THAR 111
Introduction to the Theatre
A survey of the traditions of dramatic form and the contributing arts of the theatre presented in historical context. Students read representative playscripts and attend performances.
Also offered at the London Centre.
Units: 6.
THAR 135
Stagecraft
An introduction to the technical aspects of theatre production. Laboratory experience in scenic construction and rigging, painting, lighting, sound, backstage organization, and management.
Units: 6.
THAR 137
Costume Crafts and Technology
An introduction to the technical aspects of costume creation and production for the theatre. Course includes hands-on experience in costume construction, cutting, draping, millinery, and other costume crafts.
Units: 6.
THAR 143
Movement for the Theatre: Fundamentals of Movement
Movement for the Theatre introduces students to the basic movement and gestural vocabulary of the dance discipline and promotes a fundamental understanding of how dance and movement serve as one of the contributing arts to the theatre. In each section, emphasis will be placed on basic technique, historical context, and their relationship to common theatre, musical, and opera production practices. Recommended for students who wish to participate in theatre, opera, and musical productions. Only 6 units of
Movement for the Theatre (any type) can count toward the theatre arts major.
Units: 3.
THAR 145
Movement for the Theatre: Ballet
Movement for the Theatre introduces students to the basic movement and gestural vocabulary of the dance discipline and promotes a fundamental understanding of how dance and movement serve as one of the contributing arts to the theatre. In each section, emphasis will be placed on basic technique, historical context, and their relationship to common theatre, musical, and opera production practices. Recommended for students who wish to participate in theatre, opera, and musical productions. Only 6 units of
Movement for the Theatre (any type) can count toward the theatre arts major.
Units: 3.
THAR 147
Movement for the Theatre: Modern Dance
Movement for the Theatre introduces students to the basic movement and gestural vocabulary of the dance discipline and promotes a fundamental understanding of how dance and movement serve as one of the contributing arts to the theatre. In each section, emphasis will be placed on basic technique, historical context, and their relationship to common theatre, musical, and opera production practices. Recommended for students who wish to participate in theatre, opera, and musical productions. Only 6 units of
Movement for the Theatre (any type) can count toward the theatre arts major.
Units: 3.
THAR 149
Movement for the Theatre: Social Dance
Movement for the Theatre introduces students to the basic movement and gestural vocabulary of the dance discipline and promotes a fundamental understanding of how dance and movement serve as one of the contributing arts to the theatre. In each section, emphasis will be placed on basic technique, historical context, and their relationship to common theatre, musical, and opera production practices. Recommended for students who wish to participate in theatre, opera, and musical productions. Only 6 units of
Movement for the Theatre (any type) can count toward the theatre arts major.
Units: 3.
THAR 161
Stage Make-Up
A hands-on course offering experience in the proper design and application of stage make-up for students interested in theatre or music-theatre performance.
Units: 3.
THAR 170
Shakespeare London
Students will study several plays by William Shakespeare selected from among the current offerings by the Royal Shakespeare and other companies. Discussions will address the plays themselves, production techniques, and the audiences to whom they appeal. Students are required to attend performances of the plays under study.
Offered at the London Centre.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Must be attending Lawrence London Centre
Also listed as English 170
THAR 187
Acting I
We present a demystified, participatory approach to the craft of acting. Using the methods of Viola Spolin, students master the fundamental concepts of Stanislavsky and explore acting tools in the traditions of Grotowski and Meisner.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Freshman or sophomore standing or consent of instructor
THAR 191
Directed Study in Theatre Arts
Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
THAR 195
Internship in Theatre Arts
An opportunity for students to apply their theatre skills in business and the non-profit sector on the regional, national, and international levels. Arranged in collaboration with and supervised by a member of the department. Includes readings, discussion, report, and/or portfolio. Advance consultation and application required.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required
THAR 211
Introduction to London Theatre
Introduction to a critical approach to theatrical performance. Students read play scripts before attending a wide range of plays in a variety of performance spaces in London, working towards a developed understanding of dramatic form. Study of literary and theatrical conventions is designed to enhance students' critical sophistication.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Open to students attending the London Centre only
THAR 212
Theatre Traditions I: Greeks Through the 18th Century
A survey of theatre in its cultural context from its Greek origins through the 18th century. Extensive readings from the dramatic literature of each period supplement the study of the physical theatre and production practices.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor
THAR 216
Topics in Dance Studies
Examination and analysis of the history and theory of dance. Each topic will explore distinct and specific historical periods and theoretical ideas.
