American Literature: Survey of American Theatre History

Professor: Dr. Ellen Peck, Jacksonville State University / A. I. Cuza University, Iasi

Course Description:
This course examines the origins and development of theatre in the United States, from the Colonial
period through the twentieth century, and trends in the twenty-first century. Emphasis is placed on early
performers, playwrights, theatres, and theatrical production. We will also examine key plays and
theoretical texts to interrogate ideas of American identity, multiculturalism, and democracy.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
Trace the development of the American theatre from the Colonial era to the 21st century;
Identify key historical figures, including playwrights, actors, directors, and producers;
Discuss trends and popular themes in American theatre;
Analyze key plays, events, and movements throughout the history of American theatre.

Suggested Texts:
The American Stage: Social and Economic Issues from the Colonial Period to the Present, Ron
Engle and Tice L. Miller
American Drama 1945-2000: An Introduction, David Krasner

Online Course Content:

I have set up an online site with which I will post extra course materials and information. For each class
period, I will post a series of questions for you to answer in response to our class discussion and/or
assigned readings. These responses are worth 10 points and will count towards your final grade.

https://drpeckblog.wordpress.com/

Grading:
Blogs: 10 points each
Midterm exam: 50 points
Final exam: 100 points
Attendance: 10 points per class

Course Units

Feb. 21: Introduction & Overview

Feb. 28: Beginnings of American Theatre

This unit explores the beginnings of theatrical performance in what is now the United States, including
Native American performative rituals, the arrival of European touring companies, and the earliest plays.

March 7: NO CLASS Short paper to be submitted online.

March 14: The United States in the 19th Century Part 1

This unit explores the ongoing development of American drama, including native playwrights, nationalist
characters, and efforts to break away from its European roots. We will also discuss key actors and acting
companies throughout the period.
Seminar Introduction Play TBD

March 21: The US in the 19th Century Part 2

While Realism dominated European theatre, the second half of the 19th century in America saw a rise in
variety and popular entertainment, including melodrama, vaudeville, burlesque, extravaganzas, circuses,
ballet, and light opera. This unit examines these diverse forms and the establishment of New York City as
the capital of American theatre.
March 28: The New Century and the Arrival of European Realism
At the turn of the 20th century a handful of theatre artists, tired of formulaic melodramas and the
commercialism of Broadway, began to experiment with European realistic drama and scenic techniques.
This unit explores the Little Theatre Movement that gave rise to American Realism. We will also discuss
the influence of Constantin Stanislavskis actor training system and the foundation of realistic acting
schools in the United States.
Seminar Introduction Play TBD

April 4: American Realism

This unit looks at the key playwrights of the American Realism period, including Arthur Miller,
Tennessee Williams, Lillian Hellman, Edward Albee, and others.
Seminar Introduction for April 11 Play TBD

April 11: MIDTERM EXAMINATION

***April 18 EASTER BREAK***

April 25: Social and Political Activism in Drama

Throughout the 20th century, American playwrights, directors and theatre companies used theatre to
respond to war, political movements, and social issues. This unit looks at some prominent examples,
including the Federal Theatre Project, the Living Theatre, Feminist theatre, and the advent of ethnic
theatre.
Seminar Introduction Play TBD

May 2: American Musical Theatre Part 1

The musical theatre is a distinctly American art form, with roots in European opera, operetta, and English
Restoration entertainment. This unit looks at the beginnings of the American musical and the Golden
Age of 1943-1967.

May 9: American Drama in the late 20th Century Part 1

This unit examines trends in American drama from 1970-2000. It includes discussion of influential
playwrights Tony Kushner, August Wilson, Wendy Wasserstein, David Henry Hwang, Paula Vogel, and
Suzan-Lori Parks.
Seminar Introduction Play TBD
May 16: American Musical Theatre Part 2
Here we will discuss the growth of musical theatre from traditional conventions to experimentation with
the form from the 1970s and onward.

May 23: American Drama in the late 20th Century Part 2

Seminar Introduction Play TBD

May 30: Trends in the 21st Century

This unit gives an overview of contemporary American drama, including trends in site-specific
performance, new playwrights, and the use of multimedia in theatre.

June 6: FINAL EXAMINATION 10:00-12:00 Room III.15

BONUS!! DRAMA CLUB!!!!!

I am hosting a Drama Club this semester, where we will read a few essential American plays,
culminating in a staged reading at the end of the semester. Anyone is invited to participate, no
theatre experience necessary!! Please let me know if you would like to join us!