Performing Arts

Introduces new and continuing dance students to the art of dance with an emphasis on alignment, strength, and flexibility of the whole body. Dancers are challenged to develop their physical intelligence and artistic expression in center and across the floor combinations using a wide range of dynamics and rhythms.

Courses offered according to students' interests. Topics vary from year to year.

A study of the historical development of dance from mid-eighteenth century to the twenty-first century with an investigation of the dance works, artists, and the historical context in which the works were created. Course will include discussion, viewings of live performance and videos, lectures, and experiential activities.

In this course students will explore walking in relationship to perception, the body, the creative process, place, and areas of their personal interests in a variety of rural, agricultural, wild, and urban settings.

This embodied anatomy class will investigate anatomy and kinesiology by weaving, embodied experience with anatomical study. Students will learn traditional anatomy (bones, muscles, joints) through multiple sensate experiences.

An introductory course in various modern dance techniques including some improvisational work. May be repeated one time for credit.

Students learn to use the physical properties of weight, momentum, counter tension and speed to provoke spontaneous, fully-embodied dancing. This studio class introduces basic principles and patterns, such as exchanging weight with a partner, that lead to increasingly complex and daring movement. Working individually, with partners, and in groups, students learn to make alert and intelligent movement decisions as they improvise.

An introduction to Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analysis. Students learn and develop proficiency in the L/BMA framework, focusing on the categories of Body, Effort, Shape and Space, as well as historical information and current uses.

This beginning level dance course introduces the fundamental values, practices and movements of hip hop dance. This course will focus on foundations and origins of hip-hop and street dance culture, and how each relates to today's current definitions of hip hop and freestyle dance.

A laboratory for developing skills as a choreographer and improviser. Emphasis on generating movement vocabulary through improvisation and understanding of dance elements (time, space, energy) for composition. Dance studies are created and performed throughout the semester.

The AU Dance Theatre presents students with the opportunity to engage in learning and performing a variety of dance works choreographed by faculty, guest artists and fellow students. AU Dance Theatre presents one work-in-progress showing and one concert each year. Participation is open to all students.

An extension of the beginning course, continued instruction is given in dance forms, movement, awareness, technique and patterns. May be repeated 4 times for credit to a maximum of 10 credit hours.

A laboratory for developing skills as a choreographer. Dance compositions are created and performed at the end of the semester. Emphasis on continuing development of the individual voice of the choreographer and the ability of the choreographer to see dance.

In this studio course students explore place/space as inspiration for creating performance-based compositions. How can the specifics of a space inspire imagination to inspire movement composition and performance? Students also study the works of contemporary site-specific artists.

In this course students learn existing dance repertory and are involved in creating new dance works. Through the rehearsal process, informal performances and research students explore a variety of rehearsal techniques, explore the varying roles of the dancer in the creative process, develop performing skills, and deepen their understanding of the choreography and the choreographers who created the work. Students are required to perform these works for the AU community throughout the semester.

This course provides the advanced student with the opportunity to choreograph new dance works under faculty supervision. Repeatable up to six credits.

An off-campus, independent study project in which the student gains insight from experiencing actual tasks and responsibilities undertaken and performed by persons in the dance field. At completion, a journal and final report is submitted to the faculty sponsor.

Specialized pursuit of a subject within an area of dance not covered in any established course, and carried on outside the usual instructor/classroom setting. Approved Plan of Study required.

Students prepare a major dance concert as a culmination of their choreographic work. Production, promotion and coordination are each student's responsibility with support and guidance from the Performing Arts Division.

This class is the second capstone for students in the Dance Concentration of the Interdisciplinary BFA. In this course students refine their interdisciplinary work into a final project and reflection. Senior Standing

One half-hour private lesson per week. Private lesson fee includes the use of practice rooms. Note: Some sections may require permission of instructor.

One half-hour private lesson per week. Private lesson fee includes the use of practice rooms. Note: Some sections may require permission of instructor.

