Theatre Courses

THE 103. INTRODUCTION TO THE THEATRE (3) (GEN. ED. #9)
Students will learn to recognize how meaning is constructed in the theatre. Play texts will be used as a jumping off place to examine the literature of theatre - structure, form, genre and style and how a play text is transformed into theatre through acting, design, and direction. The historical context of plays - performance conventions, architecture and audience expectations will serve as a way of understanding our contemporary theatre. The student’s ability to decipher the ways and means of communication in the theatre will be demonstrated in written critiques of live performance.
Spring semester. Campbell.

THE 105. SPEECH (3)
Students learn to effectively compose, organize and present a variety of informative and persuasive speeches. Stress is placed on critical listening, vocal and nonverbal control, progressive outline development, credibility, and confidence in front of an audience. Four class hours.
Fall semester, repeated spring semester. Curry, Françoise.

THE 120. ACTING I (3) (GEN. ED. #8)
Exploration of the actor’s vocal, physical, intellectual, and emotional resources. Principles of character analysis and projection. Four class hours.
Fall semester, repeated spring semester. Françoise, Free, Spieler Curry, Department.

THE 130. LIVING HISTORY WORKSHOP (1.5) (HIS 130)
This performance workshop course introduces students to the processes and techniques for developing effective living history. Through individual and group projects, students develop historical characters and events for public presentation. May be taken twice for credit. Prerequisite: THE 120 and/or one 100-level history course.
Department. Variable semesters.

THE 131. COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE FOR PEACE, CONFLICT, AND DIALOGUE (3) (PCE 131) GEN. ED. #8 AND #10)
This course surveys the history, the theory, and the exemplar practitioners of community performance- synonymously called “theatre for social change” or “applied theatre.” Particular focus will be given to traditions that serve the goals of conflict resolution, popular education, activism, and community building. Through practical techniques, the course will demonstrate how performance structures can address community issues. This course is open to any students, actors and non-actors, interested in community arts and peace performance.
Fall semester. Françoise.

THE 132. THEATRE IN THE COMMUNITY (1.5)
This course is designed for those students who wish to share their theatre skills in a community service setting. Work on site in a community outreach facility as arranged with the department and the service learning office. May be taken twice for credit. Prerequisite: by arrangement with the service learning office and the department instructor.
Variable semesters. Françoise.

THE 135. PERFORMANCE OUTREACH WORKSHOP (1.5)
The course prepares a student theatre company to implement performance-based outreach projects in educational and community settings in greater Baltimore. The company examines performance structures and techniques that facilitate community and cultural purposes such as education, political activism, community service and community building. Possible sources for and influences on selected “applied” theatre techniques and structures could include Augusto Boal-based theatre, theater-in-education, and interactive improvisation based on commedia dell’arte performance style. May be taken twice for credit.
Variable semesters. Françoise.

THE 140. THEATRE PRODUCTION (3) (GEN. ED. #8 WITH THE 140L)
An introductory course in the ways and means of theatre production. The course will explore the basics of scene design and construction, computer-aided design, lighting design and operation, property design and building, and other areas of stagecraft. The course also includes basic drafting elements specific to stage design. Production laboratory hours will be assigned. Corequisite: THE 140L.
Spring semester. Campbell.

THE 140L. THEATRE PRODUCTION LABORATORY (1) (GEN. ED. #8 WITH THE 140)
Hands-on work complementary to the content from THE 140. Applies only to those students who have not taken THE 140 prior to the 2004-05 academic year.

THE 200. TWENTIETH-CENTURY THEATRE (3) (GEN. ED. #9)
Style and substance of Western theatre of the last 100 years. Plays studied range from the revolutions of content and form initiated by Ibsen and Strindberg to the different concerns and manners of expression that have evolved since World War II.
Fall semester. Free. Offered 2008-09 and every three years.

