Theatre Arts
Department Website: Theatre & Dance
Since the earliest human civilizations, theatre and dance have been integral to the fabric of human communication. The process of performance is woven into personal, community, business, artistic, and religious life - and into the dialogue among the cultures and nations of the world.
Critical examination of this process describes, interprets, and evaluates these relationships. As faculty in the Department of Theatre & Dance, we seek to assist students in becoming effective, creative, and ethically responsible communicators who can understand theoretical choices and design, express, interpret, and critically evaluate oral, written, nonverbal, and electronically mediated messages.
Theatre & Dance, as an academic discipline, draws upon the humanities, the social and natural sciences, and the professions. The curriculum is both conceptual and applied. Courses prepare for an in-depth exploration of one or more areas of inquiry. Teaching and learning methods combine lectures, seminars, workshops, production, and performance. Theatre & Dance at Gonzaga reflects the Jesuit, Catholic, Humanistic character and liberal arts tradition of the institution.
Mission Statement
The Theatre & Dance Department at Gonzaga University is committed to training and developing artists who confront the important issues of our lives through their engagement with the art forms of live theatre and dance.
Students study and critically reflect on a broad range of literature, theatrical forms, and techniques in order to promote an active engagement with the foundations of our culture and to promote the formation of a character that reflects the faith and justice mission of Gonzaga University. The intended outcome of this study and reflection is to provide service to our audience and the broader community and to promote the pursuit for social justice.
Our purpose is to serve young artists hoping to apply disciplined training and thoughtful work to search for justice and the greater good of those around them.
Students interested in a minor that combines the strengths of theatre, dance, visual arts, and music should visit the Interdisciplinary Arts page for more information about the Interdisciplinary Arts Minor.
Theatre Arts (BA) Major
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Division | ||
| THEA 111 | Acting I | 4 |
| THEA 132 | Stagecraft | 3 |
| THEA 200 | Theatre History | 3 |
| THEA 202 | Performance Text Analysis | 3 |
| THEA 235 | Design Process | 3 |
| THEA 240 | Theatre for Young Audiences | 3 |
| THEA 253 | Directing I | 3 |
| THEA 260 | Production Lab | 1 |
| THEA 261 | Performance Lab | 1 |
| Upper Division | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Advanced Production Lab | ||
| Advanced Performance Lab | ||
| Select five of the following courses (two must be a 290 or above): | ||
| Voice and Movement | ||
| Costume Construction | ||
| Acting II | ||
| Costume and Fashion Design | ||
| Lighting Design | ||
| Allied Arts | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Acting For The Camera | ||
| Shakespeare in Performance | ||
| Scenic Design | ||
| Devised Performance | ||
| Directing II | ||
| Fashion History | ||
| Playwriting | ||
| THEA 497 | Internship | 1-3 |
| THEA 498 | Senior Project I | 1 |
| THEA 499 | Senior Project II | 1 |
| Total Hours | 27-29 | |
Dance (BA) Major
Program Requirements
(Required Concentration in Pedagogy or Performance)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Division | ||
| DANC 165 | Dance Composition I | 3 |
| DANC 170 | Principles of Dance Conditioning | 3 |
| THEA 260 | Production Lab | 1 |
| DANC 270 | Dance History | 3 |
| Select two of the following technique/practice courses: | 4 | |
| Jazz Dance I | ||
| Contemporary/Modern Dance I | ||
| Ballet I | ||
| Jazz Dance II | ||
| Contemporary/Modern Dance II | ||
| Ballet II | ||
| Upper Division | ||
| Select two of the following courses or combinations: | 6 | |
| Musical Theatre Dance | ||
| Pop Culture Dance | ||
| Jazz Dance III and Jazz Dance Performance | ||
| Contemporary/Modern Dance III and Contemporary/Modern Dance Performance | ||
| Ballet III and Ballet Performance | ||
| Required theory and practice: | ||
| DANC 465 | Choreography | 3 |
| DANC 470 | Strategies: Dance Instruction | 3 |
| DANC 455 | Dance Senior Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 27 | |
Students must select one of two concentrations:
Dance Pedagogy Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| DANC 460 | Advanced Dance Production | 1 |
| DANC 471 | Dance Pedagogy for the Studio | 2 |
| Electives | 5 | |
| DANC 155 | Dance: Culture and Art | 3 |
| DANC 180 | Topics in Dance | 3 |
| DANC 280 | Special Topics | 1-4 |
| DANC 380 | Topics in Dance | 1-4 |
