Theatre and Dance

THE

050(I)

INDEPENDENT STUDY

Credit hours to be arranged

See Independent Study Program, Section II.

THE

070

INTERNSHIP

Credit hours to be arranged

Practical experience in any area of theatre. See Internship Program, Section II

THE

259,359,459

FACULTY-STUDENT COLLABORATION

Credit hours to be arranged

See FSC Program, Section II.

THE

100F

INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE

Three credit hours

Required of all theatre majors and minors

An introduction to the major ideas, influences and practices which shape theatre today. The emphasis of the course is to develop the student’s critical ability to evaluate and appreciate theatre performance.

THE

135

SINGING FOR ACTORS

Two credit hours

Required of all theatre majors in the acting track.

An introduction to the basic elements of singing, including physiological aspects of the singing process and expressive singing with an emphasis on development of individual performance skills.  The purpose of the course is to aid students in becoming more marketable as professional actors.

THE

150

MAKEUP FOR THE STAGE

One credit hour

Required of all theatre majors in the acting and directing track.

A basic course in the fundamental principles and practices of designing and applying stage makeup.  Emphasis will be placed on the development of application techniques and familiarization with materials.  Additional lab hours required.

THE

151F

ACTING FOR NON-MAJORS

Two credit hours

Required of all theatre minors

A basic course designed to introduce non-majors to the principles of acting. Emphasis is placed on body control, interpretation, improvisation and scene work.

THE

154F

CREATIVE DRAMATICS

Two credit hours

A course designed to familiarize the elementary/secondary school teacher with the use of creative dramatics in the classroom. Theory as well as practical application of the arts and crafts of theatre will be considered.

THE

160

ACTING I: VOICE AND MOVEMENT

Three credit hours

Required of all theatre majors

An introductory acting course designed to develop, explore and refine physical, vocal and analytical skills necessary to effectively perform dramatic texts.

THE

161F

ON-STAGE EXPERIENCE

One credit hours

After being cast in a play, a student may register for credit for on-stage experience. Registration with instructor's permission only. Graded S/U

THE

162F

BACKSTAGE EXPERIENCE

One to two credit hours

Two hours required of theatre majors and minors and dance minors.

A student may register for backstage work on plays being offered during the semester. Hours toward credit can include working in the scene or costume shop or crewing a show. Registration with instructor’s permission only.

THE

175

STAGECRAFT FOR THE ACTOR

Two credit hours

Required of all musical theatre majors

An introduction of the basic stagecraft skills required of the actor working in a professional environment. Emphasis is placed on developing a knowledge and appreciation for all areas of stage design (scenic, costumes, sound, and lighting). Both lecture and laboratory experience is included. Students will be required to complete a practical component to the course by working on one of the stage crews.

THE

180F

STAGECRAFT

Three credit hours

Required of all theatre majors and minors

A study of the principles and practices of stage scenery construction. Emphasis is placed on utilization of materials and appropriate technology. Both lecture and laboratory experience is included.

THE

190

SCRIPT ANALYSIS

Three credit hours

Required of all theatre majors and minors.

Theory, analysis, and interpretation of scripts for the purpose of play production; an introduction to American and international playwrights, spanning 2,000 years.

THE

220

RENDERING TECHNIQUES

Three credit hours

Required of all theatre majors in the design and technical studies track. 

An introduction to rendering techniques required to communicate in technical theatre and design.  Students will be encouraged to explore a variety of mediums and discover a personal style best suited to their artistic aesthetics. 

THE

240

VECTORWORKS

Three credit hours

Required of all theatre majors in the scenic/lighting design and technical studies track.

Prerequisite: THE 180F

This course covers the basics of learning how to draw in Vectorworks, a software program used in theatrical drafting, technical drawing and 3D modeling.

THE

250

AUDITION TECHNIQUES

Two credit hours

Required of all theatre majors in the acting and directing track.  Take fall semester of sophomore year. Prerequisite: THE 160

Career development course focusing on audition fundamentals, marketing, resumes, headshots, on-camera training and monologue preparation.

THE

251

PORTFOLIO PRESENTATION

Two credit hours

Required of all theatre majors in the design and technical studies track.  Recommended junior year. Prerequisite: THE 220

Students will learn the fundamentals of creating a theatre design and technical portfolio.  Emphasis will be placed on the presentation and critical evaluation of the artistic aesthetics.   Students will also be required to create a professional website devoted to their creative and professional work. 

