Any student who is making a significant contribution (either technical or performance) to a faculty-directed play or faculty supervised project which is being presented in the department's production season, may apply to receive credit for this activity. The application must be requested during the production schedule (not after) and will be evaluated by the faculty member involved who will determine the amount of credit to be granted. Creating in the Arts.
Any student who is making a significant contribution (either technical or performance) to an independent, atypical performance or production not covered by the standing Theatre Practicum may apply to receive credit for this activity. The project can be faculty or student directed or coordinated but it must involve significant faculty supervision. This application must be submitted to the appropriate faculty member prior to the production schedule (not after) and will be evaluated by the faculty member involved who will determine the amount of credit to be granted.
This practicum course places emphasis on deepening and broadening understanding of the various elements associated with dance performance and concert production. Attention is given to theatrical and creative elements needed to support dance presentations and productions, including but not exclusive to performance, choreography, technology, and design.
An introductory class geared for non-majors or those with little or no theatre experience. We will explore theatre’s principles, goals, physical resources and essential working processes through creative work. Activities are designed to focus on the fundamental precepts of theatre, looking at acting, design, writing, directing, and audience. The class will also focus on the act of creating and performance, writing and discussion, and will involve attendance at a few outside theatre events, both on and off campus. No text required. Participation an absolute necessity.
Course work in fundamental techniques of acting. The students will do intensive personal and social investigation through exercises in movement, voice training and improvisation as methods of making contact with themselves and others as they explore an actor's training and ensemble work.
Study of major realistic/naturalistic acting theory. In-depth exploration of play and character analysis, scene and monologue work.
The objective of this course is to provide a basic understanding of the art of acting through firsthand experience. The course is meant to increase student awareness of his/her potential through exercises; introduce students to the acting method of psychological realism; and provide students with experience and confidence to perform in front of others.
This course is an introduction to the voice for the stage. Students will learn how their voice works, through a variety of exercises, both technically and imaginatively. Emphasis is on self-awareness exercises, relaxation techniques, physical/vocal stretches and the development of a personal warm-up.
A course aimed at (1) improving natural, clear, unaffected speech and (2) eliminating negative habits and regional accents: and an introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet for the purposes of exploring stage dialect.
An introduction to the design process of theatre production. This course provides students with the basic knowledge and skills used in backstage production support. Areas of study include welding, carpentry, drafting, scenic and lighting design. Required of all theatre majors, but also intended for the interested non-major who would like to explore the performing arts from a technical perspective. This course requires the student to complete 3 lab hours per week in the Scenic Studio.
An introductory, practical design course geared predominantly for non-majors or those with little or no theatre experience. In creating designs for two plays, the class will explore the basic ideas and techniques of designing for the stage. Particular attention will be paid to the close reading of a script, the development of an appropriate theatrical image and concept, and understanding how each of the various design areas contribute and support each other in creating a seamless, unified whole that supports the staging of the script.
Analysis and detailed application of the principles introduced in Stagecraft I. The course will provide the comprehensive knowledge that will prepare students to plan and direct the technical aspects of backstage production.
This movement-based introductory course is designed for students with little or no previous dance experience who wish to develop a basic understanding of the principles and histories of various dance techniques through physical exploration and discussion. Dance forms explored in this course may include ballet, jazz, hip-hop, modern, contemporary, improvisation, social dance, and world dances.
In this movement-based course, students are introduced to the historical significances and foundational principles of ballet technique. This course aims to help students develop an appreciation for ballet as an art form and physical practice, and is designed for students with little or no previous dance experience.
In this movement-based course, students are introduced to the foundational principles and cultural significances of contemporary dance techniques from various historical and theoretical perspectives. This course aims to help students develop an appreciation for contemporary dance as an artistic expression and physical practice, and is designed for students with little or no previous dance experience.
Introduction to Jazz is a course that introduces the fundamentals of jazz dance, including isolations, turns, jumps, and rhythmic patterns. Students will develop strength, flexibility, and coordination through exercises and combinations. In addition to technique, the class will also focus on musicality, rhythm, and expression through movement. Class will consist of warm-up activities, floor work, standing center exercises, across the floor progressions and dance combinations. By the end of the course, students will have developed a solid foundation in jazz dance and will have gained a deeper appreciation for the art form.