One half-hour private lesson per week. Private lesson fee includes the use of practice rooms. Note: Some sections may require permission of instructor.

One half-hour private lesson per week. Private lesson fee includes the use of practice rooms. Note: Some sections may require permission of instructor.

One half-hour private lesson per week. Private lesson fee includes the use of practice rooms. Note: Some sections may require permission of instructor.

One half-hour private lesson per week. Private lesson fee includes the use of practice rooms. Note: Some sections may require permission of instructor.

One half-hour private lesson per week. Instruction is offered in classical, acoustic, and electric guitar but all three may not be available each semester. Private lesson fee includes the use of practice rooms. Note: Some sections may require permission of instructor.

An introductory course which introduces students to a wide variety of music, focusing on the evolution of Western European Classical music, but also touching upon American popular forms and some World Music. The course examines the historical and social background of classical music and emphasizes art of listening.

This A Block course is designed to equip students with essential theoretical skills needed to succeed in music Theory I and beyond. This course is offered tandem with MUSC 113 - Creative Lab. May test out of the course by taking a placement exam. (Fall)

This B Block course is designed to build on and apply the foundational skills leaned in Fundamentals of Musicianship (MUSC 112). May test out of the course by taking a placement exam.

A study of the basic rudiments of music--notation, pitch, rhythm, melody and harmony and how these elements combine to create music. The course includes music writing (elementary composition), ear training (recognition of melodic, rhythmic and harmonic patterns) and dictation (the ability to write these patterns in traditional music notation). A background in music reading from playing an instrument or vocal/choral experience, is required.

Class lessons in piano technique for the beginner. Covers basics of tone conception, rhythm, articulation, and fingering, five-finger patterns and tonic chords in major keys. No previous musical training required.

A continuation of MUSC 130. Beginning work in pedaling and phrasing, major scales, primary chords in major and minor in block and arpeggio from, composition, transposition and harmonization.

Group lessons in technique and the art of singing. Class presents the practical application of vocal techniques, breath support, posture, diction and projection to increase the student's ease and confidence in using the singing voice as a means of expression. Outside reading and listening is required of students.

This course is a step-by-step guide for beginners to learn the basic skill of playing the Guzheng (Chinese Zither), a traditional Chinese instrument. Students have a chance to join the AU Guzheng Ensemble if they wish.

This course introduces students to the guitar and develops basic skills toward performance on the instrument. It will cover right and left-hand techniques, chords, scales, harmony, and rhythm, etc. students will learn to read a variety of music which includes standard notation, chord charts, and tablature.

This course reinforces and builds upon the Class Guitar I course. This course teaches students to develop skills toward performance on the instrument. It will cover hand techniques, chords, scales, harmony, and rhythm, etc. Students will learn to read a variety of music which includes standard notation, chord charts, and tablature. Students will explore techniques and concepts through a variety of musical styles.

Includes courses in related areas of study. If applicable, small rental fee or breakage deposit required for applied music courses such as woodwinds class, Celtic music, etc.

Alongside fieldwork, students will learn basic recording techniques, engage in theoretical readings - drawn from eco-musicology and sound studies - and classroom discussions directed towards the creation of individual and/or group sound compositions/projects. These compositions can be imagined in a multitude of creative ways, including podcasting, sound art/essays, visual arts, dance/movement arts, songwriting, etc. No special expertise or equipment is needed, and guidance with audio editing programs is built into the course.

World Music is an exploration of Non-Western European music, and the role of music in society at large and a broad-ranging view of how this role is fulfilled in a variety of cultures. The course will focus on the indigenous cultures and music of Native America, Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe, India, Indonesia and East Asia (Japan and Korea). Student projects will explore the popular music of one or more of these areas.

This survey course will examine the historical and social backgrounds of the incredible diversity of American Music, including native American, Classical and Popular Music through the ages, Folk, Jazz and the beginnings of Rock n' Roll.

