Course Catalog 2007-2008

Associate Professor Peter Pauzé, Chair

Associate Professors Peter Pauzé, John Sipes, Cynthia Turnbull; Assistant Professor Mark Evans Bryan; Visiting Assistant Professor Eleni Papaleonardos; Technical Director and Instructor Andrew Johns; Costume Shop Supervisor Joyce Merrilees; Academic Secretary Marilyn Sundin

The goals of the majors in theatre are twofold: first, to provide students with a working knowledge of the fundamental principles of each of the several arts of the theatre, offering opportunities for practical application of those principles in stage production; and second, to develop analytical skill, facility in problem-solving, historical perspective, and appreciation of aesthetic form.

The programs in theatre aim to develop the skills of thoughtful inquiry, informed judgment, and imaginative response that are fundamental to the rewarding pursuit of any profession. In addition, these programs aim to provide a sound basis for graduate study in theatre.

Required Courses - B.A. - 44 credits

Required Courses - B.F.A. Degree: 56 credits

The class of 2009 will be the last group of students with the option of pursuing a B.F.A. degree. Course requirements based on the old curriculum will be adapted to the courses of the new curriculum as follows, with new curriculum courses in bold type.

In addition, B.F.A. candidates will complete one of the following sequences:

Note: In addition to the General Education requirements specified for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the Denison University 2004-2005 Catalog, candidates for the B.F.A. in Theatre must complete the foreign language requirement (2 semesters or equivalent) and 16 credits in related arts.

To minor in Theatre, students must take Theatre 100, 110, one Acting course (230, 240, 250, or 360), one Theatre History, Literature, Theory course (371, 372, 373, or 374) and one elective Theatre course, as well as two credits of Practicum from different Practicum courses.

Introduction to Theatre Studies (THTR-100).  An introduction to the study of theatre as an academic discipline within the liberal arts, including its fundamental theories, principles, methods, and historical context. Intended for theatre majors, minors, and students who intend to take multiple theatre courses. Pauze. 4

Theatrical Style and Creation (THTR-105).  This course will explore theatrical style and innovative theatre artists who have influenced theatrical production practices, and will investigate the process of various theatre artists within the framework of their goals, choices, and the historical moment. Turnbull. 4

Introduction to Theatrical Design (THTR-110).  An introduction to the vocabulary and process of Scenic, Lighting, Costume, Sound, and Makeup Designers. Primary focus will be placed on an understanding of the elements and principles of design and their manipulation in the design process, as well as the development of visual analysis and observation through weekly creative projects. Pauze, Turnbull. 4

Practicum: Scenery Construction (THTR-120).  A workshop laboratory in which students learn the fundamentals of scenic stagecraft through practical application in the department's scene shop. Johns. 2

Practicum: Lighting and Electrics (THTR-125).  A workshop laboratory in which students learn the fundamentals of electrics stagecraft through practical application in the department's lighting and electrics shop and theatres. Johns. 2

Practicum: Costume & Makeup Running Crew (THTR-160).  A workshop laboratory in which students serve on the costume and/or makeup running crew for a departmental theatre production. Turnbull. 1-2

Practicum: Scenery & Lights Running Crew (THTR-165).  A workshop laboratory in which students serve on the scenery and/or lights running crew for a departmental theatre production. Pauze. 1-2

Practicum: Performance (THTR-170).  A workshop laboratory in which students perform in a departmental theatre production. Bryan, Pauze, Sipes. 1

Practicum: Special Topics (THTR-175).  A production workshop and directed study in which a student serves in some special capacity for a departmental theatre production. Staff. 1-4

Costume Crafts I (THTR-180).  An introductory hands-on course for students interested in learning construction techniques used in the creation of costumes for the stage. Students will develop their sewing skills and learn basic concepts in patterning, fitting, fabric modification, and corset construction. Turnbull. 2

