2012-2013 University Catalog archived
Theater (THTR)
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Theater and Dance (THTR, DANC)
Theater (THTR)
Associate Professors Collins, Evans, Jew, Martinez
Regular Adjunct Faculty Mish
HONORS: An Honors Program in Theater is offered for well-qualified majors; see department head for details.
Dance (DANC)
Assistant Professor Davies
Major
Minor
DANC 110 - University Dance
Credits: 1
Planned Offering: Fall, Winter
Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Participation in a university dance production for a minimum of 24 hours of rehearsal and performance. A journal recording the rehearsal/performance process is required. May be repeated for up to five degree credits. Davies.
DANC 111 - University Dance Production
Credits: 1
Planned Offering: Fall, Winter
Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Participation in any production aspect of a university dance production for a minimum of 24 hours. A journal recording the production process is required. May be repeated for up to four degree credits. Evans.
DANC 120 - Introduction to Contemporary Modern Dance
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Fall
This course combines the exploration of individual and ensemble artistic expression in contemporary modern dance with the study of the history of modern dance. The course culminates in a performance presentation. Staff.
DANC 215 - World Dance Technique
FDR: HA
Credits: 2
Planned Offering: Winter
This dance class reflects the world dance form that is the specialty of the dance artist-in-residence. The basic dance techniques of that specific form are taught and movement is tied to the historical narrative of the country. Staff.
DANC 220 - Dance Composition
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Fall, Winter
Prerequisite: DANC 120 and instructor consent A studio course exploring the craft and art of creating dance performances in a variety of styles and contexts. Images, text, music, improvisation and the elements of time, space and energy are examined as sources for dance material leading to group choreography. This course focuses on creating a finished performance piece for presentation. Staff.
DANC 225 - Intermediate Contemporary Modern Dance Technique
Credits: 2
Planned Offering: Fall
Prerequisite: Instructor consent. A studio course devoted to refining effort/shape values and pursuing performance quality phrasing and style in “Horton” modern dance technique. Students investigate self-directed reverse combinations, deconstruct movement phrases into sequential elements, and learn methods for written and oral analysis of dance. Students practice listening to the body by connecting movement phrases with kinesthetic experiences. May be repeated for up to six credits. Davies.
DANC 230 - Musical-Theater Dance Technique
Credits: 2
Planned Offering: Winter 2012 and alternate years
A studio exploration of choreography in musical theater from the 1940s to the present. Composition, theme, and form are discussed in concert with practical work in restaging historically significant musical dance numbers. Of particular interest are the choreographers’ styles and the many dance techniques prevalent in musical theater. These issues are experienced through dance practica as original choreography is taught. May be repeated for up to six degree credits. Davies.
DANC 235 - Head to Toe
FDR: HA
Credits: 4
Planned Offering: Spring
The theory and practice of creating a lecture/demonstration-style performance based on the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) for elementary students. This class spends time researching recent scholarly writings on the brain, neural wiring and how pairing movement with traditional educational concepts can help young children to learn better. Students then use these principles to create a lecture/demonstration for local 4th- and 5th-grade students, including meeting and discussing ideas with local principals, setting up performances, creating a concert that ties to Virginia SOLs in English, science or mathematics, making costumes, sets or other production elements, choreographing and performing the material. Students also prepare an evaluation of the production and create literature to leave with the teachers so that the basic principles used to create the performance can be continued if desired. Davies.
DANC 240 - Contemporary Modern Dance History
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Winter 2012 and alternate years
This course is a study of the manifestations of American modern dance from the beginning of the 20th century to the present. Students explore the relationship between dance and developments in U.S. culture and study the innovators of the art form and their techniques, writings, and art works through readings, video and lectures. Davies.
DANC 292 - Ballet Technique
Credits: 2
Planned Offering: Winter
This studio course is devoted to the practice of classical ballet technique and to the exploration of classical and contemporary ballet in performance. The course culminates in a performance presentation. This course may be repeated for degree credit for up to six degree credits. Staff.