This course examines the history of jazz music and considers the social reactions to the music and artists of the time

This survey course traces the history and development of film music through lecture, reading and film viewing. We discuss how music and its relationship to film have changed over the last century, and uncover how music establishes psychological moods and guides our emotions.

In this course we study rock music from its origins to the present. We examine the place of rock music in society from its roots in African American blues and European American folk to its place in current society.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the art and science of audio mixing and recording, blending theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on experience. Students will explore the fundamentals of sound waves, acoustics, and psychoacoustics, while gaining practical skills in microphone techniques, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and signal processing. A strong emphasis is placed on real-world applications, with students actively participating in recording sessions featuring AU's diverse ensembles, including the Orchestra, Pop Ensemble, Guzheng Ensemble, and Choir.

Musical experiences, somehow, often escape materiality. Listeners tend to focus on the way music makes them feel, and its study is often grounded in the socio-cultural ideologies of musical genre and style. Yet, music relies on material infrastructures in how it is produced, consumed, and disseminated. This ensemble of listening-artists' investigates such musical infrastructures, tracing the complex supply chain networks that make up our modern musical experiences. Through readings, listening, and exploratory sound-art projects we will re-trace these musical-material chains, rethinking our involvements with musical production and consumption.

Reorientation is a process of changing directions; figuring out, again, where you are in relationship to your environment. This discussion-based course explores music and sound through such relational thinking, foregrounding the multitude of ways of being-in-the-world. We will explore musical works, histories, composers, performers, and sound-experiences, through concepts drawn from feminism, gender studies, and queer theory. Through critical readings and listening, as well as sharing our own experiences, we seek to question normative narratives around music and sound.

This course develops students' understandings of harmonic compositional practices of 17th through 19th century music. Students continue the study of composition and analysis and become more proficient with harmonic analysis using figured bass, bass position symbols, and Roman numerals.

The study of the development of western music from the Medieval through the Renaissance, Baroque and early Classical periods. Changing musical styles and genres will be examined as well as the purpose of music and the musicians' role in society for each period. Readings, listening, score study and listening assignments are required.

The study of the development of western music from the Romantic era through the 20th century. Changing musical styles and genres will be examined as well as the purpose of music and the musicians' role in society for each period. Readings, listening, score study and listening assignments are required.

Students will develop a technical understanding of songwriting and musical composition through analysis of pre-existing musical materials, styles, and genres. Students will apply knowledge gained from analysis toward composing their own original music. Techniques such as orchestration, voice leading, functional harmony, timbral analysis, and rhythmic notation will be considered.

University Chorus, a large singing ensemble is open to all students. The repertoire varies from traditional to global to popular and musical theatre. Open to all, including community members: no experience required. Note: Ensembles may be repeated for credit to a maximum of 10 credit hours

Vocal ensemble of 20-30 singers, performs a wide variety of repertoire in concerts on and off campus. Open to all including members of the community: no experience required Note: Ensembles may be repeated for credit to a maximum of 10 credit hours.

Band members study and perform music composed and arranged for the modern Concert Band, including orchestral transcriptions. Students work as an ensemble and perform at least one concert per semester. The ensemble plays a wide variety of styles including marches, symphonies, suites and more. Note: Ensembles may be repeated for credit to a maximum of 10 credit hours.

The Jazz Ensemble provides an opportunity to explore the many styles of jazz in a big band context, including swing, bebop, Latin, and fusion. Students are also given the chance to develop their skills in improvisation. Open to all students by audition. Note: Ensembles may be repeated for credit to a maximum of 10 credit hours.

Open to all students, the symphony orchestra provides students an opportunity to study music ranging from the classical era to the 20th Century. The ensemble presents a concert each semester which often features student soloists. A major work is performed every other semester with the AU Chorus. Previous works include Handel's Messiah, Vivaldi's Gloria, Mozart's Requiem and Orff's Carmina Burana. Note: Ensembles may be repeated for credit to a maximum of 10 credit hours.

