Fall Term
[102.] Introduction to Theater Arts-An examination of the art and craft in creating a theatrical event. Lectures, readings, and visual demonstrations will provide introductions to the art of acting; directing; playwriting; and designing of sets, lights, and costumes. The course will culminate in productions of short theatrical pieces written, directed, acted, and designed by the students themselves.-McCauley
[106.] Introduction to Dance: Elements of Movement-This course is designed to introduce the student to the vocabulary of movement and its applications in creating effective theater. Topics to be examined include: improvisation, lab analysis, kinesiology, and composition. Enrollment limited.
[109.] Techniques and Applications of Theater and Dance-1/4 course credit for work in one of the following three areas:
Sec. 01. Dance Technique-Technique classes are approved by the faculty. They are offered by the School of the Hartford Ballet, or consortium schools. Do not register for this course during regular Trinity College registration.
Sec. 02. Performance-Major performance participation in a faculty-directed Theater and Dance Department production. If cast in a show, students enroll at the beginning of the production process. To do so, see show's director or stage manager to arrange for credit. Do not register for this course during regular Trinity College registration.-Staff
Sec. 03. Production-Major technical role in a faculty-directed Theater and Dance Department production. Students enroll on a show-by-show basis at the beginning of the show's production process. To arrange for credit, see Technical Director/Production Manager. Do not register for this course during regular Trinity College registration.-StaffHISTORY, THEORY, AND LITERATURE
[200.] Anatomy of Movement-An analysis of the anatomical basis of movement. Particular emphasis on imagery and principles of correct alignment and their applications to posture and movement, both pedestrian and stylized. A lecture/lab course designed for non-dancers as well as majors. Permission of the instructor is required.
[236.] 20th-Century Dance History-A lecture course that examines the beginnings of radically new approaches in 20th-century dance from the birth of the modern dance aesthetic and innovative experiments in the ballet idiom. This course will then trace later developments to the present through an analysis of various styles: expressionism, formalism, post-modernism and neo-expressionism.
[250.] Ancient World to the Enlightenment: History of Theater and Dance to 1750-A lecture course tracing the development of theatrical art from its origins in primitive ritual through its various historical manifestations in the Classical, Medieval, Renaissance, and Neo-classical traditions. We will include a study of major dramatic and theoretical texts of each period as well as contributions of prominent theatrical artists, e.g., actors, actor/managers, dancers, choreographers, and designers. In addition to regular class meetings, there will be a required weekly performance/film viewing session.-Feinsod/Power
[336.] Ibsen and Strindberg-An in-depth investigation of major plays by these prominent turn-of-the-century Scandinavian playwrights in terms of the themes, stylistic innovations, and character types developed in the course of their careers. The two dramatists will be looked at individually as well as comparatively in relation to personal, political, and social events as well as philosophical and economic trends during their lifetimes.
[337.] Russian and Soviet Theater-An exploration of a variety of topics in Russian and Soviet theater from the 1830s to the present: the plays, the experiments and developments in acting technique and scenic design as well as their theoretical foundations. Particular emphasis will be given to the thirty years at the beginning of this century and theater developments in the past decade. Discussion will also cover reasons for restaging the classics in recent years and the serious challenges confronting the artistic community during the Stalin years and continuing beyond the Brezhnev era.
[339.] 20th-Century American Theater and Drama-A detailed study of the development of the modern American theater through an examination of the most famous works of prominent playwrights, directors, designers, and companies, including playwrights Belasco, O'Neill, Glaspell, Rice, Odets, Hart and Kaufman, Williams, Miller, Inge, Albee, Shepard, Norman, and Gray; director/designer teams Hopkins and Jones and Kazan and Mielziner; and companies such as the Provincetown Players, the Theatre Guild, the Group Theater, the Performance Group and the Wooster Group.
-Feinsod English
[351.] Shakespeare-See Department of English section for course description.
PROCESS AND PERFORMANCE
[205.] Acting-This class will include physical movement, vocal exercises, and improvisation. The focus will be on exploring the actor's own creativity as the starting point for approaching a role. Actors will also work on selected monologues and scenes. Prerequisite: Theater and Dance 102. Enrollment limited.-McCauley
[207.] Improvisation-The study of the spontaneous exploration and creation of movement as the basis for under-standing the nature of process in creative problem solving and performance.
