| Theatre & Dance |
THDA 435 - Introduction to Theatre
Credits:
4.00
Introduces all aspects of theatrical production: play
writing, acting, directing, design, technical theatre and
construction, and theatre management. Cultural and social
context of theatre in our time and through the ages.
Introduces major classical and modern types of theatre.
Selected plays are read and discussed, and attendance at
theatrical production is required. Special fee.
THDA 436 - History of Theatre I
Credits:
4.00
History and theory in its social framework from the
beginnings to 1700. Writing intensive.
THDA 436H - Honors/History of Theatre I
Credits:
4.00
See description for THDA 436. Writing intensive.
THDA 438 - History of Theatre II
Credits:
4.00
History and theory in its social framework from 1700 to
the present. Writing intensive.
THDA 438H - Honors/History of Theatre II
Credits:
4.00
See description for THDA 438. Writing intensive.
THDA 442 - Introduction to the Art of Acting
Credits:
4.00
Designed for non-THDA major students interested in the art
of acting. Students broaden and deepen their own
creativity, gain a deeper understanding of human behavior
and interaction, and strengthen analytical skills through
class work and projects. Focuses on the basic skills of
acting: the ability to effectively communicate, to gain
access to the full spectrum of human emotions, and increase
spontaneity. Important innovators and theorists in the
field of theatre and acting are covered, such as Sanford
Meisner, Constantine Stanislavski, Bertolt Brecht, Jerzy
Grotowsky, Agusto Boal, and Jacques Lacoq. Additional
topics include contemporary plays and playwrights, an
historical perspective of the art of acting, and the
current state of live theatrical performance.
THDA 450 - History of Musical Theatre in America
Credits:
4.00
Study of the development of the musical and its
relationship to American social history. Special fee.
THDA 458 - Costume Construction
Credits:
4.00
Study and development of costuming techniques, including
hand and machine sewing, pattern drafting, alterations,
and fabric manipulation. Emphasis on demonstrated
understanding. Special fee.
THDA 459 - Stagecraft
Credits:
4.00
Elements of play production: basic building components,
tools, and materials for producing the scenery; equipment
and shop layouts supporting all of the areas of the set,
lighting, and costume designs; and consideration of various
stage spaces and theatrical venues. Practical application
on University theatre productions. Special fee. Lab.
THDA 461 - Modern Dance I
Credits:
4.00
Introductory course that includes techniques and
improvisation as well as lectures in history and theory.
(Also listed as KIN 604.)
THDA 462 - Ballet I
Credits:
4.00
Introductory course: technique, historical development of
ballet. Students who have had several years of ballet are
expected to register for THDA 562 or 662. Instructor
determines appropriate level. Not open to seniors.
THDA 463 - Theatre Dance I
Credits:
4.00
Introductory course: techniques; improvisation; lectures
on jazz, ethnic, and other theatrical dance forms.
Students with prior experience are expected to register for
THDA 563 or 663. Instructor determines appropriate level.
Not open to seniors. Special fee.
THDA 470 - Movement and Vocal Production
Credits:
4.00
Expansion of the student's vocal and physical/kinesthetic
awareness, utilizing basic theories and lessons of Lessac,
Laban, and Alexander. Text exploration is supplemented with
exercises from Berry. Permission required.
THDA 475 - Stage Makeup
Credits:
2.00
Fundamentals of juvenile, old age, character, and special
stage makeup techniques. Special fee.
THDA 487 - Dance
Credits:
4.00
Historical and philosophical consideration of dance
trends. Not a performance course.
THDA 520 - Creative Drama
Credits:
4.00
Drama techniques leading to the design and execution of
drama sessions with children. Includes role-playing,
improvisation, and story dramatization. Lab.
THDA 532 - London Experience
Credits:
2.00
Exploration of the culture and history of London while
enhancing study of live theatre prior to active study in
the country. May be repeated to a maximum of 4 credits.
Special fee. IA (continuous grading).
THDA 541 - Art and Theatre Administration
Credits:
4.00
Administration practices applied to arts, music, and
theatre management. Fund raising, public relations,
business and box office management, audience development
and long range planning.
THDA 546 - Costume Design for the Theatre
Credits:
4.00
How to design costumes for the theatre, not figure
drawing, although drawing techniques are taught. Script
analysis and research and presentational techniques for
costume design explored and implemented. Special fee.
