## What do you learn in History of Theatre II: Cities at Play from the Renaissance to the Rise of Realism

You'll explore the evolution of theatre from the Renaissance to the rise of Realism. The course covers major theatrical movements, influential playwrights, and how urban environments shaped theatrical practices. You'll analyze plays, staging techniques, and the social context of theatre during this period. Key topics include Elizabethan theatre, Commedia dell'arte, Neoclassicism, Romanticism, and early Realism.

## Is History of Theatre II: Cities at Play from the Renaissance to the Rise of Realism hard?

It's not a walk in the park, but it's definitely manageable. The course involves a lot of reading and analysis, which can be time-consuming. You'll need to remember key dates, playwrights, and theatrical movements. The hardest part is often connecting historical events to theatrical developments. But if you're into theatre or history, you'll probably find it pretty interesting, which makes it easier to tackle.

## Tips for taking History of Theatre II: Cities at Play from the Renaissance to the Rise of Realism in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Create a timeline of major theatrical movements and playwrights
3. Read plays from each period to get a better understanding (e.g., Shakespeare for Elizabethan, Molière for Neoclassicism)
4. Watch film adaptations of plays from different eras to visualize staging techniques
5. Form a study group to discuss and debate the social context of plays
6. Check out documentaries like "Shakespeare Uncovered" or "The Story of the Costume Drama"
7. Visit local theatres or watch online performances to see how historical styles influence modern productions

## Common pre-requisites for History of Theatre II: Cities at Play from the Renaissance to the Rise of Realism

1. History of Theatre I: Ancient to Medieval. This course covers the origins of theatre from ancient civilizations through the Middle Ages. You'll learn about Greek and Roman theatre, as well as early religious drama.

2. Introduction to Theatre. This class provides an overview of theatre as an art form, including basic acting, directing, and design principles. You'll get a taste of various aspects of theatre production and analysis.

## Classes similar to History of Theatre II: Cities at Play from the Renaissance to the Rise of Realism

1. Modern and Contemporary Theatre. This course picks up where History of Theatre II leaves off, exploring theatrical movements from the late 19th century to the present. You'll study avant-garde theatre, absurdism, and postmodern performance.

2. World Theatre and Performance. This class examines theatrical traditions from various cultures around the globe. You'll learn about Asian, African, and Latin American theatre forms and their influence on Western theatre.

3. Shakespeare and His Contemporaries. This course dives deep into Elizabethan and Jacobean drama, focusing on Shakespeare and other playwrights of the era. You'll analyze plays in their historical and cultural context.

4. Theatre and Society. This class explores the relationship between theatre and social issues throughout history. You'll examine how theatre has been used as a tool for social commentary and change.

## Majors related to History of Theatre II: Cities at Play from the Renaissance to the Rise of Realism

1. Theatre Arts. Students in this major study all aspects of theatre, including acting, directing, design, and theatre history. They often participate in productions and develop practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.

2. Drama and Performance Studies. This major focuses on the academic study of theatre and performance, including history, theory, and criticism. Students analyze plays and performances from various cultural and historical perspectives.

3. English Literature. English majors often study plays as part of their curriculum, especially those from the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods. They develop strong analytical and writing skills while exploring the literary aspects of dramatic works.

4. History. History majors may find this course relevant for understanding cultural and social developments in Europe from the Renaissance onward. They learn to analyze historical events and their impact on artistic expressions like theatre.

## What can you do with a degree in History of Theatre II: Cities at Play from the Renaissance to the Rise of Realism?

1. Theatre Historian. Theatre historians research and write about the history of theatre, often specializing in specific periods or regions. They may work in academia, museums, or as independent scholars.

2. Dramaturge. Dramaturges work with theatre companies to provide historical and cultural context for productions. They help directors and actors understand the background of plays and assist in adapting historical works for modern audiences.

3. Theatre Critic. Theatre critics review plays and performances for newspapers, magazines, or online publications. They need a strong understanding of theatre history to provide informed and insightful critiques.

4. Arts Administrator. Arts administrators manage theatres, cultural centers, or arts organizations. Their knowledge of theatre history helps them curate programs and understand the cultural significance of different productions.

## History of Theatre II: Cities at Play from the Renaissance to the Rise of Realism FAQs

1. Do we need to memorize specific dates for theatrical movements? You'll need to know general time periods, but exact dates aren't usually required. Focus on understanding the chronological order and relationships between movements.

