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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Introduction to Theatre (Face-to-Face)

THEA 1013-01

Course: THEA 1013-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: TA
CRN: 30608

Course Description

Students will gain an understanding of the world’s history and themselves through learning how theatre operates to entertain, educate, and reflect the past. Attending and analyzing various productions will enhance student’s roles as knowledgeable audience members. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): Intensive English Program majors may not enroll General Education Category: Fine Arts

Required Texts


Required Texts: There is no text for the class, instead you will be assigned readings and videos in Canvas. Because there is no text, I will expect you to read all the instructions and assignments thoroughly and watch all the videos carefully for everything in class. 

Required Play Attendance: You will be required to attend live theatre productions during this semester.

Required Play Viewing: You will also be required to watch several filmed versions of plays. The plays are sometimes accessible here in Canvas through a streaming service called Kanopy. Sometimes plays are available via the Digital Theatre+ database that is accessed via the SUU Library. There are no additional charges for these services. You may also need to rent a play or two online. I will let you know in class and Canvas which location you will use to watch any given play. Please note: Streaming services often drop things with little or no notice so I will request your patience in advance if we have to suddenly adjust a module at the last minute.

Some of the plays/films we might watch include:

  • Kinky Boots
  • Death of a Salesman or The Glass Menagerie
  • Come From Away
  • Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
  • Much Ado About Nothing
  • Peter Pan Goes Wrong
  • The Lion
  • Julius Caesar
  • Sweet Charity

All play selections are subject to change based on availability.



Learning Outcomes


Students will gain an understanding of the world’s history and themselves through learning how theatre operates to entertain, educate, and reflect the past. Attending and analyzing various productions will enhance student’s roles as knowledgeable audience members. 

  1. Students will be able to identify how theatre as an art form entertains, educates, and reflects the past. (Critical Thinking/Communication)
  2. Students will be able to articulate how theatre helps them recognize and value different human perspectives and experiences. (Creative Thinking/Communication)
  3. Students will be able to offer examples of theatre as historically significant works of art. (Communication)
  4. Students will be critical audience members of live theatre through a practiced ability to discriminate thematic elements of performances and articulately deconstruct ideas as presented in performance. (Creative Thinking)

Course Requirements

Students will be assessed on the learning outcomes through assignments and quizzes. Students will also be able to demonstrate, and have completed examples of, each of the objectives above through written work.

This course will include: 1) Readings; 2) quizzes; 3) critical literary analysis terms; 4) assignments and essays to practice critical analysis; 5) written analyses of theatre productions; 6) viewing plays and videos online and in person; and 7) a final paper.

Topics taught in this class will include, but are not limited to, units on:

  • The role of the audience
  • Critical analysis terms and concepts
  • Tragedy
  • Comedy
  • Tragicomedy
  • Theatre roots
  • Greek theatre 
  • Elizabethan theatre 
  • Acting
  • Directing
  • Design

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to the Course and the Art of Theatre

(One-week module)
This module introduces course expectations and explores the fundamental question: What is theatre and why study it?

To complete this module, you will:

  1. Read all pages in this module.
  2. Participate in the class discussion: What is theatre and why study it?
  3. Read the syllabus and complete the Syllabus Quiz.
  4. Complete the reading and quiz: What is Theatre and Why Study It?

Module 2: The Origins of Western Theatre

(Multi-week module)
We’ll explore the roots of Western Theatre through Ancient Greek tragedy and comedy.

To complete this module, you will:

  1. Read the provided materials.
  2. Participate and take notes in class discussions on the origins of Western and Ancient Greek Theatre.
  3. Complete the Greek Tragedy Reading & Quiz (available after class discussion).
  4. Complete the Ancient Greek Comedy Video & Quiz (available after class discussion).
  5. Watch Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog (in class).

Module 3: Aristotle, Plot, and the Structure of a Play

(One-week module)
This module focuses on Aristotle’s Poetics and the elements that make up a plot.

To complete this module, you will:

  1. Read the assigned material in Canvas.
  2. Complete the Poetics reading, video, and quiz.
  3. Complete the Parts of a Play reading and quiz.
  4. Complete the Elements of Plot reading and quiz.

Module 4: Directing and Design in Theatre

(One-week module)
Explore the roles of directors and designers in shaping a theatrical production.

To complete this module, you will:

  1. Watch Kinky Boots: The Musical (available via SUU library's DigitalTheatre+).
  2. Complete the viewing quiz on Kinky Boots.
  3. Read the introductory materials in Canvas.
  4. Explore the provided links on design elements.
  5. Watch assigned videos and complete the corresponding quiz.
  6. Write an essay on how design informs the world of Kinky Boots for both characters and audience.

