Performing Arts Certificate

This course applies technical, performing, script analysis, stage management, and other skills to an actual theatrical production. Students contract with a department mentor for responsibilities and the appropriate credit expectations. In addition to production responsibilities, students are expected to complete reading and writing assignments connected to the production. This course is repeatable for credit. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Lec/Lab (Fall, Spring).

This course will examine the characteristics and elements of theatre and the performing arts, emphasizing the principles and conventions that guided theatre productions through history. The course examines the ways that theatre influences and is influenced by cultures and by individual life experience. Particular attention is paid to the development of scripts, visual theatre, theatre vocabulary, and the emergence of Deaf and multicultural theatre. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

This course introduces students to the technical and design processes of theatre, including scenery, costume, lighting, make-up, and prop craft. Students experience the range of skills needed to create successful productions, and identify their own areas of interest and strength for future theatre participation. Lecture 3 (Fall).

This course expands students’ understanding of the use of physical space through creative movement strategies. These are supplemented by images, gesture, and sign representation of story elements. Techniques developed from visual theatre practices are studied. Through active participation, students learn the language of movement, mime and visual theatre. Ensemble work based on performance standards, character creation, and theme development is emphasized. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).

The description will be specified on each Independent Study Contract. Ind Study (Fa/sp/su).

This course fosters the understanding and appreciation of design as part of theatrical productions with specific reference to the fields of scenic, lighting, and costume design and the personnel involved. Students will explore the historical and cultural aspects of theatre while examining the relationship to their activities in everyday life. Students will learn how theatrical scripts and stage directions influence the design, aesthetics, and use of space in a theatrical production, and how to use the script to visualize the design process. Deaf Theatre and other cultural references will be used to discuss the ever growing need to address diversity and accessibility in theatrical productions. Emphasis will be placed on using literary analysis of themes and metaphors inherent in a script to develop an appreciation for the artistic and aesthetic aspects of technical theatre. No artistic or technical skills necessary. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).

This course fosters the understanding and appreciation of the integration of media to support and enhance storytelling in theatre, dance, and experimental performances. Focus will be placed on the study and appreciation of media in performance through an exploration of theory, historical perspectives, and creative expression. Examples of media from early integration to current practices will be explored, as well as the various types of technology and equipment used. Deaf Theatre and other cultural references will be used to discuss the need to support accessibility and create inclusive environments. Instances where media and technology were used to push the boundaries, as well as to develop and test new technology, will also be examined. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

This course is an introduction to the methods and materials of theatrical painting and props through a project-oriented class. Techniques, communication, and use of appropriate materials and tools are emphasized. Students apply the skills learned to individual and group projects. This course prepares students for more specialized work in Theatre Practicum. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).

This course introduces students to the principles and techniques associated with theatrical stage makeup. Through practical application and experimentation, students will be encouraged to explore a variety of methods, materials, and possibilities for a range of character types; including fantasy and special effects makeup techniques. Students will be provided lectures, handouts, and class and video demonstrations throughout the semester. Lec/Lab 4 (Fall or Spring).

This course is designed as an introduction to the theory and application of costume and accessory design for the stage. Students will explore the artistic, historical, and technical aspects of creating costumes and accessories, learning about key vocabulary, equipment, and materials used in costume technology. Influences on design theory will be examined through examples from Deaf Theatre and cultural, physical, and visual-based performances. Students will gain an appreciation for the relationship that costumes and accessories contribute to the overall meanings of dramatic performance. Lecture 3 (Fall or Spring).

This course introduces students to the study and appreciation of technical theatre through an exploration of theory, historical perspectives, and creative expression of theatrical scenery. Students will explore the principles, techniques, and tools used in creating scenery. Attention will also be placed on the evolution of theatrical scenery throughout time, theories and application of design elements, and the impact of the growth of technology over the last century. Influences on design theory will be examined through examples from Deaf Theatre and cultural, physical, and visual-based performances. Lecture 3 (Fall or Spring).

This course introduces students to the study and appreciation of technical theatre through an exploration of theory, historical perspectives, and the creative expression of theatrical lighting. Influences on design theory will be examined through examples from Deaf Theatre and cultural, physical, and visual-based performances. Students will explore conventional lighting equipment and techniques used in creating lighting effects for theatrical productions. The evolution of lighting uses throughout time and the impact of the exponential growth of lighting technology over the last century will also be covered. Lecture 3 (Fall or Spring).

