(file last updated: [8/10/1998 - 15:28:15])
Undergraduate Concentration
The concentration in theaterarts is designed to give students a solid grounding in the historyand literature of the theater along with an appreciation of theatricalperformance, production, and design. Through their choice of electives,students can either focus their individual interests in the areaof acting and directing; design and technical theater; playwriting;or theater literature, history, and theory; or select a broadrange of courses from any or all of these areas. While alwaysencouraging experimentation and adventure, the department stressesthe development of solidly rooted understanding, investigationand development of skills, asking students to explore their owncreative impulses with honesty and intelligence. Students areexpected to become involved with the department's production seasonin various ways, from performing to working on the productionstaff.
The department participatesin the European cultural studies (ECS) concentration and, in general,its courses are open to ECS concentrators.
Graduate Program in TheaterArts
In a time of shifting fashionsin the performing arts, the M.F.A. Professional Theater TrainingProgram at Brandeis focuses on the center of the theatrical experience:the human being. While always encouraging experimentation andadventure, we stress the development of a solidly rooted technique,asking actors, playwrights, and designers to investigate roles,scenes, and spaces--and their own creative impulses--with honestyand intelligence. Our goal is a theater that is alive with excitement,clarity, and surprise.
Students who wish to concentratein theater arts or to pursue a minor in theater arts should meetearly in their academic career with the undergraduate advisinghead to develop a plan for completing the required core coursesand to set up a program of elective choices within the student'sparticular area(s) of interest. It is desirable that studentscomplete the core courses within their first two years as a concentratoror minor as background to, and in some cases prerequisites for,more advanced courses in theater arts. When meeting with the advisinghead, students will be assigned an academic advisor, usually withinthe student's particular area of interest.
The general requirements foradmission to the Graduate School, given in an earlier sectionof this Bulletin, apply to candidates for admission tothis area of study. Please note, the GRE is not required for theaterarts admission. Students apply for admission to one of the fourdisciplines and, in addition to the standard application procedures,acting applicants are seen in an audition/interview, design applicantsattend an interview with portfolio evaluation, dramatic writingapplicants submit one or more original play scripts for evaluation,and dramaturg applicants must submit a writing sample.
Acting and design auditions/evaluationsare held at Brandeis and other locations around the country. Informationabout these auditions/evaluations will be furnished by the programafter applications have been received; materials from dramaticwriting applicants will be reviewed after applicationshave been received.
Admission is granted for oneacademic year at a time.
Michael Murray, Chair
Directing.
Nancy Armstrong
Singing.
Deborah Booth
Scenic design.
Susan Dibble
Movement for the actor.
Candice Donnelly
Costume design and rendering.
Karl Eigsti
Scenic design.
Barbara Harris
Stage management.
Beth Heinberg
Singing studies. Accompanist.
Arthur Holmberg
Playwriting and dramatic literature.
John Bush Jones, UndergraduateAdvising Head
Theater history. Musical theater.Dramatic theory.
Neal Katz
Alexander.
Denise Loewenguth
Costumiere.
Marya Lowry
Voice.
Robert Moody
Scene painting.
Janet Morrison
Acting.
Linda O'Brien
Lighting lab assistant.
Dennis Parichy
Lighting design.
Victoria Peterson
Production management/technicaldirection.
Jennifer vonMayrhauser
Costume design.
Robert Walsh
Stage combat.
All concentrators in theaterarts must take the equivalent of 15 one-semester courses, includingthe following:
A.THA 1a and THA 1b.
B.THA 100a and THA 100b.
C.One course in theatrical production or design. (A list of approvedcourses is available from the advising head.)
D.One course in theatrical performance (an approved course in theareas of acting, voice and speech, and movement, from a list availablefrom the advising head).
E.Seven additional one-semester courses in the student's area(s)of interest to be chosen in consultation with the advising head.
F.Four corequisite enrollments in THA 41a: Theater Practicum (formerlyTHA 41a, THA 42b: Theater Practicum I and II). Each enrollmentyields one-half course credit. These courses are corequisite withdesignated theater arts studio courses that count toward the concentrationrequirements. See course description for THA 41a.
G.A student who has maintained an acceptable grade point averagemay achieve departmental honors in theater arts in one of twoways:
1. By successfully completinga year-long honors project or thesis through enrollment in THA99d (Senior Research) in addition to all other courses requiredfor the concentration, that project meeting the approval of thedepartmental honors advisor and having an appropriate facultymember to supervise it, or
2. Through a vote of the theaterarts faculty prior to Commencement upon reviewing the record ofthe student's achievements in theatrical production activities,as well as academic accomplishments, during the full span of timespent as a concentrator.
Students who wish to minorin theater arts must complete the equivalent of seven one-semestercourses, including the following:
A.One course from the area of theater history, literature, and theory.
B.One course from the area of theatrical production or design.
C.One course from the area of theatrical performance.
D.Three additional one-semester courses in the student's area(s)of interest to be planned in consultation with the undergraduateminor advisor.
E.Two corequisite enrollments in THA 41a: Theater Practicum (seecourse description for THA 41a).
The following graduate coursesare open to undergraduates with the permission of the instructors:THA 210a,b; 212a,b; 223a,b; 224a,b; 226a,b; 231a,b; 232a,b; 246e;255a,b; 276a,b; 277a,b; 278a,b; 281a,b; 282a,b; 292d; and 350d.