Topic for Fall 2012: Great Moments in ChoreographyAn interdisciplinary examination of select choreographic works in Western dance history from Romantic Ballet to Post-Modern Dance. Assignments will include reading, writing, and video-viewing. No previous dance experience required.
Units: 6.
Also listed as Music Repertoire-Perf Study 222
THAR 224
Theatre Traditions II: Romanticism Through the Present
A survey of theatre in its cultural context from Romanticism through the present day. Extensive readings from the dramatic literature of each period illustrate the ideas, aesthetic values, and staging innovations that led to the theatre of the 21st century.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor
THAR 229
Performance of Literature
A study of the principles involved in the oral performance of different forms of literature. Class involves practical platform training and experience with interpretive analysis and presentation.
Units: 6.
THAR 231
Introduction to Design for the Theatre
A survey covering all aspects of visual design for the theatre. Emphasis on the necessary techniques of drafting, painting, and modelmaking, with attention to aesthetic and practical problems of theatre design.
Units: 6.
THAR 237
Reconstructing Costume History: A Hands-On Costume History Survey
A survey of the evolution of clothing in Western Civilization as it reflects historical events and social culture from Ancient Greece to the Elizabethan England. Hands-on patterning and draping provides an immersive experience as we explore period silhouettes and techniques unique to each period. We will also explore representative plays and theatrical conventions from each period.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: THAR 137
THAR 241
Contemporary Dance
Study of contemporary dance technique. Suitable for beginning through intermediate dancers. We will investigate flexibility, coordination, efficiency, articulation, strength, different ways to learn and perform movement, and even some of the physics behind our ability to move in space. Studio work will be informed by outside reading, writing, and video-viewing. Assignments will vary by student and term. May be repeated for credit.
Units: 6.
Also listed as Music Repertoire-Perf Study 220
THAR 245
Ballet Technique
An exploration of ballet technique using the traditional framework of the ballet class as well as through historical reading, writing, video-viewing, and discussion. Suitable for students at the advanced-beginner level and above. Assignments will vary by student and term. May be repeated for credit.
Units: 6.
Also listed as Music Repertoire-Perf Study 225
THAR 255
Start-Up Theatre
This course will model the collaborative and entepreneurial process of starting a new theatre company in the manner of America's non-profit regional theatre tradition. In five meetings during the fall term, students will prepare for their two-week laboratory experience in December at Björklunden culminating in a public performance or exhibition. Open to students from theatre, economics, and other students interested in entrepreneurship in the performing arts. Topics change each year. May be repeated when topic is different up to 6 total units.
Units: 1 OR 2.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
Also listed as Economics 255
THAR 276
Greek Drama
A study of selected dramas such as Aeschylus’
Prometheus Bound, the
Agamemnon and
Antigone of Sophocles, and Euripides’
Bacchae and
Medea.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: CLAS 225 or its equivalent
Also listed as Classics 465
THAR 279
Fringe Theatre in London
This course will attempt to define Fringe Theatre (a movement started in 1968) and to categorize its main elements. The class shall attend a wide variety of plays and venues and come to an understanding of how the fringe has changed over the years. Discussions will address production techniques, the plays themselves, the audiences to whom they appeal, and to what extent the fringe is still an important theatrical force. Students are required to attend performances of the plays under study.
Offered at the London Centre.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing Must be attending Lawrence London Centre
THAR 310
Alexander Technique I
The Alexander Movement Technique (AMT) is an educational method for finding easier use of self in daily activity. The technique offers us insight into our own mental processes and perceptions of our body’s structure, and allows us to replace faulty habits with coordinated movement.
Units: 3.
Prerequisite: Instructor approval is required. The instructor will talk with each student about the hands-on aspects of the technique and the code of ethics that governs the work.
THAR 327
Playscript Analysis
The playscript is a blueprint for a construction that uses the media of space, time, color, speech, and action to reflect from the stage images of what it means to be human. This course will explore both technical and creative ways to decipher the play text.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing Recommended sophomore or junior year Recommended to be taken before THAR 527
THAR 340
Musical Theatre Production Overview
This course is designed to equip the future educator with a basic understanding of the various details and responsibilities involved in mounting a musical theatre production. Topics include: choosing a musical, rehearsal schedules, the audition process, costumes and makeup, stage direction and blocking, lighting and sound, advertising, budget, and problems in the "pit." This course will be offered every other year.
Units: 3.
Also listed as Music Education and Pedagogy 340
THAR 351
Film in Germany (in English)
This course selects from 90 years of filmmaking in Germany. Films range from expressionism to Nazi propaganda and from escapist comedies to avant garde art. Learning to “read” German films critically also means finding out how to understand movies from Hollywood and beyond. Possible topics include “From Caligari to Hitler,” “German Literature as Film,” and “What Makes Lola Run.” Taught in English. German majors and minors may participate in a two-unit tutorial in which discussions and some course readings will be in German.
