Part Six VI › Division II II › Section 622 622

Theatre

Subject Outline

AThe art of theatre
- 1The nature and origins of theatre as an art
- 2Functions of theatre and theatrical production; e.g., theatre as social, moral, or religious expression; theatre as entertainment
- 3Problems of theatre and theatrical production
- 4Interrelation of theatrical performance and audience
- 5The arts of design in the theatre: staging and the design of stages, sets, lights, costumes, and makeup [see C.2., below]
- 6Directing
- 7Acting
- 8The roles of other arts in the theatre: literature, music, dance, painting, and architecture [see C., below]
BKinds and methods of theatrical production
- 1Diverse kinds of theatrical production
  - aKinds defined by the nature of the production itself
    - iThe traditional dramatic forms or genres; e.g., tragedy, comedy [for these forms as literature, see 621.C.3.]
    - iiDramatic improvisation: commedia dell'arte and related forms
    - iiiMime and pantomime
    - ivPuppet, marionette, and shadow plays and related forms
    - vNondramatic theatrical production [see B.1.f., below]
  - bKinds defined by their special purpose or audience; e.g., religious theatre, civic theatre, educational theatre, court theatre
  - cKinds defined by their system of production; e.g., single-performance productions, repertory systems, stock companies, touring companies
  - dKinds defined by the controlling artist; e.g., actor-dominated productions, dramatist-controlled productions, productions controlled by a nonperforming director
  - eKinds defined by their style: general aesthetic style; styles of particular countries, historical periods, and playwrights
  - fKinds defined by the lack of a unified dramatic structure
    - iCircuses and carnivals
    - iiPageants, parades, and related forms
    - iiiPopular entertainments: music hall, variety, and burlesque productions; nightclub shows; cabaret; musical comedy and revue
  - gKinds defined by the cultural character of their audience: primitive, folk, and popular theatre
  - hKinds defined by their production media: radio and television
- 2Methods of theatrical production
CElements of theatrical production
- 1The production area: theatre buildings, stages, auditoriums
  - aTheatre as place: kinds and uses of theatre buildings, stages, and auditoriums
  - bThe historical development of theatres in Western and non-Western cultures
- 2Staging and stage design: the arrangement of words, dance, music, costumes, makeup, lighting, sound, and properties for theatrical effect
DThe history of theatre
- 1Western theatre