University Bulletin 2001-02
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 cultivation 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 (ECS) 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.
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.
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, dramatic writing applicants submit one or more original play scripts for evaluation, and dramaturg applicants must submit a writing sample.
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.
Faculty
Michael Murray, Chair
Directing. Playwriting.
Nancy Armstrong
Singing.
Deborah Booth
Scenic design.
Jennifer Cleary
Stage management.
Susan Dibble
Movement for the actor.
Candice Donnelly
Costume design and rendering.
Karl Eigsti
Scenic design.
Arthur Holmberg
Dramatic literature.
Neal Katz
Alexander.
Adrianne Krstansky
Acting.
Bill Lattanzi
Playwriting.
Denise Loewenguth
Costumiere.
Marya Lowry
Voice.
John Malinowski
Lighting design.
Robert Moody
Scene painting.
Janet Morrison
Acting.
Mark Stevens
Production management/technical direction.
Elizabeth Terry
Speech and voice.
Todd Theriault
Singing studies accompanist.
Leea Thomases
Costume technology.
Jennifer vonMayrhauser
Costume design.
Robert Walsh
Movement and stage combat.
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 (The Theater in History I) and THA 1b (The Theater in History II).
B. THA 100a (Theater Texts and Theory I) and THA 100b (Theater Texts and Theory II).
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 corequisite 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 corequisite 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.
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 corequisite enrollments in THA 41a: Theater Practicum (see course description for THA 41a).
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.
Requirements for the Degree of Master of Fine Arts
Residence Requirement
Dramatic writing, and dramaturgy: two years. Acting, Design and design/technical: three years. Dramatic writing with certification: three years.
Programs of Study
Acting
Acting faculty provide supervision of class and project work during the first year of training. First-year students will normally not perform in their first semester except at the discretion of the department. They will do a performance project in their second semester. Actors enter the casting pool in their second year, joining the third-year actors in forming the core of the company. Second-and-third-year actors are required to audition for and play as cast in all major productions unless excused by the chair after consultation with the director and the acting faculty.
Graduate actors will perform crew assignments as required by the department.
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.
In the first year, all design students take a required core curriculum along with additional electives pertinent to their field of study.
Required Courses for First-Year Designers
THA 220d Design Practicum I
THA 223a Designing for the Theater Seminar: Part 1
THA 223b Designing for the Theater Seminar: Part 2
THA 232a Life Drawing: Part 1
THA 232b Life Drawing: Part 2
THA 249d Production Laboratory I
Elective Courses for Set Design Students
THA 225a Set Design I: Part 1
THA 225b Set Design I: Part 2
THA 226a Drafting for the Theater, Scenery: Part 1
THA 226b Drafting for the Theater, Scenery: Part 2
Elective Courses for Costume Design and Costume Tech Students
THA 231a Drafting for the Theater, Costumes: Part 1
THA 231b Drafting for the Theater, Costumes: Part 2
THA 233a Costume Design I: Part 1
THA 233b Costume Design I: Part 2
Elective Courses for Lighting Design Students
THA 235a Lighting Design I: Part 1
THA 235b Lighting Design I: Part 2
Dramatic Writing
Dramatic writing students are required to serve on a crew for one major production each year (about 60 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.
Courses of Instruction
(1-99) Primarily for Undergraduate Students
THA 1a The Theater in History I
[ ca ]
Enrollment limited to 100.
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.
Staff
THA 1b The Theater in History II
[ ca ]
Enrollment limited to 100.
A continuation of THA 1a, treating theater in Europe and America from the 18th century to the present. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 4a Acting: The Vocal-Physical Connection
[ ca ]
Corequisite: THA 41a (except for THA concentrators who completed the corequisite while enrolled in THA 4b). Signature of the instructor required.
A beginning-level course incorporating theater games, improvisations, various movement techniques, 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 ]
Prerequisite: THA 4a. Corequisite: THA 41a (except for THA concentrators who completed the corequisite while enrolled in THA 4a). Signature of the instructor required.
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.
Ms. Krstansky
THA 9a Movement for the Stage I
[ ca ]
Counts as one activity course toward the physical education requirement. Signature of the instructor required.
The actor's job is to create action out of meaning and meaning out of action. Exercises designed to lead students into their imaginations in order to bring courage and responsiveness into the body. Focus on building necessary tools to create the balance between free form and free expression, and an artistic and intelligent relationship to theater. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Dibble
THA 9b Movement for the Stage II
[ ca ]
Prerequisite: One semester of movement or dance. Counts as one activity course toward the physical education requirement. Signature of the instructor required.
