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Dramatic Arts (DRAM)

Head of Department: Professor Gary M. English
Department Office: Room 242, Drama - Music Building

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Read an Advance article about the Nafe Katter Theatre.
(Photo by Peter Morenus)

For major requirements, see the School of Fine Arts section of this Catalog.

101. Introduction to the Theatre

Either semester. Three credits.

Analysis of the functions of the theatre artists and their contributions to the modern theatre. CA 1

105. Drafting for the Theatre

First semester. Three credits. Two 3-hour studio periods.

The basics of hand drafting techniques and the drafting conventions for scenic designers, lighting designers and technical directors. 

106. Computer Drafting for the Theatre

Second semester. Three credits. Two 3-hour studio periods. 

Computer Aided Drafting techniques for theatrical applications. Use of design software for creating various 2-D plans, including light plots, set designs and technical shop drawings. Assumes a good working knowledge of theatrical drafting conventions and techniques. 

107. Theatre Production Studio

Either semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour studio period. May be repeated with change in course content to a maximum of nine credits. Franklin, McCaw

Elements of costume, lighting, management and stagecraft with application to departmental productions.

108. Fundamentals of Theatrical Design

Either semester. Three credits. Saternow

Introduction to theories of theatrical design and their application.

109. Drawing and Painting Techniques for the Theatre

First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour studio period. 

An introduction to theatrical sketching and rendering emphasizing color composition in various media. 

110. Introduction to Film

Either semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period.

A basic study of film as both a means of communication and as an art form. A fee of $25 is charged for this course. CA 1.

118. Computer Rendering for the Theatre

Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour studio period. Open only to Dramatic Arts majors; others with consent of instructor. 

Computer rendering for theatre design in 2-D and 3-D format. 

120. Production of the Speaking Voice

Either semester. Three credits. Stern

Study and practice in the development of an expressive, injury-free speaking voice capable of filling most performance spaces without amplification. Students concentrate on breathing technique, throat relaxation, resonance enhancement, and the use of variety in pitch and speaking rate. The course also integrates these technical voice skills with the principles of the inner acting process.

130. History of Drama I

First semester. Three credits. Not open for credit to students who have passed DRAM 180. McDermott

Dramatic literature and theatre history from Classical Greece through the Spanish Golden Age, including an examination of non-western theatre traditions, especially Japanese.

131. History of Drama II

Second semester. Three credits. Recommended preparation: DRAM 130. Not open for credit to students who have passed DRAM 181. McDermott, Molette

Dramatic literature and theatre history from the French Renaissance to Contemporary Theatre, including an examination of non-western theatre traditions, especially Chinese.

141. Oral Interpretation

Either semester. Three credits. 

An intensive study of background and thought content of literary material and the development of techniques of oral interpretation.

143-144. Introduction to Acting

Both semesters. Three credits each semester. Concurrent enrollment in DRAM 149-150 required for all acting majors.

First semester: Basic acting techniques, including improvisation and the use of the stage environment. Second semester: continuation of basic techniques with emphasis on the presentation of scenes from contemporary plays.

149. Introduction to Movement for the Actor I

First semester. Three credits. Three 2-hour studio periods. Sabatine

Conditioning the body to increase stretch, strength, flexibility, and sensitivity. Exploration of movement concepts in space, time and energy values, and mind body and environment relationships.

150. Introduction to Movement for the Actor II

Second semester. Three credits. Three 2-hour studio periods. Sabatine

Continuation of Dramatic Arts 149. Emphasis on the organization of movement expression using essence theory of emotion, intentions, gestures and physical characterization through movement.

153. Theatre Jazz Dance I

Either semester. Three credits. Three 2-hour studio periods.

Basic techniques, styles, and composition of jazz dance. Emphasis placed on technique.

154. Theatre Jazz Dance II

Either semester. Three credits. Three 2-hour studio periods.  Prerequisite: DRAM 153.

Continuation of Dramatic Arts 153.

159. Practicum in Dramatic Arts

Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Department consent required. May be repeated for credit with a change in course content to a maximum of six credits. Open only to Dramatic Arts majors. Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of  S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).