THDA 547 - Stage Properties
Credits:
4.00
Research and manufacture of period and modern stage, trim,
and hand properties. Prereq: THDA 459. Special fee.
THDA 548 - Stage Lighting Design and Execution
Credits:
4.00
Script analysis, the light plot, and instrument schedule,
including cue-writing, color, instrumentation, and the
mechanics of developing a functional design. Special fee.
THDA 550 - Actor's Voice Through Text
Credits:
4.00
Continuing development of the actor's techniques for
creating increased vocal expressiveness. Addresses the
methods of varying vocal style and presentation through
in-depth analysis and interpretation of the text. Prereq:
THDA 470.
THDA 551 - Acting I
Credits:
4.00
Development of fundamental vocal and physical stage
techniques for actors and directors through exercises,
improvisation and theatre games. Special fee.
THDA 552 - Acting II
Credits:
4.00
Focuses on strengthening the actor's ability to achieve a
higher level of truth, presence, and spontaneity on stage.
Building on the approach devised by Sanford Meisner, this
highly intensive class creates a bridge to connect these
developing skills to various forms of text. Prereq: THDA
551. Special fee.
THDA 555 - Exploring Musical Theatre
Credits:
4.00
Introduces musical theatre as an American art form.
Discussion and analyses of performing, acting, and staging
techniques. Permission required. Lab. Special fee.
THDA 562 - Ballet II
Credits:
2.00
Extension of ballet I syllabus; emphasis is on technique,
with additional step vocabulary. May be repeated once for
credit. Prereq: THDA 462 or permission.
THDA 563 - Theatre Dance II
Credits:
2.00
Technique; African-Cuban, modern, and East Indian dance;
body movement through exercise and combinations involving
stretch, strength, and flexibility. May be repeated for
credit. Prereq; THDA 463 or permission. Special fee.
THDA 576 - Pointe
Credits:
2.00
Intermediate course in the art of dancing on pointe. Focus
on technique involved in gaining strength and on
methodology for understanding the art of the ballerina.
THDA 583 - Introduction to Puppetry
Credits:
4.00
Introduces the art of puppetry for general appreciation,
entertainment, application in the classroom, and as a
therapeutic tool. Emphasis on constructing a variety of
puppets (e.g., hand, rod, shadow, and scarf) and adapting
literary sources for scripts and performance. (Not open to
seniors.) Special fee.
THDA 586 - Dance Pedagogy
Credits:
4.00
Introduces the art and science of teaching the movement
forms of ballet, modern, jazz, and tap. Provides a general
background into the nature of teaching, standards that make
up good teaching, and methods of teaching dance that allow
for technical proficiency to develop. Students focus on
pedagogic approaches to learning their art and craft.
THDA 592A - Special Topics
Credits:
1.00 to 4.00
Special topics, projects in theatre and dance. Content
varies according to needs and interests of students and
faculty. Course descriptions are available in department
office. May be repeated for credit.
THDA 597 - Dance Theatre Performance
Credits:
2.00
Designed for students participating in UNH Dance Theatre
Company. Skill development through rehearsal and actual
performance experience. May be repeated for credit.
THDA 622 - Storytelling, Story Theatre, and Involvement Dramatics
Credits:
4.00
Students actively develop storytelling techniques based on
individual needs. Includes an examination of story theatre
and involvement styles and the development of the ensemble.
Special fee.
THDA 624A - Theatre for Young Audiences/Acting
Credits:
4.00
Introduces coaching and directing techniques for classical
and contemporary acting styles in theatre for young
audiences. A brief historical context leads into practical
exploration of coaching situations. Students are expected
to demonstrate effective acting techniques and to develop
teaching strategies for young performers by participating
in a culminating performance or project. Prereq: THDA 436
or 438.
THDA 624B - Theatre for Young Audiences/Directing
Credits:
4.00
Introduces to every aspect of theatre production for young
audiences. A brief historical context leads into practical
exploration of directing, research, playwriting, design,
actor training, choreography, production, and business
management for theatre for youth programs. Students develop
teaching strategies for young performers and participate in
a culminating performance. Prereq: THDA 436 or THDA 438.
Special fee.
