Acting, Advanced Acting
This is an on-going intensive course of study in the craft
of acting. It includes the study of stage deportment and
usage, script/character analysis, improvisation, ensemble
and monologue work. The work concentrates on self-awareness/acceptance
and the understanding of the body and voice as tools for
creative expression. The course also addresses the discovery
and use of a personal working process. Two levels are
offered. Students are placed in class at the discretion
of the acting faculty.
Acting Seminar (Honors)
This course is intended for advanced students who are
ready to explore specific styles of acting and overcome
personal acting challenges. Advanced scene study is undertaken
expanding on the principles of relaxation, concentration,
objectives, actions and moment-to-moment spontaneity.
Examination and application of various techniques such
as Stanislavsky, Meisner, Augustus Boal and Michael Chekov
are employed allowing for greater growth and understanding
of the craft of acting. The students work independently
and in collaboration with faculty and classmates on a
One-Person Show. From idea to final draft to live performance
the students are challenged to develop their own one-person
performance piece. Personal experience, emotional availability,
theatrical structure, acting technique and craft are put
to use culminating in an exciting new performance opportunity.
Students are placed in this upper level course at the
discretion of the acting faculty.
Acting for the Camera
Today’s successful acting career requires actors
to move effortlessly and effectively from play to commercial
to soap opera to film and back again. This one semester
course examines the technique of acting as it applies
specifically to the camera. It is taught in conjunction
with the Moving Pictures department. Placement is at the
discretion of the acting faculty.
Acting Laboratory
This course offers acting students the opportunity to
explore personalized curriculum in the area of performance.
Class work may result in juried performance opportunities
viewed by department faculty, the school community and
the public.
Acting Shakespeare
This course is an advanced acting class designed to introduce
qualified actors to the work of the great playwright.
It is offered when staffing permits. Students are assigned
to the class by the chair of the department.
Alexander Technique
The purpose of this one semester course is to develop
the student's awareness of the body as an expressive instrument
of alignment, relaxation, flexibility, strength and stamina
in order to stimulate the correct and imaginative use
of the whole body. This course is offered when staffing
permits.
Class Piano
This course is available through the Music department.
Musical theatre concentration students are encouraged
to learn the basic techniques of piano.
Company Class Acting/Technical
Students selected for the Company are placed in Company-Acting
or Company-Technical Theatre and participate in mainstage
performances. Students are shifted within Company-Tech
and Company-Acting as per production needs, casting, etc.
Placement in Company is by audition only and is based
on achievement, skill, maturity and readiness to handle
the work. Students may be selected for full year participation
or on a semester basis. Assessment of any student for
placement is by faculty evaluation only.
Design Elective
This one semester course provides specific instruction
in the varying disciplines of technical theatre. Topics
vary from year to year and may include studies in advanced
theatrical design, make-up design, computer aided design,
scene painting, film and television production technique,
history of costume or decor, etc. This course is offered
when staffing permits.
Design/Tech Lab
This course offers design and technical theatre students
the opportunity to explore individualized curriculum in
the area of design and technical theatre. This course
may include, but is not limited to, modeling and rendering
skills, painting techniques, new technologies, and sound
and light operations and design.
Development of the Drama
This history course is a survey of dramatic literature
from the classics to contemporary plays. Students learn
the basic principles of script analysis. Development of
the Drama is required of Theatre major sophomores.
Design for Theatre I, II
This course teaches the design process for all elements
of theatre. It begins with script analysis and covers
collaboration, concepts, design styles, and the responsibilities
of the designer. Students produce sketches, color renderings,
drafting and scale models, light plots and any associated
paperwork that may eventually be used in their portfolios.
Students may repeat this course with the consent of the
instructor.
Drafting for the Theatre I, II
This course teaches young designers the fundamentals of
drafting. Areas of concentration include basic drafting
equipment, development of proper technique, and the use
of scale and industry standards.
Drawing for the Theatre
This course is designed for a wide variety of students
from beginners to those with a more practiced drawing
technique. It teaches drawing as a basic communication
tool and a means of process and exploration. Areas of
concentration include figure drawing, still life, use
of different color media, sketching and rendering.
Improvisation
This class offers young actors the improvisational techniques
required to inspire spontaneity and creativity. Non-majors
may enroll with the instructor’s permission.
Independent Study - Audition/Portfolio
This course is used primarily to assist the student in
preparation for college auditions in theatre. Students
write a prospectus for the course outlining their goals,
their timetable for material selection or portfolio preparation
and coaching schedule. Students may opt to attend the
Unified Auditions held in Chicago, Illinois in February.
The Unified Auditions are conducted by approximately thirty-five
college/conservatory programs specializing in theatre.
Theatre faculty accompany students to the auditions. Successful
completion of preparatory work is required and attendance
at the Unified Auditions is at the discretion of the faculty.
All costs including airfare, hotel, food, and audition
fees are the responsibility of the student. This course
is required of all Theatre majors in the first semester
of their senior year.
Introduction to Design
Students study the basic principles and methodology of
theatrical design. This survey course includes studies
in developing concepts and approach statements, usage
of materials and production research.