Costume Crafts II (THTR-185).  A hands-on course for students interested in learning construction techniques used in the creation of costumes for the stage. Each student will be developing more advanced sewing and costume construction skills. The course will cover draping and millinery and accessories construction. Turnbull. 2

Introductory Topics in Theatre (THTR-199).  A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. Staff. 1-4

Costume Design (THTR-200).  An advanced studio course concentrating on specific problems in costume design. There will be an emphasis on textual analysis, style, visual character development, and rendering techniques. Prerequisite: 110. Turnbull. 4

Scenic Design (THTR-210).  A study of the basic theories and practices of theatrical scenic design and the role and function of the scenic designer. The course will examine the scenographic process from initial concept through finished design, including the principles and issues of visual design, sketches, mechanical drawings, CAD, color renderings, and scaled models. Prerequisite: 110. Pauze. 4

Lighting Design (THTR-220).  A study of the basic theories and practices of theatrical lighting design and the role and function of the lighting designer. The course will examine the design process from initial concepts through finished design, including basic electrical theory, lighting instruments and lamps, lighting control systems, characteristics of light, use of color, and creating the light plot using CAD. Prerequisite: 110. Pauze. 4

Acting: Realism I (THTR-230).  A studio course in the fundamental techniques of realistic acting. The course explores the demands and conventions of realistic acting through the theories and writing of Konstantin Stanislavsky. Students will study and carry out numerous in-class exercises, pioneered by Stanislavsky, that develop actor skills through exploration of "work on the self and work on the role." Character will be explored through the use of vocal and physical control, script analysis, and the active pursuit of objectives. Participants in this course will perform improvisations, monologues, and scenes. Written work will include character analyses, research papers, and critical review of outside performances. Sipes. 4

Acting: Brecht and Beyond (THTR-240).  Contemporary theatre performance has been heavily influenced by the work and theories of Bertolt Brecht. Epic forms, gestus, didacticism, dialectic, and alienation place challenging demands on the actor far removed from the realistic mode. Students will examine and implement techniques of analyzing contemporary non-realistic playscripts, performing within unfamiliar conventions, investigating the role of character, discovering rehearsal modes that lead to alienation, and finding action in "plotless" play scripts. The influence of Brecht and his theories on subsequent scripts and acting theory are also covered. Staff. 4

Acting: Pre-20th Century Styles (THTR-250).  A studio course in the fundamental techniques of stylized acting traditions popularized before the twentieth century. Exploration of the vocal demands created by the patterns, images, and rhythms built into verse and heightened dialogue. Physical life is defined through the examinations of historical space, time period, and costume. The creation of character is linked to the development of mask and dramatis personae. Periods and styles of exploration may include Greek, Shakespeare, Comedy of Manners, Commedia, and Farce. Performances will include sonnets, soliloquies, and scenes. Sipes. 4

Directing: Realism (THTR-270).  This course in the art of directing for the stage explores the philosophies and techniques of prominent contemporary directors in a historical context. Students perform practical exercises in proscenium staging, text analysis, scheduling, directorial concepts, developing ground plans, actor coaching, and tracking of dramatic action. Various systems of leadership are defined and explored. Teaching methods include lecture, class discussion, and in-class projects. Sipes. 4

Directing: Special Topics (THTR-280).  This course builds on the fundamentals of composition and staging covered in "Directing: Realism." Elements of composition are reviewed, rethought, and applied to Arena and Thrust stage configurations. Simultaneous movement, symmetrical picturization, and other unrealistic techniques are considered in terms of staging. Collaborative processes with designers will be explored as well as further methods of working with actors. Special attention is given to abstract story telling, musical theatre and opera, dreamscapes, and contemporary drama and comedy. Prerequisite: 270. Sipes. 4

Playwriting: Form, Structure, Narrative (THTR-290).  An introductory course in the writing of drama. The course will involve the reading and discussion of assigned play texts as well as of peer-student writing. Students will complete weekly reading assignments, weekly written response assignments, and a series of creative exercises focused on technique, structure, and storytelling. Students will also have in-class workshop opportunities and the responsibility to engage in critical dialogues with their classmates. The final project is a short, original script. Bryan, Pauze. 4