THDA 632 - Interpretation of Shakespeare in Theatre
Credits:
4.00
Increases understanding of Shakespeare's language and
action, and improves ability to speak his verse and prose
with clarity and verve. Students achieve insights into
Shakespeare's plays through the medium of performance.
Weekly oral and written assignments. Prereq: THDA 551 and
THDA 552; or permission of instructor.
THDA 633 - Dance Composition
Credits:
4.00
Practical, developmental approach to process of creating
dances. Prereq: THDA 561; 562; 563;/or permission. Special
fee.
THDA 638 - American Theatre: 1920-1970
Credits:
4.00
A survey of American plays from O'Neill onward. Students
read and analyze two plays a week. Oral, written, and
theatrical assignments. Prereq: (one of the following) THDA
436, THDA 438, THDA 450 or permission of the instructor.
THDA 641 - Stage Management
Credits:
2.00
Introduces to the concepts and skills needed for stage
management. Stage managers perform a central role in the
theatrical production, coordinating artistic and technical
elements. They need a thorough understanding of the script,
strong management skills, and a solid background in all
aspects of the theatre. Prepares students to function as a
stage manager in productions at any theatre. Prereq: (one
of the following) THDA 459; 551; 597; 655; or 741. Special
fee.
THDA 650 - Scene Painting for the Theatre
Credits:
2.00
Scene painting analyzed. Techniques and media to create a
larger-than-life approach to scale, equipment for
conversion, and appropriate stylistic techniques for
enlargement reviewed. Employs basic painting techniques and
methods of paint application, but scale conversion
technique extend the training of easel painters. Prereq:
THDA 459.
THDA 651 - Rendering for the Theatre
Credits:
2.00
Theatrical rendering is a presentational arrangement of
given items in perspective appropriate to a set or in a
costume at a frozen moment during the production,
indicating appropriate mood, atmosphere, and depth. For the
theatre, this is generally done in watercolor, but many
other media are possible and are explored. Prereq: THDA 459.
THDA 652 - Scene Design
Credits:
4.00
Scene design from script to finished design. Both
aesthetic and practical viewpoints considered. Emphasis on
presentational techniques: study of perspective and
finished rendering. Prereq: THDA 459.
THDA 653A - Performance Project
Credits:
2.00
Application of prior coursework to a formal theatre
production or to an individual performance or teaching
project. Substantial written work is factored into the
final grade. May be repeated. Writing intensive.
THDA 653B - Performance Project/Musical Theatre
Credits:
2.00
Application of prior coursework to a formal theatre
production or to an individual performance or teaching
project related to Musical Theatre. Substantial written
work is factored into the final grade. May be repeated.
Special fee. Writing intensive.
THDA 654 - Scenic Arts Project
Credits:
2.00
Application of prior coursework to a formal theatre
production or to an individual performance or teaching
project. Substantial written work is factored into the
final grade. May be repeated. Writing intensive.
THDA 655 - Musical Theatre Styles
Credits:
4.00
Gives an increased understanding of performing and
directing techniques as they apply to musical theatre.
Students gain knowledge of various writers, and historical
periods, and apply their knowledge to a variety of
performance styles. Focuses on the discussion and
application of auditioning, acting, and staging techniques.
Special fee. Lab. Permission required. Writing intensive.
THDA 656 - Musical Theatre Repertoire and Audition
Credits:
4.00
Students read and analyze selected texts and scores from
the 20th Century Musical Theatre and use their combined
readings and research to develop audition repertoire
materials. Class participants are expected to demonstrate
an understanding of subject matter through shared oral
presentations and written work throughout the term. Prereq:
THDA 655 or permission. Special fee.
THDA 657 - Play Reading
Credits:
4.00
A high-volume reading course which introduces a breadth
dramatic literature from ancient times to the present.
Reading lists vary according to interests and needs of
students. Students read and analyze three plays/week.
THDA 662 - Ballet III
Credits:
2.00
Advanced-level course in technique; pointe work included.
May be repeated for credit. Prereq: THDA 562 or permission.
THDA 663 - Theatre Dance III
Credits:
2.00
Extension of Theatre Dance I and II; brings students to a
more advanced technical level. May be repeated for credit.
Prereq: Theatre Dance II. Special fee.
