Dance and Drama

Fine Arts Division

Faculty

Balinda J. Craig-Quijada
Assistant Professor of Dance

Wendy MacLeod
James E. Michael Playwright-in-Residence

Harlene Marley
Professor of Drama

Margaret S. Patton
Professor of Dance and Drama Emerita

Martha L. Peñaranda
Assistant Professor of Drama

Andrew Reinert
Chair, Associate Professor of Drama

Jonathan E. Tazewell
Assistant Professor of Drama

Thomas S. Turgeon
Professor of Drama

The enterprise of theater, encompassing both the arts of the drama and of the dance, past and present, is the concern of the Department of Dance and Drama. The central objects of our study are the play, the film, and the dance, and the ways they are brought to life before an audience. Students learn by doing the jobs of the artists who collaborate to make plays, dances, and films. Some courses concentrate on the arts as they were performed in their historical context; others explore in depth the work of the artists: the playwright, screenwriter, choreographer, actor, dancer, director, and designer. Almost all courses require, in conjunction with reading and critical writing, the performance of problems and exercises. Students are encouraged to pursue independent work in either historical and critical research or in creative activity. All courses in the department are open to every student in the College; certain courses have prerequisites noted in the course descriptions.

DANC 105-106 and DRAM 111-112, designated by a symbol, are considered especially appropriate introductory courses for first-year or upperclass students new to the department. As the foundation on which the other coursework in the department is built, these courses are recommended to those students considering majors in the department. They are also recommended for other students wishing to diversify their course of study by fulfilling distribution requirements in the fine arts. The major in dance and drama is normally open to students whose performance in DRAM 111-112 or DANC 105-106 has been good.

Requirements for the Major

Students majoring in the department may emphasize either theater or dance, but in either case must fulfill the department’s minimum requirements, distributed as follows:

Emphasis in Theater (5 1/2 units):

• DRAM 110 (audit)
• DRAM 111-112 (1 unit)
• DRAM 213 (1/2 unit)
• 1 1/2 units drawn from DRAM 220 through 337
• 1 unit drawn from DRAM 351 through 357
• 1 unit drawn from other course offerings in the department
• DRAM 493 or 494 (1/2 unit
)

Emphasis in Dance (5 1/2 units):

• DANC 105-106 with lab (1 1/2 units)
• DANC 110 (audit)
• DANC 215 (1/2 unit)
• DANC 227-228 with lab (1 1/2 units)
• 1 unit drawn from DRAM 220 through 337
• DANC 229 (1/2 unit)
• DANC 493 or 494 (1/2 unit)

The Senior Exercise

The Senior Exercise comprises three parts: a project, an oral discussion of the project, and a written examination. Each senior major, with the advice and consent of the department’s faculty, designs a senior project, a major piece of creative or scholarly work. The student will initiate the work and collaborate with others to see it through to completion, all with guidance from one or more faculty members. When the work is finished, the student and department faculty members will discuss the preparation and choices that shaped the project. At the end of the year, every senior major will complete a six-hour written examination. The awarding of “distinction” or, in the case of honors candidates, the degree with honors is based on the student’s performance on all three parts of the exercise.

Requirements for the Minor in Dance

The following courses are required for a minor in dance (3 1/2 units):

• DANC 105-106
• DANC 107, 208, 209 or 309 (four semesters, 1/4 credit per semester)
• DANC 110 (audit)
• DANC 215
• DANC 227-228
.

Year Courses

Introduction to the Dance
DANC 105-106 (1 unit)
Craig-Quijada

This course encompasses the field of dance as an art form in its historical, theoretical, and creative aspects. The first semester’s study covers the historical development of concert dance from Europe to the United States. The format is lecture and discussion, supplemented by video, film presentations, and movement experiences. Assignments include oral presentations on important aspects of the field and participation in instructor-directed rehearsals of short dance works designed to help the student understand the basic tools of choreography and to experience composition through the eyes of the dancer.

