Instructor Manual: Downs, The Art of Theatre 5e ©2027, 9780357656983; Chapter 1: Theatre, Art, and Entertainment
Instructor Manual
Downs, The Art of Theatre 5e ©2027, 9780357656983; Chapter 1: Theatre, Art,
and Entertainment
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Purpose and Perspective of the Chapter .................................................................................... 2
Chapter Objectives .......................................................................................................................... 2
What's New in This Chapter .......................................................................................................... 2
Chapter Outline ............................................................................................................................... 3
Additional Activities and Assignments ...................................................................................... 12
Discussion and Debate ............................................................................................................ 12
Suggestions for Short Papers ................................................................................................. 13
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or 1
duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
, Instructor Manual: Downs, The Art of Theatre 5e ©2027, 9780357656983; Chapter 1: Theatre, Art, and Entertainment
PURPOSE AND PERSPECTIVE OF THE CHAPTER
The purpose of this chapter is to introduce learners to the fundamental concepts of
theatre as a unique art form and its relationship to entertainment within the broader
context of the humanities. Students will explore the essential need for humanities
education in developing critical thinking and cultural awareness beyond algorithmic
influences. The chapter examines various definitions of art, emphasizing its qualities
of human creation, subject, medium, structure, and audience response. Learners will
analyze the political nature of art and compare historical perspectives from Plato and
Aristotle regarding theatre’s role in society. Additionally, students will distinguish
between art and entertainment, understanding how artists express personal vision
while entertainers primarily seek audience approval. The chapter concludes by
surveying common types of theatre including commercial, political, cultural,
historical, and non-traditional forms, preparing students to engage meaningfully with
diverse theatrical experiences and recognize theatre's capacity for both personal
enrichment and social transformation.
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES
The following objectives are addressed in this chapter:
LO 1.1 Evaluate the need for the humanities.
LO 1.2 Cite three examples of how algorithms affect your life.
LO 1.3 Summarize the various definitions of art.
LO 1.4 Explain why art can be political.
LO 1.5 Summarize the essential qualities of art.
LO 1.6 Describe what makes theatre a unique art form.
LO 1.7 Give examples of the differences between art and entertainment.
LO 1.8 Compare Plato’s and Aristotle’s views on theatre.
LO 1.9 Summarize common types of theatre.
WHAT'S NEW IN THIS CHAPTER
Chapter 1 (“Theatre, Art, and Entertainment”) has been updated to better engage
today’s students and highlight theatre’s modern relevance. A new introduction shows
how studying theatre can personally and intellectually enrich lives. Expanded
humanities sections stress their role in a well-rounded education, while added
material on site-specific theatre, performance art, devised theatre, and Zoom plays
reflects evolving forms. The chapter also discusses how algorithms hape our
worldview—and how theatre can challenge that by offering fresh perspectives.
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or 2
duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
, Instructor Manual: Downs, The Art of Theatre 5e ©2027, 9780357656983; Chapter 1: Theatre, Art, and Entertainment
The expanded Spotlight on theatre and politics now further explores the vital
connection between performance and public life.
[return to top]
CHAPTER OUTLINE
Learning Objective 1.1 Evaluate the need for the humanities.
Key Concept 1: The humanities explore literature, philosophy, religion,
history, language, culture, and arts to help students answer essential
questions about identity, purpose, and place in the world. They study
aspects of human experience that cannot be quantified economically but
make “life worth the pain of living.”
Discussion Question: How might your future career be enhanced by
studying the humanities, even if it seems unrelated to your
professional goals?
Sample Response: A nursing student might develop greater
empathy through theatre study, leading to better patient care and
innovative approaches to healthcare challenges. The humanities
provide creative problem-solving skills and human understanding
that enhance any profession.
Teaching Tips/Strategies: Address student concerns about
“practical value” by connecting humanities skills to career success.
Use concrete examples of how humanities education has led to
innovations in STEM fields and business.
Key Concept 2: The humanities contribute over a trillion dollars annually to
the U.S. economy while providing cultural and personal enrichment that
transcends monetary value. They offer “crunch”—challenging ideas that
expand our worldview beyond algorithm-generated echo chambers.
Discussion Question: In what ways do social media algorithms limit
your exposure to new ideas, and how might studying the
humanities counteract this effect?
