Since I have never been exposed to the theater industry before, I have learned a lot of new material. Theater was something I never thought I would take a course in. After enrolling in the class and learning the new material, I am glad that I’ve been open to the elements of theater. One learns something new every day, and I was one that learned something new every time I sat in the class auditorium. From stage crew to theater etiquette, I have learned enough to appreciate the art form.
“All that is needed for theater to take place is an actor who walks across an empty space while someone else is watching…” –Peter Brook
This quote by Mr. Brook sums up exactly what theater really is. Theater happens every day in life. Theater has three main functions: theater unfolds in the present, there is a performance space, and exchange of energy between audience and performer must occur. Without these three main ingredients, theater would not take place in life. For example, theater is in our everyday life when we watch live sports or listen to live music. We the viewers are the audience and the composers or actors are the performers who unfold present actions. The classroom is another form of theater. Theater impacts us every day without us ever realizing it.
Role playing was another key point put across in class. We as people play different roles every day. Writing a discussion post was an exercise assigned to us so we could see what roles we play. Personally, I role play as a student, a friend, a brother, a son, a relative, etc. Role playing goes on forever in life. Role playing starts young and develops gradually as one ages.
Another subject covered in class was storytelling and the different ways we tell stories. We tell stories because they are ritualistic. In these stories, universal ideas are portrayed. All stories include three basic elements: protagonist, antagonist, and super-objective. Without having these main elements, no point would be put across and the storyline would not make sense. How these stories are told is one thing, but how they are classified is another. Stories are classified in genres. Genres focus the stories concept on a set of themes. Genre ranges from comedy to melodrama. Some include funny stories while others are sad stories. Storytelling has been around as a way of custom for thousands of years, and will continue for thousands more.
Learning the roles of theater was a something that interested me. I could relate theater roles to film roles. The stage or film crews of either film/theatrical productions are very similar. If I was going to work on drama productions, I would like to be a playwright. After hearing the statistics how many actors don’t make it I would be skeptical. A playwright has an interesting job because they use their imagination and personality for their career. Watching my own work on stage as it unfolds would be a moment that I would not forget.
Theater is an interesting subject of study. I learned a lot of new material on the subject-matter. I have conquered the basics of theater by taking this class. The interesting fact of theater is its occurrence around us every day and not ever knowing it. I will take the skills I learned in the class and use them later on in life.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Relate Theater to Hobbies
How does one relate theater to their personal passions or hobbies? Theater can be found in several aspects of life if one really looks deep. Personally, I can connect some of the basic principles learned in class to hobbies of my interest. Theater can correlate directly with the entertainment industry. How? Look at different film productions as well as mini-series on television. They incorporate different aspects of theater into their storyline. The stage crew, on both film and theatrical productions, share some common roles. A personal leisure of mine is movies and other mini-series that premiere on pay-per-view channels. Figuratively, theater fits right into that category with them.
Movies always have always been a pastime of mine. They are a way to kick back relax. Just as there are different genres of movies, there are different genres of theater. Some movies are horror while others are comedies. Theater varies in different forms as well. Different productions can be classified as comedies or tragicomedies. Other theatrical productions are called melodramas based on their specific plots. Even different mini-series on television, such as Dexter or Weeds on Showtime, are similar to the stage. Each show has an antagonist and a protagonist. For example, on the series Dexter, Dexter is the protagonist and his victims are the antagonists. How does that work out? Dexter switches up his role playing quite a bit. During the day he works for the Miami Metro Police. In the evening and into the night, he is a serial killer to those who do no good to society. His super-objective is ridding those who demean society. The basic storyline ingredients in both theater and films are very similar in nature.
Another feature I can relate theater and movies together with is the crew. Without a stage or film crew there would be no way anything would be produced. The most obvious they share would be actors. No actors no entertainment. Another role they both share would be directors. Steven Spielberg is a famous movie director while Joe Mantello is the infamous director of the Broadway musical Wicked. Both are very famous and powerful men in the industry they reside in. Other crew jobs both theater and movies share include: set designers, costume designers, producers, publicists, etc. The roles/rules of both theater and the film industry go hand in hand with each other.
Movies are turned into musicals or theater just as theater productions are turned into movies. This is just another way the stage and certain films are flopped into different ways of entertainment. For example, The Wizard of Oz and Wicked are pretty close when it comes down to the storyline. One was a movie and the other was produced as a theatrical production. Wicked is still running strong on Broadway and The Wizard of Oz is still a classic to watch. The way they turn one into another and still keep the plot and characters is a work of art. It takes great talent to do what some directors have conquered.