Lighting and Sound Fundamentals
This is a course that investigates the design process
in lighting and sound for the theatre, beginning with
script analysis and covering collaboration, concepts,
past and current technologies and the responsibilities
of the designer. Students produce sketches, drafted plots
and associated paperwork that may eventually be used in
their portfolios. Students may repeat this course with
consent of the instructor.
Mask Characterization
This one semester course teaches a step-by-step acting
process designed to stimulate and free the imagination.
By putting greater emphasis on acting with the whole body,
"masking" rids the actor of self-conscious mannerisms
and allows the creation of fully dimensional characters.
Music Fundamentals for Musical Theatre
This course offers the study of harmony, theory and ear
training as it applies to a professional career in musical
theatre. Concentration is on sight singing, the study
of diatonic scales and chordal relationships. This class
is offered when staffing and enrollment permit.
Musical Theatre Repertory
This course examines the development of musical theatre
from the English Music Hall to the contemporary musical
through academic study. The styles and periods of musical
theatre development are also examined through listening/singing
and presentation of the material. Audition material and
ensemble singing are incorporated into the course. Depending
on enrollment, beginning and advanced levels of this class
may be offered and placement in levels is at the discretion
of the faculty. Students may repeat this course with consent
of the instructor.
Practicum
Every Theatre Arts major must enroll in Practicum each
semester. Students must complete fifteen hours of work
per semester. Department assignments may include stage
management, performance ushering, and/or other service
opportunities. Attendance at all department strikes is
mandatory and hours are recorded to fulfill part of the
Practicum requirement.
Production Design
This course is a joint offering by the Theatre and the
Moving Pictures departments to explore the role of the
production designer in the art of the motion picture.
Both aesthetic and technical considerations are considered,
as well as how a production designer works with the director.
Set design, set construction and scenic painting are some
of the topics covered. Open to all majors with the consent
of instructor.
Stage Combat
The techniques of hand-to-hand, rapier and broadsword,
with an emphasis on safety, notation, choreography, masking
and performance, are introduced in this one semester course.
Through practical application, stage combat and its use
in the theatrical world is realized. The course is offered
when staffing permits. Students are required to purchase
fencing equipment to participate.
Stage Management
This course explores the vital role that the stage manager
plays in production. It includes text study and practical
experience, enabling students to gain understanding and
knowledge of the many technical components of production.
Standard organizational procedures, scheduling, budgeting,
production, safety, the supervision of crews and the running
of rehearsals and performances represent the fundamentals
of the course.
Stage Movement
Stage Movement encompasses various methodologies of body
dynamics including Alexander, Feldenkrais, and Laban.
These techniques are geared to help the actor gain awareness
of the body and strengthen characterization through the
use of the body. Stage Movement qualifies for P.E. credit.
Musical Theatre Dance (Ballet, Jazz, Styles,
Tap)
This course introduces the students to various styles
of musical theatre dance. Each section of this course
is offered when staffing allows and qualifies for P.E.
credit. It is required of Musical Theatre concentration
students.
Production Seminar
This upper level course allows students to explore the
process of mounting a production beginning with selecting
an appropriate script and continuing through actual performance.
The students will fill all of the necessary positions
required for the performances.
Technical Theatre Seminar (Honors)
This course is an in-depth study of trends and standard
practices in technical theatre. Students create and develop
a complete design package for a play. They produce renderings,
models and paper work for the project. The materials generated
through the course are included in their portfolios. Independent
thinking and self-motivation are key factors to success.
This is an advanced course for Theatre majors only.
Techniques and Analysis
This course focuses on developing the fundamental skills
used in rehearsing and performing modern realistic plays.
Through an exploration of various acting techniques, students
acquire the tools and skills necessary for honest characterization,
and truthful moment-to-moment life on stage. Students
will experience the art of ensemble, scene, and monologue
work, text analysis, and preparation techniques.
Theatre History
This course investigates the theatre from ancient origins
to the present day. The study incorporates major developments
in the architectural structure of theatres, dramatic literature,
acting conventions, styles and technical achievements.
Successful completion of this course is a Theatre Arts
certificate requirement.
Theatre Production
This class is designed for students in all majors. Theatre
Production offers an orientation to technical theater
procedures and a general overview of technical theatre
production.
Voice and Speech
This course explores the theory and practice of vocal
production and speech. It incorporates Catherine Fitzmaurice’s
work with tremoring (breath work) and Iris Warren’s
work which Kristin Linklater cataloged and developed further
in her book, Freeing the Natural Voice. The voice work
explores body and breath awareness, vibrations, amplification,
jaw tongue, soft palate, resonators, breath capacity and
articulation. The speech work is based on Louis Colaianni’s
Phonetic Pillow approach to speech. Students will become
fluent in the American sounds of the International Phonetic
Alphabet (IPA). IPA is then applied to learning a standard
American dialect and the students learn how to apply IPA
to other dialects.
Voice Lessons
Private voice lessons are required for all junior and
senior students who wish to study Musical Theatre. Placement
is with consent of Theatre faculty and teacher assignment
is made by the Music department faculty. There is an additional
fee for private lessons.
Master Classes
Workshops, master classes and lecture-demonstrations by
artists in the following fields may be given:
Acting Design Meeting the Industry
Agents Directing/Producing Mime
Audition Fencing Photography
Casting Make-up
