theatrical Design and Production. Boston, Mass. : McGraw-Hill, 2005. (Chapters 1 and 2, The Stage and Its Equipment)

Supplemental Reading: The Essential Theatre. Chapter 10, Theatrical Space and Production Design.

25 Fevereiro (14h -15h) Theatre Site Visit: Culturgest (English) - 25 Fevereiro (14h -15h)

28 Fevereiro (11h - 12h) Theatre Site Visit: Teatro Nacional D. Maria II - (English) - 28 Fevereiro (11h - 12h)

...................WEEK 3
Marco 2 - sexta feira (17h - 20h):
Scenography and Management Resources For: Scenography and Management

Guest Presenter: Lee Potter
- Set Design
- Stage Management
- Production Management

Lecture Slides: Example of Set and Lighting Designs
Lecture Slides: Design Paperwork and Drafting
Production Manager Job Description
Stage Manager Job Description

The Set Designers Process (Interview with Douglas Rogers)

Theatre Job Descriptions
Scenographer / Designer?
Set (Scenery) Designer Job Description
Production Deigns at Whitman
Examples of Set and Lighting Designs

Supplemental Reading: The Theatre Experience. Chapter 13, 14, 15, Scenery, Costumes, Lighting and Sound.

Supplemental Reading: The Essential Theatre. Chapter 14, 15, 16, Scenic Design; Costume Design; Lighting and Sound.

...................WEEK 4
Marco 9 - sexta feira (17h - 20h):
Design: Lights, Costumes, Sound
Resources For: Design: Lighting, Costumes, and Sound

- Lighting Design
- Costume Design
- Sound Design
- Technical Direction

Costume Designer Job Description
Sound Designer Job Description
The Lighting Designer's Process
Lighting Designer Job Description
Technical Director Job Description

The Costume Designer's Process

Costume Archives at Williams College

Supplemental Reading: The Theatre Experience. Chapter 13, 14, 15, Scenery, Costumes, Lighting and Sound.

Supplemental Reading: The Essential Theatre. Chapter 14, 15, 16, Scenic Design; Costume Design; Lighting and Sound.

...................WEEK 5
Marco 16 - sexta feira (17h - 20h):
Stage Director and Dramaturg: responsibilies, preparation, process, and product Resources For: Stage Director and Dramaturg

Guest Presenter: Professor Nancy Simon
Guest Presenter: Vera San Payo de Lemos Director Job Description
Dramaturg Job Description

Directing Theatre by Debra Bruch
Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism Program at Yale School of Drama

Supplemental Reading: The Theatre Experience. Chapter 6 and 7: The Actor and the Director.Supplemental Reading: The Essential Theatre. Chapter 12 and 13: Directing and Acting.

...................WEEK 6
Marco 23 - sexta feira (17h - 20h):
Training and Working as a Theatre Designer Resources For: Training and Working as a Theatre Designer

Guest Presenter: Professor Nadine Charlsen

...................WEEK 7
Marco 30 - sexta feira (17h - 20h):
Training and Working as an Actor
Training and Working as a Playwright Resources For: Training and Working as an Actor and Playwright

Guest Presenter: Anna Bullard
Guest Presenter: Daniel Heath Actor Job Description
Playwright Job Description

"Stage Acting: It's Nice Work if you Can Afford It." New York Times article: <http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/15/theater/newsandfeatures/15ishe.html>

...................WEEK 8
Abril 13 - sexta feira (17h - 20h):
The Production Schedule: Construction, Rehearsals, and Performance Resources For: Production Schedule

...................WEEK 9
Abril 20 - sexta feira (17h - 20h):
Artistic Direction: The Business of Theatre Resources For: Artistic Direction

- Vision
- Season and Audience Development
- Fund Raising, Promotion
- Working With Artists, Staff, and Public

...................WEEK 10
Abril 27 - sexta feira (17h - 20h):
Project Presentations Each student group will present their "Collaborative Production Project" and turn in their individual project paper. One (1) hour will be reserved for each group presentation.

Abril 28 - (10h - 12h))
Project Presentations

Modern Theatre Production Practices 2012 (2º semestre/Spring semester)	2012 (2º semestre/Spring semester) (6ªs feiras/Friday, 17h00-20h00; sábados/Saturday, tardes hora a combinar/afternoon to be confirmed )
Thomas Hines, Professor of Theatre, Whitman College, USA	e-mail: hinest@whitman.edu

Sumário/ Course Programme Modern Theatre Production Practices: How does a production of a play come into being? How does a script compare to a performance? Who are the people who create theatre and what are their processes? How does artistic collaboration impact a production? How has the architecture and machinery of theatre evolved to serve modern production expectations and what is the impact of commercial risk on artistic choices? This course will examine the process of producing theatre in the 21st century. The ideal class would use the classroom, site visits to working theatre spaces, and conversations with working professionals to advance the discussion.
1. Theatre Production Colloquium: Presentations by visiting theatre professionals on practice of producing theatre.	Colloquium Presenters: Design, Architecture and Production: Professor Thomas Hines The Director: Professor Nancy Simon Design, Painting, Stage Management: Professor Nadine Charlsen The Actor's Process: Anna Bullard The Playwright: Daniel Heath Producer and Production Management: Lee Potter Presenter Bios
2. The Collaborative Production Project: Required class project with an oral presentation and written paper.	Members of the class will form collaborative production teams (director, scenographers, dramaturge) and will develop a presentation for a hypothetical production. Collaborative Production Project Description
3. Theatre Site Visits: Guided tours of various theatre spaces in Lisboa.	Visits to theatre spaces in Lisboa: Culturgest (English) - 25 Fevereiro (13:45h-15h) Teatro Nacional D. Maria II - (English) - Fevereiro 28 (11h - 12h) Chapito - (English) -
4. Theatre Performance Attendence	Attend theatre performances when possible. We will discuss in class.

