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THE 100A - The Creative Habit: Project 1 |
An interdisciplinary arts course considering historical, theoretical, and performative issues in the arts through exploration of a specific topic for the semester. Topics vary and can include such things as performance of a work or one written by the class, a series of exhibitions, study of a particular period, exploration of a concept, among many possibilities. This is the gateway course into the Performing Arts degree program, and is normally taken by PA majors in their first semester at UMF. No prerequisites. Every spring
Credit: 4 |
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THE 115A - Improvisation as Acting Technique |
This course introduces the student to the uses of Improvisation for developing acting techniques and methods in character development. The focus will be on developing fundamental improvisational skills through physical, emotional, and imagination exercises in a collaborative environment. Prerequisites: none. Every fall.
Credit: 4 |
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THE 117A - Contemporary American Theatre |
This course examines playwrights, directors, and designers, and explores the complexity of modern times through new plays of the American stage. Contemporary American Theatre considers all aspects of production through design concepts, technical elements, and performance. Prerequisite: None. Every year.
Credit: 4 |
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THE 122A - Introduction to Scenic and Lighting Design |
This is an intensive survey course exploring the use of lighting and scenic elements in live performance mediums. Using methods, language, theories, and resources developed primarily in traditional live theater, it is the intent of the course to first develop a common language between the collaborative artists that are at the heart of performance design so the intent of the artistic vision can be defined and thus achieved. The course will include lectures, demonstrations, and practical application of ideas, techniques, and methods employed in the traditional collaborative theatrical production process, as well as class discussion about the application of this process to other live performance and collaborative art. Prerequisite: None. Every year.
Credit: 4 |
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THE 177 - Topics in Theatre |
This course allows for the inclusion of electives in other areas of general theatre interest not covered by other courses.(ie single artist or topic). Specific topics to be covered and course availability are variable. Prerequisites: none. Varies.
Credit: 4 |
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THE 202A - Space Lab and Performance |
Space Lab and Performance involves active participation in the production process. Students participate as actors or on technical crews during the semester’s theatre productions. Using the script as a central text, students consider all aspects of the production, from design to performance and character study through current social and historical context. Individual work with the director and designers is considered part of the course experience. This 4-credit course may be repeated for an additional 8 credits. Prerequisites: None. Every semester.
Credit: 4 |
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THE 212A - Play Structure and Analysis |
This course will focus on methodologies for study and understanding the play as a literary genre in relationship to theatre. A variety of plays from Greek to the modern era will be read and discussed applying the Aristotelian concept of play analysis. Prerequisites: none. Every other spring.
Credit: 4 |
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THE 242A - Costume Design |
This course provides an overview of the process of designing costumes for the stage. Students will apply the principles of design to clothing through text analysis and collaborative visual effort. The course will also cover sketch presentations and the building process. Prerequisite: None. Every year.
Credit: 4 |
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THE 252A - Directing Contemporary Theatre I |
An introductory course that focuses on the director's responsibilities including pre-production activities: script selection and analysis and development of a directors and production concept, auditioning, casting, and development of a rehearsal schedule. Rehearsal duties: character development, blocking/picturization, as well as understanding the relationship between director and the various designers: scenic, lighting, costume, makeup, and sound. Students, in relationship with the THE-215 Improvisation: As Acting Technique, will select, audition and direct a final short scene. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing. Every fall.
Credit: 4 |
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THE 260A - Language of Performance |
This course challenges students to develop a greater understanding of the “language” of performance by exploring the numerous prisms (e.g. sound, image, space, language, text, etc.) through which performativity is/can be refracted. Does a sound carry meaning? What is the difference between space and place? What does the presence of stillness suggest? What does a piece of clothing reveal about its wearer? How does light shift our perspective? In order to foster a corporeal interrogation of these questions and others, this course will be run as an interactive workshop and seminar in which we will: engage in various forms of play; analyze and critically evaluate our ideas, arguments and points of view; and learn to apply course material to improve our own performance practices. Students have the option of signing up for this course under SPV 260A, ART 260A, MUS 260A, or THE 260A, but may only receive credit for one. Prerequisite(s): None. Every two years.
