Theatre

https://communication.northwestern.edu/academics/theatre/index.html

Of all the performing arts, none draws on the rich variety of human experience more fully than theatre. Theatre communicates the drama of life—whether the past, present, or future, and whether real or imagined—with immediacy, excitement, and eloquence. The student of theatre, therefore, must be a student of human society and must understand how social forces impinge on human behavior. To paraphrase Boswell, students of the theatre take as their subject the entire system of human life.

For this reason students who major in theatre at Northwestern combine a liberal arts education with intensive training in the theories and arts of the theatre. At the heart of the theatre program lies the idea that the best theatre artist is the one who combines a broad knowledge of the literature and theory of the field with highly developed skills in its practice.

Students spend approximately one-third of their program studying in the Department of Theatre, including courses in history, literature, and criticism; acting, voice, and movement; directing; devising theatre; stage production; design; play­writing; dramaturgy; creative drama and theatre for young audiences; and dance. Students develop the ability to approach problems and issues from a variety of perspectives while developing skills in research and writing, laboratory work, group discussion, oral presentation, performance, and production. Another third of the program comprises distribution requirements outside the department, and a final third is devoted to elective courses selected from a wide spectrum of University offerings.

A major in dance is also available within the Department of Theatre.  The dance major prepares students for further advanced academic work or a wide range of positions in professional dance. The major’s comprehensive curriculum emphasizes the study of dance as well as the act of dancing. Students are prepared for lifetime involvement in the field and for continued development intellectually, artistically, and professionally within the dance world. In addition to dance technique and choreography, the program provides students with opportunities for writing, research, and analysis in the field. The major presents a well-integrated view of dance while also providing sound technical training in a variety of forms, with modern dance and jazz as the foundation techniques. The department offers a number of dance organizations and performing opportunities.

THEATRE 120-0 Production in Context (1 Unit)   A combination of lecture, discussion, and production lab participation implementing the directing and design process of a theatrical production. Prerequisite: consent of department.

THEATRE 140-1 Theatre in Context: Introduction (1 Unit)   Introductory course that features lectures, discussion, creative assignments, theatre analysis, research, and guest artists. Prerequisite: consent of department.

THEATRE 140-2 Theatre in Context: Analysis & Research (1 Unit)   Seminar that emphasizes theatre history, analysis, criticism, research, and writing skills. Prerequisite: consent of department.

THEATRE 151-0 Class Voice for Music Theatre (0.5 Unit)   This group voice class is designed to improve each individual student’s vocal instrument and their unique approach to singing. The class will study vocal technique and performance of musical theatre, focusing on healthy vocal production including sustainable respiration, phonation, and resonance. Using a diverse range of teaching methods and performance literature, students will be guided to moments of self-discovery with emphasis given to strengthening technique, applying technique to musical theatre repertoire, and improving confidence in performance.

THEATRE 170-0 Voice for Performance (1 Unit)   The focus is on the development of vocal technique for the performer through work on body alignment, breathing, vocal placement, resonance and exploration of the sounds of English using the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet). Individual vocal problems are analyzed and remedial work prescribed. Concentrates on developing the speaking voice using the sounds of English and their relationship to meaning through the use of poetry and selected text. Open to theatre majors only.

THEATRE 171-0 Basic Acting (1 Unit)   For non-majors. Introduction to the study of acting: sensory response, imagination, and characterization work leading to prepared scenes from selected plays.

THEATRE 211-0 Fundamentals of Stage Directing (1 Unit)   An introductory course focusing on defining the role of the director, as well as practical strategies for work with text and actors.

THEATRE 220-0 Introduction to Theatre Design (1 Unit)   Introduces the principles and elements of visual design as they relate to the theatre design areas of scenery, costume, and lighting. Applies these principles and elements to a play by creating scenery, costume, and lighting design ideas based on text analysis, point of view, and research in a production notebook format. Does not count toward the requirements for the theatre major. Course is a requirement and prerequisite for all 200-level design courses for the theatre minor.

THEATRE 221-1 Design Process: Scene (1 Unit)   Development of stage design for the theatrical designer, from initial reading of the script to final design. Crew participation in department productions. 1. Scene design. Prerequisite: sophomore standing and consent of instructor.

THEATRE 221-2 Design Process: Costume (1 Unit)   Development of stage design for the theatrical designer, from initial reading of the script to final design. Crew participation in department productions. 2. Costume design. Prerequisite: sophomore standing and consent of instructor.

THEATRE 221-3 Design Process: Lighting (1 Unit)   Development of stage design for the theatrical designer, from initial reading of the script to final design. Crew participation in department productions. 3. Lighting design. Prerequisite: sophomore standing and consent of instructor.

