Theater Arts
S = Objectives
Undergraduate Concentration
The concentration in theater
arts is designed to give students a solid grounding in the history
and literature of the theater along with an appreciation of theatrical
performance, production, and design. Through their choice of electives,
students can either focus their individual interests in the area
of acting and directing; design and technical theater; playwriting;
or theater literature, history, and theory; or select a broad
range of courses from any or all of these areas. While always
encouraging experimentation and adventure, the department stresses
the development of solidly rooted understanding, investigation
and development of skills, asking students to explore their own
creative impulses with honesty and intelligence. Students are
expected to become involved with the department's production season
in various ways, from performing to working on the production
staff.
The department participates
in the European cultural studies concentration and, in general,
its courses are open to ECS concentrators.
Graduate Program in Theater Arts
In a time of shifting fashions in the performing arts, the M.F.A. Professional Theater Training Program at Brandeis focuses on the center of the theatrical experience: the human being. While always encouraging experimentation and adventure, 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 honesty and intelligence. Our goal is a theater that is alive with excitement, clarity, and surprise.
S = How to Become an Undergraduate Concentrator
Students who wish to concentrate in theater arts or to pursue a minor in theater arts should meet early in their academic career with the undergraduate advising head to develop a plan for completing the required core courses and to set up a program of elective choices within the student's particular area(s) of interest. It is desirable that students complete the core courses within their first two years as a concentrator or minor as background to, and in some cases prerequisites for, more advanced courses in theater arts. When meeting with the advising head, students will be assigned an academic advisor, usually within the student's particular area of interest.
G = How to Be Admitted to the Graduate Program
The general requirements for
admission to the Graduate School, given in an earlier section
of this Bulletin, apply to candidates for admission to
this area of study. Please note, the GRE is not required for theater
arts admission. Students apply for admission to one of the four
disciplines and, in addition to the standard application procedures,
acting applicants are seen in an audition/interview, design applicants
attend an interview with portfolio evaluation, and dramatic writing
applicants submit one or more original play scripts for evaluation.
Acting and design auditions/evaluations
are held at Brandeis and other locations around the country. Information
about these auditions/evaluations will be furnished by the program
after applications have been received; materials from dramatic
writing applicants will be reviewed after applications
have been received.
Admission is granted for one academic year at a time.
S = Faculty
Michael Murray, Chair
Directing.
Nancy Armstrong
Singing.
Kaja Autler
Costume shop manager.
Deborah Booth
Scenic design.
Darryl Cooper
Singing studies. Accompanist.
Susan Dibble
Movement for the actor.
Candice Donnelly
Costume design and rendering.
Karl Eigsti
Scenic design.
Barbara Harris
Stage management.
Arthur Holmberg
Playwriting and dramatic literature.
John Bush Jones, Undergraduate Advising Head
Theater history. Musical theater.
Dramatic theory.
Neal Katz
Alexander.
Denise Loewenguth
Costumiere.
Marya Lowry
Voice.
Robert Moody
Scene painting.
Janet Morrison
Acting.
Dennis Parichy
Lighting design.
Jennifer von Mayrhauser
Costume design.
Robert Walsh
Stage combat.
Karen White
Acting.
S = Requirements for the Undergraduate Concentration
All concentrators in theater
arts must take the equivalent of 15 one-semester courses, including
the following:
A.
THA 1a and THA 1b.
B.
THA 100a and THA 100b.
C.
One course in theatrical production or design. (A list of approved
courses is available from the advising head.)
D.
One course in theatrical performance (an approved course in the
areas of acting, voice and speech, and movement, from a list available
from 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 co-requisite enrollments in THA 41a: Theater Practicum (formerly
THA 41a, THA 42b: Theater Practicum I and II). Each enrollment
yields one-half course credit. These courses are co-requisite
with designated theater arts studio courses that count toward
the concentration requirements. See course description for THA
41a.
G.
A student who has maintained an acceptable grade point average
may achieve departmental honors in theater arts in one of two
ways:
1. By successfully completing
a year-long honors project or thesis through enrollment in THA
99d (Senior Research) in addition to all other courses required
for the concentration, that project meeting the approval of the
departmental honors advisor and having an appropriate faculty
member to supervise it, or
2. Through a vote of the theater
arts faculty prior to Commencement upon reviewing the record of
the student's achievements in theatrical production activities,
as well as academic accomplishments, during the full span of time
spent as a concentrator.
Combined B.A./M.F.A. Program
The Department of Theater Arts offers a combined five-year (acting, playwriting) or six-year (design) B.A./M.F.A. program to qualified undergraduates by invitation and approval of the faculty of the Department of Theater Arts. Students considering such a dual-degree option should discuss the requirements as early in their undergraduate career as possible with the undergraduate advising head, in order to work out a program of study that will ensure completion of enough general and concentration requirements so that the student's fourth (senior) year can be taken up largely with the required first-year curriculum of the graduate program. (In acting and design these requirements are so specific that virtually all undergraduate course requirements should be completed by the end of the junior year.) Candidates for the Acting Program have to abide by the same audition requirements and candidates for the Design and Playwriting Programs have to abide by the same portfolio requirements as students applying to these graduate programs from other undergraduate institutions. Admission is competitive, and the mere following of the early completion of undergraduate course requirements is not a guarantee of admission into the combined B.A./M.F.A. program.
