ACADEMICS

MAJOR: THEATRE ARTS

CORE:
101: Introduction to Theatre OR 102: Dance and Culture
200: Fundamentals of Dance
203: Acting
205: Directing OR 204: Fundamentals of Choreography
210: Topics in Design and Technology for the Theatre (2 courses required)
One approved Course in Dramatic Literature, OR, 214:Topics in Dance and the Body
316: Dance History Seminar, OR, 313: Theatre History Seminar

PRE-APPROVED CLUSTERS:

For Acting and Directing (Choose 3):
300: Movement and Text
303: Advanced Acting
305: Advanced Directing
An Approved Course in Dramatic Literature
495: Senior Project

For Dance (Choose a combination of 3 full courses):
300: Movement and Text
304: Applied Choreography
Any studio dance instruction 200-level or higher
495: Senior Project

For Design and Technology:
ONE additional section of 210: Topics in Design and Technology
Select two additional courses:
495: Senior Project
500: Independent Study in Applied Design or Technology
ARTH 101 or 102: An Introduction to the History of Art
ARTH 122: Fundamentals of Composition and Drawing
ARTH 123: Fundamentals of Sculpture and Three-Dimensional Design

For Dramatic Literature:
Three additional approved courses in Dramatic Literature, one of which must have a pre-1800 focus. Examples include:
CLST 110: Introduction to Greek Civilization
ENGL 366: Studies in Drama
ENGL 387: Contemporary Drama
ENGL 392: Shakespeare
FREN 364: Topics in French and Francophone Literatures
(if substantially dramatic in focus)
GRMN 342: Sturm und Drang and German Classicism
GRMN 345: German Expressionism
GREK 234: Greek Tragedy
GREK 332: Greek Comedy
SPAN 320: Studies in Spanish Golden Age Texts
SPAN 360: Introduction to Translation Studies (when focus on Dramatic translation is possible)

495: Senior Project

NOTE:
Students may propose individualized clusters; however, these must be submitted for approval by the department of theatre and dance by the end of the student's 5th semester in residence. If a student does not propose a cluster by this point, they MUST complete one of the pre-approved clusters as listed.

Enrollment in 495: Senior Project requires departmental approval. Students may only be approved for PERFORMANCE BASED senior projects if they have had significant experience with a departmental co-curricular program. (Mermaid Players or Dance Theatre Group Mainstage Productions)

MINOR:

Theatre Arts: 101, 200 OR 300, 203, 210, 205, 313

Dance: 102, 204, 210, 316, one course in dance technique, one course selected from 220 or 304
Co-Curricular Programs

The Mermaid Players
Student co-curricular organization in theatre which produces three major productions annually in collaboration with the Department of Theatre and Dance. Membership and voting privileges are open to all students who meet established membership criteria. Auditions for productions are open to all students.

Dance Theatre Group
Student co-curricular organization in dance which produces fall and spring concerts of choreography created by students, faculty and guest artists in collaboration with the Department of Theatre and Dance. Membership is open to all students who meet established criteria. Auditions for dance concerts are open to all students.

The First-Year Plays
A program of one-act plays presented each fall by student directors with first-year students in the casts.

Lab Shows
A laboratory program sponsored by the Mermaid Players to encourage and provide for a series of experimental productions.
Courses

101 Introduction to Theatre A course designed to encourage an understanding and appreciation of theatre as an art form. Aesthetic foundations of theatre are explored, as well as the role of various theatre practitioners in the creation of today's theatre. The course surveys the evolution of theatre through major time periods, exposing students in the process to various types of dramatic literature and theatrical practice.

102 Dance and Culture Designed for students with little or no previous knowledge about dance, this course examines both theatrical and non-theatrical forms of dance in historical and cultural contexts. Through readings, discussion, lectures, studio experiences, and viewing live and videotaped performances, the course focuses on the conceptual components of dance while tracing the development of concert dance and exploring various styles and purposes of dance in society.

108, 109 Introduction to Ballet Instruction in classical ballet technique along with a study of ballet as a performing art.Each carries .5 academic credit and 1 PE block.

111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 411, 412 Ballet Instruction I, II, III, IV Open to students with previous experience in ballet who wish to continue ballet instruction at one of four levels: I. the basic level; II. the intermediate level, open to students who demonstrate a basic technique; III. the advanced level, open to students who demonstrate substantial technical skill; IV. the performance level, open to students competent to perform ballet. One-half or one course may be taken each semester. Placement by audition at the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, where all classes are held. Each course may be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor. Students may take these courses for .5 academic credit and 1 PE block (this is designated with -01) or for 1 full academic credit and 1 PE block (this is designated with -02).When taken for .5 academic credit, these courses do not fulfill a distribution requirement, but will carry 1 PE block. When taken for 1 full academic credit, these courses satisfy the Division I.C distribution requirement and 1 PE block.

121, 122; 221, 222; 321, 322 Modern Dance I, II, and III Studio courses in modern dance offered at three levels: I. the basic level, which assumes no previous dance experience; II. the intermediate level, open to students who demonstrate basic accomplishment in dance technique; III. the advanced level, open to students who demonstrate substantial technical skill. All courses will explore the principles of modern dance, emphasizing body awareness and the expressive use of weight, space, and time. Materials will be selected from a variety of contemporary dance techniques to promote performance of a range of movement dynamics, as well as musicality, strength, flexibility, and improved body alignment. Each course may be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor.Each carries .5 academic credit and 1 PE block.

123, 124; 223, 224; 323, 324 Jazz Dance I, II, and III Studio courses in jazz dance offered at three levels: I. the basic level, which assumes no previous dance experience; II. the intermediate level, open to students who demonstrate basic accomplishment in dance technique; III. the advanced level, open to students who demonstrate substantial technical skill. All courses will focus on the movement vocabulary and dynamics of jazz dance. Elements of rhythm, body isolations, and various styles of jazz technique will be emphasized. Each course may be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor.Each carries .5 academic credit and 1 PE block.

