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. 1 hour. 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.
Credits: 1.00
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 Twentieth-Century Dance History
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. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
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. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
DANC-395 Independent Study
See department for details.
Credits: 1.00
DANC-400 Dance Composition and Performance
Choreographic and composition skills. Exploration of dance technique and choreography in preparation for performance. Prerequisite: DANC 121, 126, and 221; or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. 2 hours.
Credits: 2.00
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. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
DANC-495 Independent Study
See department for details.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-101 Theatre Appreciation
An introductory course for the curious-those with little or no background in theatre. Students may attend and critique 4-5 plays during the term. Not required for theatre majors. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
THEA-110 Acting I: Fundamentals
Introduction to voice, movement, and acting for the stage, with techniques drawn from Stanislavsky-based method, Viewpoints, and Linklater. Students who hope to act in plays are encouraged to take course freshman or sophomore years. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
THEA-120 Technical Theatre
An introductory practicum to technical Theatre: scenic construction, painting, lighting, costume and audio production. A minimum of 35 lab hours will include assignments on construction and running crews for department productions. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
THEA-150 Theatre Company: Performance
Active participation in a dramatic production as an actor or performer. Pass/No Pass. Offered each semester. May be taken 4 times. Must audition and be cast in a play to enroll. 1-2 hours.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-151 Theatre Co: Technical Production
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 Co Tech Prod 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 hours.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-152 Theatre Comp: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 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 consent required. Pass/No Pass. 1-2 hours.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-153 Theatre Comp:Lighting
Thea 153 is a category within the one-hour practicum in theatre production. Most freshman or first-time students should sign up for the Thea 151 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 consent required. Pass/No Pass. 1-2 hours.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-154 Theatre Comp: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 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. 1 hour. P/N.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-155 Theatre Comp: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 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. 1 hour. P/NP. Thorpe, Christensen.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-156 Theatre Comp: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 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 consent required. 1 hour. P/NP.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-195 Independent Study
See department for details.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-210 Acting II: Intermediate
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. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
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. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
THEA-225 Makeup
The theoretical and practical application of theatrical makeup. Students are expected to purchase their own makeup supplies. 1 hour.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-253 Traditional Japanese Drama
This course focuses on three major Japanese theatrical forms, Noh, Bunraku, and Kabuki from the 13th to the 18th century, with emphasis on how each traditional form has developed within a certain historical and social background. This course examines particularities of Japanese theatricality and addresses meanings and functions of social ritual in general. Painting and music, along with video screenings, will be introduced to enhance understanding of aesthetic transformations from the Muromachi to the Edo period. Readings are in English. Course may have special appeal for students interested in theatre, Japanese, philosophy, religion (especially Zen Buddhism), aesthetics, or comparative literature. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. Meets comparative cultural core requirement. 3 credits.
Credits: 3.00
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 hours.
Credits: 3.00
THEA-310 Acting III: Style
Introduction to period acting with emphasis on Shakespeare, classical Greek drama, and verse. Prerequisite: THEA-210. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
THEA-312 Phonetics and Dialects
Introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet and study of eight or more dialects of spoken English for the stage. Prerequisite: THEA-310. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
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. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
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. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
THEA-320 Drawing for the Theatre
Studio course encompassing multiple kinds of drawing used in theatrical design, including sketching, mechanical perspective, rendering, drafting, and computer-aided design. Prerequisite: THEA 120. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
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. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
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. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
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. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
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. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
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 hours.
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. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
THEA-395 Independent Study
See department for details.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-475 Internship
See department for details.
Credits: 1.00
THEA-495 Senior Thesis
Intensive practicum or research, which may be a substantive project in performance, design, directing, scholarship, choreography, or playwriting. Must be arranged with Director of Theatre through a proposal process, to be completed prior to beginning work on the thesis. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00