1101. Introduction to the Theatre

Analysis of the functions of the theatre artists and their contributions to the modern theatre. CA 1.

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1110. Introduction to Film

A basic study of film as both a means of communication and as an art form. CA 1.

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1201. Drafting for the Theatre

The basics of hand drafting techniques and the drafting conventions for scenic designers, lighting designers and technical directors.

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1202. Computer Drafting for the Theatre

Computer Aided Drafting techniques for theatrical applications. Use of design software for creating various 2-D plans, including light plots, set designs and technical shop drawings. Assumes a good working knowledge of theatrical drafting conventions and techniques.

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1207. Design Fundamentals

An introduction to the basic principles of design, its major components, and the application of design principles in performance as it relates to scenic, costume, lighting, sound, projection design, and puppetry.

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1209. Drawing and Painting Techniques for the Theatre

An introduction to theatrical sketching and rendering emphasizing color composition in various media.

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1210. Computer Rendering for the Theatre

Computer rendering for theatre design in 2-D and 3-D format.

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1215. Theatre Production: Makeup And Wardrobe For The Actor

An introduction to the technology, tools, and materials used in makeup and wardrobe for actors.

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1216. Theatre Production: Lighting And Sound

An introduction to the technology, tools, and materials used in lighting and sound for the theatre.

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1217. Theatre Production: Costumes And Makeup

Introduction to the technology, tools, and materials used in costumes and makeup for the theatre.

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1218. Theatre Production: Stagecraft

Introduction to the technology, tools, and materials used in constructing and rigging theatrical scenery.

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1282. Practicum in Dramatic Arts

Practical work in all areas of dramatic arts, with emphasis on running crew assignments. May be repeated for credit with a change in course content to a maximum of 6 credits. Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).

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1501. Introduction to World Puppetry

Introduction to the global culture of puppetry, from Punch and Judy and Javanese shadow theater to robots, sports mascots, and Burning Man. Puppet performances in terms of their combination of visual art, performance, text, and music; social, political, and religious contexts of puppet performances. CA 1.CA 4-INT.

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1701. Acting I

Basic acting techniques.

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1702. Acting II

Additional basic acting techniques with emphasis on the presentation of scenes from contemporary plays.

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1710. Exploration of Acting

The basic elements of the acting process and related skills for those not intending to pursue professional acting careers. May be repeated for credit to a total of six credits with change of instructor, or with instructor consent.

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1801. Stage Movement I

Conditioning the body to increase strength, flexibility, and sensitivity. Exploration of movement concepts in space, time and energy values, and mind body and environment relationships.

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1802. Stage Movement II

Developing physical awareness and continuing body conditioning for the stage. Analyzing the natural world and how it moves. Work may include beginning mask, mime and tumbling skills.

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1811. Dance Appreciation

Overview of dance history, technique, and choreography based on lecture, discussion, films and practicum. No previous dance experience required. CA 1.

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1901. Voice and Speech I

Study of the skills required to develop an expressive, injury-free voice and improved speech on and off the stage.

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1902. Voice and Speech II

Additional vocal and articulation/phonetics skills applied to the performance of both realistic and elevated language in dramatic literature.

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2120. Entrepreneurship in the Arts

Unique entrepreneurial skills needed to navigate careers in the performing arts. Students will learn how to take on a leadership role, schedule, budget, fundraise, and market themselves and their projects.

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2130. Histories of Drama and Performance I

Dramatic literature and performance histories from various cultural traditions from the 5th century BCE through the 17th century.

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2131. Histories of Drama and Performance II

Dramatic literature and performance histories from various cultural traditions from the 17th century to contemporary examples.

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2134. Honors Core: Sports as Performance

Rigorous critical investigation of parallels between sports and performance. Includes writing, critical readings, experiential activities, viewing sporting events/performances, multimodal research. Critical and theoretical perspectives on athletics, spectacle, performance, national identity, community, race, gender, sexuality, and more. CA 1.