Sec. 01.-Focuses on expanding individual movement vocabulary in relation to time, weight, space, and flow. Development of interactive and communicative skills as well as the relationship of voice, rhythm, and visual elements to movement expression. Enrollment limited.-Farlow
Sec. 02.-An exploration of partner-based methods of movement that investigates transferring weight and counter-balance between partners, sharing points of contact and experience in the flow of movement improvised within a group. Enrollment limited.
[209.] Intermediate Techniques in Theater and Dance-Courses in selected skills in theater and dance. Courses with instructor listed below will be offered during the Fall Semester (1/2 course credit):
Sec. 04. African Dance-Enrollment limited.-Sylla
Sec. 05. Voice in Performance-Enrollment limited.-McCauley
Sec. 22. Body Practice I-An introduction to skills that build the body's technical and expressive range. Enrollment limited.-Matias Serrambana
Sec. 23. Dance Technique II-For the intermediate student, a continued investigation of technical skills (Ballet emphasis). Enrollment limited.-Gresh
Sec. 29. Dance Technique I-A first-level investigation of technical skills. Enrollment limited.
[309.] Advanced Techniques in Theater and Dance-Courses in selected skills in theater and dance. (1/2 course credit) Sec. 20. Dance Technique III-For the advanced student, a continued investigation of technical skills (Modern emphasis). Enrollment limited.-Farlow
[312.] Dance Repertory and Performance-Students will participate in the choreographic process developing such performance skills as movement memory, concentration, phrasing, expression and accuracy. The course will culminate in the performance of a faculty-choreographed work. Enrollment limited.-Farlow
[320.] Dance and Music-Designed for dancers and musicians who wish to develop a deeper understanding of the interrelationship of music and dance. The course is experiential and will culminate in a performance of the works developed in class. Dancers will choreograph and musicians will compose, with special attention given to structure, musicality in phrasing and performing, and relationships which are best realized when dance and music are developed collaboratively.
[343.] Ensemble Performance-Students taking this course will work as an ensemble in an interdisciplinary project that will culminate in a production. Besides studying theory and recent cases of celebrated ensemble performances in theater and dance, students will collaborate in evolving their own performance, serving as actor/dancers and possibly as writers, directors, choreographers or designers. Prerequisites: Theater and Dance 205 or 207 and permission of the instructor.
[393.] Playwriting-American one-act plays written in diverse styles will be closely analyzed in terms of their structure and craftsmanship, while students undertake their own writing projects culminating in the composition of a one-act play. Prerequisites: Theater and Dance 102 and permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited.-Feinsod
[394.] Directing-A study of the fundamentals of play directing, especially focusing on the director's work with the actor, the playwright's text, and the mise en scene. Prerequisite: Theater and Dance 102. Enrollment limited.- Montgomery
CROSS-DISCIPLINARY
[243.] Asian Dance/Drama-This course will examine the formal conventions of selected Asian dance/drama forms, trace their historical origins, and analyze their present function in Asian societies. Guest speakers, films and viewing of performances will contribute to understanding these forms and developing a comparative perspective of dance/drama East and West.-Park
[245.] Women in Theater and Dance-This course will explore 20th-century women playwrights, choreographers and performers in the context of theatrical expression and its relationship to gender. Topics of study will include the juxtaposition between traditional representation of women in theater and women as they represent themselves; the role of women in the shaping of American modern dance; and contemporary feminist performance theory.
[346.] Looking at Performance-A seminar which focuses on the spectator as an active agent in the performance event. Contemporary critical approaches (e.g., semiotics, audience reception theory, psychoanalysis, cultural studies) will be applied to viewings of theater/dance performance, film, and television to 1) examine how the spectator constructs meaning by "reading" the performance as text; 2) theorize the various modes of spectator pleasure; and 3) analyze examples of theatrical criticism as a means of understanding the performing arts as cultural practice. A strong emphasis will be placed on critical writing skills.
