Dramatic Arts

Full-Year Course

Prerequisites: none  

Acting for the Camera examines the technique of acting as applied specifically to film. It is offered for the  advanced acting student. Students develop on-camera skills to move effectively between plays, commercials, soap operas, television, and film. Placement is at the discretion of the faculty.

One-Semester Course

Prerequisites: none  

The objective of Acting the Song is to help learn and develop the concepts of singing musical theater songs  from an Acting POV. We will discuss picking the song that fits their type, voice, range, and performance  techniques of the solo musical theater vocal repertoire and the resources to find songs to sing. Students will  work one on one with the instructor in a masterclass setting to workshop their songs through Acting and  vocal technique. At every class session, each student will have the opportunity to work on their songs in the  class in some fashion. We will do all of the work needed to develop a process when approaching a song  beyond just the notes. This is a learning environment where all students are encouraged (regardless of level),  and an atmosphere created that allows all students to embrace their performances with freedom, agility, and  most importantly, meaning. You will need tracks to play as we get further into the semester.

One-Semester Course

Prerequisites: none 

Acting Improvisation teaches the improvisational techniques needed to inspire spontaneity and creativity. Non-majors may enroll with the instructor’s permission. This course focuses on long-form improvisational  acting techniques, with emphasis on skills needed to create characters, relationships, scenes, and  performance pieces based on the truth of the moment.

One-Semester Course for Quarter Credit

Prerequisites: none 

Acting Improvisation teaches the improvisational techniques needed to inspire spontaneity and creativity. Non-majors may enroll with the instructor’s permission. This course focuses on long-form improvisational  acting techniques, with emphasis on skills needed to create characters, relationships, scenes, and  performance pieces based on the truth of the moment.

Full-Year Course

Prerequisites: none 

Acting Seminar (Honors) continues training and develops craft and technique by re-emphasizing the  fundamentals of listening, inner truth, action, obstacle, etc. This course also introduces different techniques  to give bold, believable awareness and acceptance, and understanding of the body and voice as tools  for creative expression. This class addresses the discovery and use of a personal working process and  challenges the student to overcome acting blocks and habitual limitations. Advanced scene work is  undertaken through relaxation, concentration, objectives, conflict and moment-to-moment living, requiring  greater specificity, personalization, and commitment. The students’ intellectual and emotional resources are  tested. Students are expected to research their characters and the social, political, and physical worlds in  which their characters exist. 

One-Semester Course

Prerequisites: none 

In Audition Techniques students are developing and practicing the important skills and techniques required to audition for all aspects of the industry: on camera, live theatre and/or college auditions. The focus of each course depends on the faculty and focus in any given semester.

Full-Year Course

Prerequisites: none 

In Company Acting/Technical students are placed in Company-Acting or Company-Technical Theatre  and participate in main stage performances. Students are shifted within Company-Tech and Company Acting according to production needs, casting, etc. Placement in Company is by audition only and is based  on achievement, skill, maturity, and readiness to handle the work. In this course the student learns various  aspects of technical production for performance. Students are assigned to a variety of crews, including but  not limited to: scene shop/lighting crew, properties, costume construction crew, running crew, etc. Students  are assigned on an as-needed basis for each production and placement is at the faculty’s discretion. 

Full-Year Course; Various Disciplines including Ballet, Jazz, Styles, Tap

Prerequisites: none 

Dance for Theatre introduces various styles of Musical Theatre dance. This course is required of Musical  Theatre concentration students. Each variation is offered when staffing allows. This course may be considered  for PE credit.

One-Semester Course

Prerequisites: none 

Design Elective provides specific instruction in the varying disciplines of technical theatre. Topics vary from  year to year and may include studies in advanced theatrical design, make-up design, computer aided  design, scene painting, film and television production technique, history of costume or decor, etc. Offered when enrollment permits.

One-Semester Course

Prerequisites: none 

Design/Tech Lab offers design and technical production students the opportunity to explore individualized  curricula in the area of design and technical theatre. This course may include but is not limited to modeling  and rendering skills, painting techniques, new technologies, and sound and light operations and design. 

Full-Year Course

Prerequisites: none 

Design for Theatre teaches the design process for all elements of theatre. It begins with script analysis and  includes collaboration, concepts, design styles, and the responsibilities of the designer. Students produce  sketches, color renderings, drafting and scale models, light plots, and any associated paperwork that may  eventually be used in their portfolios. Because the emphasis changes every year, students may repeat this  course for credit.

Full-Year Course

Prerequisites: none, but open to returning seniors only. 

Directing examines the application of directing and staging techniques. Included are the fundamentals of  blocking, script analysis, achievement of emphasis, and the development of aesthetic values. The class  teaches the principles of directing, staging, analysis, director/actor communication, the balance between  truth and technique, and the performance process itself.