The second semester’s work continues to chart the historical development of concert dance, while beginning to explore student choreography. Assignments include short movement studies composed by the students to demonstrate various aspects of the choreographic process. The modes of dance criticism will also be discussed. DANC 105-106 students must also enroll in DANC 107, 208, 209, or 309 (Dance Technique) as required for this course. Enrollment limited.

Introduction to the Theater
DRAM 111-112 (1 unit)
Staff

This course examines how theater differs from other arts and how theatrical artists go about their jobs of bringing a play to life on stage. This examination is accomplished through a series of performance or creative assignments. The class is divided into four sections; two meet in the morning and two in the afternoon. Plays, problems, and exercises are performed and discussed in the sectional meetings; about every other week, sections are combined for lectures and demonstrations.

In the first semester, the course explores what a play is and how it is structured. Assignments consist of a series of playwriting problems, which students perform in class. In the second semester, students spend about six weeks studying the work of the designer and about six weeks studying the work of the actor. In both cases, the studies are carried out by a series of problems presented or performed in class by students working in teams. In addition, students read at least five plays and a series of essays about the theory and practice of the theater, complete a series of brief written assignments, and take written examinations. As a culmination of the work of both semesters, each student writes, directs, and presents to the class a short, ten-minute play, working with fellow students.

Any student with a general interest in the theater will find this a challenging course, regardless of previous experience. Because this course is an introduction to the arts of the theater, it has no prerequisite, but it is a prerequisite to many of the other courses in the department. Enrollment limited.

The Choreographer
DANC 227-228 (1 unit)
Craig-Quijada, Staff

This course offers a study of the theory and practice of making dances. The focus is on the fundamentals of composing both solo and group works through the exploration of dance dynamics, improvisation, and movement problem-solving. Work will include movement studies, presentations, readings, and discussions. Group preparation time outside of class for movement studies is required. Prerequisite: DANC 105-106 or permission of instructor. Enrollment in DANC 107, 208, 209, or 309 is required. Enrollment limited.

The Play: Playwriting and Dramatic Theory
DRAM 331-332 (1 unit)
MacLeod

In this course, the student is given weekly exercises exploring dialogue, monologue, menace, politics, autobiography, and prismatic structure. The resulting short plays are first presented in a group critique and then rewritten. Students will finish the first semester with a collection of short plays that can later be developed into longer works. In the second semester, students will begin to stage the scenes they’re writing and will complete a one-act play, which will be presented as a staged reading. Students will also read and discuss a variety of plays relevant to their weekly assignments, drawn from the works of such playwrights as Pinter, Mamet, Margulies, Congdon, Baitz, McDonagh, and Deavere Smith. Prerequisites: DRAM 111-112 and permission of instructor. Enrollment limited.

First-Semester Courses

Dance Technique
DANC 107, 208, 209, and 309 (1/4 unit)
Staff

The class will focus on developing expression in the medium of dance, both technically and artistically. Writing and reading assignments will emphasize the correlation between technique and theory. This is required for DANC 105-106 and DANC 229 or toward a major with a dance emphasis. Enrollment limited.

Beginning Dance Fundamentals
DANC 107
Staff

This course includes technique work for the beginning-level student interested in becoming familiar with the styles of modern dance or ballet. During the semester, the course will introduce either the basic concepts of modern dance, such as breath and mobilizing weight, or the style and vocabulary of beginning ballet. The course involves intensive movement participation; however, there is no stress placed on public performance. No prior experience is necessary. No prerequisite. Enrollment limited.

Intermediate Modern Technique
DANC 208
Craig-Quijada

Intermediate Modern Technique furthers the work of the beginning-level course with increased application of movement principles established by creative artists and teachers from the American and European modern dance tradition. Movement fundamentals from other broad-based techniques and body therapies are also included. No prerequisite; however, permission of the instructor may be necessary if the student has no prior experience.

