Theatre and Dance (THD)
Associate Professors Fike, Jezewski and Morris; Assistant Professor Dalziel.
Movement is the common denominator of theatre and dance. Both the actor and the dancer use their bodies in space as a prime means of expression. Alma's Theatre and Dance Department joins these two areas, stressing the development of imagination, creativity and performance skills. Several theatre and dance productions are presented each term.
Theatre and Dance graduates find employment in professional, educational and community theatre; arts administration; or in such non-theatre areas as broadcasting, social work and public relations.
Major Requirements
Emphasis in Dance: Thirty-six credits which must include eight credits of Dance Studio Technique choosing from Theatre and Dance 140, 142, 144, 145, 240, 242, 244, 340, 342, 344 and 345 (any of which may be repeated for credit); 12 credits of Dance Theory 220, 350 and 351; eight credits of Choreography 201, 301; four credits of Theatre; and four credits of Dance electives.
Emphasis in Theatre: Thirty-six credits which must include THD 125, 170, 171 and 232; eight credits from among THD 261, 262 and 263; four credits from Dance Studio Technique courses which include: THD 140, 142, 144, 145, 147, 240, 242, 244, 245 (any of which may be repeated for credit) and THD 141 (which may not be repeated for credit); plus eight credits in advanced-level Theatre courses.
All Majors are required to take the departmental comprehensive examination which is administered by the Department on campus at the end of the Winter Term of the senior year.
Required Cognates for Dance Major
Eight credits selected from among the following courses: MUS 120, EHS 225, EHS 226 and BUS 121. Other courses may be substituted with prior approval from the Department.
Required Cognates for Theatre Major
Twenty credits selected from among the following courses: ART 111, 112, 113, 122 or 140; ENG 132, 133, 230, 240, 354 or 364; MUS 113 or 120; or PHL 224.
Minor Requirements
Emphasis in Dance: Twenty-four credits which must include six credits of Dance Studio Technique choosing from THD 140, 142, 144, 145, 240, 242, 244, 340, 342, 344 and 345 (any of which may be repeated for credit); eight credits of Dance History 350, 351; four credits of Theatre; four credits of Choreography 201 plus two credits of dance electives.
Students bound for graduate school or the dance-teaching profession should choose courses to support their area of emphasis. Participation in research and additional coursework in choreography, pedagogy, theatre, music, business, physiology and anatomy are desirable.
Emphasis in Theatre: Twenty-four credits which must include THD 125, 170 or 171; THD 232; four credits from THD 261, 262 or 263; four credits from THD 146 or Dance studio (technique) courses; plus four credits of Theatre electives.
| THD 123. | Oral Interpretation (AH-4) | |
|---|---|---|
 |
4 credits | |
| Analysis and performance of poetry, prose and drama. Fundamentals of vocal techniques practiced separately, then carried into performance. (Also listed as COM 123) | ||
| THD 125. | Acting (AH-1) | |
| 4 credits | ||
| Introduction to acting through participation in exercises which emphasize moment-to-moment acting from the actor's impulse in contact with a partner. Culminates with class performance. | ||
| THD 136. | Children's Drama (AH-1) | |
| 4 credits | ||
| Techniques for conducting theatre games and other dramatic activities with children. Activities arranged in area public schools to bring children actively into a framework of improvisational role-playing, helping them explore and express ideas and feelings through dramatic enactment. | ||
| THD 140. | Modern Dance I Beginning (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| Development of modern dance as a performing art. Movement exploration exercises and beginning techniques of modern dance. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD 141. | Social Dance (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| Application of basic steps and variations of the cha cha, Charleston, jitterbug, polka and waltz. | ||
| THD 142. | Tap Dance I Beginning (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| Elementary exploration of rhythms and steps basic to the art form of tap dancing. Study of terminology and technique. Beginning tap routines with elementary progressions. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD 143. | Yoga I - The Experience (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| Yoga complements the dancer as well as the human being in many ways, particularly in the physical realm. Slow stretching and breathing increase flexibility and awareness, and restore tone and vitality. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD 144. | Ballet I Beginning (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| Development of ballet as a performing art. Build strength and develop body carriage/posture and learn basic techniques of ballet. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD 145. | Jazz Dance I Beginning (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| Development of jazz dance as a performing art. Principles of basic jazz dance. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD 146. | Dance/Theatre Experience (AH-1) | |
| 4 credits | ||