Work on economy, precision, control of movement and the link between feeling and expression. Course focuses on Energy States, the Four Elements, Rudolf Laban's Movement Theory and Neutral Mask. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Dibble
THA 10b Stage Combat
[ ca ]
Prerequisite: One semester of movement or dance. Counts as one activity course toward the physical education requirement. 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 ]
Enrollment limited to 12.
The fundamentals of movement training. Focus on awareness of the body in space, the ability to move with flexibility, grace and coordination, and an openness to new ideas and forms of physical expression. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 15a Vocal Gesture: The Expressive Use of the Voice
[ ca ]
Signature of the instructor required.
The study of the bodyvoice begins with the exploration and application of sensory awareness training and its integration with vocal and physical life. Vocal Gesture celebrates the power of physical and vocal liberation. Explores relaxation techniques to alleviate habitual, effort-filled movement; investigate alignment and breathwork while carving up the space with voice and gesture. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Terry
THA 20b Acting Integration: Body/Voice/Text
[ ca ]
Prerequisites: THA 9a or THA 11a; 15a; 33a.
Synthesizes the various aspects of actor training, and guides the student to a fuller realization of previous class work. Students are provided with an opportunity to explore the integration process, while at the same time, expanding on the traditional acting approaches to communicating the theatrical text. Attention is focused on how the actor uses his body/voice to discover meaning and communication of the text. Usually offered every second year.
Ms. Lowry
THA 33a Intermediate Acting I
[ ca ]
Prerequisites: THA 4a and 4b, or permission of the instructor. Signature of the instructor required.
Focus is on releasing the creative energies of the actor through integrated work on technique and text. Building on the curricula of THA 4a and THA 4b, student actors are guided in applying basic acting concepts to scenes from contemporary and modern drama. Students explore how to take responsibility for their own development through rehearsal process. Introduces relevant techniques such as script analysis and research. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 33b Intermediate Acting II
[ ca ]
Prerequisite: THA 33a. Signature of the instructor required.
A continuation of THA 33a with work on more complex texts. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 41a Theater Practicum
This course may yield half-course credit (two semester-hour credits) towards graduation and rate of work. Normally may be taken a maximum of four times for credit. There is a mandatory class meeting for this course at the beginning of each semester. Contact the theater arts department office for exact time and date.
A hands-on production course, providing exposure to and experience in the practical aspects of theater production. Under professional direction, students develop a working knowledge of a specific theatrical area and learn how all areas come together in creating theater. Students work in positions in various shops (costumes, electrics, scenery, or paints) OR as crew members for departmental productions. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Cleary and Staff
THA 50b Sound for Theater, Film, and Television
[ ca ]
Corequisite: THA 41a. Laboratory fee: $10 per semester. Signature of the instructor required.
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 every second year.
Mr. Wilson
THA 52b Fundamentals of Lighting
[ ca ]
Corequisite: THA 41a. Laboratory fee: $15 per semester. Signature of the instructor required.
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 every second year.
Staff
THA 54b Scenic Construction Fundamentals
[ ca ]
Corequisite: THA 41a. Laboratory fee: $25 per semester. Signature of the instructor required.
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 ]
Corequisite: THA 41a. Enrollment limited to 10. Laboratory fee: $30 per semester.
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 every year.
Mr. Moody
THA 64a Costumes: From Script to Stage
[ ca ]
Corequisite: THA 41a. Signature of the instructor required. Laboratory fee: $10 per semester.
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 every second year.
Staff
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
(100-199) For Both Undergraduate and Graduate Students
THA 100a Theater Texts and Theory I
[ ca ]
Enrollment limited to 35.
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 every year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 100b Theater Texts and Theory II
[ ca ]
Enrollment limited to 35.
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 every year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 101c Stage Management
[ ca ]
Corequisite: THA 41a. 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.
Staff
THA 104a Playwriting I
[ 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.
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
[ 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. Krstansky
THA 110b Modern Dance and Movement
[ ca ]
Counts as one activity course toward the physical education requirement. 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 ]
Signature of the instructor required.
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
[ ca hum ]
Enrollment limited to 100.
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 that challenge mainstream art. Attention will be paid to the interactions among theater, painting, dance, music, and film. Usually offered every second year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 120b Movement and Dance Theater Composition
[ ca ]
Counts as one activity course toward the physical education requirement. Signature of the instructor required.
A studio course designed to teach the art of making dances and movement theater. Explores 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 150a The American Drama since 1945
[ ca ]
May not be repeated for credit by students who have taken THA 195a section 3 in the fall of 1999. Signature of the instructor required.
Examines the major plays and playwrights representing styles from social realism to avant-garde performance groups and the theater of images. Usually offered every second year.