[373.] Human Rights Through Performance-In this course we will examine selected human rights issues through a multi-disciplinary, multi-arts approach that includes readings, discussion, journal writing, movement exploration, and finally, the creation of a performance piece. Sec. 01. Mothers of the Disappeared-Dworin
[ 401.] Performance Workshop/La MaMa, New York City-A participatory workshop in which students interested in performing can work on expanding their expressive vocabulary and develop physical, vocal, and psycho-physical skills. Classes will include sessions in movement, improvisation, voice, image work, text and scene work. (2 course credits)-Popchristov, Staff
[ 403.] Tradition and Innovation/La MaMa, New York City-An introduction to some of the most important work being done in contemporary dance, theater and performance art. The seminar will concentrate on representative artists and groups and examine them in relation to their performance tradition, historical context and connection with other arts. The class will meet for one three-hour seminar plus at least three lab sessions weekly. Labs will include trips to performances and rehearsals, meetings with artists and visits to related events, installations, and museum exhibits. (2 course credits)-Popchristov, Staff
[ 405.] Internship/La MaMa, New York City-Students can earn one or two course credits working twelve to twenty-four hours per week at a placement selected by the student and the program director. Internships afford the student exposure to the real world of working artists and the opportunity to get involved in professional theater/dance/performance in New York City. (1 course credit )-PopchristovDESIGN AND PRODUCTION
[202.] Elementary Production Techniques-An exploration of basic stagecraft and production techniques, including scenic construction and painting, lighting, properties, costumes, and production management. The course involves classroom study but emphasizes practical work on stage productions mounted in the Austin Arts Center throughout the semester. Lab hours will also be arranged.-Griego
[ 209.] Intermediate Techniques in Theater and Dance-Course in selected skills in theater and dance. Courses with instructor listed will be offered during the Fall Semester (1/2 course credit):
Sec. 19. Fiat Lux: Let There Be Light-This course will explore light in natural settings and how this applies and translates to the stage. Enrollment limited.-BluINDEPENDENT AND SENIOR STUDY
[399.] Independent Study-Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar's Office, and the approval of the instructor and chairperson are required for enrollment. (1-2 course credits)-Staff
[466.] Teaching Assistantship-Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar's Office, and the approval of the instructor and chairperson are required for enrollment. (1/2 -1 course credit)-Staff
[498.] Senior Thesis-Year-long Independent Study. An option available only to student with strong academic records in the major and proven ability to work independently. Individual topics to be selected by the student and approved by departmental faculty. It is expected that the thesis will consist of a substantial written component with a performance or public presentation which relates in some fundamental way to the written part of the thesis. Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar's Office, and the approval of the instructor and chairperson are required for each semester of this year-long thesis. (2 course credits are considered pending in the first semester; 2 course credits will be awarded for completion in the second semester.)-Staff
[601.] IDP Study Unit-Independent study guide available only to students in the Individualized Degree Program. Permission of the instructor and a signed permission slip are required for registration. See the IDP Catalogue for a full listing.
[602.] IDP Project-Limited to students in the Individualized Degree Program. Requires submission of a special proposal form which is available in the IDP Office. (0-5 course credits)Spring Term
[106.] Introduction to Dance: Elements of Movement-This course is designed to introduce the student to the vocabulary of movement and its applications in creating effective theater. Topics to be examined include: improvisation, labanalysis, kinesiology, and composition. Enrollment limited.-Borteck Gersten
[107.] Introduction to Performance-Utilizing improvisational structures, we will explore the performing body through movement, voice, character, and physical space as the basic elements of performance. Looking at some of the earliest performance traditions, we will examine the notion of performance as transformative experience and the dancer/actor as the unified source of performance. We will then study specific contexts for performance and how these influence and redefine the performer's intention. Finally, we will establish a working vocabulary for the performer that evolves out of our active experience and analysis. This course is required for Theater and Dance majors.-Dworin
[109.] Techniques and Applications of Theater and Dance- 1/4 course credit for work in one of the following three areas:
Sec. 01. Dance Technique-Technique classes are approved by the faculty. They are offered by the School of the Hartford Ballet or consortium schools. Do not register for this course during regular Trinity College registration.
Sec. 02. Performance-Major performance participation in a faculty-directed Theater and Dance Department production. If cast in a show, students enroll at the beginning of the production process. To do so, see show's director or stage manager to arrange for credit. Do not register for this course during regular Trinity College registration.-Staff
Sec. 03. Production-Major technical role in a faculty-directed Theater and Dance Department production. Students enroll on a show-by-show basis at the beginning of the show's production process. To arrange for credit, see Technical Director/Production Manager. Do not register for this course during regular Trinity College registration.-StaffHISTORY, THEORY, AND LITERATURE
[204.] Drama Classics Reinterpreted-This course will focus on drama classics both as works written in and for their own time and as "blueprints" for reinterpretations by contemporary directors and playwrights seeking to make these plays especially meaningful and effective for their own 20th-century audiences. After undertaking a brief study of seminal ideas of the twentieth century (e.g., Psychoanalysis, Marxism, Existentialism, and Relativity and Indeterminism) and showing how these ideas are reflected in new theatrical and dramatic theories, techniques, and forms, selected plays will be examined first as written, then as they were performed during their own time, and finally in contemporary adaptations.
