B.A. in Theatre

A study of gestures as a form of communication and as a basis for visual language. Concentration on the ability to think in pictures and to develop expressive and receptive communication skills in gestures. This course develops artistic sign language translation skills and leads to better understanding of the basic structures of American Sign Language.

The popularity of film, memes and viral videos, and streaming shows in this day and age overshadow the fact that theatre was among the earliest forms of popular entertainment and social media. As an enduring art rich in varying social contexts, theatre has always sought to engage, represent, and spotlight intersectional spectrums of communities and identities, and this course introduces students to the practice and power of theatre from page to stage. All areas of theatre and production will be explored, complemented by 1) a set of required lab hours outside class and 2) viewings of live performances and past performances via archival video links. Successful completion of this course is a requirement for declaring one's major/minor in Theatre Arts.

Students will be introduced to the creative processes and tools of acting through the continuous application of rehearsal strategies incorporating exercises designed to strengthen basic skillsets in observation, sense and emotion memory, concentration, improvisation, and scene study, with individual and group work involving monologues and scenes. This course will culminate in a student performance showcase at the end of the semester.

This course is an analysis of the poetic and dramatic structure of some of Shakespeare's major comedies, tragedies, romances, and history plays, with a consideration of the background of the plays.

This introductory course familiarizes students with theories of body movement and trains students in the use of physical space, rhythm, and balance for the purpose of creating mood and character through body movement within a theatrical context.

This experimental studio course introduces students to the principles, processes, and techniques—such as Commedia dell’Arte, clowning, Lecoq, Viewpoints, among others—guiding the creation of physical and visual theatre intended to challenge and confront the traditionally text-oriented nature of performance, while exploring the relationship between body and language.  This course will conclude with a performance of original works devised by students at the end of the semester.

This course is one within which creating play scripts for the theatre is explored through active practice and discussion. Major components of play creating, including action, dialogue, and character development are studied and refined through the completion and workshopping of developmental assignments, providing and receiving constructive criticism, and experiencing the work of contemporary theatre makers via readings and viewings. Upon completion of the course, each student will have created and revised two ten-minute plays. Open to non-majors..

This course is designed to give the student hands on experience in the art of stagecraft. To that end, the student will have opportunities to use the basic tools, procedures, and equipment for creating the types of scenery encountered in the theatre shop environment. Other topics include construction, rigging, production processes, and stage equipment. Open to non-majors.

This course serves as a basic introduction to stage combat as a craft with direct applications to theatre and film: students will learn the fundamentals of unarmed combat, such as falls, rolls, throws and flips, various punches, kicks, and blocks. Training emphasis is placed on actor safety, script analysis and interpretation, and choreographing and performing various sequences of violence as specified in various scripts.  At the end of the semester, this course culminates in a public showcase performance of staged fight sequences devised and choreographed by students, who will then undergo a Skills Proficiency Test  (SPT) given and adjudicated by a Fight Master recognized by the Society of American Fight Directors  (SAFD).  For Theatre Arts majors and minors, and open to non-majors.  

This course trains the actor to create the illusion of physical violence involving hand-held weapons. The focus is on safe technique, the physical discipline of impulse response, and moment-to-moment playing and reaction.  Proper usage of weapons recognized by the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD) ----Smallsword, Single-sword, Broadsword, Knife, Quarterstaff, Rapier & Dagger and/or Sword & Shield) will be studied and practiced.  At the end of the semester, this course culminates in a public showcase performance of staged weapon-specific fights devised and choreographed by students, who will then undergo a Skills Proficiency Test (SPT) given and adjudicated by a Fight Master recognized by the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD).  For Theatre Arts majors and minors, and open to non-majors.  

This course is designed to acquaint the student with major styles and periods of dress from Egyptian to pre-World War I European as a basis of later work in costume design. Viewed through slides, photographs, and actual historical documentation, a flow of design and change is seen.

This course will focus on methodology and practice of creative movement and drama for children ages 3 to 6 (preschool and kindergarten). Students will become familiar with the use of creative movement, mime, improvisation, story dramatization, storytelling, puppetry and use of multisensory stimuli and learn how to adapt activities for children with special needs. Emphasis will be on the application of these techniques to language development, social learning, concept formation, emotional development, and creativity. Resources will include multiethnic themes, stories, and folklore.

This course focuses on methodology and practice of educational drama applied to multidisciplinary learning within the first through sixth grade curricula. Students will be introduced to theme and story based improvisation, story dramatization, role play, and teacher-in-role strategies, and learn how to adapt activities for children with special needs. Curricular areas include language arts, social studies, science, and math, with additional focus on examining emotional development, and creativity. Current trends in assessment of drama will also be explored. Resources will include multiethnic themes, stories, and folklore.

This course focuses on methodology and practice of educational drama applied to multidisciplinary learning within the sixth through twelfth grade curricula. Students explore the use of theme and literature based improvisation, role play, and teacher-in-role strategies applied primarily to language arts and social studies, including sociology, history, government, and current events. Additional emphasis will be placed on examining emotional development and creativity. Resources will include multiethnic themes, stories, and folklore.