Topic for Winter 2013: German Science Fiction Films
This course will trace the development of the science fiction genre in German-language cinema within the context of the radical political and social shifts of the 20th and 21st centuries. We will examine films from imperial Wilhelmine Germany, the Weimar Republic, Nazi Germany, the FRG, the GDR, Austria, and post-Wall Germany. Issues to be considered include: humanity’s relationship to technology, alien Others, the benefits and dangers of scientific progress, and the nature of human existence. Taught in English.
Units: 6.
Also listed as German 357, Film Studies 357
THAR 352
Introduction to Film
An introduction to the critical analysis of Latin American and Spanish film. Selected films represent various countries, genres and directors from Latin America and Spain. Readings of relevant film theory, class discussions and composition tasks prepare students for other advances courses in the Spanish program.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: SPAN 202, its equivalent, or consent of instructor; not open to native speakers of Spanish.
Also listed as Spanish 330, Film Studies 330
THAR 355
Theatre Production Laboratory
Practicum in theatre production. May be taken for one or more terms; six terms required of theatre arts majors, three terms required of minors. May be taken by any student involved in theatre production. May be repeated for credit.
Units: 1.
THAR 357
Musical Theatre Production Laboratory
Practicum in musical theatre. May be taken for one or more terms; can be used in partial fulfillment of the six terms of Theatre Arts 355 required of all theatre arts majors or the three terms of Theatre Arts 355 required of all theatre arts minors. May be repeated for credit.
Units: 1.
THAR 361
Topics in Choreography
An exploration of the multidisciplinary art of choreography. Each topic will be a distinct approach to and perspective on composing dances.
Topic for Winter 2013: Forms and Generative Constructs
The art of choreography is truly interdisciplinary; encompassing not only movement composition but also directing, design, and musicality. Beginning with the fundamental principles of movement composition, this class will expand to consider generative tools and constructs used by contemporary choreographers. Reading, video viewing, and discussion will feed our creation of practical choreographic studies. The class will culminate in a final showing of work.
Topic for Spring 2013: Dance and the Camera
An Exploration of Digital Technology in Dance Performance. A hands-on study of digital media’s many iterations within the creation and performance of contemporary dance. We will experiment creatively with a range of situations and techniques, while also examining some of the history and theory of dance’s relationship to the camera. Assignments will include video projects, reading, writing, and video viewing.
Units: 6.
Also listed as Music Repertoire-Perf Study 221
THAR 377
Technologies in Theatre Production
Theatre designers execute their vision of the dramatic world by exploring the available technologies of the theatre. This course examines modern technological protocol for theatre production. Topics will include: safety and efficacy for lighting, sound, special effects.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: THAR 135 or consent of instructor
THAR 390
Tutorial Studies in Theatre Arts
Advanced work, arranged and carried out in consultation with an instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
THAR 391
Directed Study in Theatre Arts
Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
THAR 395
Internship in Theatre Arts
An opportunity for students to apply their theatre skills in business and the non-profit sector on the regional, national, and international levels. Arranged in collaboration with and supervised by a member of the department. Includes readings, discussion, report, and/or portfolio. Advance consultation and application required.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required
THAR 399
Independent Study in Theatre Arts
Advanced work in directing, design, performance, or criticism, arranged in consultation with department.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
THAR 423
History of American Dramatic Literature
A study of American theatre in its cultural context from its colonial beginnings to the present. Extensive readings of the works of principal playwrights.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor
THAR 425
Advance of the American Musical
A study of this uniquely American theatrical form as it develops in response to our culture throughout the 20th century and into the 21st. Ability to read music helpful, but not required.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor
Also listed as Music History 160
THAR 427
Playwrighting
Students will employ the vocabulary and dramaturgical insight we explored in Playscript Analysis to the task of writing for the stage. We will examine important plays in the one-act repertory while each student drafts a 25-40 minute play.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: THAR 327
THAR 432
Shakespeare
An introduction to Shakespeare’s plays and their literary, historical, and theatrical context.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Junior standing, ENG 230, or consent of instructor
Also listed as English 425
THAR 434
Restoration and 18th-Century Comedy
A study of English comedies as reflections of changing taste and thought in the period 1660-1800. Authors include Wycherley, Etherege, Congreve, Farquhar, Steele, Fielding, Goldsmith, and Sheridan.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Junior standing, ENG 230, or consent of instructor
Also listed as English 445
THAR 436
Renaissance Drama
A study of eight to ten plays from the early modern period, excluding Shakespeare. Readings include Marlowe, Jonson, Middleton and Webster.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Junior standing, ENG 230, or consent of instructor
Also listed as English 435
THAR 440
Modern Drama
Studies in some of the major playwrights in Europe, England, and America from the time of Ibsen to the present.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Junior standing, an intermediate course in English, or consent of instructor
Also listed as English 490
THAR 477
Acting II
Continued, in-depth study of the elements covered in Theatre Arts 187 with added monologue, scenic work, and an introduction to acting Shakespeare. The department expects that students who take this course have had extensive performance experience between
Acting I and
Acting II.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: THDR/THAR 187 or consent of instructor
THAR 479
Styles of Acting
Study of the acting of a particular period or style, based on the techniques acquired in Theatre Arts 187.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: THDR/THAR 187 or consent of instructor
THAR 527
Play Directing
Examination of and practice in fundamental directing methods and techniques. In this course we focus on the directing tradition of Alexander Dean.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: THDR/THAR 187 or consent of instructor
THAR 541
Seminar in Technical Theatre
A seminar focusing on specialized technical areas of the theatre. Content varies to fit the availability of the technical staff. May be repeated as content changes.
