Courses

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  • CFA DR 202: Modern Drama 2
    A survey of important plays and trends from 1950-1990, with an emphasis on the play's significance within the given culture. We will examine North American, British, European, and African writers, with a balance between recognized canonical works, and plays by writers historically excluded from the canon due to gender, ethnicity, or aesthetic orientation. Students should expect frequent writing assignments. 3.0 credits. Spring semester only.
  • CFA DR 203: Aesthetics and Philosphy of Dance
    A survey of current theatrical and dance experience and practice with the Boston arts community, including the work of the Huntington Theatre Company, the American Repertory Theatre, Crash Arts, Mobius, Flee Celebrity Series, and various other venues. Lectures by faculty and visiting artists introduce each performance/exhibition experience and lead to thoughtful critical response. Course not only includes class time, but also attendance at five weekend performances. Ticket fee is approximately $100. 2 cr, 1st semester. (Also listed as PDP DA 203)
  • CFA DR 209: Role of Playwrt
  • CFA DR 210: Rle of Plywrt 2
  • CFA DR 211: Voice and Speech II
    Prereq: CFA DR 111, 112. Further development of the actor's voice in range and power, flexibility and greater facility in articulation. Introduction of International Phonetic Alphabet, responsiveness to poetic text. 2 cr, 1st semester.
  • CFA DR 212: Voice and Speech 2
    Prereq: CFA DR 211. Sound and movement linked to text. Introduction to speaking Shakespeare. Dialects and characterization as they relate to voice and speech. 2 cr, 2nd semester.
  • CFA DR 215: Singing for Actors 1
    An approach to singing designed for the actor, this course will explore human sound as a manifestation of the actor's inner life. The vocal training central to this class will focus expanding range and character, and emphasizes efficient use of breath, a released body, and physical grounding. There is a special emphasis on the connection between the voice and the personality of each student. No previous singing experience required. Prereq: CFA DR 111, 112; 1.0 credit each semester
  • CFA DR 216: Singing for Actors 2
    An extension of Singing for Actors 1, this course will move into an approach to learning a new music-text, and exploring the storytelling of song through imagery, Laban effort-shapes, physical actions, and energizing primers for the actor. There is a special emphasis on the use of speech and legato in song, allowing for vocal clarity and ease. Repertoire will be drawn from Musical Theatre and the Classical Art Song. Prereq: CFA DR 111, 112; 1.0 credit each semester
  • CFA DR 221: Acting 2
    Prereq: CFA DR 121. Work on a part: breakdown of text into actions, objectives, beats; sensory work and its application to script. Developing and sustaining characters and action in increasingly complex texts. First semester's exploration and skill work will grow into Rehearsal and Performance of a play. Followed by scenework in Semester II. 4 cr, each semester.
  • CFA DR 222: Acting II: A Physical Approach
    Exploration of a physical approach to acting inspired by the work of Jerzy Grotowski. Students will engage in physical and vocal exercises that facilitate psycho-physical connections within the self. The actor's expressive use of the body, voice, imagination, and intellect is awakened and nourished. Possible pathways through the actor's mental and physical structure are navigated, opening up the connections between the body and the actor's emotional life. Investigation and exploration of principles in action will be encouraged. Transition into text and character work. Offered specifically for Acting majors. Prereq: DR221; 3.0 credits.
  • CFA DR 223: Fundamentals of Acting: A Physical Approach
    Exploration of a physical approach to acting inspired by the work of Jerzy Grotowski. Students will engage in physical and vocal exercises that facilitate psycho-physical connections within the self. The actor?s expressive use of the body, voice, imagination, and intellect is awakened and nourished. Possible pathways through the actor?s mental and physical structure are navigated, opening up the connections between the body and the actor?s emotional life. Investigation and exploration of principles in action will be encouraged. Transition into text and character work. Offered specifically for Theater Arts majors. 3.0 credits
  • CFA DR 224: Fundamentals of Acting: A Physical Approach to Narrative and Imagery
    The essential aspects of the actor's approach to the script and the development of a character. Sensory work, improvisation, scoring the role, and rehearsal of scenes. Offered specifically for students in the stage management and theatre studies programs. 3 cr, each semester.
  • CFA DR 225: Theatre Ensemble II
    This course is designed to develop the student's ability to write, direct and act in autobiographically based theatre pieces. Students will develop autobiographical work through a series of in-class and assigned writing explorations. In addition, students will be exposed to a variety of readings and performances by autobiographical artists. A final ensemble driven, organized, and executed performance will result. 3.0 Credits
  • CFA DR 226: Theatre Ensemble II: Fundamentals of Playmaking
    Description: This course is an experiential introduction to adaptation. Through class readings, assignments, and theatrical excursions, students will begin to understand the nuts and bolts of translating work from one medium to another. The class will be responsible for the adapted script, direction, and performance of a final performance at the end of the semester. The class will also act as design team and stage crew for this production. 3.0 credits
  • CFA DR 235: Movement II
    Specificity of physical choices through neutral and character masks. Introduction to body centers, Laban Effort/Shape, animal imagery, and alignment/release exercises in discovering possibilities for transformation. Application of physical choices with text in monologues and scenes. 2.0 credits
  • CFA DR 236: Movement II
    Unarmed stage combat. Learning slaps, punches, throws, lifts, falls and found weapons, and the application of fight choreography in scene work. 2.0 credits
  • CFA DR 251: History of Design
    Prereq: none. Survey of theatrical design and artistic movements within the theatre. Covers Greek to end of the end of the 19th Century (1st semester) and beginning of the 20th Century to present (Summer). 2.0 credits.
  • CFA DR 252: History of Design
    Prereq: none. Survey of theatrical design and artistic movements within the theatre. Covers Greek to end of the end of the 19th Century (1st semester) and beginning of the 20th Century to present (Summer). 2.0 credits.
  • CFA DR 257: Scene Design 1
    Prereq: DR 153 & 154. Fundamentals of set design theory; basic mechanical and conceptual solutions for the proscenium theatre; development of presentational and research skills. Readings and projects incorporate all theatre genres, ballet, dance, opera, television, and film. 3.0 credits.
  • CFA DR 258: Scene Design 1
    Prereq: DR 153 & 154. Fundamentals of set design theory; basic mechanical and conceptual solutions for the proscenium theatre; development of presentational and research skills. Readings and projects incorporate all theatre genres, ballet, dance, opera, television, and film. 3.0 credits.

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