THEA 1005 Theatre Going (1)
Through play attendance, reading, and guest speakers students experience, observe, discuss, and assess as they explore what theatre means to them personally as well as the role this art form plays in their daily lives. Repeatable for credit as content changes.
THEA 1010 Conservatory I (8)
- Performance: Fundamental course in theatre skills: teaches acting and movement to develop sensitivity and concentration; voice and speech to develop the speaking voice; and stagecraft to investigate theatre structure and organization. Requires production work. Prerequisite: acceptance by audition.
- Stage Management: Introduces entering students to drafting, technical production, and staff management problems. Seminar studies theatre organization. Assigns production activities according to skills and utilizes them to support those activities reviewed in stage management seminar. Prerequisite: acceptance by interview.
- Design and Technical Areas: The department offers emphases in scene design, scene painting, costume design, lighting design, sound design, technical direction, costume construction, and wig and makeup design, which have individual programs for the four years of Conservatory study.
In the first year all areas of emphasis share the same curriculum, which aims to develop foundation skills in drafting, scenography, technical production, visual history, and text analysis. Portfolio review at the end of each semester. Prerequisite: acceptance by portfolio.
THEA 1020 Conservatory I (8)
Continues experiences described in THEA 1010. Prerequisite: THEA 1010.
THEA 1030 Acting for Non-majors I (2-3)
This is an introduction to naturalistic acting. Course includes basic awareness exercises, as well as theoretical and practical application of the Stanislavsky system.
THEA 1050 Theatre Appreciation (3)
The course examines how theatre art is created, from concept to curtain call. Students will be required to see several live theatre performances. Emphasis is placed on how theatre art involves audiences in the exploration of the themes of the human condition.
THEA 2010 Conservatory II (6-8)
- Performance: Continues basic scene study, characterization, movement, and neutral mask work. Voice and speech introduces phonetic language and continues to develop vocal instrument. Stresses importance of fundamental makeup. Prerequisite: THEA 1020.
- Stage Management: Continues THEA 1020, along with scenography, lighting design, and costume construction. Schedule designed in consultation with advisor. Prerequisite: THEA 1020.
- Design and Technical Production: Scene design, costume design, lighting design, sound design, scene painting, technical production, costume construction, wig and makeup design: Students begin first-level classes and production assignments in their areas of emphasis, with additional classes and production assignments according to individual program and development. Portfolio review each semester. Prerequisite: THEA 1020.
THEA 2020 Conservatory II (6-8)
Continues the previous semester for all areas of study. Auditions and portfolio reviews are scheduled. Prerequisite: THEA 2010.
THEA 2030 History of the Theatre: Greeks to Restoration (3)
Surveys history of the theatre, its playwrights, directors, actors, audiences, and physical theatres.
THEA 2040 History of the Theatre: Eighteenth Century to Modern (3)
Continues THEA 2030. Prerequisite: THEA 2030 or permission of the instructor.
THEA 3010 Conservatory III (6-10)
Concentrates on specific needs in each area: acting, stage management, design, technical production, or management. Acting concentrates on major periods of acting styles, with advanced training in specific movement skills: combat, t'ai chi ch'uan, clowning, period dance. Also specific work with dialects and non-regional speech. Design and technical areas concentrate on emphasis in advanced-level classes and production assignments with continuing work in other areas. Students in Wig and Makeup Design will take classes in cosmetology leading to licensure. Portfolio review each semester. Stage managers participate in seminars and the practical application of the studies in production. Prerequisites: THEA 2020 and approval of area faculty.
THEA 3020 Conservatory III (6-10)
Continues THEA 3010. Prerequisite: THEA 3010.
THEA 3030 Topics in Theatre (2-3)
THEA 3040 Topics in Theatre (2-3)
A series dealing with various topics in theatre: creative dramatics, museum studies, design applications, women in theatre, black/ethnic theatre, contemporary theatre, the elitist theatre, and a history of acting. The courses may be repeated for credit.
