Introduction to Theatre allows students to explore the elements from behind the curtain, and to see where theatre is today through historical and cultural aspects. The first eight chapters delve into the components of playwrighting, design and technical, acting, criticism (what is a critic), and taking the student through the process of what it takes to get a play to the stage beginning with the playwright and ending with opening night. Before the exploration of these elements, the first chapter prompts students to process the question of “what is art?” and understand the importance of all art to human existence. The next eight chapters examines the history of theatre, and threads early eastern and western theatre to today’s playwrights and productions, while connecting theatrical creations to their historical and geographical relevance.
Professor Cathy O’Dell teaches Introduction to the Theater, Acting, and Vocal Technique at West Virginia University. She received her teaching certificate in the Michael Chekhov acting technique.
Professor O’Dell trained with Joanna Merlin, Ted Pugh (HB studio), Ragnar Freidank, and Slava Kokorin in the Michael Chekhov. Furthermore, she trained with Slava Kokorin in the Stanislavski acting technique. She received Monologue and Audition training from Joanna Merlin (Broadway, film, and television actor and casting director for Harold Prince) Professor O’Dell has received Vocal training from Kristin Linklater, Andrea Haring (Linklater), and Sarah Kane (Rudolf Steiner).
Professor O’Dell has acted professionally at the American Contemporary Theater Festival and West Virginia Public Theatre. She has also acted and directed at The Las Vegas Little Theatre, West Virginia Public Theatre, M.T. Pockets Theatre, West Virginia University, and Fairmont State University. She has appeared in national commercials, training films, and industrials. She also works as a voice-over artist and can be heard on numerous commercials, PBS productions, industrials, and websites.
Professor O'Dell portrays Helen Vicks on season four of the HBO/Cinemax series Banshee. Other television roles include Mrs. Bell in TLC’s Night Visitors, and a featured role in Outsiders. She has also appeared in Academy award nominated Richard Linklater’s film Last Flag Flying. Other films include Back Fork,Edgar Alan Poe’sRequiem for the Damned, 1863, and The Baggage Claim directed by Academy Award nominated and Golden Globe winner Irene Miracle. She was invited by Mr. Linklater to be an acting rehearsal partner for Cate Blanchette and Kristen Wiig for the film Where’d You Go Bernadette.
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Table of Contents
Art for Art’s Sake and Ours: Art is a mirror of society. Art reflects our lives back to us and says, “This is who we are.”
Everyone’s a Critic: We will look at how you are in an unique position to be an audience member who thinks like a critic.
Dramatic Genres: Playwrights choose a particular style to tell his or her story in the most effective way.
The Playmaker: We will look at the “blueprint” of a theatrical production: the script, and how it comes to be.
From Page to Stage: We will look at how a play makes it to both commercial theatres and non-commercial theatres.
“Go Make You Ready”: Actors come to their careers via many different paths. We will take a closer look at the actor’s training and the audition process.
“All the World’s a Stage”: Just as we live in the world, the stage must become the world of the play.
Let’s Get Dressed up and Walk the Boards: Designers are artists in their own rights.
“Tommy can you hear me, can you see me?": Lighting can be the most influential design element regarding tone, mood, and establishment of time.
Early Theatre Part I: The aspects of theatre are intertwined with our very identity. Recorded rituals date back thousands of years.
Early Theatre Part II: In this chapter, we will look at early Western theatre and Medieval European and Persian theatre.
The Renaissance: In this chapter, we will explore the rebirth of knowledge and art throughout Europe known as the Renaissance.
The Restoration Through Romanticism: Theatre was the perfect medium to reflect the ideas of the Enlightenment.
From Russia With Love: European and Russian playwrights introduced realistic characters, dialogue, and plots that were truly different from anything before them.
Diversity in Theatre: We will examine the diversity of American theatre through the works of contemporary artists and playwrights.
Modern and Contemporary Trends: We will explore contemporary playwrights and the modern trends that have inspired with their works.
