Writing for and About the Theater

3 units

In this course, students will learn to write for and about the theater, exploring different forms of dramaturgical and scholarly research as well as journalistic and academic writing. To build skills in both critical analysis and synthesis, students will learn how the key elements of the playwright's text (e.g., language, character, plot, setting) work to create meaning within the work of dramatic literature and how theatre-makers use the various languages of the stage (e.g., costume/scenic/lighting design, music, acting) to give expression to an overarching interpretation of the play. Because research is essential to this course, students will learn how to access a variety of library resources by working closely with our subject librarians. By the end of the semester, students will have assembled a portfolio consisting of both journalistic and academic performance reviews, a dossier of dramaturgical research, and a research-based scholarly paper.