| DANC 405 | Jazz Dance Performance | 1-3 |
| DANC 410 | Contemporary/Modern Dance Performance | 1 |
| DANC 415 | Ballet Performance | 1 |
| DANC 466 | Advanced Choreography | 1 |
| DANC 467 | Dance Choreography Lab | 1 |
| DANC 497 | Internship | 1-3 |
| EDPE 311 | Exercise and Sport Instructional Methods 2 | 3 |
| EDTE 221E | Elementary Differential Instruct and Assess | 3 |
| THEA 237 | Costume and Fashion Design | 3 |
| THEA 239 | Lighting Design | 3 |
| THEA 260 | Production Lab | 1 |
- 1
Students taking EDTE 221E Elementary Differential Instruct and Assess must enroll concurrently in DANC 465 Choreography
- 2
Students taking EDPE 311 Exercise and Sport Instructional Methods may have EDPE 190 Introduction to Kinesiology and Sport Management prerequisite waived
Performance Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| DANC 460 | Advanced Dance Production | 1 |
| DANC 466 | Advanced Choreography | 1 |
| Select one of the following: | 2 | |
| Jazz Dance III | ||
| Contemporary/Modern Dance III | ||
| Ballet III | ||
| Electives | ||
| THEA 120 | Voice and Movement | 3 |
| DANC 180 | Topics in Dance | 3 |
| or DANC 280 | Special Topics | |
| or DANC 380 | Topics in Dance | |
| EDPE 224 | Exercise and Sport Nutrition | 3 |
| THEA 239 | Lighting Design | 3 |
| DANC 467 | Dance Choreography Lab | 1 |
| DANC 360 | Dance Company Lab | 1 |
| DANC 405 | Jazz Dance Performance | 1-3 |
| or DANC 410 | Contemporary/Modern Dance Performance | |
| or DANC 415 | Ballet Performance | |
| DANC 471 | Dance Pedagogy for the Studio | 2 |
| DANC 497 | Internship | 1-3 |
Musical Theatre Minor
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Division | ||
| DANC 275 | Musical Theatre History | 3 |
| Select from the following Technique courses: | 6 | |
| Jazz Dance I | ||
| Jazz Dance II | ||
| Ballet I | ||
| Ballet II | ||
MUSC 131 | (Applied Lessons) | |
| Concert Choir | ||
| Gonzaga Glee Club | ||
| Musea Treble Chorus | ||
| Music Theory I and Theory I Ear Training Lab | ||
| Vocal Diction I | ||
| Vocal Diction II | ||
| Acting I | ||
| Voice and Movement | ||
| Performance Text Analysis | ||
| Acting II | ||
| Devised Performance | ||
| Select from the following Education and Social Justice Applications courses: | 6 | |
| Topics in Dance | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Musical Theatre Dance | ||
| Strategies: Dance Instruction | ||
| Group Voice Class | ||
| Vocal Pedagogy | ||
| FYS: (Theatre and Neurodivergance) | ||
| Theatre for Young Audiences | ||
| Directing I | ||
| Upper Division | ||
| Select one of the following: | 1 | |
| Musical Theatre Dance | ||
| Dance Company Lab | ||
| Performance | 6 | |
| Musical Theatre Dance | ||
| Dance Company Lab | ||
| Vocal Arts Ensemble | ||
| Performance Lab | ||
Theatre Arts Minor
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Division | ||
| THEA 100 | Introduction to Theatre Arts | 3 |
| THEA 111 | Acting I | 4 |
| THEA 235 | Design Process | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Theatre History | ||
| Performance Text Analysis | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Production Lab | ||
| Performance Lab | ||
| Upper Division | ||
| Select two of the following: (One course must be a 200-level or above) | 6-7 | |
| Stagecraft | ||
| Costume Construction | ||
| Acting II | ||
| Costume and Fashion Design | ||
| Lighting Design | ||
| Theatre for Young Audiences | ||
| Directing I | ||
| Scenic Design | ||
| Directing II | ||
| Total Hours | 19-21 | |
Dance Minor
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Division | ||
| DANC 170 | Principles of Dance Conditioning | 3 |
| or DANC 165 | Dance Composition I | |
| Select two of the following technique/practice courses: | 4 | |
| Jazz Dance I | ||
| Contemporary/Modern Dance I | ||
| Ballet I | ||
| Jazz Dance II | ||
| Contemporary/Modern Dance II | ||
| Ballet II | ||
| Required theory and practice: | ||
| DANC 270 | Dance History | 3 |
| DANC 470 | Strategies: Dance Instruction | 3 |
| Upper Division | ||
| Select one of the following 3-credit performances: | 3 | |
| Musical Theatre Dance | ||
| Pop Culture Dance | ||
| Jazz Dance III and Jazz Dance Performance | ||
| Contemporary/Modern Dance III and Contemporary/Modern Dance Performance | ||
| Ballet III and Ballet Performance | ||
| Select one of the following: | 1-3 | |
| Production Lab | ||
| Dance Company Lab | ||
| Total Hours | 17-19 | |
Courses
DANC 100. Introduction to Dance. (3 Credits)
This course introduces dance as an art form composed for the stage and as a social form present in all cultures. Students will gain the necessary skills and understanding for an appreciation of the social, physical, and artistic qualities of dance through various forms and cultures.