Residence Requirement
Acting, dramatic writing, anddramaturgy: two years. Design and design/technical: three years.Dramatic writing with certification: three years.
Acting
The acting faculty providesclose supervision of class and performance work for first-yearactors; current second-year actors are the core of the actingcompany for the season's production activities. First-year actorswill not be cast in first semester.
Actors are required to auditionfor and play as cast in all major productions, unless excusedby the chair after consultation with the director.
Actors are required to serveon a crew for one major production each year (about 60 hours);normally this crew may not be for a play in which the studentis also performing. Students are expected to help on crew wheneverthey have time, regardless of formal credit.
Design and Design/Technical
All graduate design studentswill have the opportunity to be involved in production work asdesign assistants or designers during the course of the three-yearprogram. This program is progressive from year one to year threebeginning with basic design and crew work and ending with totalproduction design responsibilities. Production assignments aregiven each year based on the design students' ability and desire,and consultation with the faculty.
Dramatic Writing
Dramatic writing students arerequired to serve on a crew for one major production each year(about 60 hours). They are also required to participate in thepreparation of any studio, workshop, or major production of theirplays mounted during the time they are in residence, and thiscounts as one crew. In rare instances, acting in a major productionmay count as one crew.
Dramaturgy
Dramaturgy students are requiredto take four four-credit courses each semester. Students in thedramaturgy program will act as dramaturgs for theater departmentproductions on a rotating basis. The curriculum includes attendingthe Playwriting Workshop as well as taking two electives per semesterin an area complementary with the program. An article-length researchpaper on a topic to be determined in consultation with the programhead is expected from the student during their final semester.
THA 1a The Theater in HistoryI
[ ca ]
Enrollment limited to 100.
An exploration of the developmentand the complex interrelationships of the various arts and craftsof the theater in, and as a reflection of, their historical andsocial context. The first semester treats theater from classicalGreece to the 18th century. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Jones
THA 1b The Theater in HistoryII
[ ca ]
Enrollment limited to 100.
A continuation of THA 1a, treatingtheater in Europe and America from the 18th century to the present.Usually offered every year.
Mr. Jones
THA 4a Acting: The Vocal-PhysicalConnection
[ ca ]
Corequisite: THA 41a (exceptfor THA concentrators who completed the corequisite while enrolledin THA 4b), which may yield half-course credit towards rate ofwork and graduation. Enrollment limited to 18.
A beginning-level course incorporatingtheater games, improvisations, Feldenkrais movement technique,relaxation, and vocal release work to open and expand the possibilitiesof vocal and physical expressiveness. The goal is to liberatethe creative imagination, free the student to interact spontaneouslywith others, and develop relationships with the ensemble. Usuallyoffered every year.
Staff
THA 4b Acting: Languagein Action
[ ca ]
Corequisite: THA 41a (exceptfor THA concentrators who completed the corequisite while enrolledin THA 4a), which may yield half-course credit towards rate ofwork and graduation. Enrollment limited to 18.
An introduction to the artand craft of acting. This course focuses on analysis and performancetechniques including the use of actions, objectives, obstacles,engaging with the "Other," dramatic conflict, and physicaland emotional give and take of playing scenes from dramatic literature.Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 9a Movement for theStage I
[ ca ]
Corequisite: THA 41a, whichmay yield half-course credit towards rate of work and graduation.Counts as one activity course toward the Physical Education requirement.Enrollment limited to 12.
Stage movement explored throughtechnical exercises, improvisation, and creative projects to developa physically aware actor. Students will work to increase physicalstrength and flexibility, to help develop a neutral body, andexpand the actor's physical skills. Text and acting techniquewill be integrated into the course. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Dibble
THA 9b Movement for theStage II
[ ca ]
Prerequisite THA 9a. Countsas one activity course toward the Physical Education requirement.Enrollment limited to 12.
A continuation of THA 9a. Usuallyoffered every year.
Ms. Dibble
THA 10b Stage Combat
[ ca ]
Prerequisite: THA 9a orits equivalent. Counts as one activity course toward the PhysicalEducation requirement. Signature of the instructor required.
The course's purpose is toteach the basic skills necessary for the creation of effectiveand safe stage combat. At the completion of the semester, studentcompetency will be tested by means of a choreographed "fight"utilizing compulsory moves and safety techniques. Usually offeredevery year.
Staff
THA 11a Movement for thePerformer
[ ca ]
Corequisite: THA 41a, whichmay yield half-course credit towards the rate of work and graduation.Enrollment limited to 12.
Working through improvisationand choreography, the student shall tap into the expressive worldof natural movement and gesture and their relationship to thestage. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 15a Vocal Gesture: TheExpressive Use of the Voice
[ ca ]
Corequisite: THA 41a, whichmay yield half-course credit towards rate of work and graduation.Signature of the instructor required.
Students will begin by discussingthe various functions of the voice, the right and wrong ways touse the voice, and finally, work on exploring their own creativepathways through which imagination can fuel the voice throughthe use of various types of texts. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 15b Public Speaking:The Art of Oral Communication
[ ca ]
Signature of the instructorrequired.
This is an introductory courseon the basic concepts and techniques of making presentations togroups of people. The student will explore the principles of humancommunication and apply them to various situations and forms ofspoken discourse. Students will develop a process for analyzingthe audience and situation; for choosing, limiting, and researchinga subject; for developing effective habits of vocal delivery;and for writing their own speeches. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 20b Acting Integration:Body/Voice/Text
[ ca ]
Prerequisite: THA 4a, b,THA 33a, b, THA 9a, b.