Intermediate Ballet Technique
DANC 209
Craig-Quijada

Intermediate Ballet Technique furthers the work of the beginning-level course with a more in-depth application of the ballet vocabulary and style. Prerequisite: DANC 107 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

Advanced Modern Dance Technique
DANC 309
Staff

Advanced technique work in modern dance encompasses the upper-level skills of this form. Students who enroll in this course need to have taken Intermediate Modern Technique or have permission of the instructor.

The Dance: Production and Performance
DANC 110 (audit)
Staff

The Fall and Spring Dance Concerts give dancers, choreographers, and designers an opportunity to present their work in concert. Advised and directed by dance faculty members and guest artists, these concerts are the culmination of one or two semesters’ work of preparation, rehearsals, and regularly scheduled showings of work-in-progress.

The Fall Dance Concert: In order to be considered as a choreographer, students who are enrolled in or have successfully completed DANC 105-106 will be given priority. (Please note: DANC 110 audit will be awarded to those dancers, choreographers, and production personnel whose work exhibited high standards.) Choreography proposals must be submitted to the dance faculty by the date announced early each fall semester. Each choreographer then shows the work-in-progress for adjudication and final selection by the dance faculty. Spring Dance Concert choreographers are selected by the dance faculty.

Auditions to dance in either concert are held at the beginning of each semester. All dancers who perform in either concert are expected to participate in Dance Technique (DANC 107, 208, 209, or 309). Designers are recommended by the design faculty of the Department of Dance and Drama.

The Play: Production and Performance
DRAM 110 (audit)
Staff

The work of DRAM 110 involves the realization in the theater of the work of an important playwright, as expressed in the text for a particular play. Problems in textual analysis, historical research, and the creation of a production lead, by way of independent and cooperative activity involving acting, design, and special problems, to public performance before an audience. Note: Students who, in the judgment of the instructional and directional staff, have made significant creative contributions to the effectiveness of the production will have “audit” indicated on their academic record.

Elements of Theater, Film, and Dance Art (DANC, DRAM 220 through 337)

These courses provide a close examination of several aspects of film, theater, and dance arts: acting, writing, choreography, directing, and design. Reading, discussion, problem solving, and laboratory exercises will increase the student’s understanding of the artistic experience and development of skills in the arts of theater, film, and dance. DANC 105-106 or DRAM 111-112 is the minimum prerequisite for all of these courses. Certain courses have additional prerequisites as noted below.

The History of Clothing and Fashion
DRAM 216 (1/2 unit)
Peñaranda

This course surveys the history of Western clothing and fashion from the ancient world to the present day. Work will include papers, oral presentations, lectures, and discussion. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. Enrollment limited.

The Director
DRAM 221 (1/2 unit)
Marley

This course examines the work of the director through the analysis of plays and the exploration of the visual means of realizing that analysis on stage. Work includes laboratory exercises, written assignments, readings, discussion, and lectures. Prerequisite: DRAM 111-112. Enrollment limited.

The Actor
DRAM 222 (1/2 unit)
Turgeon

Through the rehearsal and performance of various scenes, drawn from diverse periods of playwriting, students will explore the nature of the actor’s contribution to the theater. Work will include readings, written assignments, and performance exercises. Prerequisite: DRAM 111-112. Enrollment limited.

The Scene Designer
DRAM 223 (1/2 unit)
Peñaranda

Working from varied scripts, students will move from a study of the visual choices implicit in the text to the process of designing scenery. The work of the course places an emphasis on collaboration and includes written assignments, drafting, sketching and model building. Prerequisite: DRAM 111-112 and permission of instructor. Enrollment limited.

The Lighting Designer
DRAM 225 (1/2 unit)
Reinert

This course introduces students to the properties of light and electricity, and explores the creative process of designing light for the theater, with an emphasis on collaboration. Work includes readings, written assignments, research, drafting, lectures and discussions, laboratory sessions, and design projects. Prerequisite: DRAM 111-112. Enrollment limited.