DANC 105. Jazz Dance I. (2 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Beginning and continuing instruction in jazz dance. This course includes the technique, vocabulary and history of the genre. Fall.
DANC 110. Contemporary/Modern Dance I. (2 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
In this course, students learn the vocabulary, history, elementary principles and techniques of Contemporary and Modern Dance. Students also develop an understanding and appreciation of dance as a disciplined art form and integral part of the performing arts. This is a beginning level course. Fall.
Equivalent: THEA 224
DANC 115. Ballet I. (2 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
In this course, students learn the vocabulary, history, elementary principles and techniques of Ballet. Students also develop an understanding and appreciation of Ballet as a disciplined art form and integral part of the performing arts. This is a beginning level course.
DANC 155. Dance: Culture and Art. (3 Credits)
This course provides the necessary skills and understanding for an appreciation of the social, physical, and artistic qualities of dance through various cultures. Physical learning of a number of social/ballroom dance forms is paired with cognitive and emotional understanding of the countries and cultures from which they were derived. Students study the concepts of lead/follow, the transition from social to concert dance as a global phenomenon and gain an understanding of dance from a global perspective.
DANC 165. Dance Composition I. (3 Credits)
This course uses concepts of theatre-, dance-, and visual arts-based research to solve problems. Students will be exposed, through lecture and assignments, to theories and methods from each art form and will learn to integrate the art forms to explore complex concepts through performance.
Course Fee: 20
DANC 170. Principles of Dance Conditioning. (3 Credits)
This course introduces the foundations of human movement and Functional Awareness Principles. This course is designed to encourage optimal use of the dancer’s body through exploration of proper alignment techniques, somatic practices and human anatomy and physiology. Increased knowledge of human movement empowers students to prevent injury and enhance longevity and performance. Students are challenged to explore course content through lectures, classroom discussion, and practical dance training exercises.
Course Fee: 15
DANC 180. Topics in Dance. (1-4 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
DANC 190. Independent Study. (1-6 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Topic to be determined by instructor.
DANC 193. FYS:. (3 Credits)
The First-Year Seminar (FYS) introduces new Gonzaga students to the University, the Core Curriculum, and Gonzaga’s Jesuit mission and heritage. While the seminars will be taught by faculty with expertise in particular disciplines, topics will be addressed in a way that illustrates approaches and methods of different academic disciplines. The seminar format of the course highlights the participatory character of university life, emphasizing that learning is an active, collegial process.
DANC 205. Jazz Dance II. (2 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
This intermediate course in jazz dance focuses on technique, vocabulary, choreography and performance studies.
DANC 210. Contemporary/Modern Dance II. (2 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
In this intermediate course, students continue to learn the vocabulary, principles, and techniques of Contemporary Modern Dance. Students also develop an understanding and appreciate of dance as a disciplined art form and integral part of the performing arts.
DANC 215. Ballet II. (2 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
This intermediate course in Ballet builds upon the elementary principles and techniques of Ballet I, focuses on technique, an expanded dance vocabulary, and a survey of ballet styles and methodology.