Synthesizes the various aspectsof actor training, and guides the student to a fuller realizationof previous class work. Students are provided with an opportunityto explore the integration process, while at the same time, expandthe of traditional acting approaches to communicating the theatricaltext. Attention is focused on how the actor uses his body/voiceto discover meaning and communication of the text. Usually offeredin even years.
Ms. Lowry
THA 33a Intermediate ActingI
[ ca ]
Prerequisite: THA 4a and4b, or permission of the instructor. Signature of the instructorrequired.
Releasing the creative energiesof the actor through integrated work on technique and text. Studiesmove from the actor's work on self, through technique exercises,to scene study. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Morrison
THA 33b Intermediate ActingII
[ ca ]
Prerequisite: THA 33a. Corequisite:THA 41a. Signature of the instructor required.
A continuation of THA 33a.Usually offered every year.
Ms. Morrison
THA 41a Theater Practicum
This course is corequisitewith studio and production courses and yields half-course credit(two semester-hour credits). Normally may be repeated three timesfor credit.
Students enrolled in Practicumwill work in staff/crew support positions in theater arts departmentproductions, gaining vital practical experience under professionaldirection in the various theatrical crafts. Class meetings willfocus on the relation of the various crafts to the totality ofthe theatrical production. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Harris and staff
THA 50b Sound for Theater,Film, and Television
[ ca ]
Corequisite: THA 41a, whichmay yield half-course credit towards both rate of work and graduation.Laboratory fee to be arranged. Signature of the instructor required.
This course will explore theprocess of modern sound design from concept to execution. Topicswill include sound design within a production style, analysisof a script to determine sound and music needs, cue construction,recording, and editing. Hands-on sound studio instruction willprovide a foundation for a complete sound design. Usually offeredin even years.
Mr. Wilson
THA 52b Fundamentals ofLighting
[ ca ]
Corequisite: THA 41a, whichmay yield half-course credit towards both rate of work and graduation.Laboratory fee to be arranged. Enrollment limited to 10.
A hands-on investigation ofthe hardware and software of lighting design. The functions anduse of stage lighting equipment, computer lighting consoles, designsoftware, and production paperwork. Basic electrical theory andsafety considerations concerning rigging, focussing, and powerdistribution will also be discussed. Usually offered in even years.
Mr. Wilson
THA 54b Scenic ConstructionFundamentals
[ ca ]
Corequisite: THA 41a, whichmay yield half-course credit towards both rate of work and graduation.Laboratory fee to be arranged.
A course specifically designedto acquaint the student with the basics of scenery constructionfor stage, screen, and television. Techniques for fabricationand stabilization of two-or-three dimensional scenery will beexplored, along with approved methods for fabrication of load-bearingstage structures. Students will be involved with actual constructionof stock units as class projects. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 60a Introduction toScene Painting
[ ca ]
Corequisite: THA 41a, whichmay yield half-course credit toward rate of work and graduation.Enrollment limited to 10. Laboratory fee to be arranged.
This course offers an introductionto and studio experience in scene painting techniques. Executionprocesses are addressed during slide lectures and classroom demonstrations.Students will work on two of their own scene painting projectsthat will allow them to exercise creative choices in color researchand design. Usually offered in even years.
Mr. Moody
THA 64a Costumes: From Scriptto Stage
[ ca ]
Corequisite: THA 41a, whichmay yield half-course credit toward rate of work and graduation.Signature of the instructor required. Laboratory fee to be arranged.
An introduction to the challengesfacing the costume designer during the process of a play production.Topics will include script analysis, research on different historicalperiods, selection of appropriate fabrics. There will also behands-on experience working with shapes and patterns using basicsewing skills. Usually offered in odd years.
Ms. Autler
THA 92a Internship in Theater
Signature of the instructorrequired.
Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 92b Internship in Theater
Signature of the instructorrequired.
Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 98a Independent Study
Prerequisite: Universityaverage of B. Enrollment limited to juniors and seniors. Signatureof the instructor required.
Students may elect either aresearch paper, a production project, or a combination of thetwo. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 98b Independent Study
See THA 98a for special notesand course description. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 99d Senior Research
Signature of the instructorrequired.
With permission of the department,a sufficiently qualified student may choose a directed study areato be known as an honors project. Approval of the honors coordinatormust be obtained by the end of the junior year. Normally, thisis restricted to seniors. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 100a Theater Texts andTheory I
[ ca ]
Enrollment limited to 100.
A study of the developmentof drama in the context of the theoretical and critical thinkingabout drama and theater in the places and times the plays werewritten. The first semester covers the plays and theory from classicalGreece through the mid-18th century (neoclassicism). Usually offeredin odd years.
Mr. Jones
THA 100b Theater Texts andTheory II
[ ca ]
Enrollment limited to 100.
A continuation of THA 100a,covering European and American plays and dramatic and theatricaltheory from the late 18th century (Romanticism) to the present.Usually offered in odd years.
Mr. Jones
THA 101c Stage Management
[ ca ]
Corequisite: THA 41a, whichmay yield half-course credit toward rate of work and graduation.Signature of the instructor required.
An introduction to the field,treating the entire rehearsal and performance process and varyingstyles and levels of theatrical organization. Students stage-manageor assist on one department production. Usually offered everyyear.