THE

260

ACTING II: MODERN REALISM

Three credit hours

Required of all theatre majors in the acting and directing track. Prerequisite: THE 160 or MUC 201F

An intermediate acting course focusing on the teachings of Constantin Stanislavski.  Performance skills are developed through character analysis, improvisation, monologues and scenes. 

THE

263(IH)

SEMINAR

Two to four credit hours

The study of topics relevant to the theatre. May be repeated more than once, provided the subject or topic is different.

THE

270

COLLABORATIVE STUDIES IN THEATRE

Three credit hours

Required of all theatre majors and minors. Prerequisite: THE 100F, 190

This course is designed to improve the student’s ability to collaborate on theatrical material by exploring the intellectual process required to communicate with colleagues. Emphasis will be placed on developing each student’s artistic sensibility and their ability to articulate conceptual ideas.

THE

285

STAGE MANAGEMENT

Two credit hours

Required of all theatre majors in the stage management/directing tracks.  Prerequisite:  THE 100F

A study of the principles and practice of stage management in commercial and non-commercial settings. The course will explore such areas as scheduling, cue-calling, and rehearsal procedures.

THE

286

THEATRE MANAGEMENT

Two credit hours

Required of all theatre majors in the stage management track.  Prerequisite:  THE 100F

A study of the principles and practice of theatre arts management in commercial and noncommercial applications. The course will explore such areas as philosophy, objective financing and theatre promotion.

THE

288IF

THEATRE HISTORY I

Three credit hours

Required of all theatre majors. Prerequisite: THE 100F, 190

A survey of the origin and development of Western theatre.

THE

289IF

THEATRE HISTORY II

Three credit hours

Required of all theatre majors. Prerequisite: THE 100F, 190

A study of the foundations of modern theatre including American theatre history.

THE

360

ACTING III: PERFORMANCE & THEORY

Three credit hours

Required of all theatre majors in the acting and directing track. Prerequisite: THE 260

An advanced acting course focusing on the teachings of multiple performance theorists including, among others, Lee Strasberg, Uta Hagen, and Jerzey Grotowski.  Students will research a variety of techniques, covering a diverse list of historical and stylistic approaches.

THE

375

COSTUME CONSTRUCTION I

Two credits hours

Required of all theatre majors in the costume design track.

Students will be introduced to the methods and materials used to create theatrical costumes.  Emphasis will be placed on developing skills in millinery, dyeing, draping, and costume construction. Additional lab hours required.

THE

382

SCENIC DESIGN

Three credit hours

Required of all theatre majors in the design and technical studies and stage management tracks.  Prerequisite: THE 180F, 270

A study of the application of the elements of basic design to the art of scenic design for the theatre. The course explores the design process from the evolution of the design concept to the execution of renderings and model making.

THE

383

LIGHTING DESIGN

Three credit hours

Required of all theatre majors in the design and technical studies and stage management tracks.  Prerequisite: THE 180F, 270

A study of the theories and practice of lighting design with emphasis on the functions and the controllable properties of light. The course is designed to acquaint the student with practical application and effective utilization of lighting design.

THE

385

COSTUME DESIGN

Three credit hours

Required of all theatre majors in the design and technical studies track. Prerequisite: THE 270

This course is designed to introduce the student to the fundamentals of costume design. Emphasis will be placed on historical research, applying conceptual thought, and developing character. Students will be exposed to costuming materials and design techniques, as well as historical costume period.

THE

390

DIRECTING

Three credit hours

Required of all theatre majors in the acting and directing track and stage management track. Prerequisite: THE 180F, 190, 260, 270, 360

A study of the theories, processes and techniques of the stage director. The course will also focus on questions of play selection, analysis and research. Practical laboratory experience will supplement lecture/discussion.

THE

460

ACTING IV: ADVANCED THEATRE STYLES

Three credit hours

Required of all theatre majors in the acting and directing track. Prerequisite: THE 360

An advanced acting course focusing on performance and analysis of period scenes and monologues.

THE

463(I)

SEMINAR

Two to four credit hours

The study of advanced topics relevant to the theatre. May be repeated more than once, provided the subject or topic is different.