Theater is able to be related to many hobbies. It takes the knowledge and the understanding of theater to link the two together. Theater is all around in today’s society. From my point of view, theater and movies are closely tied together. It doesn’t stop there though; it is related to other interests as well. Open others’ eyes to find what else can be similar, you’d be amazed.
Movies always have always been a pastime of mine. They are a way to kick back relax. Just as there are different genres of movies, there are different genres of theater. Some movies are horror while others are comedies. Theater varies in different forms as well. Different productions can be classified as comedies or tragicomedies. Other theatrical productions are called melodramas based on their specific plots. Even different mini-series on television, such as Dexter or Weeds on Showtime, are similar to the stage. Each show has an antagonist and a protagonist. For example, on the series Dexter, Dexter is the protagonist and his victims are the antagonists. How does that work out? Dexter switches up his role playing quite a bit. During the day he works for the Miami Metro Police. In the evening and into the night, he is a serial killer to those who do no good to society. His super-objective is ridding those who demean society. The basic storyline ingredients in both theater and films are very similar in nature.
Another feature I can relate theater and movies together with is the crew. Without a stage or film crew there would be no way anything would be produced. The most obvious they share would be actors. No actors no entertainment. Another role they both share would be directors. Steven Spielberg is a famous movie director while Joe Mantello is the infamous director of the Broadway musical Wicked. Both are very famous and powerful men in the industry they reside in. Other crew jobs both theater and movies share include: set designers, costume designers, producers, publicists, etc. The roles/rules of both theater and the film industry go hand in hand with each other.
Movies are turned into musicals or theater just as theater productions are turned into movies. This is just another way the stage and certain films are flopped into different ways of entertainment. For example, The Wizard of Oz and Wicked are pretty close when it comes down to the storyline. One was a movie and the other was produced as a theatrical production. Wicked is still running strong on Broadway and The Wizard of Oz is still a classic to watch. The way they turn one into another and still keep the plot and characters is a work of art. It takes great talent to do what some directors have conquered.
Theater is able to be related to many hobbies. It takes the knowledge and the understanding of theater to link the two together. Theater is all around in today’s society. From my point of view, theater and movies are closely tied together. It doesn’t stop there though; it is related to other interests as well. Open others’ eyes to find what else can be similar, you’d be amazed.
Relate Theater to Major
I believe that it is safe to say that theater is a metaphor for life. Theater can be compared to subject-matter other than theatrical productions. I mostly relate theater to the different “role plays” people reenact every day. How do they get to these reenactments? They play them through their career, but begin with one’s major in college. Personally, I’m majoring in Criminology and will complete a minor in Military Science. Theater can be related to these two specialties of choice by the different roles each profession plays on a daily basis.
To start out on how theater can be related to my major, let’s compare it to Criminology. Criminology can be broken into two different categories: Criminology and Criminology Pre-Law track. Just with a basic Criminology degree, one can pursue careers in law enforcement ranging from state jurisdiction to federal jurisdiction. These law enforcement officers have to put on an act everyday and change their roles from civilian to enforcer. These officers throw away their personality for eight hours a day and put on a straight face one does not want to cross. They completely change their “role” when they put on the badge and uniform. Just as actors transform when they are in wardrobe, officers transform into straight-edge men/women who are ready to protect society. Men in blue have to stage a specific performance just as the cast members of The Lion King have a specific performance on Broadway to stage.
The other side of the Criminology Major is Law. This track is concerned with legal confrontations in the courtroom. Lawyers without a doubt put on an act every time they are presenting a case in front of a judge. They have to control body language just as those on a theatrical production would do to portray a specific personality. Lawyers have to lie through their teeth at times wearing a straight face. They prove their arguments through non-verbal and verbal language. They do so with their provoking comments concerning a case. Once they put on the Armani Suit, they are all business and want to win the case.
With a minor in Military Science, being enrolled in the Army comes with territory. Men and women of the armed forces may have the most dramatic role change out there. The military’s motto for basic training is “From Citizen to Soldier.” One day someone is crunching numbers in a cubicle and the next day they are overseas with weapon in hand. Personally, I want to stick with the enforcement side of my Criminology degree. Transforming from State Trooper to Military Policeman will not pose a conflicting change. The only factor that will change is my surroundings. Performers go from stage to stage hosting different productions. I will just change my stage from America to Middle-East. Though playing the same role, the setting makes it more treacherous. Same as a law enforcement officer, once a soldier puts on their camouflage and picks up a weapon, they change their role to protecting our country.