Ms. Harris
THA 104a Playwriting I
[ cl42 ca]
Signature of the instructorrequired. Students will be selected after the submission of asample of writing, preferably, but not necessarily, dramatic writing.The deadline for submission to the department office (Spingold10) is by the end of the pre-enrollment period of the preceedingsemester, or the day before the first meeting of class.
A basic course in the craftof writing for the stage. Assignments will introduce studentsto techniques of scene construction, characterization, and dramaticprogression, culminating in the writing of a one-act play. Usuallyoffered every year.
Staff
THA 104b Playwriting II
[ ca ]
Prerequisite: THA 104a.Signature of the instructor required. Students will be selectedafter the submission of a sample of writing, preferably, but notnecessarily, dramatic writing. The deadline for submission tothe department office (Spingold 10) is by the end of the pre-enrollmentperiod of the preceeding semester, or the day before the firstmeeting of class.
A continuation of THA 104a,for students who wish to develop further their abilities in writingfor the stage, through more intensive work in the one-act playform and/or the supervised writing of a full-length play. Usuallyoffered every year.
Staff
THA 107a Costume Drafting
[ ca ]
Signature of the instructorrequired.
After introducing basic skillsin drafting bodices, sleeves, skirts, and pants, this course willemphasize adjusting patterns to specific measurements, and adaptingmodern and historical clothing for the stage. Various techniquesof theater costuming will be demonstrated. Usually offered everyyear.
Ms. Loewenguth
THA 109a Improvisation
[ cl5 ca]
Enrollment limited to 15.
An approach to acting throughthe stimulation of the actor's imagination and creativity, freeingthe actor's impulses and faith. Improvisation breaks down theelements of scene work and, through a series of exercises, makesthese elements more personal and accessible to the actor. Usuallyoffered every year.
Staff
THA 110b Modern Dance andMovement
[ ca ]
Counts as one activity coursetoward the Physical Education requirement. Signature of the instructorrequired.
A course designed to exploremodern dance at an intermediate level. Students will learn combinationsand complete dances with the style and techniques of Martha Graham,José Limon, and Merce Cunningham as a background for theclass. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Dibble
THA 111a Theater Administration
[ ca ]
Signature of the instructorrequired.
Explores key areas of responsibilityfor the theater administrator. In addition to covering all aspectsof a general manager/managing director position, special attentionwill be given to public relations, advertising, subscriptions,group sales, box office, house management, touring, "booking,"development, and grantsmanship. Offered irregularly as demandrequires; consult department.
Mr. Hill
THA 115b The Avant-Gardes
[ cl42 cahum ]
Enrollment limited to 100.This course may not be repeated for credit by students who receivedcredit for THA 195a in the spring of 1995.
This course will explore theavant-garde movements "symbolism," "decadence,"futurism, constructivism, Dada, surrealism, expressionism, existentialism,pop art and happenings, performance art, minimalism, and postmodernismas alternate forms of expression that challenge mainstream art.Attention will be paid to the interactions among theater, painting,dance, music, and film. Usually offered in even years.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 117a Drafting and Drapingof Period Costumes
[ ca ]
Signature of the instructorrequired.
A course for students who wantto further their training in theater costuming. Participants willconvert basic patterns into historically accurate period costumes.Specific periods for study will be decided upon by the class.Usually offered in even years.
Ms. Loewenguth
THA 120b Movement and DanceTheater Composition
[ cl42 ca]
Counts as one activity coursetoward the Physical Education requirement. Signature of the instructorrequired.
This is a studio course designedto teach the art of making dances and movement theater. We willexplore the use of space, theme, rhythm, repetition, music, andtheir relationship to the process of creating original work forthe stage. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Dibble
THA 126b American MusicalTheater and Film
[ cl13 ca]
Enrollment limited to 100.
Examination of writing andproduction of musical theater in America since the importationof Gilbert and Sullivan's comic operas. Emphasis will be on readingmusical plays, focusing on dramatic structure, style, themes,production techniques, and the American social and cultural milieuas reflected in stage and film musicals. Usually offered everyyear.
Mr. Jones
THA 185b Dramatic Structure:Analysis and Application
[ cl42 wica ]
Enrollment limited to 30.
Development of techniques fordiscovering and analyzing varying types of dramatic structuresin plays from the Greeks to the present, and employing structuresas a tool to understanding or deriving meaning from theatricaltexts. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Jones
THA 195a Topics in Theaterand Drama
[ ca ]
Prerequisites and enrollmentlimits vary with course topic and instructor.
Study of special topics intheater history, dramatic literature, or theatrical production.May be repeated for credit as the course topic varies. THA 41amay be required as a corequisite, depending on topic. See CourseSchedule for further information.
THA 201d Acting I
Acting in the first year centersaround improvisations, exercises and rudimentary scene work thatare used to awaken the actor's own impulse and eliminate conventionalcliché responses. Scene work continues with the additionof circumstances, relationships, and the logic and continuityof a play. Additional studio work in the art of improvisationmay be required as part of the program curriculum. Usually offeredevery year.
Ms. Morrison and Staff
THA 205a Movement I: Part1
Through physical awarenessand alignment work, dance for the actor (including ballroom andfolk dance styles), Alexander Technique, stage combat, movementimprovisation, and creative projects, this course offers the actora process in which to experience more flexibility and freedomof expression through movement. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Dibble
THA 205b Movement I: Part2
A continuation of THA 205a.Usually offered every year.