Practical work in all areas of dramatic arts, with emphasis on running crew assignments. 

163-164. Introduction to Directing

Both semesters. Three credits each semester. Prerequisite: DRAM 143.

First semester: Emphasis on theory and play analysis from the director's point of view. Second semester: Emphasis on practical staging experience, including casting techniques and rehearsal and performance methods.

180. Masterpieces of the Drama: Aeschylus to Shakespeare

Either semester. Three credits. 

A study of masterpieces of Greek, Roman and Elizabethan drama with emphasis on analysis of form and content and attention to staging conventions.

181. Masterpieces of the Drama: Molière to the Present

Either semester. Three credits. 

A study of masterpieces of French 17th Century; English Restoration and 18th Century; European, English, and Japanese 19th Century; and European, English, African, and American 20th Century drama. Emphasis on analysis of form and content and attention to staging conventions.

191. Performance Techniques in Ethnic Arts

Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. May be repeated for credit with a change in course content. Open only with consent of instructor.

Performance study and practice in selected areas of ethnic and minority dramatic arts. Topics to be alternated may include Afro-American dance, Black Heritage theatre, Indian dance.

200. Scene Construction

First semester. Three credits. Recommended preparation: DRAM 107 (Stagecraft). McCaw

Basic techniques of constructing two dimensional and three dimensional scenery.

201. Rigging

Second semester. Three credits. Recommended preparation: DRAM 107 (Stagecraft). McCaw

Rigging systems and the basic techniques for flying scenery, with an emphasis on rigging safety.

203. Stage Management for the Theatre

Either semester. Three credits.  Open only with instructor consent.

Studies of the vocation and profession of stage management as defined by modern theatre practice. Also examines inter-relationships between the stage manager and the other members of the theatrical production staff.

205. Scenographic Techniques for the Theatre

Either semester. Three credits. Two 3-hour laboratory periods. Recommended  preparation: DRAM 107 (Stagecraft). McCaw

A laboratory course for designers and technicians in the techniques of preparing a scene design for production in a shop. Drafting techniques, sheet layout, conventions and symbols are stressed.

206. CAD for the Theatre

Either semester. Two 3-hour laboratory periods. Recommended preparation: DRAM 205. McCaw

Computer Aided Drafting techniques for theatrical applications. Use of design software for creating various 2-D plans, including light plots, set designs and technical shop drawings.

207C - 208. Lighting for the Theatre

Both semesters. Three credits each semester. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Recommended  preparation: DRAM 107 (Lighting), 108. Franklin

209. Principles of Design and Rendering

Either semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour studio period. Recommended preparation: DRAM 108Crow

Composition and color theory for designers as well as an exploration of graphic techniques in mixed media for expression of design ideas.

211-212. Scene Design

Both semesters. Three credits each semester. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Prerequisite: DRAM 108Saternow

213. Costume History

Either semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour studio period. Crow

A slide survey class covering the origins and development of dress to the present day. Specifically African, Middle Eastern, and Euro-Centric dress, along with the societies and manners which created fashion.

214. Costume Design

Either semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour studio period. Recommended preparation: DRAM 108. Crow

An introductory class centering on the designer's approach to the text, the creation of the designed look for the characters in the play, and the process of how to realize the costumes.

215. Sound for the Theatre

Either semester. Three credits.

Art of sound design for the theatre. Organizing and creating sound for production.

218C. Computer Rendering

Either semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour studio period. Recommended preparation: DRAM 108. Crow

Computer rendering for the theatre in 2-D and 3-D format.

219. Advertising, Publicity, and Promotion in the Dramatic Arts

Either semester. Three credits. Open only with consent of instructor.

An introduction to the basic techniques of advertising copy, news releases, and feature stories.

220. Voice and Diction I

First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite:  DRAM 120 and concurrent enrollment in DRAM 268Stern

Study and practice in the continued development of breathing, phonation and resonance skills, with added attention being paid to non-regional pronunciation (including the standard sounds and symbols of the International Phonetic Alphabet), articulation (of colloquial and classical diction styles), and phrasing.