THEA 3050 Acting for Non-Majors II (3)
This course is a continuation of Acting for Non-Majors I. It will take the fundamentals learned in THEA 1030 and apply them to scene and monologue work from play scripts. Prerequisites: THEA 1030
THEA 3060 Theatre in the Elementary Classroom (3)
Students will learn to use the educational power of theatre as both an instructional and assessment tool by creating a multi-disciplinary theatre based on literature appropriate for 5th and 6th graders.
THEA 3070 Creative Dramatics: Social Issues (3)
This course will focus on researching current social issues that affect teens and adolescents. The class will then write, produce, and perform a social issues review at local high schools. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor
THEA 3710 Directing I (2)
Acquaints the student with the basic principles of directing. These principles of analysis, composition, movement, and picturization are discussed in class. The student then attempts to apply these principles by directing short scenes during the class. The class then discusses the scenes. The student director defends the choices made or concurs that another choice may have been more effective. Scenes are reworked in class. Prerequisites: THEA 2020 and acceptance into the directing program, or permission of the instructor.
THEA 3720 Directing II (2)
This course is a continuation of THEA 3710. The student continues to direct scenes and apply the basic principles. The final project is to direct a 10-minute scene and to go through the full directorial process. The best scenes are presented to the Conservatory. Prerequisite: THEA 3710.
THEA 4010 Conservatory IV (8-10)
Final year of the training sequence. Training in all areas will include advanced theatrical styles and performance needs, preparation for the audition and portfolio review process, performance, and production work suited to meet the needs of the student. Particular attention will be paid to preparation for the job market. Portfolio review each semester. Prerequisite: THEA 3020.
THEA 4020 Conservatory IV (6-10)
Continuation of THEA 4010. Prerequisite: THEA 4010.
THEA 4500 London Theatre (3)
Students will spend a minimum of two weeks in London, viewing at least 10 plays and visiting museums. They will keep detailed journals including substantial critiques of plays and productions. There will be a preparation period of discussions with a mentor to select plays and prepare for the experience, as well as discussions of the experience with the mentor on the students' return. Prerequisites: ENGL 1510 and ENGL 1520; THEA 2030 and THEA 2040.
THEA 4610 Reading Course (1-6)
Prerequisite: filing of the official form.
THEA 4710 Directing III (2)
Emphasizes learning by the student's directing a minimum of four one-act plays. It includes discussions on analysis, function of director as interpreter, organizer, teacher; problems of involved physical staging; and relationship to designers. Special emphasis is placed on creative interrelationship between the actor and director interpretation and acting out the play through improvisation. Student work in process will be videotaped from casting to performance and discussed in class. These will be performed for the Conservatory with no budget and modular furniture. Directors from the Repertory Theatre and Conservatory are guest lecturers. Prerequisite: THEA 3720.
THEA 4720 Directing IV (2)
This course is a continuation of THEA 4710. Prerequisite: THEA 4710.
Musical Theatre Course Listings
MUTH 1030 History of American Musical Theatre (3)
Studies American musical theatre, from the origins of early America through the 20 th Century Golden era. Works with book, lyrics, score, dance, and design to study individual composers, their styles, and contributions to this musical form.
MUTH 2410 Musical Theatre Dance Styles I (2)
An introduction to the various genres and styles of Musical Theatre Dance. Prerequisite: two semesters of Jazz I, or its equivalent, or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
MUTH 2420 Musical Theatre Dance Styles I (2)
A continuation of MUTH 2410. Prerequisite: two semesters of Jazz I, or its equivalent, or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
MUTH 3010 Conservatory III (5)
Concentrates on specific needs in musical theatre: musical theatre performance styles; major periods of acting styles, with advanced training in specific MUTH Movement skills: combat, clowning, period dance, etc. Also, specific work with dialects and non-regional speech. Prerequisites: THEA 2020 and approval of area faculty.
MUTH 3020 Conservatory III (5)
Continues MUTH 3010. Prerequisite: MUTH 3010.