[251.] Romanticism to the Early Avant-Garde: History of Theater and Dance from 1750 to 1925-A lecture course which surveys the theatrical arts from eighteenth-century pre-Romantic traditions through 19th-century Romanticism to the early Avant-Garde and the emergence of Modernism. We will include a study of major dramatic and theoretical texts of each period as well as contributions of prominent theatrical artists, e.g. directors, choreographers, actors, dancers, and designers. In addition to regular class meetings, there will be a required weekly performance/film viewing session.-Feinsod/Power
[332.] Approaching Education Through Movement-Investigation of the role of movement in the teaching/learning process. Selected readings on the philosophy of movement education as well as practical experience teaching creative movement in the public schools. Intended for students who are interested in teaching and have a background inĘdance, education, and/or psychology. Enrollment limited.-Borteck Gersten
[338.] 20th-Century European Theater and Drama-An exploration of seminal European plays and productions from 1900 to the present. Among the playwrights to be examined are Pirandello, Brecht, Beckett, Ionesco, Genet, Weiss and Strauss. Famous productions by directors such as Stanislavski, Meyerhold, Reinhardt, Stein and Brook will also be studied. -English
[352.] Shakespeare-See Department of English section for course descriptionPROCESS AND PERFORMANCE
[205.] Acting-This class will include physical movement, vocal exercises, and improvisation. The focus will be on exploring the actor's own creativity as the starting point for approaching a role. Actors will also work on selected monologues and scenes. Prerequisite: Theater and Dance 102. Enrollment limited.-Montgomery
[207.] Improvisation-The study of the spontaneous exploration and creation of movement as the basis for under-standing the nature of process in creative problem solving and performance.
Sec. 01.- Focuses on expanding individual movement vocabulary in relation to time, weight, space, and flow. Development of interactive and communicative skills as well as the relationship of voice, rhythm, and visual elements to movement expression. Enrollment limited.
Sec. 02.-An exploration of partner-based methods of movement that investigates transferring weight and counter-balance between partners, sharing points of contact and experience in the flow of movement improvised within a group. Enrollment limited.
[209.] Intermediate Techniques in Theater and Dance-Courses in selected skills in theater and dance. Courses with instructor listed below will be offered during the Spring Semester (1/2 course credit): Sec. 04. African Dance-Enrollment limited.-Sylla
Sec. 05. Voice in Performance-Enrollment limited.-McCauley
Sec. 22. Body Practice I-An introduction to skills that build the body's technical and expressive range. Enrollment limited.
Sec. 23. Dance Technique II-For the intermediate student, a continued investigation of technical skills (Jazz emphasis). Enrollment limited.-Matias Serrambana
Sec. 29. Dance Technique I-A first-level investigation of technical skills (Modern emphasis). Enrollment limited.-Farlow
[221.] Dance Composition-Experimentation in the formal dance elements; fundamentals of composition discussed with a concentration on discovery and development of movement material, imaginative use of space and rhythm and the use of subtlety in dynamics to craft communicative, expressive dances. Students will choreograph and participate in projects regularly; selected readings on choreography will be assigned. Prerequisites: Theater and Dance 105 or 106 and permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited.-Farlow
[306.] Advanced Acting
Sec. 01. Advanced Scene Study-Advanced scene study in the Stanislavski Acting System. Emphasis will be placed on the performance of Chekhov. Prerequisite: Theater and Dance 205 or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited.
Sec. 03. Acting Style-Psychophysical approaches to acting. Enrollment limited.-McCauley
[307.] Performance Art-Students will create and perform their own performance using autobiographical material,Ędreams, story-telling, music, movement, visual elements such as slides or sculpture, video or film, lighting and audio tapes in creating their own solo and group performance pieces. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
[308.] Advanced Acting: In Performance-Acting students taking this course will do one of the following: 1) study the dramatic literature and production history of plays by a chosen playwright in conjunction with preparing a production of a play by that playwright; or 2) engage in extensive research towards the creation and performance of an original work directed by the instructor. Prerequisites: Theater and Dance 205 or 207 and permission of the instructor.