Equivalent: THEA 320
DANC 260. Dance Production. (1 Credit)
May be repeated for credit.
In this course, students learn the specifics of how to produce dance concerts. The learning experience includes participation in producing dance concerts including but not limited to assistant stage management, production meetings, theatre preparation, light board operation, sound board operation, and house management.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Dance or Dance.
DANC 270. Dance History. (3-4 Credits)
This course introduces students to major concepts and approaches in the study of dance as a political, historical, and artistic practice. Students will look at dance as a reflection of culture and as an art form from earliest societies to the present, focusing on western dance history and its multi-cultural influences.
DANC 275. Musical Theatre History. (3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
This course critically explores musical theatre and its history through a global lens. Using a thematic approach, students analyze how the socioeconomic, societal, and cultural realities of historical periods, around the world, are reflected in the artform. Course materials cover influential theaters, producers, writers, composers, and performers - paying special attention to the marginalized cultures and individuals who have contributed to the development of the form but have been systemically left out of academic acknowledgement.
DANC 280. Special Topics. (1-4 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Topic to be determined by instructor.
DANC 285. Interdiscipl Arts E-portfolio. (0 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
In this zero credit course taken each fall of sophomore and junior years, Interdisciplinary Arts Minor students will submit work from the year before into an e-portfolio format. This will be reviewed by the Director and the student in a scheduled meeting, reviewing ideas for the senior synthesis project and ensuring they are on track with coursework.
Equivalent: THEA 222
DANC 290. Independent Study. (1-6 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Topic to be determined by instructor.
DANC 300. Musical Theatre Dance. (3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
In this course, students learn Musical Theatre Dance and History. By examining the unique aspects of multiple styles of dance and physically learning numbers from musical theatre, students prepare for the Spring Dance Concert. This course is a performance-focused study of Dance, but also includes research and presentations in Musical Theatre Dance history.
Course Fee: 15
DANC 301. Pop Culture Dance. (3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
This course is an examination of the history and the physical styles of hip hop, fusion, funk, contemporary, and other pop culture genres of dance. This experiential dance class includes a public performance in the Spring Dance Concert. First level class recommended. Spring, odd years.
Course Fee: 15
DANC 305. Jazz Dance III. (2 Credits)
Advanced course in Jazz focuses on technique and individual artistry and includes a survey of relevant dance works, companies, and careers in dance. When taken in conjunction with DANC 405 students perform in the Spring Dance Concert.
DANC 310. Contemporary/Modern Dance III. (2 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Advanced course in Contemporary Modern Dance focuses on technique and individual artistry and includes a survey of relevant dance works, companies, and careers in dance. When taken in conjunction with DANC 410 students perform in the Spring Dance Concert.
DANC 315. Ballet III. (2 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Advanced course in Ballet focuses on technique and individual artistry and includes a survey of relevant dance works, ballet companies, and careers in dance. In addition, this course provides students with an opportunity to continue their study of classical ballet technique with an emphasis on technical and artistic development through their participation in the Spring Dance Concert.
DANC 360. Dance Company Lab. (1 Credit)
May be repeated for credit.
Participation as a performer in a Dance Program company or ensemble. Spring and Fall. Course repeatable for 6 credits
DANC 380. Topics in Dance. (1-4 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Topic to be determined by instructor.
DANC 390. Independent Study. (1-6 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
DANC 405. Jazz Dance Performance. (1 Credit)
May be repeated for credit.
Advanced course in Jazz Dance focuses on the application of technique, individual artistry and choreography in performance. Dancers participate in public performances of the Spring Dance Concert. Spring.
Corequisites: DANC 305
Course Fee: 15
DANC 410. Contemporary/Modern Dance Performance. (1 Credit)
May be repeated for credit.
Advanced course in Contemporary and Modern Dance focuses on the application of technique, individual artistry and choreography in performance. Dancers participate in public performances of the Spring Dance Concert. Spring.
Corequisites: DANC 310
Course Fee: 15
DANC 415. Ballet Performance. (1 Credit)
May be repeated for credit.
This advanced course in Ballet has a co-requisite of DANC 315 Ballet III, which focuses on technique and individual artistry and includes a survey of relevant dance works, ballet companies, and careers in dance. In addition, this course provides students with an opportunity to continue their study of classical ballet technique with an emphasis on technical and artistic development through their participation in the Spring Dance Concert.
