2010-2011 University of Richmond Undergraduate Catalog
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Theatre
Department of Theatre and Dance
Dorothy Holland, Chair
Associate Professors Holland, Mike, Schoen, West
Assistant Professors Stegmeir, Herrera, White
Assistant Director of Costume and Makeup Hogg
Director of Dance Daleng
Assistant Director of Dance Van Gelder
Associate Director of the Modlin Center for the Arts Sommers
Each year two professional guest artists join the faculty to work with students and in productions. Additional professionals from the field also are employed as adjunct faculty members.
The Theatre Major
Note: The grade point average of the coursework comprising the major must be no less than 2.00 with no course grade below C- (1.7). Upper-level courses are taught on a rotating basis.
11 units, including
Production participation - THTR 399 Leadership in Production (0 units)
Diversity, one unit chosen from
- THTR 210 Performing Diversity: A Cultural Odyssey
- THTR 313 Theatre for Social Change I
- THTR 314 Theatre for Social Change II
History, two units chosen from
- THTR 309 Theatre History I
- THTR 319 Theatre History II
- THTR 321 History of Apparel
Production Studies, three units including
- THTR 205 Production Studies I-Fundamentals of Theatre
- THTR 306 Production Studies II- Analysis, Conceptualization and Problem Solving
- THTR 407 Production Studies III-Collaboration and Production
Performance, one unit chosen from
- THTR 212 Basics of Acting
- THTR 215 Physical Theatre: Actor as Creator
- THTR 219 Ensemble Performance
- THTR 308 Basics of Directing
- THTR 327 Acting Shakespeare I
- THTR 328 Acting Shakespeare II
- DANC 238 Introduction to Contact Improvisation
- DANC 248 Introduction to Movement Improvisation
- DANC 255 Choreography
- DANC 256 Beginning Jazz Dance
- DANC 257 Beginning Ballet
- DANC 258 Writing from the Body: Words and Movement
- DANC 259 Beginning Tap Dance
- DANC 260 Beginning Modern Dance
- DANC 261 Intermediate Jazz Dance
- DANC 262 Intermediate Tap Dance
- DANC 263 Intermediate Modern Dance
- DANC 266 Intermediate Ballet
- DANC 306 University Dancers
- DANC 356 Pointe and Variations
- DANC 361 Advanced Jazz Dance
- DANC 362 Advanced Tap Dance
- DANC 363 Advanced Modern Dance
- DANC 366 Advanced Ballet
Technical Theatre, one unit chosen from
- THTR 201 Stagecraft
- THTR 206 Introduction to Costume
- THTR 213 Fundamentals of Stage Makeup
Theory, one unit chosen from
- THTR 320 Advanced Acting: Twentieth-Century Acting Styles and Theory
- THTR 325 Script Analysis
- THTR 370 Staging Gender
Theatre Design, one unit chosen from
- THTR 202 Stage Lighting
- THTR 301 Scene Design
- THTR 302 Scene Painting
- THTR 322 Advanced Costume Design
Elective
- One unit, approved by the theatre department, in art history, studio art, or music
Limitations
Theatre 330-341 (Practica) and 388 (Internship) cannot be counted in the major.
No course units can be counted toward both a major in theatre and a minor in dance.
Related Fields
Interdisciplinary concentration in arts management for studio art, art history, music, theatre, and dance majors or minors
Combined major in theatre and English literature
The Theatre Minor
Note: The grade point average of the coursework comprising the minor must be no less than 2.00, with no course grade below C- (1.7).
