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THEATR-210 - Script Analysis - Christopher Boltz

Course:Script Analysis
Professor:Christopher Boltz
Email:christopher.boltz@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Online
  • OnlineLive
  • Hybrid
  • InPerson
Course Length:
  • Applies to All Course Lengths

Introduction

Christopher Boltz (and his dog)

I have been working in and around educational theatre for over half of my life.  I have also worked in opera, dance, television and events.   Everything we do starts with a script and how to tell an audience a story.   We will explore methods of storytelling and how we get at the writers meaning and intent behind a script.

Course Description

We will learn to vocabulary of script analysis so that we can analyze plays from theatre history through the modern day.  We will spend most of the class time discussing plays together .

What to Expect in this Course

Each week we will be reading a few chapters from the text book, or reading a play in preparation for discussion.  Each student will have several presentations to make about one aspect of a play (some of these will be as part of a group).  This prepares students to discuss a play from the perspective of an actor, designer, or director of theatre.  We have a quiz, and a few essays to write.

Types of Assessments

  • 1 Quiz
  • Several script analysis presentations (some might be group presentations)
  • 1 performance critique
  • 1 creative analysis
  • 1 action analysis.

Textbook Information

Main Textbook:

  • "Script Analysis for Actors, Directors and Designers" (current Edition)

Scripts:

  • "Zoot Suit" by Louis Valdez
  • "Intimate Apparel" by Lynn Nottage
  • "Baltimore Waltz" by Paula Vogel
  • "Straight White Men" by Young Jean Lee
  • "In the Heights" by Quiara Alegria Hudes and Lin-Manuel Miranda
  • "Barber Shop Chronicles" by Inua Ellams
  • "Major Barbara" by George Bernard Shaw*
  • "'Tis Pity She's a Whore" by John Ford*

(* means it is a Free Open Educational Resource in Canvas.  All other titles are ordered in the book store)

Other Relevant Course Information

I use Canvas a lot, even in an in-person class.  In addition to text book reading, and play readings, there will be videos and projects linked in Canvas.  This class is about script analysis and we will have a lot of discussions about what plays mean and why.  We all have different backgrounds and experiences which we will bring to our discussion about theatre.   Participation is really important in this class.


Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 11/24/2023 Sub#: 1503