Invitation to Theatre
THEA 1100 R21
Tuesday-Thursday
1:00pm-4:00pm
Instructor: Peter Gil-Sheridan
Telephone: 732-762-7809
boxofnames@gmail.com
Course Description:
This course will examine the relevance of theatre in the modern age by exploring
contemporary dramatic texts and analyzing theatre in live performance. We will look
closely at the role of the theatre practitioner, in their many roles, and even create theatre
ourselves. Ultimately, it is the goal of this course to consider the value of theatre as a tool
for social progress, artistic expression, and greater communication.
Required Texts:
Far Away, Caryl Churchhill (1559361999)
Neighborhood 3, Jennifer Haley (0573663238) (I will provide this text.)
Topdog/Underdog, Suzan-Lori Parks (082219832)
All My Sons, Arthur Miller, (0141185465)
Nine Parts of Desire, Heather Raffo (0810123452) (I will provide this text.)
In the Wake, Lisa Kron (1559363886) (I will provide this text.)
Required Videos
The Shipment, Young Jean Lee
http://www.ontheboards.tv/performance/theater/the-shipment
This will cost you $5 to see online at the above website. Please see before the class we
discuss this play.
Required Performances:
Students in this course are required to attend both assigned performances outside the
regularly scheduled class periods. The shows are in Manhattan. If you miss a show, you
will not be able to complete the corresponding quiz or answer questions about the
performance on exams. Ultimately, you are responsible for the arrangement and purchase
of tickets to each show. “It was sold out” does not excuse you from the related coursework.
There are plenty of seats and plenty of performances of each show. You may not see a
different play in place of the assigned plays.
You should not leave a play early to catch an early RamVan. Leaving in the middle of a
show is quite disruptive to other audience members and the actors on stage. You should
see each show through to the end. It is also unacceptable to use cellphones/smartphones
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during live performances. It is similarly disruptive to other audience members and
performers.
Participation/Partner Work:
Participation is a crucial element of this class. You will be expected to contribute to the
conversation every class session. Additionally, you will be working on several partner
projects that will require theatrical performance and presentation. Here, I am mainly
looking for effort and commitment. It is a requirement that every member of the class is
respectful of the opinions and performances of their classmates.
Grading
Presentations: 25%
Final: 50%
Participation: 25%
Attendance and Lateness
I will take attendance every class period. Students are expected to attend every class.
Failure to meet these expectations will impact negatively on your final grade. I only excuse
absences if you have a doctor’s note. If you’re out because of a death in the family, please
bring a program from the service or a mass card.
Perfect attendance, demonstrating full engagement in the work, and meeting all
assignment deadlines does not equal an ‘A’ because those are normal expectations.
If you are late and/or leave early twice, it will count as an absence. Remember that if you
miss class, regardless of the reason, you will still be responsible for the work you missed as
well as the work that is due the following class. It is up to you to reach out to a
responsible classmate to find out what you missed.
Please do not ask me if it’s okay to leave early. You also don’t need to e-mail me if you’re
going to be absent.
Office Hours
Meet me right after class if you need to talk. If it’s a long discussion, let me know in
advance so I’m not scheduled to run off elsewhere.
Laptops/Tablets/Cellphones
I ask that you NOT use cellphones, tablets, or laptops in class. If you text in my class, I will
ask you to leave and you will be marked absent. Texting or looking at your phone during
class is a giant pet peeve of mine.
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