American Theater Now (DRA2151.01)

Jenny Rohn

This non-performance based course will focus on a detailed, coast-to-coast examination of the state of the American Theater in 2020-2021 with a specific emphasis on the pressing issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion and on the national theater community’s response to the pandemic. Who are the playwrights, directors, designers, actors, and producers that are shaping the landscape? Who is making theater? How and why are they making it? We will explore the history of theater in America, specifically the regional theater movement of the 1950s, and then turn our focus to the not-for-profit resident theaters and the for-profit theaters currently in operation. We will have a variety of guest speakers. Students will collaborate weekly on the presentation of group research. There will be a mid-term quiz and a final paper.

Access to a device that allows for synchronous or asynchronous attendance for this discussion-based class is essential as is the ability to download digital written material and videos. In the case of asynchronous class attendance, additional written responses will be required.


Learning Outcomes:



Delivery Method: Entirely remote (synchronous)
Prerequisites:None.
Course Level: 2000-level
Credits: 4
T/F 1:40PM-5:20PM (1st seven weeks)
Maximum Enrollment: 25
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years

Categories: All courses , Drama
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