DRAMA (DRAM)
D. Andrew Gibbs, Chair of the Department, 619 Kimpel Hall, 575-2953
PROFESSORS BRUSSTAR, GIBBS, GROSS; ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS HERZBERG, RIHA; ASSISTANT PROFESSORS CACHEIRO, MARTIN; REDD
Requirements for a Major in Drama: a minimum of 40 semester hours to include 18 semester hours in courses numbered 3000 and above or the prescribed program for teacher certification in speech education. All drama majors must enroll in 1223, 1333, 2653, 3653 and 3803 as well as six hours of technical theatre courses, six hours of critical and historical studies (4233, 4333, 4453, or 4733), and nine hours of additional courses to be chosen in consultation with the student's adviser. In addition, all Drama majors are required to take 4 credit hours of Theatre Practicum. It is expected that one hour of Theatre Practicum will be taken each academic year. In consultation with the advisor, each student may select the focus area of each Practicum credit, but no more than 2 credits may be earned for performance assignments. No drama major may present DRAM 1003 to satisfy the College fine arts requirement.
Writing Requirement: The Fulbright College research/analytical paper requirement for drama majors will be fulfilled in DRAM 4233, 4333, 4453, or 4733. Satisfactory completion of an honors project or senior thesis may fulfill the requirement.
Senior Progress Review: All Drama majors are required, in the semester before graduation, to participate in the Senior Progress Review, a faculty assessment of each student's accomplishments in performance and production.
Requirements for Departmental Honors in Drama: The Departmental Honors Program in Drama provides upper-division undergraduate students with an opportunity to formally participate in creative and scholarly activities in theatre. Honors candidates engage in independent study and research under the guidance of the drama faculty and participate in special honors seminars and colloquia. Outstanding student achievement will be recognized by awarding the distinction "Drama Scholar Cum Laude" at graduation. In addition to satisfying the general college requirements for the bachelor's degree with Honors, honors candidates in drama must (1) become a candidate no later than the second semester of their junior year, (2) enroll in honors colloquia when available, (3) enroll in six hours of honors research (DRAM 399VH), (4) complete and defend in orals examination an honors thesis based upon the project carried out in DRAM 399VH, and (5) achieve a cumulative grade-point average of 3.25. Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in truly exceptional cases and are based upon the candidate's entire academic program. Generally speaking, these are awarded only to students with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.50 whose project demonstrates a high degree of creativity and scholarship.
Requirements for a Minor in Drama: A minimum of 18 semester hours in drama, including DRAM 1223 and either 1333 or 2653. The remaining hours must be selected from courses at the 3000- or 4000-level, the specific courses to be determined by the student in consultation with a Drama Department faculty adviser. The student must notify the Department of his or her intent to minor.
Drama (B.A.) Teacher Certification Requirements:
1. Complete a minimum of 38 hours in primary field.
2. Complete Pre-Education (ASED) minor. (See page 203)
3. The following courses are specifically required for certification:12
HLSC 1002, Wellness Concepts, and PEAC 1621, Fitness Concepts, OR HLSC 1103, Personal Health & Safety
COMM 2373, Introduction to Debate
COMM 2403, Introduction to Oral Interpretation
COMM 4793, Directing Forensics
4. Earn a "C" or better in ENGL 1013, ENGL 1023, ENGL 2003 (or ENGL 2013, or exemption by grades or test), COMM 1313, and MATH 1203 (or any higher mathematics course).
Requirements for a Minor in Dance: 18 hours in dance including DANC 1553, 3912, 3932, and 4523. The remaining hours must be selected from dance (DANC) courses. Students must notify the Drama Department of their intent to minor in dance. The minor offers required and elective courses in choreography, ballet, modern, tap, jazz, and theatre dance. Placement in technique courses is determined through audition and/or consultation with dance faculty. In addition, the student is required to produce, in concert, an original choreographic work and to perform in at least one formal concert. Dance courses are listed below, following drama courses. See also the dance activity courses in the College of Education section of this catalog
For requirements for a B.S.E. degree (speech education), see degree program in the College of Education section of this catalog.