S = Requirements for the Undergraduate Minor
Students who wish to minor
in theater arts must complete the equivalent of seven one-semester
courses, 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 undergraduate
minor advisor.
E. Two co-requisite enrollments in THA 41a: Theater Practicum (see course description for THA 41a).
S = Notes Relating to Undergraduates
The following graduate courses are 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.
G = Requirements for the Degree of Master of Fine Arts
Residence Requirement
Acting, dramatic writing, and dramaturgy: two years. Design and design/technical: three years. Dramatic writing with certification: three years.
G = Programs of Study
Acting
The acting faculty provides
close supervision of class and performance work for first-year
actors; current second-year actors are the core of the acting
company for the season's production activities. First-year actors
will not be cast in first semester.
Actors are required to audition
for and play as cast in all major productions, unless excused
by the chair after consultation with the director.
Actors are required to serve
on a crew for one major production each year (about 60 hours);
normally this crew may not be for a play in which the student
is also performing. Students are expected to help on crew whenever
they have time, regardless of formal credit.
Design and Design/Technical
All graduate design students
will have the opportunity to be involved in production work as
design assistants or designers during the course of the three-year
program. This program is progressive from year one to year three
beginning with basic design and crew work and ending with total
production design responsibilities. Production assignments are
given each year based on the design students' ability and desire,
and consultation with the faculty.
Dramatic Writing
Dramatic writing students are
required to serve on one-and-a-half crews each year (about 90
hours). They are also required to participate in the preparation
of any studio, workshop, or major production of their plays mounted
during the time they are in residence, and this counts as one
crew. In rare instances, acting in a major production may count
as one crew.
Dramaturgy
Dramaturgy students are required to take four four-credit courses each semester. Students in the Dramaturgy program will act as Dramaturgs for theater department productions on a rotating basis. The curriculum includes attending the Playwriting Workshop as well as taking two electives per semester in an area complementary with the program. An article-length research paper on a topic to be determined in consultation with the Program Head is expected from the student during their final semester.
S = Courses of Instruction
S = (1-99) Primarily for Undergraduate Students
THA 1a The Theater in History I
[ ca CA ]
Enrollment limited to 100. This course may not be repeated for credit by students who have taken THA 1a in previous years.
An exploration of the development and the complex interrelationships of the various arts and crafts of the theater in, and as a reflection of, their historical and social context. The first semester treats theater from classical Greece to the 18th century. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Jones
THA 1b The Theater in History II
[ ca ]
Enrollment limited to 100. This course may not be repeated for credit by students who have taken THA 1b in previous years.
A continuation of THA 1a, treating theater in Europe and America from the 18th century to the present. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Jones
THA 4a Acting: The Vocal-Physical Connection
[ ca ]
Co-requisite: THA 41a (except for THA concentrators who completed the co-requisite while enrolled in THA 4b), which may yield half-course credit towards both rate of work and graduation. Enrollment limited to 18.
A beginning-level course incorporating theater games, improvisations, Feldenkrais movement technique, relaxation, and vocal release work to open and expand the possibilities of vocal and physical expressiveness. The goal is to liberate the creative imagination, free the student to interact spontaneously with others, and develop relationships with the ensemble. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 4b Acting: Language in Action
[ ca ]
Co-requisite: THA 41a (except for THA concentrators who completed the co-requisite while enrolled in THA 4a), which may yield half-course credit towards both rate of work and graduation. Enrollment limited to 18.
An introduction to the art and craft of acting. This course focuses on analysis and performance techniques including the use of actions, objectives, obstacles, engaging with the "Other," dramatic conflict, and physical and emotional give and take of playing scenes from dramatic literature. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 9a Movement for the Stage I
[ ca ]
Co-requisite: THA 41a, which may yield half-course credit towards both rate of work and graduation. Enrollment limited to 12.
Stage movement explored through technical exercises, improvisation, and creative projects to develop a physically aware actor. Students will work to increase physical strength and flexibility, to help develop a neutral body, and expand the actor's physical skills. Text and acting technique will be integrated into the course. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Dibble
THA 9b Movement for the Stage II
[ ca ]
Prerequisite THA 9a. Enrollment limited to 12.
A continuation of THA 9a. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Dibble
THA 10b Stage Combat
[ ca ]
Prerequisite: THA 9a or its equivalent. Signature of the instructor required.
The course's purpose is to teach the basic skills necessary for the creation of effective and safe stage combat. At the completion of the semester, student competency will be tested by means of a choreographed "fight" utilizing compulsory moves and safety techniques. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 11a Movement for the Performer
[ ca ]
Co-requisite: THA 41a, which may yield half-course credit towards both the rate of work and graduation. Enrollment limited to 12.