| Investigation of dance as an art form. Involves movement awareness, improvisation, exploratory exercises and movement games designed to build trust. Collaboration with class members to create a performance atmosphere is an integral part of the course. Students design environments dealing with the theatrical aspect of dance. | ||
| THD 147. | Techniques of the Male Repertoire (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| Development of the male repertoire of dance as a performing art. Building strength, developing body carriage/posture, and learning the skills of the specific male repertoire of movement. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD 148. | Highland Dance I (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| Introduction to basic movements, steps and terminology of Highland Dance. Emphasis on fundamentals of footwork and introduction to history and cultural background of Scottish dances. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD 149. | Pointe I Beginning (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| THD 144 or Permission | ||
| Development of classical ballet skill techniques en pointe. Principles of beginning pointe technique are displayed and discussed. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD 150. | Theatre Company (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| Participation in acting and technical work on departmental productions with actual rehearsal and performance. May be elected more than once for credit. | ||
| THD 151. | Alma College Dance Company (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| Permission/Audition only | ||
| Participation in dance concerts throughout the term. Opportunities for choreography, performance and organizational planning. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD 152. | Theatre Administration | |
| 1 credit | ||
| Participation in business areas required to create, manage and address audience needs for all departmental productions: publicity, programs, box office and house management. May be elected more than once for credit. | ||
| THD 170. | Theatre Crafts (AH-1) | |
| 4 credits | ||
| Introduction to the terminology, technology and techniques of technical production in the performing arts. Laboratory sessions in the theatre, workshops and backstage assignments on department productions ensure practice of the topics discussed in class. | ||
| THD 171. | Design for the Theatre (AH-1) | |
| 4 credits | ||
| THD 170 | ||
| Introduction to the design of the physical environment in the theatre. Consideration of scenery, costume, lighting and sound for live performance; their unifying aesthetic principles and distinctions. Culminates in class presentation of student designs for particular plays. | ||
| THD 199. | Independent Study | |
| 1-4 credits | ||
| Permission | ||
| Supervised reading, research or projects. | ||
| THD 201. | Choreography I (AH-1) | |
| 4 credits | ||
| Analysis of choreographic styles. Principles of various choreographers examined and experienced. Development of individual skills for choreographing. | ||
| THD 211. | Partnering (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| Permission | ||
| Introduction to partnering through participation in exercises in a hands-on environment. Build strength, develop body awareness, learn specific partnering skills. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD 220. | Creative Movement for Children (AH-1) | |
| 4 credits | ||
| Sophomore Standing | ||
| Exploration of movement as a means to improve communication, body/kinetic awareness, creative expression and perceptual-motor development. Focuses on the learning/teaching process, creativity, dance materials, methods and lesson planning. Observation and assisting in elementary school classrooms to facilitate student understanding of components listed above. | ||
| THD *225. | Intermediate Acting (AH-1) | |
| 4 credits | ||
| THD 125 | ||
| Continuation of THD 125 through exercises and scene study with emphasis on actions, objectives and characterization. Exercises and character analysis with scenes from the "Realists" and "Post-Realists." | ||
| THD *232. | Directing (AH-1) | |
| 4 credits | ||
| THD 125 | ||
| Study of basic procedures for the director: script analysis, communication and working with actors, and technical use of the stage. Students direct one or two short scenes emphasizing script analysis and the director's collaboration with actors. | ||
| THD 240. | Modern Dance II Intermediate (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| THD 140 or Permission | ||
| Continuation of Modern Dance I. Emphasis on movement patterns and development of body alignment. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD 242. | Tap Dance II Intermediate (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| THD 142 or Permission | ||
| Continued exploration into rhythms and steps basic to the art form of tap dancing. Study of terminology and technique. Intermediate tap routines with intermediate progressions. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD 243. | Yoga II - The Experience (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| Yoga complements the dancer as well as the human being in many ways, particularly in the physical realm. Slow stretching and breathing increase flexibility and awareness, and restore tone and vitality. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD 244. | Ballet II Intermediate (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| Permission | ||