In this movement-based course, students are introduced to the fundamental principles and forms of partner dance technique. This course aims to help students develop an appreciation of dance partnering as a physical and social practice, and is designed for students with little or no previous dance experience. Classes are focused on developing spatial awareness, rhythmic responsiveness, self-expression, and kinesthetic awareness. Partner dance forms explored in this course may include swing, salsa, tango, blues, fusion, contact improvisation, and contemporary dance partnering technique.
A semester-long study of topics in Theatre. Topics and emphases will vary according to the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. See the New and Topics Courses page on the Registrar’s webpage for descriptions and applicability to majors/minors in other departments.
This course examines the wearing of clothes throughout history, the customs around wearing clothes, and the way that global fashion change has been impacted by a myriad of influences. By focusing on the specifics of fashion change over time we will uncover not only the obvious sartorial influences on our current lives, but also the lingering effects of what has come before including social and political ramifications, gender and economics, and issues of psychology, sexuality, and race. In addition to the study of visual images, the reading of current costume history scholarship will allow students to discuss topically relevant issues in and outside the classroom setting.
This introductory survey course examines the ways in which dance functions as human communication, artistic expression, cultural tradition, and embodied knowledge. Students will develop an understanding of how dance performs social and cultural knowledge, and how dance artists and scholars respond to historical events and cultural situations. Targeted to 1st and 2nd year students, this experiential-lecture course addresses issues of identity, politics, power, and ethics through both physical movement exploration, analysis of masterworks from notable dance artists, interdisciplinary projects, and ethnographic research methods. Topics explored in this course will mostly relate to U.S. and Western dance forms; however, dance practices, forms, and traditions of other regions may be included.
Examines how histories of theatrical performance are constructed and used in theatrical production. Special attention paid to how dramatic text, cultural values, political structures, and performance spaces and styles interact to create performance phenomena from shamanistic times through the 18th century.
Study of dramatic traditions from the mid-19th century to the present day. Special attention to how dramatic text, cultural values, political structures, and performance spaces and styles interact to create performance phenomena from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day.
This course explores dramatic text with regard to costume for character and gives students a hands-on understanding and appreciation for process in creative expression. We will begin with the basic elements of design, learn how to manipulate those elements, apply that knowledge by visually interpreting a text and communicating your ideas clearly to others, via drawings and visual images. Students read and analyze a handful of plays that examine powerful human interaction across time and culture.
This course offers an introduction to the principles of choreographic composition, analysis, and design. In this experiential course, various methods of movement creation and organization will be explored through dance making and analyzation.
This course will help students learn the basics of character makeup application and design. We will begin with the basic elements of design, learn how to manipulate those elements, and apply that knowledge through hands-on application and careful visual research; a basic understanding of professional makeup application will be achieved. Purchase of makeup kit is required for practical application of the techniques studied.
Sound Design for the Stage and Screen offers students an opportunity to explore concepts, aesthetics, and technologies related to designing sound for theatre, online media, television, and film. Students will create a series of portfolio pieces as they work towards full length plays and screen events.
Introduction to computer drafting, modeling, image editing, and how they can be applied to visualize a project. Previous software experience is not necessary. Using Vectorworks, this course serves as an introduction to basic techniques used in the process of communicating one’s work using technology. Through discussions, demonstrations and hands-on exercises, students will complete a series of projects illustrating the integration of computer technology in the creative process.
This course shows the process of developing an aesthetic physical environment for the entertainment industry taking into consideration design elements such as line, shape, and texture. This includes theatre, television/film, and museum displays. It will also provide hands-on opportunities to experiment with design elements, sketching, model building, and communication tools such as computer drafting and 3D printing.
An exploration of lighting design and its application for live performance, video, museums, and other architecture. Topics include: the principles and theory of light and color, the elements of design, lighting instruments and controls, regulations and technical terminology, standards and formats for paperwork. The classroom experience involves hands-on lighting exercises in live and video recorded performances.
