Theater Studies Course Atlas - Fall 2008

THEA 131              ///              Basic Stagecraft
Scott Little

TTh 10:00-11:15          Max: 18          Room: MGM Theater, DUC

Students are required to sign up for one of the following labs:

1) Tues. Lab 1-3       MAX: 6      Instructor: Scott Little
2) Wed. Lab. 2-4       MAX: 6      Instructor: Scott Little
3) Thurs. Lab 1-3       MAX: 6      Instructor: Scott Little

Please note that you will need to enroll in the lab that best fits your schedule.

Content: The primary goal of the course is to provide beginning students with an awareness and understanding of the technical aspects of theater production. The course will provide students with an overview of the visual aspects of theater along with construction techniques for props and set. Practical exercises are directly related to productions staged in the Mary Gray Munroe Theater and include assignments to technical crews for productions of Theater Emory. The course will involve three hours of lecture and two hours of lab work per week, and students are required to crew one Theater Emory production in the semester.

One additional S/U credit will be given for crewing a show to students interested in receiving the credit.

Particulars: Grading is based on participation in class, lab work, and theatrical productions, as well as progress over the semester.

Texts:
Required: Holloway, John. Illustrated Theatre Production Guide
Recommended: Carter, Paul. The Backstage Handbook, 3rd Ed.

THEA 190 - 000      ///     Freshmen Seminar: Creativity and Collaboration
Janice Akers (Theater)
Lori Teague (Dance)
Linda Armstrong (Visual Arts)

- Same as DANC 190 and ARTHIST 190

TTh 4-5:15    MAX: 12 (DANC 12, ARTHIST 12)   Room: 203 Schwartz Center (Theater Lab)

For Freshmen Only

Content: A seminar class that will playfully explore the way in which we can create and collaborate in dance, theater, and the visual arts. Students will have a primary focus on one of the three disciplines and signifigant participation in the other two. Classes will be experiential and experimental. Course work will include readings, journals, creative projects, and performance work.

Particulars:  Expect two to three out-of-class labs/rehearsals in preparation for collaborative assignments and the final collaborative project.

Texts:  No textbook required. Script excerpts, essays, articles and worksheets will be provided to students.

THEA 201SWR     ///    Reading for Performance
Donald McManus

TTh 11:30-12:45        Max: 12      Room: 207 Rich Bldg.

Content: The aim of this seminar is to practice the close reading required to lift a play effectively and intelligently from page to stage. Through a close analysis of a variety of plays for such issues as plot, patterns of action and theme, characterization, style, genre, extra-textual reference, visual and sonic elements, and world of the play, we will sort out the challenges and rewards of practical knowledge of and responsibility to the text. The course will also touch on theater semiotics (how things express meaning from the stage, and the variety of options different sign-systems offer) and textual adaptation for performance. Our ongoing exploration will incorporate the specific awarenesses that actors, directors, designers, and dramaturgs need to construct from a play-text.

Particulars: Grades will be determined by class participation, a variety of short papers, and a final paper.

Texts: Representative plays ranging from classical Greek, Renaissance, naturalism, expressionism, contemporary realism, modern poetic drama, and post-modern experimental drama, plus handouts and internet resources will be used.

THEA 215      ///     History of Drama and Theater  I
Michael Evenden

- Same as ENG 215

MWF 10:40-11:30     Max: 15 THEA, 10 ENG     Room: 211 Rich Building
LAB W 4-5:15     Room: 207 Rich Bldg.

Content: A survey course based on lecture and group discussion that broadly covers Western dramatic literature and theater history from the Greeks to French neoclassicism. A strong historical emphasis will be required in a course that focuses on a public art form as it transforms itself radically to correspond to many different cultural situations.

Particulars: Three written examinations, objective and analytic. Optional paper.  Not recommended for first-year students.

Texts: Students will be expected to read two to three plays a week. Playwrights to be covered include Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes, Plautus, Terence, Roswitha, Marlowe, Jonson, Shakespeare, Racine, Behn, Calderon, and Lope de Vega.

