Creating shared folders for submitting drawings, class notes, and research project

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Please set up a shared Google Drive or Dropbox folder dedicated to this class. Make sure you put your first and last name in the title of the folder (see below). Within the course folder, create three subfolders: drawings, class notes, and research project. Please make sure that all these folders are shareable and can be viewed by all. I should not have to ask for permission to view the documents or folders. 

FOLDER: Theatre History 2280ID, Section ___, Christopher Swift
   SUBFOLDER: Drawings
   SUBFOLDER: Class notes
   SUBFOLDER: Research project

Once you have set up the folders, simply post a link to your master folder (Theatre History 2280ID, Section ___, First Name Last Name) by replying to this post. Going forward, all you need to do is upload your drawings, class notes, and research project assignments into the appropriate folders. You should not post links to the files themselves. Post only a single link to your master folder by replying below. Nothing more. I will be going into your folders throughout the semester to check on your progress. 

Thank you for setting up your folders in this manner and posting links to folders only (not to individual documents). Please make sure that your folders can be “viewed by anyone with this link” when you share.

75 thoughts on “Creating shared folders for submitting drawings, class notes, and research project”

    1. Christopher Swift Post author

      Sketches: overall, very good. You captured the essence of good sketching technique — fast strokes of the pencil without too much fastidiousness, while also including the basic elements of the subject and capturing the spirit of the images.

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    2. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act I: Your ground plan sketch is excellent, but you’re missing the facade and interior sketches. Your responses to the questions are a bit thin, and I don’t get a clear sense of the neighborhood. More detail needed … what you describe could be almost anywhere in Manhattan. Finally, your second research question is unclear. For Act II, you will need to figure out the history of the building and how HERE adapted that particular part of the building for theatrical use.

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    4. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act III: Good use of historical maps and images — beaux arts! I also have always wondered what happened in 1993. You should use legible print (purple against black is illegible) and bullet points. It was obvious from your presentation that you knew your material very well because you spoke extemporaneously. Well designed maps with relevant information.

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    2. Christopher Swift Post author

      Drawings: Serlio and Hellenistic theater are very good. You have rushed the Kiesler stage and Appia. We shouldn’t see the pencil strokes for the shading in Appia. You may be missing other images as well. Look at the list of required sketches in the Assignments folder.

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    3. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act I: I hope you are researching the mainstage space for the Atlantic at the church. The second stage has very little architectural interest. Very good descriptions of the neighborhood — types of buildings. In the next stages, you will want to research the types of people that live there to see how the theater might want to connect with them (I think this is how you need to rephrase your second research question, by the way). You mention “many” public spaces for interaction, but on your hand-drawn map I don’t see any. You mention the High Line, but isn’t that a number of long blocks away from the theater? What other parks, libraries, atria are in the area? Missing interior sketch.

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    4. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act III: Did you work on this presentation by yourself? The main auditorium used to be the church altar and pews, no? The back wall was exterior? Good job making your own plan! You said the walls weren’t thick — did you mean that there wasn’t much wing space (off stage)? Bibliography is sparse.

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    1. Christopher Swift Post author

      Class notes: The quiz 4 folder says “incomplete”. Can you remove that label once you are done? Also, retake all photos by positioning the camera square over the page. It’s difficult to read at an angle. Finally, where are all the other days of lecture notes?

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    2. Christopher Swift Post author

      Drawings: you only have one drawing (Hellenistic theater), and this is rushed. The vertical lines (columns, for instance), should be at a 90 degree angle from the bottom of the page. The horizontal lines (perspective — to the vanishing point), need to be drawn more carefully. Please redo. Where are all the other drawings?

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    3. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act I: your submission should be separate from Michael’s. You are only collaborating on the final presentation. Acts I and II must be done independently (you will receive separate grades). Please resubmit a report that you did on your own (for instance, you each have to answer the questions on your own, have different drawings, different research questions, etc.).