Corequisites: DANC 315
Course Fee: 15
DANC 455. Dance Senior Seminar. (1 Credit)
A career preparation and individual artistic development experience in a cohort and mentorship setting. Students engage in self-initiated as well as guided exercises to prepare for life and career after graduation. Fall.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Dance or Dance.
DANC 460. Advanced Dance Production. (1 Credit)
May be repeated for credit.
Students learn the specifics of how to produce dance concerts. The learning experience includes advanced participation in producing fall dance concerts including but not limited to marketing, production meeting, theatre preparation, lighting, sound, house management etc.
DANC 465. Choreography. (3 Credits)
This course is about finding one’s ‘voice’ through the study and application of the art of dance composition. Choreography in dance history, contemporary methods, dynamics, rhythm, design, motivation, gesture and improvisation are explored as basic elements for building dance. The final
project will be presenting a work in the Gonzaga Student Choreography Concert. Students will leave this course able to express their creative ideas through the artistic medium of dance. It is strongly recommended that students participate in the Student Choreography Concert as a dancer prior to taking this course.
Course Fee: 15
DANC 466. Advanced Choreography. (1 Credit)
May be repeated for credit.
This course builds on the coursework from THEA 425. With a foundation in dance conceptualization, analysis, communication, and choreography, students create advanced compositions by further developing their voice as a dance artist. Students in this course have the opportunity to observe, reflect and revise and further develop their individual creative voice.
DANC 467. Dance Choreography Lab. (1 Credit)
May be repeated for credit.
Participation as a choreographer (working closely with faculty advisor(s)) in a Department dance company/ensemble or Theatrical production. Spring and Fall.
Prerequisites: DANC 465 with a minimum grade of D
DANC 470. Strategies: Dance Instruction. (3 Credits)
In this course, students learn a variety of dance teaching styles, strategies, curriculum planning, and evaluation methods. Students will develop their own teaching style through a service-learning practicum leading an after-school creative dance program (ZagDance). Students will examine how economic factors including access, transportation and support can hinder the children’s previous exposure to dance class. Emphasis is placed on teaching basic creative dance to build a positive classroom environment while meeting the needs of various levels of elementary dance students.
Course Fee: 15
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Dance or Dance.
DANC 471. Dance Pedagogy for the Studio. (2 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Students will continue to explore a variety of pedagogical styles and strategies, curriculum planning and evaluation methods in the field of dance.
Prerequisites: DANC 470 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D
DANC 497. Internship. (1-3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Topic and work load to be determined by student and instructor.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Dance or Dance.
THEA 100. Introduction to Theatre Arts. (3 Credits)
An introductory survey of the history, aesthetics, and literature of the theatre, and the various areas of theatrical production. Fall and Spring.
THEA 102. Dance: Culture and Art. (3 Credits)
Introduces dance as a social form present in all cultures and as an art form composed for the stage. This course provides the necessary skills and understanding for an appreciation of the social, physical, and artistic qualities of dance through various cultures. Somatic learning of social/ballroom dance forms is paired with cognitive and emotional understanding of the countries and cultures from which they were derived. Students will also study the concepts of leading and following, the transition from social to concert dance as a global phenomenon, and gain an understanding of dance from a global perspective.
THEA 111. Acting I. (4 Credits)
An introduction to the techniques of dramatic expression utilizing the body, voice, and imagination. Structured play exercise helps the beginner to overcome physical/vocal inhibitions, and develop a sense of trust and teamwork within the group. Scene work is approached using beats, intentions, scores of physical actions, obstacles, and subtext. The class concludes with a recital to provide practical experience in rehearsal and performance. Fall and Spring.
Equivalent: FILM 160
THEA 120. Voice and Movement. (3 Credits)
An introduction to expressively engaging the entire physical instrument in life and performance. Coursework focuses on a variety of techniques designed to develop an increased range of physical and vocal expression. The course features experimentation in a studio setting and practical/creative application through rehearsal and performance. Fall, odd years.
THEA 130. Topics in Dance. (1-3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Advanced courses, visiting artists, cultural dance. Periodic offering.
THEA 132. Stagecraft. (3 Credits)
The theory and practice of the construction and painting of scenery and props, the fundamentals of stage lighting, and the organization of technical work in the theatre. Fall.