Topic for Spring 2013: Property Design
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: THDR/THAR 135, 231 or consent of instructor
THAR 551
Costume Design
The theory and practice of costume design for the stage, focusing on period style and presentation technique. Laboratory responsibility in the costume shop required as part of course.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: THDR/THAR 231 or consent of instructor
THAR 553
Stage Lighting
A study of basic lighting theory, design, and technique that enables students to assume responsibility, with knowledge and precision, for designing and executing lighting plots. Laboratory responsibility on lighting crews required as part of course.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: THDR/THAR 231 or consent of instructor
THAR 555
Set Design
A study of the role of the set designer in a theatrical production from the conceptual through the production phase. Emphasis on values of concept, inventive scenic solutions, and creative research as applied to a number of different dramatic styles. Laboratory responsibility in the scenic studio required as part of course.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: THDR/THAR 231 or consent of instructor
THAR 557
Sound for the Stage
An examination of the aesthetic and practical applications of sound creation and reinforcement as involved in all contemporary theatre performance. Laboratory experience on a sound crew is a required part of the course.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: THDR/THAR 135 or 231 or consent of instructor
THAR 573
Computing in Stage Design and Production
A study of the range of areas wherein computing supports the efforts of the contemporary designer, including CAD, modeling, rendering, and animation applications. The course involves hands-on laboratory work in computing.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: THDR/THAR 135 or 231 or consent of instructor
THAR 590
Tutorial Studies in Theatre Arts
Advanced work, arranged and carried out in consultation with an instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
THAR 591
Directed Study in Theatre Arts
Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
THAR 595
Internship in Theatre Arts
An opportunity for students to apply their theatre skills in business and the non-profit sector on the regional, national, and international levels. Arranged in collaboration with and supervised by a member of the department. Includes readings, discussion, report, and/or portfolio. Advance consultation and application required.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required
THAR 599
Independent Study in Theatre Arts
Advanced work in directing, design, performance, or criticism, arranged in consultation with department.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
THAR 611
Dramatic Theory and Criticism
A study of dramatic theory and criticism from Aristotle to the present. Students, as theatre artists, research and apply concepts explored in class to playscripts.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor
THAR 627
Advanced Play Directing
Practical application of the principles learned in Theatre Arts 527. Students explore how Dean and Carra’s Five Fundamentals of play directing are used to clearly express dramatic type and theatrical style. Extensive scene work, presentations, and final project for public performance.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: THDR/THAR 527 or consent of instructor
THAR 679
Advanced Design Studio
Further exploration of design and design techniques, including rendering and drafting, focusing on portfolio preparation, taking into consideration the specific interests and needs of each student participating.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: THDR/THAR 231 or consent of instructor
THAR 690
Tutorial Studies in Theatre Arts
Advanced work, arranged and carried out in consultation with an instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
THAR 691
Directed Study in Theatre Arts
Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
THAR 695
Internship in Theatre Arts
An opportunity for students to apply their theatre skills in business and the non-profit sector on the regional, national, and international levels. Arranged in collaboration with and supervised by a member of the department. Includes readings, discussion, report, and/or portfolio. Advance consultation and application required.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required
THAR 699
Independent Study in Theatre Arts
Advanced work in directing, design, performance, or criticism, arranged in consultation with department.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