Module 5: Exploring Comedy and the Comic Ladder

(One-week module)
We’ll study comedic structure and explore different types of comedy.

To complete this module, you will:

  1. Watch Peter Pan Goes Wrong.
  2. Complete the screening quiz.
  3. Participate in class discussions on the characteristics of comedy.
  4. Complete the Characteristics of Comedy readings, videos, and quiz.
  5. Participate in a discussion on different comedy types.
  6. Complete the Comic Ladder readings, videos, and quiz.
  7. Submit the UNessay Assignment: Peter Pan Goes Wrong & Kinky Boots Memes.

Module 6: Symbolism and Motif in Death of a Salesman

(Multi-week module)
This module uses Death of a Salesman to explore symbolism and motif.

To complete this module, you will:

  1. Read the assigned materials in Canvas.
  2. Participate in the class discussion on symbolism and motif.
  3. Read the companion page on Death of a Salesman.
  4. Watch the play.
  5. Respond to the discussion questions in a short written assignment.

Module 7: The Art of Acting

(One-week module)
Explore acting techniques and preparation through readings, video, and performance analysis.

To complete this module, you will:

  1. Watch Come From Away (available on Apple+ or Kaltura).
  2. Complete the screening quiz.
  3. Read and view materials on acting styles.
  4. Watch Michael Laskin’s TED Talk on acting and take the quiz.
  5. Complete the short essay quiz on Come From Away.

Module 8: Shakespeare, the Elizabethan Stage, and Neo-Classicism

(Multi-week module)
We’ll examine Shakespeare's world and how his work connects to historical movements of his era.

To complete this module, you will:

  1. Read the materials provided in Canvas.
  2. Complete the Elizabethan Theatre reading and quiz.
  3. Complete the Short Reading & Quiz: Elizabethan Theatres.
  4. Watch Much Ado About Nothing (Royal Shakespeare Company’s Love's Labour's Won).
  5. Complete the screening quiz.
  6. Write an essay on Much Ado About Nothing.

Module 9: Melodrama and the Modern Musical

(One-week module)
This module will introduce classic melodrama and examine how it influences contemporary musical theatre.

To complete this module, you will:

  1. Complete the readings and watch the short video on melodrama.
  2. Watch Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (via Digital Theatre+).
  3. Watch Waitress: The Musical (via Canvas).
  4. Watch the Crash Course Theatre video.
  5. Complete the quiz on the readings, videos, and performances.

Module 10: Writing a Play Review

(One-week module)
You’ll learn how to craft a theatre review and write about the live production we attend this semester.

To complete this module, you will:

  1. Attend the required live theatre production(s).
  2. Upload photos to verify attendance.
  3. Participate in the discussion on the relevance of play reviews.
  4. Join the class discussion on the plays we attended.
  5. Read the step-by-step guide to writing play reviews.
  6. Submit your written review.

Final Module: Final Project – The Lion

Instead of a traditional final exam, your final will consist of a paper based on the musical The Lion by Benjamin Scheuer, along with a self-reflection quiz.

To complete the final module, you will:

  1. Watch The Lion.
  2. Participate in the in-class discussion.
  3. Complete the final paper (details provided after discussion).
  4. Complete the final self-reflection quiz.
 

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late Work: Late work is generally not be accepted unless you have made arrangements with me prior to the time it is due but I know that "life happens" so I will leave assignments open for a couple days after the due date then they will lock. These extra days are called "buffer days" and you will receiver full credit if things are submitted during this time. Once something is locked, you will not be able to turn it in and will not receive points. Please note that viewing quizzes will not have buffer days.

Extra Credit:  I do allow extra credit. Here is how it works. Get an ‟Extra Credit Proposal” form from the Extra Credit Module. On this form you will be asked to propose a project for extra credit.  Included in this proposal will be a description of your project, anticipated hours it will take to complete, due dates, and proposed point value of the project. You will return the form to me and I will meet with you to accept, reject, or adapt your proposal. Be prepared to logically defend your proposal as a worthwhile exercise and deserving of extra credit. This will require that you put some thought into the proposal.  All forms must be submitted to me on or before the deadline in Canvas. I will not consider extra credit proposals after that.

Attendance Policy


Attendance and Participation: Attendance at all classes is expected. If you are absent more than three times during the semester your grade may be lowered. If you are habitually tardy, your grade may also be lowered. 

It is your responsibility to look at all modules & assignments in a timely manner. There will be due dates for all work. Completion of all work by the assigned due date is expected. If you wait until the day something is due to look at the assignment you will not have time to complete it. 

Course Fees

There are no course fees.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.