Catalog 2022-2023

Theatre Arts and Dance

Teaching Faculty

Professors Muse (chair) and Rogers   
Associate Professor Horne
Assistant Professor Lusk
Assistant Professor and Murphy Fellow Roberts


Description

The Department of Theatre Arts and Dance offers a major in Theatre Arts, a minor in Theatre Arts and a minor in Dance. Students choosing to major in Theatre Arts and minor in Dance may double count courses required for the major toward the completion of the minor.

Major in Theatre Arts

11 courses distributed as follows:

  • TART 140 Acting Fundamentals
  • TART 210 Script Analysis Fundamentals
  • TART 310 Theatre History
  • TART 450 Production Design
  • TART 430 Stage Directing
  • TART 497 Theatre Arts: Senior Seminar
  • 1 course from the following
    • TART 260 Scenery & Lighting
    • TART 280 Costume & Make-up
  • 1 course from the following
    • TART 350 Women Writing for the Stage
    • TART 375 American Musical Theater
  • 1 course from the following
    • DANC 250 Dance Making Fundamentals 
    • TART 365 Social Justice and Theatre
  • 1 course from the following
    • DANC 215 Modern Dance Technique
    • DANC 216 Ballet Technique
    • DANC 217 Jazz Dance Technique
    • TART 135 Voice and Movement for the Theatre
    • TART 145 Design Fundamentals
    • TART 290 Beginning Playwriting
    • TART 335 Meisner Technique in Acting
  • Theatre Production Practicum .25 credit each, all four are required.  (Department faculty register students with the Registrar)
    • TARA P21 House & Publicity, Assistant Stage-Manager, or Properties
    • TARA P22 Acting, Stage-Manager, Dance Captain, Sound or Choreography
    • TARA P23 Scenery & Lighting
    • TARA P24 Costume & Makeup

 

Senior Capstone Experience

The Senior Capstone Experience consists of completion of TART 497 Senior Seminar.

Minor in Theatre Arts

6 courses distributed as follows:

  • TART 140 ActingFundamentals
  • TART 210 Script Analysis Fundamentals
  • 1 course from the following 
    • TART 260 Scenery & Lighting
    • TART 280 Costume & Make-up
    • 1 course from the following
      • TART 430 Stage Directing
      • TART 450 Production Design
    • 2 courses from the following
      • DANC 216 Ballet Technique
      • DANC 217 Jazz Dance Technique
      • DANC 250 Dance Making Fundamentals 
      • TART 145 Design Fundamentals
      • TART 290 Beginning Playwriting
      • TART 295 Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
      • TART 310 Theatre History
      • TART 335 Meisner Technique in Acting
      • TART 350 Women Writing for the Stage
      • TART 365 Social Justice and Theater  
      • TART 375  American Musical Theater
    • Theatre Production Practicum .25 credit each, all four are required. (Department faculty register students with the Registrar)
      • TARA P21 House & Publicity, Assistant Stage-Manager, or Properties 
      • TARA P22 Acting, Stage-Manager, Dance Captain, Sound, or Choreography  
      • TARA P23 Scenery & Lighting  
      • TARA P24 Costume & Make-up
                              
         
         

    Minor in Dance

    6 courses distributed as follows:

    • DANC 250 Dance Making Fundamentals 
    • DANC 325 Choreography
    • 2 courses from the following 
      • DANC 215 Modern Dance Technique
      • DANC 216 Ballet Technique
      • DANC 217 Jazz Dance Technique
      • TART 135 Voice and Movement for the Theatre
    • DANA A30 Dance Ensemble (.25 credit each semester, four semesters required)
    • Theatre Production Practicum .25 credit each, all four are required. (Department faculty register students with the Registrar
      • TARA P21 House & Publicity, Assistant Stage-Manager, or Properties
      • TARA P22 Acting, Stage-Manager, Dance Captain, Sound, or Choreography
      • TARA P23 Scenery & Lighting
      • TARA P24 Costume & Make-up
              

    Hendrix Players

    Participation in dramatic productions is open to all Hendrix students. Students who participate in the activities of the Hendrix Players perform in plays that cover a wide range of dramatic literature, build sets and costumes, and participate in other technical aspects of dramatic performance. The activities of the Hendrix Players take place in the Cabe Theatre and Staples Auditorium.

    Hendrix Dance Ensemble

    Auditions for the Hendrix Dance Ensemble are held during the first week of the fall semester. The ensemble meets to rehearse on Tuesday, Thursday from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. in the Dance Studio. The work of the ensemble culminates in a faculty choreographed performance in the fall semester, a faculty and student choreographed Dance Ensemble Concert in the spring semester, and participation in the American College Dance Festival Association.