(1 1/4 course credits)
[309.] Advanced Techniques in Theater and Dance-(Same as Fall.) Courses in selected skills in theater and dance. (1/2 course credit)
Sec. 20. Dance Techniques III-For the advanced student, a continued investigation of technical skills (Ballet emphasis). Enrollment limited.-Gresh
[323.] Asian Movement Meditation and Performance-An exploration of movement in relation to meditation, flow, energy and the harmony of mind, body, and spirit. This will be followed by an investigation of ecstatic movement, utilizing it to discover new dimensions of ourselves and others. Enrollment limited.
-Park
[344.] Video and Performance-A practical, theoretical, and historical survey of the development of video art designed for performers and non-performers alike. Supplemented by readings and viewings of landmark films and videos, the course will focus on developing a critical visual language, and acquiring the skills necessary for the successful production of video/performance works. Topics include documentation, performance translations, camera choreography, and the challenges of working with mixed media. Through regular participation in class projects, students will learn the basics of storyboarding, shooting, and lighting, audio, and editing techniques. The course will culminate in the presentation of a video/performance project of substantial length and depth. Enrollment limited.
[407.] Studies in Process and Performance: Theater [Sec. 03. Creative and Interpretive Approaches to Acting]-Students will approach acting from a variety of physically based techniques: commedia, circus, effort shape. These methods will then be applied to play texts. Prerequisite: Theater and Dance 205 or permission of the instructor.
[493.] Advanced Playwriting-Students will write their own full-length plays and do reading of drafts at various stages of completion. At the same time, students will examine the structural strategies and other craft decisions made by famous playwrights in some of their best known full-length works. Prerequisites: Theater and Dance 393 or English 335, Playwriting, and permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited.
[494.] Advanced Directing-Intensive analysis of the stylistic, rhythmic, and visual values of a script and their realization in the public performance of a play. Enrollment limited.
CROSS-DISCIPLINARY
[371.] Women and Healing-This course explores the history and development of women healers. We will look at various healing practices (shamanism, midwifery, herbalism, and psychic healing) in which women have played a primary role, in western and non-western cultures. The impact of women on the holistic movement and approaches to mind/body integration and contemporary medicine will also be investigated. Class will include discussion and experiential sessions.DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
[209.] Intermediate Techniques in Theater and Dance-Course in selected skills in theater and dance. Courses with instructor listed will be offered during the Spring Semester (1/2 course credit):
Sec. 18. Intro to Stage Design
Sec. 24. Visual Imaging for Performance-This course focuses on visual imaging and how it can be integrated into the process of creating performance material and the actual performance event. Enrollment limited.
[309.] Advanced Techniques in Theater and Dance-Courses in selected skills in theater and dance.
(1/2 course credit)
Sec. 10. Costume Design-Enrollment limited.-SclavunosINDEPENDENT AND SENIOR STUDY
[399.] Independent Study-Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar's Office, and the approval of the instructor and chairperson are required for enrollment. (1-2 course credits-Staff
[412.] Senior Seminar: Performance and Theory-This seminar examines an array of theoretical writings on the nature and function of theater and dance as a performed event. Contemporary issues such as the relationship between theater and ideology; the location of the spectator as the Subject of the drama; and strategies for reading performance as text will be explored.-Power
[464.] Senior Project-Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar's Office, and the approval of the instructor and chairperson are required for enrollment. (1/2 course credit)-Staff
[466.] Teaching Assistantship-Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar's Office, and the approval of the instructor and chairperson are required for enrollment. (1/2 -1 course credit)-Staff
[499.] Senior Thesis Part 2-An option available only to student with strong academic records in the major and proven ability to work independently. Individual topics to be selected by the student and approved by departmental faculty. It is expected that the thesis will consist of a substantial written component with a performance or public presentation which relates in some fundamental way to the written part of the thesis. Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar's Office, and the approval of the instructor and chairperson are required for each semester of this year-long thesis (2 course credits are considered pending in the first semester; 2 course credits will be awarded for completion in the second semester.)-Staff
[601.] IDP Study Unit-Independent study guide available only to students in the Individualized Degree Program. Permission of the instructor and a signed permission slip are required for registration. See the IDP Catalogue for a full listing.
[602.] IDP Project-Limited to students in the Individualized Degree Program. Requires submission of a special proposal form which is available in the IDP Office. (0-5 course credits)