2. Are we expected to read entire plays or just excerpts? It depends on the professor, but typically you'll read a mix of full plays and important scenes from others. Be prepared to discuss key elements and themes from the assigned readings.

3. How much does this course focus on non-Western theatre? While the main focus is on European theatre, many professors incorporate some non-Western influences and parallel developments. Ask your professor if you're interested in exploring this area further.

History of Theatre II

Unit 1 – Italian Renaissance Theatre

Unit 2 – Elizabethan and Jacobean Theatre in England

Unit 2 – Elizabethan & Jacobean Theatre in England

Unit 3 – Spanish Golden Age Drama (1580-1680)

Unit 4 – French Neoclassicism in Theatre

Unit 5 – Restoration Theatre in England

Unit 5 – Restoration Theatre: England's Stage Revival

Unit 6 – 18th-Century Theatre in Europe

Unit 6 – 18th-Century European Theatre

Unit 7 – The Beginnings of Realism in Theatre

Unit 7 – Realism's Theatrical Origins

Unit 8 – Romanticism in Theatre: Emotion & Imagination

Unit 9 – American Theatre in the 1800s

Unit 10 – The Rise of Realism in Europe

Unit 10 – Realism's Emergence in European Theatre

Unit 11 – Late 19th-Century and Early 20th-Century European Theatre

Unit 11 – European Theatre: Late 19th-Early 20th Century

Unit 12 – Modern Theatre's Origins

1.2 Italian Renaissance theatre architecture and design

1.3 Key playwrights and works of the Italian Renaissance

1.1 Commedia dell'arte: Origins, stock characters, and influence

2.1 The rise of professional theatre companies in England

2.2 Shakespeare's life, works, and lasting impact

2.4 Elizabethan and Jacobean stagecraft and special effects

2.3 The Globe Theatre and other notable playhouses

2.5 Other notable playwrights of the English Renaissance

3.3 Calderón de la Barca and the auto sacramental

3.4 Other notable Spanish Golden Age playwrights and works

3.1 Corrales and the development of Spanish theatre

3.2 Lope de Vega and the Spanish comedia

4.1 The influence of Cardinal Richelieu and the Académie Française

4.2 Pierre Corneille and the development of French tragedy

4.3 Molière and the evolution of French comedy

4.4 Jean Racine and the refinement of French neoclassical tragedy

4.5 French neoclassical theatre architecture and design

5.1 The reopening of theatres and the influence of Charles II

5.2 Restoration comedy: Themes, characters, and notable playwrights

5.3 The rise of actresses and their impact on Restoration theatre

5.4 Restoration theatre architecture and design

6.1 The rise of sentimental comedy and domestic tragedy

6.2 Italian opera and its influence on European theatre

6.3 The Baroque theatre and spectacle in Europe

6.4 Notable 18th-century playwrights and works across Europe

7.1 Denis Diderot and the drame bourgeois

7.2 Gotthold Ephraim Lessing and the German Enlightenment theatre

7.3 The rise of melodrama and its popularity

7.4 Early realist playwrights and works

8.3 Romantic theatre in Germany: Goethe and Schiller

8.4 Romantic theatre in England: Byron and Shelley

8.1 The influence of the Romantic movement on theatre

8.2 Victor Hugo and the battle of Hernani

9.1 The rise of American theatre and notable playhouses

9.2 Minstrel shows and their impact on American theatre

9.3 The emergence of American playwrights and works

9.4 The Astor Place Riot and its significance

10.1 Henrik Ibsen and the birth of modern realist drama

10.2 August Strindberg and naturalism in theatre

10.3 Anton Chekhov and the Moscow Art Theatre

10.4 The Independent Theatre Movement and the rise of realism

11.1 The Théâtre Libre and André Antoine's contributions

11.2 The Freie Bühne and the rise of German realism

11.3 Oscar Wilde and the comedy of manners

11.4 George Bernard Shaw and the social problem play

12.3 Vsevolod Meyerhold and the rise of avant-garde theatre

12.4 The beginnings of expressionism in theatre

12.1 Konstantin Stanislavski and the development of the Stanislavski System

12.2 The Moscow Art Theatre and its impact on modern theatre

🎟️History of Theatre II Unit 1 – Italian Renaissance Theatre

Study Guides for Unit 1

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1.1 Commedia dell'arte: Origins, stock characters, and influence