Sample Response: Algorithms create filter bubbles that reinforce
existing beliefs, while humanities expose us to diverse perspectives
and unfamiliar ideas. This exposure develops critical thinking and
empathy for people unlike ourselves.
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or 3
duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
, Instructor Manual: Downs, The Art of Theatre 5e ©2027, 9780357656983; Chapter 1: Theatre, Art, and Entertainment
Teaching Tips/Strategies: Help students identify their own
algorithmic influences by examining their social media feeds.
Encourage reflection on how their online experiences might be
limiting their worldview.
Learning Objective 1.2 Cite three examples of how algorithms affect your life
Key Concept 1: Computer algorithms shape our daily experiences by feeding
our “self” back to our “self,” creating navigation zombies who follow
predetermined paths without thinking. They trap us in algorithmically
defined notions of our tastes, preventing exposure to things we haven’t
loved yet.
Discussion Question: How do the algorithms in your daily life
(Google Maps, social media, streaming services) influence your
choices and potentially limit your growth as a person?
Sample Response: Netflix algorithms suggest similar content based
on past viewing, potentially preventing discovery of new genres or
perspectives. Google Maps creates dependency that weakens our
natural wayfinding abilities and spatial awareness.
Teaching Tips/Strategies: Have students track their algorithm-
influenced decisions for a week. Encourage them to deliberately
seek out content or experiences outside their algorithmic
recommendations.
Key Concept 2: Algorithmic influence creates a “dangerously crunch-free
culture” where people avoid challenging ideas and remain trapped in
familiar shadows rather than venturing into unknown territories. This leads
to intellectual stagnation and reduced capacity for independent thought.
Discussion Question: What strategies could you implement to break
free from algorithmic control and actively seek out diverse
perspectives and challenging ideas?
Sample Response: Students could diversify their news sources,
seek out art from different cultures, or engage with people who
hold different viewpoints. Actively choosing unfamiliar content
helps develop intellectual independence and critical thinking skills.
Teaching Tips/Strategies: Create assignments that require students
to engage with content outside their comfort zones. Discuss the
difference between remembering information and truly knowing it
through personal exploration.
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or 4
duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Instructor Manual
Downs, The Art of Theatre 5e ©2027, 9780357656983; Chapter 1: Theatre, Art,
and Entertainment
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Purpose and Perspective of the Chapter .................................................................................... 2
Chapter Objectives .......................................................................................................................... 2
What's New in This Chapter .......................................................................................................... 2
Chapter Outline ............................................................................................................................... 3
Additional Activities and Assignments ...................................................................................... 12
Discussion and Debate ............................................................................................................ 12
Suggestions for Short Papers ................................................................................................. 13
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or 1
duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
, Instructor Manual: Downs, The Art of Theatre 5e ©2027, 9780357656983; Chapter 1: Theatre, Art, and Entertainment
PURPOSE AND PERSPECTIVE OF THE CHAPTER
The purpose of this chapter is to introduce learners to the fundamental concepts of
theatre as a unique art form and its relationship to entertainment within the broader
context of the humanities. Students will explore the essential need for humanities
education in developing critical thinking and cultural awareness beyond algorithmic
influences. The chapter examines various definitions of art, emphasizing its qualities
of human creation, subject, medium, structure, and audience response. Learners will
analyze the political nature of art and compare historical perspectives from Plato and
Aristotle regarding theatre’s role in society. Additionally, students will distinguish
between art and entertainment, understanding how artists express personal vision
while entertainers primarily seek audience approval. The chapter concludes by
surveying common types of theatre including commercial, political, cultural,
historical, and non-traditional forms, preparing students to engage meaningfully with
diverse theatrical experiences and recognize theatre's capacity for both personal
enrichment and social transformation.
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES
The following objectives are addressed in this chapter:
LO 1.1 Evaluate the need for the humanities.
LO 1.2 Cite three examples of how algorithms affect your life.
LO 1.3 Summarize the various definitions of art.
LO 1.4 Explain why art can be political.
LO 1.5 Summarize the essential qualities of art.
LO 1.6 Describe what makes theatre a unique art form.
LO 1.7 Give examples of the differences between art and entertainment.