Chamber Music refers to small ensembles (string quartets, woodwind quintets, flute duets/trios/choirs; piano trios [piano plus two other instruments] or virtually any combination of instruments and/or voices). Students will be assigned to a group and will work on classical music for their particular ensemble. Students enrolled in this class should have at least a moderate facility on their instrument and be able to read music. Note: Ensembles may be repeated for credit to a maximum of 10 credit hours.

The Alfred Popular Music Ensemble explores popular music from all genres/subgenres and eras utilizing socially informed and musically creative methods of performance. The ensemble is open to all types of performers including drummers, rappers, brass, bassists, synths, vocalists, keyboard players, guitarists, strings, etc. Music reading not required.

A dynamic collective merging of technology & music, this ensemble offers students a platform to explore innovative soundscapes. Each member (laptopist) assumes a distinct role in compositions, crafting sounds through recordings, MIDI, & music software.

Advanced study. One-hour lesson per week. Private lesson fee. Permission of instructor required.

Advanced study. One-hour lesson per week. Private lesson fee. Permission of instructor required.

Advanced study. One-hour lesson per week. Private lesson fee. Permission of instructor required.

Advanced study. One-hour lesson per week. Private lesson fee. Permission of instructor required.

Advanced study. One-hour lesson per week. Private lesson fee. Permission of instructor required.

Advanced study. One-hour lesson per week. Private lesson fee. Permission of instructor required.

Advanced study. One-hour lesson per week. Private lesson fee. Permission of instructor required.

Specialized pursuit of a subject within an area of music history or literature not covered in any established course, and carried on outside the usual instructor/classroom setting. Approved Plan of Study required.

Music Capstone Research provides an opportunity for students to engage in high-level inquiry focusing on an area of specialization within the profession. Capstone research will be inquiry and practice centered, drawing upon areas of interest to the student in music sub-fields such as: music history/theory composition, performance, sound design, and music and technology; or in intersectional areas outside of music like business, psychology, communications, or copyright law, among others. All capstones aim to bridge theory and practice and are intended to have an impact on the professional life of students. The overall goal of the course is to facilitate the development of Capstone Projects/Performances that further the student on their individual career trajectories.

The final Capstone Project represents the culmination of intensive practice, original research, and/or compositions that will make a meaningful contribution to knowledge in the student's development and career trajectory. Students should have begun topic selection and work for their final Project/Performance early in their previous Capstone Research semester(s). Ideas should be discussed and explored with their applied professor and their major advisor. Written work on a research document, lecture-recital, program notes, or portfolio commentary may begin only after their previously submitted Capstone Research document/program/performance notes have been approved by the faculty committee.

A lecture/lab course in stage technology covering set construction, lighting, sound and scenic painting. Through a combination of lectures and hands-on practical experience, this course covers the art and design areas of set construction and provides a basic understanding of common stagecraft techniques. Lab hours required.

Includes non-regularly scheduled course offerings in areas related to performance design and technology

A beginning design course introducing students to common principles of theatrical and performance design: scene, lighting, costume, sound, makeup, and props. Script analysis, research methods, the isms-- realism, symbolism, absurdism, postmodernism -- design unity, color, light/shadow, line/weight, and shapes, will be covered.

A study in practical skills leading to the creation of wearables from design images. Students will learn basic to intermediate sewing techniques, the nature & character of a broad range of fabrics & auxiliary materials, and various potential methods and techniques used by makers in the fashion & costuming world.

An introduction to the principles of designing and applying stage makeup. Projects and makeup crew assignments required. Offered during Fall

Course will cover a practical working knowledge of basic audio engineering and sound design for technical theatre production. This will include the ability to set up and operate sound equipment, use software for sound cue creation and playback, and select material and provide playback for a production.

This course gives students the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the duties of a theatrical electrician. The student becomes familiar with the tools and equipment of lighting, as well as the theory of electricity and lighting systems, through instruction and hands on experience.

