Theatre and Dance
Stephanie L. Milling, Ph.D. , Interim Chair
The curricula in theatre arts are based on the belief that critical study, performance, and studio work are all necessary for the education of the theatre artist. Study of literature, theatre history, and theory deepens the artist’s understanding of principles and perspectives. Likewise, the studio provides the necessary practical training for the artist, and productions become the laboratory for practice of new skills gained.
The production of plays is the principal means available for coordinating all the elements of theatre art. The play is the single experience in which the knowledge and insight gained from history, theory, and criticism are given substance by the arts of the playwright, director, actor, and designer. In this way the production program of the department is an integral component of the education of graduate students.
To excel in the practical disciplines of theatre, an individual’s natural abilities must be developed through study combined with practice. Hence, while individual students with a high degree of natural talent are selected, it will be their ability to apply themselves with discipline and determination to the preparation and practice of classroom work that will lead to their final success in programs and in the profession.
An important aim of our graduate program is to produce theatre artists who have knowledge of representative plays from all periods of Western European theatre history and of the theoretical foundations of Western drama and the theatre arts. Students also have opportunities to explore non-western theatre. Graduates should be capable of applying that knowledge in performance and production work.
The department uses a combination of permanent faculty and visiting professionals to provide its graduate population with appropriate instructional experiences. The department also uses artists-in-residence to augment graduate instruction, play production, and the dance program.
This faculty serves graduate students in the M.A., M.A.T., and M.F.A. degree programs. With an attractive student-teacher ratio, the graduate program in theatre provides a number of forums in which experiences, ideas, and knowledge can be shared.
Admissions
Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Teaching
Applicants for the M.A. and M.A.T. degrees should hold a baccalaureate degree that includes a minimum of 24 semester hours in theatre, with grades indicating graduate ability. Applicants for the M.A.T. should submit satisfactory scores on the Miller Analogies Test. Applicants for the M.A. degree must submit satisfactory scores on the general section of the Graduate Record Examination and a recent writing sample. While there is no absolute minimum score required on the MAT or GRE, students with less than a 40 (MAT) or 1000 (GRE verbal and quantitative) usually find it difficult to complete the program and may need to justify their scores during the application process.
Master of Fine Arts
Applicants for the M.F.A. degree should hold a B.F.A. or B.A. degree from an accredited institution with a major in theatre. Acceptance of an M.F.A. applicant, determined by the departmental admissions committee, will be based upon academic records, letters of recommendation, interviews, and either the critical examination of appropriate portfolio materials or the audition.
Programs
The Theatre and Dance Department offers the Theatre, M.A.T. (P-12 Certification) in conjunction with the College of Education.
Courses
A series of courses, each lasting one-third of a semester. Topics and required courses are announced in the class schedule for each semester.
Individual advanced training in movement, improvisation, flexibility, and precision in dance styles including modern and ballet.
Rehearsal, choreographic analysis, and dance performance. All components of dance production–including music, costume, lighting, and scenery–will be considered.
Cross-listed course: PEDU 577
Theoretical and experimental exploration of the major body systems and development movements to bring more articulation to the body and more awareness and physical ease in performance.
Cross-listed course: THEA 586
Reading and research on selected topics. Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by title. May be repeated once as topics vary.
A series of courses, each lasting one-third of a semester. Topics and
Rendering techniques for the communication of concepts and mood in the design process.
Principles and practice of playwriting. Writing, adapting, and revising plays. May be repeated with consent of department chair.
Comprehensive review of drama strategies, methods and pedagogical practices to be applied to non-drama learning contexts. Practical experience with the necessary skills, philosophies and techniques of drama in education.
Special problems in producing plays for child audiences.
Principles and practices of theatre-making within community contexts to address local issues and to provide aesthetic strategies for creative problem solving through theatre.
Problems involved in organizing, administering, and promoting the non-professional theatre.
Research and execution of period styles for wigs, hair, and facial pieces as related to theatrical and media design.
Specialized graphic techniques used in the preparation of a theatrical production. Practice in the execution and interpretation of working drawings, perspective sketches, color renderings, scale models, etc.
A variety of vocal and movement techniques that apply to acting and coaching with special emphasis on the physical and vocal processes in performance.
Survey and analysis of current drama teacher practice across international contexts in relationship to global, social and educational change.
A survey of clothing through the ages with emphasis on the dress of the actor in significant periods of theatrical activity. From ancient times to present day.
The principles of pattern making for costume construction using flat-pattern and draping techniques.
Advanced principles and practices of stagecraft.
Study of health and safety hazards for actors, technicians, and audience members.
Techniques of scene painting. Application of principles of painting to the stage.
Survey of the history and principles of scene design. Assignments will involve drawings, watercolor sketches, and scale models.
Advanced procedures and techniques of scenic design.
Apparel design through basic draping techniques on industry standard dress forms. Analysis of fit and design, problem solving and interaction of fabric characteristics with style features.
Developmental approaches to drama instruction in K-12 classroom settings.
A survey of plays, playwrights, actors, production, and the physical development of theatres from the time of the Greeks to 1660; reading of representative plays required.
A survey of plays, playwrights, actors, production, and the physical development of theatres from 1660 to the present; reading of representative plays required.
History of Western Theatre since the early 20th century. Students will be introduced to major figures, plays, and movements and explore influences from the broader culture on theatrical expression.