Courses: Drama (DRAM)
DRAM1003 Basic Course in the Arts: Theatre Lecture (FA, SP, SU) Introduction to theatre arts; playwriting, directing, acting, and design. For the general student. May not be presented toward satisfaction of the B.A. in fine arts requirement by drama majors. UNIVERSITY CORE COURSE
DRAM1003H Honors Basic Course in the Arts: Theatre Lecture (FA, SP, SU) UNIVERSITY CORE COURSE
DRAM1223 Introduction to Dramatic Art (FA, SP) Introduction to and examination of the various elements make up dramatic art. Study of the history, literature, theory, practice of the theatre, from ancient to modern times, from the playwright to the producer.
DRAM1333 Introduction to Design and Technical Production (FA, SP, SU) The fundamentals of scenic, lighting, and costume design and the technical processes involved in the execution of these designs.
DRAM2653 Acting I (FA, SP, SU) An analytical approach to the actor's art with emphasis on the techniques of characterization.
DRAM272V Theatrical Production (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) Participation in one or more major productions during the semester in the areas of scenery, lighting, or costume construction. May be repeated for 5 hours.
DRAM2903 Theatrical Makeup (FA) The techniques and skills of theatrical makeup and design involved in the creation and execution of characters for the stage.
DRAM3001 Theatre Practicum (FA, SP, SU) Credit for participation in mainstage or faculty-directed productions: performance and/or technical assignments, one (1) credit hour per production. Assignments shall be determined by the faculty. Credit will be awarded only after completion of assignments and only with faculty approval. May be repeated for 4 hours.
DRAM3213 Costume Design I (FA) Study of the art and practice of stage costume design. Emphasis on the expression of character through costume. Development of rendering and research skills. Prerequisite: DRAM 1333.
DRAM3243 Costume Technology I (FA, SP, SU) Methods of costume construction techniques; exploration and practice in pattern drafting millinery, mask making, fabric painting and dying. Practical experience gained through work in departmental productions. Prerequisite: DRAM 1333.
DRAM3433 Stage Speech (FA, SP, SU) Training in the basic skills of stage speech including voice production, resonance, articulation, facial structure, physical and vocal energy states, characterization, standard American speech, and introduction to dialects.
DRAM3653 Directing I (FA, SP, SU) Basic principles and techniques of play directing with an emphasis on the modern realistic mode of production. Prerequisite: DRAM 1223 and DRAM 2653.
DRAM3730L Stage Lighting I Laboratory (SP)
DRAM3733 Stage Lighting I (SP) Study of the art and practice of stage lighting; color theory; electricity and dimming systems; problems in design. Lecture-demonstration 3 hours, laboratory, by arrangement, coinciding with departmental productions, 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: DRAM 1333.
DRAM3803 Development of the Drama (FA, SP) A study of rhetorical, biographical, sociological, psychological, aesthetic, and critical influences upon the dramatic structure of the playscript.
DRAM3823 Script Interpretation (FA, Even years) Techniques for making sense of playscripts and finding their theatrical demands, including beat/objective/motive/ action structuring, use of the fictional and functional models of the text, imagery analysis, linguistic individuation, and indirect modes of meaning. Each student focuses on one script for the full term.
DRAM3923H Honors Colloquium (FA, SP, SU) Treats a special topic or issue, offered as part of the honors program. May be repeated. Prerequisite: honors candidacy (not restricted to candidacy in drama).
DRAM399VH Honors Course (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) May be repeated for 12 hours. Prerequisite: junior standing.
DRAM406V Playwriting (1-3) (FA) A workshop course for students who wish to attempt original work in the dramatic form. (Same as ENGL 406) Prerequisite: junior standing.
DRAM4153 Musical Theatre Performance (FA, SP, SU) Principles and techniques of performing a singing role for the theatre. Examines the relationship between score and text. May be repeated for 6 hours.