This course gives the student the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the duties of a scenic carpenter. Students become familiar with the tools, equipment, and materials of carpentry, as well as the theory of construction and scenic techniques and styles, through instruction and hands on experience.

This course introduces students to the world of illusionist scene painting. Students learn the types of the scenic painting projects and various painting techniques that are needed for the execution of these projects. Student will understand the role of the scenic artist as well as learn about each and every step of the scene painting process leading from an artistic rendering to a creation of scene painting. This is a project-based course.

This practice-based course is about designing costuming for modern dance. Students will learn to collaborate and communicate with choreographers, dancers, and costume builders to design a costume concept for a specific piece that will be performed in the Spring AU Dance Theater Concert. Course content includes gaining knowledge of fabrics, styles, and colors. Students will also gain experience in basic skills like taking measurements, along with learning how to sketch the body.

This exploratory textiles course will study historical and contemporary methods for adding color and surface design to textiles using strictly Natural Dyes, with an emphasis on simple techniques and tools to achieve deceptively complex, beautiful, and environmentally sound and uniquely individual fabrics.

A course on theatrical properties, the objects which are created, collected, or curated to help tell a story. Course will cover the role or properties designer/manager in the creation and production of props and have practical experience with many of the skills, techniques, and materials used in their creation. Students will have to purchase materials in addition to the lab fee.

A lab course designed to give students practical production experience under faculty supervision in the areas of technical theatre and design. May be repeated for credit to maximum of 4 hours. Permission of Instructor.

A lab course designed to give students practical performance design experience under faculty supervision in the areas of technical theatre and design. Typically, by assisting with design work. Permission of instructor.

A project based course designed to give students practical technical production experience under faculty supervision in costuming, scenic, lighting, sound, and projection. Typically through work in the costume, scene shop, and theatres.

A practicum course designed to give students practical experience under faculty supervision in stage management, production operations, and front of house. Permission of instructor required.

Students will continue collaborating with choreographers, costume shop manager and other designers as the designs they created in the previous semester come to life on stage. Students will experience first-hand the challenges and opportunities of the production process and grow as designers as they navigate communication with the rest of the team.

Includes non-regularly scheduled course offerings in areas related to performance design and technology.

This course is an exploration of the world of puppetry. It will cover theory, application, and techniques behind the practice of puppet-making from across the globe. Course will culminate in a original short form puppetry performance.

Training in 2D and 3D computer aided drafting with Vectorworks and SketchUp Pro. Students will be able to create 3D models and draft 2D plates to communicate design and technical needs.

This course examines design for live performance by dismantling definitions of the designer's role. Beginning with source materials not intended for performance, students analyze narrative and structure to create performance environments. Emphasis is on the designer as adaptor/translator/storyteller.

A scenic design course, which builds on the principles of design taught in PDAT 220. It further develops skills in research methodology, script analysis, sketching and painting techniques, model building, graphics, and use of computer-aided design. Representative scripts will be studied.

A study of the aesthetic qualities of light lights significance in the context of space and story. Students will learn the process of developing a concept and meeting production needs through to a lighting design. Students will learn how to create a lighting design package and paperwork and technically plan a lighting design.

A costume focused design course which builds on the principles of design taught in PDAT 220. It further develops skills in research methodology, script analysis, costume design theories, artistic processes, and costume construction for specific plays. Lab hours required.

Creating the patterns and shapes through which a designer's rendering is transformed into a 3-dimensional garment, Half Scale teaches skills of Flat Patternmaking and Draping. These invaluable skills enable the creation of original works- as clothing, costume or sculptural work.

This course provides entertainment technician with the fundamentals of MIG welding, rigging, as well as technical production planning and budgeting.

Advanced level continuation of PDAT 270. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 6 credit hours.

Advanced level continuation of PDAT 271. Students will be the lead designer on a production with faculty advising. Design areas: scenic, costume, lighting, projection & sound.