MUTH 3410 Musical Theatre Dance Styles II (2)
Contemporary Musical Theatre (1950s, 60s & 70s, 80s and 90s) genres of Broadway style show dancing using original Broadway choreography. Prerequisite: MUTH 2420 or its equivalent, or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
MUTH 3420 Musical Theatre Dance Styles II (2)
Contemporary Musical Theatre (1990-present) genres of Broadway style show dancing using original Broadway choreography. Prerequisite: MUTH 3410 or its equivalent, or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
MUTH 4010 Conservatory IV (5)
Final year of the training sequence. Advanced theatrical styles and performance needs, preparation for the audition and portfolio review process, performance, and production work suited to meet the needs of the students. Particular attention will be paid to preparation for the job market. Prerequisite: MUTH 3020.
MUTH 4020 Conservatory IV (5)
Continues MUTH 4010, with more specific work on audition and preparation for the job market. Prerequisite: MUTH 4010.
DANC 1010 Ballet I (2)
Analyzes and practices fundamental laws of ballet, principles of correct placement for stability, action, and movement of the body. May be repeated once for credit.
DANC 1020 Ballet I (2)
Continues DANC 1010. Prerequisite: DANC 1010 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
DANCE 1030 Dance As An Artform (3)
Students experience the basics of ballet, modern and jazz dance techniques, as well as elements of composition and improvisation. The course provides a focus on the movement experience, with some theory and history that can lead the participant to confident, comfortable aesthetic discussions of dance. The course develops future audiences, critics, administrators and supporters of dance. General education course.
DANC 1090 Jazz I (1-2)
Introduces techniques of dance for contemporary and musical theatre. May be repeated once for credit.
DANC 1100 Jazz I (1-2)
Continues DANC 1090. Prerequisite: DANC 1090 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
DANC 1110 Modern Dance I (1-2)
Fundamental course studies Graham, Humphries, and Limon philosophies in studio situation. May be repeated once for credit.
DANC 1120 Modern Dance I (1-2)
Prerequisite: DANC 1110 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
DANC 1230 Tap Dance I (2)
Studies fundamental steps and techniques necessary for rhythmic coordination of simple tap routines. May be repeated once for credit.
DANC 1240 Tap Dance I (2)
Continues DANC 1230. Prerequisite: DANC 1230 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
DANC 1550 Costume Design for Dance (3)
Basic design theory emphasizes line, shape, color, and texture, followed by a discussion of style. Includes more practical work of draping, dyeing, painting, and patterning. Teaches students to measure and research; students are responsible for final project.
DANC 1560 Costume Construction for Dance (3)
Teaches basic skills and techniques of sewing, cutting, and pattern drafting through practical classroom experience. Concentrates on dance costumes.
DANC 2010 Ballet II (1-3)
Aims to reinforce the still-growing beginning skills. Adds these skills to a combination of exercises designed to evolve style of ballet. Prerequisite: DANC 1020 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
DANC 2020 Ballet II (1-3)
Continues DANC 2010. Prerequisite: DANC 2010 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
DANC 2090 Jazz II (1-3)
Studies contemporary dance techniques using an approach toward musical comedy and dance rather than modern dance. Prerequisite: DANC 1100 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
DANC 2100 Jazz II (1-3)
Continues DANC 2090. Prerequisite: DANC 2090 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
DANC 2110 Modern Dance II (1-3)
Continues basic modern dance techniques. Student continues to develop skills leading to performance quality. Prerequisite: DANC 1120 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
DANC 2120 Modern Dance II (1-3)
Continues DANC 2110. Prerequisite: DANC 2110 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
DANC 2210 Dance History (3)
Studies and analyzes a series of aesthetic revolutions that have led to the art of dance as we know it today. Students study development of classical ballet and beginnings of modern dance in America, beginning with social, ethnic, religious, and ritualistic roots, and following the widening distance between audience and performer. Prerequisite: 9 credit hours of dance or permission of the instructor.
DANC 2230 Tap Dance II (1-2)
This course is designed to go beyond the fundamentals necessary for rhythmic coordination in tap combinations. Emphasis is on musicality and phrasing as well as rhythmic improvisation. Prerequisite: DANC 1240. May be repeated for credit.