THE 202. EXISTENTIALISM: PHILOSOPHY AND THEATRE (3)(PHL 224) (GEN. ED. #4)
Through the study of existentialist philosophers and playwrights, this explores the relation of philosophy and theatre as the two human activities that enact the self-conscious reflection of the world. Using readings from philosophers-Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Marcel, Sartre, de Beauvoir and Duras-and dramatists-Artaud, Pirandello, Brecht, and Beckett-we will bring theatre and philosophy together in their shared standpoint on the clearing/stage of a conscious place in which we can see the world and see ourselves reflected in the world. By discovering how philosophy and theatre both “enact reality” we will also discuss how both meaning in one’s life and personal identity are created, how political identities are created and how political communities and social relations are constituted, and how humans “enact” being. Prerequisite: either sophomore standing, a 100-level philosophy course, or permission of the instructor.
Fall semester. Rose. Offered 2008-09 and alternate years.

THE 204. WORLD THEATRE AND DRAMA (3) (GEN. ED. #9)
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the rich array of theatrical and dramatic styles from around the world. The course will look at selected theatre production styles and dramatic literature from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas and includes film representations of theatrical performances as well as live performances when available. Prerequisite: THE 101 or 102 or permission of the instructor.
Fall semester. Free. Offered 2006-07 and every three years.

THE 205. WORKSHOP IN EXPERIMENTAL THEATRE (3) (GEN. ED. #8)
A collaborative working experience for advanced actors, directors, designers, and playwrights. Students work together to create a theatre production without the benefit of a pre-existing dramatic text. Dramatic material is drawn from current events and social issues, from nondramatic literature or art, or from other sources. The course culminates in a public performance of the work in progress. Four class hours. Prerequisite: one first-level arts course and sophomore standing, or permission of the instructor.
Fall semester. Campbell. Offered 2007-08 and alternate years.

THE 207. TELEVISION DRAMA WORKSHOP (3) (COM 207) (GEN ED #8)
A study of the methods and processes of producing television drama. An examination of the history and development of television drama, acting and directing methods, differences among television genre styles, and practical approaches to creating television drama. Three class hours with additional outside rehearsal and taping time required. Prerequisites: COM 189 or 286 and THE 220 or permission of the instructor. THE 220 may be taken concurrently.
Spring semester. Department. Offered 2007-08 and alternate years.

THE 211. HISTORY OF AMERICAN THEATRE AND DRAMA (3) (GEN. ED. #9)
The evolution of the American stage and its indigenous drama, including the development of the American musical theatre, melodrama, African American drama, and the work of such theatres as the Provincetown Players and the Group theatre. The course will also examine works outside the theatrical mainstream, including feminist theatre, American avant-garde, gay theatre, and others. This course explores the social and historical contexts that influence theatrical and dramatic styles.
Fall semester. Free. Offered 2008-09 and every three years.

THE 220. ACTING II (3) (GEN. ED. #8 AND #9)
Building on the fundamental acting skills examined in Acting I, this course applies those skills to specific and diverse historical period styles. Students develop scenes from Shakespeare, Brecht, Beckett, or other modernist playwrights. Special attention is paid to the examination of how the society, politics, culture, and visual arts movements of the period influenced the acting styles of each time. Prerequisite: THE 120 or audition. Four class hours.
Spring semester. Françoise, department.

THE 222. ACTING III: REALISM (3)
Building on the skills learned in Acting I and Acting II, the advanced acting student explores the style of realism on the stage. Scene work will look at the differences between modern realist playwrights such as Chekhov and Ibsen and their contemporary offspring, including Lorraine Hansberry, Sam Shepard, Lillian Hellman, August Wilson, David Mamet, Eugene O’Neill, David Henry Hwang, and others. Four class hours per week. Prerequisite: Acting II or permission of the instructor.
Fall semester. Department. Offered 2008-09 and alternate years.

THE 228. EXPRESSIVE USE OF VOICE AND MOVEMENT (3) (COM 228)
Expansion of the performer’s physical and vocal range. The course examines methods of interpreting dramatic text through voice and movement, studies the physiological and psychological components of speech and movement and focuses on the connection between stage speech and stage movement. Six class hours per week. Prerequisite: THE 120.
Spring semester. Free. Offered 2009-10 and alternate years.

THE 231. DIRECTING (3) (GEN. ED. #8 AND #9)
Examination of the theories, craft, and art of the stage director. Special attention is paid to the diverse concerns of the director, including visual composition, aural orchestration, dramatic text analysis, interpersonal relations, and the social and cultural influences on meaning in stage production. Students develop scenes from non-literary inspirations, such as art and music, and stage scenes from dramatic literature. Prerequisite: THE 120 or 220, or permission of the instructor.
Fall semester. Spieler Curry. Offered 2007-08 and alternate years.