Mr. Holmberg
THA 185b Dramatic Structure: Analysis and Application
[ ca ]
Enrollment limited to 30.
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.
Staff
THA 195a Topics in Theater and Drama
[ ca ]
Prerequisites and enrollment limits vary with course topic and instructor. For graduate M.F.A. students only.
Study of special topics in theater history, dramatic literature, theatrical production, acting or design. May be repeated for credit as the course topic varies. See Course Schedule for further information.
Staff
(200 and above) Primarily for Graduate Students
Required Courses for First-Year Actors
THA 201d Acting I
Acting in the first semester centers around exercises and rudimentary scene work designed to develop the actors' concentration, awareness of and responsiveness to their own instrument, internal life, surroundings and eventually the other actor. Through progressively stepped assignments, actors are introduced to basic performance elements and tools. Work in the second semester focuses on application of these concepts and techniques to text. Additional skills such as thorough reading of a text, script analysis, research, and the actors' development through a rehearsal process are emphasized. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Morrison
THA 205a Movement I: Part 1
Through physical awareness and alignment work, dance for the actor (including ballroom and folk dance styles), Alexander Technique, 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, with focus on space, time and energy and character development through movement research. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Dibble
THA 209a Whole Voice Workshop
Required for first- and third-year actors.
Designed to confront the actor with a high level of physical/vocal and emotional connective work at the outset of advanced training. The voice is explored in such a way as to contact and harness the sources of energy hidden deep in the body and connect this energy to physical/vocal expression as applied to the sung-spoken word. The result is extended range, greater discipline, and fuller integration of voice and movement components of the actor training program. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Lowry
THA 210b Voice I
A continuation of the vocal training begun in THA 210a with an emphasis on further development of the actor's instrument. Particular attention is given to breath release and proper support, freeing and placing the voice, resonance and vocal tone, breath/voice/body connection, development of a physical vocal warm-up, and integrating the body/voice work with text. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Lowry
THA 211a Voice and Speech I
Concentrates on voice production and speech for the performer. Focuses on practical approaches to understanding how the voice works, identifying individual vocal habits and tensions, and incorporating dynamic relaxation and alignment in the performer's process. Phonetics for the actor, in the form of detailed study of the conventions and applications of the International Phonetic Alphabet. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Terry
THA 212b Speech I
With attention to integration of voice and speech, this course lays the groundwork for the development of clear, efficient, effortless use of language through a deeper study of the physical act of speech. The student receives an in-depth analysis of personal speech patterns; regional influences are examined and identified. Texts include many varieties of poetry. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Terry
THA 214d Singing I
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 215b Rehearsal and Performance I
First-year actors are required to audition for, and play as cast in, first-year project and final plays of the spring semester. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 249d Production Laboratory I
Specifically designed to provide guided practical experience to the student in a variety of theatrical crafts. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Stevens
THA 258a Stage Combat II: Part 1
The practical art of stage combat will be taught over the course of three 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 347a and b Playwriting Workshop III
May be repeated twice for credit.
First- and third-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.
Mr. Murray
Required Courses for Second-Year Actors
THA 255a Movement II: Part 1
Includes warm-up with strength, stretch, and alignment exercises. Course focuses on Period Movement and forms of expression based in Medieval and Elizabethan concepts and ideas. The course includes a movement project using themes of Heaven and Hell and the human condition on earth. Historical dances included in the course are The Galliard, Pavan, Estempie, Branle, and Farandole. 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 range of movement techniques including Chorus Movement, Neutral Mask, and Clown. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Dibble
THA 258b Stage Combat II: Part 2
A continuation of THA 258a. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Walsh
THA 260d Voice II
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
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.
Ms. Terry
THA 262b Speech II: Part 2
A continuation of THA 262a. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Terry
THA 264d Singing II
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
Second-year actors are required to 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 culminates in the adjudication by a Fight Master from the Society of American Fight Directors. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Walsh
THA 283a Acting II: Part 1 (Shakespeare)
Focuses on the skills necessary to analyze and perform Shakespeare's plays with confidence, ease, and authority. Elements of training include metrical analysis, rhetorical devices and how to use them, imagery, melody, dialogue and scene structure, physicalization of text, creative use of space, and performance of numerous scenes and speeches. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Lowry
THA 283b Acting II: Part 2
Curriculum builds upon the work of THA 283a with further focus on the classics and on characterization. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 299d Production Laboratory II
See THA 249d for description. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Stevens
Required Courses for Third-Year Actors
THA 315a Rehearsal and Performance III: Part 1
Third-year actors are required to audition for, and play as cast in all graduate productions. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 315b Rehearsal and Performance III: Part 2
Third-year actors are required to audition for, and play as cast, in all graduate productions. Continuation of THA 315a. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 317a Accent and Dialect Research
Introduces the methods of researching, analyzing, and executing accents and dialects for performance. In the laboratory setting and in private tutorials, the student fuses these methods into theatrical performances. Utilizes the actor's voice, speech, and text skills developed to date and applies them directly to independent projects and assignments focusing on accents and dialects. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Terry
Required Courses for First-Year Designers
THA 220d Design Practicum I
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: Part 1
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
THA 223b Designing for Theater Seminar: Part 2
This course is open to undergraduates with permission of instructor.