222. Voice and Diction II

Prerequisite: DRAM 220 and concurrent enrollment in DRAM 269. Stern

Continued exploration of voice production and elevated diction skills required for acting in classical and period styles. Particular attention is given to textual analysis, verse performance, and the specialized voice techniques required for highly emotional scenes.

230. Women in Theatre

Either semester. Three credits. Open to sophomores or higher. McDermott

A study of theatre examining the changing depiction of women in drama and the increasing participation of women in all areas of theatrical activity. Women's advancement in western and oriental theatre will be surveyed as a background for focusing on plays written in the 20th century. CA 4

231. African-American Theatre

Either semester. Three credits. Open to sophomores or higher. Molette

The significant developments in African American theatre and its antecedents and an examination of selected play scripts that exemplify those developments. CA 4.

231W. African-American Theatre  

Prerequisite: ENGL 110 or 111 or 250. Open to sophomores or higher. CA 4.

235. Period Studies in Theatre

Either or both semesters. Three credits. Prerequisite: DRAM 130, 131. May be repeated for credit with change in course content.

An in-depth examination of a major period or periods of theatre history and dramatic literature. Topics will vary.

235W. Period Studies in Theatre

Prerequisite: DRAM 130, 131;ENGL 110 or 111 or 250.

238. Theatre Jazz Dance III

Second semester. Three credits. Three 2-hour studio periods. Prerequisite: DRAM 154 and consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with a change in course content to a maximum of 9 credits. Sabatine

Further work in techniques and styles of jazz dance. Projects in jazz choreography.

239. Theatre Dance I

First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: DRAM 149, 150. Sabatine

Stage movement and dances from Greek to Renaissance

240. Theatre Dance II

Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: DRAM 239. Sabatine

Stage movement and dances from the Renaissance through the Restoration.

241. Oral Interpretation of the Drama

Second semester. Three credits. Recommended preparation: DRAM 141, 143.

242. Stage Make-Up

Either semester. Two credits. One class period and one 2-hour laboratory period. Open only with consent of instructor.

243. Acting Technique I

First semester. Three credits. Three 2-hour studio periods. Open only with consent of instructor. Open to sophomores or higher. Hill

Voices of naturalism and realism: the study and practice of techniques utilized in the performance of modern realists.

244. Acting Technique II

Second semester. Three credits. Three 2-hour studio periods. Prerequisite: DRAM 243. Open to sophomores or higher. McDonald

A continuation of the study and practice of techniques utilized in the performance of modern realists.

247-248. Puppetry

Both semesters. Three credits each semester. May be repeated for credit with change in course content to a maximum of 12 credits. Open only with consent of instructor. Open to sophomores or higher. Roccoberton

First semester: Rod puppetry or Shadow theatre.

Second semester: Hand puppetry or Mask theatre. Topics to alternate on a two-year rotation.

249. Acting for the Media

Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open only with consent of instructor. 

Study and practice in the principles and techniques of television performance and acting before the camera.

250. Musical Theatre Dance

First semester. Three credits. Three 2-hour studio periods. Recommended preparation: DRAM 154. May be repeated for credit with a change in course content to a maximum of 6 credits. Sabatine

Tap, free style, folk and social dance forms used in musical theatre. Integration of dance with song.

251. The American Film

First semester. Three credits. Prerequisites: DRAM 110. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. May be repeated for credit with a change in course content to a maximum of 6 credits.

A critical analysis of the American fiction film. A fee of $25 is charged for this course.

252. World Film

Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisites: DRAM 110. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. May be repeated for credit with a change in course content to a maximum of 6 credits.

A critical analysis of representative world films. A fee of $25 is charged for this course.

257. Fundamentals of Television I

First semester. Three credits. Two 3-hour laboratory periods. Open only with consent of instructor.

258. Fundamentals of Television II

Second semester. Three credits. Two 3-hour laboratory periods. Prerequisite: DRAM 257.

259. Practicum in Dramatic Arts

Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open only with consent of instructor. Open to sophomores or higher.
Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of  S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).