THE 232. PLAYWRITING (3)
Script analysis, with particular attention to structure of plot, character, language, and spectacle. Fundamentals of stage composition. Writing and studio staging of practice scenes and short plays.
Fall semester, repeated spring semester. Field, department.

THE 240. SCENE DESIGN (3)
History and principles of scene design (including computer-aided design) and construction. Extensive exercise in the design, drawing, and execution of various styles of scenery. Laboratory hours as assigned. Prerequisite: THE 140 or permission of the instructor.
Fall semester. Campbell. Offered 2008-09 and alternate years.

THE 241. STAGE LIGHTING (3)
Methods and materials for lighting stage performance. Practical experience in designing (emphasizing computer-aided design) and executing lighting for major and studio productions in theatre and dance. Production laboratory hours as assigned. Prerequisite: THE 140 or permission of the instructor.
Fall semester. Campbell. Offered 2007-08 and alternate years.

THE 242. COSTUME DESIGN (3)
Methods and materials for effective stage costume design and construction. Emphasis will be placed on design concept, period research, and design realization for stage, dance, and television production. Lab hours as assigned. Prerequisite: THE 140 or permission of the instructor.
Spring semester. Campbell, department. Offered 2007-08 and alternate years.

THE 272Y. INTENSIVE COURSE ABROAD (GEN. ED. #3 AND #9) (FR 272Y)
FRENCH THEATRE IN PARIS AND MARSEILLES: LANGUAGES OF PERFORMANCE
(8) (4 IN FRENCH; 4 IN THEATRE).
This interdisciplinary course builds French language skills and knowledge of French theatre through a seven-week pre-program course in the spring, a three-week intensive immersion experience in France in May, and a seven week post-course in the fall. Through the study of plays, productions, and performers, the course examines theatre as it both reflects and influences French social change. A key focus will be the innovations in theatre that reflect an increasingly transnational and multicultural France. There is an individualized project centered on a play that the class will stage. All students will contribute to this capstone project but neither an acting role in the play nor prior theatre production experience is required. Prerequisites: FR 130 or concurrent enrollment (or equivalent proficiency) and permission of the instructor.
Spring-summer-fall. Free and Ingram. Offered 2009 and alternate years.

DANCE AND THEATRE AS CULTURAL METAPHORS (4.5) (DAN 272Y)
This study trip to London (3 credits) examines the ways in which art, particularly dance and theatre, are expressions of the culture from which they come. Students will participate in a full schedule of classes, demonstrations, lectures, tours, and performance viewings at venues such as London’s Theatre Museum, the Drury Lane Theatre, the Royal Opera House, the Banqueting House in Whitehall, Dance Place, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Time will also be available for students to pursue a research topic of their choosing. Opportunities to take dance classes will be facilitated. Students enroll in a 1.5-credit, semester, fall-term preparatory course that includes pre-trip readings and orientation lectures by the program directors. Students will make a “portfolio” that describes their experience abroad and write a research paper. Both assignments will be due early in the spring semester. Research for the paper will be started during the pre-course and continued in London at the Theatre Museum of London, the Vaughan Williams Library, and the Rambert Dance Company Archives, as well as other research facilities.
Offered January 2008. Campbell, Bond.

ARTS AND CULTURE IN WEST AFRICA (6) (DAN 272) (HIS 272Y)
The course encompasses a pre-program course, an international field experience, and a post program course on arts, culture, and history in West Africa. The pre-program will examine the social, economic, political, and cultural issues of Ghana, Togo and Benin-three African countries with rich cultural heritage and successful, vibrant contemporary societies. The international field experience in these countries will include workshops, lectures, stays with host families, and field trips. Upon return the students will complete a research paper and service learning component in the form of a lecture-demonstration for area elementary schools, presented during Black History Month, using skills and experiences acquired in West Africa. Second seven-week pre-departure course in Fall 2008 (1.5 credits), three-week intensive course in January 2009 (3 credits), first seven-week post-departure course in Spring 2009 (1.5 credits). This is a yearlong course.
Fall semester, January intersession and spring semester. Bagchi, Woodson, Françoise.