A continuation of THA 223a. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Eigsti
THA 225a Set Design I: Part 1
Laboratory fee: to be determined.
First-year set design focuses on the visual skills and importance of the theatrical image. Each student explores the spatial and visual context of the play while developing the skills to express the idea. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Booth
THA 225b Set Design I: Part 2
Laboratory fee: to be determined.
A continuation of THA 225a. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Booth
THA 226a Drafting for the Theater, Scenery: Part 1
Prerequisite: THA 224a or THA 224b. Laboratory fee: $25 per semester. 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.
Mr. Stevens
THA 226b Drafting for the Theater, Scenery: Part 2
Prerequisite: THA 224a or THA 224b. Laboratory fee: $25 per semester. This course is open to undergraduates by permission of instructor.
A continuation of THA 226a. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Stevens
THA 231a Drafting for the Theater, Costumes: Part 1
Laboratory fee: $20 per semester. 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.
Staff
THA 231b Drafting for the Theater, Costumes: Part 2
Laboratory fee: $20 per semester. This course is open to undergraduates by permission of instructor.
A continuation of THA 231a. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 232a Life Drawing: Part 1
Laboratory fee: $30 per semester. 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: $30 per semester. This course is open to undergraduates by permission of instructor.
A continuation of THA 232a. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Moody
THA 233a Costume Design I: Part 1
Dedicated to developing drawing and painting as tools for expressing costume design. Emphasis is placed on development of these techniques and skills to provide for clear communication of design ideas in the finished costume sketch. Extensive supervised work in class on these projects. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Donnelly and Ms. vonMayrhauser
THA 233b Costume Design I: Part 2
A continuation of THA 233a. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Donnelly and Ms. vonMayrhauser
THA 235a Lighting Design I: Part 1
Laboratory fee: $15 per semester.
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.
Staff
THA 235b Lighting Design I: Part 2
Laboratory fee: $15 per semester.
A continuation of THA 235a. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 249d Production Laboratory I
See description under Courses Required for First-Year Actors. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Stevens
Required 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
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
Laboratory fee: $25 per semester.
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 and Mr. Eigsti
THA 276a Scenic Drawing I: Part 1
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 Scenic Drawing 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 Technology: Part 1
Laboratory fee: $25 per semester. This course is open to undergraduates by permission of the instructor.
Explores 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.
Mr. Stevens
THA 277b Stage Technology: Part 2
Laboratory fee: $25 per semester. This course is open to undergraduates by permission of instructor.
A continuation of THA 277a. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Stevens
THA 278a Scene Painting: Part 1
Laboratory fee: $80 per semester. 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: $80 per semester. 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
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. vonMayrhauser
THA 281a Costume Drawing I: Part 1
Laboratory fee: $20 per semester.
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 Drawing I: Part 2
Laboratory fee: $20 per semester.
A continuation of THA 281a. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Donnelly
THA 282a Costume Draping and Construction I: Part 1
Laboratory fee: $15 per semester.
Conversion of basic pattern to historically accurate period costume with emphasis on construction. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Loewenguth
THA 282b Costume Draping and Construction I: Part 2
Laboratory fee: $15 per semester.
A continuation of THA 282a. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Loewenguth
THA 284d History of Civilization: Design and Decorative Arts
Studies the changing lifestyles 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.
Mr. Eigsti
THA 285d Lighting Design II
Laboratory fee: $20 per semester.
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 multiset productions. Those students with a lighting emphasis design the lighting for a departmental production. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 290a Design Drafting II: Part 1
Laboratory fee: $25 per semester.
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.
Ms. Booth
THA 290b Design Drafting II: Part 2
Laboratory fee: $25 per semester.
A continuation of THA 290a. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Booth
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
See description for THA 249d (Production Laboratory I). Usually offered every year.
Mr. Stevens
Required 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
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
Laboratory fee: $25 per semester.
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 Scenic Drawing 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 Painting II
Laboratory fee: $80 per semester.
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
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. vonMayrhauser
THA 331d Costume Drawing II
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
Laboratory fee: $15 per semester.