A survey of the major works of dramatic theory and criticism, with emphasis on theories of theatrical performance. from Aristotle through 18th-century neo-classicism.
A survey of the major works of dramatic theory and criticism, with emphasis on theories of theatrical performance from the 18th century to the present.
A study of dramatic structure as it relates to theatrical production. Emphasis on script reading and analysis. Production and new-works dramaturgy will be covered.
Theory and practice in the development of a role and an understanding of the psychology of the audience-actor relationship.
Technique of performing play scripts with heightened language and styles other than naturalism/realism. Some examples of genres that may be taught are Classical Greek, Elizabethan, absurdist.
Makeup design for specific character types, prosthetics and three-dimensional makeup effects. Special attention to the process of sculpting and modeling for makeup prosthetics.
An intensive laboratory course in theatrical and media performances.
An intensive laboratory course in repertory theatre.
Research and performance training in selected topics related to physical theatre. Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by title. May be repeated as topics vary.
A study of the principles, procedures and practice of stage direction, with the selection, analysis, casting, and rehearsal of a one-act play to be presented in the laboratory theatre.
Study and analysis of film production, performance, and aesthetics.
Theory and practice in the design of theatre costumes.
Advanced study in sound, production and design. Emphasis will be on mounting designs and refining design skills for Theatre, Music, and Media Arts students.
The study and application of techniques in theatrical stagecraft, design, lighting, costuming, and makeup applicable to specialized fields of communication media.
Theoretical and experimental exploration of the major body systems and developmental movements to bring more articulation to the body and more awareness and physical ease in performance.
Cross-listed course: DANC 586
Theory and practice of film and television acting.
The interrelationship of stage lighting and other production elements. Design techniques, equipment, and script analysis. Laboratory work on department productions. Restricted to theatre majors or those having special permission of instructor.
Stage lighting equipment and design techniques. Laboratory work on departmental productions.
Reading and research on selected topics. Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by title. May be repeated once as topics vary.
Introduction to research methods, sources, and practices for graduate work in theatre and theatre studies. Concentration on preparing for paper writing and thesis production.
The collaborative process between directors and theatrical designers.
This course is designed to expand pre-service theatre teachers’ exposure to the canon of plays written for young audiences and actors. Students will gain insight into issues surrounding creating plays for young audiences.
A studio workshop for advanced study of theatre arts and crafts.
A studio workshop for advanced study of theatre arts and crafts.
A studio workshop for advanced study of theatre arts and crafts.
A studio workshop for advanced study of theatre arts and crafts.
A studio workshop for advanced study of theatre arts and crafts.
A studio workshop for advanced study of theatre arts and crafts.
A studio workshop for advanced study of theatre arts and crafts.
A studio workshop for advanced study of theatre arts and crafts.
The aim of this course is to train graduate students in the requirements of stage management production meetings, assisting the director, and running the show. Professional, community, and academic theatre will be covered.
Advanced training in the technique and practice of technical drawing for the theatre.
Advanced training in vocal skills needed by actors. (A) Techniques of Berry and Linklater, (B) Technique of Skinner. May be repeated for a total of 15 hours.
Advanced training in vocal skills needed by actors. Techniques of Berry and Linklater . Note: May be repeated for a total of 15 hours.
Advanced training in vocal skills needed by actors. (A) Techniques of Berry and Linklater, (B) Technique of Skinner. Note: May be repeated for a total of 15 hours.
Advanced procedures and techniques of drafting, draping, pattern making, and wig making. Fabrics, their selection and modification for stage use.
Traditional and modern techniques for solving problems from actual theatrical productions.
Advanced techniques in scene painting. Application of principles of painting to the stage.
Advanced procedures and techniques of costume design: includes color theory, fabric potentiality, theatrical use of line, mass, and color.
Analysis of selected problems in theatrical design, technical execution, or performance techniques. May be repeated once for credit.
Analysis of selected problems in theatrical design, technical execution, or performance techniques. May be repeated once for credit.
Practical and research projects on identification, isolation, and selection of historic motifs for theatrical purposes.
Analytical skills, a shared vocabulary, and techniques for interpreting the dramatic text for the purposes of staging and performance. For theatrical collaborators.
May be repeated as topics vary for a total of 12 hours.
A synthesis of literary, critical, historical, and acting problems of selected period pieces with public performance providing the laboratory for testing alternative solutions. Registration by audition only.
A synthesis of literary, critical, historical, and acting problems of selected period pieces with public performance providing the laboratory for testing alternative solutions. Registration by audition only.
Focus on dispositions and experiences applicable to developing comprehensive theatre arts programs in K-12 schools.
Advanced training in movement skills needed by actors. May be repeated for a total of 15 hours.
Principles and practice of directing for the stage. The advanced study of the director's role in patterning the auditory stimuli for arena and proscenium theatres.
Rendering techniques, script study, color, and textile applications, prepared for presentation.
Complex design projects, advanced rendering techniques, and translation to stage.
A practical teaching experience in K-12 theatre classrooms consisting of a minimum of seven and a half to ten hours per week.
Practical experiences in observing, teaching lessons, and applying theory and student-centered approaches in order to implement K-12 theatre classroom strategies.
Production-related scene design problems and projects.
Responsibilities of the professional scene designer; analysis of problems and preparation of projects.
Large scale projects, such as musical theatre, ballet and multi-set plays, prepared with appropriate professional techniques for presentation and critique.