A $10 photocopying fee will be charged to students' Bursar accounts to cover handouts and additional materials.

THEA 221      ///     Acting:  Scenework
Vincent Murphy

WF 10:40-12:35    MAX: 12      Room: 203 Schwartz Center (Theater Lab)

Prerequisite: Theater 221 is open to students who have taken Theater 121 or, in the case of those who have considerable experience, to students who obtain permission of the instructor.

Content: The focus of this acting course is a character throughline, accomplished by exploring development in two scenes. Techniques include building relationships, playable objectives, creative use of space, and exploring various characters. A full commitment to a partner and the actor's craft are vital. Material will be chosen from a wide variety of plays.

Particulars: This course is performance-based, requiring a variety of exercises and tasks involving work with a partner. Overall course grade will be based on the preparation and performance of selected scenes, analysis of acting, a report on an acting text, plus a substantive final throughline project. This will require regular out-of-class rehearsal, and the on-camera unit will require a full Saturday on location. Attendance, participation, and cooperation are crucial for the development of each performer's skills.

THEA 223     ///     Voice and Diction
Alexandre Harrington

TTh 2:30-3:45       Max: 16       Room: 205 Rich Building

Content: An overview of voice and diction for actors and others. Through group exercises, text work, practiced presentation, and individual instruction, students will learn practical techniques to achieve proper breath support, vocal production, vocal range, articulation, and physical alignment necessary for stage performance and public speaking.

Text: The Voice Book, by Michael McCallion.

THEA 224     ///    Movement for the Actor
John Ammerman

MWF 10:40-12:35        MAX: 10        Room: 210 Rich Building

This is a course heavily focused on physical exercise and conditioning.

Content: A laboratory workshop class focusing on the development of movement techniques through exercise and practice. Elements include center, balance, kinesthetics, combat, weapons, mime, clowning, improvisation, and rhythm.

Particulars: As a performance-based course, there will be a variety of exercises and tasks involving both solo and partner work. Grading will be based on the performance of selected and assigned topics, including the Final Exam, and will require outside rehearsals on a regular basis in order to prepare for presentation. Each actor will be required to dress in workout attire. Attendance, participation, and cooperation are crucial for the growth and development of each performer's skills.

THEA 230      ///     Principles of Design
Sara Ward and Joseph Monaghan

TTh 11:30-12:45    MAX: 12     Room: 311C Schwartz Center

Content:This course will provide students with a theoretical and practical understanding of the processes involved in conceiving and executing stage designs. It will serve as an introduction to the theory and practice of set, costumes, and lighting design. In a broader sense, it is aimed at helping students to read and experience plays with a richer sense of their visual qualities.

A $40 supplies fee will be charged to students' Bursar accounts. No text will be used.

THEA 231    ///     Costume Design
Leslie Taylor

T 2:30-5:30        Max: 6       Room: 201 Rich Building

Content: This design class will put an emphasis on costume design. We will study costume design from both an historical and conceptual basis. Students will read and design on paper a variety of plays throughout the semester. We will explore techniques of communicating the visual idea, through drawing, collage, and painting. Students will also learn how to organize and manage the technical requirements such as materials, time and budget.

Particulars: Grading is based on attendance, participation, and completion of projects. There will be 3-4 design projects over the course of the semester as well as a more fully realized final project. No prerequisite, no drawing skills necessary.

A supplies fee may be charged to students' Bursar accounts. No text will be used.

THEA 234     ///     Sound Design
Joseph Monaghan

TTh 10-11:15     MAX: 7      Room: 207 Rich Building

Prerequisite: None

Content: This is an introductory course to the technology and design of sound for the theater.

Particulars: Topics will include an introduction to sound technology, script analysis and design development, acoustics, sound reinforcement, digital sound recording and editing, and preparing shows for playback on Mini-Disc, CD, or digital platforms.

