1 THE 1280: History of the Theatre: Stages and Technology (ID) Dr. Christopher Swift Department of Humanities cswift@citytech.cuny.edu Office Hours: By Appointment SYLLABUS Course Description This course surveys the development of theater architectures, stage spaces and technologies from the ancient world through the 21 st century. The course satisfies the interdisciplinary college option. The survey will be contextualized in terms of prevailing social conditions and performance styles. Interdisciplinary Option This course is a conversation between theater history and architecture. As such, the work in class focuses on purpose-built and adapted spaces for live performance. Each week we will examine historical theatre spaces and technologies in the context of prevailing cultural and social forces in order to better understand audience/stage relationships. To fulfill the interdisciplinary requirements for this course, specialists from architecture, art history, and performance technology will guest lecture six hours over the course of the semester. Students will learn skill-sets from architecture technology: GIS mapping and hand sketching. Required Materials and Activities ● PDFs of historical and critical texts are available on Blackboard. Printed copies of readings must be brought to each class session. ● Links to on-line readings and videos are available on Blackboard. ● Access to the Google Spreadsheet (through Blackboard) for building GIS-based maps. ● Sketchbook/notebook and pencils. Students will sketch images from slides in class every week, as well as actual theatre structures. All sketches should be made and maintained in a single non-lined book or pad. Digital sketching is not allowed. ● Attend a production of a play assigned by the instructor. ● One or two theatre tours during the semester. Tours will be held during Club Hours (Thursdays, 1-2:15pm). Attendance is required. Learning Goals Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to 1. Describe developments to the physical features and technologies of theatre architecture and design. 2. Identify particular theatrical venues and design. 3. Explain how styles from each period relate to artistic and social contexts. 4. Explain the contribution of major theorists and designers. 5. Explain how theatrical aesthetics and production concepts and techniques have been adapted for use in ceremonies, processionals, and rituals outside of purpose-built theaters. 6. Articulate relationships between performance requirements, audience attitudes, and aesthetic trends. Assignments and Grading 1. Theater Architecture Presentation: Choose a historical theater structure from the list provided by the instructor. Conduct research on that building based on a set of specific research questions. See detailed instructions and grading rubric on Blackboard.