Quite simply - writing is a vital tool for learning.  Do you really learn from merely listening and notetaking?  Maybe enough to pass the test, but how can you make new knowledge your own? Writing is a process of gathering information, reflecting upon it, and organizing it into your expression of its value.    If you can express an idea with some sort of clarity on the page, then you no doubt understand that idea.  Thus, the larger task of writing for the purposes all my courses involves the goal of your cognitive development.

Some other objectives for why we write in class are to enable you to:

Promote reflection and develop self-expression and self-esteem
Become active in your learning and apply what you've learned
Enhance your understanding of theatre and its cultural foundations
Research, organize and summarize information
Build fluency and good habits by adopting a writing discipline
Maintain focus and use evidence and reasoning
Discover new technologies for learning (Email & Internet)
Review for tests and exams more thoroughly
  Explore creative approaches to examining historical trends

Why make oral presentations in class?

Again, the process of structuring a public verbal expression that you have researched, reflected upon, and organized, is a vital tool for learning.  In fact, preparing to speak in class causes most students to narrow their focus and speak directly to the task at hand.   Speaking, like teaching, ensures that you will make new knowledge your own.  Like writing, speaking allows you to gain a more full comprehension of your topic, and in thus a learning technique.

Some other objectives for why we speak in class are to enable you to:

Promote reflective strategies and curiosity
Develop your "voice" - confident self-expression and self-esteem 
Research, organize and summarize information
Form good speaking habits with clear diction and appropriate volume
Develop confidence in eye contact and physical expression (gestures)
Pursue logical development of ideas
Gain experience in critical thinking and interactive skills