Assignment 3: Scenario Study. Brecht. Good woman of Setzuan
For their final assignment, learners will conduct a scenario study to apply the skills they have learned in class. Scenario studies will consist of two assignments completed during the semester:
a. Group presentation. The group must prepare an interactive presentation of approximately 40-50 minutes, including reading the presentation, where they will discuss their analysis of the game based on the course material we cover while presenting, a re-enactment of the scenario (maximum 2 pages) and involve their classmates in the discussion their speeches. Each group will select a scene from their play and delve into the play, working from a director’s perspective:
a) research and analysis (or theater construction): finding information about the text, themes mentioned in the text (or themes to be mentioned in the performance), the time period of the performance or the time period in which it will be set, characters, style, structure , rhythm, etc.
b) Concept: Before the designers (sets, costumes, lighting) start working, the director has to share their concept with them. In short, this is the approach the director wishes to take when staging a chosen script, region/issue. This will include the colors they want to use, patterns they have in mind, costume and set ideas. Directors also have to share their concepts with the actors and work with them to realize the show. This includes working with actors on character development, building ensembles, choreography (and choreography when necessary), and more.
c) Design: The designer works with the director to create the visual representation of the play. They interpret the concept of theater and directing through costumes, sets, lighting.
d) Stage management: The director works hand in hand with the stage manager. Stage managers handle all the administrative aspects of a play, allowing directors to focus on their work. This includes setting up rehearsal schedules, liaising with cast and crew to ensure attendance and availability of necessary items, changed and blocked notes, phone calls, etc.
e) Acting: The job of actors is to understand their characters – what do they want, why do they say what they say and do what they do? How do they feel about other characters? how are they feeling Actors must understand and realize their characters using the given environment and other relevant information about the setting of the play.
b. Director profile:
Deadline: Demo day
Within each group, each member selects the role in which they are most interested and is responsible for that aspect of the process, and this information is compiled to create a directors file. Panelists will receive individual grades based on overall presentation, director profiles, and self and peer evaluations.
