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Theatre Course Descriptions

THEATRE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Note: Not every course is offered every semester, and some courses are offered on alternating years

(listed alphabetically)

Acting I (THR 204) 4 cr. hrs./16 wks
Instructor: Graham Paul
This course familiarizes students with some basic techniques involved in acting and allows them to employ those techniques through work on exercises and scenes assigned by the instructor and of their own choosing. They also spend time working on those movement and vocal skills that are part of the actor's craft. Additional skills involve collaboration, improvisation, and script analysis, with particular emphasis placed on Shakespearean acting. Students also have the opportunity to reflect on the nature and demands of acting through readings, discussions, and writing assignments. This course satisfies the Triad Education Artistic Expression course requirement. Prerequisite: THR 100 Performance Fundamentals of THR 190 Modern Dance Technique I.

Acting II (THR 205) 4 cr. hrs./16 wks
Instructor: Ron Bashford
Acting II is designed to allow the serious acting student an opportunity to build on the physical and vocal training and principles to acting technique introduced in THR 100 Perforamance Fundamentals and developed in THR 204 Acting I. At the same time, the student will focus on the acting challenges posed by Shakespearean texts and texts from modern experimental theatre (seeking to understand how these two areas of theatre may affect each other) and will explore some basic conceptual questions regarding the phenomenon of acting. This course satisfies the Triad Education Artistic Expression course requirement. Prerequisite: THR 204 Acting I.

Acting Shakespeare (THR 341) 4 cr. hrs./16 wks
Instructor: David Mycoff
This course combines classical acting theory and practice with close study of Shakespearean texts. There is special emphasis on vocal and text preparation methods. Main course projects include the presentation of a substantial Shakespearean performance, such as an ample selection of scenes, class-created "mini-dramas" based on Shakespeare's sonnets, or an oratorio or radio-play style presentation of a complete play. Each student will plan, prepare, and lead at least one set of voice and movement exercises for the class, drawing on assigned readings in classical technique. Students will write a number of short reflection pieces and reports on readings, and there will be one longer paper. When possible, our work in this course will be closely coordinated with the Current Shakespeare production being prepared by the Warren Wilson Theatre. Prerequisite: THR 204 Acting I, ENG 341 Shakespeare, or permission of the instructor.

Acting/Directing Studio (THR 481) 4 cr. hrs./16 wks
Instructor: Graham Paul
In this course students learn some of the tools and techniques of the director, develop their acting skills, and explore the intricacies of the actor-director relationship. As they switch between these interrelated roles, students deepen the skills specific to each through exposure to the other. The director learns how to translate directing concerns such as visual composition, pace, intensity, and energy into effective acting terminology by working as an actor; the actor learns to become concerned with more than the exigencies of the role through working as a director. Each student learns how to most effectively communicate and collaborate in the production of performance pieces through work on scenes from a variety of classical, modern, and contemporary texts. This course satisfies either the Triad Education Artistic Expression course requirement or College Composition II Prerequisite:THR 204 Acting I or permission of instructor.

Basic Design for the Theatre (THR 212) 2 cr. hrs./8 wks.
Instructor: Beverly Ohler
This course aims to awaken the student to the visual experience of design found in usual and unusual places, to make the student aware of the basic elements that produce good design, and to inspire the student to tap his/her own resources of creativity. The ability to "see" is basic to the art of doing; therefore students will be concerned with developing the eye as they try to understand some basic principles. These principles may be applied to all areas of visual art; however, students will be especially concerned with their application to the theatre. Line, form, value, color and composition will be explored. This course may be used for partial fulfillment of the Triad Education Artistic Expression course requirement.

Butoh (THR 294) 2 cr. hrs./16wks.
Instructor: Julie Gillum
This course examines the revolutionary Japanese post WWII, avant garde dance theatre phenomenon known as Butoh, founded by Tatsumi Hijikata and Kazuo Ohno in 1959. Butoh, like many other Japanese concepts, is devined by its very evasion of definision. It is both theatre and dance, yet it follows no choreographic conventions. It is a subversive force, through which traditions are overturned. As such, it must exist somewhere on the social periphery. It is a popular spectacle, unlike the classical theatre of Noh with its elaborate vocabulary of gesture. yet it is esoteric. It is a force of liberation, especially within the conformist Japanese social structure, yet it is born out of extreme discipline. In the midst of a culture of exceptional visual harmony, it employs a vocabulary of ugliness. This course may be used for partial fulfillment of the Triad Education Artistic Expression course requirement.

Dance for Musical Theatre (THR 295) 2 cr. hrs./16wks.
Instructor: Julie Gillum
This course repares students to audition for and participate in the musical presented the current or following semester. Resources such as books, CDs, and videos are utilized. This course may be used for partial fulfillment of the Triad Education Artistic Expression course requirement.