This course will begin with a review of the history, influences, and development of theatre for young audiences in the twentieth century. Particular emphasis will be placed on examining current trends in theatre for youth including; standards for professional theatre, standards for in-school theatre programs, dramatic literature, and theatre-in-education. In addition to readings from text: Children's Theatre, Children and Youth by Jed H. Davis and Mary Jane Evans, students will read selected plays from Dramatic Literature for Children: A century in Review by Roger L. Bedard, and Spit in One Hand, Wish in the Other: Six Plays by Suzan Zeder for Youth Audiences, by Susan Pearson-Davis. Student will attend theatre performances in the Washington, D.C. area.

This experimental course introduces students to the fundamentals of theatre directing and allows them--through discussions, readings, exercises, and various projects--to explore multiple forms of expression integral to the director's imagination and toolbox. Open to non-majors.

This follow-up course to PFA 470, 472 and 474 is designed to give students professional on-site experience and training with deaf and hard of hearing children and children who have special educational needs. Students will meet with classroom teachers and prepare age appropriate drama lessons that support classroom long and short term objectives. Students will work in at least two different classrooms during the semester.

A project in the field of the student's special interest, involving reading, research, discussion, and/or lab work. Title indicating content must be available at registration.

This course provides students an opportunity to earn academic credit by working behind the scenes in support of the design and technical aspects of a theatre production being mounted per semester. Students will develop practical skill sets and an essential knowledge of the logistics required for the successful mounting of a theatre production by working in one of its related areas: stage management, scenery, lighting, costumes, props, technical production.

The student’s specific assignment will be made by the theatre faculty and/or technical director ahead of each production, taking into consideration each student’s experience and the technical needs of each production.

For Theatre majors:
PFA 281 and PFA 282 may be taken repeatedly—either as all PFA 281, all PFA 282, or any combination of both—toward a minimum total of nine (9) practicum credits. After fulfilling this requirement, either course may be taken again for elective credit by students who wish to pursue additional production experience. Both courses count toward CORE/Engage requirements as well as the nine-credit Theatre Arts major practicum requirement. Students who have already satisfied one or both of these requirements may continue to enroll in PFA 281 and/or PFA 282 for additional elective credit.

For Theatre minors:

PFA 281 and PFA 282 may be taken repeatedly—either as all PFA 281, all PFA 282, or any combination of both—toward a minimum total of six (6) practicum credits. After fulfilling this requirement, either course may be taken again for elective credit by students who wish to pursue additional production experience. Both courses count toward CORE/Engage requirements as well as the six-credit Theatre Arts minor practicum requirement. Students who have already satisfied one or both of these requirements may continue to enroll in PFA 281 and/or PFA 282 for additional elective credit.

For non–Theatre majors and minors:

PFA 281 and PFA 282 may be taken to satisfy a CORE/Engage requirement and/or as free elective credit. These courses may be repeated up to four (4) times per course.

This course allows students to earn academic credit by performing as an actor or serving as a member of a stage management team in a theatre production directed by Performing Arts faculty or guest artists. Enrollment requires attendance and active participation in all scheduled rehearsals, meetings, and performances.

Only students who have been cast or assigned to a stage management role in a production directed by Performing Arts faculty or guest artists should register for Performance Practicum. Students participating in productions not directed by Performing Arts faculty may be eligible for credit with prior faculty approval.

For Theatre majors:
PFA 281 and PFA 282 may be taken repeatedly—either as all PFA 281, all PFA 282, or any combination of both—toward a minimum total of nine (9) practicum credits. After fulfilling this requirement, either course may be taken again for elective credit by students who wish to pursue additional production experience. Both courses count toward CORE/Engage requirements as well as the nine-credit Theatre Arts major practicum requirement. Students who have already satisfied one or both of these requirements may continue to enroll in PFA 281 and/or PFA 282 for additional elective credit.

For Theatre minors:

PFA 281 and PFA 282 may be taken repeatedly—either as all PFA 281, all PFA 282, or any combination of both—toward a minimum total of six (6) practicum credits. After fulfilling this requirement, either course may be taken again for elective credit by students who wish to pursue additional production experience. Both courses count toward CORE/Engage requirements as well as the six-credit Theatre Arts minor practicum requirement. Students who have already satisfied one or both of these requirements may continue to enroll in PFA 281 and/or PFA 282 for additional elective credit.

For non–Theatre majors and minors:

PFA 281 and PFA 282 may be taken to satisfy a CORE/Engage requirement and/or as free elective credit. These courses may be repeated up to four (4) times per course.

This internship course provides students a way to integrate theory with practice by working for an off-campus employer. Students will apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom, or during stage productions, by interning at a professional theatre, a theatre organization, or in an educational setting. Students will fulfill the duties outlined in a learning contract developed with the on-site supervisor and a faculty sponsor. Student performance will be assessed via products agreed upon in the learning contract, including, but not limited to, weekly journals, reflective papers, direct involvement with stage/television/film performances, and classroom/workshop teachings.