The Stage and Its Plays (DRAM 351 through 357)

These courses provide a study, in terms of the theater, of selected plays of a period of notable dramatic achievement or the work of an important playwright. Emphasis, by means of problems and exercises, is on the theatrical qualities of the plays and their staging. Sophomore standing is the minimum requirement for all of these courses. Certain courses have additional prerequisites as noted below.

The Modern Theater
DRAM 355 (1/2 unit)
Marley

This course studies the major theatrical movements of the first half of the twentieth century, emphasizing plays as they were performed in the theatre of the time. The format will include readings, discussions, written assignments, projects, and lectures. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. Enrollment limited.

Special Topic: American Film Genres DRAM 391 (1/2 unit) Tazewell

This course will examine some of the most prominent genres of American cinema, including westerns, film noir, musicals, horror movies, comedies, romance, and action-thrillers. The course will examine the intersection of these genres, the development of these catagories, and the use of their conventions from propaganda to parody and actuality to animation. Finally, the course will place these genres in historical context. Prerequisite: DRAM 218. Enrollment limited.

Junior Honors
DANC or DRAM 397 (1/2 unit)
Staff

Prerequisite: permission of department chair.

Individual Study
DANC or DRAM 493 (1/2 unit)
Staff

Students may undertake a project involving either creative activity leading to a major piece of work in one of the aspects of theater or dance art, or reading and scholarly research on a critical or historical subject culminating in a long paper. The course is intended primarily for the student majoring in dance or drama who is engaged in the preparation of a thesis as part of the Senior Exercise. Prerequisite: permission of department chair.

Senior Honors
DANC or DRAM 497 (1/2 unit)
Staff

Prerequisite: permission of department chair.

Second-Semester Courses

Beginning Modern Technique and Ballet Technique Fundamentals
DANC 107 (1/4 unit)
Craig-Quijada

See first-semester course description.

Intermediate Modern Technique
DANC 208 (1/4 unit)
Staff

See first-semester course description.

Intermediate Ballet Technique
DANC 209 (1/4 unit)
Staff

See first-semester course description.

Advanced Modern Dance Technique
DANC 309 (1/4 unit)
Craig-Quijada

See first semester course description.

The Dance: Production and Performance
DANC 110 (audit)
Staff

The Spring Dance Concert: To be considered as choreographers, students who have choreographed for the Fall Dance Concert or students who are enrolled in or have successfully completed DANC 227-228 will be given priority. Dance faculty will announce the selected student choreographers early in the spring semester. The same adjudication and selection process is followed for both Fall and Spring Dance Concerts. See first semester course description for more detailed information.

The Play: Production and Performance
DRAM 110 (audit)
Staff

See first semester course description.

Introduction to Film
DRAM 218 (1/2 unit)
Tazewell

In this course we will consider the collaborative nature of film-making and how the various crafts combine to tell stories with perhaps the greatest mass appeal of any artistic medium. We will explore narrative structure, mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, and film genres as they have been used and advanced in the history of cinema. This course requires attendance at weekly film showings in addition to regular class meetings. Prerequisite: sophomore standing and permission of instructor. Enrollment limited.

Elements of Theater, Film, and Dance Art (DRAM, DANC 220 through 337)

These courses provide a close examination of several aspects of film, theater and dance arts: acting, writing, choreography, directing, and design. Reading, discussion, problem solving, and laboratory exercises will increase the student’s understanding of the theatrical and dance experience and development of skills in the arts of theater, film, and dance. DANC 105-106 or DRAM 111-112 is the minimum prerequisite for all of these courses. Certain courses have additional prerequisites, noted below.

The Costume Designer
DRAM 224 (1/2 unit)
Peñaranda

This course presents an introduction to the costume designer’s creative process. Through a series of projects, students will explore the relation of the costume to the character, the plot, the work of the director, the actor, and the other designers. Projects involve drawing, painting, collage, writing, and research. Prerequisite: DRAM 111-112. Enrollment limited.