Working through improvisation and choreography, the student shall tap into the expressive world of natural movement and gesture and their relationship to the stage. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 14a Period Styles as Seen Through the Art of Acting
[ ca ]
Co-requisite: THA 41a, which may yield half-course credit towards both the rate of work and graduation. Enrollment limited to 15.
An exploration of movement styles associated with the theater in selected eras. Students will research and practice the physical language of various periods, incorporating texts from relevant playwrights to discover how the actor's body can be a mirror of the times. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Dibble
THA 15a Vocal Gesture: The Expressive Use of the Voice
[ ca ]
Co-requisite: THA 41a, which may yield half-course credit towards both rate of work and graduation. Enrollment limited to 15. This course may not be repeated for credit by students who have taken THA 5d in previous years.
Students will begin by discussing the various functions of the voice, the right and wrong ways to use the voice, and finally, work on exploring their own creative pathways through which imagination can fuel the voice through the use of various types of texts. Usually offered every year.
Ms. White
THA 15b Public Speaking: The Art of Oral Communication
[ ca ]
Enrollment limited to 15. This course may not be repeated for credit by students who have taken THA 5d in previous years.
This is an introductory course on the basic concepts and techniques of making presentations to groups of people. The student will explore the principles of human communication and apply them to various situations and forms of spoken discourse. Students will develop a process for analyzing the audience and situation; for choosing, limiting, and researching a subject; for developing effective habits of vocal delivery; and for writing their own speeches. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Davis
THA 17b Storytelling: Narrative Aspects of Acting
[ cl42 ca ]
Co-requisite: THA 41a, which may yield half-course credit towards both rate of work and graduation. Enrollment limited to 15.
Through the exploration of several myths, legends, folktales, and monologues from dramatic literature, the student will discover the close relationship between narrative storytelling and the craft of acting. Students will also tell their own stories working in such areas as point of view, character, situation, conflict, and personalization. The course will culminate in an original workshop production. Usually offered in even years.
Mr. Davis
THA 33a Intermediate Acting I
[ ca ]
Prerequisite: THA 4a and 4b, or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 14.
Releasing the creative energies of the actor through integrated work on technique and text. Studies move from the actor's work on self, through technique exercises, to scene study. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Morrison
THA 33b Intermediate Acting II
[ ca ]
Prerequisite: THA 33a. Co-requisite: THA 41a. Enrollment limited to 14.
A continuation of THA 33a. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Morrison
THA 41a Theater Practicum
This course is co-requisite with studio and production courses and yields half-course credit (two semester-hour credits). Normally may be repeated three times for credit.
Students enrolled in Practicum will work in staff/crew support positions in theater arts department productions, gaining vital practical experience under professional direction in the various theatrical crafts. Class meetings will focus on the relation of the various crafts to the totality of the theatrical production. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Harris and staff
THA 50b Sound for Theater, Film, and Television
[ ca ]
Co-requisite: THA 41a, which may yield half-course credit towards both rate of work and graduation. Laboratory fee to be arranged. Enrollment limited to 8.
This course will explore the process of modern sound design from concept to execution. Topics will include sound design within a production style, analysis of a script to determine sound and music needs, cue construction, recording, and editing. Hands-on sound studio instruction will provide a foundation for a complete sound design. Usually offered in even years.
Staff
THA 52b Fundamentals of Lighting
[ ca ]
Co-requisite: THA 41a, which may yield half-course credit towards both rate of work and graduation. Laboratory fee to be arranged. Enrollment limited to 10.
A hands-on investigation of the hardware and software of lighting design. The functions and use of stage lighting equipment, computer lighting consoles, design software, and production paperwork. Basic electrical theory and safety considerations concerning rigging, focussing, and power distribution will also be discussed. Usually offered in even years.
Staff
THA 54b Scenic Construction Fundamentals
[ ca ]
Co-requisite: THA 41a, which may yield half-course credit towards both rate of work and graduation. Laboratory fee to be arranged.
A course specifically designed to acquaint the student with the basics of scenery construction for stage, screen, and television. Techniques for fabrication and stabilization of two or three dimensional scenery will be explored, along with approved methods for fabrication of load-bearing stage structures. Students will be involved with actual construction of stock units as class projects. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 60a Introduction to Scene Painting
[ ca ]
Co-requisite: THA 41a, which may yield half-course credit toward both the rate of work and graduation. Enrollment limited to 10. Laboratory fee to be arranged.
This course offers an introduction to and studio experience in scene painting techniques. Execution processes are addressed during slide lectures and classroom demonstrations. Students will work on two of their own scene painting projects that will allow them to exercise creative choices in color research and design. Usually offered in even years.
Mr. Moody
THA 64a Costumes: From Script to Stage
[ ca ]
Co-requisite: THA 41a, which may yield half-course credit toward both the rate of work and graduation. Signature of the instructor required. Laboratory fee to be arranged.
An introduction to the challenges facing the costume designer during the process of a play production. Topics will include script analysis, research on different historical periods, selection of appropriate fabrics. There will also be hands-on experience working with shapes and patterns using basic sewing skills. Usually offered in odd years.
