Academics

Not unlike the essay or laboratory experiment, a play is a tool that allows the curious mind to develop, test, and rethink ideas, and to grapple with significant issues (both public and private) in live, three-dimensional space. Playwriting introduces the beginning writer interested in exploring the discipline of live performance (and the seasoned writer wishing to develop his/her craft) to the exciting world of writing for the stage. Each semester, students in this course get the chance to study with a different, award-winning guest playwright. In so doing, they get to experience instruction and guidance under the tutelage of some of the most exciting voices working professionally in the American theatre.

Location

(M 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

THTR 120 Production Experience is a 1-credit course where you get to work on the current theatre production in the new Sloan Performing Arts Center. Designed for students with or without prior training, this course is a perfect way to get hands-on experience in a variety of backstage departments through lab participation, joining run crews, or other practical ways. Working in lighting, sound, costumes, scenery & painting, or stage management you can explore the excitement, camaraderie, creativity, and skills needed for backstage work. You will learn valuable skills while contributing to the excellence in production that the International Theatre Program is known for. You will be playing a real role in making theatre happen! No prior experience needed.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

The creation of a contemporary theatrical production uses skills and talents across a wide range of disciplines: from carpentry to rigging, from painting to computer drafting, from electrical to audiovisual engineering for the stage. This introductory course will explore the theories, methods, and safe practice of set construction (including using power tools), rigging, stage lighting, drafting, sound, and scene painting. Students will work on actual productions staged by the Theatre Program during required labs that will be scheduled with the instructor.

Location

(MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM)

This course will introduce students to the process of creating and altering costumes for a theatrical production. Through a variety of projects, students will learn a myriad of techniques used in hand sewing, machine sewing, and fabric manipulation. Emphasis will be placed on the ability to create a costume from initial design to a fully realized garment. Students will use these skills on multiple projects throughout the course as well as lab time where they will refine these skills on a current theatrical production.  Students will also get to discover the Costume Designer's process, from initial sketch through finished garment, and will get exciting opportunities to work with guest artists on actual theatrical productions, creating a better understanding of the process and function of a professional costume shop.

Location

(TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM)

This course introduces students to the mechanics, materials, and aesthetics of lighting for the theatre.  Students gain a thorough understanding of lighting equipment, procedures, safety, and how these fascinating elements contribute to creating theatrical storytelling.  Students work actively with these technologies on productions, getting valuable practical experience. There is a required lab component that will be scheduled with the instructor.

Location

(TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM)

This course serves as an introduction to, and exploration of the acting process for the stage, developing the fundamental skills students need to approach a text from a performer’s standpoint and to create character. The course takes as its basic premise that the actor’s instrument is the self—with all of the physical, psychological, intellectual, social, moral and spiritual implications of that term. Students will be encouraged in both the expression and the expansion of the self and of the imagination. The class will also help the student develop an overall appreciation for the role of the theatre in today’s society.

Location

(TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM)

Do you want to be on stage and screen, but wonder if you have the skills to land a gig? Auditioning for Live Theatre and Film will introduce students to the practice of auditioning for acting work. Throughout the semester students will learn to prepare monologues, analyze, and perform sides from theatre and film scripts and how to put together resumes, headshot and submissions for work. Each student will finish the class with two contrasting monologues, a headshot and resume and knowing how to slate and represent themselves in the room. The class will include a sample audition with professional directors and Q & A to help you learn how to put your best foot forward when you enter the audition room.

Location

(M 10:25AM - 11:40AM)

Ninety three percent of communication is nonverbal. In today's ever increasingly technological world “soft skills” are more valuable than ever. It is not just important what we say, but how we say it. In Movement for the Actor using Alexander Technique, Bartenieff Fundamental, View Points, Laban and many other exercises and explorations students will gain an awareness of their own habits and physical tensions, learn alignment and relaxation techniques, let go of inhibitions and then learn to make physical choices to create diverse and inventive characters. Students will learn to read the body language of others and tools to use in their own lives to physically adjust and respond and relate to new situations in new ways.

Location

(F 10:25AM - 1:05PM)

This course encourages you to bring your unique talent and personality to the screen with confidence and freedom. We will cover technical terminology and physical adjustments required for working in front of the lens. The first half of the semester will focus on 'on camera' interviews, auditions and interview work. The second half will focus on 2-3 character 'on camera? scene work. Every taped session will be followed up by feedback and discussion.

Location

(F 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

In todays theatre, the director is generally considered to be the key creative figure in how a theatre production is conceived, explored and presented. But the directors task is a difficult one, encompassing rigorous intellectual, theatrical and artistic knowledge and skills. This introductory directing techniques class for aspiring directors will explore the nature of the theatrical event, investigate conceptualization, visualization, text analysis, action and design as they pertain to the director's craft. In conjunction with a weekly scheduled lab.

Location

(F 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

Develop specialized skills needed for theatrical technical production beyond introductory technical courses. Using current Theatre Program productions, students will work in small seminars and in one-on-one tutorials with the instructor to accomplish advanced production processes in a chosen technical area. In the required lab sessions, students will develop skills in advanced planning, technical problem-solving, and crew leadership. Labs are scheduled with the instructor based on the current production calendars. Permission of instructor required.

Location

(T 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

Build upon foundational skills from an introductory course while developing leadership expertise in a theatrical production area such as lighting, audiovisual, and costuming. Using the current Theatre Program productions, students will engage in small seminars and tutorials with the instructor and URITP department heads to master advanced production techniques in their chosen technical field. In the required lab sessions, students will develop skills in advanced planning, technical problem-solving, and crew leadership. Labs are scheduled with the instructor based on the current production calendars. Permission of instructor required.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

For actors, assistant directors and select student staff working on a current main stage production.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

The stage manager is the critical organizational and management hub in the artistic process of theatrical production. Stage Managers are skilled project managers, and the skills learned in stage management are applicable to almost any management Stage Management (fall/spring) students will get an in-depth introduction to and immersion in stage managing a theatrical production. In addition, cover all areas of management skills, safety procedures, technical knowledge, and paperwork, students will be expected to serve as an assistant stage manager or production stage manager on one (or both) Theater Program productions in their registered semester.

Location

(F 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

In Special Projects: Theatre students work in a particular area or on a particular project of their choosing or devising. Developed with and overseen by a Theatre Program faculty member and functioning like an Independent Study, Special Projects: Theatre allows students the opportunity of specializing in or investigate theatre in a tailored, focused, and self-directed way.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)