DANC 330 - Experiential Anatomy
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Fall 2011 and alternate years
Prerequisite: Instructor consent. A study of human motion as it relates to the locomotor and physical activities of the dancer. The course covers the planes of the body; vocabulary of the skeleton; and specific muscles, their actions, and how they relate to the dancer’s body. Injury prevention through alignment and proper movement is considered, as well as the reversal of body alienation. Attention is given to the application of course information to technique class and performance. Davies.
DANC 340 - Contemporary Dance Observation and Analysis
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Fall 2011 and alternate years
Prerequisite: Instructor consent. The observation and analysis of live and recorded contemporary dance focusing on the work of emerging and established choreographers. Exploration of methods for describing the moving body in space. Emphasis is placed on the written and verbal critique of contemporary dance in performance. Davies.
DANC 390 - Special Topics
Credits: 3 in fall or winter, 4 in spring
Planned Offering: Offered in fall or winter when interest is expressed and departmental resource permit.
Prerequisite: Instructor consent. An advanced studio course for experienced dancers exploring various choreographic styles and methods and the intersections between technique, aesthetics and creative collaboration. This course permits the student to follow a program of specialized applied research in order to widen the scope of experience and to build upon concepts covered in other courses. The course culminates in a performance piece for presentation. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
Spring 2013 topic:
DANC 390: Aerial Dance (4). Prerequisite: Instructor’s consent. This course examines a unique array of concepts and techniques from across aerial and modern dance forms in the creation of an aerial dance performance. Students hone their strength and dexterity through morning sessions focusing on fitness as well as acquire a clear understanding of safety and safety techniques associated with aerial dance. Afternoon sessions involve lecture, readings, and research as well as practical concepts in composition and art making. Rehearsals occur in the evenings and outside of class. There are regular weekly critique sessions and individual counseling during the ongoing process of creating new work, culminating in a fully produced aerial performance. (HA) Davies.
DANC 403 - Directed Individual Study
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Offered in fall and winter when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit.
Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Students enrich their academic experience by undertaking a performance project. Students must demonstrate ability to work with little supervision and must develop a written proposal defining the issue to be addresses, an outline of the proposed methodology, and a statement of the intended outcome with a schedule for completion. The project must include written, historical, and practical components, and permission must be secured in advance of registration. Staff.
THTR 100 - Introduction to Theater
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Winter
An introduction to drama and the theater arts, including a brief historical survey, selected examples of dramatic literature, and a sequence on theater disciplines such as acting, designing, and directing. Staff.
THTR 109 - University Theater
Credits: 1
Planned Offering: Fall, Winter, Spring
Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Participation in a university theater production for a minimum of 50 hours. A journal recording the production process is required. May be repeated for degree credit with permission. Maximum seven credits for students with a major or minor in theater, eight credits for others. Staff.
THTR 121 - Introduction to Text and Performance
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
This course explores the intersection between dramatic script and performance. Students are guided through a method of critical strategies for assessing and interpreting dramatic literature, as well as a series of formal writing exercises designed to develop their critical and creative abilities. The course culminates in the creation and presentation of student-written and performed scenes. Jew.
THTR 131 - Fundamentals of Theater Art
FDR: HA
Credits: 4
Planned Offering: Fall, Winter
An introduction to modern theater practice involving one hour of lecture and four hours of laboratory work per week. A practical course, emphasizing scene craft, stage lighting, and prop-making. The student applies the methods and theories discussed in class work on actual productions. Laboratory course. Lab fee required. Collins, Evans.
THTR 141 - Stage Acting I
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Fall, Winter
An introduction to the art of acting. A studio course with special attention given to the actor’s analysis of dramatic literature. Memorization and the presentation of scenes from plays are required. Martinez, Mish.
THTR 180 - FS: First-Year Seminar
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Offered occasionally. Each first-year seminar topic is approved by the Dean of The College and the Committee on Courses and Degrees. Applicability to FDRs and other requirements varies.
First-year seminar. Prerequisite: First-year standing. First-year seminar.
THTR 181 - FS:First-Year Seminar
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Offered occasionally. Each first-year seminar topic is approved by the Dean of the College and the Committee on Courses and Degrees. A;;licability to FDRs and other requirements varies.
