Free online courseIntroduction to Theater and Drama Arts

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.