DRAM4223 Costume Design II (FA, SP, SU) Practical survey of historical costumes and the application of costume history to costume design for the theatre. Exploration of silhouettes, construction details, fabrics and accessories. Costume design and rendering emphasized. Prerequisite: DRAM 3213.
DRAM4233 History of the Theatre I (FA) A comprehensive study of the theatre in different cultures and ages, as an institution, as an art, and as a vision of life.
DRAM4333 History of the Theatre II (SP) A continuation of DRAM 4233.
DRAM4453 History of the Theatre III (SP) An examination of history and theory of modern theatrical styles.
DRAM4533 Stage Lighting II (FA) Intensive study in the aesthetics and application of stage lighting design, with emphasis on specific production situations. Integration of theatrical lighting techniques with dance and music, will be stressed along with indepth study of lighting facilities and equipment. Practical application provided through departmental productions. Prerequisite: DRAM 3733 and senior standing or graduate standing.
DRAM4603 Acting II (SP) Advanced theories and techniques of acting. Prerequisite: DRAM 1223 and DRAM 2653.
DRAM461V Advanced Acting (3-6) (IR) Advanced theory and technique in acting with emphasis on ensemble playing for public production. Prerequisite: graduate standing in speech.
DRAM4633 Stage Movement (SP, Even years) Hands-on study of the physical and psychological systems producing expressive behavior. Analysis of muscular condition of each student as it affects the quality of movement and expression. Techniques for freeing the both and the imagination. Work on relation and control of inhibition. Prerequisite: DRAM 2653.
DRAM4653 Scene Design I (SP, Odd years) Theory and practice in the art of scenic design, including historical and contemporary styles and procedures. Practical experience gained through work on departmental productions. Prerequisite: DRAM 1333.
DRAM4663 Theatre Planning (SP) A study of significant theatre buildings, modern and historical, and their relationship to contemporary theatre planning. Practical application of theory through design problems and evaluation. Prerequisite: DRAM 4653.
DRAM4673 Theatre Management (FA) Comprehensive study of arts management including personnel, budget audience analysis, fund raising, promotion, operations and organization for professional, academic and community theatre and related performance areas. Practical application through actual production experience in the University Theatre. Prerequisite: junior-level drama major.
DRAM472V Advanced Theatrical Production (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) Individual creative studies for upper division students in scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup, or special effects. May be repeated for 5 hours.
DRAM4733 Dramatic Criticism (FA) Analysis of critical theories from Aristotle to the present; interrelationships of theatre disciplines as well as the influence of the church, state, and press on dramatic criticism.
DRAM4773 Acting Shakespeare (FA, Even years) Work on the special techniques required for performance of the plays of special techniques required for performance of the plays of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. The cultural and theatrical context required for understanding the scripts. Special attention to the speaking of blank verse. Prerequisite: DRAM 4603.
DRAM478V Theatre Workshop (1-6) (SU) Production of plays for public performance by all members of the workshop. Mornings are spent in instruction and laboratory work preparing sets, lighting, costumes, and properties. Afternoons are spent in instruction in acting and directing, rehearsal of plays in production. Special problems for graduate credit. Prerequisite: junior standing.
DRAM4823 Theatre Graphics and Technology (FA, Even years) An advanced study in theatre drafting, drawing and rendering techniques, and model making skills. Prerequisite: DRAM 1223 and DRAM 1333.
DRAM4833 Scene Painting (SP) A studio class in painting techniques for the theatre. Problems in color, textures, styles, and execution.
DRAM490V Independent Study (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) Individually designed and conducted programs of reading and reporting under the guidance of a faculty member.
DRAM491V Special Topics (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) Classes not listed in the regular curriculum, offered on demand on the basis of student needs and changes within the profession. May be repeated.
DRAM492V Internship (1-12) (IR) Supervised practice in the various arts and crafts of the theatre (e.g., full design responsibility for a box office management; actor apprenticeship in a professional company). Available only to those who have exhausted the regular curricular possibilities in the area of specialization. May be repeated for 12 hours.
DRAM4953 Theatre Study in Britain (FA, SP, SU) Study of the components of stage production through attending and critiquing a wide variety of classical, modern, and avant garde theatre productions in England; includes tours of London and historical British sites and seminars with British theatre artists.
DRAM498V Senior Thesis (1-6) (FA, SP, SU)
DRAM5113 Scene Design II (SP) Major styles and trends in scene design in relation to periods of dramatic literature. Problems in period and contemporary scene design. Prerequisite: DRAM 4653.
DRAM5123 Theatrical Design Rendering Techniques (FA, SP, SU) Investigation of drawing and painting methods and materials useful to theatrical designers. Integration of graphic communication with overall production conceptualization will be explored through examination of various theatre styles and periods.
DRAM5133 Scene Design III (FA, SP, SU) Work in line, color, and composition using historical conventions as the basis for contemporary theatrical scenic statements. Prerequisite: graduate standing
DRAM5143 History of Decor for the Stage (FA, SP, SU) An overview of architectural decoration and its application to theatrical design from the Predynastic Period (4400-3200 B.C.) through the Art Deco period with references to contemporary decor. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
DRAM5213 Costume Design (FA, SP, SU) Advanced study of the art and practice of stage costume design. Emphasis on the expression of character through costume. Development of rendering and research skills. Portfolio development.
DRAM5223 Costume Design II (FA, SP, SU) Practical survey of historical costumes and the application of costume history to costume design for the theatre. Exploration of silhouettes, construction details, fabrics and accessories. Costume design and rendering emphasized. Prerequisite: DRAM 5213.
DRAM5233 Costume Design III (FA, SP, SU) Advanced study of costume design including the areas of film, dance, and opera. Exploration of advanced rendering techniques and stylization. Development of portfolio and resume. Prerequisite: DRAM 5723.
DRAM5243 Costume Technology I (FA, SP, SU) A series of projects focusing on methods of costume construction, pattern drafting techniques, millinery, mask making and fabric modification. Other topics may be included as determined by student needs.
DRAM5253 Costume Technology II (FA, SP, SU) Advanced study in methods of costume construction and pattern making techniques with emphasis on tailoring, draping, corsetry and costumes crafts as determined by student needs.
DRAM5263 Costume Shop Management (FA, SP, SU) Comprehensive study of costume shop management including physical space, equipment, personnel, budget and time management techniques. Practical application through actual production experience in the University Theatre.
DRAM5333 Lighting III (FA, SP, SU) Advanced study of design, technology and production development collaboration involved in lighting at the professional level. Theatre, screen and architectural venues will be examined. Dance, musical theatre, legitimate drama and related lighting situations will be explored through class projects and laboratory exercises. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
DRAM5353 Stage Lighting Technology (FA, SP, SU) The thorough examination of the technology of equipment that supports the art of stage lighting design: theory, operating principles and specification of lamps, fixtures, control systems and special effect hardware will be explored. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
DRAM5403 Acting/Directing Theories (FA, SP, SU) Examination of the major forms of acting and directing techniques and theories. Practical application through analysis and scene work, with students functioning as both director and actor throughout the course. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
DRAM5413 Graduate Acting Principles (FA, SP, SU) An intensive study and practical application of acting techniques. Emphasizes the integration of the physical, emotional, and intellectual life of the character through work on monologues, scenes and exercises. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
DRAM5432 Graduate Stage Speech (FA, SP, SU) Training in skills of stage speech including voice production, resonance, articulation, facial structure, physical and vocal energy states and characterization. Standard American and selected European dialects. May be repeated for 4 hours. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
DRAM5443 Graduate Acting: Period Styles (SP) Acting in relation to periods of dramatic literature and cultural influences. Prerequisite: DRAM 4603 and graduate standing.
