Theatre and Dance Course Descriptions
DANC-105 Beginning Ballet I
Course work taught at a beginning level of dance. Ballet is one of the earliest codified forms of dance. The course work concentrates on classical ballet exercises at the beginning level with an emphasis on proper body alignment, improving flexibility and strength, and terminology and theory of movement. May be repeated for credit. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
DANC-106 Beginning Ballet II
A continuation of DANC 105. Course work taught progressively based on lessons taught from fall semester. Ballet is one of the earliest codified forms of dance. The course work concentrates on classical ballet exercises at the beginning level with an emphasis on proper body alignment, improving flexibility and strength, and terminology and theory of movement. DANC 105 recommended. May be repeated for credit. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
DANC-121 Beginning Jazz Dance I
Beginning Jazz I is a beginning level class. The course work is based on contemporary and classical styles of jazz dance with the focus on body isolations, syncopated rhythms, improvisation and stylized choreography. May be repeated for credit. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
DANC-122 Beginning Jazz Dance II
A continuation of DANC 121 in the spring semester. Course work taught progressively based on technique taught from fall semester. Beginning Jazz II is a beginning level class. The course work is based on contemporary and classical styles of jazz dance with the focus on body isolations, syncopated rhythms, improvisation and stylized choreography. DANC 121 recommended. May be repeated for credit. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
DANC-126 Begin Contemporary Dance I
Contemporary Dance is an introductory course taught at the beginning level for students interested in contemporary styles of dance. It focuses on strengthening dancers movements skills through increased flexibility, strength, endurance; musical awareness; develop an understanding and appreciation of contemporary dance; learning original choreography and understanding pertinent anatomical vocabulary needed to develop strong contemporary technique. May be repeated for credit. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
DANC-127 Begin Contemporary Dance II
A continuation of the beginning level technique class taught progressively from lessons taught in DANC 126. It focuses on strengthening dancers movements skills through increased flexibility, strength, endurance; musical awareness; develop an understanding and appreciation of contemporary dance; learning original choreography and understanding pertinent anatomical vocabulary needed to develop strong contemporary technique. DANC 126 recommended. May be repeated for credit. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
DANC-129 Dance Ensemble
Rehearsal and performance of new dance repertory and historical choreography. Continued development and refinement of skills acquired in DANC 105, DANC 121, DANC 126, DANC 205, DANC 221, or DANC 226. Occasional work with guest dance artists and choreographers. Meets twice weekly. May be repeated for credit. Offered each semester. Audition required. DANC 121, DANC 126 strongly recommended. Corequisite: DANC 105, DANC 121, DANC 126, DANC 205, DANC 221 or DANC 226. 0-1 credit.
Credits: 0.00
DANC-205 Intermediate Ballet I
A continuation of DANC 105 and DANC 106. Course work taught based on progressive curriculum. Ballet is one of the earliest codified forms of dance. The course work concentrates on classical ballet exercises at the beginning level with an emphasis on proper body alignment, improving flexibility and strength, and terminology and theory of movement. Prerequisite: DANC 105 and DANC 106. May be repeated for credit. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
DANC-206 Intermediate Ballet II
A continuation of DANC 205 in the spring semester. Course work taught progressively on lessons taught from fall semester. Ballet is one of the earliest codified forms of dance. The course work concentrates on classical ballet exercises at the beginning level with an emphasis on proper body alignment, improving flexibility and strength, and terminology and theory of movement. Prerequisite: DANC 105 and DANC 106. DANC 205 recommended. May be repeated for credit. 2 credits
Credits: 2.00
DANC-221 Intermediate Jazz Dance I
Intermediate Jazz I is an intermediate level class. Course work taught progressively based on technique taught from beginning level Jazz. The course work is based on contemporary and classical styles of jazz dance with the focus on body isolations, syncopated rhythms, improvisation and stylized choreography. Prerequisite: DANC 121 and DANC 122. May be repeated for credit. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
DANC-222 Intermediate Jazz II
A continuation of DANC 221. Course work taught progressively based on technical skills taught from fall semester. Intermediate Jazz II is an intermediate level class. The course work is based on contemporary and classical styles of jazz dance with the focus on body isolations, syncopated rhythms, improvisation and stylized choreography. Prerequisite: DANC 121 and DANC 122. DANC 221 recommended. May be repeated for credit. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
DANC-226 Inter Contemporary Dance I
Contemporary Dance is an intermediate level technique class taught progressively from lessons taught in DANC 126 and 127. It focuses on strengthening dancers movements skills through increased flexibility, strength, endurance; musical awareness; develop an understanding and appreciation of contemporary dance; learning original choreography and understanding pertinent anatomical vocabulary needed to develop strong contemporary technique. Prerequisite: DANC 126 and 127. May be repeated for credit. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
DANC-227 Inter Contemporary Dance II
A continuation of an intermediate level technique class taught progressively from lessons taught in DANC 226. It focuses on strengthening dancers movements skills through increased flexibility, strength, endurance; musical awareness; develop an understanding and appreciation of contemporary dance; learning original choreography and understanding pertinent anatomical vocabulary needed to develop strong contemporary technique. Prerequisite: DANC 126 and 127. DANC 226 recommended. May be repeated for credit. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
DANC-255 Special Topics
See department for course description.