THEA 241S /// Seminar: Theater Administration
Pat Miller

TTh 2:30-3:45     MAX: 12     Room: 207 Rich Building

Permission of the instructor required for students who are not majors or minors in an arts discipline

Content: This course is intended for future working artists, arts executives, and active supporters of the arts. It provides an understanding of how the values of society, the principles of business, and the power of government affect the artist's means of working. Historical models, contemporary challenges and practical applications will be covered.

Particulars: There will be a final project designed by the student with the approval of the professor, two tests, a practical assignment in connection with the Theater Emory productions, and considerable class discussion.Grading: 10% class participation, 15% practical assignments, 30% tests, 45% final project.

Texts: The texts for the course will be selected material distributed by the teacher, plus assigned readings in the current issues of the Sunday Arts and Leisure Section of The New York Times, Variety, and American Theater Magazine, all of which are available in the library.

Experience in theater, dance, music, film, or related arts is needed for a sucessful experience in the course. Students who are not majors or minors in an arts discipline are required to have permission of the instructor to take the course.

THEA 300R     ///      Production Laboratory

TBD      Max: 5    Room: MGM Theater, DUC

Permission of instructor required prior to enrollment.

Content: The goal of this course is to provide students with a meaningful learning experience through the assumption of technical or administrative responsibilities in conjunction with the productions of Theater Emory and research areas of Theater Studies.

Particulars: Students should make arrangements with the departmental faculty regarding their assignments prior to registration. Grades are determined by the student's ability to successfully execute the tasks given to them by the individual instructor assigned to them. Each student enrolled in the class should contact the instructor during the first week of class and before the end of Drop/Add to determine their work assignment for the semester.

THEA 314     ///      Twentieth Century Musical Theater
Michael Evenden and Donald McManus

TTh 1-2:15      Max:12    Room: 207 Rich Building
Lab M 6-9    207 Rich Building

Content: A guided seminar on the development of the American musical. Beginning with a quick view of the source forms--opera, operetta, Tin Pan Alley, vaudeville, ballet, social dance, and Broadway drama--this course will explore representative samples of the works of Hammerstein, Rodgers, Lerner and Loewe, Meredith Willson, Bock and Harnick, Sondheim, William Finn, Adam Guettel, and Michael John Lachiusa, plus examination of variants such as the black musical, rock musical, off-off Broadway musical, and Europop opera.

Particulars: Readings, handouts, media materials, and evening screenings will provide the material for discussion and papers.

THEA 322 - 00P     ///     Acting: Developing a Role
Tim McDonough

- Note: This course will be taught in conjunction with THEA 351

WF 12:50-3:50        MAX: 8      Room: 203 Schwartz Center (Theater Lab)

Prerequisite: THEA 222 and PERMISSION of instructor.

Content:  Each actor works on shaping two substantive roles as if in rehearsal, with an emphasis on developing multiple throughlines for a character. In the second half of the course, actors will work with members of the Directing II class (see THEA 351).

Particulars:  The class meets to show work on Wednesdays. Individuals and pairs will meet the instructor to conference and rehearse once a week at times to be determined. Students should keep this time slot free on Fridays (and if possible on Mondays) to facilitate conferencing and working with directors. Mid-term and final projects are performance pieces.

THEA 330R    ///   Stagecraft Laboratory
Sara Ward

Weekly meeting time TBD with instructor    MAX: 5    Room: MGM Theater, DUC

Permission of instructor required

Content: This course is intended for students interested in the art and crafts of properties and set dressing. The specific content of the course will vary according to the productions being staged by Theater Emory and will include practical exercises and assignments in property design, construction, acquisition and assisting the props master and production manager. A background in construction, crafts, Photoshop, painting, sculpting and art/art history are helpful. Or, choose to learn them in the course.

Particulars: In format, the course will function as a tutorial involving weekly meetings with the instructor. In addition, students will be required to assume significant supervised responsibilities connected with Theater Emory productions. These responsibilities will vary in the number of hours per week depending on the student's specific assignment. Grading is based on the successful completion of responsibilities assigned to the students during the semester.