    Students who successfully complete two semesters of TARA A30 fulfil two Physical Activities capacities requirements toward graduation. Note that there is a limit of two course credits from partial credit courses that can be applied toward the 32 courses required for graduation.

    Accademia dell’ Arte

    Hendrix is the accrediting institution for courses through the Accademia dell' Arte in Arezzo, Italy. Located in a beautifully restored sixteenth-century villa just south of Florence, the Accademia dell' Arte offers intensive work in theatre, dance, music, and film production. Courses are offered during fall, spring, and two summer semesters. Additional information and application forms are available at www.dellarte.it , or by emailing info@dellarte.it . Contact the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance chair for information about how to use Accademia dell' Arte courses for the Theatre Arts major, minor or Dance minor.

    Program Course Listings

    The courses for this program are organized into the following categories:

    Theatre Arts Courses

    TART 100

    Introduction to Theatre

    Engaged understanding of the nature of theatre, and of those whose creative and collaborative processes bring texts to the stage through informed choices.

    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    TART 135

    Voice and Movement for the Theatre

    Combined focus on freeing the natural voice through text reading stage movement.

    Expressive Arts EA
    TART 140

    Acting Fundamentals

    Students study Stanislavski as a basis for scene work. The approach frees the actor from mechanical, self-conscious behavior on stage and enhances the awareness of the given circumstances and finding truth in the moment.

    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    TART 145

    Design Fundamentals

    A hands-on introduction to all aspects of theatre production including costume, makeup, scenery, lighting and sound design and technology with a focus on experiential learning. We look at each area individually and as a collaborative whole, applying knowledge and technique to create the materials that theatre designers and technicians use.

    Expressive Arts EA
    TART 210

    Script Analysis Fundamentals

    Study and analysis of dramatic texts for the purpose of transforming scripts into theatrical productions.

    Expressive Arts EA
    Literary Studies LS
    TART 260

    Scenery & Lighting

    Techniques of lighting, sound, scenery and property construction for the theatre.

    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    TART 280

    Costume & Make-up

    Techniques of make-up and costume design and construction for the theatre.

    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    TART 290

    Beginning Playwriting

    Construction of the dramatic text through in-depth research and disciplined creativity.

    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    TART 295

    Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)

    This course allows students of all disciplines to explore the basic mechanics of 2-D drawing and 3-D modeling. Basic concepts presented in this class can be applied to most drafting and visualization programs and are particularly useful to students interested in art, architecture, film, animation, interior design, engineering, and theatrical design.

    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    TART M24

    The Craft of Playwriting

    In this course students incorporate practice, analysis, and experimentation to create a full-length piece of dramatic literature. Readings include established works of theatre as well as critical theory about the purpose, implementation, and moral obligation of dramatic literature. Students develop their own aptitude for creating work as well as constructively critiquing their peers’ work. Note: No prior experience in playwriting is necessary.

    TART 310

    Theatre History

    Study of Theatre history and dramatic texts from the Classical Era through the Eighteenth Century. Offered in alternate years.

    Historical Perspectives HP
    Literary Studies LS
    Writing Level 2 W2
    TART 335

    Intermediate Acting

    An introduction to the acting technique developed by Sanford Meisner. The course will cover the key elements of the method used to develop a character. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher

    Sophomore standing or higher
    Expressive Arts EA
    TART 350

    Women Writing for the Stage

    Study of women playwrights from a historical, literary, social, and performative perspective, and in the 20th century and 21st century.

    Historical Perspectives HP
    TART 365

    Social Justice in Theatre

    Can theatre change the world? Will the bridge to civil discourse and understanding be through theatre? This course introduces students to social justice through theatre. Students learn performance development through Moment Work, interview techniques, and the study of theatre artists dedicated to social justice. The final project is a performance piece based on interviews of local public servants. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher

    Sophomore standing or higher
    Expressive Arts EA
    TART 375

    American Musical Theatre

    A survey of the history and literature of Musical Theatre in America, beginning with popular antecedents (such as vaudeville, minstrelsy, and burlesque) and ending in the year 2000. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher

    Sophomore standing or higher
    Historical Perspectives HP
    Literary Studies LS
    Writing Level 2 W2
    TART 390

    Advanced Playwriting

    An extension of TART 290. Construction of the dramatic text through in-depth research and disciplined creativity.

    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    TART 391

    Special Topics in Acting

    A special topics course in theatrical, textual, and kinesthetic studies. This course can be repeated for additional credits as long as the section topics are different. Recent section topics include Modern Scene Study and Audition Technique, Acting Meisner. Consult the online course schedule for information about the topics currently scheduled to be taught.

    Expressive Arts EA
    TART 392

    Special Topics in Design

    A special topics course in set and costume design. This course can be repeated for additional credits as long as the section topics are different. Consult the online course schedule for information about the topics currently scheduled to be taught.

