Title: Introduction to Active Collaborative Creative Processes in the Theatre Appreciation Classroom
Authors: Beth Cherne, William T. Clow, Ron Stoffregen, Joe Anderson, Mary Leonard Anderson, Walter Elder, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Contact: Beth Cherne, cherne.beth@uwlax.edu
Discipline or Field: Theatre Arts
Course Name: Theatre Appreciation
Date: June 2008
Course Description
A study of theatre as an art form. Emphasis on the role of the audience as collaborators in the performance and on student understanding and appreciation of the elements of a theatrical production. The course is intended for non-Theatre Majors as part of the University's General Education program. Enrollment is about 55 students per section.
Executive Summary
The lesson's principal purposes were to initiate an interactive environment in the classroom; to involve students actively in collaborative work; to introduce basic concepts in theatre production and performance. The instructional pattern took the form of an activity: small groups of about five students wrote, rehearsed and performed a one-two minute play for the class; we then discussed the theatrical concepts that arose. We found that the lesson accomplished all of these things, but that it worked better taught at the second class meeting of the semester, rather than the first, because the first class meeting required so many "house keeping" details, leaving little time for discussion.
