THS 1001 Theatre Production: Practice, Analysis and Criticism 1

STAFFING:

RATIONALE:

As an art form, theatre is a diverse, multi-faceted social activity. The play may be considered as process and product, be engaged in and analysed from the viewpoints of practitioner and audience.

SYNOPSIS:

This course introduces students to the personnel, principles, and processes of theatre production - specifically in the creation of the play. Students will engage in practical activities which include play-going, critical analysis, and taking part in a theatre production in some capacity. CONDITIONS APPLY. Students intending to enrol should be aware of the compulsory practical engagement required in this course: attendance at performances, and involvement in a range of assigned production duties/activities.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course students will have:

1. a basic understanding of the principles of contemporary theatrical production techniques (Assessment items 1-3 refer);
2. a satisfactory achievement in the application of these principles, in practical and written form (Assessment items 2 and 3 refer);
3. experience in the critical reception and/or practice of theatre production (Assessment item 1 refers).

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

NB: NEW ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: All Faculty of Arts written assignments must be lodged in the Faculty Assessment Area on the Ground Floor of Q Block no later than 12 noon on the due date.

2.

Students will be notified of the examination date when the timetable has been finalised.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the student's responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, assigned production duties, rehearsals and public productions) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval, then a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the assignment will apply for each of the first FIVE working days late, after which a zero mark will be given.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by: (i) satisfactorily completing the examination, submitting all assignments and (ii) obtaining at least 50% of the total weighted marks for all summative assessment items and (iii) satisfactorily completing all assigned production duties in public productions.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   The exam for this course is a CLOSED EXAMINATION, and candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any deferred or supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the next examination period.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Compulsory attendance at performances to be advised.
2. Two of the main attributes of a theatre practitioner are commitment and flexibility. To that end all students in the Theatre Department are expected from time to time to work in a voluntary capacity as the need arises. However, within TPPAC 1 formal provision is made for the assessment of practical work. Practical work in this case meaning the carrying out of assigned duties associated with the mounting of a production. Such duties may include front of house, backstage crew for the direct running of the show, crew involved in the preparation and installation of the show, acting, community liaison or any activity deemed by the Department necessary to the preparation and performance of a project. The assessment weighting given to the practical component is 20%. The minimum number of hours worked will be thirty. Consideration will be given to normal professional theatre protocols, puntuality, co-operation, adherence to safe working practices, appropriate dress and demeanour. It is expected that every student will complete 3 roles in addition to those assessed by their other courses. Broadly speaking Acting majors will be responsible for crew and front of house duties for the Shakespeare in the Park Festival. Acting students will also contribute to crew and front of house duties for the second major Arts theatre production. Theatre Studies and Bachelor of Drama/Bachelor of Education students will be responsible for duties associated with the children's theatre festival. Option students will be required to fulfil practical commitments as directed by TPPAC staff. Stage management students will be assessed on crew duties undertaken throughout the semester but fulfil at least two front of house duties.