    Expressive Arts EA
    TART 393

    Special Topics in Performance

    A special topics course in performance. This course can be repeated for additional credits as long as the section topics are different. Consult the online course schedule for information about the topics currently scheduled to be taught.

    Expressive Arts EA
    TART M31

    Murphy Tutorial in Literature

    Students pursue in-depth exploration of a topic in dramatic literature. The course, taught in one-hour weekly sessions, has a low faculty-to-student ratio (1:2 or 1:3) and stresses, writing, reading, peer critiquing, and oral presentation skills. It culminates in a group activity such as a field trip, student symposium, engaged-learning project, or gathering with other tutorial pairs. This course is open only to Murphy Scholars in Literature and Language.

    TART 430

    Stage Directing

    Study of play analysis and of the techniques of staging plays. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

    Consent of instructor
    Expressive Arts EA
    TART 450

    Production Design

    Process of unified design for the technical elements of a play. Prerequisites: TART 260 or TART 280

    TART 260 or TART 280
    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    TART 497

    Theatre Arts: Senior Seminar

    A collaborative synthesis: Theory transformed into theatrical practice. Prerequisite: Senior Theatre Arts Majors or consent of instructor

    Senior Theatre Arts Majors or consent of instructor
    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    TART X98

    Internship

    Students interested in an internship in theatre arts should contact the department chair.

    TART X99

    Independent Study

    Students interested in independent studies in theatre arts should contact the department chair.

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    Theatre Production Practicum Activities

    Practicum offers the student extensive experience in play production. Students interested in taking this course should not pre-register. Students should contact department faculty members during the week of orientation and registration in fall or during the first week of classes in the spring. The grade earned in each Practicum is included in the computation of the student's grade point average. Students must complete all four areas of practicum in order to receive a full course credit for the major, EA credit and Odyssey [SP] credit. Note there is a limit of two course credits from partial credit courses that can be used toward the 32 courses required for graduation.

    TARA P21

    House&Pub/Asst Stage Manager/Props

    Practicum offers the student extensive experience in a play production. Students interested in taking this course should not pre-register. Students should contact department faculty members during the week of orientation and registration in fall or during the first week of classes in the spring.

    Expressive Arts EA
    TARA P22

    Acting/St Man/Dance Capt/Sound

    Practicum offers the student extensive experience in a play production. Students interested in taking this course should not pre-register. Students should contact department faculty members during the week of orientation and registration in fall or during the first week of classes in the spring.

    Expressive Arts EA
    TARA P23

    Scenery and Lighting

    Practicum offers the student extensive experience in a play production. Students interested in taking this course should not pre-register. Students should contact department faculty members during the week of orientation and registration in fall or during the first week of classes in the spring.

    Expressive Arts EA
    TARA P24

    Costume and Make-up

    Practicum offers the student extensive experience in a play production. Students interested in taking this course should not pre-register. Students should contact department faculty members during the week of orientation and registration in fall or during the first week of classes in the spring.

    Expressive Arts EA
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    Dance Courses

    DANC 215

    Modern Dance Technique

    A modern dance technique class focusing on developing the basic fundamentals, theories, vocabulary and theatricality of modern dance along with a holistic approach to a life-long learning of physical health and fitness.

    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    DANC 216

    Ballet Technique

    A ballet technique class, focusing on developing the basic fundamentals of classical ballet movement and alignment, vocabulary, theories and style along with a holistic approach to a life-long learning of physical health and fitness.

    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    DANC 217

    Jazz Dance Technique

    A jazz dance technique class focusing on the introduction to and the development of various styles, vocabulary and theories of jazz along with a holistic approach to a life-long learning of physical health and fitness.

    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    DANC 250

    Dance Making Fundamentals

    An introduction to dance design and focusing on the interpretive processes of viewing through the Liz Lerman critical response process or “reading” dance and the creating/revising processes of choreographing “writing” dance using historical and contemporary dance artists and styles as the foundational “grammar.”

    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    DANC 325

    Choreography

    A study of the fundamentals of the craft of choreography through a variety of improvisational components, a study of contemporary choreographers, theory and process.

    Expressive Arts EA
    DANC X98

    Internship

    Students interested in an internship in dance should contact the department chair

    DANC X99

    Independent Study

    Students interested in independent studies in dance should contact the department chair.

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    Dance Activities

    DANA A30

    Dance Ensemble

    A performance ensemble of choreographed dance that may accrue 1/4 course credit per semester. Acceptance is by audition. Two semesters of DANA A30 fulfill the two Physical Activities capacities requirement toward graduation. Note there is a limit of two course credits from partial credit courses that can be used toward the 32 courses required for graduation.

    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
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