Theater and Dance

Students learn about theater history and development from an artistic, social, cultural, and experiential perspective. Students learn about trends, movements, genres, eras and the administrative and physical structure of theater.

Students learn basic acting concepts, character development, script analysis and improvisation to develop confidence and skill when performing before an audience of their peers. Through observation, practice and analysis and interpretation of scripted materials, a variety of tools and techniques for effective performance are applied to acting exercises, scenes and monologues.

This course covers the origins and development of theater as an art form from a historic, literary, social, cultural and artistic perspective. This course allows for in-depth study of the artists, playwrights and designers who have shaped the development of theater as an art form and how they have been affected by events and trends in history.

Students explore various aspects of technical theater production through research, observation and practice. Students develop skills in the design, planning, engineering, construction, and manipulation of a variety of theatrical technologies, including scenery, color mixing and paint application techniques, hanging, installation and focusing of theatrical lighting instruments, and operation of industry standard lighting, sound and video projection mapping systems for production purposes. Students gain practical experience by supporting the department's theatrical productions.

This is a course linking the work of the performance classroom with the professional performing arts scene. Students develop audition pieces and learn auditioning techniques. Cold reading technique, monologue preparation as well as the actor's interview also are covered. Students develop resumes and choose a headshot. They attend regional auditions and engage in the process of finding work in the performing arts beyond the college setting.

Students work in an approved organizational setting 50 hours per credit up to 150 hours to receive practical training and experience related to the student’s academic program.