Credits: 1.00
DANC-260 Dance History and Appreciation
This course examines developments in contemporary western dance in an historical context, with an emphasis on pioneering dancers and choreographers. Artists to be studied will include Loie Fuller, Denishawn, Martha Graham, George Balanchine, Merce Cunningham, Doris Humphrey, Jose Limon, and Lester Horton. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
DANC-275 Internship
See department for details. Internship contract required.
Credits: 1.00
DANC-301 Choreography I
Choreography I builds on established dance technique skills with a focus on creating new solo works, drawing on improvisational movement exercises and choreographic studies. In this course for seasoned dancers, the student will learn to develop movement themes through the exploration and use of the concepts and principles applied in dance, such as time, space, shape, force, and motivation. The course will also focus on the development of critical awareness in the analytical evaluation of his/her own work and through the viewing of other choreographic works. Corequisite: DANC 205, DANC 221 or DANC 226. Prerequisite: One year of a technique course in jazz or modern dance. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
DANC-395 Independent Study
See department for details. Independent Study contract required.
Credits: 1.00
DANC-401 Choreography II
Choreography II allows students who have studied basic choreography to focus on creating work for small groups. It focuses on strengthening performance skills for staged works through improvisational movement exercises and choreographic. As a choreographer, the student will learn to develop movement themes through the exploration and use of the concepts and principles applied in dance, such as time, space, shape, force, and motivation. The course will also focus on the development of a critical awareness in the analytical evaluation of his/her own work and through the viewing of other choreographic works. Corequisite: DANC 205, DANC 221, or DANC 226. Prerequisite: DANC 301. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
DANC-429 Dance Ensemble
Rehearsal and performance of new dance repertory and historical choreography. Continued development and refinement of skills acquired in other courses. Occasional work with guest dance artists and choreographers. Meets twice weekly. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above. Corequisite: Any 100 or 200-level technique course. Instructor consent required. May be repeated for credit. Offered each semester. 0-1 credit.
Credits: 0.00
DANC-495 Independent Study
See department for details. Independent Study contract required.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-101 Theatre Appreciation
This course provides an understanding of the many elements of theatrical production, exposes students to live performance in a number of styles and venues, develops students' appreciation of performance, and offers vocabulary and tools for articulating responses to the performing arts. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
THEA-110 Acting I: Fundamentals
Introduction to movement, voice, and acting for the stage, with techniques drawn from Stanislavsky, Meisner, Viewpoints, Linklater, and other schools. The course develops an understanding of the actor's process for all students, and provides a foundation for students planning to major or minor in theatre or to perform in department productions. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
THEA-120 Technical Theatre
An introduction to technical theatre, including shop and production safety, position descriptions and work flow, script analysis, collaboration, construction, scenic art, electricity and lighting, crafts, prop design and construction, sound design and audio production, and sewing. The course is taught through lecture and discussion, and also entails a minimum of 40 lab hours which will include assignments on construction and running crews. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
THEA-150 Theatre Company: Performance
Active participation in a dramatic production as an actor or performer. Offered each semester. May be taken 4 times. Must audition and be cast in a play to enroll. Pass/No Pass. 0-2 credits.