Theater is all around us. All theater needs to occur is a stage and an audience. My stage can range from a courtroom to a battlefield. The audience is the person breaking laws or trying to terrorize our country. Theater is easily related to Criminology and Military Science. Putting on the perfect performance through these “roles” is a trait that comes with time and practice.
To start out on how theater can be related to my major, let’s compare it to Criminology. Criminology can be broken into two different categories: Criminology and Criminology Pre-Law track. Just with a basic Criminology degree, one can pursue careers in law enforcement ranging from state jurisdiction to federal jurisdiction. These law enforcement officers have to put on an act everyday and change their roles from civilian to enforcer. These officers throw away their personality for eight hours a day and put on a straight face one does not want to cross. They completely change their “role” when they put on the badge and uniform. Just as actors transform when they are in wardrobe, officers transform into straight-edge men/women who are ready to protect society. Men in blue have to stage a specific performance just as the cast members of The Lion King have a specific performance on Broadway to stage.
The other side of the Criminology Major is Law. This track is concerned with legal confrontations in the courtroom. Lawyers without a doubt put on an act every time they are presenting a case in front of a judge. They have to control body language just as those on a theatrical production would do to portray a specific personality. Lawyers have to lie through their teeth at times wearing a straight face. They prove their arguments through non-verbal and verbal language. They do so with their provoking comments concerning a case. Once they put on the Armani Suit, they are all business and want to win the case.
With a minor in Military Science, being enrolled in the Army comes with territory. Men and women of the armed forces may have the most dramatic role change out there. The military’s motto for basic training is “From Citizen to Soldier.” One day someone is crunching numbers in a cubicle and the next day they are overseas with weapon in hand. Personally, I want to stick with the enforcement side of my Criminology degree. Transforming from State Trooper to Military Policeman will not pose a conflicting change. The only factor that will change is my surroundings. Performers go from stage to stage hosting different productions. I will just change my stage from America to Middle-East. Though playing the same role, the setting makes it more treacherous. Same as a law enforcement officer, once a soldier puts on their camouflage and picks up a weapon, they change their role to protecting our country.
Theater is all around us. All theater needs to occur is a stage and an audience. My stage can range from a courtroom to a battlefield. The audience is the person breaking laws or trying to terrorize our country. Theater is easily related to Criminology and Military Science. Putting on the perfect performance through these “roles” is a trait that comes with time and practice.
Theater Profile
The Public Theater in New York City is an American theater known for their professional works. The history of this theatrical company goes back a few decades. The Public Theater produces original material to Shakespeare productions. It is a renowned company that earns the respect of theater scholars. The location in New York City speaks for itself when it comes to reputation. A lot of theater resides in the Big Apple, but only the prestigious are lucky enough to land the location.
The Public Theater was founded in the 1950s by a man named Joseph Papp. Papp was a Shakespeare enthusiast and worked the theater into a Shakespeare workshop. Nowadays, it is a well respected cultural institution. The Public Theater was located on Lafayette Street after they turned the Astor Library into the Public Theater in 1967. The first musical premiere held at the Public Theater was Hair. This company also took advantage of a park stage in the summer called Delacorte Stage. Currently, the Public Theater’s performance location is Joe’s Pub.
Different types of material are produced by the company. They show a variety of plays, musicals, and productions. They originate their own material or remake a production to their style. Major productions of Shakespeare are staged here due to their founder. The writers of material are a part of a group, New York Now, which promotes talented writers and artists for the upcoming generation of theater. As the writers have their own group, the performers have an establishment of their own. The Public trains performers through a summer class called Shakespeare Lab; it allows The Public Theater to emerge the classical performers of tomorrow.
“The Public Theater is dedicated to achieving artistic excellence while developing an American theater that is accessible and relevant to all people…” –The Public Theater’s Mission Statement
The mission of The Public Theater is to direct those who attend toward the philosophy of inclusion. Sometimes, inclusion can take on various forms. The availability of tickets including the cost is kept at a minimum to catch the attention of those who are interested. The company doesn’t gear their material toward a certain audience, but take age, race, and experience into consideration to attract those of all kind.
The major regional theater company offers internships to those who are interested. While in attendance, they gain many skills out of the non-profit organization. They are teamed with expert mentors to get the best type of education possible, practice. Oskar Eustis, the Artistic Director of The Public Theater, will make sure those who are attending will not leave without an immense gain of knowledge.
Checking out their website really caught my eye. They have been recognized for numerous awards and for producing some of the best writers and performers out there in the theater world today. On the theater’s 50th anniversary, it received the Drama Desk Award in honor of recognition. Not to mention the theater earned 40 Tony Awards. Their honor of professionalism and talent is what made me look deeper into the work they do.