Practical work in all areas of dramatic arts.

263. The Director in the Theatre

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: DRAM 130, 131.

An analysis of the role and function of the director in the theatre from historical, aesthetic, and practical points of view. 

263W. The Director in the Theatre

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: DRAM 130, 131; ENGL 110 or 111 or 250.

265. Stage Dialects

Either semester. Two credits. One class period and one 2-hour lab. Recommended preparation: DRAM 220. Stern

The study and practice of those dialects and accents most frequently required by American actors. Contents include, but are not limited to, Standard British, and a range of New York City and American Southern patterns.

268. Acting Technique III

First semester. Three credits. Three 2-hour studio periods. Prerequisite: DRAM 244 and consent of instructor and concurrent enrollment in DRAM 220 and DRAM 239 required. McDonald 

Poetic voices of world theatre: Greek, Elizabethan, and others.

269. Acting Technique IV

Second semester. Three credits. Three 2-hour studio periods. Prerequisite: DRAM 268 and consent of instructor, and concurrent enrollment in DRAM 222 and DRAM 240 required.  McDonald

The study and practice of acting techniques utilized in the performance of Shakespeare's plays.

272. Playwriting

(Also offered as ENGL 245.)Either or both semesters. Three credits. Open only with consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with a change in course content to a maximum of 9 credits. McDermott

The analysis of the basic techniques in playwriting, and the reading and criticism of the students' works in progress. Scripts of outstanding merit may be produced in the Studio or Mobius Theatres.

274-275. Film Writing

(Also offered as ENGL 202-203.) Both semesters. Three credits each semester. Open only with consent of instructor.

Theoretical and practical work in the content and form of the fiction

276. Acting Technique V

First semester. Three credits. Three 2-hour studio periods. Prerequisite: DRAM 269 and consent of instructor.

The study and practice of acting techniques utilized in a range of comic styles.

277. Acting Technique VI

Second semester. Three credits. Three 2-hour studio periods. Prerequisite: DRAM 276 and consent of instructor.

The study and practice of acting techniques utilized in the performance of modern non-realists.

278. Advanced Puppetry Techniques I

First semester. Three credits. Two 3-hour laboratory periods. May be repeated for credit with change in course content to a maximum of six credits. Open only with consent of instructor. Roccoberton

Laboratory practice in advanced production techniques or paper sculpture for the puppet theatre.

279. Advanced Puppetry Techniques II

Second semester. Three credits. Two 3-hour laboratory periods. May be repeated for credit with change in course content to a maximum of six credits. Open only with consent of instructor. Roccoberton

Advanced puppetry production techniques for television or laboratory practice in materials techniques.

282. Trends in Contemporary Theatre

Either semester. Three credits. Open to sophomores or higher. 

A study of the major trends in drama and theatrical production of the western world today.

285. Trends in the Contemporary Puppet Theatre

Either semester. Three credits. Additional project required for graduate credit. Roccoberton

A study of the major trends in drama, design styles and production of the puppet theatre in the western world today.

289. Theatre Administration and Organization

Either semester. Three credits.

A survey of the organizational structure of the theatre in the United States, including community, university and regional theatres, and "on," "off," and "off-off" Broadway. Personnel, budgeting, unions and audience development will be covered.

291. Performance Techniques

Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open only with consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with a change in course content.

Performance study and practice in selected areas of dramatic arts

293. Foreign Study

Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. May be repeated for credit. Consent of Department head required, normally to be granted prior to the student's departure. May count toward the major with consent of the advisor.

Coursework undertaken within approved Study Abroad programs, with a focus on the theatre history, dramatic literature and production in a particular country or region.

295. Environmental Theatre

Either or both semesters. Three credits. Three 2-hour studio periods. May be repeated for credit. Open only with consent of instructor. 

An analysis of New Theatre concepts throughout the twentieth century, with workshops in performance.

298. Seminar

Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open only with consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

Studies in selected areas of dramatic arts. Topics to be alternated.

299. Independent Study

Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open only with consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

A reading or project course under the direction of an appropriate staff member.

      
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