Credits: 0.00
THEA-151 Theatre Company: Gen Technical Theatre
THEA 151 is a category within the one-hour practicum in theatre production. Most freshman or first-time students should sign up for THEA 151 Theatre Company: General Technical Theatre for active participation as a production assistant or technician in a dramatic production. Experience may also be gained in a variety of specialized areas including: Costume, Lighting, Production Management, Publicity and Running Crew, (THEA 152-156). No single category may be repeated. Offered each semester. Pass/No Pass. 1-2 credits.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-152 Theatre Company: Costume & Makeup
THEA 152 is a category within the one-hour practicum in theatre production. Most freshman or first-time students should sign up for the THEA 151 Theatre Company: General Technical Theatre for active participation as a production assistant or technician in a dramatic production. Experience may also be gained in a variety of specialized areas including: Lighting, Production Management, Publicity and Running Crew, (THEA 153-156). No single category may be repeated. Offered each semester. Instructor's consent required. Pass/No Pass. 1-2 credits.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-153 Theatre Company: Lighting
THEA 153 is a category within the one-hour practicum in theatre production. Most freshmen or first-time students should sign up for the THEA 151 Theatre Company: General Technical Theatre for active participation as a production assistant or technician in a dramatic production. Experience may also be gained in a variety of specialized areas including: Costume, Production Management, Publicity and Running Crew, (THEA 152-156). No single category may be repeated. Offered each semester. Instructor's consent required. Pass/No Pass. 1-2 credits.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-154 Theatre Company: Org & Mgmt
THEA 154 is a category within the one-hour practicum in theatre production. Most freshman or first-time students should sign up for the THEA 151 Theatre Company: General Technical Theatre for active participation in a dramatic production. Experience may also be gained in a variety of specialized areas including: Costume, Lighting, Publicity and Running Crew (THEA 152-156). No single category may be repeated. Offered each semester. Pass/No Pass. 1 credit.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-155 Theatre Company: Publicity
THEA 155 is a category within the one-hour practicum in theatre production. Most freshman or first-time students should sign up for the THEA 151 Theatre Company: General Technical Theatre for active participation as a production assistant or technician in a dramatic production. Experiences may also be gained in a variety of specialized areas including: Costume, Lighting, Production Management and Running Crew (THEA 152-156). No single category may be repeated. Offered each semester. Pass/No Pass. 1 credit.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-156 Theatre Company: Run Crew/Board
THEA 156 is a category within the one-hour practicum in theatre production. Most freshman or first-time students should sign up for the THEA 151 Theatre Company: General Technical Theatre for active participation in a dramatic production. Experience may also be gained in a variety of specialized areas including: Costume, Lighting, Production Management and Publicity, (THEA 152-155). No single category may be repeated. Offered each semester. Instructor's consent required. Pass/No Pass. 1 credit.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-180 Script Analysis
This course focuses on reading and analysis of theatrical texts from various traditions, periods, and styles. With collaboration and the creation of live theatrical events as guiding principles, scripts will be examined from literary, directorial, design, and acting perspectives. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
THEA-195 Independent Study
See department for details. Independent Study contract required.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-210 Acting II: Scene Study
Intensive scene work, script analysis, and development of a methodical approach to acting. Intermediate work in voice and movement; introduction to dialects. Prerequisite: THEA-110. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
THEA-220 Introduction to Theatrical Design
Introduction to scenic, costume, and light design for the stage with emphasis on script analysis, drawing, rendering, computer design and model building. Prerequisite: THEA-120. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
THEA-225 Makeup
The theoretical and practical application of theatrical makeup. Students are expected to purchase their own makeup supplies. 1 credit.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-255 Special Topics
See department for course description.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-270 Theatre in London
An experiential two-week exploration of theatre in England, during which students attend and critique at least 9 professional plays, meet with British theatre professionals and tour theatre facilities in London and Stratford-upon-Avon. Extra cost for airfare, tickets and lodging. (Approximately $2,275. See schedule for current rate.) Offered Winter III. 3 credits.