Credit: 4 |
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THE 264A - Art and Social Change |
This course challenges us to foster a historical, comparative, and tactile understanding of the relationship between art and social change. How do artists address social issues? Can art transform lives? How can art serve as a force for encouraging ethical dialogue and action within the public sphere? How do we make our ideas and revelations actually matter within our collective place and space? Through lectures, discussions, presentations, and projects we will set about to engage ourselves with the work of contemporary artists who have addressed issues related to the environment, racial and cultural identity, human rights, healthcare, and social justice.
Credit: 4 |
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THE 271A - Making Original Performance |
Making Original Performance explores various non-traditional approaches to devising performance such as composition, improvisation, found object/text work, and physical theatre techniques. No prerequistes. Pass/Fail option. Every other year.
Credit: 4 |
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THE 275A - Social & Political Theatre and Film |
This course examines the context of turbulent environments and considers how theatre and film can be a powerful force in social and political movement. Plays and films are discussed in historical and current context and how technical aspects of a production can influence an audience beyond the script. Prerequisites: none. Every year.
Credit: 4 |
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THE 277 - Topics in Theatre |
This course allows for the inclusion of electives in other areas of General theatre interest not covered by other courses (i.e. single artist or topic). Specific topics to be covered and course availability are variable. Prerequisites: none. Varies.
Credit: 4 |
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THE 278A - Commedia dell'arte |
The study begins with stock characters, masked players and improvisation style of Italy's' historic commedia dell'arte and moves into an exploration of both comic and tragic characters to examine how improvisation works as a foundation for character development in performance. Prerequisites: none. Every year.
Credit: 4 |
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THE 291A - History of Performance as Experiment |
History of Performance as Experiment examines historical moments that inspired radical experimentation within theatre and performance art/live art/performance and traces the impact of these experimentations on contemporary performance movements. No prerequisites. Every other year or as needed.
Credit: 4 |
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THE 300A - Creative Arts Management: Project 2 |
In this course, students will investigate the numerous aesthetic and practical components of arts management from the perspective of independent artists as well as non-profit arts organizations. We will examine differing approaches to duties such as publicity, marketing, grant writing, pitching, etc. from a theoretical standpoint, and then further investigate them through hands-on practice. Pre-requisites: None. Every year.
Credit: 4 |
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THE 352 - Directing Contemporary Theater II |
This course continues with the practices and responsibilities of the director initiated in THE 252A with script selection and analysis, developing a director's and production concept, auditioning, casting and character development. There will be greater emphasis and study in blocking (composition and movement.) The capstone experience will be script selection, auditioning and directing a one-act production for public performance. Prerequisite: THE 252A Directing Contemporary Theatre I and permission of instructor. Every spring. May be taken twice for credit with instructor’s permission.
Credit: 4 |
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THE 377 - Special Topics in Theatre |
Intensive study of a specific theatre-related topic. Varies.
Credit: 4 |
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THE 396 - Performing Arts Internship or Field Work Experience |
This course is an internship or field work project that is in an arts related field. The course is intended to be used for students who are already engaged in an arts related degree and who could benefit from exposure to practical problems relating to the student's academic major. The experience may include work for a social or governmental agency, an individual, a campus arts facility, or for business or industry. Proposals, as well as confirmation from the potential internship supervisor should be developed in consultation with a faculty member and submitted to the department chair prior to registration. Credits will be allowed on the basis of 32 work hours for each credit. (Pass/Fail only) Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor. Every Semester.
Credit: 1-4 |
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THE 397 - Independent Study in Theatre |
Advanced project in directing, Internship or student's area of interest initiated by course elements within the curriculum. Course may be repeated, but THE 397 and THE 497 may not exceed 12 credits. Prerequisites: Permissions of instructor and the Arts Division chairperson. Varies.
Credit: 2-4 |
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THE 400A - The Creative Project: Project 3 |
The senior capstone, The Creative Project: Project 3 is designed to culminate a student’s work in the Performing Arts major. The Project can be interdisciplinary where students incorporate work learned in a minor in a field outside the Performing Arts major. Although students usually work individually, collaborations are an option. Prerequisites: MUS/THE 200, MUS/THE 300, or permission. Every year.
Credit: 4 |
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THE 477 - Topics in Theatre |
The study of a specialized topic not offered in the usual curriculum. Varies.
Credit: 2-4 |
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THE 497 - Independent Study in Theatre |
Advanced project in directing or design and execution of projects in costumes, lighting or scenery, depending upon the student's interest and choice. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and The Arts Division chairperson. Varies.
Credit: 2-4 |
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