Directing I (THR 381) 4 cr. hrs./16 wks.
Instructor: Graham Paul
This course combines study of the director's function and process with as much hands-on experience as possible. It covers script selection, analysis of structure, research, casting, collaboration with actors and designers, as well as a study of the director's function through history. The work of leading twentieth-century directors is researched and discussed. Students direct each other and other actors in projects focusing on discovery of dramatic action through coaching and composition. In the process, they learn a good deal about leadership skills and human interaction as well as theatre. This course satisfies the Triad Education Artistic Expression course requirements. Prerequisites:THR 204 Acting I

Directing II (THR 382) 2 cr.hrs/8 wks.
Instructor: Graham Paul
Guided by the instructor, students undertake the direction of one-act plays. Auditions are open to the community, and each student director oversees the entire production of a one-act play on a bill of plays presented to the public. This course may be used for partial fulfillment of the Triad Education Artistic Expression course requirement. Prerequisite:THR 381 Directing I or THR 481 Acting/Directing Studio

Historic Costume Design (THR 315) 4 cr. hrs./8 wks.
Instructor: Beverly Ohler
This course covers the theory and pracitical application of design. Through studies of color, form, balance, and accuracy of historical research, students discover the total visual experience of the stage presentation as well as individual character analysis and interpretation. Students also explore costumes through the ages for their aesthetic value and as reflections of and insights into the culture, history and values of their times. This course satisfies the Triad Education Artistic Expression course requirement.

Improvisation for the Actor (THR 244) 2 cr. hrs./8 wks.
Instructor: Graham Paul
This course seeks to release the student's innate abilities to create performances and performance material spontaneously, and in the process, build self-confidence as well as leadership and collaborative skills. Activities range from theatre games, movement exercises, and situational improvisations to working with masks to explore different types of characters and styles. The course culminates in improvisational performances in which audience suggestions are incorporated into various structured "scenes." Because the work can lead in a number of directions (such as explorations of personality, social status, role-playing, character, and the use of improvisation as a rehearsal tool), the specific content of the course changes from year to year. This course may be used for partial fulfillment of the Triad Education Artistic Expression course requirement.

Lighting Design (THR 316) 2 cr. hrs./8 wks.
Instructor: Don Baker
This course emphasizes current theatre lighting technology and design approaches with historical support from past stage lighting practices. Class time is divided between lecture, discussion, and hands-on demonstrations of lighting concepts. Students learn effective and appropriate lighting design concepts for specific plays, standard lighting drafting techniques, and equipment uses. This course may be used for partial fulfillment of the Triad Education Artistic Expression course requirement. Prerequisite:THR 110 Technical Theatre I:Construction and THR 111 Technical Theatre II:Paint and Light

Modern Dance Improvisation and Composition (THR 256) 2 cr. hrs./16 wks.
Instructor: Julie Gillum
This introductory course teaches basic concepts of dance improvisation and composition. Students use the dance elements (space, time, and energy) and improvisation techniques to create choreographic compositions. Use of imagery, abstraction, motivation, communication, and theme through movement are explored. Various stimuli are investigated as a movement source. This course may be used for partial fulfillment of the Triad Education Artistic Expression course requirement.

Modern Dance Technique I (THR 190) 2 cr. hrs./16 wks.
Instructor: Julie Gillum
This course teaches basic concepts in modern dance technique. Students will be introduced to basic theories of contact/release and fall/recovery. They will develop relaxation techniques, control of center, alignment, balance, and flexibility, and they will develop articulation of body parts with particular attention to the torso. Positions and sections of the body and transitions will be explored. Foundation standing techniques will be at the core of daily lessons. Dance elements (space, time, and energy or force) will be explored and developed in class. The concepts of focus and performance will be introduced. This course may be used for partial fulfillment of the Triad Education Artistic Expression course requirement.

Modern Dance Technique II (THR 191) 2 cr. hrs./16 wks.
Instructor: Julie Gillum
This course extends the basic concepts learned in Modern Dance Technique I; theories of contact/release, and fall/recovery/rebound/suspend will be reviewed and built upon. More advanced explorations of physical concepts like tension and relaxation, control of center, alignment, on and off balance, coordination, flexibility, isolation and articulation of body parts with (particularly the torso) will further develop movement vocabulary. Positions and sections of the body (locomotion, rolling, turning), foundation standing exercises (plies, elevations, leg and foot work, prances) and improvisation will combine more complex movements. Through advanced exploration of the Dance Elements - shaping the space (level, direction, dimension, shape), timing (beat, rhythm, tempo, duration), energy or force (quality and dynamics of movement) - dancers will develop performance skills. This course may be used for partial fulfillment of the Triad Education Artistic Expression course requirement. Prerequisite: THR 190 Modern Dance Technique I

Modern Dance For the Actor (THR 191) 2 cr. hrs./16 wks.
Instructor: Julie Gillum
This course is designed to give the inexperienced as well as the experienced student actor an opportunity to discover and develop the expressiveness and articulation of the body on stage, skills that are essential to those contemplating theatre or dance as an avocation or as a vocation. Those seeking simply to develop their physical coordination and versatility will also find the course valuable. Students will deal with basic elements of movement such as time, space, and movement quality. Some basic dance composition skills will also be introduced. This course may be used for partial fulfillment of the Triad Education Artistic Expression course requirement.