Prerequisite: First-Year standing. First-Year seminar. Topics vary by term and instructor. Staff.
THTR 202 - Supervised Study Abroad
FDR: HA
Credits: 4
Planned Offering: Spring 2013 and alternate years
Prerequisite: Instructor consent. A Spring Term Abroad course. An intensive exposure to English theater and the current season in London. In addition to a full schedule of theater attendance, the course includes a study of theater training, production techniques and representative styles and periods of English drama. Martinez.
THTR 203 - Preparation for Study Abroad; Swedish Theater
Credits: 1
Planned Offering: Winter 2012 and alternate years
Graded Pass/Fail only. This course is designed to enable students to participate successfully in the Spring term study abroad course in Sweden. During the weekly class meetings, students examine the historical, social, political, and artistic qualities that make Sweden unique, arming them with knowledge for their time in Sweden. Studying abroad, which promotes encountering cultural difference and, hopefully, crossing cultural boundaries, can be expected to be uncomfortable and even incomprehensible some of the time. As a result of this course, students will be open to exploring and enjoying those cultural differences. Evans.
THTR 204 - Study Abroad in Swedish Theater
FDR: HA
Credits: 4
Planned Offering: Spring 2014 and alternate years
This course provides a broad impact on student’s cross-cultural skills and global understanding, enhancing their worldview. Students have the opportunity to acquire critical intercultural knowledge, appreciation of cultural and social differentness, and exposure to perspectives critical for global leadership. The course focuses on examining cultural differences between Sweden and United States through the exploration of the arts; however, because of the size of the class students are encouraged to examine Swedish culture from their own disciplinary interest. Evans.
THTR 209 - University Theater II: Stage Management
Credits: 1
Planned Offering: Fall, Winter, Spring
Stage management is an essential position for all theatrical productions. Students develop management techniques through the study of the production problems of a major dramatic work or theatrical project being produced by the department. Students are required to participate in the production in a stage management capacity. Evans.
THTR 210 - History of Theater and Drama I
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Fall
A critical study of the performance conventions, dramatic literature and social contexts of world theater traditions, focusing on periods from the classical Greek era to the Renaissance. Non-Western theater forms are also considered. As a part of the course, students read representative plays and engage in individual and team research projects leading to papers and presentations. Jew.
THTR 211 - History of Theater and Drama II
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Winter
A critical study of the performance conventions, dramatic literature and social contexts of world theater traditions, focusing on the periods from the Neoclassical era to contemporary times. Non-Western theater forms are also considered. As a part of the course, students read and analyze representative plays and engage in individual and team research projects leading to papers and presentations. Jew.
THTR 215 - Modern Drama
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
This course explores the principal movements and aesthetics in the modern period in European and American theater history from the end of the 19th century to the middle of the 20th century. Significant plays, playwrights, theatre artists and theorists are studied in context of the successive waves of modern movements: realism, symbolism, expressionism, surrealism, epic theater and theater of the absurd. Oral presentations, short research papers and performance projects will be required. Jew.
THTR 216 - Contemporary Drama
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
This course explores European and American theater and drama from the late 20th century to the present. Significant plays, playwrights, theater artists and theorists are studied alongside the issues of postmodernism, capitalism, feminism, diversity and the emerging global economy and culture. Dramatic works under review also include solo and performance art, as well as fringe and political theatrical forms. The current state of theater is also a focal point for class discussion. Oral presentations, short research papers and performance projects are required. Jew.
THTR 220 - Playwriting
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Offered in fall or winter when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit.
Prerequisite: Instructor consent. An introductory workshop in scene writing, culminating in the composition and staged reading of a short, one-act play. Weekly writing and reading assignments are required. Limited enrollment. Staff.
THTR 235 - Design and Performance
FDR: HA
Credits: 4
Planned Offering: Spring 2014 and alternate years
Prerequisite: Three credits in theater or dance. This course is an in-depth exploration of the crafted artifacts of the theater, specifically relate to the properties of puppets and masks. Through videos and demonstrations, students experiment with various puppet and mask construction techniques and performance methods. Collins.