Ms. Autler
THA 92a Internship in Theater
Signature of the instructor required.
Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 92b Internship in Theater
Signature of the instructor required.
Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 98a Independent Study
Prerequisite: University average of B. Enrollment limited to juniors and seniors. Signature of the instructor required.
Students may elect either a research paper, a production project, or a combination of the two. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 98b Independent Study
See THA 98a for special notes and course description. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 99d Senior Research
Signature of the instructor required.
With permission of the department, a sufficiently qualified student may choose a directed study area to be known as an honors project. Approval of the honors coordinator must be obtained by the end of the junior year. Normally, this is restricted to seniors. Usually offered every year.
Staff
G = (100-199) For Both Undergraduate and Graduate Students
THA 100a Theater Texts and Theory I
[ ca ]
Enrollment limited to 100.
A study of the development of drama in the context of the theoretical and critical thinking about drama and theater in the places and times the plays were written. The first semester covers the plays and theory from classical Greece through the mid-18th century (neoclassicism). Usually offered in odd years.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 100b Theater Texts and Theory II
[ ca ]
Enrollment limited to 100.
A continuation of THA 100a, covering European and American plays and dramatic and theatrical theory from the late 18th century (Romanticism) to the present. Usually offered in odd years.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 101c Stage Management
[ ca ]
Co-requisite: THA 41a, which may yield half-course credit toward both rate of work and graduation. Signature of the instructor required.
An introduction to the field, treating the entire rehearsal and performance process and varying styles and levels of theatrical organization. Students stage-manage or assist on one department production. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Harris
THA 104a Playwriting I
[ cl42 ca CA ]
Signature of the instructor required. Students will be selected after the submission of a sample of writing, preferably, but not necessarily, dramatic writing. The deadline for submission to the department office (Spingold 10) is by the end of the pre-enrollment period of the preceeding semester, or the day before the first meeting of class.
A basic course in the craft of writing for the stage. Assignments will introduce students to techniques of scene construction, characterization, and dramatic progression, culminating in the writing of a one-act play. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 104b Playwriting II
[ ca ]
Prerequisite: THA 104a. Signature of the instructor required. Students will be selected after the submission of a sample of writing, preferably, but not necessarily, dramatic writing. The deadline for submission to the department office (Spingold 10) is by the end of the pre-enrollment period of the preceeding semester, or the day before the first meeting of class.
A continuation of THA 104a, for students who wish to develop further their abilities in writing for the stage, through more intensive work in the one-act play form and/or the supervised writing of a full-length play. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 107a Costume Drafting
[ ca ]
Signature of the instructor required.
After introducing basic skills in drafting bodices, sleeves, skirts, and pants, this course will emphasize adjusting patterns to specific measurements, and adapting modern and historical clothing for the stage. Various techniques of theater costuming will be demonstrated. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Loewenguth
THA 109a Improvisation
[ cl5 ca ]
Enrollment limited to 15.
An approach to acting through the stimulation of the actor's imagination and creativity, freeing the actor's impulses and faith. Improvisation breaks down the elements of scene work and, through a series of exercises, makes these elements more personal and accessible to the actor. Usually offered every year.
Ms. White and Staff
THA 110b Modern Dance and Movement
[ ca ]
Signature of the instructor required.
A course designed to explore modern dance at an intermediate level. Students will learn combinations and complete dances with the style and techniques of Martha Graham, José Limon, and Merce Cunningham as a background for the class. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Dibble
THA 111a Theater Administration
[ ca ]
Explores key areas of responsibility for the theater administrator. In addition to covering all aspects of a general manager/managing director position, special attention will be given to public relations, advertising, subscriptions, group sales, box office, house management, touring, "booking," development, and grantsmanship. Offered irregularly as demand requires; consult department.
Mr. Hill
THA 115b The Avant-Gardes
[ cl42 ca hum ]
Enrollment limited to 100. This course may not be repeated for credit by students who received credit for THA 195a in the spring of 1995.
This course will explore the avant-garde movements "symbolism," "decadence," futurism, constructivism, Dada, surrealism, expressionism, existentialism, pop art and happenings, performance art, minimalism, and postmodernism as alternate forms of expression which 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 Draping of Period Costumes
[ ca ]
Signature of the instructor required.
A course for students who want to further their training in theater costuming. Participants will convert 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 Dance Theater Composition
[ cl42 ca ]
Enrollment limited to 12.
This is a studio course designed to teach the art of making dances and movement theater. We will explore the use of space, theme, rhythm, repetition, music, and their relationship to the process of creating original work for the stage. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Dibble
THA 126b American Musical Theater and Film
[ cl13 ca ]
Enrollment limited to 100.
Examination of writing and production of musical theater in America since the importation of Gilbert and Sullivan's comic operas. Emphasis will be on reading musical plays, focusing on dramatic structure, style, themes, production techniques, and the American social and cultural milieu as reflected in stage and film musicals. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Jones
THA 185b Dramatic Structure: Analysis and Application
(Formerly THA 83b)
[ cl42 ca CA ]
Enrollment limited to 30. This course may not be repeated for credit by students who have taken THA 83b in previous years.