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    4. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act I and II: Are you no longer working with Michael Hipo? Good work, but a few crucial things:

      1) Have you seen this? It’s indispensable for explaining the technology and machinery of the MET: https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/03/21/magazine/metropolitan-opera-stage.html?ref=magazine

      2) There’s nothing in either report about the redesign of some of the public areas around the MET by DS&R. I’m not sure they did anything with the Metropolitan Opera building itself, but they did make changes to the outdoor spaces around the building. This needs to be part of your final report. Did you see the elevated, sloped lawn next to the fountain? Go to DS&R’s website. They discuss their renovations of the MET there (10 years ago, or so?)

      3) You do not have sketches of the birds-eye view of the area or of an interior aspect of the building.

      4) Your bibliography is not annotated. Also, one of your citations is to an engineering firm that discusses modernizations, but this is nowhere in Act II.

      5) I would not describe the buildings around Lincoln Center as dreary or dilapidated. Many of them were built at an earlier date, but I think this tells us more about their historical value they bring to the urban landscape. Also, the buildings west of Lincoln Center are very different from the buildings east of Lincoln center. In this way LC, serves as a kind of dividing line between two very different neighborhoods. This should be obvious in your ARC GIS analysis.

      6) Did you find out anything about how the developers in 1963 removed the neighborhood in that area in order to build Lincoln Center? You can mention the old Met Opera on 39th (and show an image), but the focus of your report must be on the building at 65th street. This goes for the neighborhood around 65th street as well (before construction began in 1963).

      7) Your first research question is unanswerable — we can’t know if they all feel pride about their work. However, you were able to find some information in the answer that is useful. The second question is good. Take note, too, that the renovations and redesigns by DS&R were further efforts to make the performing arts more accessible (and less elitist) at Lincoln Center.

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    5. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act III (without Michael Hipo): Main difference between old and new — the mezzanine and other levels are cantilever. The upper tiers of the old opera house are all box seats (stacked). Missing sketches, plans. The 1940s mission statement is different than the Lincoln Center mission — there is really no connection between the two organizations other than the name. Did you find out about San Juan Hill? The renovations over the years (since 1969)? What about the scene change machines??? Good point about the Ring Cycle as a challenging production. Good job combining colors of zoning scheme on map (although a legend would have helped).

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    3. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act I: Strong report. I thought the entrance to the Lincoln Center Theatres (including the Mitzi Newhouse) were from the plaza, not from the street. Where is the facade of the actual theater? The street view is of the rear of the Lincoln Center Library. The MN theater shares a building with the Beaumont. I would look at this more closely.

      You summed up the feeling of the space very well. In your report, you will need to discuss the re-designing that was done by the DS&R architects. See “Liz Diller” on Ted Talks. This will give you some insight. The research questions need work. Yes, it was originally designed as a space for performance. A better question is how has Lincoln Center endeavored to make theater more accessible to all classes of people over the last 10-15 years? The architectural changes are part of this effort.

      Finally, there is a residential neighborhood to the west of the complex. This is subsidized housing. Lincoln Center essentially divides two very different kinds of neighborhoods and you should discuss both. Do you know what was there before it was built in 1966? Find out… it is revealing.

      Facade sketch and interior sketch?

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    4. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act III: did you work by yourself on this project? Good job discussing the changes made by DS&R (Claire Tow Theater, bridges, steps, Tully Hall, etc.). Did you find DS&R’s book?! Great job! Indoor amphitheater. Great map with transportation and other LC venues. A better analysis of the residential and commercial and government buildings was needed. Good synthesis — new plays and potentially Greek tragedy.

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      1. Christopher Swift Post author

        Act I: Fairly good, but in general your responses are very generalized and in reading your descriptions it sounded it could be almost any NYC neighborhood. However, the area is very unique, since it’s at the intersection of Atlantic and Flatbush and 4th Avenue. And each area on the sides of these avenues is very different. Ft. Greene is very different than the area of shopping malls and the Barclay’s center, for instance. You needed to do more thorough and care observations. Also, BAM sits almost right on top of the busiest and most important subway stations in all of NYC. Almost every train in the city passes through it, on top of the Long Island Railroad. Your research question about young and old audiences is unclear and it doesn’t directly engage with your subject: the Fisher Theater itself. Do you mean how does the Fisher theater attract young and old audiences?

