Theatre Studies and Dance
Chair: Cheryl Mrozowski
Department home page: http://wheatoncollege.edu/acad/theatre/
The Department of Theatre Studies and Dance offers students a wide array of courses in acting, directing, theatre design and history, dance, dramatic literature, playwriting and film theory. Central to the department's mission are the development of communication skills--both oral and written-- careful attention to how theatre and dance function as collaborative art forms, and an emphasis on theatre and dance as windows to diverse cultures, lifestyles and intellectual perspectives.
The Watson Fine Arts Center contains two performance spaces: the Dorothy Littlefield Weber '38 Theatre, a 350-seat proscenium house with a modular thrust, and the Kresge Experimental Theatre, a "black box" with flexible seating that can accommodate up to 120 spectators. Productions in these theatres, directed by both faculty and students and numbering an average of six per year, cover a lot of territory: everything from an annual Dance Concert and New Plays Festival to ancient Greek tragedy, modern realism, Shakespeare, farce, Beckett, musicals, and Moliere.
Students are encouraged to study away from Wheaton for at least one semester during their junior year. Popular programs include the National Theatre Institute in Waterford, Connecticut and London's British American Drama Academy and the Boston University Internship Program. Students have also participated in programs in France, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
In an effort to gain valuable theatre experience in a professional setting, students also frequently arrange internships with area companies. Past connections have been established with Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, the Huntington Theatre in Boston and the Roundabout Theatre in New York.
Major
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The major in theatre studies and dance is administered jointly by the theatre and English departments. It includes a minimum of twelve courses: eight from theatre and four from English (or other departments offering dramatic literature courses during a given semester--see explanation below).
Three concentrations are available within the major: acting/directing, theatre design and dance. The major must include three courses at or above the 300 level.
Required courses
English
Four courses from the English Department, including at least one course in Shakespeare (Eng 309 or Eng 310) and three courses from among the following:
Eng 241 Modern Drama
Eng 242 Hollywood Film since 1970
Eng 246 Modern Irish Literature
Eng 249 Hollywood Genres
Eng 258 Introduction to Film Studies
Eng 273 Malcontents, Monarchy and Revenge in Early Modern Drama
Eng 274 Restoration Theatre and Beyond
Eng 287 Writing for Performance
Eng 288 Playwriting: Form and Craft
Eng 348 Sexual Politics of Film Noir
Eng 357 Cinema and the City
Eng 388 Advanced Playwriting
With permission from English and Theatre Department chairs, dramatic literature courses offered through other departments (e.g., Musc 292 or Clas 254) may be used to satisfy this requirement.
Theatre
Thea 103 Introduction to Theatre
Thea 275 The History of Western Theatre
Thea 276 Non-Western Theatre and Performance
Thea 371 Ensemble Experiments
Concentrations
Three credits in one of the following areas of specialization:
Thea 101, Thea 202, Thea 211, Thea 311, Thea 351
Thea 203, Thea 204, Thea 205, Thea 302
Thea 110 and Thea 140 or four semesters of Thea 320,
and either Musc 262 or Musc 292
All acting/directing and dance concentrators must take one course from theatre design. All theatre design concentrators must take one course from either acting/directing or dance.
With careful planning and appropriate approval, double majors and self-designed majors are also welcome possibilities.
Minor
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The theatre studies and dance minor consists of at least five interrelated courses, at least one of which normally shall be at the 300 level. The minor includes Thea 103, Thea 371 and three other courses approved by the department chair in one or more of the following areas of specialization: acting/directing, theatre design, theatre history, dance, dramatic literature, playwriting and film theory. In special circumstances and with approval from all department faculty, minors may substitute independent projects for Thea 371.
Courses
Acting
101. Beginning Acting
Students in this course are introduced to the internal and external demands of turning psychology into behavior. The bare necessities of investing yourself in the moment, genuinely talking and listening, playing objectives and personalizing material are initially explored via games, improvisations and exercises. A midsemester monologue and final scene are also presented.
(David M. Fox, Stephanie Burlington)
102. Public Speaking
This course provides the student with greater self-confidence and ease with speaking, while enhancing use of language, delivery and organization. Students will participate in an intensive series of prepared speeches, debates and impromptu exercises. Appropriate for all majors.
(Jennifer Madden)
211. Intermediate Acting
This course takes the acting fundamentals put forth at the beginning level to a critical next step. Students confront the emotionally high stakes of more demanding and more complicated dramatic worlds. The plays of Russian writer Anton Chekhov serve as an important focal point in the class. Limited to sophomores, juniors and seniors.
(Stephanie Burlington)
298. Experimental Course
Scene Painting
This course introduces the techniques of scene painting through practical projects in a studio format. Students will learn traditional methods of scenic painting, including layout, faux finishing, representational painting, related skills and proper tool use and care. If applicable, the class will paint the scenery for a departmental production.
(Jane Stein)
351. Advanced Acting
Focus on the proper use and all-too-frequent misuse of "style" in the theatre. The class encounters via readings, games, improvisations and presentations the worlds of Greek and Shakespearean tragedy and absurdist tragicomedy. Students must keep a weekly journal and present at least three scenes. Limited to juniors and seniors.