Equivalent: THEA 232
Course Fee: 45
THEA 134. Costume Construction. (3 Credits)
In this class we will seek to understand the overall breadth of the field, with an introduction to its areas of specialization; beginning stitching, patterning, and crafting techniques, and individual contributions to the work of the Gonzaga Costume Shop, as well as a personal construction project. Fall.
Course Fee: 25
THEA 190. Directed Study. (1-3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Topic to be determined by faculty.
Course Fee: 45
THEA 193. FYS:. (3 Credits)
The First-Year Seminar (FYS) introduces new Gonzaga students to the University, the Core Curriculum, and Gonzaga’s Jesuit mission and heritage. While the seminars will be taught by faculty with expertise in particular disciplines, topics will be addressed in a way that illustrates approaches and methods of different academic disciplines. The seminar format of the course highlights the participatory character of university life, emphasizing that learning is an active, collegial process.
THEA 200. Theatre History. (3 Credits)
A study of the theatre as an expression of life and culture from a primitive ritual to the 21st century. Theatre literature, performance practice, and theatre architecture will be studied within the larger context of the culture form which the various types of theatrical expression are derived. Fall, odd years.
THEA 202. Performance Text Analysis. (3 Credits)
This course will provide students with the necessary tools to create, and support other students in the creation of, critical analyses of plays and productions. Through textbook readings designed to provide students with access to the creative process, published play readings engineered to highlight successful analytical lenses and practices, and exercises devised to tap into different modes of creative generation, students discover multiple methodologies for performance text analysis. Students learn to give and receive effective feedback. By the end of the semester, students complete several full performance text analyses and contribute directly to the making of a live performance.
THEA 216. Acting II. (4 Credits)
An intensive study of the acting process building on skills developed in Acting I (THEA 111). The course focuses on character development in psychological realism and other modern forms and is intended to expand the actor's range with both scene and monologue work, as well as to expand skills in voice/body integration and script analysis. Spring.
Prerequisites: THEA 111 with a minimum grade of D
Course Fee: 20
THEA 222. E-Portfolio. (0 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Taken each fall of sophomore and junior years, Interdisciplinary Arts Minor students submit work from the year before into an e-portfolio format. This is reviewed by the Director and the student in a scheduled meeting, reviewing ideas for their senior synthesis project and ensuring they are on track with coursework.
THEA 224. Contemporary Modern Dance I. (2 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Analysis and theory of modern dance with an emphasis on basic technique and movement exploration. Includes a study of the evolution of modern dance and its past and present pioneers. Fall.
Equivalent: DANC 110
THEA 235. Design Process. (3 Credits)
Fundamentals of the process of designing for the theatre - developing the design from the initial script study through the collaborative process in design meetings. Learning how to “see” and developing points of view and approaches are studied. The course also covers the business of design, working in regional theatres and other professional venues. Fall, even years.
Equivalent: FILM 260
THEA 237. Costume and Fashion Design. (3 Credits)
Examine the role of costume design in the performance storytelling process for stage and fashion. Utilizing classic design principles and tools, including color theory and artistic media, we explore turning texts into visual images through script analysis, character interpretation, use of historical dress, and artistic inspirations. Spring.
THEA 239. Lighting Design. (3 Credits)
An introduction to the technical procedures, equipment, organization, drafting, and design principles of theatrical lighting. Students will design and execute lighting for main stage productions. Spring.
THEA 240. Theatre for Young Audiences. (3 Credits)
An introduction to the artistic, pedagogical, and entrepreneurial methods for producing theatre for (and with) young audiences. Coursework features practical rehearsal and performance, a survey of major Theatre for Young Audience plays, applied theatre techniques, and curriculum development. This class is intended for students seeking to become teachers (inside and outside of theatre arts classrooms) and those interested in performing for K-12 audiences. Spring, even years.
THEA 253. Directing I. (3 Credits)
The fundamental techniques of play analysis, actor communication, and composition are introduced and applied to model plays. Organizational, leadership, and conceptual skills are developed as students audition, cast, and rehearse chosen scenes from the modern realistic repertoire for performance. Fall.
Prerequisites: THEA 111 with a minimum grade of D
Equivalent: FILM 360, THEA 453
Course Fee: 20
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Fourth Year (96+ credits), Second Year (26-59.99 credits) or Third Year (60-95.99 credits).