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2135. History of Popular Theatre and Live Entertainment

Global survey of popular forms such as circus, stage magic, melodrama, vaudeville, musicals, and clowning in relation to themes such as expressing identity, speaking back to power, questioning gender norms, and making money. CA1. CA4 INT.

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2136. Asian Theatre and Performance

Asian theatre, opera, dance, and other performance forms and their elaboration, reworking, and dissolution in modern and contemporary times, examined in relation to changes in society, politics, religion, and culture. CA 1. CA 4-INT.

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2136W. Asian Theatre and Performance

Asian theatre, opera, dance, and other performance forms and their elaboration, reworking, and dissolution in modern and contemporary times, examined in relation to changes in society, politics, religion, and culture. CA 1. CA 4-INT.

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2141. Script Analysis

Introducing the basic script-analysis skills necessary for theatre practitioners; exploring texts from a production, rather than a literary, viewpoint. Through reading, discussion, exercises, and group projects students examine the ways that playwrights convey information.

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2150. Devising Theatre for Social Justice I

Making theatre without a pre written script to address a social justice topic of interest, moving from initial stimulus to concluding performance. Students will center a contemporary issue of social justice while developing theatre making skills, emphasizing collaborative co creation, small group work, and the development and presentation of a range of performance forms. CA 1.

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2203. The Holocaust in Print, Theater, and Film

Representations of the Holocaust, including first-hand accounts and documentaries; artistic choices in genre, structure, imagery, point of view, and the limits of representation. CA 1. CA 4-INT.

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2701. Acting III

The study and practice of techniques for realism and naturalism typically used in performing works by the modern realists.

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2702. Acting IV

A continuation of the study and practice of techniques utilized in the performance of modern realists.

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2711. Introduction to Directing

Emphasis on theory and play analysis from the director's point of view.

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2810. Stage Movement III

Beginning the process of applying the actor's movement skills to the unique requirements of different theatrical forms and structures. Applied skills may include tumbling, gymnastics, clowning, mask work, ethnic arts, hand-to-hand combat, armed combat and many theatrical forms and styles of dance.

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2812. Stage Movement IV

Developing and applying additional movement skills to different types and styles of dramatic expression.

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2901. Voice and Speech III

In-depth study of applied voice and speech skills, particularly flexibility of the voice and application of vocal variety to understanding and expressing the structure and meaning of language and text.

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2902. Vocal Performance Techniques

Basic skills in voice production, vocal variety, articulation, and voice characterization for those in the dramatic arts pursuing careers other than stage acting.

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3103. Stage Management for the Theatre

Studies of the vocation and profession of stage management as defined by modern theatre practice. Also examines inter-relationships between the stage manager and the other members of the theatrical production staff.

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3121. Advertising, Publicity, and Promotion in the Dramatic Arts

An introduction to the basic techniques of advertising copy, news releases, and feature stories.

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3130. Women in Theatre: Gender Identity and Expression on the Stage

A critical study of women's participation in the art of theatre, with particular attention to theatre as a tool for exploring gender identity and expression. Focus on plays and performances, primarily from the 20th- and 21st-century United States, analyzing how evolving feminist concerns are reflected in women's theatrical work and how changing concepts of gender and other intersectional identities are embodied on the stage. CA 4.

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3131. African-American Theatre

The significant developments in African American theatre and its antecedents and an examination of selected play scripts that exemplify those developments. CA 4.

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3132. African-American Women Playwrights, 1900 to the present

African American women's playwriting in relationship to social, historical, and political contexts. CA 1. CA 4.

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3133. Latina/o Theatre

A study of Latina/o theatre and performance in the U.S. CA 4.

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3138. Trends in Contemporary Theatre

A study of the major trends in drama and theatrical production of the western world today.

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3139. Theatre and Human Rights

Provides a critical study of theatre production as political discourse in global areas of conflict and how that discourse defines, or is defined by, human rights issues.

