This course expands and develops the work begun in Fundamentals of Acting. The focus is on developing systematic strategies for challenging theatrical texts. Emphasis will be placed on integrating the use of the voice and body as well as the development of character via actions in scene study projects. We will focus on investing fully in the imaginary/given circumstances of the plays we encounter. In addition, students will augment their study of character through audition preparation and monologue techniques. Research and analysis are featured, and students are asked to demonstrate their proficiency in written assignments. Prerequisite: Drama 240E/2401.
Course Attributes: EN H; BU Hum; AS HUM
Culture & Identity
DRAMA 3302
The aim of this course is for students to understand how networks of US imperialism and global capitalism have produced new landscapes of power and intervention - as manifested in urban space - in the contemporary Middle East. Through the readings and coursework, students will analyze how new urban spaces in the region have been produced, what are the primary forces driving these new spaces, and who are the primary actors behind these projects. During the course, students will learn critical geographic theories and apply them to a series of case studies in the Middle East and North Africa. Through the dual lenses of political economy and critical urban theory, the course will explore urban and economic development, war and international aid, political ecology and the environment, tourism, and social change in the region. Site-specific case studies from Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Palestine, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar will be examined.
Course Attributes: EN H; BU BA; AS HUM; AS SD I; FA HUM; AR HUM; FA CPSC
Scenic Design
DRAMA 311M
An introduction to the process of scenic design, as it relates to aesthetics, dramatic literature, collaboration and production. Projects involve design conceptualization, documentation, graphics and realization. Prereq: Drama 212E or permission of instructor.
Course Attributes: EN H; BU Hum; AS HUM; FA HUM; AR HUM
Makeup for the Stage
DRAMA 304
A hands-on introduction to the makeup techniques most commonly used for theater productions, including basic corrective, age, changing the shape of the face, and special effects, as well as the designing process. Students will apply makeup to their own faces and are required to purchase the makeup kit specified by the instructor.
Course Attributes: EN H; AS HUM
A History of African-American Theater
DRAMA 3011
A survey of African American theatre from post-Civil War "coon" shows and reviews to movements for a national black theatre, such as Krigwa, Lafayette and Lincoln, and the Black Arts Movement. Early black theatre and minstrels; black theatre movement and other ethnic theatre movements in America. Critical readings of such plays as Amiri Baraka's "Dutchman," Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun," Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston's "Mulebone." Also works by August Wilson, Ed Bullins, Charles Fuller, Georgia Douglas Johnson.
Course Attributes: EN H; BU Hum; AS HUM; AS SD I; FA HUM; AR HUM; AS SC; UC CD
Production Practicum
DRAMA 300
Practicum experience in technical theatre. Positions such as stage manager, publicist, assistant designer for costumes, scenery or lighting, or crew head of props, sound and makeup design are available. Permission of instructor for this independent study enrollment.
Course Attributes:
Internship
DANCE 296
Students may receive up to 3 units of credit for an approved internship with an organization where the primary objective is to obtain professional experience outside the classroom. Students must file a Learning Agreement with the Career Center, a faculty sponsor and the site supervisor. This must be approved by all three constituencies before proceeding. A final written project is to be agreed upon between the student and faculty sponsor before work begins, and will be evaluated by the faculty sponsor at the end of the internship.
Course Attributes: EN H; AS HUM; FA HUM; AR HUM
The American Musical Theater Songbook
DRAMA 271
From it's birth in Vaudeville and musical reviews to the current future classics such as Hamilton, American musical theater has produced a voluminous catalogue of material referred to herein as The American Musical Theater Songbook. Part survey and part performance, this course will focus on those composers, lyricists, performers and subject matter that has been instrumental in defining musical theater and its role in describing a continually evolving human psychology and sociology. The performance aspect of the course will develop students existing vocal skills and knowledge of style. As both singing and non-singing students are welcome to participate in the course, adjustments for non-singing students will be accommodated so that they may participate fully in the class. The format of the course will be a seminar of student generated presentations, discussion, and workshop performances. Sampling of shows from which repertoire will be sourced:
Early Song and Dance Shows - Girl Crazy, Anything Goes, Kiss Me Kate
Rodgers and Hammerstein - Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific
Stephen Sondheim - Gypsy, Sweeney Todd, Sunday In The Park With George
Modern Era - West Side Story, A Chorus Line, Cabaret, Hair, Pippin
Contemporary - In the Heights, Caroline Or Change, Kinky Boots, Dear Evan Hansen, Hamilton
This course serves as a pre requisite for entrance into L15 372, Advanced Musical Theater second semester course.
Course Attributes: EN H; BU Hum; AS HUM; FA HUM; AR HUM
Dance Theater Production
DANCE 257
Experience in technical production. Required stage work includes 2 studio dance productions. Prerequisite: Dance 212E.
Course Attributes: EN H; AS HUM
Fundamentals of Acting
DRAMA 2401
This course offers an opportunity to investigate the nature of the theater by way of performance. Students study a variety of theatrical texts in the most direct and experiential way: by acting in them. The course is designed for those who want to understand the interpretive work of the actor. Students are introduced to the practical work of building a character for the stage, and they also gain an understanding of how dramatic texts work both on the page and on the stage. Textual analysis, movement work and vocal production skills are developed using monologues, scene work and exercises. These skills should also provide significant benefits outside of the confines of the class itself, in the professional and personal lives of the students taking this course. No previous training or experience necessary.
Course Attributes: EN H; BU Hum; AS HUM; FA HUM; AR HUM