Full-Year Course

Prerequisites: none 

Drafting for Theatre teaches the fundamentals of drafting, including basic drafting equipment, development  of proper technique, and use of scale and industry standards. Because the emphasis changes every year,  students may repeat this course for credit.

One-Semester Course

Prerequisites: all audition costs are the responsibility of the student (airfare, hotel, food, audition fees, etc.)

Independent Study (Audition/Portfolio) helps the student prepare for the rigors of college auditions. This self-motivated class provides the tools needed for successful presentation through the art of the monologue. Students may opt to attend the Unified Auditions, held in Chicago in February. The Unified Auditions are  conducted by about 35 college/conservatory theatre programs. Dramatic Arts faculty accompany students  to the auditions. Successful completion of preparatory work is required and attendance at the Unified  Auditions is at the discretion of the faculty. Independent Study (Audition/Portfolio) is required of all Dramatic Arts seniors.

Full-Year Course

Prerequisites: none  

Introduction to Design teaches the basic principles and methodology of theatrical design. This survey course  includes studies in developing concepts and approach statements, usage of materials, and production  research. 

Full-Year Course

Prerequisites: none  

Musical Theatre Repertory examines the development of Musical Theatre from the English Music Hall to the  contemporary musical through academic study. The styles and periods of Musical Theatre development are  also examined through listening and singing as well as presentation of the material. The class teaches the  skills needed to prepare and present songs from the repertory. Audition material and ensemble singing are incorporated into the course. Depending on enrollment,  beginning and advanced levels of this class may be offered and placement in levels is at the discretion of  the faculty. Students may repeat this course with consent of the instructor. Each student is required to perform  regularly in Musical Theatre Repertory Class. 

Full-Year Course

Prerequisites: none  

Music Theory is a series of two courses required for all Musical Theatre students. Music Theory teaches how music is built, organized and written through the prism of the Musical Theatre genre. The Actor will learn the ‘grammar’ of music. The course seeks to share a common language that will help students in any Musical Theatre rehearsal. The course seeks to share the steps to sight-reading, ear training, rhythm and vocal score analysis. Designed for performers, it focuses on quick melody learning, character cues from the music and seamless collaboration with music directors during auditions and rehearsals.

Full-Year Course

Prerequisites: none  

Performance Practices is an ongoing intensive course of study in the acting craft. It includes the study of  stage deportment and usage, script/character analysis, improvisation, ensemble, and monologue work. The  work concentrates on self-awareness/acceptance and the understanding of the body and voice as tools  for creative expression. The course also addresses the discovery and use of a personal working process. Multiple sections are offered. Students are placed in class at the discretion of the faculty.

One-Semester Course

Prerequisites: none  

Performing Shakespeare introduces qualified actors to the work of the great playwright. Through readings,  lectures, exercises, and scene-work, actors learn to play verse with clarity and energy. They learn to  understand Shakespeare’s language and to cull the imaginations of his characters while animating and  expressing his ideas and objectives. Offered when enrollment permits. 

Full-Year Course

Prerequisites: none  

Physical Storytelling helps develop physical movement skills for theatrical performance. The class teaches  clear expression of character through movement and physicality and explores the body’s range of movement  and its potential to communicate. Theories of movement studied include the Meyerhold, Alexander,  Grotowski, Laban, and Margolis techniques. Exercises address free-form movement, ritual movement, head  body connection, character building, and storytelling through movement, supplying a wealth of tools for  fully-realized character work.

Full-Year Course

Prerequisites: none  

Practicum is required of all Theatre majors every year. Every Theatre major is enrolled in Practicum each  semester. Students must complete fifteen hours of work per semester. Department assignments may include stage management, performance ushering, and/or other service opportunities. Attendance at all department  strikes is mandatory and hours are recorded to fulfill part of the Practicum requirement. 

Full-Year Course

Fees: Please reference the current Financial Supplement on the Enrolled Student Resources Page for details.

Private Voice Lessons develop free and healthy vocal production, skilled breath management, resonance,  and projection. Students expand their knowledge of vocal literature, traditions, and informed diction usage. The goals are development of productive practice routine and memorization skills, growth in musicianship,  confidence, and truthful delivery of text, resulting in complete and communicative performances. Teacher  assignment is made by the Music Department faculty. Private lessons are required of all junior and senior  Theatre majors with Musical Theatre concentration. Non-Musical Theatre majors may request private voice  lessons with consent of Theatre faculty. 

One-Semester Course

Prerequisites: none  

Production Design, offered jointly by the Theatre and Film Departments, explores the role of  the production designer in the art of the motion picture. Both aesthetic and technical considerations are  considered, as well as how a production designer works with the director. Topics include set design, set  construction, and scenic painting. 

Full-Year Course

Prerequisites: none  

Production Seminar explores the process of mounting a production, beginning with selecting an appropriate  script and continuing through actual performance. Students fill all positions required for the performances. 

