Theatre Workshop
- Arts
- 100 level
- 2 credit units
- 179 pages
- 16 units
This course is designed to acquaint students with the fundamental principles and multi-faceted issues in play production. It is a one-semester two credit course suitable for beginners and those with intermediate knowledge of theatre practice. The course consists of 16 units, comprising theatre history, artistic and technical elements of play production, with a focus on Nigeria.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 64 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, practical, case study
- Practical work
- Yes
- Elements of Drama
- Basic knowledge of theatre
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ENG161, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ENG161 · UNIT 1 HISTORY OF THE THEATER: THE CLASSICAL PERIOD
The Greeks had great interest in dance, and would not tolerate any shoddy performance of it. Consequently, choruses were assigned to playwrights 11 months before the actual performance. Training of the chorus was quite protracted and arduous.
What you should be able to do
- Discuss the history of theatre from classical times to the present.
- Explain the various kinds of playhouses.
- Discuss the fundamental principles of playwriting.
- Explain the personality of the character and basic skills in acting.
- Discuss the role of improvisation in theatre practice.
- Explain approaches to directing.
- Analyze and interpret a script.
- Explain the concept of audition, casting and rehearsal.
- Discuss the roles of costume and make-up.
- Explain the concept of scene design and craft.
What it prepares you for
- Actor
- Director
- Playwright
- Stage Manager
- Drama Teacher
- Theatre Production
- Film Production
- Television Production
- Education
- Event Management
- Lighting design software
- Sound editing software
- Set design software
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1: Theatre History
Unit 3: Theatre History: Renaissance to Nineteenth Century
The extensive historical timeline and diverse theatrical movements require memorization of numerous facts and figures.
- Module 2: Acting, Directing and Playwriting
Unit 2: The Art of Improvisation
Requires a deep understanding of character motivations and the ability to convey them convincingly through improvisation.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 13 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Theatre History
Unit 1: Theatre History: The Classical Period · 1 hour
Read the introduction to classical theatre.. Identify the key figures in classical Greek drama.. Understand the origins of Greek theatre from the dithyramb..
- Week 2Module 1: Theatre History
Unit 2: Theatre History: The Medieval Era · 1 hour
Examine the influence of the church on theatre during the medieval period.. Discuss the evolution of liturgical drama.. Understand the development of mystery and morality plays..
- Week 3Module 1: Theatre History
Unit 3: Theatre History: Renaissance to Nineteenth Century · 1 hour
Study the impact of the Renaissance on theatre.. Analyze the characteristics of Elizabethan theatre.. Compare Renaissance theatre with classical Greek theatre..
- Week 4Module 1: Theatre History
Unit 4: Theatre History: The Modern Period · 1 hour
Explore the various movements in modern theatre.. Discuss the contributions of realism, symbolism, and expressionism.. Analyze the works of key playwrights in the modern period..
- Week 5Module 1: Theatre History
Unit 5: The Playhouse · 1 hour
Examine the different types of playhouses.. Discuss the evolution of stage design.. Understand the components of a modern playhouse..
- Week 6Module 2: Acting, Directing and Playwriting
Unit 1: Acting · 1 hour
Understand the fundamental principles of acting.. Discuss the techniques and styles of acting.. Explore the actor's tools: voice and body movement..
- Week 7Module 2: Acting, Directing and Playwriting
Unit 2: The Art of Improvisation · 1 hour
Explore the art of improvisation.. Discuss the sources and functions of improvisation.. Practice improvisational exercises..
- Week 8Module 2: Acting, Directing and Playwriting
Unit 3: Directing · 1 hour
Understand the role of the director.. Discuss approaches to directing.. Analyze the directing process from script selection to performance..
- Week 9Module 2: Acting, Directing and Playwriting
Unit 4: Playwriting · 1 hour
Learn the fundamental principles of playwriting.. Discuss the elements of dramatic structure.. Explore sources of materials for playwriting..
- Week 10Module 2: Acting, Directing and Playwriting
Unit 5: Play Analysis and Interpretation · 1 hour
Understand the process of play analysis and interpretation.. Discuss approaches to analyzing a script.. Learn to identify the themes and messages in a play..
- Week 11Module 3: Voice Production and Other Stage Crafts
Unit 1: Voice and Speech Production · 1 hour
Understand the mechanics of voice production.. Discuss the importance of speech in theatre.. Practice exercises for improving voice and speech..
- Week 12Module 3: Voice Production and Other Stage Crafts
Unit 2: Process of Play Production · 1 hour
Understand the steps involved in play production.. Discuss the roles of audition, casting, and rehearsal.. Analyze the factors that contribute to a successful performance..
- Week 13Module 3: Voice Production and Other Stage Crafts
Unit 3: Scene Design and Craft · 1 hour
Explore the concept of scene design.. Discuss the functions of scenery.. Understand the principles of stage geography..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all study units, focusing on key concepts and definitions.
- Practice analyzing play scripts, identifying themes and character motivations.
- Create flashcards for important historical figures and theatrical movements.
- Participate actively in tutorial sessions and seek clarification on challenging topics.
- Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and understand the feedback provided.
- Practice essay writing, focusing on clear and concise expression of ideas.
- Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 theatre history concepts.
- Allocate specific time slots for revision in the weeks leading up to the exam.
- Prioritize studying areas where you feel less confident.
- Get enough rest before the exam to ensure optimal cognitive function.
Questions students ask about this course
What is ENG161 about?
This course is designed to acquaint students with the fundamental principles and multi-faceted issues in play production. It is a one-semester two credit course suitable for beginners and those with intermediate knowledge of theatre practice. The course consists of 16 units, comprising theatre history, artistic and technical elements of play production, with a focus on Nigeria.
How many units does ENG161 have?
ENG161, Theatre Workshop, has 16 units across 3 modules, over 179 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ENG161?
ENG161 carries 2 credit units, at 100 level in Arts.
Is ENG161 hard?
ENG161 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, practical and case study work, and it has a practical component.
How long does ENG161 take to study?
About 64 hours of study, spread across its 16 units.
How is ENG161 assessed?
ENG161 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What do I need before starting ENG161?
Elements of Drama Basic knowledge of theatre
What can I do with ENG161?
Actor, Director, Playwright, Stage Manager and Drama Teacher.