THEA 260. Production Lab. (1 Credit)
May be repeated for credit.
Introductory level participation in one or more phases of the design, technology, and management (DTM) production process (set construction, costume construction, lighting, sound, etc.) Spring and Fall.
THEA 261. Performance Lab. (1 Credit)
May be repeated for credit.
Performance of a role in a main stage theatre production. Spring and Fall.
THEA 287. Allied Arts. (3 Credits)
The goal of the artist in a theatrical production is simple: to make the audience believe. To that end, it is the responsibility of the scenic artist to create the illusion that rough plywood surfaces are in fact brick walls, or that a masonite floor is instead a cobblestone walkway. This class explores scenic painting techniques, foam carving, and specialty prop design. Topics include the role of the scenic artist in the production process. Additional emphasis placed on faux painting techniques and trompe l'oeil painting. This is an intermediate studio course exploring the techniques and processes of scenic painting and crafts that encompass skills necessary for theatre and theatre production projects. Tools, materials and painting techniques will be demonstrated by the instructor and explored and executed by the student. Scenic painting does not arrive from your imagination alone. Research into surfaces and light will be necessary to apply the skills of painting.
THEA 290. Directed Study. (1-3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Topic to be determined by faculty.
THEA 293. Special Topics. (1-4 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Topic to be determined by Instructor.
THEA 294. Special Topics. (1-3 Credits)
Topic to be determined by Instructor.
THEA 316. Acting For The Camera. (4 Credits)
With experience of basic acting techniques in hand, the student actor works in front of the camera to meet the challenges of electronic media. Simplicity of presentation, performance of the authentic person, and active listening are key skills. Work is in a variety of forms, from feature films to public service announcements. The class concludes with a public showing of student work. Periodic offering.
Prerequisites: THEA 111 with a minimum grade of D
Equivalent: FILM 361
THEA 324. Shakespeare in Performance. (3 Credits)
An introductory study of contemporary acting methods used to perform Shakespeare’s plays. Emphasis is placed on balancing Elizabethan language and staging conventions with today’s psychological realism. The course focuses on character development, physical and vocal techniques for the actor, use of verse and prose, delivery of soliloquies, and script analysis. Students will engage with both scene and monologue work. The course is intended to expand the actor’s range as well as the reader’s understanding of Shakespeare’s work for the live stage.
THEA 332. Scenic Design. (3 Credits)
Theory and application of the process used to design theatrical scenery. Students begin to develop and apply skills in script analysis, theatre drafting, model building, collage, and research techniques with the intent to design scenery for live theatre performance. Fall, odd years.
Course Fee: 45
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Fourth Year (96+ credits), Second Year (26-59.99 credits) or Third Year (60-95.99 credits).
THEA 344. Devised Performance. (3 Credits)
This course investigates the topic of Devising, in which the traditional theatrical model of beginning with a single author’s text is subverted. Any "product" created by a Devising ensemble depends on the contributions of all participants - it is a mode of creation and development defined by group collaboration. Class projects include choreography, site-specific theatre, documentary theatre, etc., and are supplemented by readings from professional devising companies.
THEA 354. Directing II. (3 Credits)
With a foundation in conceptualization, play analysis, actor communication, and design, student directors will create a vision for a short play. Student directors cast their shows and collaborate with a design team to realize the production in a public performance. Emphasis is placed on building conceptually rich, unified productions and the development of an individual creative voice. Spring.
Prerequisites: THEA 253 with a minimum grade of D
Course Fee: 30
THEA 364. Fashion History. (3 Credits)
An introduction to the study of fashion history, a sociological, historical, material, and fine art field. Students will study the theories of human adornment and decoration, geographical and historical contexts, specific vocabularies, and application of fashion theories to a variety of places, time periods, and people groups.
THEA 390. Directed Study. (1-4 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Topic to be determined by faculty.
THEA 432. CIS:. (3 Credits)
The Core Integration Seminar (CIS) engages the Year Four Question: “Imagining the possible: What is our role in the world?” by offering students a culminating seminar experience in which students integrate the principles of Jesuit education, prior components of the Core, and their disciplinary expertise. Each section of the course will focus on a problem or issue raised by the contemporary world that encourages integration, collaboration, and problem solving. The topic for each section of the course will be proposed and developed by each faculty member in a way that clearly connects to the Jesuit Mission, to multiple disciplinary perspectives, and to our students’ future role in the world.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites exist. Refer to Zagweb.
