1. Instead of posing a generic question and then preparing answers, this journal is an online “debate” about that pagan and sinful ritual called theatre (as many people called it throughout history).  Here is the scenario.

   A parish chapel is closed for economic reasons, but, technically, is still owned by the local church.  To raise funds, the church has decided to “rent” out the chapel to local organizations for meetings, events or activities, since it is no longer used by the church for religious activities (masses, weddings, prayers, etc.).  A request is made by a local theatre company to rent the chapel, in order to put on the theatre production Hair.  After some research, it is discovered the musical they have chosen does contain some minor language and adult situations, which could be deemed inappropriate by some members of the congregation and/or community.

   Your journal assignment should answer the following:

   • do you rent the space to the theatre company?
   • why or why not?

   Create your response, in the Assignment submission box below (not in the Comments field), as a journal or diary entry.  This response will not be read by your fellow classmates.  The journal should be 1-2 pages long, approximately 400-500 words minimum.  Researching the musical Hair most likely will be needed.   Be careful of spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation…proofread and edit your work as necessary.  Please cite your sources if any are used, including any videos or links used.  This assignment will be graded according to the Journal Rubric attached.

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Contemporary theatre, both commercial and non-commercial, has seen a huge increase in diversity — diversity among playwrights and their plays, actors, directors, designers and theatre practitioners.  Diverse artists have always shown themselves to be an integral part of theatre and theatre history, but, now in contemporary theatre, they are sometimes referred to “artists of a diverse background” instead of just theatre artists.

These artists come from a selection of groups, cultures and categories including, but not limited by:

• Gender Specific
• Native American
• Hispanic
• African-American
• Asian-American
• Gay and Lesbian

This assignment requires you to…

• select one person (playwright, actor, designer, etc.) from the groups listed above
• explore, prepare and discuss his or her historical, social and cultural importance to what we call “diverse contemporary theatre” today

Create your response, in the Assignment submission box below (not in the Comments field), as a journal or diary entry.  This response will not be read by your fellow classmates.  The journal should be 1-2 pages long, approximately 400-500 words minimum.  Be careful of spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation…proofread and edit your work as necessary.  Please cite your sources if any are used, including any videos or links used.  This assignment will be graded according to the Journal Rubric attached.