THEATRE 222-0 Stage Makeup (1 Unit)   Theory and practice of stage makeup. Crew participation in department productions. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEATRE 223-0 Theatre Sound (1 Unit)   An introductory class in sound design for the theatre. Crew participation in department productions. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEATRE 231-0 Theatre for Young Audiences (1 Unit)   Selection, evaluation, direction, and production of plays for children. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEATRE 240-0 Special Topics in Theatre Studies (1 Unit)   Content varies. Studies of individual playwrights, national or regional theatres, historical periods, performace practices, or theoretical inquiries. Prerequisite: THEATRE 140-1, THEATRE 140-2 or consent of instructor.

THEATRE 241-1 Theatre History I: Pre-1650 (1 Unit)   Survey of the theory and history of world theatre and drama before 1650. Prerequisite: THEATRE 140-1, THEATRE 140-2 or consent of instructor.

THEATRE 241-2 Theatre History II: Post 1650 (1 Unit)   Survey of the theory and history of world theatre and drama after 1650. Prerequisite: THEATRE 140-1, THEATRE 140-2 or consent of instructor.

THEATRE 242-0 Topics in Shakespeare (1 Unit)   Critical study of Shakespeare's plays, theatrical culture, and theories and adaptations based on his work. Prerequisite: THEATRE 140-1, THEATRE 140-2 or consent of instructor.

THEATRE 244-1 Modern & Contemp Theatre: Modern (1 Unit)   Critical study of major dramatists, theories, and production styles. 1870-1920.

THEATRE 244-2 Modern & Contemp Theatre: Contemporary (1 Unit)   Critical study of major dramatists, theories, and production styles. 1920-present.

THEATRE 245-0 Theatre of the Americas (1 Unit)   Survey of theatre and drama of the Americas; examines relevance of plays, performances such as pageants and blackface minstrelsy, theatre companies, and their original contexts to their national identity. Prerequisite: THEATRE 140-1, THEATRE 140-2 or consent of instructor.

THEATRE 250-0 Special Studio Topics in Music Theatre (0.5 Unit)   This special topics course explores interdisciplinary modes of Music Theatre rooted in group practice. Topics may include Solo and Ensemble Voice Performance, Incorporation of Song and Dance, Actor-Musician Performance Techniques, Cabaret Performance and others as designed by the music theatre faculty.

THEATRE 251-1 Intermediate Voice I (0.5 Unit)   Private instruction in vocal musical theatre technique and repertoire. Performances at studio class, juries and special topics classes required. The primary course objective is to improve your individual instrument and approach to singing. Emphasis in lessons will be placed upon strengthening technique, improve confidence for performance and application of technique to repertoire.  Students continue to build musicianship skills and their understanding and assimilation of vocal technique.

THEATRE 251-2 Intermediate Voice II (0.5 Unit)   Private instruction in vocal musical theatre technique and repertoire. Performances at studio class, juries and special topics classes required. The primary course objective is to improve your individual instrument and approach to singing. Emphasis in lessons will be placed upon strengthening technique, improve confidence for performance and application of technique to repertoire.  Students continue to build musicianship skills and their understanding and assimilation of vocal technique.

THEATRE 251-3 Intermediate Voice III (0.5 Unit)   Private instruction in vocal musical theatre technique and repertoire. Performances at studio class, juries and special topics classes required. The primary course objective is to improve your individual instrument and approach to singing. Emphasis in lessons will be placed upon strengthening technique, improve confidence for performance and application of technique to repertoire.  Students continue to build musicianship skills and their understanding and assimilation of vocal technique.

THEATRE 252-0 Intermediate MT Techniques (1 Unit)  

THEATRE 253-0 Music Theatre History (1 Unit)   Three-part course, covering the major movements in the histories of dance, opera, and musical comedy. Examination of artists and their works.

THEATRE 255-0 Creating the Musical (1 Unit)   A large variety of topics courses designed to educate students on the various areas of musical creation. Topics will cover: lyric writing, song writing, book creation, score/scene creation, among others.

THEATRE 256-0 Musicianship for Actors (1 Unit)  

THEATRE 271-0 Intermediate Acting (1 Unit)  

THEATRE 272-0 Voice for Shakespeare (1 Unit)   The focus of the class is on the training and development of the actor's voice integrating the work in THEATRE 170-0 Voice for Performance with the focus on Shakespeare's heightened text. Students work to develop optimal pitch, vocal range, improve articulation, intonation and stress through the performance of Shakespeare's Sonnets, scenes, monologues and group work. Prerequisites: THEATRE 170-0 and permission of instructor.

THEATRE 273-1 Acting I (1 Unit)   1. Basic concepts. Prerequisites: THEATRE 140-1,THEATRE 140-2 (or equivalent) and consent of instructor.

THEATRE 273-2 Acting I (1 Unit)   2. Dramatic imagination. Prerequisites: THEATRE 140-1, THEATRE 140-2 (or equivalent) and consent of instructor.

THEATRE 273-3 Acting I (1 Unit)   3. Dramatic characterization. Prerequisites: THEATRE 140-1, THEATRE 140-2 (or equivalent) and consent of instructor.