Stage Combat is a course designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of stage combat. Students will explore basic principles of movement, safety practices, and will learn the history and application of three Western stage combat forms: unarmed combat and two others drawn from the following list: rapier and dagger, single sword, broadsword, or quarterstaff.
In this course the students will experience an overview of Arts Management for both profit and not-for-profit organizations. Topics covered include art and culture in community, strategic planning, fundraising, financial and accounting principles, personnel management, programming, marketing, and arts education. The class experience involves lectures, discussions with guest speakers, and student presentations.
This is an intermediate level movement-based course that builds upon the principles and techniques gained through THTR 182 (Contemporary Dance I) or previous movement experience. Progressive knowledge and proficiency of contemporary dance technique will be pursued. This course is designed for students with previous dance experience.
In Dance for Musical Theatre students will develop fundamental skills in dance techniques specific to musical theatre through engaging exercises and choreographic exploration. Students will study influential choreographers and iconic dance styles. Throughout the course, students will have opportunities to perform choreographed routines and gain confidence in their stage presence and gain an understanding of how dance contributes to storytelling in musical theatre.
This is an intermediate level ballet course that builds upon the principles, terminology, and techniques gained through Ballet I or previous ballet experience. Progressive knowledge and proficiency of ballet techniques will be pursued through this course. This course is designed for students with previous ballet experience.
A semester-long study of topics in Theatre. Topics and emphases will vary according to the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. See the New and Topics Courses page on the Registrar’s webpage for descriptions and applicability to majors/minors in other departments.
Study of major movements in the theatre as they embody significant new approaches to the writing and staging of plays and performance events, and express change in social values and intellectual discourse.
This course focuses on crafting short plays by learning about plot, theme, character, dialogue, and theatricality in a theatrical space.
Advanced actor training designed to allow individual in-depth exploration of the realistic acting process, play and character analysis and ensemble work, through the study of the works of Shaw, Ibsen, Chekhov, Miller, Williams and contemporary playwrights. Intended for upper-division theatre majors. May be repeated once for credit.
Advanced actor training designed to allow individual in-depth exploration of style through the study of the works of Shakespeare and other Elizabethan/Jacobean dramatists. Intended for upper-division theatre majors. May be repeated once for credit.
Advanced course allowing individual in-depth exploration of various aspects of the theatrical design process. Incorporates through both theoretical and practical projects: text and performance analysis, development of scenic, costume and/or lighting concepts, problems of technical execution.
Advanced design projects incorporating the skills developed in Design Studio I, with special emphasis on production period and style. The class will include production design work and assignments geared toward portfolio presentation.
Fundamental historical, theoretical and practical aspects of play direction. Analysis of directorial approaches, scripts and conditions of presentation in various performance circumstances. Practical application of script analysis and rehearsal techniques.
This course provides students the opportunity to learn key concepts and methodologies for praxis-based research in all facets of theatrical production, through a variety of applied projects.
A semester-long study of topics in Theatre. Topics and emphases will vary according to the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. See the New and Topics Courses page on the Registrar’s webpage for descriptions and applicability to majors/minors in other departments.
A semester-long study of topics in Theatre. Topics and emphases will vary according to the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. See the New and Topics Courses page on the Registrar’s webpage for descriptions and applicability to majors/minors in other departments.
This course provides the flexibility to offer topics of special interest in the various areas of theatre studies. Among the courses that will be offered are: Cultural Diversity in the American Theatre; The History, Function and Role of the Dramaturg; Metatheatre — Its Social, Political and Cultural Implications; Theatre Design in the 20th Century. May be repeated once for credit.
Special Topics in Dance is designed to allow students the opportunity to undertake study of specific topics in dance which are not offered in the regular curriculum.
Study of the business and legal aspects of arts activity in America's establishment and nonestablishment art areas. Special attention to such subjects as general funding, touring, government grants and alternative careers.
Special Studies in Theatre is designed to allow advanced students an opportunity to undertake a study of specific topics in theatre which are not offered in the regular curriculum.
Required for senior Theatre majors. Research, create and perform solo performance in addition to written thesis.
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