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2018-2019 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Theatre Courses
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Theatre and Dance
Special Topics-Fall
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THD 195-01 - Introductory Special Topic: Developing Performance Content from Environmental Data 2 credits (Fall)
Develop original, hand and digital tools for environmental data collection and field observation at the Conrad Environmental Research Area (CERA) to create visual content for a performance piece about the prairie environment to be developed at a later date. Natural history, field observation, and available technologies in environmental contexts come together to deepen the scope of field research and artistic practice. For students in arts, computer science, and biological sciences.
Prerequisite: None.
Note: Dates: September 4 to September 20. Short course deadlines apply. S/D/F only.
Instructor: Burch-Brown
Special Topics-Spring
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THD 195-01 - Introductory Special Topic: Global Disabilities: Art, Architecture, and Activism 4 credits (Spring)
See SOC 195-01 or GWS 195-01 .
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THD 195-02 - Introductory Special Topic: Ngoma Dance, Drumming, and Singing from Zimbabwe 1 credits (Spring)
See MUS 195-01 .
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THD 195-03 - Introductory Special Topic: Music and Dance in Bollywood: Critical Transformations 1 credits (Spring)
This three week course will introduce the students to dance, music and performance registers in Bollywood films, focusing on the critical transformations since the 1990s, a period marked by India’s economic liberalization and globalization. The course will cover a range of topics such as the deployment of playback voice in Hindi films songs; the vexed relationship between songs and film narrative; tensions between indigenous asethetics and global forms in Bollywood dance; the aesthetics of ‘remix’ and item numbers; and music and dance in Bollywood films as productive sites of desire, identity formation and moral anxieties.
Prerequisite: None.
Note: Dates: February 11 to February 27. Short course deadlines apply.
Instructor: Staff
Theatre and Dance
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THD 100 - Performance Laboratory 1 or 2 credits (Fall and Spring)
Guided participation, for major theatre and dance productions, in theatrical performance, choreography, assistant directing, stage managing, dramaturgy, or design and crew work on sets, lights, props, costumes, or makeup. Qualified students examine problems of production in the theatre while solving these problems in rehearsal and performance. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Note: (A maximum of 8 practica credits may count toward graduation.) S/D/F only.
Instructor: Staff -
THD 104 - Dance Technique I 2 credits (Fall and Spring)
Beginning dance technique; the principles, terminology, basic history, developing a physical and kinesthetic understanding of concert dance techniques. Areas of emphasis include but are not limited to ballet or modern dance. Consult the Schedule of Courses for the specific area of emphasis each semester. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: None.
Instructor: Hurley -
THD 111 - Introduction to Performance Studies 4 credits (Fall or Spring)
An examination of dramatic performance in its broadest cultural contexts. This foundational course is designed to encourage critical thinking about the inclusive field of performance and how it is created, including orality, festivals, living history museums, trials, political conventions, and sporting events. Students explore both texts and performance events to analyze “What makes an event performance?” and “How is performance made and understood?” Because knowledge is embodied as well as textualized, students will both write and perform components of their final class projects.
Prerequisite: None.
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: Delmenico -
THD 113 - Movement for the Performer 4 credits (Fall)
Practical exploration of movement and bodily-based trainings based on Nikolais and Laban techniques as an alternative means to theorize the integration of mind and body. Students develop greater physical awareness and articulation for stage, athletics and other applications. Studio-based exercises and activities investigate daily movement practices, improvisation and an introduction to composing in movement.
Prerequisite: None.
Instructor: Miller -
THD 115 - Theatrical Design and Technology 4 credits (Fall and Spring)
A hands-on, experiential introduction to the design elements of theatre and dance production. Topics include a history of Western theatre architecture and stage forms, scene painting, properties, lighting, sound, drafting, makeup, and costuming. Emphasis is placed upon the design and implementation of theatrical scenes from a variety of historic eras and the analysis of the ways in which the design elements influence performance style.
Prerequisite: None.
Instructor: Thomas -
THD 117 - Introduction to Acting 4 credits (Fall and Spring)
A practice-based exploration of the theories and techniques of acting. Using Stanislavksi’s seminal text An Actor Prepares as the foundation, students develop their skills at transforming dramatic texts from the page to the stage. The course culminates in publicly staged scenes.