THEATRE 281-0 Intro to Playwriting (1 Unit)   A course in which students read plays, complete writing exercises based on the reading, see plays off campus, and ultimately research and write the beginning of a full-length play of their own. The course is open to students in any major and writers of all levels.

THEATRE 292-0 Introduction to Stage Management (1 Unit)   Preproduction, rehearsal, and technical rehearsal process of theatrical productions. Basic stage management tools taught in theory: assembling a production book, blocking, scheduling, communication, and cueing. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEATRE 310-0 Special Topics in Directing (1 Unit)  

Studies wih Directing Faculty on special topics related to directing and theatrical forms.

Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEATRE 311-0 Advanced Stage Directing 04A45 (1 Unit)   Studies in particular aspects of directing or in forms of theatre. Students will further develop practical and theoretical skills as directors. Prerequisites: THEATRE 211-0 Fundamentals of Directing, permission of instructor.

THEATRE 312-0 Text Analysis (1 Unit)  

Seminar in analysis of dramatic texts as related to the problems of realized theatrical production.

Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEATRE 313-0 History of Directing (1 Unit)  

THEATRE 319-0 Creative Process: Envisioning the Theatrical Figure (1 Unit)   Techniques and materials of graphic communication for the stage designer. May be repeated for credit with change of topic. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEATRE 320-0 Special Topics in Theatre Design (1 Unit)  

THEATRE 321-1 Advanced Design Process: Scene (1 Unit)   For advanced undergraduate set design students and graduate students studying scene design as a secondary area. Lectures and design projects. Prerequisites: THEATRE 221-1 and consent of instructor.

THEATRE 321-2 Advanced Design Process: Costume (1 Unit)   For advanced undergraduates studying costume design and graduate students studying costume design as a secondary area. Lectures and design projects. Prerequisites: THEATRE 221-2 and consent of instructor.

THEATRE 321-3 Advanced Design Process: Lighting (1 Unit)   For advanced undergraduate lighting design students and graduate students studying lighting design as a secondary area. Lectures and design projects. Prerequisites: THEATRE 221-3 and consent of instructor.

THEATRE 322-0 History of Costume and Decor (1 Unit)   Style and aesthetics of art, architecture, fashion, and decorative arts. Special emphasis on periods of theatrical production. Current topic will be listed in the quarterly class schedule. May be repeated for credit with change of topic. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEATRE 323-0 Advanced Theatre Sound (1 Unit)   Planning and execution of sound for theatrical production; design of the actor's acoustical environment. Crew participation in department productions. Prerequisites: junior standing and consent of instructor.

THEATRE 324-0 Scene Painting (1 Unit)   Traditional and contemporary theory and practice of scene painting. Lecture and studio. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEATRE 325-1 Drawing and Painting for the Theatre: Graphic Arts for the Stage Designer (1 Unit)   Techniques and materials of graphic communication for the stage designer. May be repeated for credit with change of topic. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEATRE 325-2 Drawing and Painting for the Theatre: Rendering the Theatrical Space (1 Unit)   Techniques and materials of graphic communication for the stage designer. May be repeated for credit with change of topic. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEATRE 325-4 Drawing & Painting for the Theatre: Drafting (1 Unit)   Techniques and materials of graphic communication for the stage designer. May be repeated for credit with change of topic. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEATRE 326-1 Drawing and Painting for the Theatre: Freehand Drawing (1 Unit)   Drawing and composition using a variety of drawing materials and media for scenery, costume, and lighting designers. Lecture and studio. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEATRE 326-2 Drawing and Painting for the Theatre: The Figure in Space (1 Unit)   Drawing and composition using a variety of drawing materials and media for scenery, costume, and lighting designers. Lecture and studio. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEATRE 327-0 Textile Arts and Crafts (1 Unit)   For advanced undergraduate and graduate students studying costume design. Topics may include fabric dying, fabric modification, wig ventilation, millinery construction, and yarn arts. May be repeated for credit with change of topic. Prerequisites: THEATRE 344-0 and consent of instructor.

THEATRE 328-1 Period Pattern Drafting and Draping (1 Unit)   Techniques of flat pattern drafting and advanced construction used to create historical garment patterns for the stage. 1. Flat patterns. Prerequisites: junior standing and consent of instructor.

THEATRE 328-2 Period Pattern Drafting and Draping (1 Unit)   Techniques of flat pattern drafting and advanced construction used to create historical garment patterns for the stage. 2. Draping. Prerequisites: junior standing and consent of instructor.

THEATRE 328-3 Period Pattern Drafting and Draping (1 Unit)   Techniques of flat pattern drafting and advanced construction used to create historical garment patterns for the stage. 3. Period patterns. Prerequisites: junior standing and consent of instructor.

