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Theater and Dance (THDN)

Chair: Associate Professor David Wiles

Professor: Ruth Weiner

Benedict Distinguished Visiting Professor: Edward Berkeley

Associate Professor: David Wiles

Assistant Professor: Judith Howard

Lecturers: Jennifer A. Bader, Jane Shockley

The Department of Theater and Dance offers courses in each of the major areas of interest. Theater offerings include acting, voice, movement, directing, design-technical, and performance as well as courses in literature, history and criticism. In all of our courses our goal is to study the best of dramatic literature, as well as all the elements of production. We recognize Dance as a global phenomenon and seek to provide opportunities for cross-cultural studies and scholarship.

Dance activities give students at all levels opportunities for active participation in three basic areas: technique, choreography and analysis, and performance. The broadest goal of these offerings is to increase understanding of the art of dance as a contribution to a liberal arts education. Goals that are more specific are the development of a trained, articulate body, increased choreographic skill, and more finely honed performance.

While there is a regular major in Theater Arts, advanced students may apply to the chair of Dance for a special major in Dance.

Dance Courses (DANC)

Technique Courses: 107, 147, 148, 150, 200, 204, 205, 206, 208, 214, 215, 300, 301, 309

Classes in Modern Dance Technique and Ballet are offered on at least two levels during all terms. Other technique classes offered on a rotating schedule are jazz, moving anatomy and contact improvisation. All courses may be taken any number of terms at the appropriate level. A maximum of 24 credits from dance technique classes may be counted toward graduation.

History Courses: Dance 115, 266

Choreography Courses: 190, 253, 350

DANC 107. Ballet I 1 cr., S/CR/NC, AL; ARP, Fall,Winter,SpringJ. Bader

DANC 115. Cultures of Dance The study of dance is the study of culture. We will look at dance as culturally-coded, embodied knowledge and investigate dance forms and contexts across the globe. We will examine, cross-culturally, the function of dance in the lives of individuals and societies through various lenses including feminist, africanist and ethnological perspectives. We will read, write, view videos and performances, discuss and move. This course in dance theory and practice will include a weekly movement lab. No previous dance experience necessary. 6 cr., AL, RAD; HI, IS, FallJ. Howard

DANC 147. Moving Anatomy This course seeks to provide an underlying awareness of body structure and function. Using movement to expand knowledge of our anatomy will encourage participants to integrate information with experience. Heightened body awareness and class studies are designed to activate the general learning process. 1 cr., S/CR/NC, AL; ARP, SpringJ. Shockley

DANC 148. Modern Dance I: Technique and Theory 1 cr., S/CR/NC, AL; ARP, Fall,Winter,SpringJ. Howard, J. Shockley

DANC 150. Contact Improvisation This is a course in techniques of spontaneous dancing shared by two or more people through a common point of physical contact. Basic skills such as support, counterbalance, rolling, falling and flying will be taught and developed in an environment of mutual creativity. 1 cr., S/CR/NC, AL; ARP, Fall,WinterJ. Shockley

DANC 190. Fields of Performance This introductory course in choreography explores games, structures, systems and sports as sources and locations of movement composition and performance. Readings, viewings and discussion of postmodernist structures and choreographers as well as attendance and analysis of dance performances and sports events will be jumping off point for creative process and will pave the way for small individual compositions and one larger project. In an atmosphere of play, spontaneity and research participants will discover new ways of defining dance, pushing limits and bending the rules. Guest choreographers and coaches will be invited as part of the class. Open to all movers. No previous experience necessary. 6 cr., AL; ARP, Not offered in 2011-2012.

DANC 200. Modern Dance II: Technique and Theory A continuation of Level I with more emphasis on the development of technique and expressive qualities. 1 cr., S/CR/NC, AL; ARP, Fall,Winter,SpringJ. Howard, J. Shockley

DANC 204. Fall Dance Intensive rehearsal and performance of a work commissioned from a professional guest choreographer. Open to all levels. 1 cr., S/CR/NC, AL; ARP, FallJ. Howard

DANC 205. Winter Dance Intensive rehearsal and performance of a work commissioned from a professional guest choreographer. Open to all levels. 1 cr., S/CR/NC, AL; ARP, WinterStaff

DANC 206. Spring Dance Rehearsal and full concert performance of student dance works created during the year and completed in the spring term. Open to all levels. Prerequisites: One of the following: Dance 204, 205, 214, 215 or 350. 1 cr., S/CR/NC, AL; ARP, SpringJ. Howard, J. Shockley