THE

464

CAPSTONE: SENIOR PROJECT

Two credit hours

Required of all theatre majors. Prerequisite: Senior status

Students will be required to create an experiential project highlighting their specific area of interest in one of the three theatre major tracks: acting and directing, design and technical studies, and stage management.  Project proposals will be approved by the theatre faculty and the student will be assigned a faculty mentor.  Emphasis will be placed on the practical application of both technical skills and artistic style.

THE

475

COSTUME CONSTRUCTION II

Three credit hours

Required of all theatre majors in the costume design track. Prerequisite: THE 375

Students will explore advance techniques in costume construction. Emphasis will be place on costume draping with accuracy in historical periods.  Additional lab hours required.

THE

480

ADVANCED STAGECRAFT

Three credit hours

Required of all theatre majors in the scenic/lighting design and technical studies track.  

Prerequisite: THE 180F

An advanced course in the art of stagecraft.  Topics of study may include but are not limited to advanced scene construction, welding, rigging, props construction, lighting and scene painting. Additional lab hours required.

THE

485

ADVANCED STAGE MANAGEMENT

Three credit hours

Required of all theatre majors in the stage management track. Prerequisite: THE 285

An advanced course focused on the professional stage manager covering topics on advanced management aspects such as rehearsal to performance, collaboration between directors and designers, how to lead a run crew, and practical skills from paperwork to calling a show.

THE

491,492

HONORS COURSES

Credit hours to be arranged

See Departmental Thesis/Project, Section II

DAN

050

INDEPENDENT STUDY

Credit hours to be arranged

See Independent Study Program, Section II.

DAN

070

INTERNSHIP

Credit hours to be arranged

Practical experience in any area of dance. See Internship Program, Section II

DAN

201

INJURY PREVENTION AN HEALTH IN THE PERFORMING ARTS

Three credit hours

Required of all dance minors.

This course will provide the student with an opportunity to explore the health and safety issues peculiar to the performing arts (music, voice, theatre and dance), as well as define and develop health-promoting and wellness behaviors.   The course will cover common performance related injuries and health issues and students will learn basic preventive strategies.  Students will develop the skills necessary to appropriately examine health and safety-related issues pertinent to the performing artist as a healthy human being.

DAN

214IF

DANCE HISTORY

Three credit hours

Required of all dance minors.

A survey course of the history of dance. The course is designed to present to the student a broad overview of dance in various world cultures through the ages. Applicable to the fine arts requirement of the University core and the international studies requirement of the University core. May be offered less frequently than once a year.

DAN

217FD

DANCE IN AMERICA

Three credit hours

Course is designed to introduce the student to the vast discipline of dance. Students will view and read about dance as an art form and as a theatrical vehicle and become more aware of the analysis of form and style and elements of critique in the various genres of dance. The course will trace the American dance scene and its impact on and reflection of American culture. No previous knowledge and/or training in dance is required. Course applicable to fine arts requirement of University core. Some additional cost may be involved for purchase of performance tickets.

DAN

220

BALLET II PRACTICUM

One credit hour

Required of all dance minors. Prerequisite: HPE 120W

This is a beginning/intermediate level course designed for students to continue developing their technical skills and adding to their ballet vocabulary. Special emphasis will be placed on correct body alignment, spatial awareness, range of motion, and establishing habits that will promote a healthy and safe approach to performing movement.
*This course also has a required studio component in addition to regular class times.

DAN

221

JAZZ II PRACTICUM

One credit hour

Prerequisite: HPE 121W

This beginning/intermediate level course focuses on increasing the movement vocabulary of jazz dance technique. Students will start to explore different forms of jazz and styles.
*This course also has a required studio component in addition to regular class times.

DAN

222

MODERN II PRACTICUM

One credit hour

Prerequisite: HPE 122W

This beginning/intermediate level course focuses on increasing the movement vocabulary of modern dance technique. Students will learn, comprehend and execute movement drawn from relevant techniques including Graham, Limon, postmodern and release. Special emphasis will be placed on floor work, alignment and spatial awareness in the performance of movement sequences, and establishing habits that will promote a healthy and safe approach to performing movement.
*This course also has a required studio component in addition to regular class times.

DAN

223

TAP II PRACTICUM

One credit hour

Prerequisite: HPE 123W

This beginning/intermediate level course focuses on increasing the movement vocabulary of tap. Students will start to explore different rhythms and tempos.
*This course also has a required studio component in addition to regular class times.