THEATRE 329-0 Computer Graphics for the Theatre Artist (1 Unit)   Computer graphics for the stage designer. Investigation of available software programs and strategies for use in theatre. Current topic will be listed in the quarterly class schedule. May be repeated for credit with change of topic. Lecture/laboratory. Crew participation in department productions may be required. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEATRE 330-0 Special Topics in TYA (1 Unit)  

THEATRE 332-1 The Art of Storytelling (1 Unit)   Ancient traditions and current renaissance of storytelling. Strategies for selecting, preparing, and sharing stories in performance. Applications in theatre, communication, education, religion, law, healing professions, leadership, and business. 1. Basic techniques. Students use storytelling in presentations and performance.

THEATRE 332-2 Advanced Storytelling (1 Unit)   Ancient traditions and current renaissance of storytelling. Strategies for selecting, preparing, and sharing stories in performance. Applications in theatre, communication, education, religion, law, healing professions, leadership, and business. 2. Advanced techniques of research, preparation, and performance, culminating in a public event. Students use storytelling in presentations and performance. Prerequisites: THEATRE 332-1 and consent of instructor.

THEATRE 333-1 Creative Drama (1 Unit)   Applications of creative drama in many areas (e.g., teaching, performance, therapy, writing, recreation). Students explore the use of process-centered improvisations in their lives and work. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEATRE 333-2 Advanced Creative Drama (1 Unit)  

Explores improvised drama as a teaching method and a means of learning for the elementary school child. Theory and practice through reading, discussion, films, and observation. Course culminates in extended teaching projects with children from local schools.

Prerequisites: THEATRE 333-1 (or equivalent) and consent of instructor.

THEATRE 340-0 Special Topics in Advanced Theatre Studies (1 Unit)  

Content varies. Advanced study of individual playwrights, practitioners, regional theatres, historical periods, performance practices, or theoretical inquiries.

Prerequisite: THEATRE 140-1, THEATRE 140-2 or consent of instructor.

THEATRE 341-0 Theatre and Social Change (1 Unit)  

Prerequisite: THEATRE 140-1, THEATRE 140-2 or consent of instructor.

THEATRE 342-0 Dramaturgy (1 Unit)  

Seminar in creative dramaturgical research as it relates to the problems of realized theatrical production.

Prerequisite: THEATRE 140-1, THEATRE 140-2 or consent of instructor.

THEATRE 343-0 Puppetry History & Performance (1 Unit)  

Seminar in the history and theory of puppetry with an emphasis on embodied experimentation.

Prerequisite: THEATRE 140-1, THEATRE 140-2 or consent of instructor.

THEATRE 344-0 Gender & Performance (1 Unit)  

Exploration of recent research on the social and political background of gender, particularly women's access to performative expressions. Historical aesthetics: changing debates on women's participation in the public theatre and the significance of the body in performance.

THEATRE 345-0 African American Theatre (1 Unit)  

Study of African American playwrights, practitioners, theatre companies, historical performance practices, theoretical inquiries, or transnational infuences.

Prerequisite: THEATRE 140-1, THEATRE 140-2 or AF_AM_ST 259-0 or consent of instructor.

THEATRE 346-0 Asian American Theatre (1 Unit)  

Study of Asian American playwrights, practitioners, theatre companies, historical performance practices, theoretical inquiries, or transnational infuences.

THEATRE 347-0 Latinx Theatre (1 Unit)  

Study of Latinx playwrights, practitioners, theatre companies, historical performance practices, theoretical inquiries, or transnational infuences.

THEATRE 348-0 Transnational Theatre (1 Unit)  

Study of the history, theory, or literature of transnational theatre and other performance forms.

THEATRE 350-0 Special Topics in Musical Theatre (1 Unit)  

THEATRE 351-1 Advanced Voice I (0.5 Unit)   Private instruction in vocal musical theatre technique and repertoire. Performances at studio class, juries and special topics classes required. The primary course objective is to improve your individual instrument and approach to singing. Emphasis in lessons will be placed upon strengthening technique, improve confidence for performance and application of technique to repertoire. Students continue to build musicianship skills and their understanding and assimilation of vocal technique.

THEATRE 351-2 Advanced Voice II (0.5 Unit)   Private instruction in vocal musical theatre technique and repertoire. Performances at studio class, juries and special topics classes required. The primary course objective is to improve your individual instrument and approach to singing. Emphasis in lessons will be placed upon strengthening technique, improve confidence for performance and application of technique to repertoire. Students continue to build musicianship skills and their understanding and assimilation of vocal technique.

THEATRE 351-3 Advanced Voice III (0.5 Unit)   Private instruction in vocal musical theatre technique and repertoire. Performances at studio class, juries and special topics classes required. The primary course objective is to improve your individual instrument and approach to singing. Emphasis in lessons will be placed upon strengthening technique, improve confidence for performance and application of technique to repertoire. Students continue to build musicianship skills and their understanding and assimilation of vocal technique.

