Theatre and its Role in Society

Students will craft an essay in which they reflect on the role of theatre in society. What is the function of theatre and what should it be? What does theatre do that other art forms don't? How has theatre changed over time?

There have been many changes in the way in which the public has viewed theatre from the Greeks to the present. Once you have discussed what you think the role of theatre is and should be, you should choose the English Renaissance period/style listed below and compare how theatre was perceived differently than it is today. You should focus on two or three roles (actors, directors, playwrights, designers) or elements of production (set/staging, lighting, costume, theatrical space) to make a detailed comparison. However, you want to look at how those roles and elements speak to the way in which people perceived theatre's intent and purpose. You should do research through UMUC's library to find out more about your chosen periods.

3-4 pages, in MLA format.

English Renaissance