LO 1.8 Compare Plato’s and Aristotle’s views on theatre.
LO 1.9 Summarize common types of theatre.
WHAT'S NEW IN THIS CHAPTER
Chapter 1 (“Theatre, Art, and Entertainment”) has been updated to better engage
today’s students and highlight theatre’s modern relevance. A new introduction shows
how studying theatre can personally and intellectually enrich lives. Expanded
humanities sections stress their role in a well-rounded education, while added
material on site-specific theatre, performance art, devised theatre, and Zoom plays
reflects evolving forms. The chapter also discusses how algorithms hape our
worldview—and how theatre can challenge that by offering fresh perspectives.
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or 2
duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
, Instructor Manual: Downs, The Art of Theatre 5e ©2027, 9780357656983; Chapter 1: Theatre, Art, and Entertainment
The expanded Spotlight on theatre and politics now further explores the vital
connection between performance and public life.
[return to top]
CHAPTER OUTLINE
Learning Objective 1.1 Evaluate the need for the humanities.
Key Concept 1: The humanities explore literature, philosophy, religion,
history, language, culture, and arts to help students answer essential
questions about identity, purpose, and place in the world. They study
aspects of human experience that cannot be quantified economically but
make “life worth the pain of living.”
Discussion Question: How might your future career be enhanced by
studying the humanities, even if it seems unrelated to your
professional goals?
Sample Response: A nursing student might develop greater
empathy through theatre study, leading to better patient care and
innovative approaches to healthcare challenges. The humanities
provide creative problem-solving skills and human understanding
that enhance any profession.
Teaching Tips/Strategies: Address student concerns about
“practical value” by connecting humanities skills to career success.
Use concrete examples of how humanities education has led to
innovations in STEM fields and business.
Key Concept 2: The humanities contribute over a trillion dollars annually to
the U.S. economy while providing cultural and personal enrichment that
transcends monetary value. They offer “crunch”—challenging ideas that
expand our worldview beyond algorithm-generated echo chambers.
Discussion Question: In what ways do social media algorithms limit
your exposure to new ideas, and how might studying the
humanities counteract this effect?
Sample Response: Algorithms create filter bubbles that reinforce
existing beliefs, while humanities expose us to diverse perspectives
and unfamiliar ideas. This exposure develops critical thinking and
empathy for people unlike ourselves.
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or 3
duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
, Instructor Manual: Downs, The Art of Theatre 5e ©2027, 9780357656983; Chapter 1: Theatre, Art, and Entertainment
Teaching Tips/Strategies: Help students identify their own
algorithmic influences by examining their social media feeds.
Encourage reflection on how their online experiences might be
limiting their worldview.
Learning Objective 1.2 Cite three examples of how algorithms affect your life
Key Concept 1: Computer algorithms shape our daily experiences by feeding
our “self” back to our “self,” creating navigation zombies who follow
predetermined paths without thinking. They trap us in algorithmically
defined notions of our tastes, preventing exposure to things we haven’t
loved yet.
Discussion Question: How do the algorithms in your daily life
(Google Maps, social media, streaming services) influence your
choices and potentially limit your growth as a person?
Sample Response: Netflix algorithms suggest similar content based
on past viewing, potentially preventing discovery of new genres or
perspectives. Google Maps creates dependency that weakens our
natural wayfinding abilities and spatial awareness.
Teaching Tips/Strategies: Have students track their algorithm-
influenced decisions for a week. Encourage them to deliberately
seek out content or experiences outside their algorithmic
recommendations.
Key Concept 2: Algorithmic influence creates a “dangerously crunch-free
culture” where people avoid challenging ideas and remain trapped in
familiar shadows rather than venturing into unknown territories. This leads
to intellectual stagnation and reduced capacity for independent thought.
Discussion Question: What strategies could you implement to break
free from algorithmic control and actively seek out diverse
perspectives and challenging ideas?
Sample Response: Students could diversify their news sources,
seek out art from different cultures, or engage with people who
hold different viewpoints. Actively choosing unfamiliar content
helps develop intellectual independence and critical thinking skills.
Teaching Tips/Strategies: Create assignments that require students
to engage with content outside their comfort zones. Discuss the
difference between remembering information and truly knowing it
through personal exploration.
© 2027 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or 4
duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
