Free online courseIntroduction to Theater and Drama Arts

Duration of the online course: 27 hours and 8 minutes

New course

Unlock the world of theater with the free Introduction to Theater and Drama Arts course by Missouri State University. Explore lectures, interviews, and insights into theater disciplines.

Course Description

The "Introduction to Theater and Drama Arts" course provides an extensive and in-depth exploration into the vibrant world of theater and drama. With a duration of 27 hours and 8 minutes, this course is meticulously designed for students who are passionate about understanding the multifaceted aspects of theatrical arts. Though it hasn't garnered reviews yet, it promises rich content across various thematic areas within its subcategory: Theater and Filmmaking.

The journey begins with a comprehensive introduction to the foundational concepts of theater and drama arts. The first lecture sets the stage with an overview of what students can expect as they traverse through the course. Subsequently, the learning experience is enriched with insights from industry experts, such as Dr. Michael Mauldin, who shares his expertise through an engaging interview.

Understanding the audience's role is crucial in theater arts, and this is explored in Lecture 3, highlighting the dynamics between the performers and their spectators. The interplay between different mediums—such as theater, film, television, and public affairs—is discussed in Lecture 4, providing students with a holistic view of the performing arts landscape.

Lectures 5 through 7 delve into the captivating world of musical theater. From its development to the golden age, these sessions present a detailed narrative of how the American musical has evolved over the years. The students further gain practical insights through an interview with Michael Brill in Lecture 8.

Mid-course, attention shifts to the structural and creative elements of theatrical productions. Lectures 9 and 10 focus on the play's anatomy and structure, guiding students through the intricacies involved in crafting a compelling narrative. These concepts are supplemented with interviews from renowned writers such as Sandra Fenichel Asher, Paula Caplan, and Sherri Kramer, as they share their personal experiences and professional journeys.

Further, organizational and directorial perspectives are offered in lectures discussing theater organization and the role of the director. Conversations with various theater practitioners, including Dr. Michael Mauldin and Roy Hamlin, give students a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of a theater production. Insights from actors like Jack Laufer and Tess Harper enrich these sessions, adding depth and real-world context.

The latter part of the course focuses on the visual and spatial dimensions of theater. Students learn about the roles of visual designers, theater architecture, and performance spaces. Interactions with experts like Louis Schaeffer and lectures focused on the producer's role demystify the production processes that go into staging a theatrical performance.

Interspersed with various interviews with prominent figures such as Dr. Blackwood, Enoch Morris, and Beth Domann, the course provides diverse perspectives and firsthand knowledge from seasoned professionals. The final lecture ties together all the themes discussed, offering a comprehensive summary and closing thoughts.

Overall, the "Introduction to Theater and Drama Arts" course stands as a robust educational offering, tailored to cultivate a thorough understanding and appreciation of theater and drama, ideal for aspiring theater enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Conteúdo do Curso

  • Video class: Introduction to Theatre and Drama Arts: Lecture 1 - Introduction

    0h55m

  • Exercise: What is the central theme explored by drama as an art form, according to the Introduction to Theater and Drama Arts course?

  • Video class: Introduction to Theatre and Drama Arts: Lecture 2 - Interview with Dr. Michael Maudin

    0h56m

  • Video class: Introduction to Theatre and Drama Arts: Lecture 3 - The Audience

    0h58m

  • Exercise: What role does the audience play in the theatrical experience according to Bob Bradley from the Introduction to Theater and Drama Arts course?

  • Video class: Introduction to Theatre and Drama Arts: Lecture 4 - Theatre, Film, Television and Public Affairs

    0h48m

  • Video class: Introduction to Theatre and Drama Arts: Lecture 5 - Musical Theatre

    0h58m

  • Exercise: What is commonly considered the most popular form of theater today?

  • Video class: Introduction to Theatre and Drama Arts: Lecture 6 - Development of the American Musical

    0h58m

  • Video class: Introduction to Theatre and Drama Arts: Lecture 7 - Golden Age of the American Musical

    0h56m

  • Exercise: What is often referred to as the 'Golden Age' of American Musical Theatre?

  • Video class: Introduction to Theatre and Drama Arts: Lecture 8 - Interview with Michael Brill

    0h53m

  • Video class: Introduction to Theatre and Drama Arts: Lecture 9 - The Play

    0h57m

  • Exercise: According to Aristotle's Poetics, which element of drama is considered the most important and why?

  • Video class: Introduction to Theatre and Drama Arts: Lecture 10 - Structure of a Play

    1h00m

  • Video class: Introduction to Theatre and Drama Arts: Lecture 11 - Interview with Sandra Fenichel Asher

    0h54m

  • Exercise: What crucial aspects must be considered when adapting a literary work for the stage?

  • Video class: Introduction to Theatre and Drama Arts: Lecture 12 - Interview with Paula Caplan

    0h54m

  • Video class: Introduction to Theatre and Drama Arts: Lecture 13 - Interview with Sherri Kramer

    0h53m

  • Exercise: In the theatrical world, what is the significance of a play's title according to playwright Sherry Kramer?

  • Video class: Introduction to Theatre and Drama Arts: Lecture 14 - Interview with Dr. Tita Baumlin

    0h55m

  • Video class: Introduction to Theatre and Drama Arts: Lecture 15 - Theatre Organization

    0h58m

  • Exercise: Which of the following refers to a professional theater outside of New York that belongs to its local community?

  • Video class: Introduction to Theatre and Drama Arts: Lecture 16 - The Director

    0h59m

  • Video class: Introduction to Theatre and Drama Arts: Lecture 17 - Interview with Dr. Michael Mauldin

    0h56m

  • Exercise: In the context of theater production, which role typically involves both interpreting a script and guiding actors through the rehearsal process?

  • Video class: Introduction to Theatre and Drama Arts: Lecture 18 - Interview with Roy Hamlin

    0h53m

  • Video class: Introduction to Theatre and Drama Arts: Lecture 19 - Interview with Jack Laufer

    0h57m

  • Exercise: In the field of acting, what is meant by the term 'lighting double'?

  • Video class: Introduction to Theatre and Drama Arts: Lecture 20 - Interview with Tess Harper

    0h56m

Theater basics

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These free Theater Basics courses are available online, making it easy for you to learn at your own pace and from the comfort of your home. Whether you're a high school student, a college theater major, or someone with a passion for the performing arts, these courses offer valuable insights and practical skills to help you succeed in the world of theater.

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This free course includes:

27 hours and 8 minutes of online video course

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