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      2. Christopher Swift Post author

        Act II:

        Be very careful that you don’t confuse the BAM Peter Jay Sharp building with the Fisher building. The Fisher building (the focus of your project) was built in 2012. The PJS building, on the other hand, has a much longer history. You didn’t include much information about the reasons why the BAM organization built the Fishman Theater (all of this is on their website). Also, see the architect’s page about their purposeful designs and LEEDS certification: https://www.rosecompanies.com/projects/brooklyn-academy-music-bam-fisher-building/

        Great job on the annotated bibliography! But again, make sure you keep your focus on the Fishman — not the other buildings of BAM (different locations).

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    2. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act III: Needed better explanation of the Pluto information about zoning around theater — Zoom in and tell us about the area within the radius. Good job explaining the renovation of the Fishman. I needed to drag the synthesis out of you… what about comparisons to historical theaters?

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    1. Christopher Swift Post author

      Drawings: Excellent Hellenistic theater. It’s clear you spent time and were careful to maintain accurate single point perspective dimensions. You are missing many other drawings. See list of required drawings and find these on the slides. End of semester: most drawings never done.

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    3. Christopher Swift Post author

      Fantastic Act I (site report)! Rigorous, careful work in your drawings. I like your comment about the glass skyscrapers and how you observe an evolution from older types of buildings (devolution?). Your research questions are spot on. Does PH serve Manhattanites mostly, or due to their proximity to Port Authority and so many transportation hubs, do they also attract tourists and people from other boroughs?

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    4. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act III: need to use bullet points and short phrases on slides and speak directly to the audience. We can’t read everything on the screen while you’re speaking. Otherwise, good slide design (table of contents). Nice historical map — what does it tell us about the evolution of the neighborhood? The original space for the company was at a YMCA and then later at Theatre Row (just down the street from current building). Images exist for both of these spaces. Excellent description of lobby (with artwork) and stage technology (balcony, elevator, etc.). Well-designed map with pop-ups and symbology — and great job taking time explaining the map and elements.

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    3. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act I: Very good report. Your description of the area buildings and people captures the essence of the space. I don’t know that “Eastern European” architecture is a thing…. there are many different styles from Russia and Eastern Europe (depends on area, time, etc.). One thing that you need to consider is the proximity of the theater to NYU. The university has a massive impact on the area, since the student population is high. For instance, there are more mid- to low-cost restaurants in the area for students. Does the Minetta lane adjust its ticket prices to accommodate students? Is it a non-profit or for profit theater? Is there a resident company at the theater, or is it a producing organization only? These are the kinds of research questions that will be helpful (your second research question is unclear). Excellent sketches. Finally — there is no such thing as a prototypical NYC neighborhood. There are a number of iconic areas, and all of these are very different. Perhaps you meant Greenwich Village (shorter buildings, cafe culture, arts, etc.). There are a number of other small theaters within a 10 block radius of the Minetta Lane. Identify these.

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    5. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act III: Nice subtitle. I don’t see the 5-block radius circle. Well designed slides (useful) — pop-ups, zoom links. Need legend for the census graphics. Good job noting other cultural institutions. Compare the new Minetta lane architecture with the old neighborhood — especially the restaurant and club scene on Bleeker St, W4th etc. It is in the center of the NYU area. Minetta Lane theater is not owned by the old Broadway Liberty Theater. I think you were confusing two different organizations (today, Liberty Theaters is a producing company, not the name of a Broadway theater). Great sketches. https://www.offbroadwayalliance.com/off-broadway-producers-resource-directory/theaters/

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    3. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act I: Some good work here, but I have a number of questions and concerns.

      1) I wouldn’t describe West 54th Street and Broadway as occupied by “casual” people. There are a great number of office buildings–many people work in the area. It is also just north of Times Square and so there are quite a number of tourists (see hotels in area).

