Designed for the student who has a beginning interest but no formal background in theatre. The course is divided into two parts: a focus on the appreciation of live productions, followed by a basic history of the "lively art" form.
Offers 1 to 4 credits for technical work on a production. Students who enroll in the course will earn credits through experiential learning. Students will either work regular hours in the theatre or work as a crew member for a production. One credit requires 30 hours of work on the production.
Acting actually has very little to do with "acting." Modern approaches to acting are based on an individual's responding realistically to imaginary situations. Much of this beginning course will focus on relaxation and concentration exercises as well on as exercises which tap the imagination and help to release the emotional reactions appropriate for a scene. Students will perform monologues and scenes as well as improvisations.
Introduces modern set-building used in theatre technology. Students develop knowledge of sound and lighting equipment properties, power tools, drafting skills, production budgets and material used to produce a realized production.
Students will learn the art of improvisation through participatory lab experiences and independent research and observation.
Students learn how to perform in a theatrical production- emphasis is on character development, line memorization, rehearsals, teamwork, and all the other production elements. This course culminates with a public performance. Students may enroll for 1 or 2 credits for performing in a mainstage production. Students must be cast in a production or obtain the permission of the director to enroll in the course, but no theatrical experience is required to audition. Rehearsal hours are arranged and will be announced after the production is cast.
Surveys major historical developments in theatre from the birth of theatre performance in ancient Greece, through Roman theatre to medieval liturgical drama. The course concludes with Elizabethan theatre and includes study of technical developments as well as historical contexts. Classes focus on production as well as the literary interpretation.
Surveys major historical developments in theatre from the Restoration through the 20th century. The readings focus on the change in realism with the influence of psychoanalysis, absurdism, surrealism and ethnic theatre. Literary and historical components of the plays are addressed. Classes focus on production as well as the literary perspective.
Introduces students to British culture, specifically the city of London. Once the center of the British Empire and still one of the most significant cultural centers of Western Europe, London offers an exciting and artistically rich study and travel experience for students of all majors. This education abroad course will include three weeks in London and includes a three-day excursion to Stonehenge, Bath and Stratford-upon-Avon. CME 3950 will provide students with the opportunity to learn about the rich tradition of theatre in London, and the itinerary will include eight performances at different venues, tours of theatres, and participation in at least two theatre workshops. Traveling with ENG 3950/HON 3950, both groups will have several shared cultural experiences including a Shakespeare walking tour, Globe Theatre tour, and various museum visits.
Basic stages of the directing process. From script analysis to coaching actors, students will plan their own one-act play production. Under the supervision of the instructor, the students will hold production meetings, audition and cast a play, block and rehearse the selection, coordinate light and sound cues, and oversee the technical rehearsals and the performance.
Introduces students to three types of theatre genres: Greek, Elizabethan and Modern. Students will be introduced to the three types of design disciplines: scenes, costumes and lights. Students will learn how to analyze and convert literature into visual images through metaphors, symbolism and realism.
Independent Study