THEATRE 351-4 Advanced Voice IV (0.5 Unit)   Private instruction in vocal musical theatre technique and repertoire. The primary course objective is to improve your individual instrument and approach to singing, to build endurance and stamina, and help you to transition into your professional singing career. Emphasis in lessons will be placed upon strengthening technique, perfecting cuts for optimum singing performance, vocal reliability, vocal health,  and application of technique to repertoire. This year long curriculum will culminate in a capstone experience.

THEATRE 351-5 Advanced Voice V (0.5 Unit)   Private instruction in vocal musical theatre technique and repertoire. The primary course objective is to improve your individual instrument and approach to singing, to build endurance and stamina, and help you to transition into your professional singing career. Emphasis in lessons will be placed upon strengthening technique, perfecting cuts for optimum singing performance, vocal reliability, vocal health,  and application of technique to repertoire. This year long curriculum will culminate in a capstone experience.

THEATRE 351-6 Advanced Voice VI (0.5 Unit)   Private instruction in vocal musical theatre technique and repertoire. The primary course objective is to improve your individual instrument and approach to singing, to build endurance and stamina, and help you to transition into your professional singing career. Emphasis in lessons will be placed upon strengthening technique, perfecting cuts for optimum singing performance, vocal reliability, vocal health,  and application of technique to repertoire. This year long curriculum will culminate in a capstone experience.

THEATRE 352-1 Advanced Music Theatre Techniques I (1 Unit)   Various performance styles of musical theatre. Current topic will be listed in the quarterly class schedule. May be repeated for credit with change of topic. Instructor consent required.

THEATRE 352-2 Advanced Music Theatre Techniques II (1 Unit)   Various performance styles of musical theatre. Current topic will be listed in the quarterly class schedule. May be repeated for credit with change of topic. Instructor consent required.

THEATRE 353-0 Musical Theatre Techniques for Non-Music Theatre Cert (1 Unit)  

THEATRE 354-0 Musical Theatre Repertoire (1 Unit)  

THEATRE 355-0 Advanced Creating the Musical (1 Unit)   A large variety of advanced topics courses designed to educate students on the various areas of musical creation. Topics will cover: lyric writing, song writing, book creation, score/scene creation, amoung others.

THEATRE 356-0 Advanced Musicianship for Actors: Theatre Styles and Genres (1 Unit)  

THEATRE 357-0 Orchestration (1 Unit)  

THEATRE 358-0 Showcase (1 Unit)  

THEATRE 359-0 Senior Audition Techniques (1 Unit)  

THEATRE 361-0 Partnered Swing Dancing (1 Unit)  

THEATRE 362-0 Standing Down Straight for Actors (1 Unit)   Standing Down Straight® for Actors is a holistic, universally applicable voice-and-movement technique for theatre students. Students explore using natural speech patterns and natural movement patterns as the basis of all stage expression. Thus, in class exercises, monologues, and partnered scenes, they explore using gravity-directed relaxation as a way to calm body and mind - so that both body and mind can work with power, intensity, and without strain.

THEATRE 370-0 Special Topics in Acting (1 Unit)  

THEATRE 372-0 Advanced Voice Styles (1 Unit)   Advanced vocal techniques for the stage actor. Vocal styles including performing the plays of language and heightened text using texts of Molière, Oscar Wilde, Bernard Shaw, Noël Coward, Tom Stoppard. Prerequisites: THEATRE 170-0 Voice for Performance, THEATRE 272-0 Voice for Shakespeare and permission of instructor.

THEATRE 373-1 Acting II: Analysis and Performance (1 Unit)   Theory, principles, and techniques of interpretation of drama from the actor's point of view. 1. tragedy. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEATRE 373-2 Acting II: Analysis and Performance (1 Unit)   Theory, principles, and techniques of interpretation of drama from the actor's point of view. 2. verse. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEATRE 373-3 Acting II: Analysis and Performance (1 Unit)   Theory, principles, and techniques of interpretation of drama from the actor's point of view. 3. realism. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEATRE 374-0 Dialects for the Stage (1 Unit)   Using the International Phonetic Alphabet, dialect recordings and selected text, students are given the tools to acquire a variety of dialects for performance in theatre and film. Principal dialects covered are standard British (Received Pronunciation), Cockney, Irish (North and South), French, Russian, German, American Southern and New York. Prerequisites: THEATRE 170-0 Voice for Performance, THEATRE 272-0 Voice for Shakespeare and permission of instructor.

THEATRE 375-0 Advanced Acting Topics (1 Unit)   Special Topics for advanced senior actors explore complex forms of theatrical performance, technique, style, and cultural aspects an educated actor must consider and implement.

THEATRE 376-0 Intro to Acting for the Screen (1 Unit)  

THEATRE 377-0 Topics in Acting for the Screen (1 Unit)   Foundational concerns and practices for screen-specific acting. Scenic analysis, rehearsal, staging and camera space, casting, editing for performance. Creating and portraying characters for most effective capture by the camera. Film directing techniques as related to the actor. Required introductory course for the Acting for the Screen module sequence.