| Continuation of Ballet I. Development of ballet combinations and concentration on body alignment. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD 245. | Jazz Dance II Intermediate (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| THD 145 or Permission | ||
| Continuation of Jazz Dance I with emphasis on rhythmic patterns, intermediate steps and body isolations. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD *246. | The World of Theatre I (AH-4) | |
|
2 credits | |
| 7-week course | ||
| Introduction to the theatre as a unique artistic activity which reflects and transforms life experiences by shaping them into popular theatre forms: comedy, farce, tragedy and melodrama. | ||
| THD *247. | The World of Theatre II (AH-4) | |
 |
2 credits | |
| 7-week course | ||
| Consideration of the work of those who create the theatre event: actor, playwright, director and designer. The theatre experience as a communal experience resulting from collaboration of artists in dynamic interaction with audience. | ||
| THD 248. | Highland Dance II (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| THD 148 or Permission | ||
| Continuation of Highland Dance I. Technical accuracy, style and conditioning stressed. Emphasis on performance preparation. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD 249. | Pointe II Intermediate (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| THD 149 or Permission | ||
| Continued development of classical ballet skill technique en pointe. Principles of intermediate pointe technique are displayed and discussed. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD *261. | Great Ages of Theatre I (AH-4) | |
|
4 credits | |
| Survey of the physical structure, production methods and styles of theatre and the cultures that produced them from their beginnings to the Elizabethan Period. Considers primitive rituals and Eastern Theatre as well as Western Theatre. Includes reading representative plays and their place in the theatrical development of the period. | ||
| THD *262. | Great Ages of Theatre II (AH-4) | |
|
4 credits | |
| Survey of the physical structure, production methods and styles of theatre and the cultures that produced them from Elizabethan England to the Modern Period. Considers Renaissance Spain and France, Restoration England, and Baroque and Romantic Europe through the Modern Theatre. Includes the reading of representative plays and their place in the theatrical development of the period. | ||
| THD 263. | Modern Drama (AH-4) | |
|
4 credits | |
| Survey of major plays written and produced in last 100 years. From Isben, Shaw and Chekhov through Williams, Miller, Beckett and Albee. Consideration given to staging. | ||
| THD *271. | Scene Design | |
| 4 credits | ||
| THD 171 | ||
| Exploration of scenery as a tool for expression in live performance. Exploration of visualization of the intellectual concept of a production, research for scenic design development, advanced presentation techniques. Culminates in assembly of a portfolio of scenic designs for plays chosen by the student from approved list. | ||
| THD *272. | Lighting Design | |
| 4 credits | ||
| THD 171 | ||
| Exploration of lighting as an expressive tool in live performance. Intensive work in color theory, distribution, intensity, focus, and motion with light; advanced presentation techniques. Culminates in a student presentation of selected lighting moments for a play chosen by the student from approved list. | ||
| THD *273. | Costume Design | |
| 4 credits | ||
| THD 171 | ||
| Exploration of costumes as an expressive tool in live performance. Intensive work in color theory, line, mass, texture; survey of historical fashion; advanced presentation techniques. Culminates in assembly of a portfolio of student renderings for plays chosen by the student from approved list. | ||
| THD 280. | Topics in Theatre and Dance | |
| 4 credits | ||
| Special topics and projects selected by instructor. Background prerequisites vary with selections. | ||
| THD *292. | Playwriting (AH-1) | |
|
4 credits | |
| Permission | ||
| Students write several brief etudes in addition to writing and revising a more substantial script. The course uses staged readings and feedback from actors and audience members to help students learn the craft of writing for performance. Emphasizes revision and collaboration in the production process. May be repeated once for credit. | ||
| THD *299. | Independent Study | |
| 1-4 credits | ||
| Permission | ||
| Supervised reading, research or projects. | ||
| THD *301. | Choreography II (AH-1) | |
| 4 credits | ||
| THD 201 or Permission | ||
| Further investigation of the analysis of choreographic styles. Continued development of individual skills for choreographing. | ||
| THD *325T. | Theatre Studio: Acting | |
| 2-4 credits | ||
| THD 125 and Permission | ||
| Advanced participation as an actor cast in a public performance of a theatre production under the direction of a faculty supervisor. The student must be cast in a major role, submit a written character analysis and journal of rehearsals and performances of that role. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD *332. | Intermediate Directing | |
| 4 credits | ||
| THD 232 | ||
| Continuation of THD 232. Principles and techniques of stage directing culminating in the analysis, casting and direction of a one-act play for public presentation. | ||
| THD *340. | Modern Dance III Advanced (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| THD 240 or Permission | ||