...................WEEK 1 Fevereiro 17 - sexta feira (17h - 20h): Introduction to the Course: Methodology and Assessment Rules.	Resources For: Introduction to Theatre and Theatre Production
- Introduction to Theatre and Production - Production Components - Theatre: A Collaborative Art - The Collaborative Production Project	Lecture Slides: The Production Process Lecture Slides: Introduction to the "Collaborative Production Project" "The Collaborative Production Project" The Experience of Theatre by Debra Bruch: How Theatre Happens by Debra Bruch (Job Descriptions): Supplemental Reading: Brockett, Oscar. The Essential Theatre. New York : Holt, Rinehart, and Winston. (Chapter 1, The Nature of Theatre)

...................WEEK 2 Fevereiro 24 - sexta feira (17h - 20h): Theatre Architecture: Spaces and Equipment Used in Theatre Production	Resources For: Theatre Architecture: Spaces and Equipment
- An Historic Perspective - Front of House Spaces - Audience Viewing Spaces - The Performance Space - Technical Spaces and Equipment - Shops and Rehearsal Spaces	Lecture Slides: Theatre Spaces Lecture Slides: Ancient Theatre Buildings Lecture Slides: Greek and Roman Theatres: A Comparison 16th Century London Theatres 17th Centuary Paris Theatres Introduction to Greek and Roman Theatre Buildings Ancient Theatre Archive The Roval National Theatre Tour: Liberal Arts College Theatre Tour: Supplemental Reading: Gillette, J. Michael. Theatrical Design and Production. Boston, Mass. : McGraw-Hill, 2005. (Chapters 1 and 2, The Stage and Its Equipment) Supplemental Reading: The Essential Theatre. Chapter 10, Theatrical Space and Production Design.

25 Fevereiro (14h -15h)	Theatre Site Visit: Culturgest (English) - 25 Fevereiro (14h -15h)

28 Fevereiro (11h - 12h)	Theatre Site Visit: Teatro Nacional D. Maria II - (English) - 28 Fevereiro (11h - 12h)

...................WEEK 3 Marco 2 - sexta feira (17h - 20h): Scenography and Management	Resources For: Scenography and Management
Guest Presenter: Lee Potter - Set Design - Stage Management - Production Management	Lecture Slides: Example of Set and Lighting Designs Lecture Slides: Design Paperwork and Drafting Production Manager Job Description Stage Manager Job Description The Set Designers Process (Interview with Douglas Rogers) Theatre Job Descriptions Scenographer / Designer? Set (Scenery) Designer Job Description Production Deigns at Whitman Examples of Set and Lighting Designs
	Supplemental Reading: The Theatre Experience. Chapter 13, 14, 15, Scenery, Costumes, Lighting and Sound. Supplemental Reading: The Essential Theatre. Chapter 14, 15, 16, Scenic Design; Costume Design; Lighting and Sound.

...................WEEK 4 Marco 9 - sexta feira (17h - 20h): Design: Lights, Costumes, Sound	Resources For: Design: Lighting, Costumes, and Sound
- Lighting Design - Costume Design - Sound Design - Technical Direction	Costume Designer Job Description Sound Designer Job Description The Lighting Designer's Process Lighting Designer Job Description Technical Director Job Description The Costume Designer's Process Costume Archives at Williams College
	Supplemental Reading: The Theatre Experience. Chapter 13, 14, 15, Scenery, Costumes, Lighting and Sound. Supplemental Reading: The Essential Theatre. Chapter 14, 15, 16, Scenic Design; Costume Design; Lighting and Sound.


...................WEEK 5 Marco 16 - sexta feira (17h - 20h): Stage Director and Dramaturg: responsibilies, preparation, process, and product	Resources For: Stage Director and Dramaturg
Guest Presenter: Professor Nancy Simon Guest Presenter: Vera San Payo de Lemos	Director Job Description Dramaturg Job Description
	Directing Theatre by Debra Bruch Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism Program at Yale School of Drama Supplemental Reading: The Theatre Experience. Chapter 6 and 7: The Actor and the Director.Supplemental Reading: The Essential Theatre. Chapter 12 and 13: Directing and Acting.

...................WEEK 6 Marco 23 - sexta feira (17h - 20h): Training and Working as a Theatre Designer	Resources For: Training and Working as a Theatre Designer
Guest Presenter: Professor Nadine Charlsen


...................WEEK 7 Marco 30 - sexta feira (17h - 20h): Training and Working as an Actor Training and Working as a Playwright	Resources For: Training and Working as an Actor and Playwright
Guest Presenter: Anna Bullard Guest Presenter: Daniel Heath	Actor Job Description Playwright Job Description
	"Stage Acting: It's Nice Work if you Can Afford It." New York Times article: <http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/15/theater/newsandfeatures/15ishe.html>

...................WEEK 8 Abril 13 - sexta feira (17h - 20h): The Production Schedule: Construction, Rehearsals, and Performance	Resources For: Production Schedule


...................WEEK 9 Abril 20 - sexta feira (17h - 20h): Artistic Direction: The Business of Theatre	Resources For: Artistic Direction
- Vision - Season and Audience Development - Fund Raising, Promotion - Working With Artists, Staff, and Public


...................WEEK 10 Abril 27 - sexta feira (17h - 20h): Project Presentations	Each student group will present their "Collaborative Production Project" and turn in their individual project paper. One (1) hour will be reserved for each group presentation.


Abril 28 - (10h - 12h)) Project Presentations