Prerequisite: None.
Instructor: Delmenico, Quintero -
THD 201 - Dramatic Literature I 4 credits (Fall)
Cross-listed as: GLS 201 . Study of major works in Western dramatic literature to 1850, with reference to cultural contexts, interpretive problems, and dramatic theory, beginning with Aristotle’s Poetics. Includes plays and performances (in translation) of Greek tragedy and Aristophanic comedy, English medieval cycle plays, Machiavelli, Marlowe, Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Tempest, Webster’s White Devil, Ben Jonson, Spanish Golden Age, Racine and Moliere, a Restoration comedy, the Brook Mahabharata, and Goethe’s Faust.
Prerequisite: Second-year standing.
Note: Plus-2 option available.
Instructor: Mease, Delmenico -
THD 202 - Dramatic Literature II 4 credits (Spring)
Cross-listed as: GLS 202 . Study of major works in Western dramatic literature from 1850 to the present, with reference to cultural contexts, interpretive problems, and dramatic theory. From the “classic moderns” of realism and naturalism through the Symbolists, Expressionists, Surrealists and Absurdists; dramatists and theorists include Ibsen, Chekhov, Strindberg, Yeats, Synge, Shaw, Buechner, Kaiser, Artaud, Pirandello, Lorca, Brecht, Sartre, Genet, Beckett, Grotowski, Weiss, Pinter, Cixous, and Stoppard.
Prerequisite: Second-year standing.
Note: Plus-2 option available.
Instructor: Mease -
THD 203 - American Theatre 4 credits (Fall or Spring)
Cross-listed as: GLS 203 . A study of American theatre from the early 20th century to the present. Students examine a variety of different theatrical styles, ranging from plays by canonical authors (including O’Neill, Williams, Miller, Albee, Wilson, Mamet, and Shepard) to experimental works by artists who challenged the conventions of mainstream theatre (including Cage, Kaprow, Beck, Finley, and Wilson).
Prerequisite: Second-year standing.
Note: Plus-2 option available. Not offered every year.
Instructor: Quintero -
THD 204 - Dance Technique II 2 credits (Fall and Spring)
Intermediate and advanced dance technique; physical and kinesthetic study involving more complex movement patterns and sequences, phrasing, musicality, and stylistic considerations. Areas of emphasis include but are not limited to ballet or modern dance. Consult the Schedule of Courses for the specific area of emphasis each semester. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: THD 104 or equivalent experience.
Instructor: Hurley -
THD 205 - Dance Ensemble 2 credits (Fall and Spring)
Dance Ensemble is a performing ensemble engaged in the development, rehearsal and production of contemporary dance works choreographed by faculty and guest artists. Exposure to diverse choreographic approaches provides the opportunity to expand technical, stylistic and interpretive range. Students gain collaborative skills through improvisation and the contribution of movement material to certain choreographic projects. Dance ensemble is open to students with previous dance and theatre background, and students interested in applying themselves as invested movers.
Prerequisite: Entry into Dance Ensemble takes place at an Audition/Informational Workshop held at the beginning of each semester. Course registration closes at end of Add/Drop period.
Note: (A maximum of 8 practica credits may count toward graduation.) S/D/F only.
Instructor: Miller -
THD 210 - Contemporary Dance in a Global Context 4 credits (Fall)
Contemporary dance practices have been challenging deeply held beliefs on art and life since the early 19th century. This hard to define genre has roots in modern and post-modern dance theory, and draws from dance disciplines as diverse as Ballet, Modern, Bharantanatyam, Butoh, Hip-Hop; as well as other disciplines. This course explores origins, styles, icons, purpose, myths and key concepts of the form from a survey of work produced by contemporary choreographers across the globe.
Prerequisite: Second-year standing.
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: Miller -
THD 211 - Performance Studies Survey 4 credits (Fall or Spring)
Course content may include a range of topics in Performance Studies, focusing on verbatim/ethnographic plays, post-colonial and global performances, community-based theatre, or avant-garde performance practices. This survey course explores the theories and methodologies of contemporary non-traditional theatrical forms and culminates in student-created performances.
