Theatre and Dance
Jim Hunter, Chair
Programs
The Department of Theatre and Dance offers the Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in theatre and dance.
Theatre
The theatre major is especially suitable for persons wishing a strong liberal arts education and/or preparation for careers in theatre, the entertainment industry, communication, education, law, medicine, the ministry, etc.
Dance
The Bachelor of Arts in Dance offers two concentrations: performance and choreography or dance education, and all students actively participate in departmental productions. The program is known for offering rigorous technical training while also providing opportunities for broad-based study in dance and beyond. Experience a world-class repertory, including historical dance works by George Balanchine, Martha Graham, Twyla Tharp, David Parsons, Lila York and Lynne Taylor Corbett, as well as original works by our eminent faculty. You will be exposed to dance techniques that include classical ballet, contemporary dance, jazz, musical theater and world dance. Students focusing in dance education have multiple opportunities to participate in professional learning experiences in a variety of educational and community settings while completing their studies. By extending the classroom into the field, students participate in hands-on learning that prepares them for teaching dance to a variety of populations while earning K-12 certification in dance.
Courses
An eclectic survey of various dance forms including primitive, historic, ballet, modern, and Broadway musical.
Carolina Core: AIU
A beginning study of ballet with emphasis on alignment, classical historical traditions, and combinations or movement. This course is for dance majors and minors. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
A beginning study of ballet with emphasis on alignment, classical historical traditions, and combinations or movement. This course is for non dance majors. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
Anatomy and movement analysis for dancers.
World Dance is dance experience in diverse world dance forms. This course is for dance majors and minors. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
World Dance is dance experience in diverse world dance forms. This course is for non dance majors. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
An introduction to modern dance with the beginning practice of movement technique. This course is for dance majors and minors. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
An introduction to modern dance with the beginning practice of movement technique. This course is for non dance majors. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
World Dance is dance experience in diverse world dance forms. This course is for dance majors and minors. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
World Dance is dance experience in diverse world dance forms. This course is for non dance majors. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
Introduction to dance as art, communication, and cultural expression as it applies to a career in dance. Open to non-majors.
An introductory course on dance composition and the creative process. Exploration and improvisation of different dance forms; specific choreographic tools. This course is for dance majors and minors. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
An introductory course on dance composition and the creative process. Exploration and improvisation of different dance forms; specific choreographic tools. This course is for non dance majors. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
Introduction of six major dances (Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Cha Cha, Swing, and Rumba) to students with no dance experience. The emphasis will be on learning dance figures and patterns.
Intermediate steps will include challenging choreography or patterns. The emphasis in technique will be based on developing speed and elegance while dancing complex patterns.
This course is designed for rehearsals leading to dance performances; and including student choreography, on stage productions, the dance touring ensemble and components of dance production. Repeat seven times.
A beginning level class focusing on coordination, rhythm, alignment, jazz vocabulary, and jazz dance positions. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
Second level of classical ballet technique facilitating skill in allegro and adagio work. This course is for dance majors and minors. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
Second level of classical ballet technique facilitating skill in allegro and adagio work. This course is for non dance majors. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
Pointe technique and skills on pointe, an extension of ballet technique at the foundational level. May be repeated four times.
A second level of contemporary technique, with emphasis on skill refinement and aesthetic elements. This course is for dance majors and minors. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
A second level of contemporary technique, with emphasis on skill refinement and aesthetic elements. This course is for non dance majors. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
An examination of Laban Movement analysis – a language for understanding, observing, describing and notating all forms of movement. Experiential, analytical and performance teaching methods will be used.
An overview of state and national standards, theoretical and philosophical perspectives that shape current practices for teaching dance in K-12 environments, and arts/dance education advocacy. Not open to freshmen. It is recommended that students have completed at least three semesters of technique.
Innovative system of exercises for the mind and body. Teaching posture, body awareness, and easy graceful movement at a beginner’s level.
An intermediate level class focusing on coordination, rhythm, alignment, jazz vocabulary, jazz dance positions, and expanded knowledge of theatrical jazz dance. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
Overview of the development of dance through the 19th century.
Development of dance from the 20th century to the present.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Global Learning
Rhythmic analysis, reading and metric patterns, construction and use of scores from musical theatre to symphonic orchestration with exercises to enhance the knowledge of relationship between dance and music.
Third level of classical ballet technique. This course is for dance majors and minors. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
Third level of classical ballet technique. This course is for non dance majors. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
Pointe technique and skills on pointe, an extension of ballet technique at the intermediate level. Study and execution of female variations from classical repertory. May be repeated four times.
Advanced fundamentals of tap dance, including intermediate/advanced rhythmic structure and incorporation of alignment and style.
The history and practice of indigenous West African dance.
