Summary of "Resources in Theatre Studies - 1"

Summary of “Resources in Theatre Studies - 1”

This video is an introductory lecture aimed at students enrolled in a Master’s program in Theatre Studies. The speaker provides an extensive overview of key resources—books, journals, websites, organizations, and terminology—that are essential for research and deeper understanding in the field of theatre studies. The lecture is structured around several major themes: theatre terminology, recommended literature, journals and periodicals, digital and online resources, regional theatre resources, and professional organizations.

Main Ideas and Concepts

1. Theatre Terminology and Jargon

The speaker introduces and explains a broad list of fundamental theatre terms that students should familiarize themselves with to better understand theatre discourse and practice. Examples include:

Act, Actor, Audience, Blocking, Character
Director, Dramaturgy, Ensemble
Tech Booth (technical control area), Fly Loft (upper stage area), Wings (side panels)
Cyclorama (backdrop cloth), FOH (Front of House - audience waiting area), Green Room (actors’ preparation area)
Improvisation, Monologue, Playwright, Props, Rehearsal, Script, Set, Stage, Stagecraft, Stage Directions
Theatre in the Round, Upstage, Downstage, Offstage, Backstage, Fourth Wall, Proscenium, Blackbox Theatre
Tech Rehearsal (rehearsal involving technical elements like lighting and sound)
Roles such as Sound Designer, Lighting Designer, Scenic Designer, Makeup Artist, Choreographer
Terms related to performance and production like Overture, Score, Libretto, Pantomime, Q Reprise, Intermission

2. Recommended Books on Theatre History and Studies

Several foundational books for theatre history and theory are listed, useful for understanding the broad spectrum of theatre studies:

Oxford Illustrated History of Theatre (John Russell Brown, ed.)
Cambridge History of British Theatre (Jane Milling)
Theatre Histories: An Introduction (Philip B. Zarr)
A Street of Western Theatre (J.L. Styan)
Cambridge Companion to Theatre History (David Wiles & Christine Dymkowski)
The Lively Art (Edwin Wilson & Alvin Goldfarb)
Theatre Collaborative Acts (Ronald Wayne Scott & Kathy Fletcher)
Cambridge Introduction to Theatre Studies (Christopher Bal)

3. Key Journals and Periodicals

Important scholarly and critical journals for theatre studies include:

Theatre Journal (research articles and reviews)
Modern Drama (peer-reviewed journal on contemporary theatre)
Journal of Dramatic Theory and Criticism
Performance Research (interdisciplinary journal)
Studies in Theatre and Performance
American Theatre Magazine (reviews and essays on current trends)
New York Times Theatre Reviews (notable critics like Ben Brantley)
The Guardian Theatre Reviews (UK-focused coverage)
HowlRound Theatre Commons (essays and reviews by practitioners and scholars)

4. Digital and Online Resources

Several digital platforms and archives useful for theatre research are highlighted:

Digital Theatre (streaming performances and educational content)
JSTOR and Project Muse (digital libraries requiring institutional access)
Theatre Research International Online
American Theatre Wing website
Internet Broadway Database (IBDB)
Internet Theatre Database (global theatre productions)
Theatre History YouTube channel
Theatre History Podcast (audio discussions)
Digital collections and archives from various libraries

5. Regional and Cultural Theatre Resources

The lecture covers resources specific to different world regions:

World Drama and Global Theatre

NN Anthology of World Drama
World Theatre: The Basics (Maggie B. Gale & John F. Deeney)
Methuen Drama Guide to Contemporary World Drama
International Theatre Institute (ITI) for global collaboration

African Theatre

Modern African Drama (edited by Bodun Je)
Methuen Drama Anthology of Modern African Plays
African Theatre Association (organization supporting research and practice)

American Theatre

Not an Anthology of American Drama
Cambridge Companion to American Theatre (John B. Wilmeth & Christopher Bixby)
Broadway and America: The American Musical (Lawrence Maslon & Michael Kantor)
American Theatre Wing (website and resources)