Advanced level continuation of PDAT 272. A lab course where the student will be a crew head on a production or take on more advanced projects with faculty advising. Typically, through work in the costume, scene shop and theatres. May be repeated for credits to a maximum of 6 hours.

This course is an experiential learning course that will allow students to further explore the areas of management and operations for performance by having them work on Division of Performing Arts productions. Students in this course will have both responsibilities to lead and collaborate as part of the production team as well as take on more advanced and challenging projects.

An independent project allowing students to gain experience in professional or semi-professional performance design/technical theatre settings. A written plan of study describing the requirements of the course required.

Students complete a project for the Performance Design and Technical Theatre minor in their areas of interest. The project is to be submitted as a proposal to the faculty and approved in advance, with advisory support and supervision provided by the appropriate faculty member. Approved written proposal required.

This course is part one of a two part first year curriculum for Performing Arts majors and those interested in Performing Arts. This team-taught course will expose students to a variety of theory and techniques through experiencing, making, seeing, and reflecting across the disciplines within the Performing Arts with a lens towards contemporary research and practice.

This course is part two of a two part first-year curriculum for Performing Arts majors and those interested in Performing Arts. The team-taught course will expose students to a variety of theory and techniques through experiencing, making, seeing, and reflecting across the disciplines within the Performing Arts with a lens towards contemporary research and practice.

Special topics in Performing Arts. Topics vary from term to term.

This seminar course will explore the steps one needs to take to enter the professional world and live and sustain a creative life as an artist. The course will include the following resources: Text, live interviews with professional artists - emerging to established with ages their 20's - 70's; online sources including NYFA, Fractured U and Artists U; videos from authors/artist Andrew Simonet, and online skype discussion with Peter Cobb - NYFA consultant and co-author of The Profitable Artist, and will be with the Career Development Center. During the course we will complete the workbook How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist Workbook as a class. We will explore a variety of issues that include but are not limited to professional art making/performing, presenting creative research, budgeting, applying for residencies, creating strategic plans, exploring financial strategies to support yourself while working as an artist, time management, and collaboration strategies.

A lecture course on the fundamentals of stage management and the practice of collaborating with performing art practitioners. Understanding the communication and logistic skills needed to successfully guide a production from conception to show and strike.

A study of theatre as a creative process and cultural phenomenon, including text and performance analysis, the examination of dramatic literature, and opportunities to experience and explore the work of the actor, the playwright, the director, the designer, and the producer. Scripts and productions which are the sources for discussions and assignments are drawn from a full range of cultures and time periods.

A lecture/lab course in stage technology covering set construction, lighting, sound and scenic painting. Through a combination of lectures and hands-on practical experience, this course covers the art and design areas of set construction and provides a basic understanding of common stagecraft techniques. Lab hours required.

This rigorous course provides new and returning theatre students with a fun, collaborative environment for exploring a variety of improvisation techniques drawn from a range of styles and teachers.

Includes non-regularly scheduled course offerings in related areas of study. Examples include Musical Theatre, Theatre and Social Change, Ritual and Theatre, Performance Theory, Ethnic Theatre.

In this workshop course, students will learn various approaches to dramatic playwriting. We will be reading works of established and new playwrights, discussing dramatic structure (including conflict, exposition, events, action, motivation, subtext, character, etc.) and most importantly using writing exercises both in class and at home to develop a short play. Each student will complete a play of at least 10 minutes running time in length as a final requirement of the class. The completed plays will be performed in a public reading.

A survey course tracing the role(s) of women in theatre - audience, acting, directing, writing, designing, managing - from the ancient Greeks to contemporary times in a range of cultures. Representative plays, essays, and production artifacts are studied to discover the changing roles of women.

Play-scripts are the primary source materials for theatrical performances. Focusing on analysis of play texts as well as examining structure, genre, theme, style, character, language and imagery, this course encourages creative investigation and research for theatre practitioners and scholars.

A lecture course on the fundamentals of stage management and the practice of collaborating with performing art practitioners. Understanding the communication and logistic skills needed to successfully guide a production from conception to show and strike.