A third level technique with refinement skills, and complex combinations. This course is for dance majors and minors. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
A third level technique with refinement skills, and complex combinations. This course is for non dance majors. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
An intermediate level choreography and composition course designed to create and adapt work in different dance forms in modern, jazz, and ballet.
An introduction to motor development, movement concepts, elements, and skills that contribute to lesson planning, instruction, and assessment of creative dance in K-12 education. It is recommended that students have completed at least three semesters of ballet and contemporary technique and world dance.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Internships
Innovative system of exercises for the mind and body. Teaching posture, body awareness, and easy graceful movement at an intermediate level.
A course open to all students interested in gaining knowledge of early dances from the 15th Basse, Pavanne and Gaillarde of the Renaissance era to the Baroque dances from the court of Louis XIV.
Advanced-level jazz dance technique. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
Styles of movement and dance in musical theatre from the ‘20s, ‘30s, and ‘40s to modern contemporary musical theatre. Choreographing for musicals, cultural forms of dance, staging for vocal pieces.
A survey of dance from ethnic and social to professional dance, from the time of the Greeks through the twentieth century.
Body conditioning technique designed to increase strength, flexibility, and coordination, enhancing the dance students’ performance ability and body awareness.
Study of the art of classical ballet for men with increased emphasis on facilitating skill in allegro and adagio work specific to male technique.
Advanced training methods and techniques in all forms of dance. Emphasis on recent research in dance curriculum and operational technique. For experienced dance teachers.
Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and department chair is required for undergraduate students.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
Intensive fourth level of classical ballet technique. This course is for dance majors and minors. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
Intensive fourth level of classical ballet technique. This course is for non dance majors. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
Pointe technique, an extension of ballet technique skills on pointe. Study and execution of female variations from classical repertory. May be repeated four times.
Study of the development of West African music and dance, emphasizing cultural, social, and physical influences. Exploration of the relationship between dancer and the drummer at an intermediate level.
Intensive advanced level contemporary dance technique. This course is for dance majors and minors. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
Intensive advanced level contemporary dance technique. This course is for non dance majors. May be repeated up to six times for credit.
The foundations of ballet technique are analyzed systematically. Students will learn to teach ballet technique and organize course work for all levels. Recommend students to have completed at least four semesters of ballet technique.
The foundations of contemporary dance technique are analyzed systematically. Students will learn to teach contemporary dance technique and organize course work for all levels. Recommend students to have completed at least four semesters of contemporary dance technique.
Study of the art of classical ballet pas de deux for men and women. Special attention will include adagio work from classical ballet repertory and contemporary dance.
An intermediate level choreography course to further examine choreographic construction methods.
Intensive study of content and strategies for teaching dance in middle and high school with particular emphasis on curriculum development, instruction, and assessment. Not open to freshmen or sophomores. Minimum of 90 hours in program of study.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Community Service
Seminar allows students to synthesize content and skills from all previous dance and education coursework in conjunction with their student teaching experience.
A mind/body integration course designed for performing artists.
Technical theatre functions, the structure and purpose of production design, and stage production as it relates to the whole of dance and theatrical performance.
Study and application of strategies for teaching diverse learners, implementation of instructional technology in the dance classroom, and dance/arts integration.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Community Service
Practical demonstration of pedagogical knowledge, skill, and dispositions necessary to effectively teach in K-12 dance education as defined and measured by CAEP and ADEPT standards.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Internships
Experiential Learning: Experiential Learning Opportunity
Body conditioning technique that simultaneously stretches and strengthens the body at an intermediate level. Gyrokinesis teaches complete freedom of movement through exercises synchronized with corresponding breathing patterns enhancing aerobic and cardiovascular stimulation and promoting neuromuscular awareness. Restricted to dance majors/minors only.
Culmination of the performance/choregraphy dance emphasis. Senior project encompassing a choreographic work or research thesis.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
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.
Procedures for implementation of processes involved in the Laboratory Theatre Production Program. Supervised preparation of all performance and production elements involved in the collaborative process of theatre production. Course content varies according to season production program. Permission of Instructor or by audition. May be repeated for credit.
Procedures and processes of running crews for the Mainstage Theatre Production Program. Collaborative teamwork through supervised participation in various theatre production running crews (management, scenic, lighting, sound, costumes and makeup). Course content varies according to season production program. May be repeated for credit.
Preparation and procedures of the rehearsal and performance processes for the Mainstage Theatre Production Program. Collaborative teamwork through supervised participation in an acting company. Course content varies according to season production program. By audition only. May be repeated for credit.
Procedures and processes for the Mainstage Theatre Production Program. Collaborative teamwork through supervised participation in various theatre production student crews (scenic, lighting, sound, costume, makeup, and promotions). Course content varies according to season production program.