THE 290. INTERNSHIP IN THEATRE (3-4)
Full or part-time internships with professional production companies. Prerequisite: At least one course in theatre. Preliminary application and interview required. May be taken for a letter grade or pass/no pass.
Free.

THE 297. DRAMATURGICAL PRACTICUM (1.5)
Students gain hands-on experience developing dramaturgical work in departmental productions. Course work includes readings, rehearsals, and written work as arranged with the instructor.
Fall semester, repeated spring semester. Free.

THE 298/001. PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM I: MAINSTAGE (1.5)

THE 298/002. PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM II: SPECIAL PROJECTS (1.5)
Students may elect to receive 1.5 credits for participation in a theatre department mainstage production or special projects production. Course work includes readings, rehearsals, and written work as arranged with the instructor. Performance practicum may be taken once for a mainstage production and once for a special project production, but neither may be repeated. Prerequisite:
THE 120 or 220.
Fall semester, repeated spring semester. Free, department.

THE 299. APPLIED STAGECRAFT (1.5)
Students gain hands-on experience working in the chosen area for a mainstage or special projects production. Course work includes readings, rehearsals, and written work as arranged with the instructor. Students may take as many of the segments as they wish, but each segment may be taken only once for credit. Minimum six hours laboratory per week.
299.001: Stage Management 299.002: Sound Design
299.003: Stage Design 299.004: Lighting Design
299.005: Costume Design 299.006: Multimedia Design
Fall semester, repeated spring semester. Campbell.

THE 300. SEMINAR IN WORLD THEATRE AND DRAMA (3)
Intensive study of topics related to the vast canon of world theatre and drama. Topics may include: theatre and education, Shakespeare on film, gender and theatre, comedy of manners, dramaturgy and world drama, and others. Prerequisite: one 200-level history, criticism, or literature course in theatre or permission of the instructor.
Spring semester. Free, department.

THE 321, 322, 323. ACTING STUDIOS (1.5)
Advanced scene and technical studies, with topics such as stage violence or stage dialects. Two
hours per week studio session, lecture and critique. Prerequisite: THE 220, 222, or 228 or permission of the instructor.
Variable semesters. Spieler Curry, Françoise, Free.

THE 331. ADVANCED DIRECTING (3)
Building on the skills learned in directing, students will further develop their ability to analyze plays, work with actors and designers, conceptualize production approaches, and organize a production process. Course culminates with each student directing a one-act play for inclusion in a one-act play festival. Prerequisite: THE 231 or permission of the instructor.
Fall semester. Spieler Curry. Offered 2008-09 and alternate years.

THE 332. ADVANCED PLAYWRITING (3)
Building on the fundamental skills developed in THE 232, this course offers playwriting students the opportunity to continue their exploration of script analysis, play construction, and the development of the elements of drama at an advanced level. Course includes studio staging of practice scenes and the development of a full-length play for public performance. Course meets concurrently with THE 232, but students registered at the 300-level will have more advanced requirements. Prerequisite: THE 232.
Fall semester, repeated spring semester. Department.

THE 350. IMAGINATIVE THINKING: DESIGN FOR PERFORMANCE (3)
This class is designed to challenge and expand the designer’s understanding of visual possibilities while reinforcing graphic design skills. Training and experimentation will be supported by theoretical reading and an examination of theatre artists around the world. Students will also gain awareness through open critique and written responses to work. Prerequisites: THE 140, 140L and one of THE 240, 241, or 243.
Fall semester. Offered 2008-09 and alternate years.

THE 390/391. SENIOR PROJECT WORKSHOP/SENIOR PROJECT PRODUCTION (3/3)
Each student majoring in theatre completes an intensive, integrated, collaborative senior project consisting of two parts. During the workshop held fall semester, senior theatre majors meet in a seminar to study and analyze a play for production, and develop the production concept. In the spring semester, seniors produce that play for the mainstage, each student acting in one role and filling a production position. THE 390 is required to complete writing proficiency in the major. Prerequisite: Senior theatre majors only or permission of the instructor. At least 1.5 prior semester hours of THE 299 are recommended. Ordinarily, THE 390 and 391 are taken in sequence.
Fall semester (THE 390), spring semester (THE 391). Department.

THE 400. INDEPENDENT WORK (1.5-4)
Department.