Development of techniques for discovering and analyzing varying types of dramatic structures in plays from the Greeks to the present, and employing structures as a tool to understanding or deriving meaning from theatrical texts. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Jones
THA 195a Topics in Theater and Drama
[ ca ]
Prerequisites and enrollment limits vary with course topic and instructor.
Study of special topics in theater history, dramatic literature, or theatrical production. May be repeated for credit as the course topic varies. THA 41a may be required as a corequisite, depending on topic. See Course Schedule for further information.
G = (200 and above) Primarily for Graduate Students
S = Required Courses for First-Year Actors
THA 201d Acting I
(Formerly THA 203d)
Acting exercises and rudimentary scene work are used to awaken the actor's own impulse and eliminate conventional cliché responses. Scene work continues with the addition of circumstances, relationships, and the logic and continuity of a play. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Morrison
THA 205a Movement I: Part 1
(Formerly THA 207d)
Through physical awareness and alignment work, dance for the actor (including ballroom and folk dance styles), Alexander Technique, stage combat, movement improvisation, and creative projects, this course offers the actor a process in which to experience more flexibility and freedom of expression through movement. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Dibble
THA 205b Movement I: Part 2
A continuation of THA 205a. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Dibble
THA 210a Voice I: Part 1
(Formerly THA 209d)
Concentrates on voice production for performance and includes practical knowledge of how the voice works, identification of individual vocal habits and tensions, understanding dynamic relaxation and alignment. Particular attention is given to breathing, rooting sound, forward focus of tone, and development 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: Part 1
(Formerly THA 205d)
Consists of defining the speech act, describing the organ of speech, and isolating the sounds of speech through the International Phonetic Alphabet in order to reduce problems of articulation and train the ear to hear the subtle variations in sound, rhythm, and melody of speech. Frequent readings used as practice. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Davis
THA 212b Speech I: Part 2
A continuation of THA 212a. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Davis
THA 214d Singing I
(Formerly THA 233d)
Fundamentals in vocal technique and music theory. A survey of music theater repertoire and some classical repertoire. Small groups and/or tutorials. Usually offered every year.
Ms.Armstrong
THA 215a Rehearsal and Performance I: Part 1
First-year actors participate in a first semester acting project. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 215b Rehearsal and Performance I: Part 2
First-year actors are required to audition for, and play as cast in, all graduate productions. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 249d Production Laboratory I
(Formerly THA 225d)
Specifically designed to provide guided practical experience to the student in a variety of theatrical crafts. Usually offered every year.
Staff
S = Required Courses for Second-Year Actors
THA 255a Movement II: Part 1
(Formerly THA 208d)
Includes warm-up with strength, stretch, and alignment exercises. Middle Ages Restoration Period dance styles, as well as jazz and tap will be included. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Dibble
THA 255b Movement II: Part 2
This course open to undergraduates with permission of instructor.
A continuation of THA 255a, the student is exposed to a wide range of movement techniques including clown, mask, and work with Greek text. In addition, individual and group movement dance theater projects will expand the creative imagination of the student. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Dibble
THA 258a Stage Combat: Part 1
The practical art of stage combat will be taught over the course of two semesters leading to the actor-combatant certification test adjudicated by a fight master from the Society of American Fight Directors. The class is taught by a SAFD certified teacher and covers such period weaponry as quarterstaff, broadsword and rapier, and dagger, as well as unarmed combat, contemporary violence, and commedia/slapstick skills. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Walsh
THA 258b Stage Combat: Part 2
A continuation of THA 258a. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Walsh
THA 260d Voice II
(Formerly THA 210d)
Continuation and consolidation of vocal skills learned in the first year. Vocal workouts are expanded to increase flexibility, range, and power. Special emphasis on releasing heightened emotion, skills for handling artifice in language, and the application of acquired knowledge to a variety of performance situations and environments. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Lowry
THA 262a Speech II: Part 1
(Formerly THA 206d)
A continuation of Speech I, focusing on rhythm and melody, leading into poetry, and specifically dealing with Shakespeare. Dialect work also begins during this year. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Davis
THA 264d Singing II
(Formerly THA 234d)
Intermediate vocal technique including a deeper focus on legato and leggiero work. Intermediate theory including intervals and ear training. A continuing survey of musical literature. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Armstrong
THA 265d Rehearsal and Performance II
(Formerly THA 304d)
Second-year actors are required to audition for, and play as cast in, all graduate productions. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 283a Acting II: Part 1
(Formerly THA 252d)
Acting in the second year contains significant work on Shakespeare, with emphasis on the physicalization of a role and the search for form. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Lowry
THA 283b Acting II: Part 2
A continuation of THA 283a. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Morrison
THA 299d Production Laboratory II
(Formerly THA 226d)
See THA 249d for description. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 347a and b Playwriting Workshop III
(Formerly THA 315e)
First-year actors are required to participate in the Playwriting Workshop. Each week actors are assigned roles in new plays by Brandeis M.F.A. playwrights. Scripts are read in class and actors participate in the discussions following the reading. Usually offered every year.