Character Analysis
DRAM 326 (1/2 unit)
Turgeon

This course presents a study of the actor’s methods of analysis of a text and development of a completed characterization. Each student will rehearse and present a series of scenes in various stages of development, which will lead to a complete understanding of a major role from dramatic literature. Prerequisite: DRAM 222. Enrollment limited.

Directorial Analysis
DRAM 330 (1/2 unit)
Marley

This course offers a study of the director’s analysis of the play, concentrating on its structure and the theatrical means by which the play is brought to life in performance. Each student will direct a series of scenes and a short play, leading to an understanding of a completed work of art. The format will also include performance problems, reading of the plays as well as theoretical works, and discussion. Prerequisite: DRAM 111-112. Enrollment limited.

Advanced Playwriting Workshop
DRAM 333 (1/2 unit)
MacLeod

In this course, students will be given in-class exercises that are written and staged quickly, with an eye towards developing these into a longer work. They will be given a variety of challenges: how to research a play, how to begin a play with an improv, and how to write a play for specific actors. They will also begin to explore how to make a theatrical event. Students will be asked to write a solo performance, a site-specific play, and a piece that uses multimedia. We’ll look at the work of writer/performers like Bill Irwin, Spaulding Gray, Eric Bogosian, and John Leguizamo. In addition, we will analyze plays by contemporary playwrights and write new plays using their playwriting strategies. Prerequisite: DRAM 330 or 331-332 and permission of instructor.

Scene Painting
DRAM 334 (1/2 unit)
Reinert

This course studies the history and practice of scene painting as it is used to create a persuasive fiction on stage. Each student will produce a series of projects concerned with the tools and techniques of the scene painter’s art, culminating in a large project to be completed by the class as a whole. The format will include lectures, demonstrations, projects, and discussion. Prerequisites: sophomore standing and permission of instructor. Enrollment limited.

Acting and Directing for the Camera
DRAM 336 (1/2 unit)
Tazewell

Acting on stage and in front of the camera are very similar, with several very important exceptions. The technique of acting for the camera is a skill like any other that can be taught, and with practice it can be made to look effortless. Directing dramatic narratives is essentially the art of communicating with actors in an effort to assist them in portraying the text. In film and video, however, the director has the responsibility of staging not only the actors but also a movable fourth wall—the camera. This course will focus on film and video techniques by giving the students an opportunity to act for the camera and to take direction from someone else in scenes developed through improvisation, then polished and staged. Prerequisites: DRAM 221 or 222 and permission of instructor. Enrollment limited.

The Stage and Its Plays (DRAM 351 through 357)

These courses provide a study, in terms of the theater, of selected plays of a period of notable dramatic achievement or the work of an important playwright. Emphasis, by means of problems and exercises, is on the theatrical qualities of the plays and their staging. Sophomore standing is the minimum requirement for all of these courses. Certain courses have additional prerequisites as noted below.

Classical Theater
DRAM 351 (1/2 unit)
Turgeon

This course studies the plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes. The emphasis is on reading for a theatrical understanding of these ancient texts. Coursework includes projects, lecture and discussion sessions, and written assignments.

Junior Honors
DANC or DRAM 398 (1/2 unit)
Staff

Prerequisite: permission of department chair.

Individual Study
DANC or DRAM 494 (1/2 unit)
Staff

Students may undertake a project involving either creative activity leading to a major piece of work in one of the aspects of theater or dance art, or reading and scholarly research on a critical or historical subject culminating in a long paper. The course is intended primarily for the student majoring in dance or drama who is engaged in the preparation of a thesis as part of the final integrating exercise. Prerequisites: permission of department chair.

Senior Honors
DANC or DRAM 498 (1/2 unit)
Staff

Prerequisite: permission of department chair.

The following courses may be offered in
2003-2004: