Curriculum

The curriculum balances a sequence of literature and history courses, with the traditional theatre process courses in performance and production. Theatre students develop simultaneously their analytical and research skills with their imaginative and creative skills. In the classroom, in the laboratory and in performance, students acquire the knowledge and experience essential to becoming a gifted theatre artist and an informed audience member.

111 Theatre Arts (1) Fall, Spring
A study of the nature and foundation of theatre as a unique art form. The course explores the elements which make up dramatic production, the theatre's historical development and how the theatre relates to contemporary life. Staff.

133 Dance Conditioning or Dance Conditioning through Dance Methodology (1/4) Fall
Staff.

134 Ballet (1/2) Fall, Spring
A study of basic to intermediate movement vocabulary in the ballet discipline. Includes the following areas of study: barre, center floor, progressions and ballet variations. Explores historical references and movement analysis through video viewings, lecture, readings and brief writing assignments. May be repeated one time for credit toward the dance minor. Vaughan-Southard.

135 Jazz Technique (1/2) Spring
A study of jazz dance technique and history through classic, contemporary and musical theatre styles. Explores historical references and movement analysis through video viewings, lecture, readings and brief writing assignments. May be repeated one time for credit toward the dance minor. Vaughan-Southard.

151 Basic Acting (1) Fall
An introduction to methods and techniques of acting for the student with limited previous acting experience. Students explore exercises and games to expand physical, mental and emotional awareness used in acting. Includes script analysis and scene work. Staff.

184 Basic Dance Repertory (1/4) Spring
Students learn and rehearse dance routines each class period in preparation for annual performance. Staff.

185 Ballroom and Folkdance (1/4) Fall, Spring
A study of basic social dances in partner and group structures with historical references and opportunities to fuse traditional social dances with contemporary styles. Styles may include waltz, swing, tango, foxtrot, mambo, cha-cha, and others as time permits. No previous dance experience is necessary; theoretical concepts will be addressed in lectures, video viewings, readings and brief writing assignments. May be repeated one time for credit toward the dance minor. Vaughan-Southard.

186 Modern Technique (1/2) Fall
A study of basic to intermediate movement vocabulary in modern dance utilizing a range of movement styles, philosophies, and techniques that represent modern and post-modern aesthetics. Explores the history and movement analysis of modern dance through video viewings, lecture, readings and brief writing assignments. May be repeated one time for credit toward the dance minor. Vaughan-Southard.

187 Advanced Modern Dance (1/4) Spring
Offered as interest demands. Vaughan-Southard.

188 Advanced Ballroom and Folkdance (1/4) Fall
Prerequisite: Theatre 185 or permission of instructor.
Improves skill level in partner and group dances from Theatre 185 and presents new combinations and dances not covered in the beginning class. Vaughan-Southard.

208 Dance Repertory (1/2) Spring
An exposure to the creative process of concert dance production through rehearsal and performance in the Spring Dance Concert. Audition required. Includes performances of faculty and guest artist works as well as the opportunity to adjudicate choreography to be included in the concert program. May be repeated one time for credit toward the dance minor. Vaughan-Southard.

209 Survey of Dramatic Literature (1) Fall
A survey of western dramatic literature from the ancient Greeks to the late 20th century. Emphasizes the analysis of texts from the point of view of contemporary performance, while noting their historical context. Bremner.

210 Women in the American Theatre (1)
An examination of the contributions of women in all aspects of the American Theatre; a study of the images of women as portrayed in American drama; an introduction to feminist theory and criticism as it relates to theatre and drama. Staff.

211 Introduction to Theatrical Design and Technology (1) Spring
An introduction to the technical skills used in theatre (scenic construction and painting, costume construction, lighting and sound technology), and the basic principles of scenic, costume, lighting and sound design. Hoffland.

251 Acting I (1) Spring
An introduction to acting for the student with previous acting experience. Students explore exercises, games and pantomimes to expand physical, mental and emotional awareness used in acting. Includes script analysis and scene work. Starko.

260 Art of Dance (1) Fall, Spring
A survey dance history course exploring the evolution of ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance forms through lecture, readings, video viewings, research and beginning-level dance technique. Major themes include the analysis of historical, choreographic and technical examples within four dance disciplines and a range in styles of dance presentation. Vaughan-Southard.

280 Historical Perspectives on Theatre: Ancient Greece to 1850 (1) Spring
An examination of the major periods of theatre history, theatre architecture and conventions, and dramatic literature from fifth century B.C. Greece to mid-nineteenth-century Europe. Offered periodically. Bremner.

281 Historical Perspectives on Theatre: 1850 to Present (1) Fall
The second of two classes in the theatre history sequence. An examination of dramatic styles, literature, theory and criticism, and movements primarily of the twentieth century. Offered periodically. Bremner.

288, 289 Selected Topics (1/2, 1) Fall, Spring
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
An examination of a special topic which is not included in the regular curriculum. These courses are offered to meet the evolving needs and interests of students. Staff.

311 Designing Scenery for the Theatre (1/2) Fall
Prerequisites: Theatre 211 and permission of instructor.
A theoretical and practical course in designing scenery for the theatre. Students design projects in realistic and non-realistic production styles and in various media. Offered periodically. Hoffland.

312 Lighting and Sound Design for the Theatre (1/2) Fall
Prerequisites: Theatre 211 and permission of instructor.
The theory and practice of designing lighting and sound for the theatre. Students produce projects as well as have the opportunity for hands-on experience in both lighting and sound. Offered periodically. Hoffland.

314 Stage Management (1/2) Fall
Covers the mechanics and methods of theatrical stage management/production management, including running rehearsals and performances, and the rules of the Actors’ Equity Association. Presents the basics of production stage management such as scheduling and budgeting. Offered periodically. Hoffland.

330 Dance Pedagogy (1/2) Fall
An introduction to teaching methods within the dance discipline for K-12, studio and higher educational settings. Includes structuring the technique, improvisation, dance history and composition courses for the K-12 audience, curriculum planning, lesson plan development, dance technique and historical reference for the studio teacher, and planning for the subject-specific course. Vaughan-Southard.

331 Dance Composition (1/2) Fall
Examines the tools and elements needed in crafting concert dance works. Major themes revolve around the generation of movement, the crafting of choreography and modes for delivering verbal and written criticism. Vaughan-Southard.

332 Albion Repertory Dance Company (1/2) Fall, Spring
A touring dance ensemble that explores dance management, dance production, and dance performance and choreographic analysis. Requires audition and participation in fall and spring semester of one academic year. Vaughan-Southard.

350 Play Direction (1) Fall
Prerequisites: Theatre 251 and permission of instructor.
An examination of the role of the director in the theatre, with emphasis on the relationship between the director and the actor and the technical problems which arise in rehearsal and performance. Starko.

360 Identity in Dance (1) Spring
An introduction to dance as a cultural, contextual, creative and disciplined art form through the lens of gender and ethnic studies. Topics include the use of contemporary theatrical dance as a platform for social commentary, and the impact of gender and ethnicity on choreographic and performance identities as well as teaching practices. Examines how dance performance has evolved in response to, and as a result of, changing times and attitudes throughout history, social and political events, and popular culture. Vaughan-Southard.

361 Vocal Technique and Movement (1) Fall
An advanced acting course designed to give students greater control over their vocal and physical expression. The course includes individual assessment of strengths and weaknesses coupled with exercises to broaden individual students' abilities. In addition, students will prepare monologues for future auditions. Starko.

365 Interpreting Shakespeare for the Actor (1/2) Spring
An advanced acting course that examines the textual clues inherent in the Folio versions of Shakespeare's texts, discovering how they help to illuminate the actor's role. It will also focus on the vocal and physical aspects of performing Shakespeare, while placing the shows in proper historical and critical perspective. Starko.

366 Acting Styles (1/2) Spring
The study of a particular style of acting associated with a specific period or playwright. Involves textual analysis of the playwright or plays of the period as well as specific vocal and physical techniques associated with those works. Topics may include but are not limited to: The Restoration, Brecht, Ancient Greece and Shaw. The topics will vary based on departmental needs and student interest. Course may be repeated once for credit for a total of one full unit. Starko.

371 Feminist Theatre (1) Spring
Surveys various expressions of feminist theatre from several locales (Latin America, Europe, Britain) that have appeared since 1960. The first half of the semester traces an evolution of a feminist theatre "movement" by examining several succeeding forms of feminism and their influences on theatre practices. The second half of the semester covers related issues through appropriate plays and production practices, and theatre criticism. Bremner.

372 Postmodernism and Theatre (1) Spring
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Explores postmodernism, in all of its various manifestations, and what it means in the context of "theatre" and, more generally, "performance." Focuses on the multiple meanings of "identity" within the postmodern movement, and examines how theatre and other performance forms (dance, music, television, film) embrace hybridity and multiplicity around issues of identity. Also examines theoretical texts that attempt to explain or define postmodernism and applies those ideas to works studied. Investigates how postmodernism is both a break from and a continuation of the ideas of the previous era. Bremner.

374 Theatre, Youth and Global Society (1) Spring
An examination of the role of theatre as an agent of social change in the lives of young people, and the impact of global politics on theatre for and by youth. Explores three theatrical forms--drama-in-education, theatre-in-education, and theatre for young audiences--and explores their applications in the United States and abroad. Bremner.

375 Shakespeare I (1) Fall
Same as English 375. Crupi.

376 Shakespeare II (1) Spring
Same as English 376. Crupi.

388, 389 Selected Topics (1/2, 1) Fall, Spring
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
An examination of a special topic which is not included in the regular curriculum. These courses are offered to meet the evolving needs and interests of students. Staff.

391, 392 Internship (1/2, 1) Fall, Spring
Offered on a credit no credit basis. Staff.

402 Seminar (1) Fall, Spring
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor.
Detailed study of significant and relevant problems in theatre. Specific topic for consideration each year will be determined before fall registration. Staff.

411, 412 Directed Study (1/2, 1) Fall, Spring
Staff.

Practicum

A practical experience in department-sponsored activities. Students may repeat the course up to four times in any combination for a total of one unit. Offered either semester on a credit/no credit basis.

175, 176 Theatre (1/4, 1/2) Fall, Spring
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Acting, direction, assistant direction, production design. Staff.