DANC 2240 Tap Dance II (1-2)
This course is designed to go beyond the fundamentals necessary for rhythmic coordination in tap combinations. Emphasis is on musicality and phrasing as well as rhythmic improvisation. Prerequisite: DANC 2230. May be repeated for credit.
DANC 2520 Living Anatomy and Movement (3)
Musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology course is for dancers and non-science majors. Class members learn to feel and understand each part studied in their own bodies. Mechanisms of coordination, balance, and breathing are discussed. Muscle testing and toning techniques are used to demonstrate physiology of motion and kinesiology. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
DANC 3000 Topics in Dance (1-3)
Intensive studies in a specialized area of dance, such as: ballet, modern, jazz, tap, improvisation, choreography, repertory, history, anatomy/kinesiology, ethnic, somatics, pedagogy, technical theatre, conditioning, criticism, arts administration, therapy. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.
DANC 3010 Ballet III (1-3)
Develops basic skills into unified forms. Prerequisite: DANC 2020 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.
DANC 3020 Ballet III (1-3)
Continues DANC 3010. Prerequisite: DANC 3010 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.
DANC 3030 Dance Study (1-3)
More advanced course includes pointe work and two other dance forms (i.e., pas de deux, character). Offered each semester. Prerequisites: dance major and permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
DANC 3040 Dance Study (1-3)
Continues DANC 3030. Prerequisite: DANC 3030 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
DANC 3090 Jazz III (1-3)
Prerequisite: DANC 2100 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.
DANC 3100 Jazz III (1-3)
Prerequisite: DANC 3090 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.
DANC 3110 Modern Dance III (1-3)
Advanced level technique class. Students continue to gain strength, articulation, flexibility, and alignment while working on longer movement phrases demanding wide range of qualities, off-balance turns, elevations, and falls. Prerequisite: DANC 2120 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.
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DANC 4010 Ballet IV (3)
Advanced training in the classic skills of ballet. Prerequisite: DANC 3020 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.
DANC 4020 Ballet IV (3)
Continues DANC 4010. Prerequisite: DANC 4010 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.
DANC 4410 Dance Seminar (1)
Various members of dance faculty as well as invited guests offer sessions exploring various aspects of dance field: notation, dance therapy, criticism, and aesthetics, effort-shape, dance and video, current changes, financing dance, diet, and ethnic dance. Master classes also offered under this title. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.
DANC 4610 Reading Course (1-3)
Prerequisite: filing of the official form.
Composition/Choreography Course Listings
DANC 1220 Improvisation (2)
Explores space, time, weight, energy, contact, props, games, grids, scores, relationships, and group dynamics. Appropriate for dance majors and non-dance majors. Class members expected to invent their own approaches to work.
DANC 1310 Composition I (1-3)
Explores basic elements of space, time, and dynamics through experiences in class and assigned studies. Explores motivations, phrasing, gesture, and utilization of thematic material, as well as working with music. Develops critical faculties for viewing dance.
DANC 1320 Composition I (1-3)
Continues DANC 1310. Prerequisite: DANC 1310.
DANC 2310 Composition II (1-3)
Continues Composition I. Emphasizes phrasing, form, content, the utilization of music, props, and other visual effects, and manipulation of larger groups. Prerequisite: DANC 1320 or permission of the instructor.
DANC 2320 Composition II (1-3)
Continues DANC 2310. Prerequisite: DANC 2310 or permission of the instructor.
DANC 3150 Webster University Dance Ensemble (1-2)
Rehearsal and performance in Dance Company. Prerequisite: acceptance into ensemble by audition. May be repeated for credit.
DANC 3310 Choreographic Project (2)
Requires a written proposal for a dance work, including music to be used, number of dancers, length, and brief description of intended choreographic approach. Views and criticizes the work several times during semester. Public performance of the work constitutes satisfactory completion of course requirements. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
DANC 3320 Choreographic Project (2)
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
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