THDA 665 - Aerial Dance
Credits:
2.00
The study of aerial arts including two and one point
trapeze and fabric. May be repeated for credit. Prereq:
THDA 662 or 663. Permission required.
THDA 670 - Dialects
Credits:
4.00
Study and practice in basic dialect acquisition for
performers. Prereq: THDA 470, 551. Permission required.
Special fee.
THDA 683 - Advanced Puppetry
Credits:
4.00
In-depth study of the theory and practice of puppetry for
the advanced student. Students develop skills in
manipulation and construction of selected puppet forms and
apply these skills in performance. Examines historical
perspectives and the application of puppetry in the
classroom and as a therapeutic tool. Prereq: THDA 583 or
permission. Special fee.
THDA 684 - Special Topics
Credits:
2.00 to 4.00
Exploration of topics agreed upon by students and
instructor. Topics vary. May be repeated.
THDA 689 - Practicum
Credits:
1.00
The practicum ensures a breadth of experience in the
major. Students should register for a different topic each
semester during the sophomore and junior years. A)
technical, B) costumes, C) performance, D) management. May
be repeated for up to 6 credits. Cr/F.
THDA 691 - Internship
Credits:
2.00 to 8.00
Fieldwork with a regional or touring theatre. This
advanced level internship allows the student to experience
a professional theatre setting prior to graduation.
Normally supervised by a qualified theatre professional,
with frequent consultation with a faculty sponsor. A
written report is required. May be part- or full-time with
credits assigned accordingly. Permission required. Student
must also register for a graded 4-credit independent study.
May be repeated up to a maximum of 8 credits. Cr/F.
THDA 721 - Education through Dramatization
Credits:
4.00
An advanced course that is paired with Methods of Teaching
Theatre. Provides in-depth study and practice of
integrated arts lessons in K-12 school curricula. Prereq:
THDA 520. Special fee. Writing intensive.
THDA 727 - Methods of Teaching Theatre
Credits:
2.00 to 4.00
The capstone of the theatre education major's studies.
Designed for students who are preparing to enter student
teaching. Provides practical information, skills, and
lesson plans that theatre teachers use as source material
for the secondary classroom. Covers a wide range of
teaching models. Students define and articulate a personal
teaching philosophy, write comprehensive semester curricula
and course syllabi, and create an extracurricular program
plan and philosophy. Prereq: THDA 520. Special fee. Writing
intensive.
THDA 729 - Community Oriented Drama Programs
Credits:
1.00 to 4.00
Advanced practicum in designing, developing, and producing
drama programs for the school and community. Includes
audience analysis and marketing skills as well as adapting
spaces, soliciting volunteers, and working with a limited
budget. May be repeated to a maximum of 4 credits.
THDA 732 - Choreography
Credits:
4.00
Theoretical and practical consideration of the creative
and aesthetic aspects of ballet, modern, and theatre
dance. Prereq: THDA 633. Special fee.
THDA 741 - Directing
Credits:
4.00
A process oriented approach to the art of stage directing.
The course begins with an in-depth focus on script
analysis. Students then develop their skills as the "master
storyteller" through imagination, interpretation,
communication, and style. Prereq: THDA 551 and THDA 552.
Special fee.
THDA 742 - Directing II
Credits:
4.00
In-depth study of the theory and practice of stage
direction for the advanced student. Builds on 741,
Directing. Students strengthen and expand their existing
knowledge of the subject area. Exploration focuses on three
areas of directorial communication: application to periods
and styles, exploration of avant-garde theory, and
directorial technique. Concludes with a major project
mounted for public performance. Prereq: THDA 741. Special fe
THDA #750 - Writing for Performance
Credits:
4.00
An intensive exploration of the playwright's process. A
mixture of theory and creative writing. Students will
incorporate the fundamentals of creating a script in a
step-by-step process from monologues and scenes to the
completion of a one-act play. Though the focus of the
course is on writing for the stage, the process is
applicable to screen and teleplay writing. Special fee.
(Not offered every year.)
THDA 755 - Advanced Musical Theatre
Credits:
4.00
Emphasis on characterizations and directing techniques.
Use of scripts and scores of representative composers,
lyricists, and librettists. Permission required. Lab.
Special fee.
THDA 756 - Producing and Directing the Musical
Credits:
4.00
Focuses on analyzing musical scripts/scores from the
viewpoint of the producer and the director. Learning is
theoretical and performance-based. Prereq: THDA 555.