Intermediate Topics in Theatre (THTR-299).  A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. Staff. 1-4

Fashion: History, Culture, and Identity (THTR-300).  An introduction of basic fashion theory and the visual communication of clothing through the study of Western dress with emphasis on how the "fabric" of each period (i.e., the trends in thought, art, culture, politics, and economics) made its impression on the fashion of the day. Turnbull. 4

Acting: Realism II (THTR-330).  Primarily a continuation of THTR 230, a brief review of the basic work precedes the study of a great variety of approaches to arguably the most dominant style of performance: realism. This course combines class exercises and scene study to deepen the understanding and playing of action in the realistic mode. Special attention is given to the development of acting theory and practice in America in the 20th century. The integration of character-specific movement, dialects, and personalization are given special attention. Prerequisite: THTR 230. Sipes. 4

Practicum: Assistant Costume Designer (THTR-340).  A production workshop and directed study in which the student serves as Assistant Costume Designer for a departmental theatre production. Turnbull. 2

Practicum: Assistant Scenic Designer (THTR-345).  A production workship and directed study in which the student serves as Assistant Scenic Designer for a departmental theatre production. Pauze. 2

Practicum: Assistant Lighting Designer (THTR-350).  A production workshop and directed study in which the student serves as Assistant Lighting Designer for a departmental theatre production. Pauze. 2

Acting: Special Topics (THTR-360).  Intensive work on a specific acting problem. The subject will vary from year to year. Possible topics include: new approaches to developing roles, various styles and theories of acting, interdependency of design and movement, and working with new scripts. Repeatable. By consent. Sipes. 4

Directed Study (THTR-361).  Staff. 1-4

Directed Study (THTR-362).  Staff. 1-4

Independent Study (THTR-363).  Staff. 1-4

Independent Study (THTR-364).  Staff. 1-4

History, Literature, and Theory of the Theatre: Premodern World (THTR-371).  This course explores the relationship among theatrical storytelling traditions and the cultures and audiences that produced them from ancient Africa, Turkey, and Greece to medieval Europe, south Asia, and the Middle East, including an introduction to the courtly performance of east Asia. Major topics of investigation will include evidence of prehistoric theatre forms, ancient Egyptian and pre-Hellenistic theatre and drama in the Mediterranean world, classical and late Hellenistic drama and performance, republican and imperial Roman drama and theatre, origins of the Sanskrit drama and performance of the classical Indus River Valley civilization, the religious and secular theatre of medieval Christian Europe, and the early theatre forms of the Islamic world. Course readings combine primary sources (textual, archaeological, iconographic, miscellaneous), secondary analyses, and drama and theory texts. Sophomore-Junior-Senior status. Bryan. 4

History, Literature, and Theory of the Theatre: Early Modern Europe (THTR-372).  This course explores the tremendous changes in dramatic and performance theory, entertainment culture, and theatrical production during the early modern period in Europe. Beginning with the Italian Renaissance, the course investigates the drama and theatre of the major theatre cultures of the early modern era - Italy, England, Spain, and France -- in the context of the rapidly changing culture of European nationalism, mercantilism, and colonialism. Course readings combine primary sources (textual, iconographic, miscellaneous), secondary analyses, and drama and theory texts. Sophomore-Junior-Senior status. Bryan. 4

History, Literature, and Theory of the Theatre: Modern World (THTR-373).  This course explores dramatic and performance theory, entertainment culture, and theatrical production during the modern era from the rise of romanticism in Europe at the end of the eighteenth century to the theatre forms that characterized the post-WWII period. Course readings combine primary sources (textual, iconographic, miscellaneous), secondary analyses, and drama and theory texts. Sophomore-Junior-Senior status. Bryan. 4