THEA 331R - 00P    ///    Costume Design Tutorial
Leslie Taylor

TBA    MAX: 5

Prerequisite: THEA 231 and/or written permission of instructor

Content: This course will provide further information for students who have demonstrated an interest and ability in costume design. Students will advance their skills and knowledge by either completing several in depth projects or assisting the costume designer on a Theater Emory project.

Particulars: Grades are determined on the basis of successful completion of major design projects, attendance in class, and growth.

THEA 332R - 00P     ///     Scene Design Tutorial
Leslie Taylor

TBA    MAX: 5

Prerequisite: THEA 232 and/or written permission of instructor

Content: This course will provide personalized instruction for those students who have demonstrated an interest and ability in the area of set design. The course will enable advanced students to develop and further their talent, skill, and knowledge in set design. A major part of the course will involve either assisting the set designer in the execution of Theater Emory productions or designing and executing scenery for student productions emanating from classes offered by the department, as well as design projects.

Particulars: Grades are determined on the basis of successful completion of major design projects, attendance in class and working on Theater Emory and class productions.

THEA 333R - 00P    ///    Lighting Design Tutorial
Staff

TBA       MAX: 3

Prerequisite: THEA 233 and/or written permission of instructor

Content: The goal of this course is to provide advanced students with a further understanding of the lighting design process. Theatrical, as well as dance, concert, film and video lighting practices will be covered.

Particulars: Students are graded on their completion of five lighting projects, a practical design assignment, and development throughout the semester. The course will involve two hours of lecture per week plus 90 hours of assignments.

Texts: The course will include material from a variety of texts.

THEA 334R - 00P      ///    Sound Design Tutorial
Staff

TBA       MAX: 3

Prerequisite: THEA 234 and/or written permission of instructor

Content: An advanced course in the theory and practice of sound design.

THEA 351 - 00P     ///     Directing II
Tim McDonough

- Note: This course will be taught in conjunction with THEA 322

WF 12:50-3:50        MAX: 6      Room: 203 Schwartz Center (Theater Lab)

Prerequisite:  THEA 251 and PERMISSION of instructor.

Content:  Directors will observe the work of actors in the first half of Developing a Role (see THEA 322) and meet additionally with respect to related directing issues. In the second half of the semester, directors will work with actors on a new set of roles, as if in rehearsal. Topics for the directors will include thematic script analysis, working with actors on the development of thoughlines, editing and orchestrating actor impulses, giving feedback, imagining the visual and aural world of the play, and the staging of anchor moments that embody what the play is about. If the directors have not taken THEA 222, they will be expected to work through assigned sections of Acting Narrative Speeches in preparation for the course.

Text: Acting Narrative Speeches

THEA 372RWR - 00P     ///      Playwriting   
Joseph Skibell and Lisa Paulsen

- Same as ENG 372RWR - 00P

Th 2:30-5:30     MAX: THEA 5 (ENG/CW 10)     Room: 201 Rich Building

Content: An introduction to the craft and art of playwriting. No previous experience necessary in playwriting, acting, or theater.  This course is co-taught by a playwright and a theater artist and will focus on writing exercises, in-class readings, and a final project. The course will allow students to experience first-hand the creative process, from finding inspiration to the fundamentals of playwriting (character, dramatic action, dialogue) to the exciting collaboration implicit in presenting the play to an audience.   

Creative Writing courses are by application.
Students wishing to take 372 as a Theater Studies course should hand in their application to John Ward, Theater Studies Dept. administrator, Rich Building 230, by the deadlines stated at the beginning of the Creative Writing course atlas. 

Texts:
Full-length playscripts which may include:
How I Learned to Drive, Paula Vogel
The Clean House – Sarah Ruhl
The Illusion – by Tony Kushner
True West – Sam Shepard
Glengarry Glenross – David Mamet

Additional texts will be available on Reserves Direct and include a series of one-act and ten-minute plays from playwrights John Patrick Shanley, Bill Bozzone, Steve Martin, Edward Albee, Rachel Axler, Teresa Rebeck, Albert Innaurato, Naomi Iizuka, Harold Pinter and Leroi Jones/Baraka and Ken Weitzman

Particulars: Students should budget for photocopying. Outside of class time, students are required to attend on-campus readings and colloquia sponsored by the Creative Writing Program and play readings sponsored by The Playwriting Center of Theater Emory.