THEATRE 378-0 Advanced Acting for Screen (1 Unit)   Retrospective critique of curricular and extracurricular performance work in the Acting for Screen module. Evaluation of performer's range and capabilities in terms of future projects and identity as an actor. Relationship between actor and director relative to the camera. Required course for the module. Prerequisites: THEATRE 376-0 and two approved module electives.

THEATRE 380-0 Special Topics in Playwriting (1 Unit)  

THEATRE 382-0 Playwriting Genres (1 Unit)  

THEATRE 383-1 Advanced Playwriting Sequence (1 Unit)   Fundamental techniques of playwriting: a yearlong sequence aimed at developing original, full-length play. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEATRE 383-2 Advanced Playwriting Sequence (1 Unit)   Fundamental techniques of playwriting. A yearlong sequence aimed at developing an original full-length play. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing and consent of instructor.

THEATRE 383-3 Advanced Playwriting Sequence (1 Unit)   Fundamental techniques of playwriting. A yearlong sequence aimed at developing an original full-length play. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing and consent of instructor.

THEATRE 390-0 Special Topics in Management (1 Unit)  

THEATRE 392-0 Advanced Stage Management (1 Unit)   Problem solving in the stage manager's leadership role; advanced study in production realization and communication. Students will be required to stage manage or assistant stage manage a department production and will prepare a production book based on the production. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEATRE 393-0 Production Management (1 Unit)   Production Management roles and responsibilites, production budgets, timelines and building and leading production team. Prerequisites: Introdution to Stage Management and consent of instructor.

THEATRE 394-0 Internship in Theatre Practice (1-4 Units)   Practice (3 units for undergraduates; 2 units for graduates) Production and/or management activities in a theatre company. Application required.

THEATRE 395-0 Theatre Practicum (1 Unit)   Research, teaching, and/or production assistance in collaboration with departmental faculty. The aim of the practicum is for students to learn about theatrical education, research, or artistic process through applied practice rather than through traditional coursework (including independent study) or external professional opportunities (internships, apprenticeships, etc.). A student may take up to 4 credits of CMN 340-0 or THEATRE 395-0. One credit of CMN 340-0, THEATRE 395-0 may count towards the major requirements; the remaining three will be applied to Elective credit.

THEATRE 396-0 Theatre Management and Arts Leadership (1 Unit)   Exploring and understanding the Artistic and Business leadership and parnternship in the Commerical and not for profit theatre communities. Prerequisites: Introduction to Stage Management and consent of instructor.

THEATRE 397-0 Theatre Marketing (1 Unit)   Partnering with the Broadway in Chicago, students will interview and be placed into marketing teams to market a new musical. Prerequisites: consent of instructor and resume review.

THEATRE 399-0 Independent Study (1 Unit)   Prerequisite: consent of undergraduate dean after submission of petition.

DANCE 101-1 Introduction to Dance Studies (1 Unit)   A curricular foundation in critical dance studies: the significance of corporeality/embodiment, critical theories as applied to dance practices, cultural and historical contextual knowledges, movement description and dance analysis.

DANCE 101-2 Dance as Creative Collaboration (1 Unit)   Students are introduced to the different ways dance performance materializes: choreography, improvisation, costume, lighting, production design, historical, political and artistic contexts. It will engage in creative and critical problem solving through choreographic thinking, improvisation, and collaborative embodied practice.

DANCE 101-3 Introduction to the Dance Experience (1 Unit)   Foundation for further studies in dance technique, science, history, and analysis. Introduction to improvisation: dance and movement improvisation as a tool for developing a personal movement vocabulary.

DANCE 110-0 Movement for the Stage (0.34 Unit)   Movement and body awareness. Improvisational techniques using time, space, weight, and effort as the instrument of expression.

DANCE 120-0 Topics in Preparation for Performance (0.34 Unit)   Different techniques each quarter to help prepare students for performance. Techniques include Pilates, yoga, Alexander technique, and the Feldenkrais method.

DANCE 130-0 Music Theatre Dance I (0.34 Unit)   Music theatre styles, explored through the study of jazz, tap, and modern repertoire. Taken during junior year.

DANCE 140-1 Basic Theatrical Dance I (0.34 Unit)   A foundation dance class for theatre, musical theatre and beginning movement students on theatrical dance: alignment, tempo, rhythm, spatial awareness. This course builds progressively with more complex movement phrases and technical specificity. Geared especially to MTCP and Theatre, Performance Studies and Music student who have 0-3 years’ experience in dance.

DANCE 140-2 Basic Theatrical Dance II (0.34 Unit)   A foundation dance class for theatre, musical theatre and beginning movement students on theatrical dance: alignment, tempo, rhythm, spatial awareness. This course builds progressively with more complex movement phrases and technical specificity. Geared especially to MTCP and Theatre, Performance Studies and Music student who have 0-3 years’ experience in dance.