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3141. Playwriting

The writing, workshopping, revision, and structuring of plays. Key themes include character development, world-building, action, the voice of the playwright, incorporating dramaturgical feedback, revision, and cultivating consistent writing habits.

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3141W. Playwriting

The writing, workshopping, revision, and structuring of plays. Key themes include character development, world-building, action, the voice of the playwright, incorporating dramaturgical feedback, revision, and cultivating consistent writing habits.

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3142. Dramaturgy I

Offers students a broad overview of the historical, critical and theoretical background of dramaturgy and introduces them to dramatic criticism, literary office dramaturgy, and the fundamentals of production dramaturgy.

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3145. Film Writing

Theoretical and practical work in the content and form of the fiction scenario.

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3182. Practicum in Dramatic Arts

Practical work in all areas of dramatic arts. Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory.)

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3194. Dramaturgy Seminar

Practical work in dramaturgy. Students enrolled in the course have been assigned as dramaturgs for Connecticut Repertory Theatre productions or are undertaking alternative dramaturgical assignments such as performance curation or audience outreach projects.

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3199. Independent Study

A reading or project course under the direction of an appropriate staff member.

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3201. Scene Construction

Basic techniques of constructing two dimensional and three dimensional scenery.

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3202. Rigging

Rigging systems and the basic techniques for flying scenery, with an emphasis on rigging safety.

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3219. Sound Technology and Production Audio

Introduction to the characteristics and properties of sound, as well as the design, assembly, and operation of audio systems for the theatre and live entertainment.

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3220. Sound for the Theatre

Art of sound design for the theatre and live performance. Using collaborative techniques and creative methods to develop original sound compositions.

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3301. Scene Design

Introduction to scene design fundamentals, analysis, and techniques.

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3302. Scene Design

Introduction to scene design fundamentals, analysis, and techniques.

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3320. Scenic Painting Techniques

Students will learn drawing and painting techniques used by scenic artists in the theatre. Students will be required to purchase scenic brushes and other basic tools needed for class.

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3401. Costume History

A slide survey class covering the origins and development of dress to the present day. Specifically African, Middle Eastern, and Euro-Centric dress, along with the societies and manners which created fashion.

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3402. Costume Design

An introductory class centering on the designer's approach to the text, the creation of the designed look for the characters in the play, and the process of how to realize the costumes.

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3420. Wearable Electronics and Interactive Objects

Provides a basic understanding of electronics, key components, function, construction, and project design for wearable electronics and interactive objects. Concepts learned will form the core for students to continue to proactively explore and experiment with wearable electronics and interactive objects beyond the classroom.

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3501. Lighting for the Theatre

Introduction to lighting design fundamentals, analysis, and techniques.

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3502. Lighting for the Theatre

Introduction to lighting design fundamentals, analysis, and techniques. Requires one or more of the Adobe Creative Cloud software programs; students are responsible for purchasing the latest version of Adobe's Creative Cloud for education apps and installing it on their personal computer.

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3601. Mask Theatre

Masking as a theatrical and sculptural practice is studied through the design, fabrication and performance of historical and contemporary forms.

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3602. Paper Sculpture

Sculpture and design techniques are practiced using the Roser Papier Methode for puppet fabrication. Full realization and performance of the sculptures as puppets completes the design exploration.

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3603. Rod Puppetry

A practical exploration of Rod Puppet Theatre through the design, fabrication and performance of several forms of Rod Puppet.

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3604. Puppetry in Television

Analysis and practical experience with television techniques for the Puppet Arts. Projects include design, fabrication and performance of Moving-mouth Puppets and other forms suited for the televisual medium.

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3605. Shadow Theatre

The worldwide phenomena of Shadow Theatre are explored through cultural studies; figure design, fabrication and performance; storyboarding; and production development for both direct screen and projected presentations.

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3607. Materials Techniques

Techniques such as character design, clay sculpture, mold making, casting, painting, foam carving, over-casting and wood carving are explored through practice as foundations for puppet fabrication.