THTR 239 - Total Theater
FDR: HA
Credits: 4
Planned Offering: Spring
Prerequisite: Three credits in theater or dance and instructor consent. A practical study of design, directing, production and acting problems in a specific style of dramatic literature, culminating in a public theatrical production.
THTR 241 - Stage Acting II
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: THTR 141 and instructor consent. A studio course continuation of THTR 141 with greater emphasis placed on research techniques and performance. Martinez.
THTR 242 - Musical Theater
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Fall 2012 and alternate years.
Students learn, through study of seminal texts and video clips of performances and interviews with performers, a basic history of the American musical theater as an art form, combining the talents of composers, lyricists, directors, choreographers, set and costume designers, and others. Students research musical dramatic literature and apply musical and acting skills in the development and performance of excerpts from distinctive musicals of various eras. Students develop constructive, critical methods in the process of practicing and viewing musical theater performance. Mish.
THTR 250 - Women in Contemporary Theater
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Winter 2013 and alternate years.
This course explores the contemporary theater scene, investigating its plays, playwrights, directors and actors. The representation of women in theatrical art, as well as the unique contributions of contemporary women as artists, theorists and audiences, provides the principal focus of study. Traditional critical and historical approaches to the material are complemented by play reading, play attendance, oral presentations, writing assignments, journal writing and the creation of individual performance pieces. Jew.
THTR 251 - Introduction to Performance Design
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Winter
An introduction to the history, fundamentals and aesthetics of design for theater and dance with an emphasis on the collaborative nature of the design disciplines. Design projects are required. Lab fee required Collins, Evans.
THTR 253 - Digital Production
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Winter
Digital technologies and multimedia interaction are increasingly utilized to produce, enhance, and innovate theatrical production. Students examine and experiment with various digital technologies as they relate to theater and dance performance. Students create digital audio, video, design rendering, and animation projects for theatrical performances. Evans.
THTR 290 - Topics in Performing Arts
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Offered fall or winter when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit.
Prerequisite: Three credits in theater or instructor consent. Selected studies in theater, film or dance with a focus on history, criticism, performance or production. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
Winter 2013 topic:
THTR 290: Acting Workshop in Contemporary Theater (3). No acting experience is required. Prerequisite: Three credits in theater or instructor consent. Reading and performance of contemporary plays. Students read a variety of highly acclaimed contemporary American and world plays and develop scenes and staged readings for both class and on-campus performance. The final project of this course is the performance of a full-length, studio-level production, with students working as actors, stage managers, and producers. Short papers and presentations are also required. (HA) Jew.
Fall 2012 topic:
THTR 290: Acting for the Camera (3). No prerequisite. A studio course designed to enrich a student actor’s pragmatic comprehension of the theories and concepts of acting in film and television. Students explore the acting techniques particular to dramatic characterization in the non-linear processes of digital film production. (HA) Martinez.
THTR 296 - Spring-Term Topics in Performing Arts
FDR: HA
Credits: 4
Planned Offering: Spring
Prerequisite: Three credits in theater or instructor consent. Selected studies in theater, film or dance with a focus on history, criticism, performance or production. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
Spring 2013 topic:
THTR 296: Spring-Term Topics in Performing Arts: Creating a Character (4). The “original” acting teacher, the acclaimed Constantin Stanislavski, wrote three major texts on the subject of acting for the stage. His culminating volume, Creating a Role, draws acting students through three major dramatic works paying close attention to the physicality of the character through gestures, sounds, intonations, and speech. Through this process, the image of an honest human or the true artist at work emerges. Sometimes the artist fails but always while seeking truthful answers. (HA). Mish. Spring 2013
THTR 309 - University Theater III
Credits: 1
Planned Offering: Fall, Winter, Spring
Prerequisites: Junior standing and instructor consent. Participation in a university theater production for a minimum of 50 hours. A journal recording the production process is required. Staff.
THTR 336 - Lighting Design
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Fall
Prerequisites: Instructor consent. A study of the practice of stage lighting, focusing on styles of production, historical methods and artistic theory. Culminates in a light design for a public theatrical production. Lab fee required. Evans.
THTR 337 - Scenic Design
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Offered in fall or winter when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit
Prerequisite: Instructor consent. A study of scenic design, stressing the mechanical and artistic methods and styles of production. A practical course involving outside design projects. Lab fee required. Collins.
THTR 338 - Costume Design
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Offered in fall or winter when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit
A study of stage costuming with emphasis on design and construction. The course includes lecture and lab sessions. Lab fee required. Staff.
THTR 361 - Stage Directing
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Junior standing and THTR 141 or instructor consent. A studio course exploring the director’s approach to play production, stressing the methods by which style, meaning, emotional values, and plot may be clearly expressed for an audience, culminating in a public presentation. Martinez.
THTR 362 - Directing Practicum
FDR: HA
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: THTR 361. Students are required to direct a theater event. Martinez.
THTR 397 - Seminar in Theater Topics
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Fall, Winter
Prerequisite: Six credits in theater or dance courses and instructor consent. A seminar in theater history, literature/ criticism or production with a specific topic and scope to be announced prior to registration. Work in the seminar is based on research, discussion and assigned papers and/or projects. Lab fee required for certain topics. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
Winter 2013 topics:
THTR 397-01: Scene Painting (4). Prerequisite: Six credits in theater or dance courses and instructor consent. A Studio course introducing the practical application of processes, materials, and techniques used in painting theatrical scenery. Students study prepping the surfaces, color mixing, drawing, perspective, as well as various painting techniques used in the theater. (HA). Collins.
THTR 397-02: Stage Makeup (4). Prerequisite: Six credits in theater or dance courses. Studio Course focuses on communicating character to an audience through makeup application. Students will learn basics of stage makeup, including aging techniques, character analysis, corrective makeup, crepe hair, and beginning special effects. (HA) Linton.
Fall 2012 topics:
THTR 397A: Shakespeare and Swordplay (3). Prerequisite: Instructor consent. A physically rigorous studio course introducing the acting, movement, and vocal skills required to perform a Shakespearean sword fight on stage. Laboratory fee. Martinez.
THTR 397B: Introduction to Sound for the Theater (3). A studio course covering the basics of sound system design, in particular, microphone and loud speaker use and placement. Students learn to create sound effects and simple music beds using both traditional and modern techniques. Students explore mixing techniques and use of effects in live sound in both straight and musical situations. Topics covered can also be used in concert sound reinforcement or television production. Collins.
THTR 423 - Directed Individual Project
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Fall, Winter
Prerequisite: Instructor consent. This course permits the student to follow a program of specialized applied research in order to widen the scope of experience and to build upon concepts covered in other courses. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. Staff.
THTR 453 - Internship
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Fall
Prerequisites: Departmental consent. After consultation with a theater faculty member and a representative of a departmentally approved theater or dance company, students submit a written description of a proposed summer internship with the company. Specific conditions of the internship and of required on-campus, follow-up projects must be approved by the department. Students register for the credit during fall registration, and the credit is awarded at the end of the fall term after completion of the required on-campus, follow-up projects. Mish.
THTR 471 - University Theater IV: Capstone
Credits: 1
Planned Offering: Fall, Winter
Prerequisites: Senior standing and instructor consent. Participation in a university theater production for a minimum of 50 hours. A journal recording the production process and a portfolio documenting the student’s productions at Washington and Lee University are required. Staff.
THTR 493 - Honors Thesis
Credits: 3-3
Planned Offering: Fall, Winter
Prerequisites: Completion of the required courses for the major, a 3.500 grade-point average in courses used for the major, and permission of the department. Students must have completed advanced theater courses in their area of interest, demonstrated ability in the area of interest as evidenced by course work, performance and/ or production experience, and completion of additional area-specific requirements. An advanced theater course that serves as a capstone to the major. Theater majors selected by the department conduct advanced theater research and individual artistic preparation, contribute artistically to the department’s performance season, and produce a significant written thesis under the guidance of a thesis adviser. Staff.
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