Draping of various period costume, advanced study of costume construction. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Loewenguth
THA 335d Lighting Design III
Laboratory fee: $10 per semester.
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.
Staff
THA 340d Design Drafting III
Laboratory fee: $20 per semester.
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.
Ms. Booth
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
See description for THA 249d (Production Laboratory I). Usually offered every year.
Mr. Stevens
Required Courses for First-Year Dramaturgs
THA 240a Proseminar in Dramaturgy
Consists of readings in dramaturgical theory and practices. Topics include dramaturgical structures, the relationship between text and performance, aesthetics and representation, theories of performance, production history, and research methodology. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 242a Practical Dramaturgy I
Students attend THA 247e (Playwriting Workshop) to become aware of the process involved with writing for the stage. Teaches dramaturgs how to elaborate and apply criteria for evaluating new scripts written in a variety of different dramatic styles, ranging from realism to the avant-garde. Usually offered every year.
Staff
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.
Staff
Required Courses for Second-Year Dramaturgs
THA 400a Practical Dramaturgy III
A dramaturg must be able to bridge the worlds of theory and practice. Working as a production dramaturg with the director and under the supervision of the instructor, the student will learn to integrate research and scholarship with the actual practice of creating theater. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 400b Practical Dramaturgy IV
Trains dramaturgs in the collaborative effort of new play development. Student dramaturgs learn how to communicate their criticisms in a constructive way and how best to contribute to the creative process, while learning how to get a script ready for a professional production. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 410b Independent Research
Student conducts research on a topic approved by the program head that results in the writing of an article-length research paper, which will be read by at least two faculty members. Students must demonstrate an ability to integrate a knowledge of dramatic literature, theater history, performance practices, and performance theory. Usually offered every year.
Staff
Required Courses for First-Year Playwrights
THA 185b Dramatic Structure: Analysis and Application
[ ca ]
Enrollment limited to 30.
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.
Staff
THA 246e Seminar in Scene Writing and Analysis
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.
Staff
THA 247e Playwriting Workshop I
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. Further development of the most viable scripts is provided through staged public readings and department productions. A double-credit course. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Murray
THA 249d Production Laboratory I
See description under section Required Courses for First-Year Actors. Usually offered every year.
Staff
In addition, one, one-semester elective course in theater arts or approved courses in other departments.
Required Courses for Second-Year Playwrights
THA 297e Playwriting Workshop II
See description for THA 247e (Playwriting Workshop I). A double-credit course. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Murray
THA 299d Production Laboratory II
See description for THA 249d (Production Laboratory I). Usually offered every year.
Mr. Stevens
In addition, one full-year elective course in theater arts or approved courses in other departments.
Required Courses for Third-Year Playwrights
THA 347e Playwriting Workshop III
First- and third-year actors are required to take this course. See description for THA 247e (Playwriting Workshop I). A double-credit course. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Murray
THA 349d Production Laboratory III
See description for THA 249d (Production Laboratory I). Usually offered every year.
Mr. Stevens
In addition, one full-year elective course in theater arts or approved courses in other departments.
Students may take the following theater arts courses as electives as well as approved courses in other departments.
THA 350d Directing
Essentially a laboratory course emphasizing the director's responsibility to tell a story in strong theatrical terms. Each week student directors present scenes, 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, Acting for Camera
Open only to third-year actors. 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
Designed for third-year actors. Addresses the practical demands of a career in the professional theater: the business aspects of building an acting career, interview and audition preparation, strategies for breaking into the business, developing short and long-term goals, understanding your place in the world of theater. Professional directors and actors are invited to conduct auditions and discuss various aspects of radio, film, television, and theatrical work. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Lowry
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 every second year.
Staff
THA 380d Thesis Projects--Design
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. Offered on request.
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
Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 390b Independent Study
Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 395a Topics in Theater and Drama
For graduate M.F.A. students only. Topics may vary. Please consult the Course Schedule for further information.
Topics in theater history, dramatic literature, theatrical production, acting, or design. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 400a Practical Dramaturgy III
See the description for THA 242b. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 400b Practical Dramaturgy IV
See the description for THA 242b. Usually offered every year.
Staff
THA 410b Independent Research
Student conducts research on a topic approved by the program head that 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
Cross-Listed Courses
Domains of Seventeenth-Century Performance
Shakespeare
Advanced Shakespeare
Elizabethan and Jacobean Drama
The Body as Text: Castiglione to Locke
Restoration and Eighteenth-Century Drama and Performance
Making Sex, Performing Gender
Topics in French Drama
Hebrew Drama--Language through Creativity and Action
Russian Drama