History, Literature, and Theory of the Theatre: Theatre of the Americas (THTR-374).  This course explores the history of performance, dramatic and performance theory, entertainment culture, and theatrical production from prehistoric and oral evidence in pre-Columbian cultures to the popular theatre/performance traditions of contemporary North and South America and the Caribbean. Particular attention is paid to the development of drama and theatre in the United States. Course readings combine primary sources (textual, archeological, iconographic, miscellaneous), secondary analyses, and drama and theory texts. Sophomore-Junior-Senior status. Bryan. 4

Practicum: Assistant Director (THTR-375).  A production workshop and directed study in which the student serves as Assistant Director for a departmental theatre production. Pauze, Sipes. 2

Practicum: Stage Manager (THTR-380).  A production workshop and directed study in which the student serves as the Stage Manager for a departmental theatre production. Pauze, Staff. 2

Playwriting: Workshop (THTR-390).  A workshop course in the writing of drama. The course will involve the reading and discussion of assigned play texts and peer-student writing. Each student will work on a major creative project throughout the semester. Evaluation of a student's work will be based on this project, participation in workshop performance and discussion, and a portfolio of drafts and revisions. The course will conclude with staged readings or performances of the major projects. Prerequisites: THTR 290 or ENGL 237 or CINE 328 or consent. Bryan, Pauze. 4

Advanced Topics in Theatre (THTR-399).  A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. Staff. 1-4

Theatre Seminar (THTR-400).  Intensive study of a major playwright, genre, form, or context of dramatic literature; of historical, cultural, aesthetic significance of theatre production during a specific period or particular movement in the history of the theatre; or, of specific movements or artists in design, acting, directing, or other fields of theatre production and performance. The seminar topics will vary. Repeatable. Junior-Senior standing and consent of instructor. Staff. 4

Special Topics in Theatre (THTR-420).  Staff. 4

Jonathan R. Reynolds Playwright-in-Residence Playwriting Seminar (THTR-430).  An advanced playwriting workshop conducted by the Reynolds Playwright-in-Residence. The Jonathan R. Reynolds Playwright-in-Residence endowment provides for a visiting playwright of national or international renown to teach in the Department of Theatre for one semester, every other academic year. The course's content is dependent upon the visiting artist, but the course will typically involved explorations into technique and form and the writing of a major creative project. Past Reynolds Playwrights have included Arnold Wesker, Lee Blessing, Jeffrey Hatcher (DU '80) and Caridad Svich. Prerequisite: 290 or consent. Jonathan R. Reynolds Playwright-in-Residence. 4

Senior Project: Acting (THTR-450).  The student serves as an Actor for a departmental theatre production. Prerequisites: three of the following courses: 230, 330, 240, 250, 360. Instructor's consent. Sipes. 4

Senior Research (THTR-451).  Senior standing and consent from the instructor. Staff. 4

Senior Research (THTR-452).  Senior standing and consent from the instructor. Staff. 4

Senior Project: Directing (THTR-455).  The student serves as Director for a departmental theatre production. Prerequisites: 100, 110, 270, 280, one Acting Class. Sipes. 4

Senior Project: Costume Design (THTR-460).  The student serves as Costume Designer for a departmental theatre production. The focus will be placed on the process, analysis, research and analytical skills of the designer within the framework of a practical project. Prerequisites: 110, 180, 200, 300, 340. Instructor's consent. Turnbull. 4

Honors Project (THTR-461).  Staff. 4

Honors Project (THTR-462).  Staff. 4

Senior Project: Scenic Design (THTR-465).  The student serves as Scenic Designer for a departmental theatre production. Prerequisites: 110, 210, 120. Instructor's consent. Pauze. 4

Senior Project: Lighting Design (THTR-470).  The student serves as Lighting Designer for a departmental theatre production. Prerequisites: 110, 220, 125. Instructor's consent. Pauze. 4

Special Project: Special Topics (THTR-475).  The student serves in some capacity on a departmental theatre production. Prerequisites: To be decided on a case by case basis. Staff. 4