Course Syllabus

THEA 2901 Theatre Capstone

Course Description

This course provides students the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of the concepts and skills necessary for continuation in their field of study in the arts. The course is cross-circular project-based; reflecting back on student’s previous theatrical work and experiences and integrating those skills into platform designed to market their abilities. Students will propose and complete projects designed to show their abilities and present these in a public forum, either live or online. Examples of these projects might include solo performances, audio or video recording of works, or the preparation of an online portfolio. In addition to completing the project, students will learn the skills necessary to present the project, including the necessary computer, print, design, and marketing skills necessary to present their materials to the public.

Justification

As theatre students prepare to leave Snow College they are faced with a number of choices, including the decision to seek additional education or to enter into the workplace. Whatever the choice, a prospective employer or transfer institution will require that students be able to demonstrate the skills acquired during their study at Snow. Either case carries with it the same entrepreneurial perspective. Given the current nature of professional theatrical work (movements away from collective work and set theatre companies) actors, designers, managers, technicians, etc. are sole proprietors of their own brand and business.
This course is designed to help students develop business marketing techniques, understand the complexity of the entertainment industry, gather and refine previously created materials that show what skills and knowledge they have mastered, and to compile, supplement, edit and prepare to present these materials in a marketable way using a variety of traditional and electronic methods. Similar courses exist in other disciplines at Snow College. This is common core in the theatre program.

General Education Outcomes

1. A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world. Students will demonstrate this understanding through a variety of ways:
   
   • Students will be expected to research and gather works from many famous playwrights and theatrical designers. Students will gain insight and increased understanding of cultures throughout the world.
   • Studying how theatre plays a role in many fields (i.e. business, humanities, psychology, education, mathematics, and personal wellness) will also give students a more developed understanding of the versatility of theatre and their own marketability.
   • Presenting and sharing personal experiences and insight within their own theatrical training and study also gives students a more meaningful connection to the unique cultures, values, and behaviors of their classmates.
   • These abilities of students to study, discuss, and critically explore their fundamental knowledge and experiences pertaining to human cultures and the natural world will be assessed via projects, presentations, or assignments.
2. A student who completes the GE curriculum can read and research effectively within disciplines. Students are expected to deliver numerous interview-like presentations in a variety of traditional and electronic settings. Public speaking as well as theatrical techniques and strategies will be studied and used with individual presentations. Presentations will be critiqued and feedback given to improve presentation, networking, and business skills.
3. A student who completes the GE curriculum can draw from multiple disciplines to address complex problems. Students will present multiple presentations based on strategies, theories, and best practices learned in class. Special emphasis is placed on preparing, selecting, researching, organizing and delivering oral and electronic messages as well as on analyzing and evaluating the speaking-listening process. This includes work such as interview preparation, maintaining healthy professional connections through social media, keeping current with industry trends and major theatres. The culmination of the course is a self-marketing presentation which provides an opportunity to apply what was learned throughout the term.
4. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason analytically, critically, and creatively. Students who complete this course will demonstrate an ability to analyze theatrical excerpts and designs as data and describe in an informed manner the elements involved in creating each work. This analyze will then be applied to their own work and presentations. Students will also demonstrate an ability to articulate the value of Theatre in the larger contexts of world history, culture and society. This outcome will be assessed through projects, presentations, or assignments.

General Education Knowledge Area Outcomes

1. Students will present and communicate both in class and in groups. They will evaluate each other and receive grades and feedback from the instructor. Presentations include demonstration of online portfolios and websites, mock auditions and interviews, and networking projects. Students will learn how to overcome objections using multiple techniques with an emphasis on doing so respectfully. Students will receive feedback from peers and the instructor. Group projects might include student a student-run production with stage mangers, designers, actors, and directors, theoretical collaborations between designers, self-written devised work by actors, etc. Peer revision and creative critique will also allow students to demonstrate collective work and self-assess.  Students will present and communicate both in class and in groups. They will evaluate each other and receive grades and feedback from the instructor. Presentations include demonstration of online portfolios and websites, mock auditions and interviews, and networking projects. Students will learn how to overcome objections using multiple techniques with an emphasis on doing so respectfully. Students will receive feedback from peers and the instructor. Group projects might include student a student-run production with stage mangers, designers, actors, and directors, theoretical collaborations between designers, self-written devised work by actors, etc. Peer revision and creative critique will also allow students to demonstrate collective work and self-assess.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Develop a portfolio reflecting back on previous courses and skills mastered at Snow College.
2. Present their portfolio/performance in classroom and public presentations.
3. Develop the skills necessary to make their presentation, including computer portfolio development skills.
4. Meet with professionals in the field and/or advisers in their discipline from transfer institutions.
5. Work with other students and faculty to gather, compile and edit materials for portfolios or performances.

Course Content

Students will learn the necessary skills to put together a final project, including:
• Traditional presentation options: print, live presentation
• Electronic presentation options: PowerPoint, video, online
• Review of employment and transfer options
• Contacting prospective employers or key personnel at transfer institutions
• Gathering and editing materials