      2) Why do you think it’s a Hispanic neighborhood?

      3) The map is unclear. Need some street names at least. Also, you don’t need to go into so much detail about each particular building (whether it is commercial or residential). Basically, we need to see public spaces (courtyards, parks), transportation hubs, other theaters in the area, some restaurants or other services like parking.

      4) Your research questions need to be redone. Religion has very little to do with commercial theater in midtown Manhattan. And your question about technology is much too broad. Focus on Studio 54 and the Roundabout company. Both have a very interesting history!

      5) Junction Blvd??? Are you sure we are talking about the same theater in NYC?

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    1. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act I: your submission should be separate from Jairo’s. You are only collaborating on the final presentation. Acts I and II must be done independently (you will receive separate grades). Please resubmit a report that you did on your own (for instance, you each have to answer the questions on your own, have different drawings, different research questions, etc.).

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    1. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act I: Please redo. It is incomplete and you misunderstood the assignment. The questions relate the neighborhood around the theater you are focusing on. Focus only on ONE of the Atlantic Theater spaces (preferably the one in the church — I didn’t know they had a second space — which is very uninteresting). You are missing the bird’s eye drawing of the neighborhood, photographs, and a final analysis. Your first research question is excellent. The second is unclear. Please let me know when you have reposted the correct report.

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    2. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act II: Many sections missing. The narrative is bland and mostly does not answer the questions of the assignment specifically — likely due to the use of an AI generator. Some of the answers have nothing to do with the questions.

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    1. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act I: Strong report. Your hand drawn map is good and your description of the buildings in the area capture the neighborhood well. You forgot to write a final analysis. Your research questions are pointing in the right direction, but perhaps need a little refining. How has Pushkin Hall contributed culturally to the Upper West Side area? What companies perform at Pushkin Hall? Is Pushkin Hall a non-profit space — and are they able to produce shows there relatively inexpensively? What audience does the theater serve (demographic)? Does Pushkin Hall have other spaces and what are these for?

      You need to attach a copy of your theater ticket stub.

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    3. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act III: There is no ESRI Story Map. On that basis alone, the project is incomplete. You were not able to speak about St Ann’s extemporaneously at all and were only able to read off the slides during the presentation. There was no impression that you conducted this research yourself and you could not explain (in your own words) the images we were looking at. The language on the slides itself is AI generated.

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    1. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act I: Fairly good report, Brian, particularly the descriptions of the kinds of people who inhabit the area. I want to know more about the facade of the theater. The interior is unchanged from 1918. Why is the exterior modernist? Is it covering a different facade? Why was it built? What’s the building directly east of the Todd Haimes… it looks like a theater.

      Your research questions need work. The first is much to broad and would take an entire book to answer. Your questions should be about the theater itself, or in this case, it could also be about the Roundabout company (owners of the theater). The second question is completely unknowable and I’m not sure why you ask it. Humans have sought entertainment since… well, since the beginning of known history. You’re missing your sketch of the ground plan of the area.

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    2. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act III: (With Edison): the radius around the theater is very small — should have been 5-block radius. Need legend on map. Nice historical map. Mezzanine seating remained during club area? Good work tracing changes from opera house, dance club, and finally to theater. Well designed slides — table of contents missing. Great point about iconic architecture from the 1970s. Pronunciation: “Cabaret” (cab-a-rey) Good point about tourist audience. What is the idea performance style for the space? Can you link to historical examples? Is it currently a proscenium stage? (It is) # seats.

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    1. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act I: Nice work. The summary and various descriptions of the neighborhood provided a feel of community, although in many ways I think you could have been more specific to let the reader understand the specific character of the west village. Your research questions are good. What does this mean? The neighborhood

      “has a very recent look to it though as if most of it was constructed around the mid 1900’s,”

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    1. Christopher Swift Post author

      Act I: The instructions were for each member of the team to submit SEPARATE Act I and Act II reports. Yours is identical to John’s. Please each of you submit individual reports and let me know when you have done so.

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