Theatre Arts Courses Open to Students in All Disciplines

Many courses in playwriting and screenwriting and in theatre and performance are open to students in all disciplines (on a space-available basis). The following courses, offered by the the B.F.A. programs in Conservatory of Theatre Arts, are open to students in all disciplines (excluding acting, dramatic writing, and theatre design/technology B.F.A. majors, respectively). Additional courses may be added to this list each semester. For the current (or upcoming) semester schedule, search the schedule of classes at Student Services.

Changed from 3 credits Spring 2012 (10/31/11):
Fundamentals of Acting
SOA 1750 / 2 credits / Every semester
Students work on basic acting skills, e.g., developing the ability to produce free, imaginative, and purposeful behavior in relation to environments, objects, and other persons; individual silent exercises; and group exercises. This work leads to in-class performances of selected scenes from a variety of American contemporary plays, with special focus on the sensory requirements in the text. No previous experience required.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

Introduction to Theatre Design
SOA 1800 / 4 credits / Every semester
An exploration of the basic ideas and concepts involved in designing for theatre productions.

Movement for Actors
SOA 2760 / 2 credits / Every semester
An introduction to dramatic movement for the stage. Technique, improvisation, repertoire, and composition are explored, using physical language. Students work on solos, duets, and in groups with text, objects, and music. Assignments include classroom presentations, readings, and papers. Videotapes are reviewed and discussed.

Added Spring 2012 (9/20/11):
American Musical Theatre
SOA 2280 / 3 credits / One time only
Students study five different types of American musicals and examine the different ways that “book” and songs are integrated in each type of show. Class discussion and written work focus on the functional analysis of scenes and songs.

Acting and Archetypes
SOA 2770 / 3 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
An exploration of psychological archetypes and myths. This course continues the sensory actualization techniques and includes the study of warm-up, improvisation, and other technical exercises, plus mask-making and monologues.
Prerequisite: SOA 1750 or 2760

Creative Expression
SOA 3760 / 3 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
Students create original stories from various sources of inspiration and gain the theatrical tools to tell them. The course focuses on ensemble creation and covers such areas as mime, heightened character, treteaux, soundscapes, and object manipulation. Requirements include performing, directing, writing, and making props. Designed to help students get in touch with their creative side in a supportive group atmosphere. A background in performance/high school theatre is beneficial but not required.

Costume Design Seen Through Film
SOA 3775 / 4 credits / Spring
A survey of costume design that covers the creation of icons and myths as well as attempts to reinvent history by exploring self-definitions as individuals and groups, and by looking at people’s need to express their subconscious and define themselves in historical context. R-rated films may contain some adult material (hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually oriented nudity, drug abuse or other elements).

Transmedia and Performance
SOA 3780 / 4 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
Transmedia narrative can be described as storytelling across multiple forms of media, with each element making distinctive contributions to a user’s understanding of the story world. The course combines this with a study of immersive performance environments that wrap around viewers and production practices that blend video, photography, games, and music to extend the project’s meaning and theatricality.

Updated Nov. 3, 2011

Updates
Please direct updates for this page to the managing editor in the Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs. Because internal and external links may change or expire from time to time, please report any changed or broken links to the managing editor as well. To add a course, please refer first to the Faculty Handbook.