Indian Theatre

Modern Indian Drama and Anthology (edited by Himansu Bajpai & Anokha Kumar)
Methuen Drama Anthology of Indian Plays (edited by Apna Bhav Dharar)
Indian Theatre: Tradition of Performance (F.P. Richmond)
National School of Drama (courses, workshops, productions)

Latin American Theatre

Latin America Anthology (David Coleman & Helen R. Lane)
Contemporary Latin American Theater: Seven Plays (Adam Vera, ed.)
Latin American Theater in Translation (Katherine Larson & Margarita Vargas)
Stages of Conflict (Diana Taylor & Sara J. Townsend)
Latin American Theater Review (journal)
Latin American Theater Today (publication)
Hispanic Review (broader cultural studies including theatre)

6. Approach to Theatre Studies and Research

Students are encouraged to select materials based on their personal interests, language preferences, and research objectives.
There is no one-size-fits-all reading list; instead, students should build a tailored collection of books and resources.
It is important to have foundational books on world drama and the region of interest.
Access to performance culture (live or recorded) of the region is essential.
Supplementary materials such as literary theory, history of rituals, and cultural practices may be necessary depending on research focus.

7. Theatre Organizations and Associations

The speaker emphasizes the importance of networking and engaging with professional organizations for scholarly growth and opportunities:

Theatre Communications Group (TCG) – American organization promoting theatre
International Federation for Theatre Research – global research organization
Association for Theatre in Higher Education – promotes theatre education excellence
National Association of Schools of Theatre – accreditation agency
Dramatists Guild of America
Regional organizations such as Asian, African, Latin American, Australian theatre groups
Indian Society for Theatre Research – the speaker is a founding member and current General Secretary

8. Closing Remarks

The provided list of resources is not exhaustive but serves as a foundational guide.
Students should continuously enrich their resource base.
The study of theatre is interdisciplinary, encompassing cultural, social, and artistic inquiries.
The speaker hopes the discussion aids students in their academic and research pursuits.

Methodology / Instructions for Students

Familiarize Yourself with Theatre Terminology: Learn and use theatre jargon confidently to engage with academic and practical theatre discussions.
Select Books Based on Your Focus: Choose from the recommended foundational texts in theatre history, theory, and regional studies that align with your research interests.
Use Scholarly Journals for Research Updates: Regularly read journals to stay informed about contemporary research, critical reviews, and theatrical trends.
Access Digital and Online Resources: Utilize institutional subscriptions to digital libraries and online platforms for accessing articles, performance recordings, and educational materials.
Explore Regional Theatre Resources: Study theatre from various cultural and geographical perspectives by consulting region-specific anthologies, books, and organizations.
Engage with Professional Organizations: Join theatre associations and attend conferences to network, collaborate, and enhance your understanding of the field.
Build a Personalized Resource Collection: Continuously add to your list of books, articles, and digital resources tailored to your academic and creative goals.

Speakers / Sources Featured

Primary Speaker

The lecturer (unnamed in the subtitles) who is a faculty member in the Theatre Studies Master’s program and is associated with various theatre research organizations, including the International Federation for Theatre Research and the Indian Society for Theatre Research (founding member and General Secretary).

Referenced Authors / Editors

John Russell Brown
Jane Milling
Philip B. Zarr
J.L. Styan
David Wiles & Christine Dymkowski
Edwin Wilson & Alvin Goldfarb
Ronald Wayne Scott & Kathy Fletcher
Christopher Bal
Bodun Je
John B. Wilmeth & Christopher Bixby
Lawrence Maslon & Michael Kantor
Himansu Bajpai & Anokha Kumar
Apna Bhav Dharar
David Coleman & Helen R. Lane
Adam Vera
Katherine Larson & Margarita Vargas
Diana Taylor & Sara J. Townsend

Notable Critics Mentioned

Ben Brantley
Jesse Green
Michael Billington

This summary encapsulates the core content and guidance offered in the video, providing a comprehensive roadmap for students and researchers in theatre studies to navigate available resources effectively.