6 units, including
Diversity, one unit chosen from
- THTR 210 Performing Diversity: A Cultural Odyssey
- THTR 313 Theatre for Social Change I
Production Studies, two units including
- THTR 205 Production Studies I-Fundamentals of Theatre
- THTR 306 Production Studies II- Analysis, Conceptualization and Problem Solving
Performance, one unit chosen from
- THTR 212 Basics of Acting
- THTR 215 Physical Theatre: Actor as Creator
- THTR 308 Basics of Directing
- THTR 327 Acting Shakespeare I
- THTR 328 Acting Shakespeare II
- DANC 238 Introduction to Contact Improvisation
- DANC 255 Choreography
- DANC 256 Beginning Jazz Dance
- DANC 257 Beginning Ballet
- DANC 259 Beginning Tap Dance
- DANC 260 Beginning Modern Dance
- DANC 261 Intermediate Jazz Dance
- DANC 262 Intermediate Tap Dance
- DANC 263 Intermediate Modern Dance
- DANC 266 Intermediate Ballet
- DANC 306 University Dancers
- DANC 356 Pointe and Variations
- DANC 361 Advanced Jazz Dance
- DANC 362 Advanced Tap Dance
- DANC 363 Advanced Modern Dance
- DANC 366 Advanced Ballet
Technical Theatre/Theatre Design, one unit chosen from
- THTR 201 Stagecraft
- THTR 202 Stage Lighting
- THTR 206 Introduction to Costume
- THTR 213 Fundamentals of Stage Makeup
- THTR 301 Scene Design
- THTR 302 Scene Painting
- THTR 322 Advanced Costume Design
History/Theory, one unit chosen from
- THTR 309 Theatre History I
- THTR 319 Theatre History II
- THTR 320 Advanced Acting: Twentieth-Century Acting Styles and Theory
- THTR 321 History of Apparel
- THTR 325 Script Analysis
- THTR 370 Staging Gender
Limitations
Theatre 315 (Independent Study), 330-341 (Practica) and 388 (Internship) cannot be counted in the minor.
Honors Program
Outstanding students with intellectual initiative and the desire to pursue academic achievement beyond standard coursework have the opportunity to broaden and deepen knowledge in selected major fields through the honors program. To qualify, a student should have at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average, 18 or more units completed and, excluding coursework primarily for first-year students, 3.5 or more units completed with distinction in the major field.
Students electing to fulfill requirements for the honors program in the Department of Theatre and Dance must designate at least two units of honors credit through a combination of upper-level courses. This will require the student to do additional work over and above the normal requirements of the course. In addition, the student also must take Honors Thesis Preparation (THTR 380) and Honors Performance/Thesis (THTR 381). The student must have attained a departmental GPA of 3.30 by the beginning of the fall semester of the senior year. The student also must maintain that GPA through the completion of the program and an overall GPA of no less than 3.0 while in the program. Students should declare their intention to seek honors and meet with the honors coordinator in their sophomore year. Students who have not declared by the second semester of their junior year are disqualified from further honors consideration. Those who have declared that they are seeking honors will be considered candidates until they fail to meet one of the program's requirements. Successful completion of an honors program is shown on the student's permanent academic record and on the diploma.
Courses
THTR
115 Theatre Appreciation
An introduction to the role of actors, playwrights, directors, designers, and audiences in the highly collaborative art of theatre. Students learn to appreciate the artistic and intellectual processes of theatre artists and to use knowledge of historical forms and traditions in order to evaluate contemporary live theatre. Students will engage in creative projects in the classroom and interact with professional theatre artists via lab work on mainstage productions. Laboratory assignments with mainstage productions.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
THTR
119 Broadway Musical Theatre
Survey of the Broadway musical theatre from its 19th century roots to the present day. Provides basic introduction to music theory and culminates with performance of original one-act musical(s) written and produced by class members. In addition to regular class meetings, weekly labs are held for rehearsals and presentation of special topics. (Same as Music 119.)
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
THTR
201 Stagecraft
Introduction to scene design and construction, lighting design and execution, scene painting, sound design, and properties in theory and practical applications. Laboratory hours required.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
THTR
202 Stage Lighting
Mechanics and artistic aspects of stage lighting in theory and in practice; designing and executing light plots. Laboratory hours required.
Unit(s): 1
THTR
205 Production Studies I-Fundamentals of Theatre
Examines the meaning of art to theatre/dance and the necessity of research, while exploring the elements of acting, directing, dance, scene design, lighting, costume design, makeup, and sound design in theatre productions. The study of theatre history and theory will provide students with a framework for the analysis of text and performance. Also, students will learn methods for assembling a theatre portfolio that will represent their course work, research, and creative projects.
Unit(s): 1
THTR
206 Introduction to Costume
Introduction to role of costume designer as collaborative artist in theatre process. Survey of historical implications for design. Basic skills of costume construction. Laboratory assignments with mainstage productions.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
THTR
210 Performing Diversity: A Cultural Odyssey
Furthers understanding of minority groups in America by investigating their social condition from an experiential base. Participants will explore existing portraits and issues associated with minorities as well as connect with important notions on cultural diversity in America. Special importance will be placed on celebrating ethnic achievements and lifestyles. Plays, poetry, and other performance art forms (including cooking and dressing) will constitute significant class presentations.