(David M. Fox)
Connections:
Conx 20046 The Greeks on Stage
Directing
202. Beginning Directing
Examination of the myriad theories/practices of play direction with special emphasis on the fundamentals of script analysis, overall organization, use of space and collaborative creation. Practical directing problems encountered via scene work from plays both classical and modern.
(Stephanie Burlington)
311. Intermediate Directing
This course takes directing fundamentals put forth at the beginning level to a critical next step. Strong emphasis on what is meant by directorial concept, vision or interpretation and how it affects the collaborative work that is theatre. Students direct both original and established scripts.
(David M. Fox)
399. Selected Topics
Independent research and/or practicum at the advanced level monitored by a faculty member.
Theatre design
203. Introduction to Scene Design
Development of critical thinking through the study of design development, scenic styles, elements of design and methods of visual presentation of scenic design. Design projects range from script analysis to collage, color and 3-D visual presentations.
(Clinton O'Dell)
204. Introduction to Costume Design
Development of critical thinking from a costume designer's viewpoint. Emphasis will be given to script analysis, period research, fabric, color theory and the sketching of finished costume renderings.
(Clinton O'Dell)
205. Stagecraft
Examination of the technical challenges encountered in mounting a major production. Backstage procedures, construction techniques, theatre safety, tool operation and maintenance, drafting, materials and supplies. Students will be assigned crew positions in department productions as a practical aspect of their training.
302. Introduction to Lighting Design
An examination of the fundamental principles of light. The development of original design projects from the perspective of a lighting designer. The skills of a lighting designer: script analysis, drafting, instrument and color selection. Students will be assigned crew positions in department productions as a practical aspect of their training.
399. Selected Topics
Independent research and/or practicum at the advanced level monitored by a faculty member.
Theatre history
275. The History of Western Theatre
Focus on the evolution of Western drama from ancient to modern times. Diverse theatrical styles, movements and production modes are examined via scripts, research projects and videotapes.
(Jennifer Madden)
276. Non-Western Theatre and Performance
An overview of various non-Western performance traditions and methodological approaches. The course investigates a wide variety of performances, carnivals and religious rites from Melanesia and Asia (Papua New Guinea, India, Sri Lanka, Japan, China, Korea, Tibet, Java and Bali), the Caribbean, and Africa. Live performance and film complement assigned readings of scripts, theoretical writings and anthropological studies.
(Jennifer Madden)
292. American Musical Theatre
A survey of American musical theatre focusing on three areas: the African American experience, the American view of Asia and the romantic treatment of American history. Emphasis on film viewing and discussion. This course is cross-listed with the Music Department.
(Ann Sears)
Dance
110. Jazz Dance
Introductory through intermediate jazz dance technique, including the study of body isolations, syncopation and specific jazz dance traditions. Emphasis is placed on enhancing musical and rhythmic phrasing, efficient alignment, clarity in complex movement combinations and the refinement of performance style. A working knowledge of jazz dance is the desired goal of this course of study.
(Cheryl Mrozowski)
Connections:
Conx 20001 Human Biology and Movement
140. Ballet
Introductory through intermediate study of the principles and vocabularies of classical ballet. Class comprises three sections: barre, center and allegro. Emphasis is placed on correct body alignment, development of whole body movement, musicality and the embodiment of performance style. The fundamental requirements of classical dance are taught in conjunction with dance combinations.
(Cheryl Mrozowski)
Connections:
Conx 20001 Human Biology and Movement
320. Dance Company
This course offers an in-depth exploration of the aesthetic and performing issues surrounding specific dance idioms--ballet, modern, jazz and others-- through the study and performance of selected repertory works. Students receive a half-credit for participation in the Wheaton Dance Company. Limited to four semesters.
(Cheryl Mrozowski)
399. Selected Topics
Independent research and/or practicum at the advanced level monitored by a faculty member.
Other courses
020. Rehearsal and Production
Students receive a half-credit for participating as actors, assistant directors, designers, stage managers or technicians in a faculty-directed mainstage production. Limited to two semesters.
103. Introduction to Theatre
A survey of plays from the ancient Greeks to the present with an emphasis on how to transform the written word into relevant live performance. Appreciation of the theatre through a brief study of its history, acting-directing-design theory and practicum, and discussion of tragic vs. comic visions.
(David M. Fox)
199. Selected Topics
Independent research and/or practicum at the introductory level monitored by a faculty member.
215. Theatre and Social Change
A course that investigates how theatre can be used to help communities talk about difficult issues regarding race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, economic status, religion and politics. Writers and/or performance artists studied include Anna Deavere Smith, Moises Kaufman, Tony Kushner, Danny Hoch and Suzan-Lori Parks.
(Stephanie Burlington)
Connections:
Conx 23011 Revolution!
299. Selected Topics
Independent research and/or practicum at the intermediate level monitored by a faculty member.
371. Ensemble Experiments
Development of a theme-based theatre project, including the writing and performance of a script, the design of sets, lights and costumes, and the preparation of effective publicity. This is the Theatre Studies and Dance Department's senior seminar/capstone experience. Students may petition for an alternative capstone. Limited to senior majors and minors.
500. Individual Research
Honors thesis work monitored by one or more faculty members.