The Public Theater was founded in the 1950s by a man named Joseph Papp. Papp was a Shakespeare enthusiast and worked the theater into a Shakespeare workshop. Nowadays, it is a well respected cultural institution. The Public Theater was located on Lafayette Street after they turned the Astor Library into the Public Theater in 1967. The first musical premiere held at the Public Theater was Hair. This company also took advantage of a park stage in the summer called Delacorte Stage. Currently, the Public Theater’s performance location is Joe’s Pub.
Different types of material are produced by the company. They show a variety of plays, musicals, and productions. They originate their own material or remake a production to their style. Major productions of Shakespeare are staged here due to their founder. The writers of material are a part of a group, New York Now, which promotes talented writers and artists for the upcoming generation of theater. As the writers have their own group, the performers have an establishment of their own. The Public trains performers through a summer class called Shakespeare Lab; it allows The Public Theater to emerge the classical performers of tomorrow.
“The Public Theater is dedicated to achieving artistic excellence while developing an American theater that is accessible and relevant to all people…” –The Public Theater’s Mission Statement
The mission of The Public Theater is to direct those who attend toward the philosophy of inclusion. Sometimes, inclusion can take on various forms. The availability of tickets including the cost is kept at a minimum to catch the attention of those who are interested. The company doesn’t gear their material toward a certain audience, but take age, race, and experience into consideration to attract those of all kind.
The major regional theater company offers internships to those who are interested. While in attendance, they gain many skills out of the non-profit organization. They are teamed with expert mentors to get the best type of education possible, practice. Oskar Eustis, the Artistic Director of The Public Theater, will make sure those who are attending will not leave without an immense gain of knowledge.
Checking out their website really caught my eye. They have been recognized for numerous awards and for producing some of the best writers and performers out there in the theater world today. On the theater’s 50th anniversary, it received the Drama Desk Award in honor of recognition. Not to mention the theater earned 40 Tony Awards. Their honor of professionalism and talent is what made me look deeper into the work they do.
Broadway
Theater is everywhere in life. Where theater is most prestigious though is located on Broadway in New York City. Unfortunately, not every show makes it. Broadway casts the best of the best when it comes to theater. Some shows reside on Broadway for a few weeks while others last a few months if not years. Making it in the “Big Apple” is not an easy task. Those in the business put their blood, sweat, and tears into their work to make dreams come true. Getting your hands on Broadway tickets can be impossible sometimes while at others effortless. It all depends on what is playing at the time. Let’s take a look what currently is playing on Broadway.
Many hit shows are still performing on Broadway. Wicked, a comic Musical, has been playing since its preview on October 30, 2003. The success of this show is correlated to the hit movie The Wizard of Oz. Another big showing on Broadway would have to be Shrek the Musical. This Broadway musical has not been showing as long as Wicked, but has ratings through the roof. The popular show, Chicago, still resides on theater’s renowned Broadway stage. This show premiered in 1996 and is still running strong all the way through present-day. For a show to last this long it takes talent of the cast and crew. From directors to stage managers, they all have put on a performance of a lifetime.
From a personal view, I once saw the Broadway musical The Lion King when visiting New York. Still in high school, I was unable to appreciate the show. Not knowing how much work goes into a show of this caliber really was a fault on my behalf. Now in class, I am able to appreciate the work that the members put into their work. Just seeing the campus play, Anything Goes, makes me open my eyes even more when it comes to theater.
As previously stated, getting your hands on tickets can be easy at times and hard at others. Tickets for Broadway can be bought online and at the box office. A simple phone call can be placed allowing those to reserve tickets to a hit show. The online website for tickets is www.broadway.com. Some may ask though, “What if I don’t live in New York?” Fortunately, everything is taken care of. This website offers hotel packages so theater fans can book a package with their tickets. Though one can manage tickets via phone or box office, it is recommended to order them offline. Why? One can print the tickets right off after paying with plastic.
According to the website, the number one hit show is still Wicked. Other popular Broadway-bound shows include Mamma Mia, The Lion King, West Side Story, etc. If I could go back to Broadway after taking this theater class, I would like to see Wicked. Positive ratings from critics to those in class have made it appealing to me. I enjoyed The Wizard of Oz and am sure I would enjoy the musical, Wicked. With a new appreciation for theater, I’m sure I would enjoy the show much more now.
Broadway is to theater as the Stanley Cup is to hockey; it is where the best can say they perform. Making it though is not an easy task. New York City is a place that can either make or break a performance. Those who still reside on Broadway have great talent and a gift in life. If one ever has the chance to go, take it and enjoy the show. Never will they find such talent anywhere else.
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