Staff
S = Required Courses for First-Year Designers
THA 220d Design Practicum I
(Formerly THA 237d)
Certain first-year students are assigned as assistants to second- and third-year designers in areas of production such as scenic arts, props, hair and makeup, millinery, costume, and lighting. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 223a Designing for Theater Seminar
(Formerly THA 221d and THA 222d)
This course is open to undergraduates with permission of instructor.
Provides all design students with a fundamental approach to designing in the theater. Emphasis is placed on developing visual equivalents for plays of all periods as they exist in nonvisual/verbal texts. In addition, the student will explore various methods of drawing and painting as tools for expressing the costume design. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Eigsti and Ms. von Mayhrauser
THA 223b Designing for Theater Seminar
This course is open to undergraduates with permission of instructor.
A continuation of THA 223a. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Eigsti and Ms. von Mayhrauser
THA 224a Studio Techniques: Part 1
(Formerly THA 225d and THA 230d)
This course is open to undergraduates with permission of instructor.
Specifically dedicated to developing drafting and model making as a valid design tool for scenic designers and drawing and painting as tools for expressing costume design. Emphasis is placed upon development of these techniques and skills to provide for clear communication of design ideas in the finished production drawings and costume sketches. Extensive supervised work in class on these projects. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Booth and Staff
THA 224b Studio Techniques: Part 2
This course is open to undergraduates with permission of instructor.
A continuation of THA 224a. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Booth and Staff
THA 226a Drafting for the Theater: Scenery: Part 1
(Formerly THA 222d)
Laboratory fee to be arranged. This course is open to undergraduates by permission of instructor.
Specifically dedicated to developing drafting as a valid design language and tool for theatrical designers. Emphasis is placed upon development of techniques and skills to provide for clear communication of design ideas in the finished project. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 226b Drafting for the Theater: Scenery: Part 2
Laboratory fee to be arranged. This course is open to undergraduates by permission of instructor.
A continuation of THA 226a. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 231a Drafting for the Theater: Costumes: Part 1
(Formerly THA 226d)
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 the Theater: 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: Part 1
(Formerly THA 230d)
Laboratory fee to be arranged. This course is open to undergraduates by permission of instructor.
An introductory course in drawing skills, including life drawing and basic and perspective drawing. Life drawing includes figure-drawing instruction and studio practice with a focus on developing observational and drawing skills. Using various exercises involving movement, form, and shape, the student will learn the basics of perspective and drawing figures to scale. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Moody
THA 232b Life Drawing: Part 2
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 Design I: Part 1
(Formerly THA 219d)
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
The first-year graduate lighting design student studies an approach to developing a light plot with an emphasis on lighting mechanics and drafting conventions. The student also develops visual awareness through the study of artistic composition as well as learns a conceptual approach to lighting design. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Parichy
THA 235b Lighting Design I: Part 2
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
A continuation of THA 235a. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Parichy
THA 249d Production Laboratory I
(Formerly THA 225d)
See description under Courses Required for First-Year Actors. Usually offered every year.
Staff
S = Courses for Second-Year Designers
In the second year, design
students begin to specialize in a specific area of design. Under
the advice of the design faculty, their choice of courses must
be taken from the following list of program electives. All second-year
design students are required to take THA 270d (Design Practicum
II) and THA 299d (Production Laboratory II).
THA 270d Design Practicum II
(Formerly THA 238d)
Design students serve as assistants to the designers in the areas of scenery, costumes, and lighting. In addition, selected students design in the Laurie Theater. These design projects are supported by the design faculty in each area (scenery, costume, lighting, and scene painting). Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 275d Set Design II
(Formerly THA 212d)
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
Second-year set design students focus on advancing the technical and visual skills begun in the first year. Each student delves further into using the text, music, and theatrical space to shape their designs. An emphasis is placed on developing an individual process to the work. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Booth
THA 276a Set Rendering I: Part 1
(Formerly THA 227d)
This course is open to undergraduates by permission of instructor.
Set rendering includes instruction in various drawing and painting techniques employed in the process of designing. The rendering projects are tailored to the student's theoretical set-design projects. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Moody
THA 276b Set Rendering I: Part 2
This course is open to undergraduates by permission of instructor.
A continuation of THA 276a. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Moody
THA 277a Stage Mechanics: Part 1
(Formerly THA 224d)
Laboratory fee to be arranged. This course is open to undergraduates by permission of the instructor.
Explores both the theater structure as a machine to house theatrical production and traditional as well as current techniques for the movement and rigging of scenery within that mechanical environment. Specific projects are assigned to develop scenery shifting strategies that allow for a variety of technological solutions to scenic movement problems. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 277b Stage Mechanics: 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.
Staff
THA 278a Scene Painting: Part 1
(Formerly THA 223d)
Laboratory fee to be arranged. This course is open to undergraduates by permission of instructor.
