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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

In this course students incorporate practice, analysis, and experimentation to create a full-length piece of dramatic literature. Students explore the multi-faceted discipline of playwriting by reading established works of theatre as well as critical theory about the purpose, implementation, and moral obligation of dramatic literature. These readings serve to develop aptitude for creating work as well as constructively critiquing peers’ work. This course is open only to Murphy Scholars in Literature and Language.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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

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

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

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.