Ms. Dibble
THA 210a Voice I: Part 1
Concentrates on voice productionfor performance and includes practical knowledge of how the voiceworks, identification of individual vocal habits and tensions,understanding dynamic relaxation and alignment. Particular attentionis given to breathing, rooting sound, forward focus of tone, anddevelopment of resonance. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Lowry
THA 210b Voice I: Part 2
A continuation of THA 210a.Usually offered every year.
Ms. Lowry
THA 212a Speech I: Part1
Consists of defining the speechact, describing the organ of speech, and isolating the soundsof speech through the International Phonetic Alphabet in orderto reduce problems of articulation and train the ear to hear thesubtle variations in sound, rhythm, and melody of speech. Frequentreadings used as practice. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 212b Speech I: Part2
A continuation of THA 212a.Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 214d Singing I
Fundamentals in vocal techniqueand music theory. A survey of music theater repertoire and someclassical repertoire. Small groups and/or tutorials. Usually offeredevery year.
Ms.Armstrong
THA 215b Rehearsal and PerformanceI
First-year actors are requiredto audition for, and play as cast in, all graduate productions.Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 249d Production LaboratoryI
Specifically designed to provideguided practical experience to the student in a variety of theatricalcrafts. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Peterson
THA 347a and b PlaywritingWorkshop III
First-year actors are requiredto participate in the Playwriting Workshop. Each week actors areassigned roles in new plays by Brandeis M.F.A. playwrights. Scriptsare read in class and actors participate in the discussions followingthe reading. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 255a Movement II: Part1
Includes warm-up with strength,stretch, and alignment exercises. Middle Ages Restoration Perioddance styles, as well as jazz and tap will be included. Usuallyoffered every year.
Ms. Dibble
THA 255b Movement II: Part2
This course open to undergraduateswith permission of instructor.
A continuation of THA 255a,the student is exposed to a wide range of movement techniquesincluding clown, mask, and work with Greek text. In addition,individual and group movement dance theater projects will expandthe creative imagination of the student. Usually offered everyyear.
Ms. Dibble
THA 258a Stage Combat II:Part 1
The practical art of stagecombat will be taught over the course of two semesters leadingto the actor-combatant certification test adjudicated by a fightmaster from the Society of American Fight Directors. The classis taught by a SAFD certified teacher and covers such period weaponryas quarterstaff, broadsword and rapier, and dagger, as well asunarmed combat, contemporary violence, and commedia/slapstickskills. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Walsh
THA 258b Stage Combat II:Part 2
A continuation of THA 258a.Usually offered every year.
Mr. Walsh
THA 260d Voice II
Continuation and consolidationof vocal skills learned in the first year. Vocal workouts areexpanded to increase flexibility, range, and power. Special emphasison releasing heightened emotion, skills for handling artificein language, and the application of acquired knowledge to a varietyof performance situations and environments. Usually offered everyyear.
Ms. Lowry
THA 262a Speech II: Part1
A continuation of Speech I,focusing on rhythm and melody, leading into poetry, and specificallydealing with Shakespeare. Dialect work also begins during thisyear. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 262b Speech II: Part2
A continuation of THA 262a.Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 264d Singing II
Intermediate vocal techniqueincluding a deeper focus on legato and leggiero work. Intermediatetheory including intervals and ear training. A continuing surveyof musical literature. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Armstrong
THA 265d Rehearsal and PerformanceII
Second-year actors are requiredto audition for, and play as cast in, all graduate productions.Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 268a Stage Combat II:Part 3
A continuation of THA 258b.The student's final semester of stage combat training culminatesin the adjudication by a Fight Master from the Society of AmericanFight Directors. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Walsh
THA 283a Acting II: Part1
Acting in the second year placesemphasis on the physicalization of a role and the search for form.The course includes significant work on Shakespeare; and an explorationof Comedy. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Lowry and Mr. Murray
THA 283b Acting II: Part2
Acting in the second semester,second year, has as its focus Actor-Director collaborative process.Usually offered every year.
Mr. Murray
THA 299d Production LaboratoryII
See THA 249d for description.Usually offered every year.
Ms. Peterson
THA 220d Design PracticumI
Certain first-year studentsare assigned as assistants to second- and third-year designersin areas of production such as scenic arts, props, hair and makeup,millinery, costume, and lighting. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 223a Designing for TheaterSeminar
This course is open to undergraduateswith permission of instructor.
Provides all design studentswith a fundamental approach to designing in the theater. Emphasisis placed on developing visual equivalents for plays of all periodsas they exist in nonvisual/verbal texts. In addition, the studentwill explore various methods of drawing and painting as toolsfor expressing the costume design. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Eigsti and Ms. vonMayrhauser
THA 223b Designing for TheaterSeminar
This course is open to undergraduateswith permission of instructor.
A continuation of THA 223a.Usually offered every year.
Mr. Eigsti and Ms. vonMayrhauser
THA 224a Studio Techniques:Part 1
This course is open to undergraduateswith permission of instructor.
Specifically dedicated to developingdrafting and model making as a valid design tool for scenic designersand drawing and painting as tools for expressing costume design.Emphasis is placed upon development of these techniques and skillsto provide for clear communication of design ideas in the finishedproduction drawings and costume sketches. Extensive supervisedwork in class on these projects. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Booth and Staff
THA 224b Studio Techniques:Part 2
This course is open to undergraduateswith permission of instructor.
A continuation of THA 224a.Usually offered every year.