Scene painting includes instruction in basic scene-painting skills, methods, materials, and techniques commonly 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 Design II
(Formerly THA 218d)
Second-year costume design students focus on technical and design skills begun in the first year. In-depth investigation of text and music to reveal how character occurs. Students develop an individual approach to the work. Usually offered every year.
Ms. von Mayrhauser
THA 281a Costume Rendering I: Part 1
(Formerly THA 227d)
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
Second-year costume design students continue to develop their drawing and rendering skills, working from life studies and using their first-year projects as vehicles for exploration of techniques. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Donnelly
THA 281b Costume Rendering I: Part 2
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
A continuation of THA 281a. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 282a Costume Construction I: Part 1
(Formerly THA 232d)
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
Conversion of basic pattern to historically accurate period costume with emphasis on construction. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Loewenguth
THA 282b Costume Construction I: Part 2
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
A continuation of THA 282a. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Loewenguth
THA 284d Costume History and Decorative Arts
(Formerly THA 283d)
Studies the changing life-styles of polite and impolite society, their modes, manners, and environments. Focus is on the European world 1500-1900. Seminars and slide lectures lead to each student's own presentation to the class and primary source research notebook. Field research in Boston area and New York. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Donnelly
THA 285d Lighting Design II
(Formerly THA 220d)
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
The second-year lighting design student continues developing a conceptual approach to design and also solves advanced problems in lighting design, i.e., musicals, opera, and multi-set productions. Those students with a lighting emphasis design the lighting for a departmental production. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Parichy
THA 290a Drafting II: Part 1
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
Specifically dedicated to the techniques of developing shop drawings from designer-produced plans and orthographic elevations. Emphasis is placed on detail drawings in larger scales. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 290b Drafting II: Part 2
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
A continuation of THA 290a. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 291a Scenic Technology II: Part 1
Fully explores scenery construction and assembly procedures based on using wood technology and materials. A study is made of recent wood product innovations in the construction industry as applied to theatrical scenery fabrication. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 291b Scenic Technology II: Part 2
A continuation of THA 291a. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 292d Production Planning and Resource Management
Incorporates the processes involved in developing detailed season and individual production schedules. Comprehensive calendar projects are assigned. Cost estimation for both materials and labor is explored, as well as production budget preparation. In addition, human relations principles and practices, OSHA regulations and state safety, and personnel law are covered. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Loewenguth and Staff
THA 293d Costume Technology I
Entails a practical study of the building of costumes, exploring the properties and versatility of costume materials and fabrics, as well as the methods and machinery needed to create the costumes. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Loewenguth
THA 299d Production Laboratory II
(Formerly THA 226d)
See description for THA 249d (Production Laboratory I). Usually offered every year.
Staff
S = Courses for Third-Year Designers
As in the second year, third-year
design students specialize in a specific area of design. Under
advice of the design faculty, their choice of courses must be
taken from the following list and department electives. All third-year
designers are required to take THA 320d (Design Practicum III)
and THA 349d (Production Laboratory III).
THA 320d Design Practicum III
(Formerly THA 239d)
Design students are assigned shows 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 also given to design students who have achieved an advanced craft skills level in the course of the three-year program. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 325d Set Design III
(Formerly THA 242d)
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 realized productions, which serve as a basic tool in seeking employment in 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 individual basis. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Moody
THA 328d Scenic Crafts
(Formerly THA 228d)
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
Scenic crafts provides advanced scene painting skills, methods, materials, and techniques commonly applied in scenic studios and scenery for theater, film, and television. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Moody
THA 330d Costume Design III
(Formerly THA 243d)
An advanced design seminar, largely tutorial in nature, centered on the students' portfolios and realized production designs, which serves as the basic tool in seeking employment after graduation. Usually offered every year.
Ms. von Mayrhauser
THA 331d Costume Rendering II
(Formerly THA 244d)
A continuation of THA 281a and b (Costume Rendering I), this course involves advanced study on an individual basis. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Donnelly
THA 332d Draping and Costume Construction II
(Formerly THA 245d)
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
Draping of various period costume, advanced study of costume construction. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Loewenguth
THA 335d Lighting Design III
(Formerly THA 246d)
Laboratory fee to be arranged.
The third-year lighting design student will continue in individual and advanced problems as well as design the lighting for a departmental production. The third-year student is also encouraged to seek an internship outside of the department. 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 techniques and skills, with the emphasis on construction technology and materials applications integrated into the drawing. CAD equipment and techniques are introduced and explored as applicable to theatrical use. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 341d Theater Architecture and Engineering
Explores the physical aspects of the theatrical structure, both auditorium and production spaces. Building and fire code considerations, as they affect theatrical architecture, are explored. Guest lecturers and field trips to Boston-area theater spaces are arranged. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 342d Production Supervision Practicum
Provides, under faculty guidance, student control and supervision (within given areas of expertise) of specific aspects of the actual production process of scheduled program productions as assigned. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 343d Costume Technology II
A continuation of THA 293d (Costume Technology I), this course explores in greater depth and with a more thorough application, the skills and knowledge acquired in the previous year's class. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Loewenguth
THA 349d Production Laboratory III
(Formerly THA 325d)
See description for THA 249d (Production Laboratory I). Usually offered every year.