| Continuation of Modern Dance II. Emphasis on refinement of performance techniques, style and improvisation. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD *342. | Tap Dance III Advanced (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| THD 242 or Permission | ||
| Continued exploration into rhythms and steps basic to the art form of tap dancing. Study of terminology and technique. Advanced tap routines with advanced progressions. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD 343. | Yoga III - The Experience (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| Yoga complements the dancer as well as the human being in many ways, particularly in the physical realm. Slow stretching and breathing increase flexibility and awareness, and restore tone and vitality. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD *344. | Ballet III Advanced (AH-1) | |
| 2 credits | ||
| Permission | ||
| Continuation of Ballet II. Emphasis on further development of style and technique. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD *345. | Jazz III Advanced (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| THD 245 or Permission | ||
| Continuation of Jazz Dance II with emphasis on advanced rhythmic patterns and isolations. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD *346. | Dance/Theatre Trip (AH-4) | |
|
4 credits | |
| Permission | ||
| In-depth investigation and exploration of various dance and theatre forms. Opportunities to witness professional dance companies and theatre companies, attending performances and touring backstage. Historical backgrounds and current trends in dance and theatre examined. Journal, critiques and final paper. Trips have included London, New York, and Toronto. | ||
| THD *347. | Dance Criticism (AH-4) | |
|
4 credits | |
| Sophomore Standing | ||
| Introduction to the history of dance criticism as well as philosophies of early dance critics. Review dance films, video tape recordings and actual performances and evaluate each in the various critical styles. Investigate the structure and function of historical, recreative and judicial criticism, and review dance critics of today and their influence upon the dance world. | ||
| THD *349. | Pointe III Advanced (AH-1) | |
| 1 credit | ||
| THD 149, 249 or Permission | ||
| Continued development of classical ballet skill technique en pointe. Principles of advanced pointe displayed and discussed. Includes classical variations en pointe. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD *350. | Dance History I (AH-4) | |
|
4 credits | |
| Survey of culture, styles and methods of dance from its beginnings until the end of the Baroque period. Primitive rituals and liturgical, theatrical, Western and non-Western dance forms. | ||
| THD *351. | Dance History II (AH-4) | |
|
4 credits | |
| Survey of culture, styles and methods of dance from the Baroque period to the Modern period. Ethnic, concert and interpretative forms. Emphasis on theatrical ballet and 20th century contemporary dance. | ||
| THD *371T. | Theatre Studio: Scenery | |
| 2-4 credits | ||
| THD 271 and Permission | ||
| Advanced tutorial in scenic design. Students responsible for all research materials, production drawings, models, plots and schedules for a theatre or dance production working in close consultation with a faculty member. Culminates in the realization of a scenic environment for a public performance and a written analysis of the project. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD *372T. | Theatre Studio: Lighting | |
| 2-4 credits | ||
| THD 272 and Permission | ||
| Advanced tutorial in lighting design. Students responsible for all research materials, production drawings, plots and schedules for a theatre or dance production working in close consultation with a faculty member. Culminates in the realization of the lighting atmosphere for a public performance and a written analysis of the project. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD *375T. | Theatre Studio: Management | |
| 2-4 credits | ||
| THD 170 and Permission | ||
| Advanced participation as a stage manager of a theatre production under the tutelage of a faculty supervisor. Students organize and run auditions, rehearsals, technical rehearsals and performances of a major production for public performance. May be repeated for credit. | ||
| THD *385-*386. | Practicum | |
| 4 credits each | ||
| Permission | ||
| Study-work participation in community institutions, schools or professional organizations combined with faculty supervision. Practical experience in teaching, directing or performance of theatre and dance. Culminates in written report. | ||
| THD *399. | Independent Study | |
| 1-4 credits | ||
| Permission | ||
| Supervised reading, research or projects. | ||
| THD *432T. | Theatre Studio: Directing | |
| 2-4 credits | ||
| THD 232 and Permission | ||
| Advanced tutorial in the principles and techniques of stage directing culminating in the analysis, casting and directing of a full-length play. | ||
| THD *480. | Topics in Theatre and Dance | |
| 4 credits | ||
| Special topics and projects selected by the instructor. Background prerequisites vary with selections. | ||
| THD *499. | Independent Study | |
| 1-4 credits | ||
| Permission | ||
| Supervised reading, research or projects. | ||
| THD *500. | Senior Thesis | |
| 4 credits | ||
| Permission | ||
| Students with honors in Theatre and Dance must complete a Senior Thesis, approved and directed by the Department. | ||