Study Guide

Test Design and Test Objectives
Field 49: Theater

Test Overview

Format	Computer-based test (CBT)
Number of Questions	100 selected-response questions
Time	2 hours and 30 minutes (does not include 15-minute CBT tutorial)
Passing Score	240

Test Objectives

Table outlining test content and subject weighting by sub area and objective

Subareas		Range of Objectives	Approximate Test Proportions
I	Playwriting, Performance, and Direction of Dramatic Works	01–03	37%
II	Design, Production, and Management of Dramatic Works	04–05	19%
III	Theater History and Dramatic Literature	06–09	31%
IV	Theater Education	10–11	13%
Total Proportion			100%

 

Subarea I–Playwriting, Performance, and Direction of Dramatic Works

Objective 0001: Understand principles of playwriting and dramatic structure.

For example:

• principles and skills involved in writing and adapting a play
• use of various techniques (e.g., multiple methods of research/information gathering, playmaking, self-scripting, improvisation) for generating ideas for stories, actions, characters, and dramatic environments
• ways of structuring a script to communicate ideas and feelings (e.g., plot, characters, setting, theme, mood)
• use of various dramatic styles, forms, and genres

Objective 0002: Understand principles of acting.

For example:

• characteristics associated with historical styles of acting
• methods and characteristics associated with modern and contemporary actor training
• techniques for developing actors' tools (i.e., voice, body, and mind)
• characterization techniques
• uses and techniques of improvisation

Objective 0003: Understand principles of directing.

For example:

• the roles and functions of the director
• script selection
• methods for audition and casting
• concept and design decisions
• script analysis
• staging a production
• effective collaboration with cast, production staff, and community

 

Subarea II–Design, Production, and Management of Dramatic Works

Objective 0004: Understand principles of producing and managing theatrical performances.

For example:

• roles and responsibilities of individuals involved in theatrical management (e.g., producer, stage manager, technical director)
• factors and considerations involved in selecting a play for theatrical production
• legal issues (e.g., royalties, copyrights, liability, contracts, safety) related to theatrical producing
• procedures for selecting artistic and technical staff
• procedures for scheduling, budgeting, planning, promoting, and managing theatrical productions

Objective 0005: Understand set, costume, and lighting design and execution.

For example:

• essential design principles and elements as they relate to theater (e.g., space, color, line, shape, texture, repetition, balance, emphasis, contrast, unity)
• historical periods and styles
• fundamentals of stagecraft (e.g., set, costume, property, and mask construction; hang/focus of lighting instruments; sound production; makeup; safety)
• the application of principles of design and production in various situations

 

Subarea III–Theater History and Dramatic Literature

Objective 0006: Understand the history of drama and theater.

For example:

• the various purposes of theater throughout history
• basic elements of a theatrical performance
• types and characteristics of various dramatic forms
• the relationship of cultural, economic, political, and other factors to theater

Objective 0007: Understand British and other European dramatic literature from ancient times through the present.

For example:

• characteristics of European theater and dramatic literature from the classical age through the present
• major playwrights and their works
• prominent developments in European theatrical performance and production
• major themes, characteristics, and developments in British and other European drama of different periods

Objective 0008: Understand the dramatic literature of the United States.

For example:

• characteristics of American theater and dramatic literature
• major American playwrights (e.g., O'Neill, Miller, A. Wilson, Hansberry, Wilder, Mamet) and their works
• prominent individuals and developments in American theatrical performance and production
• themes, characteristics, and developments in American drama through the present

Objective 0009: Understand dramatic literature from other cultural traditions.

For example:

• characteristics of theater and dramatic literature of Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas
• major playwrights and their works
• prominent individuals
• major themes, characteristics, and developments in drama

 

Subarea IV–Theater Education

Objective 0010: Understand principles of theater education for children and adolescents.

For example:

• teaching methods and approaches in theater arts education
• the artistic development of children and adolescents in the theater arts
• criteria for evaluating acting, theatrical performance, and theater crafts at different age levels

Objective 0011: Understand the interdisciplinary nature of theater.

For example:

• theater in connection to related arts (e.g., opera, puppetry, mime, music, dance, visual arts, radio, television, video, film, digital media)
• theater in relation to the humanities