Prerequisite: Any 100-level Theatre and Dance course.
Note: Plus-2 option available.
Instructor: Delmenico -
THD 217 - Intermediate Acting 4 credits (Fall or Spring)
An intensive performance laboratory for students to explore different modes of performance and further develop and refine their acting skills. With an emphasis on psychological realism, students stage a series of individual and group performances designed to enhance their critical engagement of performance as both the subject and method of their study.
Prerequisite: THD 117 .
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: Quintero -
THD 225 - Choreography: Developing Physical Ideas 4 credits (Spring)
This course focuses on the fundamentals and theories of choreographic processes explored through formal and experimental models and their socio-historical contexts. Improvisation and composition are used to explore the structural elements and movement vocabularies that are used to devise physical ideas for the stage that emerge as choreography and staged direction for theatrical works. Students will present their work in an end of the semester showing.
Prerequisite: THD 104 , THD 113 , or any 200-level Theatre and Dance course.
Instructor: Miller -
THD 235 - Directing 4 credits (Fall)
A theoretical and practical investigation of the responsibilities and techniques of the director in the theatre. Classroom exercises are supplemented by readings addressing different theories of directing. The final project is the directing of a one-act play.
Prerequisite: THD 117 .
Note: Plus-2 option available.
Instructor: Quintero -
THD 240 - Design for Performance I 4 credits (Fall)
An exploration of the design fundamentals common to each facet of theatrical design: scenery, lighting, costumes, and makeup. Such elements as design procedure from conception to realization, research techniques and materials, period style, and design history are emphasized.
Prerequisite: THD 115 or ART 111 .
Note: Plus-2 option available. Not offered every year.
Instructor: Thomas -
THD 245 - Lighting for the Stage 4 credits (Fall)
Introduces the student to the art of lighting design, process, and the practice of lighting the stage for the theatre, opera, dance, industrials, television, and video. Students develop the knowledge, vocabulary, and skills necessary to become a master electrician, assistant lighting designer, and beginning lighting designer.
Prerequisite: THD 115 or THD 240 , or ART 111 .
Note: Plus-2 option available. Not offered every year.
Instructor: Thomas -
THD 303 - Studies in Drama I 4 credits (Fall or Spring)
Cross-listed as: GLS 303 . A seminar-style course in dramaturgy, focusing on a central topic in the history and theory prior to 1850. The course will emphasize the development of methodologies and research strategies useful for the theatre practitioner and the researcher. Past topics for this variable-content course have included Greek Drama, Theory of Comedy (Aristophanes to Stoppard), English Medieval and Renaissance Drama; Hamlet and Revenge Tragedy, Shakespeare’s Comedies and Tragedies. May be repeated once for credit when content changes. For current course content please see the variable topic course listing below or search the online live schedule of courses.
Prerequisite: May vary depending on topic but can include 200-level coursework in English, foreign languages, Classics, History, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Anthropology, Art, Theatre or dramatic literature/criticism/theatre history.
Note: Plus-2 option available.
Instructor: Mease, Delmenico -
THD 304 - Studies in Drama II 4 credits (Fall or Spring)
Cross-listed as: GLS 304 . A seminar-style course in dramaturgy, focusing on a central topic in the history and theory of theatre and performance. Studies in Drama II covers topics after 1850. The course will emphasize the development of methodologies and research strategies useful for the theatre practitioner and the researcher. Past topics for this variable-content course have included Ibsen, Strindberg, Chekhov; Beckett’s Prose and Plays; Beckett and the Theatre of the Absurd; British Drama since World War II; and Postcolonial Theatre. May be repeated once for credit when content changes. For current course content please see the variable topic course listing below or search the online live schedule of courses.
Prerequisite: May vary depending on topic but can include 200-level coursework in English, foreign languages, Classics, History, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Anthropology, Art, Theatre or dramatic literature/criticism/theatre history.
Note: Plus-2 option available.
