THEA 105Introduction to Theatre

3 credits · Theatre · Penn State

Introduction to Theatre is a general education course intended to introduce the performing arts in all their global complexity. The course will contain elements of world theatre history; however, the focus of the course will be on the functions and practices of the art. Beginning with the shared basics of any theatrical event, the course will explore both the exotic and the familiar. Guest performers will demonstrate the conventions of South Asia and Africa. A company of actors and directors will perform scenes from many of the plays read by students and from styles, genres, or playwrights highlighted in the textbook readings. Other lessons will provide links to videos from The National Theatre of England. The last unit of the class will focus on contemporary American practice to explore how Asian, European, and African influences have culminated in American theatre practice today.