DAN

263

SEMINAR

Two to four credit hours

The study of topics relevant to dance.  Sample topics include Flamenco Dance, Hip Hop and Partnering.  May be repeated more than once, provided the subject or topic is different.

DAN

320

BALLET III PRACTICUM

One credit hour

Required of all dance minors.  Prerequisite: DAN 220

This intermediate level course focuses on continued development of classical ballet technique. Students will learn, comprehend and execute movement drawn from the ballet cannon. Special emphasis will be placed on phrasing and technical competence in the performance of extended combinations.
*This course also has a required studio component in addition to regular class times.

DAN

321

JAZZ III PRACTICUM

One credit hour

Prerequisite: DAN 221

This intermediate level course focuses on continued development of jazz dance technique. Students will continue explore different forms and styles of jazz.  Special emphasis will be placed on the competence in the performance of extended movement combinations.
*This course also has a required studio component in addition to regular class times.

DAN

322

MODERN III PRACTICUM

One credit hour

Prerequisite: DAN 222

This intermediate level course focuses on continued development of modern dance technique. Students will learn, comprehend and execute movement drawn from relevant techniques including Graham, Limon, post-modern and release. Special emphasis will be placed on phrasing and technical competence in the performance of extended movement sequences, improvisational exercises and works from the modern dance repertoire.
*This course also has a required studio component in addition to regular class times.

DAN

323

TAP III PRACTICUM

One credit hour

Prerequisite: DAN 223

This intermediate level course focuses on continued development of tap dancing technique. Special emphasis will be placed on the competence in the performance of extended movement combinations and shading.
*This course also has a required studio component in addition to regular class times.

DAN

331F

IMPROVISATION & CHOREOGRAPHY

Three credit hours

Required of all dance minors. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

This course provides opportunities for experience in the use of improvisational techniques as a basis for the development of skill necessary for the art of choreography. Applicable to the fine arts requirement of the University core. May be offered less frequently than once a year. This course was formerly taught as a two credit hour course. Students who have completed the two credit offering of the course may not enroll in nor receive credit for the three credit course.

DAN

332

DANCE PRODUCTION & PERFORMANCE

Two credit hours

Required of all dance minors

A study of basic technical theater in relation to dance. Areas include costuming, makeup, lighting, management, and public relations. May be offered less frequently than once a year.

DAN

420

BALLET IV PRACTICUM

One credit hour

Prerequisite: DAN 320

This intermediate/advanced level course is designed for students with a thorough foundation in dance, that have completed Ballet I – III, and those who intend to have a career in the performing arts. Emphasis will be placed on refining classical ballet technique in traditionally structured classes consisting of barre work and extended center combinations. Students will also be challenged to improve their performance and partnering skills and learn and perform classical variations.
*This course also has a required studio component in addition to regular class times.

DAN

421

JAZZ IV PRACTICUM

One credit hour

Prerequisite: DAN 321

This intermediate/advanced level course focuses on the continued development of jazz dance technique in varied styles, improvisation and is designed for students with a thorough foundation in jazz and who have completed Levels 1-3.  Special emphasis will be placed on refining technique, phrasing and technical competence in the performance of extended movement combinations.
*This course also has a required studio component in addition to regular class times.

DAN

422

MODERN IV PRACTICUM

One credit hour

Prerequisite: DAN 322

This intermediate/advanced level course focuses on the refinement of modern dance technique, partnering and composition and is designed for students with a thorough foundation in dance and who have completed Modern I – III. Students will learn, comprehend and execute movement drawn from relevant techniques including Graham, Limon, post-modern and release. Special emphasis will be placed on authenticity, phrasing and technical competence in the performance of extended movement phrases, works from the modern dance repertoire and student choreography.
*This course also has a required studio component in addition to regular class times.

DAN

423

TAP IV PRACTICUM

One credit hour

Prerequisite: DAN 323

This intermediate/advanced level course focuses on the continued development of tap dancing, improvisation and is designed for students with a thorough foundation in tap and who have completed Levels 1-3.  Special emphasis will be placed on refining technique, phrasing and technical competence in the performance of extended movement combinations.
*This course also has a required studio component in addition to regular class times.