125 International Dance This course will introduce the movement vocabulary and performance techniques of dance form(s) from different cultures. In this studio-based course, students will develop their skills as performers of specific styles/forms of dance from around the world. The historical and cultural significance of the dance form(s) will also be addressed.Carries .5 academic credit and 1 PE block.

200 Fundamentals of Dance An introduction to the predominant western theatrical dance forms of ballet, modern, and jazz dance, this course emphasizes development and practice of the movement skills and basic dance vocabulary that characterize these dance forms. This studio based course explores aesthetic frameworks through direct, personal engagement in both doing dance and viewing dance. Selected readings, viewing of live and videotaped performances, and occasional lectures concerning the historical and cultural contexts in which these forms have developed, will augment the studio work.Carries 1 academic credit and 1 PE block.

203 Acting An introduction to the principles and theories of acting combined with practical exercises and scene performance.

204 Fundamentals of Choreography Direct studio experience with the tools of generating and shaping movement to create dances improvisation and the fundamentals of composition will be augmented by analysis of dances seen on videotape and in live performance. The course explores the use of space, time, and energy in the creation and manipulation of movement material for artistic expression, and examines the aesthetic dimensions of the art of dance. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor; one studio course in dance is recommended.

205 Directing A study of the major techniques employed by stage directors. Visual theory, text analysis, collaborative techniques, and organizational strategies are examined and applied in class exercises including the direction of scenes. Prerequisite: 203.

210 Topics in Design and Technology for the Theatre A course of study in dramatic production examining the collaborative relationship between designers and technicians in the major design and technical fields supporting theatre and dance production. Students will learn the work and craft of the designer as a visual artist complemented by experience with the tools and technologies which bring the designers' concepts to the stage. Two topics will be selected each semester from the fields of costuming, lighting, sceneography, stage properties production, and sound production. Basic design skills in drawing, drafting, painting, rendering, and model making will be augmented with experience in the shops and with the tools, techniques, and equipment by which abstract design concepts are brought to dramatic life. Three hours of classroom and a two-hour laboratory per week. Offered every semester with rotating topics to be announced.

214 Topics in Dance and the Body This course examines and applies theoretical and/or scientific study to the dancing body through experiential investigation, reading and lecture. Prerequisite: Proficiency in ballet or modern dance at the intermediate level or permission of instructor.

220 Dance Repertory A laboratory experience in the creation and performance of dance for the concert stage. Under the guidance of faculty or guest professional choreographers, students will explore the interpretive processes by which dances are created.NOTE: This course carries .5 credit (graded credit/no credit) and 1 PE block. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor based on an open audition process. Co-requisite: 200, or a dance technique course and/or participation in weekly Dance Theatre Group company class.

300 Movement and Text This course will explore the creative process through movement and language. The student will work individually and in groups to create performance pieces based upon principles of text and movement. The class aims to develop the expressive power of the voice and body while fostering interdisciplinary thinking and artistic experimentation and an appreciation for the historic intersection of dance and theater.Prerequisite: Acting and/or 200-level movement.

302 Special Topics in Theatre and Dance An examination of selected aspects of theatrical experiment, theory, and practice. Topics chosen at the discretion of the instructor and in consultation with students, e.g., advanced study in various aspects of production, design, performance, and staging as well as special topics in dramatic literature, history, and theory.

303 Advanced Acting An in-depth examination of the process of acting. Technical, interpretive, and psychological aspects are explored through reading, exercises, and scene performances. Major theories of acting are presented and discussed in the context of developing a workable, individualized approach to acting. Prerequisite: 202, 203.

304 Applied Choreography This course will focus on the principles of choreography as they may be applied to the development of original dance works for inclusion in the fully produced, mainstage Dance Theatre Group Spring Concert. Through weekly workshop/discussion sessions, readings, and rehearsals, selected elements of dance composition as well as issues of aesthetic perception and articulation are explored. The processes involved in generating movement material, running constructive and creative rehearsals, and working with lighting and costume designers, are our primary concerns. The course work will include an audition showings, production of the dances, and the final performance.One-half course. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor; 200, 204, 220 are recommended

305 Advanced Directing An inquiry into the process of translating a play from the printed text to the live stage. Detailed analytical techniques and major directorial theories are examined through readings, class discussion, and written assignments. Each student directs a one-act production under advisement of the instructor. Prerequisite: 205 and 210.

313 Theatre History Seminar An intensive investigation of theatre in its various historical contexts within a seminar structure. Selected eras of Western Theatre are examined in depth, as are various non-western theatrical traditions. Prerequisites: 101 or permission of instructor.

314 Topics in Dance Advanced study in dance history or dance ethnology. Prerequisite: 102 and 104.

316 Dance History Seminar Focusing on the development of western theatrical dance, this course examines major artistic movements, choreographers, performers, and other influential figures in relation to historical and ideological contexts, with an emphasis on 20th and 21st century dance performance. Readings, video, live performance, and selected studio experiences will support the investigation of dance as an aesthetic and cultural phenomenon.Prerequisite: 102. Offered every two years.

495 Senior Project A culminating experience for students completing the Theatre major with emphasis in Dramatic Literature, Acting/Directing, or Dance. The specific nature of projects will be determined on an individual basis, but all senior projects will consist of at least two of the following: a) scholarship, b) technical/production work, and c) performance. Prerequisite: Senior major status.

The following course is offered in summer semester in England program:

110 Theatre in England A topics course in the history and performance of drama which uses performances in and expertise of the theatrical world in London as resources for its study. Taught only in the Summer Semester in England program.