Credits: 3.00
THEA-275 Internship
See department for details. Internship contract required.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-310 Acting III: Period Acting
Introduction to period acting with emphasis on Shakespeare, classical Greek drama, and verse. Prerequisite: THEA-210. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
THEA-312 Phonetics and Dialects
An introduction to the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet as applicable to stage dialects. Students will learn to read and transcribe IPA, and then will use this system as a basis for mastery of four to six dialects of spoken English they are likely to encounter as actors. Prerequisite: THEA 110. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
THEA-315 Scenic Design
Advanced work in scene design for the stage, including theory, history, script analysis, computer aided drafting, drawing, and alternative theatrical spaces. Prerequisite: THEA-220. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
THEA-317 Intro to Costume Design and Construction
Theory and practice of theatrical costume design. Includes analysis for period, style, character, and practical demands of a script, as well as fundamental principles of draping, cutting, pattern drafting, and construction. Prerequisite: THEA-220. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
THEA-323 Lighting Design
An introduction to lighting design for the stage with an emphasis on analysis and practical experiment. Exploration of the dramatic effects of light and the place of design in theatrical productions, as well as hands-on experience with the tools, conventions, and process of lighting design. Prerequisite: THEA 120. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
THEA-330 Directing
Laboratory course in script analysis, conceptualization, preparation, working with production staff, casting, and rehearsal. Class projects may include full productions of short plays or one-acts. Prerequisite: THEA-110 and THEA-220. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
THEA-350 Theatre History/Literature I
Study of European and Asian performance traditions, production conditions, and dramatic literature from 500 BC to the 19th century, taught through lecture, research, performance critiques, creative projects, and discussion. Offered in odd- numbered years. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
THEA-353 Traditional Japanese Theater
This class focuses on the origin of Japanese aesthetics by reading traditional drama called noh, kyogen, bunraku, and kabuki in translations. To enhance our awareness to the way in which these plays are written and appreciated, the class will cover not only scripts, but also poetries and religious/philosophical texts from the 14th to the 18th century. In the time when there was no clear distinction between ceremony and theater or between art and entertainment, people rather naturally expressed their ideas and beliefs. In addition to further cultural and understanding, by learning unique artistic dialogues in theatrical context, students will hopefully expand their ways to appreciate beauty in everyday life. Meets comparative cultural core requirement. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
THEA-355 Special Topics
See department for course description.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-360 Theatre History/Literature II
Development of theater from 1875 to the present with special emphasis on the influential practitioners and styles of the period. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
THEA-370 Theatre in London
An experiential two-week exploration of theatre in England, during which students attend and critique at least 9 professional plays, meet with British theater professionals and tour theatre facilities in London and Stratford-upon-Avon. Extra cost for airfare, tickets and lodging. (Approximately $2,275. See schedule for current rate). Offered Winter III. 3 credits.
Credits: 3.00
THEA-380 Playwriting Seminar
Seminar in writing for the stage, including a study of dramatic structure, action, dialogue, and characterization. Practical matters such as the economics of the contemporary theatre, script submission, synopses and queries, and collaborative with directors and actors will also be addressed. Weekly writing assignments will focus on specific themes. Course will culminate in a major writing project. Prerequisite: THEA-110. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
THEA-395 Independent Study
See department for details. Independent Study contract required.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-475 Internship
See department for details. Internship contract required.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-480 Advanced Playwriting Workshop
Having completed the 300-level playwriting seminar, students in this class will work on a large project throughout the semester, culminating in a public reading or submission to theatres. Theatre 480 students will also serve as chief respondents to Theatre 380 students' drafts. Prerequisite: THEA 380. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
THEA-495 Senior Thesis
Students will develop substantial projects in performance, design, directing, research, dramaturgy, choreography, or playwriting, from inception and proposal through completion. Must be arranged with faculty advisor. Instructor's consent required. May be repeated for credit. 1-4 credits.
Credits: 1.00