Special fee.
THDA 758 - Acting III
Credits:
4.00
Applies the principles and techniques acquired by students
in THDA 551 and THDA 552 to various genres, such as epic
and absurdist, and to mediums such as television and film.
Special attention is given to characterization beyond the
student's standard range and the development of the actor
as a creative artist, using the techniques of such
methodologists as Lacoq, Laban, and Grotowski. Prereq: THDA
551 and THDA 552. Special fee.
THDA 759 - Acting: Period and Style
Credits:
4.00
Techniques of style analysis and period research. For the
first time in the students' undergraduate actor training,
students synthesize their basic actor training with the
heightened language and archetypal characterization
inherent in the classical theatre of the ancient Greeks,
the Commedia d'Elle Arte, the Renaissance, the Neoclassical
period, and the Restoration period. Prereq: THDA 470, 551,
552; one semester of THDA 436 or THDA 438, or permission.
THDA 760 - History and Play Analysis for Teachers
Credits:
4.00
Focuses on how to teach the areas of history, play
analysis, and playwriting to high school students. Lesson
plan writing, an integral part of the class, explores
different methods of introducing theatre history and play
analysis in secondary education classrooms. Includes
playwriting through original scripting as well as writing
adaptations. Prereq: THDA 436 or THDA 438.
THDA 762 - Women in 20th and 21st Century American Theatre
Credits:
4.00
A high-volume reading course which introduces a sampling
of American female playwrights starting with the 20th
century. Focus is on the evolution of female theatre
artists and how roles of women are portrayed in various
dramatic works. Reading lists may vary according to the
interests and needs of students. Students read and analyze
two to three plays/week. Prereq: THDA 436, 438, 450 or a
History Gen. Ed., or permission of instructor.
THDA 781 - Short Courses for Teachers and Directors
Credits:
3.00 or 4.00
Each of these intensive short courses for elementary,
middle, and high school teachers focuses on expanding
production skills and methods of implementing theatre and
dance techniques in the classroom. Topics may include
puppetry, storytelling, play production for the elementary
and middle school teacher; makeup; performing the musical
with elementary and middle school students; play production
for middle school and high school teacher; basic
choreography for the school musical; script adaptation; the
use of drama to enhance reading and writing; set and
lighting design; and design and construction techniques;
teaching/directing Shakespeare; theatre pedagogy/advanced
methods of teaching theatre; analysis and research; putting
arts in the classroom; and integrated arts. Continuing
education and professional development is also available
for graduate education credit. (Also offered as EDUC 998.)
Special fee. May be repeated.
THDA 791 - Internship in Theatre and Dance
Credits:
2.00 to 8.00
Fieldwork with a regional or touring theatre or with a
theatre education program. This advanced-level internship
allows the student to experience a professional
theatre/theatre education setting prior to graduation.
Normally supervised by a qualified theatre professional,
with frequent consultation with a faculty sponsor. Written
report required. May be part- or full-time with credits
assigned accordingly. Permission required. May be repeated
up to a maximum of 8 credits.
THDA 795 - Independent Study
Credits:
1.00 to 8.00
Advanced individual study. Specific independent study
opportunities are sometimes posted in the Theatre and
Dance Department Office. Project, which includes a
substantial piece of writing, must be developed with
supervising instructor. May be repeated. Writing intensive.
THDA 796 - Independent Study
Credits:
1.00 to 8.00
See description for THDA 795. Writing intensive.
THDA 798 - Senior Thesis
Credits:
2.00
Supervised research leading to the presentation of a major
research paper. Prereq: permission, majors only, senior
standing. Writing intensive.
THDA 798H - Honors Senior Thesis
Credits:
4.00
Supervised research leading to the presentation of a major
research paper; the resulting paper is defended in an oral
presentation before department faculty. Required for
graduation from the honors program in Theatre and Dance.
Prereq: permission, majors only, and senior standing.
Writing intensive.
THDA 799 - Capstone Project
Credits:
2.00 or 4.00
This required course incorporates and tests the knowledge
that majors have learned over their careers in the
Department of Theatre and Dance. Capstone experiences are
tailored to each student through conference with their
adviser in their specific Theatre and Dance track. Writing
intensive.