DANC 104     Ballet I  (2)

An introduction to the vocabulary and techniques of classical ballet as a foundation of skills within the dance form.

DANC 105     Experiencing Dance History and Culture  (4)

Dance literacy and appreciation are established through a combination of theory and practice. Dance history is examined through alternating political, social, and economic lenses, guided by the premise that movement expresses culture.

DANC 113     Jazz I  (2)

An introduction to the vocabulary and techniques of classical ballet as a foundation of skills within the dance form.

DANC 116     Beginning Dance Techniques  (2)

An introduction to the basic techniques of Western concert dance as applied to ballet, modern, and jazz dance that provides a foundation for students without formal dance training and prepares them for continued study in any of those three forms.

DANC 118     Dance Improvisation  (2)

The study of the spontaneous creation of movement for the purpose of discovering, investigating and enhancing sensation, awareness, and creativity. Theories of movement and improvisational structures, strategies, and techniques are examined and practiced in solo, duet, and group explorations, including contact improvisation. This course includes physical touch.

DANC 123     Tap I  (2)

An introduction to the vocabulary and technique of tap dance that builds a basic foundation of skills within the dance form through improvisation and choreography.

DANC 154     Contemporary Dance I  (2)

An introduction to the vocabulary and techniques of contemporary dance that draws upon modern and post-modern traditions to build a basic foundation of skills for the dance form.

DANC 204     Ballet II  (2)

Continued study of classical ballet technique that extends the vocabulary and develops technical skills. Prerequisite: DANC 104, DANC 116, or placement.

DANC 213     Jazz II  (2)

Continued study of jazz dance technique that extends the vocabulary and develops technical skills. Prerequisite: DANC 113, DANC 116, or placement.

DANC 223     Tap II  (2)

Continued study of tap dance technique that extends the vocabulary and develops technical skills. Prerequisite: DANC 123 or placement.

DANC 224     Dance Composition  (4)

An exploration of the creative process of choreography and the craft of dance composition. Dance studies are created as a means of investigating and developing a unique artistic voice and utilizing compositional skills to effectively express and communicate ideas. Dance experience or previous knowledge of composition in visual arts, music, or creative writing is recommended.

DANC 250     Dance Ensemble  (2)

Participation in the creative process of choreography as a dancer and the study of dance performance techniques culminating in the performance of an original dance in the annual departmental production of DanceWise. May be repeated once for credit. Concurrent enrollment in a 200 or 300 level dance technique course required.

DANC 254     Contemporary Dance II  (2)

Continued study of contemporary dance techniques that draws upon modern and post-modern traditions to extend the vocabulary and develop technical skills. Prerequisite: DANC 116, DANC 154, or placement.

DANC 301     Special Topics in Dance  (2 or 4)

A study of specialized topics in dance history, theory, and/or technique. Prerequisite: Prerequisites vary by topic..

DANC 304     Ballet III  (2)

A study of advanced techniques of classical ballet that offers and in-depth investigation of movement principles through the development and integration of technical skills and personal artistry. Prerequisite: DANC 204.

DANC 313     Jazz III  (2)

A study of advanced techniques of jazz dance that offers an in-depth investigation of movement principles through the development and integration of technical skills and personal artistry. Prerequisite: DANC 213.

DANC 315     Dance Science and Somatics  (4)

An exploration of fundamental principles of movement to ensure safety, development, and growth as a performing artist through studies of somatic techniques, anatomy, kinesiology, injury prevention, and nutrition. This course is equal parts lecture and embodied movement practice. Prerequisite: DANC 105 or DANC 116 or DANC 123 or DANC 204 or DANC 213 or DANC 215 or DANC 223 or DANC 224.

DANC 354     Contemporary Dance III  (2)

A study of advanced techniques of contemporary dance that offers in-depth investigation of movement principles through the development and integration of technical skills in the form with personal artistry. Prerequisite: DANC 254. Prerequisite: DANC 254.

DANC 444     Independent Study  (2 or 4)

An opportunity for students to explore a topic of interest in an independent or directed manner. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic differs. Prerequisite: Instructor prerequisite override required.

THTR 101     Introduction to Theatre  (4)

An introduction to aesthetics and the art of the theatre through an analysis of stage development and production technique.

THTR 111     Elements of Production  (4)

An examination of the collaborative contributions costumes, scenery, lighting, and property technicians make to the art of theatre. An introduction to the materials, technologies, equipment, structures, and best practices used in contemporary theatre production. Open only to first-year students and sophomores.