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3608. Hand Puppetry

Hand puppet animation techniques are developed via forms such as Hand Pantomime, Glove Puppet and Moving-mouth Puppet performance. Design and fabrication methods complement the performance study.

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3609. UV/Czech Black Theatre

Practical exploration of UV ("Black Light") and Czech Black Theatre ("Curtain of Light") techniques as applied in the Puppet Theatre.

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3610. Movement-Based Performance for the Puppet Theatre I

Awaken and develop imaginative and skilled theatrical performers through devising work and exploration of movement-based theatre techniques.

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3611. Trends in the Contemporary Puppet Theatre

A study of the major trends in drama, design styles and production of the puppet theatre in the western world today. Additional project required for graduate credit.

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3612. Plays for Puppet Theatre

Surveying the dramatic repertoire of plays written or devised for puppets, this course considers translation from page to stage, develops skills in textual analysis and dramaturgy, and mines these playtexts as models for composing new plays for puppets.

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3615. Object Theatre

A practical exploration of object theatre, also known as thing theatre or found object performance, a modern form of stage animation in which ordinary household objects and materials take on the appearance of life. Emphasis is placed on creating original performances in established and emerging styles of performance.

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3721. Performance Techniques

Performance study and practice in selected areas of dramatic arts.

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3995. Special Topics in Dramatic Arts

Course content may vary each semester based on instructor expertise.

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3998. Variable Topics in Dramatic Arts

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4122. Theatre Management

An exploration of the critical questions and challenges facing theatre managers today. Students will broaden their knowledge of leadership, fundraising, board relations, community development, equity, diversity, and inclusion, among other competencies necessary to run a theatre. The course culminates in the creation of a comprehensive business plan.

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4135. Advanced Topics in Theatre and Performance

An in-depth exploration of theatre and performance studies. Topics will vary by semester, and may include performance trends or styles, periods in theatre history, or theoretical approaches to analyzing theatre and performance.

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4135W. Advanced Topics in Theatre and Performance

An in-depth exploration of theatre and performance studies. Topics will vary by semester, and may include performance trends or styles, periods in theatre history, or theoretical approaches to analyzing theatre and performance.

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4151. The American Film

A critical analysis of the American fiction film.

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4193. Foreign Study

Coursework undertaken within approved Study Abroad programs, with a focus on the theatre history, dramatic literature and production in a particular country or region. May count towards the major with consent of the advisor. Consent of Department head required, normally to be granted prior to the student's departure.

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4194. Seminar

Studies in selected areas of dramatic arts. Topics to be alternated.

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4701. Acting V

The study and practice of techniques associated with acting classical/poetic theatrical works, including, but not limited to Greek and Elizabethan comedies and dramas.

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4702. Acting VI

Additional study and practice of acting techniques required for classical and/or poetic theatre.

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4703. Acting VII

The study and practice of acting techniques used in a range of styles including, but not limited to, comic, absurdist and epic theatre.

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4704. Acting VIII

Continued work in acting techniques required for realistic, classical, comic, absurdist and/or epic theatre.

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4705. Acting for the Camera

Study and practice in the principles and techniques required for acting in television and/or film productions.

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4711W. The Director in the Theatre

An analysis of the role and function of the director in the theatre from historical, aesthetic, and practical points of view.

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4811. Stage Movement V

Special applications of applied movement and/or dance skills.

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4812. Stage Movement VI

Advanced application of special movement skills to additional forms of dramatic expression.

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4901. Senior Project

A capstone project designed to integrate skills and knowledge learned throughout the completion of the degree.

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4911. Voice and Speech IV

Study and practice to continue development of breathing, phonation and resonance skills, with added attention being paid to the analysis, expression and pronunciation of elevated and/or poetic drama.

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4912. Voice and Speech V

Continued exploration of voice production and elevated diction skills required for comic, absurdist and/or epic theatre productions.

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4931. Stage Dialects

The study and practice of those dialects and accents most frequently required by American actors. Contents include, but are not limited to, Standard British and a range of New York City and American Southern patterns.

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