Theatre

• CFA TH 201: Dramatic Literature 2: 1850 to 1950
  A survey of important plays and trends of the theatre from 1850 to 1950, with an emphasis on American and European dramatists. Students should expect frequent writing assignments. 3.0 credits. Fall semester.
• CFA TH 202: Dramatic Literature 3: 1950 to 1990
  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 TH 204: Role of the Playwright 2
  This course description is currently under construction. 3.0 credits. Spring semester.
• CFA TH 211: Voice & Speech 2: Introduction to IPA
  Prereq: CFA TH 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. 2.0 credits. Fall semester.
• CFA TH 212: Voice & Speech 2: Dialects
  Prereq: CFA TH 211 or consent of instructor; Sound and movement linked to text. Introduction to speaking Shakespeare. Dialects and characterization as they relate to voice and speech. 2.0 credits. Spring semester.
• CFA TH 215: Singing for Actors 1
  Prereq: CFA TH 112 or consent of instructor; 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. 1.0 credit. Fall semester.
• CFA TH 216: Singing for Actors 2
  Prereq: CFA TH 112 or consent of instructor; 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. 1.0 credit. Spring semester.
• CFA TH 220: Acting & Performance 2
  Prereq: CFA TH 120 or consent of instructor; Improvisation: A practical, performance-based approach to the fundamentals of improvisational theater, including both short forms and long forms such as the Harold. Students will learn skills and techniques based on the work of Keith Johnstone, Viola Spolin, Second City, and Upright Citizens Brigade, among others. 4.0 credits.
• CFA TH 221: Acting 2: Developing Characters
  Prereq: CFA TH 122; 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. Exploration and skill work will grow into rehearsal and performance of a play at the end of the semester. 3.0 credits. Fall semester.
• CFA TH 222: Fundamentals of Acting: A Physical Approach
  Prereq: CFA TH 122; 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 and lead to transition into text and character work. 3.0 credits. Fall semester.
• CFA TH 223: Fundamentals of Acting: A Physical
  Fundamentals of Acting: A Physical
• CFA TH 224: Fundamentals of Acting: Narrative and Imagery
  Prereq: CFA TH 122; The essential aspects of the actor's approach to the script and the development of a character. This class focuses on acting printed script through organic inter-relation of self and environment (character building and sensory work to establish place). The course explores the release of individuality through improvisational exercises in relaxation and physical freedom. Observation, research, justification of action, objectives, talking, and listening are introduced as tools for understanding, then rehearsing texts for presentation. 3.0 credits. Spring semester.
• CFA TH 227: Theatre Ensemble 2: Autobiography
  Prereq: CFA TH 128; 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. Fall semester.
• CFA TH 228: Theatre Ensemble 2: Adaptation
  Prereq: CFA TH 128; 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. 3.0 credits. Spring semester.
• CFA TH 230: Movement for Theatre 2
  Prereq: CFA TH 130 or consent of instructor; Emphasis will be placed on partnering and ensemble activities in the continued exploration of the actor's use of body and physicality in storytelling. The first ¼ of the semester is devoted to individual skills (especially juggling) with additional time devoted to fitness of the performer's instrument. Partnering and ensemble activities will be introduced early in the curriculum with multiple projects throughout the semester highlighting different challenges in creating group performances. 3.0 credits. Spring semester.
• CFA TH 231: Movement 2: Awareness of Self into Physical Transformation
  Prereq: CFA TH 132; Deepening awareness of self and exploring techniques for physical transformations through body centers, Laban, Chakras, Breath Rhythms, animal imagery, and neutral mask work. 2.0 credits. Fall semester.
• CFA TH 232: Movement 2: Unarmed Combat
  Prereq: CFA TH 231 or consent of instructor; Unarmed stage combat. Learning slaps, punches, throws, lifts, falls and found weapons, and the application of fight choreography in scene work. 3.0 credits. Spring semester.
• CFA TH 237: Alexander Technique 2: Primary Control
  Prereq: CFA TH 138; Developing a deeper understanding of Alexander's primary control, related to the vocal mechanism, the respiratory system, and fear responses, both in self and character. Concepts of wholeness and evolutionary design are presented. 1.0 credit. Fall semester.
• CFA TH 238: Alexander Technique 2: Environmental Response
  Prereq: CFA TH 237 or instructor's permission. Work is explored more in developing characters as they move, speak, breathe and respond to the environment. Continue to embody the Alexander principles and learn Alexander procedures. 1.0 credit. Spring semester.
• CFA TH 239: Aesthetic and Philosophy of Dance
  Designed to increase students' knowledge of the theory and practice of dance criticism. Organized as a seminar, we will read and discuss articles by theorists and critics in preparation for articulating reasoned assessments verbally and in writing. There are five assigned theatre and dance performances to attend. Lectures by faculty and visiting artists introduce each performance/exhibition experience and lead to thoughtful critical responses. Prior knowledge or some form of dance helpful but not essential. (Also listed as PDP DA 239)

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