University of Virginia Library

Dramatic Art

Dramatic Art B1: Playwriting: Not open to first-year students. Other
students will be admitted only after a personal interview with Mr. Boyle. English
B2 or B4 or B5 prerequisite or must be taken concurrently.—The reading and
analysis of plays throughout the year. The dramatization of the short story and
the writing of original one-act plays. Emphasis will be placed on the present-day
life and historical traditions of Virginia. Students from other sections will
be expected to use materials and background with which they are familiar. Plays
considered worthy of production will be staged by the Virginia Players. Monday
evenings, 7:30 to 10. (B.A. or B.S. credit, 3 session-hours.)

Mr. Boyle.

Dramatic Art B2: Play Production: The technique of acting and stage
directing. The essential arts involved in the producing of plays: scene design
and construction, costuming, lighting, etc. Lectures and practical work. Each
student will direct a one-act play and act in two others. This course in the theory
and practice of the theatre is designed for the training of students participating
in the work of the Virginia Players and for those who plan to become directors
of school and community drama work. Afternoon hours to be arranged. (B.A.
or B.S. credit, 3 session-hours.)

Mr. Boyle.

Dramatic Art B4: Advanced Play Production: Dramatic Art B2 prerequisite.—Students
who have had considerable experience in the theatre may
secure the consent of the instructor to take this course concurrently with Dramatic
Art B2.—Lectures, parallel reading and reports. Members of this class will
be assigned responsible positions on the various productions of the Virginia
Players. Afternoon hours to be arranged. (B.A. or B.S. credit, 3 session-hours.)

Associate Professor Pratt and Mr. Boyle.

Dramatic Art B5: History of the Theatre: The changing conventions of
the theatre and their relation to the problems engaging the interest of playwrights
and audiences. The Greek theatre, the Renaissance, and the modern
intimate playhouse. The technique of the movies. Modern problems: Realism,
Symbolism, Expressionism, etc. The technique of playwriting illustrated by
private performances and readings from the plays of Sophocles, Shakespeare,
Ibsen and others. Lectures and discussions. (B.A. or B.S. credit, 3 session-hours.)

Associate Professor Pratt.