DANCE 140-3 Basic Theatrical Dance III (0.34 Unit)   A foundation dance class for theatre, musical theatre and beginning movement students on theatrical dance: alignment, tempo, rhythm, spatial awareness. This course builds progressively with more complex movement phrases and technical specificity. Geared especially to MTCP and Theatre, Performance Studies and Music student who have 0-3 years’ experience in dance.

DANCE 150-0 Modern/Contemporary I (0.34 Unit)   Offered at levels I, II, and III each quarter to develop skills pertaining to modern/contemporary techniques. Higher levels progress more rapidly with a greater level of complexity, as class work focuses on a wider range of qualities and aesthetics. Style of modern technique varies with each instructor.

DANCE 160-0 Dances of the African Diaspora I (0.34 Unit)   Offered at levels I, II, and III to expose students to a variety of techniques that come from Black diasporic practices which may include: jazz, tap, hip-hop, West African, Afro-contemporary. Style of technique varies with each instructor.

DANCE 161-0 Jump Rhythm Technique 1 (0.34 Unit)   Offered at levels I and II. Dancing rhythmically-using jazz rhythms and the syncopated rhythms of funk, hip-hop, and other rock-based music to generate all dance movement.

DANCE 170-0 Classical Dance I (0.34 Unit)   Offered at levels I, II, and III to cover classical dances from basic principles through advanced skills. Terminology and movements are based on class level. Classical dance can encompass ballet but also dance forms from across the globe (e.g., India, Cambodia, China, Korea, West Africa). Classical dance style varies with instructor.

DANCE 180-1 Funk Jazz (0.34 Unit)   Foundations in multiple stage jazz dance techniques for MTCP or Dance Majors/Minors who are looking to expand their physical repertoire.

DANCE 180-2 Theatre Jazz (0.34 Unit)   Foundations in multiple stage jazz dance techniques for MTCP or Dance Majors/Minors who are looking to expand their physical repertoire. Theatre jazz would encompass Fosse technique.

DANCE 180-3 Street Jazz (0.34 Unit)   This class provides foundations in multiple stage jazz dance techniques for MTCP or Dance Majors/Minors who are looking to expand their physical repertoire. Street jazz could encompass current trends such as femme vogue or heels.

DANCE 181-0 Jump Rhythm Tap 1 (0.34 Unit)   Offered at levels I and II. Using not only the feet but other parts of the body as well to "play" the syncopated rhythms of swinging jazz, Latin jazz, rhythm and blues, funk, and hip-hop music.

DANCE 201-0 Dance in/as Culture (1 Unit)   A cultural approaches understanding to dance. Politics, identity, feminism, semiotics, and critical race theories are among the ideas that intersect with dances and choreographies to help understand how dance is both in and functions as culture. Prerequisite: DANCE 101-1 or approval of instructor.

DANCE 202-0 Anatomy (1 Unit)   The language and analysis of anatomy; heightening of bodily awareness using kinesthetic sensation and imagery. Combines theory and practice to achieve both intellectual and experiential awareness of the kinesthetics of anatomy.

DANCE 215-0 Dance Histories (1 Unit)   A global approach to histories of dance. Readings, discussion, video screenings, movement analysis, embodied workshops, and research.

DANCE 225-0 Dance Composition (1 Unit)   Fundamental choreographic elements: time, space, shape, form, dynamics, and design. Choreographic exploration of the basic principles of dance composition.

DANCE 230-0 Music Theatre Dance II (0.34 Unit)   Advanced class focusing on a range of Broadway choreography, dance styles, specialty forms, and audition technique. Taken during junior or senior year.

DANCE 235-0 Choreography for Musical Theatre (1 Unit)   How to manipulate space, time, and energy in short movement studies; creating a movement study in dramatic action that relies on those manipulations; choreographing a short dance using the previous movement studies as guideposts.

DANCE 250-0 Modern/Contemporary II (0.34 Unit)   Offered at levels I, II, and III each quarter to develop skills pertaining to modern/contemporary techniques. Higher levels progress more rapidly with a greater level of complexity, as class work focuses on a wider range of qualities and aesthetics. Style of modern technique varies with each instructor.

DANCE 260-0 Dances of the African Diaspora II (0.34 Unit)   Offered at levels I, II, and III to expose students to a variety of techniques that come from Black diasporic practices which may include: jazz, tap, hip hop, West African, Afro-contemporary. As class advances, students learn more advanced rhythmic phrases, more complex body-part isolations, and quicker direction changes in space. Style varies with each instructor.

DANCE 261-0 Jump Rhythm Technique II (0.34 Unit)   Offered at levels I and II. Dancing rhythmically¿using jazz rhythms and the syncopated rhythms of funk, hip-hop, and other rock- based music to generate all dance movement.