Performance Fundamentals (THR 100) 4 cr. hrs./16 wks.
Instructor: Graham Paul
Students investigate the meaning, function, and nature of performance through the experience of performing itself. The course is intended for students with various levels of performing experience, including those with no experience at all, and includes simple physical and vocal exercises. Though performing for each other and eventually the public, as well as through reading, discussing, and writing about various texts, students seek answers to such questions as What exactly constitutes a performance? What is the function of the spectator? What is the difference between live and recorded performance? What does it mean to be present as a performer? Who is the performer when he or she is performing? What is a mask and what can it do? Is performing putting on a mask or taking off a mask? What is the relationship between a mask (persona) and personality? For whom are we performing? When are we not performing? The class culminates in the public presentation of a performance. This course satisfies the Triad Education Artistic expression course requirement.

Performance/Production Practicum (THR 101-2,201-2,301-2,401-2) 1-2 cr. hrs./8 wks.
Instructor: Graham Paul
Registering for this course allows a student to earn cedit for participating in a theater production or project directed or supervised by a member of the Theater Faculty. The student's involvment might be as an actor, thechnician, publicist, front of house specialist (box office, etc.), or in another approved manner. The number of credit hours is determined by project, but usually each credit hour involves about thirty hours of work in the theater. The student writes a final self-evaluation reflecting on the experience. The course is usually offeredon a pass/fail basis. This course may be used for partial fullfillment of the Triad Education Artistic Expression course requirement. Prerequisite: Permission of the Theatre Department.

Scene Design (THR 314) 2 cr. hrs./8 wks.
Instructor: Don Baker
A study of the art, function, and process of scene design with an emphasis on both aesthetic and physical factors. Work includes research, drafting, rendering, and discussion of designs. Students are introduced to the reasoning behind scenic design choices while becoming familiar with the principles, techniques, and materials of pictorial and three-dimensional scenic design. Prerequisites:THR 110 Technical Theatre I and THR 111 Technical Theatre II.

Senior Project (THR 489) 4 cr. hrs./16 wks.
Staff
An opportunity to undertake a major independent project in acting, directing, or design. Appropriate prerequisites in the discipline of the creative project must be completed. Prerequisite:Outstanding work in appropriate theatre courses; permission of the department in writing.

Shakespeare in Performance and Production (THR 275-8) 2 cr. hrs./16 wks.
Instructors: Graham Paul & David Bradshaw
The aim of this course is to provide the student with an understanding of ways in which Shakespearean (and occasionally non-Shakespearean) texts are realized in production, enhancing the student's appreciation of plays not only as literature but also as performance events. The course is structured around (but not confined to) productions offered by the North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, a professional reperotry company based in High Point, North Carolina. Students read and analyze the plays, watch videotapes of productions (when possible), make their own proposals for production concepts involving set, lighting, costume, and other choices, and then attend live performances where they may have the opportunity to discuss the plays with the actors and directors. Finally, they critique production choices in class and offer their own suggestions for hypothetical productions. Students may also have the option of performing scenes from the plays they study and attend. There is a fee to cover the cost of theatre tickets. This course may be used for partial fulfillment of the Triad Education Artistic Expression course requirement, and may be repeated for credit.

Technical Theatre I: Sets & Props (THR 110) 2 cr. hrs./8 wks.
Instructor: Don Baker
An introduction to several aspects of backstage theatre work: set construction, theatre rigging, working from scale drawings, and props. The course is designed to concentrate on how to construct and use scenic and prop elements of a theatre production. This course may be used for partial fulfillment of the Triad Education Artistic Expression course requirement. (THR 110 and THR 111 may be taken together, making the equivalent of one sixteen-week, four credit course).

Technical Theatre II: Paint & Light (THR 110) 2 cr. hrs./8 wks.
Instructor: Don Baker
An introduction to scene painting and stage lighting. Students learn several basic scene painting techniques, basic stage lighting theory and practice,basic theatrical lighting equipment and uses, and basic electrical theory and safety. The course is designed to concentrate on how to achieve a particular visual image on stage through paint and light. This course may be used for partial fulfillment of the Triad Education Artistic Expression course requirement. (THR 110 is not a pre-requisite for THR 111; however, THR 110 and THR 111 may be taken together, making the equivalent of one sixteen-week, four-credit course).

Theatre Appreciation in London (THR 377) 2 cr. hrs./8 wks + 3 weeks in U.K.
Instructor: David Mycoff
Students study basic principles of the appreciation and criticism of live theatre performance in preparation to attend a minimum of six productions in various theatrical venues. In London, we will hold post-performance discussions and students will write three reviews. Our itinerary will include various sites relevant to London theatre history and culture, such as backstage tours, the National Gallery, and the like. Pre-requisite: Permission of WorldWide Office.