THDN 181 Motif Description
2 Semester Hours
Pinheiro, Ligia
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic principles of Motif description. It introduces students to symbols in a creative way by using improvisation as an integral element of creative movement. Several readings are included to give students a chance to apply the theory to movement in an experiential and kinesthetic way.
THDN 182 Dance Notation
2 Semester Hours
Pinheiro, Ligia
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic principles of the Labanotation system. It begins with motif description as a means to introduce symbols in a creative way before proceeding to structured notation. Several readings of works from score will be included to give students a chance to apply the theory to movement in an experiential and kinesthetic way.
THDN 120A 02 Art of the Theatre
4 Semester Hours
Reynolds, Steve
Prerequisite: None
The goal of this course is to provide you with an overview of the theatre that will enhance your appreciation of this art either as an audience member or participant. This class will consider the origin and development of the theatre, the roles theatre plays in our society, and the crafts of the theatre (acting, directing, design, etc.) Readings include plays and a text. Class periods will include discussions, lectures, participatory activities, and attending performances. There will be three exams, two reviews and a project on a classic play required.
THDN 120A 01 Art of the Theatre
4 Semester Hours
Humphries, Jimmy
Prerequisite: None
An overview of the development of the Theatre, this course is designed to introduce students to dramatic literature and theatre practice. This survey will explore the role of Theatre in Western culture within a historical context. The lecture/discussion format is designed to provide insights needed to understand and value Theatre as part of our culture. During the term students will read four plays. Four projects, four tests, one critical essay of a mainstage production, and one final exam are required.
THDN 210C Dance Ethnology
4 Semester Hours
Chang, Shih-Ming Li
Prerequisite: None
The purpose of this course is to provide knowledge and understanding of different cultures around the world by comparing and analyzing the differences of their dances. Through the understanding of the basic elements of time, space, and movement quality, the course will help students develop the ability to analyze different styles, forms, and functions of the dances of different countries and cultures. The course format includes video viewing, lecture/discussion, research, and learning some folk dances. Grading is based upon participation, assignments, a midterm, a final exam, and a presentation.
THDN 222A Acting I
4 Semester Hours
Steve Reynolds
Prerequisite: None
This course assumes no previous experience with the craft of acting. Acting I introduces the student to acting fundamentals through exercises, scene work, improvisations, character analysis, and a final monologue.
THDN 232 1.2 Scene Design
2 Semester Hours
Humphries, Jimmy
Prerequisite: THDN 230 Stagecraft or by permission of the instructor.
This course will develop the student's ability to communicate ideas in a visual medium through the use of images and metaphors. Students taking this course will learn how these ideas are articulated by means of sketches, renderings, and scale models. A major design project will be used to examine current scenic design practices used in theatre production. A final project will include the design of both a scenic and a property plot. Second half of the semester.
THDN 233 1.1 Lighting and Sound Design
2 Semester Hours
Humphries, Jimmy
Prerequisite: THDN 230 Stagecraft or by permission of the instructor.
This course will cover the techniques of designing lighting and sound for a variety of stage applications. This course is designed not only to acquaint the student with the fundamentals of instrumentation, color, and current design theory, but also to allow the student practical hands-on experience of cueing and focusing. First half of the semester.
THDN 270A Contemporary American Drama
4 Semester Hours
Reynolds, Steve
Prerequisite: None
This writing intensive course will investigate the new dramatic literature produced by American theatres. We will look at over 20 plays from the current repertoire including work by Tracy Letts, Suzan Lori Parks, Tony Kushner, and others. Literary quality, production demands, and how the play reflects our contemporary value systems will be analyzed. A journal, mid-term, final, paper, and a playwright presentation are required.
THDN 300 Directing I
4 Semester Hours
Georges, Corwin
Prerequisite: THDN 222 and THDN 230
This course studies the art of play production for proscenium, thrust, and central stages. Basic fundamentals such as script analysis, composition, picturization, movement, and rhythm are considered. Production procedures related to auditions, casting, and rehearsals are studied. Emphasis is placed on studying techniques and methods of working with the actor. The class has lecture/discussion and laboratory sessions. Each student is provided the opportunity to direct a one-act play during the semester. Evaluation is based on the student's directorial work, examinations, and other assignments.
THDN 400 Senior Seminar I
2 Semester Hours
Reynolds, Steve
Prerequisite: For Theatre majors only
We will concentrate on career development. Each senior will create a portfolio consisting of projects in design, acting, criticism, or directing based on his or her interests. In addition, we will explore major styles and playwrights that have not yet been covered in other courses.