DANCE 270-0 Classical Dance II (0.34 Unit)   Offered at levels I, II, and III to cover classical dances from basic principles through advanced skills. Terminology and movements are based on class level. Classical dance can encompass ballet but also dance forms from across the globe (e.g., India, Cambodia, China, Korea, West Africa). Classical dance style varies with instructor.

DANCE 280-0 Tap II (0.34 Unit)   Tap technique. One level is offered each quarter, starting at beginning level. The fundamentals of tap are developed through each level, and rhythmic awareness is expanded.

DANCE 281-0 Jump Rhythm Tap II (0.34 Unit)   Offered at levels I and II. Using not only the feet but other parts of the body as well to "play" the syncopated rhythms of swinging jazz, Latin jazz, rhythm and blues, funk, and hip-hop music. Tap technique. One level is offered each quarter, started at the beginning level. The fundamentals of tap are developed through each level, and rhythmic awareness is expanded.

DANCE 315-0 Dance Criticism (1 Unit)  

Critical and theoretical thought of writers on Western theatrical dance.

DANCE 325-0 Advanced Choreographic Study (1 Unit)   Manipulation of space, time, and energy according to the principles of organic compositional development to produce personal, poetically charged choreographic statements. Lecture-laboratory investigation of advanced choreographic concepts; abstraction, style, use of music, group work, humor in dance. Prerequisite: DANCE 225-0 or consent of instructor.

DANCE 326-0 Advanced Improvisation (1 Unit)  

Improvisation as a source for composition and performance. For musicians and actors wishing to expand dance vocabulary and for dancers exploring the musical and theatrical dimensions of their art. Focus on interrelationships between people moving and between the performing arts that students bring to the course.

Prerequisite: DANCE 101-3 or consent of instructor.

DANCE 335-0 Special Topics in Dance Research (1 Unit)   Research methodologies, dance scholarship, criticism, and historical reconstruction. Critical issues and contemporary problems. Content varies.

DANCE 345-0 Studies in Collaboration (1 Unit)  

Workshop exploration of collaboration as well as historical and theoretical perspectives. Seminar, practicum. Through studio work, reading, and discussion, dancers and musicians will explore our shared language.

DANCE 350-0 Modern/Contemporary III (0.34 Unit)   Offered at levels I, II, and III each quarter to develop skills pertaining to modern/contemporary techniques. Higher levels progress more rapidly with a greater level of complexity, as class work focuses on a wider range of qualities and aesthetics. Style of modern technique varies with each instructor.

DANCE 355-0 Dance in Education (1 Unit)  

Organizing and teaching dance technique and creative movement for children and adolescents. Creative play, movement exploration, acquisition of basic motor skills, links to the classroom. Lecture, laboratory, and field experiences.

DANCE 356-0 Expressive Arts Therapy (1 Unit)  

Overview of dance, drama, and art therapies for treating disabled, mentally ill, or other special populations. Introduces diverse theoretical perspectives in the role and use of art forms as therapeutic modalities. Symbolic meaning, group dynamics, and the language of movement as it relates to personality, body image, and expression.

DANCE 360-0 Dances of the African Diaspora III (0.34 Unit)   Offered at levels I, II, and III to expose students to a variety of techniques that come from Black diasporic practices which may include: jazz, tap, hip hop, West African, Afro-contemporary. As class advances, students learn more advanced rhythmic phrases, more complex body-part isolations, and quicker direction changes in space. Style of jazz technique varies with each instructor.

DANCE 365-0 American Rhythm Dancing & the African American Performance Aesthetic (1 Unit)   Viewing (via video) and evaluating the sources and contemporary influences of jazz, tap, Broadway, and other vernacular forms of theatre dance. Light movement exercises to convey the kinesthetic basis of American rhythm dancing.

DANCE 370-0 Classical Dance III (0.34 Unit)   Offered at levels I, II, and III to cover classical dances from basic principles through advanced skills. Terminology and movements are based on class level. Classical dance can encompass ballet but also dance forms from across the globe (e.g., India, Cambodia, China, Korea, West Africa). Classical dance style varies with instructor.

DANCE 375-0 Summer Dance Institute (1 Unit)   One-week summer workshop exploring various forms of dance with guest artists.

DANCE 380-0 Tap lll (0.34 Unit)   Tap technique. One level is offered each quarter, starting at beginning level. The fundamentals of tap are developed through each level, and rhythmic awareness is expanded.

DANCE 395-1 Senior Seminar (0 Unit)   A forum for addressing issues of transition, career planning, and support, providing a structure for analyzing opportunities in the professional dance world. The seminar is also responsible for creating and producing the Senior Concert, the culminating activity of the dance major. The course meets as a yearlong sequence with grade and 1 credit unit awarded in the spring.

DANCE 395-2 Senior Seminar (0 Unit)  

DANCE 395-3 Senior Seminar (1 Unit)  

DANCE 399-0 Independent Study (1 Unit)   Prerequisite: consent of undergraduate dean after submission of petition.