Introduction to the art and craft of acting. Practical exploration through improvisation and scripted scene work. Includes a brief history of the development of modern acting techniques.
Carolina Core: AIU
The study and application of the principles of the art of makeup for the theatre.
Introduction to Shakespeare’s works on page, stage, and screen. Emphasis placed on performances of scripts. History of Shakespeare’s works/productions, stage/screen technique. Viewings of film adaptations required.
Carolina Core: AIU
An introduction to the understanding and appreciation of theatrical experience. Attendance at theatrical performances required.
Carolina Core: AIU
Introduction to methods of analyzing and interpreting drama, with emphasis on play structure, genre, and style. Designed for the theatre major in preparation for theatre scholarship, performance, production, and design.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
An introduction to the roles of the stage manager throughout theatrical productions that include pre-production planning, oversight of the rehearsal process, running technical rehearsals and performances, and completing post-production duties.
Theory and practice of make-up design for theatre and film. The application of analytical and research skills in the visual development of the character.
Study and practical application of voice and speech fundamentals in performance. Emphasis on speaking with ease, power and clarity to impact an audience.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences
Training in vocal skills needed by actors such as dialect, verse speaking and voice for a variety of media. Maybe repeated for credit.
An introductory course in the principles and practice of costume construction.
A beginning course in the principles and practice of scenic technology.
An exploration of the acting process through scene study. Focus will be on developing the actor’s personal technique, emphasizing emotional truthfulness and authenticity.
Foundational application of design principles and vocabulary as applied to the creative process in production design for theatre. Play analysis, creative and visual thinking, and graphic representation.
Introduces the students to the basic principles of sound design and technology. Related topics include physics of sound, use and maintenance of equipment, script analysis, and creative thinking.
Principles and practices of theatrical lighting design. Course not available for major credit.
Introduction to the study of literature through performance; reading, analysis, and performance of prose, poetry, nonfiction, and drama.
Cross-listed course: SPCH 340
The theory and application of visual imagery in theatrical design; identification and selection of historical motifs.
Introduction to Japanese traditional theatre and its influences on Japanese culture and society. Taught in English.
Cross-listed course: JAPA 351
Development of physical acting skills related to modern acting techniques emphasizing emotional truthfulness and authenticity. Promoting the experience of full body awareness and expressiveness in character development and storytelling. Includes performative states of relaxation, balance and presence and ensemble work.
Training in specific physical skills for actors: stage combat, mime, folk dance, tap dance, etc. May be repeated for credit.
A mind/body integration course designed for performing artists.
Principles of production design in scenery, costumes, lighting and sound. Play analysis, periods styles, creative and visual thinking and graphic representation.
This course will explore a range of techniques that actors need to successfully perform on camera, such as script analysis, scene work, auditioning, understanding type, shooting self-tapes, and what to expect on set. It will also provide knowledge about filmmaking that will help the actor better fit into the industry.
Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and department chair is required for undergraduate students.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
Delving deeper into the role of the stage manager in theatrical productions that includes problem solving, adapting to challenging situations, and distinguishing the various responsibilities of production assistants, assistant stage managers, and production stage managers and their collaborative contributions.
Advanced vocal techniques as applied to performance. Specific skills covered may include vocal flexibility and range, vocal dynamics, dialects, and voice-over technique.
Study and practical application of major accents and dialects used by actors in performance. Emphasis on acquiring the skills necessary for independent learning of an accent or dialect.
Principles and practice of a wide range of voice-over including commercial and narrative styles. Development of character voice as applied to animation, gaming and/or other audio storytelling. Focus is on practical skills necessary for the profession.
A specialty skills course for advanced students of theatrical costume design and technology. Topics will include tailoring, fabric modification, needle arts, millinery, etc. Course may be repeated as topics vary.
Develop basic and intermediate skills in using computer aided drafting programs for theatrical designs and technical drawings.
Survey of the international cinema from 1945 to the present.
Introduction to the basic principles and elements of design as they apply to the costume designer. Script and character analysis, costume rendering, and production unity.
Principles, procedures and practice of the creative and collaborative process. Aspects of the discipline with focus on creative and effective collaboration and communication skills among theatre artists, scholars and technicians. Practical and planning skills for professional success after graduation.
A series of courses, each lasting one-third of a semester. Topics and prerequisites are announced in the class schedule for each semester.
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.
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.
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.
The major movements, figures, plays, and critical strategies that have marked the development of African American theatre in the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.
Cross-listed course: AFAM 565, ENGL 565
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Diversity and Social Advocacy, GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences
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.
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.
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.
This course explores a range of techniques that actors need for a successful career acting on camera, such as script analysis, building a reel, collaboration on set, and creating original content. It also provides knowledge about filmmaking that will help the actor better fit into the industry.
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.