Theater III: Observation Paper Deadline Extended!

The deadline for your Observation Paper has been EXTENDED.  The papers are now due on FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2010.  This should give you ample time to attend a show and write the paper according to the guidelines of the assignment.

Theater III: Observation Paper Possibilities

Guidelines:

·      Observation papers require you to attend a theatrical production AS AN AUDIENCE MEMBER. (Shows that you perform a role or function in – whether acting or technical – do not count.  See me if you have questions about this.)

·      You must stay for the ENTIRE performance.

·      Take notes on the performance at intermission (if there is one) or immediately following the performance. 

·      The PROGRAM for the show MUST be stapled to your observation paper.  Don’t forget to get a program!

       This paper is about your experience as an audience member.  Write about what happens from START to finish. 

       Guiding questions that must be answered:

 1. Explain the atmosphere of the front of house.  Who sold your ticket?  Was there a box office?  Ushers?  Any concessions (t-shirts, candy, soda, etc)?  Write about your first impression of the theater upon walking in.

2. Describe the atmosphere of the theater itself.  How big was it?  What kind of stage (proscenium, thrust, arena)?  Describe any technical elements that helped you to know the show was about to begin.  How did the audience respond to them?

3. Describe the show.  Give a brief description of the plot and characters.  Could you follow the story line?  Why or why not?  Did anything specifically catch your interest?  What was it?  Was there anything in the show that you wondered about – how something was accomplished on stage (costume changes, props, set)?  What was interesting about the actors’ performances?  Were they believable?  Why or why not?

4. Take a look at the audience.  Who came to see the show?  Describe the audience demographic.  How old are they?  Are there families?  Couples?  Older?  Younger?

5. Describe anything else that you find interesting about the theater, the show (technical or acting), or your experience as an audience member.

Above all, OBSERVE EVERYTHING!!!

Paper requirements:

· Must be 3-5 pages, typed, double-spaced.  No more than 1” margins.  10-12 point font.

·       Must be titled.

·       Must include answers/descriptions that correspond to all of the 5 guiding questions.

·       Show program must be stapled to the final observation paper.

·       Paper is due no later than Friday, January 8.  Papers may be turned in as soon as they are completed.  DO NOT  PUT THIS OFF UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!!!

Theater I: Journal #11 - Wants

Name three things that you wanted (to have, to get, to do, etc.).

What were the OBSTACLES you faced?

What were the STAKES (what was risked if you did/did not get what you wanted)?

What were the TACTICS you used to get what you wanted?

Theater I: Journal #10 - Vocabulary

Journals are due no later than Monday, November 16.  After that point, they are LATE --- and will receive no more than a 70%.

Entry #10: Vocabulary

obstacles: anything that gets in the way of a character's OBJECTIVE (their goal or goals)

stakes: RISKS that a character takes in order to achieve their OBJECTIVE

tactics: the ways that a character tries to obtain their OBJECTIVE

conflict: the main problem a character faces

Today we played the game "Control Tower..." If you can remember the OBJECTIVE, the STAKES, and the TACTICS used/created in the game "Control Tower," you'll be able to remember the definitions of the above words.

Theater I: Journal #9 - Vocabulary!

It's time for another exciting round of.... VOCABULARY!

ensemble acting: acting/working together to create the whole picture, without putting focus on any INDIVIDUAL actors (think: the television show "Friends")

"going up": forgetting lines or actions during a rehearsal or performance

objective: what a character WANTS

interplay: interaction among characters

emoting: expressing emotion

JOURNAL CHECK FOR ENTRIES 7, 8, & 9 NEXT WEEK!  (Monday - Friday)

After Friday, November 13 -  your journal will be LATE.

Theater II & III: Journal #9 - Position

Theater III: This journal entry must be handed in at the start of class TOMORROW (Tuesday, November 3).

Having read the "evidence" (i.e. the script thus far), which character could you ETHICALLY side with?  (Margaret Narwin or Philip Malloy?) Why?

Use facts to support your position.