Unit(s): 1
THTR
212 Basics of Acting
Basic methods of analysis and performance techniques necessary to generate believable human behavior on stage. Study of roots (mind/body processes), not ends of acting (performance). Class exercises to develop and discipline actor's physical, vocal, and imaginative equipment. Laboratory assignments with major productions.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
THTR
213 Fundamentals of Stage Makeup
Art and application of theatrical makeup, realism to fantasy. Corrective makeup; specialty makeup (aging, scars, beards, animal faces). Laboratory assignments in conjunction with all major productions.
Unit(s): 1
THTR
215 Physical Theatre: Actor as Creator
Introduces students to the contemporary approaches to theatre-making which focus on the body. Through a series of workshops & creative projects, students will learn techniques for generating original material, developing their spontaneity and creativity, and creating theatre that is personally meaningful and collectively engaging.
Unit(s): 1
THTR
219 Ensemble Performance
Exploratory class which attempts to generate honest and spontaneous responses from the actor to performance and play creating circumstances. Major emphasis is placed on teamwork, the search for truth and attaining actual potential in the art of playing. With a view to synergizing theatre activity with communal responsibility participants are encouraged to draw on issues around them and nurture creative inspiration from societal needs. Improvisation, storytelling, and multiple role playing are primary mediums for advancing the experience.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
THTR
301 Scene Design
Artistic aspects of stage setting in theory and in practice. Consideration of mechanical perspective, watercolor sketching, color schemes, and history of period design. Stresses how the design process is inspired by the script and how the design of scenery is only part of the larger creative process called theatre. Laboratory hours required.
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 115, 201, 205 or permission of instructor.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
THTR
302 Scene Painting
Study of function of scenic artist in theory and practice. Hands-on approach to scene painting. Laboratory hours required.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
THTR
306 Production Studies II: Analysis, Conceptualization and Problem Solving
Continues to build on the foundations established in Theatre 205, focusing more intently upon the process of preparing a play for theatrical production. Students will select a play and develop a production concept by analyzing the text, preparing the necessary dramaturgical research, and using their study of the elements of theatre to realize their production as a classroom project. The various facets of this project will serve as the core elements of a personal theatre portfolio representative of their course work, research, and creative projects.
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 205.
Unit(s): 1
THTR
308 Basics of Directing
Principles and techniques of directing the realistic modern play. Case studies and scene work. One-act play prepared for production by each student. Laboratory assignments with major productions.
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 205 or 212 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
THTR
309 Theatre History I
Survey of theatre history from ancient Greece to mid 18th-century Europe, with emphasis on representative plays, performance practices, and theories, as well as the cultural, economic, and political contexts from which they emerged. Lecture/discussion format.
Unit(s): 1
THTR
310 Managing Performing Arts Organizations.
(See Music 310.)
Prerequisite(s): Theatre major, theatre minor, dance minor, or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
THTR
312 Special Topics
Representative topics: acting for the camera, advanced courses in costume, directing, makeup, critical theory, directing, improvisation, makeup, performance theory, stage combat, documentary film making, voice and speech for the stage. Can be taken more than once for credit if topic varies.
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 205 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): .5-1
THTR
313 Theatre for Social Change I
A studio and seminar class inspired by African and European models in Theatre for Development, a specialized field of drama focused on social development and grounded in participatory procedure. The activity involves research, analysis, scenario building, and performance. Participants will be exposed to exercises in devising and performing work for impacting social transformation. The course will highlight issues within the immediate environment as well as the larger Richmond community, and practice will occur in both domains.
Unit(s): 1
THTR
314 Theatre for Social Change II
Designed to enable students to utilize and transfer the skills acquired in Theatre 313 into the larger community. Working in smaller groups, they are responsible for implementing and evaluating a theatre-centered project within the context of social and sustainable development. They will foster the creation of a play by community members on issues affecting their daily lives. Significant emphasis is given to cultivating an interaction with experts in related areas of concern towards galvanizing meaningful future growth in the selected community.
Unit(s): 1
THTR
315 Independent Study
Restriction: Prospectus must be submitted and approved prior to the end of advance registration. Does not count for theatre or dance minor.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Unit(s): .5-1
THTR
319 Theatre History II
A survey of theatre history from mid 18th-century Europe to the present, with emphasis on representative plays, performance practices, and theories, as well as the cultural, economic, and political contexts from which they emerged. Lecture/discussion format.