Ms. Booth and Staff
THA 226a Drafting for theTheater: Scenery: Part 1
Prerequisite: THA 224a orTHA 224b. Laboratory fee to be arranged. This course is open toundergraduates by permission of instructor.
Specifically dedicated to developingdrafting as a valid design language and tool for theatrical designers.Emphasis is placed upon development of techniques and skills toprovide for clear communication of design ideas in the finishedproject. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Peterson
THA 226b Drafting for theTheater: Scenery: Part 2
Prerequisite: THA 224a orTHA 224b. Laboratory fee to be arranged. This course is open toundergraduates by permission of instructor.
A continuation of THA 226a.Usually offered every year.
Ms. Peterson
THA 231a Drafting for theTheater: Costumes: Part 1
Laboratory fee to be arranged.This course is open to undergraduates by permission of instructor.
Basic pattern drafting of bodices,sleeves, skirts, and pants; followed by muslin construction, fitting,and adaptation of the basic pattern to various styles of fashion.Usually offered every year.
Ms. Loewenguth
THA 231b Drafting for theTheater: Costumes: Part 2
Laboratory fee to be arranged.This course is open to undergraduates by permission of instructor.
A continuation of THA 231a.Usually offered every year.
Ms. Loewenguth
THA 232a Life Drawing: Part1
Laboratory fee to be arranged.This course is open to undergraduates by permission of instructor.
An introductory course in drawingskills, including life drawing and basic and perspective drawing.Life drawing includes figure-drawing instruction and studio practicewith a focus on developing observational and drawing skills. Usingvarious exercises involving movement, form, and shape, the studentwill learn the basics of perspective and drawing figures to scale.Usually offered every year.
Mr. Moody
THA 232b Life Drawing: Part2
Laboratory fee to be arranged.This course is open to undergraduates by permission of instructor.
A continuation of THA 232a.Usually offered every year.
Mr. Moody
THA 235a Lighting DesignI: Part 1
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
The first-year graduate lightingdesign student studies an approach to developing a light plotwith an emphasis on lighting mechanics and drafting conventions.The student also develops visual awareness through the study ofartistic composition as well as learns a conceptual approach tolighting design. Usually offered every year.
Ms. O'Brien and Mr. Parichy
THA 235b Lighting DesignI: Part 2
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
A continuation of THA 235a.Usually offered every year.
Mr. Parichy
THA 249d Production LaboratoryI
See description under CoursesRequired for First-Year Actors. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Peterson
In the second year, designstudents begin to specialize in a specific area of design. Underthe advice of the design faculty, their choice of courses mustbe taken from the following list of program electives. All second-yeardesign students are required to take THA 270d (Design PracticumII) and THA 299d (Production Laboratory II).
THA 270d Design PracticumII
Design students serve as assistantsto the designers in the areas of scenery, costumes, and lighting.In addition, selected students design in the Laurie Theater. Thesedesign projects are supported by the design faculty in each area(scenery, costume, lighting, and scene painting). Usually offeredevery year.
Staff
THA 275d Set Design II
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
Second-year set design studentsfocus on advancing the technical and visual skills begun in thefirst year. Each student delves further into using the text, music,and theatrical space to shape their designs. An emphasis is placedon developing an individual process to the work. Usually offeredevery year.
Ms. Booth
THA 276a Set Rendering I:Part 1
This course is open to undergraduatesby permission of instructor.
Set rendering includes instructionin various drawing and painting techniques employed in the processof designing. The rendering projects are tailored to the student'stheoretical set-design projects. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Moody
THA 276b Set Rendering I:Part 2
This course is open to undergraduatesby permission of instructor.
A continuation of THA 276a.Usually offered every year.
Mr. Moody
THA 277a Stage Technology:Part 1
Laboratory fee to be arranged.This course is open to undergraduates by permission of the instructor.
Explores the theater structureas a machine to house theatrical production and traditional aswell as current techniques for the movement and rigging of scenerywithin that mechanical environment. Specific projects are assignedto develop scenery shifting strategies that allow for a varietyof technological solutions to scenic movement problems. Usuallyoffered every year.
Ms. Peterson
THA 277b Stage Technology:Part 2
Laboratory fee to be arranged.This course is open to undergraduates by permission of instructor.
A continuation of THA 277a.Usually offered every year.
Ms. Peterson
THA 278a Scene Painting:Part 1
Laboratory fee to be arranged.This course is open to undergraduates by permission of instructor.
Scene painting includes instructionin basic scene-painting skills, methods, materials, and techniquescommonly applied in scenic studios and scenery for theater, film,and television. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Moody
THA 278b Scene Painting:Part 2
Laboratory fee to be arranged.This course is open to undergraduates by permission of instructor.
A continuation of THA 278a.Usually offered every year.
Mr. Moody
THA 280d Costume DesignII
Second-year costume designstudents focus on technical and design skills begun in the firstyear. In-depth investigation of text and music to reveal how characteroccurs. Students develop an individual approach to the work. Usuallyoffered every year.
Ms. vonMayrhauser
THA 281a Costume RenderingI: Part 1
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
Second-year costume designstudents continue to develop their drawing and rendering skills,working from life studies and using their first-year projectsas vehicles for exploration of techniques. Usually offered everyyear.
Ms. Donnelly
THA 281b Costume RenderingI: Part 2
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
A continuation of THA 281a.Usually offered every year.