Instructor: Mease, Delmenico -
THD 310 - Studies in Dance 4 credits (Fall or Spring)
A combined seminar and practice course for advanced study of a selected topic in dance or contemporary performance that will be detailed each time the course is offered (topics are announced in the Schedule of Courses). The course will employ a variety of materials and methods for advanced research in dance as a cultural, social, historical, and artistic phenomenon. Topics could include: Dance and Technology, Community and Performance; Dancing Gender and Sexuality; and The Choreography of Political Protest. May be repeated once for credit. For current course content please see the variable topic course listing below or search the online live schedule of courses.
Prerequisite: Any 200-level Theatre and Dance course.
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: Staff -
THD 311 - Studies in Performance 4 credits (Fall or Spring)
An advanced-level, variable-topic course that combines theoretical and historical study with practical investigation. Possible topics include adaptation and performance of literature or nonfiction and devised or community-based performance. Students will work as individuals or within groups to research, create, and present a final performance project.
Prerequisite: THD 201 , THD 202 , THD 203 , THD 210 , or THD 211 .
Note: Plus-2 option available. Not offered every year.
Instructor: Staff -
THD 317 - Advanced Performance 4 credits (Spring)
This variable topic course focuses on classical and contemporary modes of performance. Possible areas of emphasis include Greek, Elizabethan, French neoclassic, contemporary docudrama theatre, Asian theatre, and performance art. Course emphasis is on scene study, performance, and directing. May be repeated when content changes.
Prerequisite: THD 210 , THD 211 , THD 217 , or THD 235 .
Note: Not offered every year.
Instructor: Quintero -
THD 340 - Design for Performance II 4 credits (Fall)
An in-depth exploration of designing for the stage, with the specific area of design (scenery, lighting, costumes) announced each time the course is offered. Emphasis is on script or dance “text” analysis and the evolution of design from first reading to first performance.
Prerequisite: THD 240 .
Note: Plus-2 option available. Not offered every year.
Instructor: Thomas
Variable Topics- Spring
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THD 211-01 - Performance Studies Survey
What does it mean to create performance from the words of real people? This class culminates in short student-created performances and examines contemporary verbatim plays produced in the US and elsewhere. It includes ethnographic plays like The Laramie Project and Anna Deavere Smith’s work, verbatim and tribunal (trial) plays, and devised/immersive works. We will study the literature, theory, and embodied practices of creating this work individually and collaboratively. Prerequisite: Any 100-level Theatre and Dance course or permission of the instructor.
Prerequisite: Any 100-level Theatre and Dance course.
Instructor: Delmenico -
THD 303-01 - Studies in Drama I: Shakespeare’s Comedies and Romances 4 credits (Spring)
Cross-listed as: GLS 303-01 . Study of Twelfth Night and selected comedies (MND, AYLI), so-called dark comedies (Measure for Measure, All’s Well) and late romances (including The Tempest) with reference to their sources in literature and folklore, intellectual backgrounds, cultural contexts, critical history, and ongoing life in landmark productions, including modern film performances. The seminar will pay close attention to dramatic structure and Shakespeare’s innovative experiments with genre, character, and language. Resources, both practical and critical, will include Granville-Barker, Northrop Frye (A Natural Perspective), Arden and critical editions, major scholarship on the plays. Our performance research seminar will complement the March Mainstage production of Twelfth Night. Seminar members are invited (not required) to participate in the production as actors, ADs, rehearsal assistants (scene study and scansion), management or crew.
Prerequisite: HUM 101 , HUM 102 , HUM 140 , ENG 121 , SST 140 , or 200-level course in Humanities or Social Studies disciplines.
Note: Plus-2 option available
Instructor: Mease -
THD 311-01 - Studies in Performance 4 credits (Spring)
Adapting and Performing Postcolonial Stories. In this class, we will learn how to adapt postcolonial short stories for the stage, centering on stories from Salman Rushdie’s East, West. All students will experience researching, writing, designing, directing, and acting in this course and draw on postcolonial, Brechtian, and adaptation theories and film as well as film and storytelling methodologies. We will explore adaptation as a way to expand the possibilities of theatre-making.
Prerequisite: THD 201 , THD 202 , THD 203 , THD 210 , or THD 211 .
Instructor: Delmenico
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