THTR 112     Elements of Performance  (4)

An analysis of theatre as a collaborative art form with an introduction to the materials, forms, and functions of theatrical art. A discussion of genre, dramatic structure, and theory of performance. The course is designed for majors and minors in theatre arts. Open only to first-year students and sophomores.

THTR 114     Elements of Design  (4)

An analysis of theatrical design as a collaborative art form with an introduction tot he materials, forms, and functions of design. An introduction to the research, analysis, graphics, materials, and techniques used in contemporary theatre design. Open only to first-year students and sophomores.

THTR 131     Fundamentals of Acting  (4)

An introduction to the actor's art. Understanding the demands of performance. The execution of dramatic action. Students are expected to perform frequently in exercises and scenes. Open only to first-year students, sophomores, and juniors.

THTR 201     Masks and Millinery  (2)

An introduction to the methods used in the design and creation of masks and hats for stage costumes. Prerequisite: THTR 111.

THTR 202     Stage Make-up for Performance  (2)

An exploration of the stage make-up techniques used by actors and designers in the creation of characters.

THTR 221     Theatre History  (4)

A survey of the history of the theatre with particular emphasis on the development of theatrical presentation and stage space. Open only to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

THTR 227     Classic Plays on the Modern London Stage  (4)

An exploration of how changing cultural values and aesthetics of the late 20th and early 21st centuries have shaped approaches to the staging of classic British plays. Topics will include changing styles of acting, design, theatre architecture, stage speech, and non-traditional casting. The work of several groundbreaking contemporary theatre directors will be studied and the dramatic literature will be chosen to match productions that students can see on stage in London.

THTR 228     New York Theater  (4)

The class will highlight the personal, cultural, and professional value of theater through attending eight live performances at a variety of venues: including Broadway, the center of the global commercial theater world, New York’s Public Theater, the non-profit home where many great artists and new plays have been developed and nurtured, as well as others. The class will also over weekly discussions highlighting the history/mission of each institution and discussing different professional disciplines within the field. The lectures will be supported by reading of current articles written on key issues within the industry, and post show discussions with artists involved in the various productions.

THTR 232     Shakespeare and the Actor  (4)

Intensive rehearsal of selected monologues and scenes. Exercises in this course help students develop vocal and physical expressiveness and skill in speaking heightened language. Prerequisite: THTR 131 or ENGL 357 or ENGL 358.

THTR 235     Voice and Interpretation  (4)

Work in voice production, articulation, and interpretation through readings of literary and dramatic texts. A substantial amount of memorization is required. Prerequisite: THTR 103 or THTR 131.

THTR 236     Acting with an Accent  (4)

An advanced scene study course in which students master the International Phonetic Alphabet and apply it to scenes written in a variety of dialects. Particular attention is given to regional American dialects and to the dramatic literature of English, Irish, and South African playwrights. Prerequisite: THTR 131.

THTR 240     Costume Technology  (4)

An in-depth study of the techniques used in the creation of stage costumes. Students will explore historical and modern methods of drafting, draping, and fabric modification, including advanced construction skills. Prerequisite: THTR 111.

THTR 242     Stagecraft  (4)

A study of the basic principles and techniques in the design and construction of scenery, lighting, properties, costumes and sound for the theatre. Prerequisite: THTR 111.

THTR 245     The Audition Process  (2)

Selection and preparation of audition monologues from the modern and classical repertories. This course provides information on the business of acting, various audition situations, and will include information sessions with an agent, a casting director and professional actors. Open only to juniors and seniors. Prerequisite: THTR 131.

THTR 246     Design and Décor Period Styles  (4)

A survey of architecture, decor, and clothing from ancient to modern with special emphasis on the stylistic trends of each era. Emphasis in this class is on research and analysis of period styles. By looking at the common decorative elements of a certain era, the stage designer and director are able to understand the period style to create a more believable and unified stage picture.

THTR 301     Special Topics in Theatre Design and Technology  (2 or 4)

This course offers an opportunity for students to explore in depth a variety of specialized topics in theatrical design or technology. Advanced, new, or experimental techniques for creating exciting visual elements for the stage are emphasized. This course may be repeated once for credit when the topic differs.

THTR 302     Special Topics in Theatre Performance  (2 or 4)

This course offers an opportunity for students to explore in depth a variety of specialized topics in theatre performance theory and techniques. Advanced, new, or experimental techniques in performance will be emphasized in this course.