THEA 440. Playwriting. (3 Credits)
Designed to provide students with the necessary tools to create dramatic texts for reading and performance. Through play reading assignments and exercises devised to tap into different modes of creative generation, students discover methodologies for developing new work. Students hear their work read by actors in a 10-minute play festival. By the end of the semester, students complete a short one-act play. Fall, even years.
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Fourth Year (96+ credits), Second Year (26-59.99 credits) or Third Year (60-95.99 credits).
THEA 460. Advanced Production Lab. (1 Credit)
May be repeated for credit.
Advanced level participation in design, technology, and management (DTM) production roles. Spring and Fall.
Prerequisites: THEA 260 with a minimum grade of D
THEA 461. Advanced Performance Lab. (1 Credit)
May be repeated for credit.
Performance of an advanced role in a main stage theatre production. Spring and Fall.
Prerequisites: THEA 261 with a minimum grade of D
THEA 480. Theatre Seminar. (1-4 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission from Department Chair required. Upon sufficient demand.
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Fourth Year (96+ credits), Second Year (26-59.99 credits) or Third Year (60-95.99 credits).
THEA 481. Theatre Seminar. (1-3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission from Department Chair required. Upon sufficient demand.
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Fourth Year (96+ credits) or Third Year (60-95.99 credits).
THEA 482. Theatre Seminar. (1-3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission from Department Chair required. Upon sufficient demand.
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Fourth Year (96+ credits) or Third Year (60-95.99 credits).
THEA 483. Theatre Seminar. (1-3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission of instructor required. Upon sufficient demand.
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Fourth Year (96+ credits) or Third Year (60-95.99 credits).
THEA 484. Theatre Seminar. (1 Credit)
May be repeated for credit.
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission of instructor required. Upon sufficient demand.
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Fourth Year (96+ credits) or Third Year (60-95.99 credits).
THEA 485. Theatre Seminar. (1-3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission of instructor required. Upon sufficient demand.
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Fourth Year (96+ credits) or Third Year (60-95.99 credits).
THEA 486. Theatre Seminar. (1-3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission of instructor required. Upon sufficient demand.
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Fourth Year (96+ credits) or Third Year (60-95.99 credits).
THEA 487. Theatre Seminar. (1-3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission of instructor required. Upon sufficient demand.
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Fourth Year (96+ credits) or Third Year (60-95.99 credits).
THEA 488. Theatre Seminar. (1-3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Pre-requisite: permission of instructor. Upon sufficient demand.
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Fourth Year (96+ credits) or Third Year (60-95.99 credits).
THEA 489. Theatre Seminar. (1-6 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission of instructor required. Upon sufficient demand.
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Fourth Year (96+ credits) or Third Year (60-95.99 credits).
THEA 490. Directed Study. (1-3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Students will take leadership in one of the following areas of applied theatrical production: stage management, lighting design, scenic design, sound design, costume design or directing.
THEA 491. Directed Study. (1-2 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Students will take leadership in one of the following areas of applied theatrical production: stage management, lighting design, scenic design, sound design, costume design or directing.
THEA 492. Directed Study. (1-3 Credits)
Students will take leadership in one of the following areas of applied theatrical production: stage management, lighting design, scenic design, sound design, costume design or directing.
THEA 493. Directed Study. (1-2 Credits)
Students will take leadership in one of the following areas of applied theatrical production: stage management, lighting design, scenic design, sound design, costume design, or directing.
THEA 494. Directed Study. (1-2 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Students will take leadership in one of the following areas of applied theatrical production: stage management, lighting design, scenic design, sound design, costume design or directing.
THEA 497. Internship. (1-3 Credits)
May be repeated for credit.
Professional work experience in theatre related field. Fall, Spring, and Summer.
THEA 498. Senior Project I. (1 Credit)
A career preparation and individual artistic development experience in a cohort and mentorship setting. Students will engage in self-initiated as well as guided exercises to prepare for life and career after graduation. Development of senior project, to be completed in THEA 499 in the spring. Fall.