DANC 208. Ballet II For the student with previous ballet experience. This course emphasizes articulation of technique and development of ballet vocabulary. 1 cr., S/CR/NC, AL; ARP, Fall,Winter,SpringJ. Bader

DANC 214. Fall Dance, Student Choreography For students enrolled in Dance 204, supervised student choreography with two public showings. 1 cr., S/CR/NC, AL; ARP, FallJ. Howard

DANC 215. Winter Dance, Student Choreography For students enrolled in Dance 205, supervised student choreography with two public showings. 1 cr., S/CR/NC, AL; ARP, WinterStaff

DANC 253. Movement for the Performer This course investigates the structure and function of the body through movement. Applying a variety of somatic techniques (feldenkrais, yoga, improvisation, body-mind centering). The emphasis will be to discover effortless movement, balance in the body and an integration of self in moving. 3 cr., AL; ARP, WinterJ. Shockley

DANC 255. Performing Politics We will investigate ways in which contemporary politics can influence the creation of performance work. We will explore individual identity and community-based art as inspirations for making new performance material. The interdisciplinary focus of the course will include techniques and strategies for incorporating movement, theater, original writing and voice in creating new work. There will be theoretical and artistic readings, video viewings, and intimate, generous discussion. Students will be asked to perform each class period and participate in a final public sharing of their work. Open to all levels of experience and those willing to try performance. Prerequisite: none. 6 cr., AL; ARP, WinterStuart Pimsler

DANC 266. Reading The Dancing Body: Topics in Dance History Dance is an art of the body in time and space and culture. This course will look at dance as a symbolic system of meanings based on bodily display. The investigation of the body as a "text" will be anchored by, but not limited to, feminist perspectives. Through reading, writing, discussing, moving, viewing videos and performances the class will "read" the gender, race, and politics of the dancing body in a historical context from Romanticism through Post-modernism. 6 cr., AL; HI, SpringJ. Howard

DANC 300. Modern Dance III: Technique and Theory Intensive work on technical, theoretical, and expressive problems for the experienced dancer. 1 cr., S/CR/NC, AL; ARP, Fall,Winter,SpringJ. Howard, J. Shockley

DANC 301. Contemporary Styles and Techniques: African Dance A physical exploration of the technical, theoretical and stylistic bases of different approaches to modern dance movement chosen yearly from such techniques as: Body Mind Centering; Limon; Cunningham; Graham; African-Caribbean. Prerequisite: some previous dance experience. 2 cr., S/CR/NC, AL; ARP, FallJ. Howard

DANC 309. Ballet III 1 cr., S/CR/NC, AL; ARP, SpringJ. Bader

DANC 350. Semaphore Repertory Dance Company Provides advanced dance students with an intensive opportunity to develop as performers in professional level dances. Skills to be honed are: the dancer as "tool" and contributor to the process of art­making; defining individual technical and expressive gifts; working in a variety of new technical and philosophical dance frameworks. In addition to regular training during the academic terms, participation in a "preseason" rehearsal period before fall term is required. A few pieces of student choreography will be accepted for repertory. The group produces an annual concert, performs in the Twin Cities and makes dance exchanges with other college groups. Audition required. 1 cr., S/CR/NC, AL; ARP, Fall,Winter,SpringJ. Howard, J. Shockley



Theater Arts (THEA)

Requirements for the major:

Sixty-eight credits distributed as follows:

a) 6 credits of one of the following courses in design or technical theater:

THEA 115 Introduction to Design and Technical Theater (Not offered in 2011-2012)

THEA 236 Scenic and Lighting Design for the Theater (Not offered in 2011-2012)

b) 18 credits from the following courses in practical theater:

DANC 150 Contact Improvisation

DANC 253 Movement for the Performer

THEA 110 Beginning Acting

THEA 185 The Speaking Voice

THEA 211 Intermediate Acting (Not offered in 2011-2012)

THEA 240 Directing I (Not offered in 2011-2012)

THEA 241 Directing II (Not offered in 2011-2012)

THEA 312 Problems in Acting (Not offered in 2011-2012)

c) 18 credits at the 300 level, at least six of which should be English 258 or Theater Arts 351 if possible (additional courses may be added to this group as approved):

ENGL 310 Shakespeare II

ENGL 258 Contemporary American Playwrights of Color

ENGL 282 London Theater Program

GERM 355 Topics in German Drama: Twentieth Century Theatrical Experiments (Not offered in 2011-2012)

RUSS 351 Chekhov

THEA 312 Problems in Acting (Not offered in 2011-2012)

THEA 351 Women Playwrights/Women’s Roles (Not offered in 2011-2012)

d) 18 additional credits, six of which must be a non-theater course, in literature, criticism, or history courses from the following list:

CLAS 116 Ancient Drama: Truth in Performances (Not offered in 2011-2012)

ENGL 116 Introduction to English Drama (Not offered in 2011-2012)

ENGL 213 Christopher Marlowe

ENGL 214 Revenge Tragedy

ENGL 244 Shakespeare

ENGL 258 Contemporary American Playwrights of Color

ENGL 282 London Theater Program

ENGL 310 Shakespeare II (Not offered in 2011-2012)

GERM 355 Topics in German Drama: Twentieth Century Theatrical Experiments (not offered in 2011-2012)

GRK 204 Greek Tragedy

GRK 351 Aristophanes (Not offered in 2011-2012)

RUSS 351 Chekhov (Not offered in 2011-2012)

SPAN 342 Latin American Theater: Nation, Power, Gender

THEA 175 Drama/Theater/Text (Not offered in 2011-2012)

THEA 242 Twentieth Century American Drama

THEA 246 Playwriting

THEA 351 Women Playwrights/Women’s Roles (Not offered in 2011-2012)

e) 2 credits of THEA 190, Players Production

f) 6 credits of 400, Integrative Exercise

Theater Courses

THEA 100. Performing Roles This course will explore the depiction of traditional societal roles in American film, theater and television since the 1920’s and examine the impact such fictional depictions have had and continue to have on shaping the performance of those roles in modern American life. 6 cr., AI, WR1, FallD. Wiles

THEA 110. Beginning Acting Introduces students to fundamental acting skills, including preliminary physical and vocal training, improvisational techniques, and basic scene work. The course includes analysis of plays as bases for performance, with a strong emphasis on characterization. 6 cr., AL; ARP, WinterD. Wiles

THEA 115. Introduction to Design and Technical Theater An overview of the technical aspects of theater with an emphasis on the practical areas of the physical theater: drafting, materials, tools, lighting, costuming, scene painting, and properties. 6 cr., AL; ARP, Not offered in 2011-2012.

THEA 175. Drama/Theatre/Text We will study a selection of 10­15 plays as literary texts and as the foundations of performance. These plays are selected both for their literary stature and for their association with specific art and/or critical movements. 6 cr., AL; ARP, Not offered in 2011-2012.

THEA 185. The Speaking Voice This course seeks to provide a practical understanding of the human voice, its anatomy, functioning and the underlying support mechanisms of body and breath. Using techniques rooted in the work of Berry, Linklater and Rodenburg, the course will explore the development of physical balance and ease and the awareness of the connection between thinking and breathing that will lead to the effortless, powerful and healthy use of the voice in public presentations and in dramatic performance. 6 cr., AL; ARP, SpringD. Wiles

THEA 190. Carleton Players Production Each term students may participate in one Players production, a hands­on, faculty­supervised process of conceptualization, construction, rehearsal, and performance. Credit is awarded for a predetermined minimum of time on the production, to be arranged with faculty. Productions explore our theatre heritage from Greek drama to new works. Students may participate through audition or through volunteering for production work. 1 cr., S/CR/NC, AL; ARP, Fall,Winter,SpringR. Weiner, D. Wiles, Staff

THEA 211. Intermediate Acting Continuation of Theater Arts 110. Focus is on specific problems encountered by all actors in performance, especially in stage movements, vocal range and flexibility, and details of characterization. Prerequisite: Theater Arts 110 or consent of the instructor. 6 cr., AL; ARP, Not offered in 2011-2012.

THEA 233. Set Design as Site Specific Sculpture In this course we will explore set design from the perspective of site specific sculpture, working in the new theater at the Weitz Center for Creativity we will collaboratively design and help construct the set for the upcoming student production. The work in this class will be intense and front loaded (mostly weeks 1-6). Several field trips and group work outside of the scheduled class time will be required. Prerequisite: Theater, construction, or sculpture experience. 3 cr., S/CR/NC, AL; ARP, FallS. Mohring

THEA 234. Lighting Design for the Performing Arts An introduction to and practice in stage lighting for the performing arts. Coursework will cover the function of light in design; lighting equipment and terminology; communication graphics through practical laboratory explorations. Application of principles for performance events and contemporary lighting problems will be studied through hands-on applications. 3 cr., ND; ARP, Not offered in 2011-2012.

THEA 236. Scenic and Lighting Design for the Theater Scenic and lighting design, seen from both the aesthetic and practical viewpoints, will be explored. Particular emphasis will be placed on presentational techniques, from the study of perspective to the finished rendering, the creation of the light plot to the instrument schedule. Prerequisite: Theater Arts 115. 6 cr., AL; ARP, Not offered in 2011-2012.