THTR 323     Aspects of Contemporary Theatre  (4)

A seminar in the development of post-modern performance theory. Theatricalization of contemporary thought and concepts of performance are studied in the work of Antonin Artaud and Bertold Brecht, in The Theatre of the Absurd, environmental theatre, impossible theatre, theatre of images, and others. Open only to juniors and seniors.

THTR 337     Writing for Solo Performance  (4)

An introduction to the art of solo performance. Exercises in dramatic style, storytelling, and in writing and performing such solo genres as the autobiographical and character monologue. Consideration of selected examples of solo work from Homer, Sappho, the Medieval jongleurs, the West African griots, and such modern performance artists as Ruth Draper, Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Hoch, and Spalding Gray. Each student writes and rehearses an original performance project for public presentation at the end of the semester.

THTR 340     Acting: Classic American Plays  (4)

This scene study course focuses on the plays of the 1930s-1950s, the era when American theatre first established itself internationally. Particular attention is given to the work of Eugene O'Neill, Clifford Odets, Lillian Hellman, Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, William Inge, and Lorraine Hansberry as well as the approaches of prominent acting teachers during the period when the term "method acting" was coined. Prerequisite: THTR 131.

THTR 342     Scene Design  (4)

Deals with script analysis, scenic research techniques, periods and styles of production, exercises in scale, proportion, volume, and color. The student is expected to complete a series of projects culminating in the completed design of a classic or contemporary play. Prerequisite: THTR 114.

THTR 344     Lighting Design  (4)

Exercises in script analysis, research options, styles of production, lighting theory, techniques and equipment. Through journals and projects, students interpret and communicate with light. Prerequisite: THTR 114.

THTR 347     Scene Painting  (4)

A study of basic techniques, tools and procedures employed by the scenic artist. Projects include exercises in color theory and mixing; problem solving; and common finishes on hard, soft, and three-dimensional scenic units.

THTR 351     Fundamentals of Stage Direction  (4)

Introduction to the theoretical and technical aspects of directing through production of short scenes from the classical repertoire. Prerequisite: THTR 131.

THTR 352     Advanced Stage Directing  (4)

A continuation of THTR 351. Further application of directorial technique to staging problems in classical and modern plays. Prerequisite: THTR 351.

THTR 360     Computer Aided Design for Performance  (4)

An opportunity for advanced students to explore drafting, drawing, rendering, and modeling software used for scenery, lighting, and costume design. Designers will work together on various advanced projects and have the opportunity to experiment in each area of design using the related software.

THTR 361     Costume Design  (4)

Fundamentals of costume design and construction taught through principles of design, concept development, play analysis, character study, and visual metaphor. The laboratory includes basic methods of pattern making and costume construction.

THTR 362     Advanced Costume Design  (4)

A continuation of the study in the design of costumes for theatre and dance. Advanced research in the history and development of costume rendering, construction methods, and design practices. Culminates in actual design projects for theatre and dance. Prerequisite: THTR 361.

THTR 370     Design Studio: Model Making for the Theatre  (2)

This project-based course prepares the advanced scenic designer to conceive, craft and present actual 3-D scenic models to the production team. Models are explored as part of the process of exploration and discovery, initial sharing of ideas, and final presentation. Basic and advanced model-making techniques are learned and executed on a series of projects, culminating with a fully realized scenic model as the final project. Prerequisite: THTR 342.

THTR 372     Design Studio: Perspective and Rendering for the Theatre  (2)

This project-based course prepares the advanced scenic designer to conceive, craft, and present fully rendered perspective scenic sketches to the production team. Perspective sketches are explored as part of the exploration and discovery process, initial idea sharing, and final presentation process. Basic and advanced perspective and rendering techniques are learned and executed on a series of projects, culminating with a fully realized series of scenic perspectives as the final project. Prerequisite: THTR 342.

THTR 431     Projects in Performance  (2 or 4)

An opportunity for advanced students to work on particular acting, directing, design, or technical problems-either in production situations or in special workshops. This course can be repeated twice for credit. Open only to juniors and seniors. Prerequisite: Instructor prerequisite override required.

THTR 444     Independent Study  (2 or 4)

Advanced work for selected students. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic differs. Prerequisite: Instructor prerequisite override required.

THTR 447     Advanced Scene Painting  (4)

Further study in scenic art, emphasizing the advanced techniques, tools, and procedures employed by the scenic artist. Advanced exercises in color theory, color mixing, color manipulation, problem solving, and painting techniques used for hard, soft, and three dimensional scenery will be explored. Major projects include stencil, spray, texture, and representative painting techniques used in the modern theatre. Prerequisite: THTR 347.