This course introduces students to the actor's craft, process, and technique. Major performance methods are introduced in both physical approaches to acting (Grotowski, Delsarte, Alexander technique, multi-cultural methods from African Griot to Japanese Noh) and psychological approaches (Stanislavsky, Meisner, Hagan, Strasberg). Foundation skills in translation, memorization, stage combat, mask, and mime prepare the student upper-level performance courses. Lec/Lab 4 (Fall, Spring).

This course gives students the opportunity for focused, in-depth study of a selected advanced topic in theatre, using seminar and workshop approaches. Specific topics vary from semester to semester, and address such areas as methods of acting, playwriting, production design, systems of analysis, genres of dance, translation, and historical influences on theatre art. This course is repeatable for credit. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).

This course explores the evolution of dance from early movement to the diverse representation of dance found in the world today. Emphasis will be placed on the study and appreciation of dance through an exploration of theory, history, and the perspective of cultural and social impacts, along with traditional and experimental dance forms. Students will experience and reflect on a survey of dance forms through lectures, discussions, literature references, and viewings of film and live performance. Lecture 3 (Fa/sp/su).

This course introduces students to the study and appreciation of jazz dance through an examination of movement concepts, artistic principles, and the exploration of theory, history, and socio-cultural perspectives. Students will explore various styles of jazz such as Broadway, Street, and Contemporary. Emphasis will be placed on body isolations and rhythmic phrasing to help students develop an appreciation for jazz dance as an art form. Students will discover new capabilities regarding flexibility, strength, coordination, balance, and their comprehension of jazz dance in relation to music, space, time, and energy. Through practice and application, students will develop a physical appreciation of dance from the experience of movement and creative expression. Learning about jazz dance performance and history through the use of images, video, practice, and discussions as well as reading and writing assignments will be part of the course. Lec/Lab 4 (Fall or Spring).

This course introduces students to the study and appreciation of hip hop through an exploration of theory, historical and aesthetic foundations, and socio-cultural perspectives. Students will experience a variety of movement qualities, develop techniques for proper body stretching and conditioning, and be exposed to basic hip hop styles and trends. Students will discover new capabilities regarding flexibility, strength, coordination, balance and their comprehension of hip hop dance in relation to music, space, time and energy. Through practice and application, students will develop a physical appreciation of dance from the experience of movement and creative expression. Learning about hip hop dance performance and history through the use of images, video, practice and discussions as well as reading and writing assignments will be part of the course. Lec/Lab 4 (Fall or Spring).

This course is designed as an introduction to dance as a developmental, expressive, and creative art form. Students will learn how the artistic principles and movement concepts of: basic rhythms, dance technique, improvisation and beginning choreography; impact the creation and execution of modern dance. Students will discover new technical capabilities regarding flexibility, strength, coordination, balance and their comprehension of modern dance in relation to music, space, time and energy. Through practice and application, students will understand the unique structure of their own bodies and expand their awareness of self and others. Theoretical aspects of dance related to historical and socio-cultural contexts will be explored. Learning about dance performance and history through the use of images, video, practice and discussions as well as reading and writing assignments will be part of the course. No previous dance experience is required. Lec/Lab 4 (Fall, Spring).

This course is designed as an introduction to ballet observed through artistic principles, movement concepts and the exploration of technique. Students will discover new technical capabilities regarding flexibility, strength, coordination, balance and their comprehension of the ballet form in relation to music, space, time and energy. Through practice and application, students will understand the unique structure of their own bodies and expand their awareness of self and others. While the primary focus is on strengthening individual dance technique and knowledge of traditional and contemporary ballet movements, dynamic alignment, movement efficiency, connectivity, articulation, phrasing, and breath support, students can expect to develop an appreciation for aspects of the ballet aesthetic while considering theoretical aspects related to historical and socio-cultural contexts. Learning about dance performance and history through the use of images, video, practice and discussions as well as reading and writing assignments will be part of the course. No previous dance experience is required. Lec/Lab 4 (Fall, Spring).

This course focuses on the study and appreciation of dance and choreography through an exploration of theory, history, and social-cultural perspectives encompassing the elements related to designing movement. Students will explore various approaches of dance composition and the creative process from historical and cultural perspectives while examining the interactions of dance and movement found in society today. Attention will also be placed on the role of designing movement and space beyond the dance studio. Examples from live and recorded performances, as well as digitally produced creations such as animations in television, movies and video games, will be examined. Lec/Lab 4 (Fall or Spring).

The description will be specified in each Special Topic Documentation Form. Lecture (Fall, Spring).