THEA 237. Scenic Design for the Performing Arts This course will focus on the art and practice of creating scenic designs for the performing arts. It will introduce basic design techniques while exploring the collaborative process involved in bringing scenery from concept to the stage. The course will include individual and group projects utilizing collage, sketching, and model-making. Prerequisite: none. 3 cr., AL; ARP, SpringJ. Stanley

THEA 238. Costume Design for Theater An introductory course in costume design. This course will examine the basic concepts of design and how they apply to costumes. In depth analysis of the script and characters will lead to an exploration of how costume design can be used to enhance the production. Basic rendering techniques and clothing history will also be studied. 3 cr., AL; ARP, WinterMary Ann Kelling

THEA 239. Topics in Theater: Costume Design A series of specialized courses in costume design and technical theater. The topic of this course is determined according to the opportunities offered by the departmental production of the term and the needs of the students, with consideration to the rotation of the topics. Topics offered may include: Costume Construction, Costume Patterning, Millinery, Mask Making, Textile Manipulation and Fabric Art. 3 cr., AL; ARP, WinterM. Kelling

THEA 240. Directing I The aim of Directing I is to help build a conceptual base for directing. The purpose of all assigned work is to nurture your conceptual and imaginative response to theater texts, to help develop the technical skills you will need to implement your vision of a given test, and to lay a groundwork for collaboration with other theater artists. There will be some opportunity for production work. 3 cr., ND; ARP, IS, Not offered in 2011-2012.

THEA 241. Directing II Directing II is a practical directing workshop. Each member of the class will plan a full production. Each of you will also direct a short play or a full scene. 3 cr., ND; ARP, IS, Not offered in 2011-2012.

THEA 242. Twentieth Century American Drama A study of a selection of important American plays from Eugene O'Neill's Hairy Ape (1920) to Tony Kushner's Angels in America (1992) in the context of larger American themes and cultural preoccupations. The premise of this course is that these plays define the American theatre for most of this century. By studying them we will gain understanding of our own culture and the links that connect this culture to the transformative events of the century. 6 cr., AL; LA, WinterD. Wiles

THEA 246. Playwriting A laboratory to explore the craft of playwriting, concentrating on structure, action and character. The class uses games, exercises, scenes, with the goal of producing a short play by the end of the term. 6 cr., S/CR/NC, AL; ARP, WinterStaff

THEA 252. African-American Theater This course will focus on developments in African-American Theater at particular points in its history during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The course will examine the development of theaters, theatrical movements, the contributions of relevant artists, and the relationship of theater to the struggle for African-American social and political equality. Students may take the course at the 200 or 300-level. Those taking it at the 300-level will be expected to complete a major research project. 6 cr., AL, RAD; LA, Not offered in 2011-2012.

THEA 312. Problems in Acting Problems in Acting will focus on text analysis and questions of method, style and (acting) theory in the performance of scenes selected from plays of different periods and genres. Students will collaborate in the presentation of scenes and monologues taken from a broad variety of works. Prerequisite: Theater 110 or 211. 6 cr., AL; ARP, IS, Not offered in 2011-2012.

THEA 325. Performing Shakespeare This course will explore approaches for taking Shakespeare’s text from page to stage. Using methods developed in theaters in the United States and the United Kingdom, students will prepare written analysis and construct performances that explore Shakespeare's use of formal rhetoric and poetic imagery and examine some of the ethical and political questions posed in the plays. Using video and audio recordings, students will critically examine various approaches to performing Shakespeare in the United States and the United Kingdom over the last century. Prerequisite: One or more of the following courses: Theater 110, 185, 190, 240/241, 211, or 312. 6 cr., AL, WR; ARP, WR2, Offered in alternate years. Not offered in 2011-2012.

THEA 351. Women Playwrights/Women's Roles A study of images of women in plays by Shakespeare, Ibsen, Strindberg, Tennessee Williams, and a number of women playwrights from Hellman and Clare Booth Luce to Caryl Churchill to Ntozaue Shange. 6 cr., AL; LA, IDS, Not offered in 2011-2012.

THEA 352. African-American Theater Cross-listed with THEA 252. This course will focus on developments in African-American Theater at particular points in its history during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The course will examine the development of theaters, theatrical movements, the contributions of relevant artists, and the relationship of theater to the struggle for African-American social and political equality. Students may take the course at the 200 or 300-level. Those taking it at the 300-level will be expected to complete a major research project. 6 cr., AL, RAD; LA, Not offered in 2011-2012.

THEA 400. Integrative Exercise 6 cr., ND; NE, Winter,Spring