DRAM5453 Musical Theatre Performance (FA, SP, SU) Theory and techniques of performing a singing role for the theatre. Integrates acting and vocal techniques and examines the relationship between score and text. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
DRAM5463 Audition Techniques (FA, SP, SU) A thorough study and practical application of audition skills and techniques. This course will equip the student with prepared audition pieces and experience in cold reading, on-camera work, and improvisation. The course also explores the practical needs of the actor; from how to get an audition to how to prepare a resume. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
DRAM5473 Graduate Acting: Shakespeare (FA, SP, SU) Analysis of Shakespeare for performance; work on the special techniques required for performance of the plays of Shakespeare and his contemporaries; including cultural and theatrical contexts required for understanding the scripts. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
DRAM5503 Research Techniques in Drama (FA) basic techniques of research and study in the fields of Drama and Theatre with consideration of the necessary interplay of intellectual and intuitive skills in mature artistry. Practice in the logical, semantic, and evidential work of scholarship and in the various research methodologies.
DRAM5513 Graduate Playwriting: Realism (FA, SP, SU) Advanced theory and technique in playwriting emphasizing the realistic mode. Explorations into the manner of expression, plotting the action, and revealing multiple levels of meaning. May be repeated for 6 hours.
DRAM5523 Graduate Playwriting: Non-Realism (FA, SP, SU) Advanced theory and technique in playwriting emphasizing non-traditional playwriting styles such as Expressionism, Surrealism, Epic Theatre and the American Musical. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
DRAM5533 Graduate Playwriting: Special Projects (FA, SP, SU) Advanced study and practice in the area of playwriting. The area of concentration will be determined by the student's specific writing project(s). May be repeated for 6 hours. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
DRAM558V New Script Ensemble (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) An interdisciplinary course for designers, actors, directors, and playwrights. An exploration of techniques and strategies for approaching the new script and realizing the distinctive elements pertinent to developing the new work. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
DRAM5614 Graduate Directing: Realism (FA, SP, SU) Theory and technique of directing realistic drama: script analysis; spatial considerations of composition and picturization; development in production of the Aristotelian concepts of plot, character, thought, diction, music (sound), and spectacle. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
DRAM562V Seminar in Dramatic Art (1-9) (FA, SP, SU) Research, discussion and projects focusing on a variety of topics including theatre management, advanced acting methods, and specialized periods in dramatic literature. Prerequisite: senior or graduate standing.
DRAM5633 Graduate Directing: Non-Realism (FA, SP, SU) Theory and techniques of directing in non-realistic modes. Scene study in the areas of Classical Drama, Expressionism, Epic Theatre, Epic Realism and contemporary staging methods. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
DRAM5653 Directing II (FA, SP) Advanced techniques of stage direction. Prerequisite: DRAM 3653 and graduate standing.
DRAM5723 History of the Theatre I (FA) A comprehensive study of the theatre in different cultures and ages, as an institution, as an art, and as a vision of life.
DRAM5733 History of the Theatre II (SP) A continuation of DRAM 5723.
DRAM5753 History of the Theatre III (SP) An examination of history and theory of modern theatrical styles. Prerequisite: senior or graduate standing.
DRAM5763 Dramatic Criticism (FA) Analysis of critical theories from Aristotle to the present; interrelationships of theatre disciplines as well as the influence of the church, state, and press on dramatic criticism. Prerequisite: senior or graduate standing.
DRAM581V Theatre Production III (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) Participation in the process of production for the University Theatre mainstage at a supervisory level. Areas of involvement may include scenery, lighting, sound, makeup, marketing, etc. May be repeated for 6 hours.
DRAM582V Rehearsal and Performance (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) Credit for supervised performance in faculty-directed, mainstage plays.
DRAM590V Independent Study (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) Individually designed and conducted programs of reading and reporting under guidance of a faculty member.
DRAM591V Special Topics (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) Classes not listed in the regular curriculum, offered on demand on the basis of student needs and changes within the profession.
DRAM592V Internship (1-12) (IR) Supervised practice in the various arts and crafts of the theatre (e.g. full design responsibility for a production; box office management; actor apprenticeship in a professional company).
DRAM600V Master's Thesis (1-6) (FA, SP) Prerequisite: graduate standing.