Theater Lab – Level 1
Mr. Grouzes
As a student who has accepted the option to take Theater Lab Level 1, you are expected
to complete all assignments and fulfill all requirements of Theater Lab Level 2, PLUS
four independent study projects (one per marking period). These projects are due the
Thursday of the week before the end of each marking period.
You may choose from the list below, or propose your own idea for a project, which fits
into the mold of the below projects. If you choose to propose a project, the proposal must
be submitted to me, in writing. After submission, you will meet with me one-on-one to
discuss execution and grading.
You will be required to meet with me at least once throughout the semester for a “checkup.” This meeting will last anywhere from 5-10 minutes. In this meeting, you will tell me
“where you’ve been and where you’re going” with regard to your project. This is meant
to help. It is your responsibility to arrange a meeting with me. Please make sure that you
bring information to discuss.
Writing
Project 1: Choose a short story (5 pages or more), adapt it and rewrite it as a one act play
(dialogue form), complete with preface, stage directions, and ground plan. The adaptation
must be theatrically possible and effective in terms of set changes, place, and action.
Basically, make it “doable.”
Project 2: Write an original one-act play, complete with preface, stage directions, and
ground plan. Script must be theatrically possible and effective, and must be written
according to theatrical form (theme line, limited characters, plot proposition and climax,
appropriate title, etc.). 8-12 pages, with one page for theme line, plot proposition, climax,
protagonist/antagonist, and explanation of title.
Reading/Performance
Project 1: Read a Shakespeare play, analyze it (see me for details as to what exactly I
want for this), do a character analysis, and prepare a 3-4 minute monologue for
presentation to the class.
Read/Analyze
Project 1: Read 2 or 3 plays (scripts) by one playwright, plus at least 2 critical analyses.
Write a paper (4-6 pages) which explains the playwright’s individual style: common
themes, treatment of themes, character types, character development, use of literary
devices, plot development, etc. The last page of your paper should be your reaction to this
playwright’s style.
Research
Project 1: Choose a significant movement or genre in theater – performance or writing –
research it and write a 5-7 page paper on your findings. When possible, read or see a play
indigenous to the style. The last page of your paper should be your personal response to
this style.
Project 2: Research a noted director or actor (background and beginnings, training, parts
or projects completed, style, personal theories, etc.). IMDB.com is helpful, but will only
give you about 10 percent of what you need. See a performance directed by or performed
by the person. Write a 5-7 page paper to report your findings; conclude your paper with a
personal commentary as your last page.
Design
Project 1: Read a play, analyze it, and create a scaled ground plan and a color perspective
or model. Write a defense of your choices (area use, color, line, etc.).
Project 2: Read a play, analyze it, and create 5 costume designs (sketches or models), and
a ground plan with an explanation of the colors to be used in the set and costumes.
*Every project needs to have a bibliography. Sources will be scrutinized and factored into
your grade. Please make sure that your sources are reliable. No Wikipedia, please.
*If you are cast in an Emanon production, you can do a project, related to your
experience with the production. See me once you are cast. No extra credit will be offered
for auditioning/acting in an Emanon production.