Ms. Donnelly
THA 282a Costume ConstructionI: Part 1
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
Conversion of basic patternto historically accurate period costume with emphasis on construction.Usually offered every year.
Ms. Loewenguth
THA 282b Costume ConstructionI: Part 2
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
A continuation of THA 282a.Usually offered every year.
Ms. Loewenguth
THA 284d Costume Historyand Decorative Arts
Studies the changing life-stylesof polite and impolite society, their modes, manners, and environments.Focus is on the European world 1500-1900. Seminars and slide lectureslead to each student's own presentation to the class and primarysource research notebook. Field research in Boston area and NewYork. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Donnelly
THA 285d Lighting DesignII
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
The second-year lighting designstudent continues developing a conceptual approach to design andalso solves advanced problems in lighting design, i.e., musicals,opera, and multi-set productions. Those students with a lightingemphasis design the lighting for a departmental production. Usuallyoffered every year.
Mr. Parichy
THA 290a Drafting II: Part1
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
Specifically dedicated to thetechniques of developing shop drawings from designer-producedplans and orthographic elevations. Emphasis is placed on detaildrawings in larger scales. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Booth
THA 290b Drafting II: Part2
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
A continuation of THA 290a.Usually offered every year.
Ms. Booth
THA 292d Production Planningand Resource Management
Incorporates the processesinvolved in developing detailed season and individual productionschedules. Comprehensive calendar projects are assigned. Costestimation for materials and labor is explored, as well as productionbudget preparation. In addition, human relations principles andpractices, OSHA regulations and state safety, and personnel laware covered. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Loewenguth and Staff
THA 293d Costume TechnologyI
Entails a practical study ofthe building of costumes, exploring the properties and versatilityof costume materials and fabrics, as well as the methods and machineryneeded to create the costumes. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Loewenguth
THA 299d Production LaboratoryII
See description for THA 249d(Production Laboratory I). Usually offered every year.
Ms. Peterson
As in the second year, third-yeardesign students specialize in a specific area of design. Underadvice of the design faculty, their choice of courses must betaken from the following list and department electives. All third-yeardesigners are required to take THA 320d (Design Practicum III)and THA 349d (Production Laboratory III).
THA 320d Design PracticumIII
Design students are assignedshows to design in their specialized field of interest: scenery,costumes, and lighting. In addition, assignments in scene painting,mask making, props, and specialized costume accessories are alsogiven to design students who have achieved an advanced craft skillslevel in the course of the three-year program. Usually offeredevery year.
Staff
THA 325d Set Design III
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
An advanced design seminar,tutorial in nature, centered on the third-year student's portfolio.Each student works to develop a portfolio of projects and realizedproductions, which serve as a basic tool in seeking employmentin the professional theater after graduate training is completed.Usually offered every year.
Mr. Eigsti
THA 326d Set Rendering II
A continuation of THA 276d(Set Rendering I) this course involves advanced study on an individualbasis. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Moody
THA 328d Scenic Crafts
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
Scenic crafts provides advancedscene painting skills, methods, materials, and techniques commonlyapplied in scenic studios and scenery for theater, film, and television.Usually offered every year.
Mr. Moody
THA 330d Costume DesignIII
An advanced design seminar,largely tutorial in nature, centered on the students' portfoliosand realized production designs, which serves as the basic toolin seeking employment after graduation. Usually offered everyyear.
Ms. vonMayrhauser
THA 331d Costume RenderingII
A continuation of THA 281aand b (Costume Rendering I), this course involves advanced studyon an individual basis. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Donnelly
THA 332d Draping and CostumeConstruction II
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
Draping of various period costume,advanced study of costume construction. Usually offered everyyear.
Ms. Loewenguth
THA 335d Lighting DesignIII
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
The third-year lighting designstudent will continue in individual and advanced problems as wellas design the lighting for a departmental production. The third-yearstudent is also encouraged to seek an internship outside of thedepartment. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Parichy
THA 340d Drafting III: CAD
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
A continuation of THA 290a,b(Drafting II) in terms of detail-oriented shop drawing techniquesand skills, with the emphasis on construction technology and materialsapplications integrated into the drawing. CAD equipment and techniquesare introduced and explored as applicable to theatrical use. Usuallyoffered every year.
Ms. Booth
THA 341d Theater Architectureand Engineering
Explores the physical aspectsof the theatrical structure, both auditorium and production spaces.Building and fire code considerations, as they affect theatricalarchitecture, are explored. Guest lecturers and field trips toBoston-area theater spaces are arranged. Usually offered everyyear.
Staff
THA 342d Production SupervisionPracticum
Provides, under faculty guidance,student control and supervision (within given areas of expertise)of specific aspects of the actual production process of scheduledprogram productions as assigned. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 343d Costume TechnologyII
A continuation of THA 293d(Costume Technology I), this course explores in greater depthand with a more thorough application, the skills and knowledgeacquired in the previous year's class. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Loewenguth
THA 349d Production LaboratoryIII
See description for THA 249d(Production Laboratory I). Usually offered every year.