Full-Year Course

Prerequisites: none  

Production Skills is a hands-on class devoted to procedures in production and support of the performing  arts departments across the campus. Students may assist all special events that require technical support. All work is done in on- and off-campus performance venues. Students also support campus audio/visual  set ups and presentations. Students learn basic stage management, lighting design and practices, and audio  engineering. 

One-Semester Course

Prerequisites: none  

Radio Drama/Voice Acting is a course designed to develop skills for the microphone and the recording  studio in voice-over work, in podcast and radio drama, in audio books, and in other non-singing voice work. Students will become familiar with industry protocols, microphone techniques, and theatrical conventions. They will learn breathing and movement exercises to reinforce their comfort, health and skill levels in a  recording environment. They will learn to perform scripted material of various lengths and genres, and will  also learn basic, analogue sound effects.

One-Semester Course

Prerequisites: none  

Scene to Song is a course designed to reinforce the idea that performing in musical theatre is storytelling. The course explores techniques to transition seamlessly between spoken dialogue and the lyrics of a song. The course helps to develop Acting choices, breathe control, emotional beats and musical phrasing. 

One-Semester Course

Prerequisites: none  

Singing Duets, Trios & Quartets explores and develops the skills required to be a skilled Musical Theatre Artist. The faculty will take the students through a process using various techniques to a personal process of development in this area of singing. Students are expected to work outside of class with their partners to develop the songs they are working on.

One-Semester Course

Prerequisites: none  

Stage Combat introduces the techniques of hand-to-hand, rapier, and broadsword, emphasizing safety,  notation, choreography, masking, and performance. Offered when enrollment permits. May be considered  for PE credit. 

Full-Year Course

Prerequisites: none  

Stage Diction provides students with a practical approach to improving the speaking voice through practices  in breath support, vocal variety, and articulation. Principles of mature and effective use of the voice and  speech mechanism, with individual instruction and practice in voice and speech improvement, teach greater  ease in voice and speech performance. Students also become more skilled in critical listening and analysis  of others’ voices. Emphasis is placed on articulation: speaking clearly and intelligibly; eliminating such  defects as breathiness, nasality, harshness or stridency; building adequate support; achieving effective vocal  variation, pitch, and speaking rate; correcting pronunciation; and modifying regional or foreign dialects.

One-Semester Course

Prerequisites: none  

Stage Management explores the stage manager’s vital role in production. It includes text study and practical  experience, giving students an understanding of production’s many technical components. Standard  organizational procedures, scheduling, budgeting, production, safety, the supervision of crews, and the  running of rehearsals and performances are the course’s fundamentals.

One-Semester Course

Prerequisites: none  

Special Topics provides specific instruction in an area of specialization related to theatre performance. Topics vary from year to year and may include topics such as: radio drama, voice over techniques, or artist  as entrepreneur. Offered when enrollment permits.

Full-Year Course

Prerequisites: none  

Technical Theatre offers an orientation to technical theatre procedures and a general overview of technical  theatre production. 

Full-Year Course

Prerequisites: Technical Theatre and permission of technical director 

Honors Technical Theatre Seminar, an advanced course for Theatre majors only, is an in-depth study of  trends and standard practices in technical theatre. Students create and develop a play’s complete design  package. They produce renderings, models, and paperwork for the project. The materials they generate are  included in their portfolios. Independent thinking and self-motivation are crucial.

Full-Year Course; Successful Completion Required for Arts Certificate

Prerequisites: none

Theatre History surveys the history of theatrical productions and their cultural contexts, covering Greek  and Roman theatre as well as Medieval, Elizabethan, Restoration, and Modern drama, and incorporating  study of the art, architecture, and dress of each period. The Actors will explore the various styles of performance through these historical periods. They will also connect our current day artform to these various styles. Theatre History is required of all juniors and newly  admitted seniors. Successful completion is required for a Dramatic Arts certificate.

Full-Year Course

Prerequisites: none

Vocal Clarity explores the theory and practice of vocal production and speech. It incorporates Fitzmaurice  and Linklater voice work, techniques, exploring body and breath awareness, vibrations, amplification, jaw  tongue, soft palate, resonators, breath capacity, and articulation. Students become fluent in the American  sounds of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), applying IPA to learning a standard American dialect and other dialects, as well. The class focuses on the voice and its connection to the mind (impulse), emotions,  and body. 

One-Semester Course

Prerequisites: none

Voice & Movement is a class for Actors and is specialized training. It helps performers build physical and vocal awareness, flexibility and control. These classes teach Actors how to use their bodies and voices as expressive instruments to create believable characters on stage or screen.

Master classes, workshops, and lecture demonstrations by artists in the following fields may be given:

• Acting  
• Agents  
• Audition  
• Casting
• Children’s Theatre  
• Design  
• Directing/Producing  
• Fencing  
• Make-up  
• Meeting the Industry  
• Mime  
• Photography