THEA 389R - 000     ///     Special Topics: Pantomime
John Ammerman

MWF 2-2:50      MAX: 10     Room: 210 Rich Building

Prerequisites: None

Content: A laboratory workshop class focusing on the history and practical performance of mime technique in story form. Elements include center, balance, isolation, mime technique and illusion, rhythm, gesture, mimicry, prop, character, and silent film analysis. This is not a course in "street mime."

Particulars: This is a performance-based course and will involve a variety of exercise and tasks including solo story-mime presentations. Grading will be based on performances in mime technique of selected and assigned topics, including the final exam. The course will require outside rehearsal on a regular basis, and each actor must supply workout attire. This is a course heavily focused on physical performance and conditioning.

Note: Previous acting courses or experience recommended.

THEA 397R - 00P     ///    Directed Studies in Theater

TBA     MAX: 5

Written Permission of Supervising Instructor Required

Content: Special projects, research, and readings under the direction of a faculty member.

THEA 400R - 00P     ///      Acting Tutorial
Faculty

TBA    MAX: 5

Written permission of instructor required

Content: This course provides advanced theater students with a context for intensive work on specific acting issues. It is intended to meet individual needs; to supplement, extend, and enrich the training offered in regular acting classes; and to give specialized instruction to students in connection with performance projects. Both private and small group tutorials are offered; qualified students with specific needs and learning agenda are encouraged to apply.

Permission for tutorial sessions must be obtained from Theater Studies prior to registration. Admission is by departmental approval.  A tutorial normally involves eight hours of personalized instruction, and may be taken for one or two credits.

THEA 421R - 00P, 01P    ///   Acting Laboratory: Credit for Theater Emory Productions

1 or 2 credit hours, permission only

THEA 490SWR     ///      Aesthetics and Criticism of Theater
Alice N. Benston

TTh 11:30-12:45    MAX: 12    Room: 201 Rich Building

Content: This seminar, the capstone course for theater majors, is designed to provide the student with an overview of major documents that address the nature of the theatrical event. The critical documents will be examined and critiqued for their implications for those involved with theater, from playwright, through theater practitioners to critics and audience.

Particulars: The course is a seminar which presupposes that the discussion will lead to "group" discovery. In preparation for active participation, each student will keep a Reaction Journal, and each student should be prepared to start the discussion based on these entries. Participation, journals, two short papers plus one longer critical paper are required.

Texts:
-- M. Huxley and N. Witts, The Twentieth Century Performance Reader
-- ON E-RESERVE: Bernard E. Dukore, Dramatic Theory and Criticism

Supplementary material distributed in class.

THEA 495R - 00P - 03P     ///     Honors Project in Theater

Qualification for honors and consent of department required

Content: This course is designed to provide advanced students with a learning experience designed to meet their specific interests and needs. In some cases this may involve weekly instruction on a particular aspect of acting or stagecraft. In other cases a student may wish to work with an individual faculty member on a research project concerned with a particular dramatist, historical period or critical theory.

Particulars: Grading policies will be determined by the particular nature of the project undertaken. Permission for enrollment is by vote of the faculty and must be obtained during preregistration in the previous semester. See the Department for more specific information.
Please direct questions or comments to Theater Studies.

THEA 497 - 00P     ///     Senior Project in Theater

Consent of department required

Content: A supervised project in any area of theater for seniors. Total credit not to exceed twelve hours.

THEA 499R - 00P     ///     Special Project in Theater

Consent of department required

Content: A supervised project in any area of theater. Total credit not to exceed twelve hours.

updated 3/24/2008
by John Ward (jward03@emory.edu)