Ms. Peterson
THA 240a Proseminar in Dramaturgy
Consists of readings in dramaturgicaltheory and practices. Topics include dramaturical structures,the relationship between text and performance, aesthetics andrepresentation, theories of performance, production history, andresearch methodology. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 242a Practical DramaturgyI
Students attend THA 247e (PlaywritingWorkshop) to become aware of the process involved with writingfor the stage. We teach dramaturgs how to elaborate and applycriteria for evaluating new scripts written in a variety of differentdramatic styles, ranging from realism to the avant-garde. Usuallyoffered every year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 242b Practical DramaturgyII
Students are assigned to actas dramaturgs for one of the Theater Department productions. Studentswork with the directors of their respective productions on historical,literary, and critical research. They prepare program notes andplaywright biographies. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 400a Practical DramaturgyIII
A dramaturg must be able tobridge the worlds of theory and practice. Working as a productiondramaturg with the director and under the supervision of the instructor,the student will learn to integrate research and scholarship withthe actual practice of creating theater. Usually offered everyyear.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 400b Practical DramaturgyIV
Trains dramaturgs in the collaborativeeffort of new play development. Student dramaturgs learn how tocommunicate their criticisms in a constructive way and how bestto contribute to the creative process, while learning how to geta script ready for a professional production. Usually offeredevery year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 410b Independent Research
Student conducts research ona topic approved by the program head which results in the writingof an article-length research paper, which will be read by atleast two faculty members. Students must demonstrate an abilityto integrate a knowledge of dramatic literature, theater history,performance practices, and performance theory. Usually offeredevery year.
Staff
THA 185b Dramatic Structure:Analysis and Application
[ cl42 ca]
Enrollment limited to 30.This course may not be repeated for credit by students who havetaken THA 83b in previous years.
Development of techniques fordiscovering and analyzing varying types of dramatic structuresin plays from the Greeks to the present, and employing structuresas a tool to understanding or deriving meaning from theatricaltexts. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Jones
THA 246e Seminar in SceneWriting and Analysis
For first-year graduate playwritingstudents; weekly assigned exercises in scene writing are readand critiqued in class with the aim of sharpening the students'skills in handling character motivation, conflict, progression,and scenic structure. Open to second- and third-year studentsas a noncredit course. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 247e Playwriting WorkshopI
The central course in the curriculumfor all graduate playwriting students. Prepared reading and detailedcritiques of student scripts, at various stages of development,with the aim of shaping complete, producible plays. Individualconferences between the author and the playwriting professor followeach workshop session. Further development of the most viablescripts is provided through staged public readings, studio production,and department productions. A double-credit course. Usually offeredevery year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 249d Production LaboratoryI
See description under sectionRequired Courses for First-Year Actors. Usually offered everyyear.
Ms. Peterson
In addition, one one-semesterelective course in theater arts or approved courses in other departments.
THA 297e Playwriting WorkshopII
See description for THA 247e(Playwriting Workshop I). A double-credit course. Usually offeredevery year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 299d Production LaboratoryII
See description for THA 249d(Production Laboratory I). Usually offered every year.
Ms. Peterson
In addition, one full-yearelective course in theater arts or approved courses in other departments.
THA 347e Playwriting WorkshopIII
See description for THA 247e(Playwriting Workshop I). A double-credit course. Usually offeredevery year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 349d Production LaboratoryIII
See description for THA 249d(Production Laboratory I). Usually offered every year.
Ms. Peterson
In addition, one full-yearelective course in theater arts or approved courses in other departments.
Students may take the followingtheater arts courses as electives as well as approved coursesin other departments.
THA 350d Directing
Essentially a laboratory courseemphasizing the director's responsibility to tell a story in strongtheatrical terms. Student directors present scenes each week,which are analyzed and reworked by the class with the goal ofdeveloping an imaginative and personal approach to a play. Opento actors, designers, and playwrights. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Murray
THA 355a Career Workshop:Part 1
Open only to second-year actors,this course is designed to help them prepare for the businessdemands of an acting career. Usually offered every year.
Acting Faculty and Staff
THA 355b Career Workshop:Part 2
A continuation of THA 355a.Usually offered every year.
Acting Faculty and Staff
THA 360c Stage Management
(Formerly THA 101c)
An introduction to the field,including: general organization and coordination, prerehearsalplanning, the rehearsal process, technical considerations, therunning of a show, and specific problems from differing productiontypes and styles and varying levels of theatrical organization.Students must serve as stage manager or assistant stage managerfor one departmental production. Usually offered in odd years.
Ms. Harris
THA 380d Thesis Projects--Design
The graduate design thesisis a full-scale project that grows out of the periodic portfolioreviews. It may be either a realized or nonrealized project. Usuallyoffered every year.
Design Faculty
THA 385a Design Internship:Part 1
Internships will be arrangedat faculty discretion for third-year design and technical areastudents. The purpose of internships is to provide valid experiencein the profession under the supervision of the department facultyand professional field of work. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 385b Design Internship:Part 2
See course description forTHA 385a. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 390a Independent Study
Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 390b Independent Study
Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 400a Practical DramaturgyIII
See the description for THA242b. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 400b Practical DramaturgyIV
See the description for THA242b. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 410b Independent Research
Student conducts research ona topic approved by the program head which results in the writingof an article-length research paper. The paper will be read byat least two faculty members. Usually offered every year.
Staff
Domains of Seventeenth-CenturyPerformance
Shakespeare
Advanced Shakespeare
Elizabethan and Jacobean Drama
The Body as Text: Castiglioneto Locke
Restoration and Eighteenth-CenturyDrama and Performance
Making Sex, Performing Gender
Topics in French Drama
A Survey of Russian Theaterfrom 1719-1917
A Survey of Twentieth-CenturyRussian Theater: Chekhov to the Present
(file last updated: [8/10/1998 - 15:28:15])
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