A beginning level course open to all students. We dive into physical theatre and improvisation, also learning Stanislavsky-based approaches, to create fantastical performance while building skills in story-telling, vocal, kinesthetic and imaginative expression.

Exercises and techniques to free the voice and improve projection, resonance, and articulation. Covers international phonetic alphabet and standard stage speech.

This course, culminating in a public performance, will provide students with specialized focus on devised, ensemble theatre-making in an experimental workshop setting.

This once-per-month class is designed as a forum for majors and minors to discuss progress and challenges in coursework and production, and broader issues in the theatre industry, to support the students' progress as artists. Must be a Theatre Major or minor.

A lab course designed to give students practical production experience under faculty supervision in the areas of acting or directing. May be repeated for credit to maximum of 4 hours. Permission of instructor required.

This course focuses on developing acting skills specifically for verse drama. Students will explore and utilize various techniques, including scansion, phrasing, transitioning between verse and prose, and vocal work. Students will study a variety of verse plays from different eras and styles, and will work on scene study and monologue performance.

Includes non-regularly scheduled course offerings in related areas of study. Examples include Musical Theatre, Theatre and Social Change, Ritual and Theatre, Performance Theory, Ethnic Theatre.

An examination of the development of Classical theatre and it's place within cultures in the West and around the world, from earliest times through around 1850. Emphasis on performance content and style, theatre architecture, and management practices as a reflection of a given culture's social, religious and political structures, and aesthetic impulses; and of broader inter- and intra-cultural relationships.

An examination of Modern and Contemporary Theatre's place in many world cultures, from around 1850 to the present. This course examines different aesthetic and historical movements in theatre, along with different cultural contexts, content and performance styles.

A costume focused design course which builds on the principles of design taught in THEA 220. It further develops skills in research methodology, script analysis, costume design theories, artistic processes, and costume construction for specific plays. Lab hours required.

Through workshops, discussion and individual research projects, students develop skills ranging from casting and organizing a production; to rehearsal methods and building an ensemble; to understanding key aspects of design theory and textual scene analysis. Students will have plenty of opportunities to workshop scenes and ideas, learn the skills of constructively critical feedback, and rehearse and present a final project of their choice.

This intermediate level course emphasizes text analysis, scene study, in-depth character development, character relationship explorations, and exploration of the interface between text and subtext with a direct application to performance.

Intermediate level continuation of THEA 242.

Advanced level continuation of THEA 270. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 6 credit hours.

An independent project allowing students to gain experience in professional or semi-professional theatre settings. A written Plan of Study describing the requirements of the course is required. Junior standing; approval of instructor or Department Coordinator is required.

Includes non-regularly scheduled course offerings in related areas of study. Examples include Musical Theatre, Theatre and Social Change, Ritual and Theatre, Performance Theory, Ethnic Theatre.

The continued exploration of the processes and practices of production direction from conceptualizing, to auditions, to staging, resulting in the public presentation of a one-act play. Topics include special rehearsal problems, actor coaching, rehearsal pacing, and blocking.

Advanced level continuation of THEA 242 and 342.

This course provides tools to bridge the gap between academic theatre and what comes next. Topics include exploration of options, the business of theatre, marketing oneself, resume building, taxes for independent contractors, and preparation of materials (auditions, portfolios).

Students complete a project for the Theatre major in their areas of interest. The project is to be submitted as a proposal to the faculty and approved in advance, with advisory support and supervision provided by the appropriate faculty member. Senior standing; approved written proposal; permission of instructor is required.

Students develop and refine a theatre project proposal in their area of interest. Upon faculty approval, they begin preparatory work such as research, design, rehearsal planning, or budgeting. The course culminates in a progress presentation demonstrating readiness for execution.

Students execute their approved theatre projects with faculty supervision, focusing on artistic and logistical problem-solving. The course concludes with a final presentation, performance, or deliverable, along with a reflective analysis of the process.