Unit(s): 1
THTR
320 Advanced Acting: Twentieth-Century Acting Styles and Theory
An examination of the major theories that have shaped the discourse on, and practice of, the art of acting in the 20th century. Concentrated scene study class that explores relationship between 20th-century dramatic literature and acting techniques and theories that developed to meet demands of these plays. By preparing scenes from various modern genres of theatre, acting students examine techniques and research methods necessary to unlock performance elements of the most demanding dramas of the last 100 years.
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 212 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
THTR
321 History of Apparel
Designed to give students a recognition/understanding of the evolution of clothing from the ancients to the 21st century. Beginning with the physiological and psychological reasons for clothing. Includes focus on the relationship of fashion to the social and political issues of the time period.
Unit(s): 1
THTR
322 Advanced Costume Design
Further exploration of various construction, patterning, design, research and rendering problems and the methods for solving them. Building on the techniques learned in the introductory course, students will gain a deeper understanding of the variety of methods used in problem solving, and how to know which approach is best suited to the needs of the script in question. The course will culminate in a public presentation of students' projects.
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 206 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
THTR
325 Script Analysis
Systematic approach to understanding and realizing the theatrical implications of play scripts. Script study as if in preparation for mounting production. Laboratory hours required.
General Education Requirement: (FSLT)
Unit(s): 1
THTR
327 Acting Shakespeare I
Introduction to methods of textual analysis and literary research necessary to prepare a Shakespearean play for performance.
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 205 or 212 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
THTR
328 Acting Shakespeare II
Introduction to emotional, physical, and vocal techniques necessary for performing a Shakespearean play. Builds on work of Theatre 327 in providing students with analytical means and research methods necessary to make informed artistic decisions.
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 327.
Unit(s): 1
THTR
330 Practicum: Performance
Understanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
THTR
331 Practicum: Directing/Choreography
Understanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
THTR
332 Practicum: Stage Management
Understanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
THTR
333 Practicum: Technical Crew
Understanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
THTR
334 Practicum: Design
Understanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
THTR
340 Practicum: Scenery/Props
Understanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
THTR
341 Practicum: Costume/Makeup
Understanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
THTR
342 Practicum: Other
Understanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
THTR
343 Practicum: Lighting
Understanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
THTR
345 Philanthropy in the Arts
(See Music 345; same as Art 345.)
Prerequisite(s): Music/Theatre 310 or Art 322 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
THTR
370 Staging Gender
Study of selected plays and theatre productions with a focus on the representations of gender and gender relations. Readings in feminist, gender, and queer theory provide critical frameworks for analyzing representations of gender as well as representations of race and class as they intersect with gender. Culminates in a staged reading of a play.
Unit(s): 1
THTR
380 Honors Thesis Preparation
Research and preparation for honors thesis or project in theatre or dance.
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance in the department honors program.
Unit(s): 1
THTR
381 Honors Performance/Thesis
Research and writing honors thesis or realization (including rehearsals and all drawings) of a creative honors project in theatre or dance.
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance in the department honors program.
Unit(s): 1
THTR
388 Individual Internship
Practical application of theatre and dance principles and skills in supervised, out-of-class environment. Does not count for theatre major or minor or dance minor. No more than 1.5 units of internship in any one department and 3.5 units of internship overall may be counted toward required degree units.
Prerequisite(s): Majors and minors only; faculty approval before beginning work.
Unit(s): .5-1
THTR
399 Leadership in Production
Majors-only course requiring a student to assume a position of significant responsibility (excluding performing) in one of the department¿s major productions. These positions include designing or assistant designing (costumes, lights, scenery, sound), assistant directing, dance captain, dramaturg, properties master, publicity manager (for the academic year), or stage manager. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisite(s): Departmental approval.
Unit(s): 0
THTR
407 Production Studies III-Collaboration and Production
Requires students to form a production organization and produce a substantial play. The production will be staged at the beginning of the next semester and students will receive their final grade after successful completion. Students must select play, analyze material, provide requisite dramaturgical research, create a budget, design all visual elements, raise funds for and publicize the production, conduct rehearsals, and provide a thorough critique of the results.
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 306
Unit(s): 1
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