Staff
S = Required Courses for First-Year Dramaturgs
THA 240a Proseminar in Dramaturgy
Consists of readings in dramaturgical theory and practices. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 242a Practical Dramaturgy I
Students attend THA 247e (Playwriting Workshop) and participate in the role of dramaturgs. We work with the students in the playwriting program in developing, evaluating, and critiquing their new scripts. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 242b Practical Dramaturgy II
Students are assigned to act as Dramaturgs for one of the Theater Department productions. Students work with the Directors of their respective productions on historical, literary, and critical research. They prepare program notes and playwright biographies. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Holmberg
S = Required Courses for Second-Year Dramaturgs
THA 400a Practical Dramaturgy III
See the description for THA 242b. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 400b Practical Dramaturgy IV
See the description for THA 242b. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 410b Independent Research
Student conducts research on a topic approved by the Program Head which results in the writing of an article-length research paper. The paper will be read by at least two faculty members. Usually offered every year.
Staff
S = Required Courses for First-Year Playwrights
THA 246e Seminar in Scene Writing and Analysis
(Formerly THA 200e)
For first-year graduate playwriting students; weekly assigned exercises in scene writing are read and 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 students as a noncredit course. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 247e Playwriting Workshop I
(Formerly THA 215e)
The central course in the curriculum for all graduate playwriting students. Prepared reading and detailed critiques of student scripts, at various stages of development, with the aim of shaping complete, producible plays. Individual conferences between the author and the playwriting professor follow each workshop session. Further development of the most viable scripts is provided through staged public readings, studio production, and department productions. A double-credit course. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 249d Production Laboratory I
(Formerly THA 225d)
See description under section Required Courses for First-Year Actors. Usually offered every year.
Staff
L =
In addition, one full-year elective course in theater arts or approved courses in other departments.
S = Required Courses for Second-Year Playwrights
THA 297e Playwriting Workshop II
(Formerly THA 216e)
See description for THA 247e (Playwriting Workshop I). A double-credit course. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 299d Production Laboratory II
(Formerly THA 226d)
See description for THA 249d (Production Laboratory I). Usually offered every year.
Staff
L =
In addition, one full-year elective course in theater arts or approved courses in other departments.
S = Required Courses for Third-Year Playwrights
THA 347e Playwriting Workshop III
(Formerly THA 315e)
See description for THA 247e (Playwriting Workshop I). A double-credit course. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 349d Production Laboratory III
(Formerly THA 325d)
See description for THA 249d (Production Laboratory I). Usually offered every year.
Staff
L =
In addition, one full-year
elective course in theater arts or approved courses in other departments.
L =
Students may take the following
theater arts courses as electives as well as approved courses
in other departments.
THA 350d Directing
(Formerly THA 213d)
Essentially a laboratory course emphasizing the director's responsibility to tell a story in strong theatrical terms. Student directors present scenes each week, which are analyzed and reworked by the class with the goal of developing an imaginative and personal approach to a play. Open to actors, designers, and playwrights. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Murray
THA 355a Career Workshop: Part 1
(Formerly THA 250d)
Open only to second-year actors, this course is designed to help them prepare for the business demands 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, prerehearsal planning, the rehearsal process, technical considerations, the running of a show, and specific problems from differing production types and styles and varying levels of theatrical organization. Students must serve as stage manager or assistant stage manager for one departmental production. Usually offered in odd years.
Ms. Harris
THA 380d Thesis Projects--Design
(Formerly THA 310d)
The graduate design thesis is a full-scale project that grows out of the periodic portfolio reviews. It may be either a realized or nonrealized project. Usually offered every year.
Design Faculty
THA 385a Design Internship: Part 1
Internships will be arranged at faculty discretion for third-year design and technical area students. The purpose of internships is to provide valid experience in the profession under the supervision of the department faculty and professional field of work. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 385b Design Internship: Part 2
See course description for THA 385a. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 390a Independent Study
(Formerly THA 300d)
Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 390b Independent Study
Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 400a Practical Dramaturgy III
See the description for THA 242b. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 400b Practical Dramaturgy IV
See the description for THA 242b. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 410b Independent Research
Student conducts research on a topic approved by the Program Head which results in the writing of an article-length research paper. The paper will be read by at least two faculty members. Usually offered every year.
Staff
S = Cross-Listed Courses
ENG 23a
Domains of Seventeenth-Century
Performance
ENG 33a
Shakespeare
ENG 133a
Advanced Shakespeare
ENG 143a
Elizabethan and Jacobean Drama
ENG 144b
The Body as Text: Castiglione
to Locke
ENG 164b
Restoration and Eighteenth-Century
Drama and Performance
ENG 181a
Making Sex, Performing Gender
FREN 155b
Topics in French Drama
RUS 148a
A Survey of Russian Theater
from 1719-1917
RUS 148b
A Survey of Twentieth-Century Russian Theater: Chekhov to the Present
M University Seminars in Humanistic Inquiries
See pages
M = University Studies Program
See pages