Theatre Arts
About the Program
The Theatre Arts department at Drew is dedicated to a broad-based study of the history, literature, theory, and practice of theatre and its various disciplines in the context of an overall liberal arts education, through classroom study and an extensive, co-curricular production program that centers on student involvement and leadership in all of the theatrical arts.
Major
Due to University Updates, Course Numbers for all Departments have Changed. Please reference the Courses Tab for new Course Numbers.
Requirements for the Major (55 Credits)
I. Required Courses (36 credits)
- THEA 15/The Art of the Play (4)
- THEA 25/Theatre Technology (4)
- THEA 26/Theatre Design (4)
- THEA 35/Acting and Directing (4)
- THEA 55/Playwriting (4)
- THEA 109/Theatre History I: Origins to the Renaissance (4)
- THEA 110/Theatre History II: Restoration Through World War I (4)
- THEA 111/Theatre History III: 20th Century to the Present (4)
- THEA 196/199 /Theatre Arts Capstone (2, 2)
II. Dramatic Literature (4 credits)
- THEA 62/African-American Theatre (2-4)
- THEA 64/Show: Business (2)
- THEA 65/Women in the Theatre (4, 4)
- THEA 165/Selected Topics in Dramatic Literature (2)
- THEA 166/Dramaturgy (2)
- THEA 167/Enter Laughing (4)
- THEA 169/British Political Drama (London) (4)
III. Practical Application (5 credits in any combination, with at least 2 credits in THEA 180/Theatre Practice: Shop Technician)
- THEA 180/Theatre Practice: Shop Technician (1)
- THEA 184/Theatre Practice: Acting (1)
- THEA 185/Theatre Practice (1)
- THEA 186/Theatre Practice: Design (1)
- THEA 187/Theatre Practice: Stage Management (1)
- THEA 188/Theatre Practice: Dance (1)
IV. Electives (8 credits)
At least 8 credits total from at least two different areas of the theatre curriculum, and a minimum of four of the eight credits must be at the upper level. To be selected in consultation with and approved by the major advisor.
V. At least two (2) credits in dance chosen from DAN 2,24,62, or 123.
VI. Majors are expected to support all department events but are required to attend opening nights, requisite strikes, majors’ meetings, and designated special events and workshops.
Majors must receive program credit in at least one production activity during each semester spent on campus.
VII. Majors are also expected to attend all departmental productions, both major and workshop, and all special departmental meetings and functions.
These functions include departmental strikes and postproduction discussions.
Minor
Due to University Updates, Course Numbers for all Departments have Changed. Please reference the Courses Tab for new Course Numbers.
Requirements for the Minor (26 Credits)
The following schedule of courses provides a solid core of classroom study with some practical experience:
I. Required Courses (24 credits)
- THEA 15/The Art of the Play (4)
- THEA 25/Theatre Technology (4)
- THEA 35/Acting and Directing (4)
- THEA 55/Playwriting (4)
- THEA 109/Theatre History I: Origins to the Renaissance (4)
- THEA 110/Theatre History II: Restoration Through World War I (4)
II. Practical Application (2 credits in any combination)
- THEA 185/Theatre Practice (1)
- THEA 186/Theatre Practice: Design (1)
- THEA 187/Theatre Practice: Stage Management (1)
- THEA 188/Theatre Practice: Dance (1)
Requirements for the Arts Administration and Museology Minor with Emphasis in Theatre (26 Credits)
This program is highly recommended for those interested in theatre management and nonprofit arts organization work.
All students must take 26 to 28 credits, a total of 7 courses-3 Administration and Society, 2 Communications and Culture, 1 disciplinary core and 1 internship. No more than 8 credits may be at the lower level. Students without a disciplinary background should take at least two regular courses in one of the disciplines in conjunction with this minor.
I. Administration and Society (12 credits)
- ANTH 4/Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (4)
- ECON 5/Microeconomics (4)
- REL 127/Business Ethics (4)
- SOC 117/Sociology of Management (4)
II. Communications and Culture (6-8 credits)
- CSCI 2/Impact of Computing Technology (4)
- ENG 65/Business Writing (4)
- LING 10/Language, Communication, and Culture (4)
- HUM 21/Culture and Exchange (2)
- SOC 110/Sociology of Mass Communications (4)
- THEA 64/Show: Business (2)
III. Disciplinary Core (4 credits)
Students choose one of the following in consultation with their disciplinary advisor.
- ANTH/ARTHST 55/Museums and Society (4)
- THEA/MUS 75/Introduction to Performing Arts Administration (4)
IV. Required Internship in the Area of Interest (4 credits)
Faculty
Faculty
- Professors: James Bazewicz, Daniel LaPenta, Rosemary McLaughlin (Chair)
- Associate Professors: Christopher Ceraso, Andrew Elliott
- Assistant Professors: Lisa Brenner, LucyAnn Saltzman (adjunct/speech)
- Lecturers: Cheryl Clark (adjunct/dance), Rodney Gilbert (adjunct), Jamie Richards (adjunct), Jen Plants (Art of the Play; Capstone), Kate Grant (Advanced Playwriting)
Courses
Courses Offered
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- THEA 105 - Formerly 5 - Introduction to Theatre Arts (4)
- An introduction to the theory and practice of the theatre and its arts and crafts: acting, directing, playwriting, design, production/administration. Combines background and theory for each discipline with work on creative projects that demonstrate and implement the theories and principles. Requires no previous theatrical experience.
- THEA 101 - Formerly 15 - The Art of the Play (4)
- A survey of major works of the theatrical repertoire with special emphasis on understanding play construction and developing an analytical process that inspires and facilitates translation of dramatic writing into theatrical presentation.
Offered every semester.
Fulfills: BA - THEA 120 - Formerly 25 - Theatre Technology (4)
- An introduction to the theory, techniques, materials, and equipment of theatre technology. Focuses on the principles and practice of set and costume construction, scenery painting, the nature and use of electricity, lighting, and sound equipment, tools and their safe usage, technical production organization and management. Lecture format with extensive practical laboratory work.
Signature of instructor required for registration. Corequisite: Must register for Thea 25L. Offered every semester.
Fulfills: BA - THEA 220 - Formerly 26 - Theatre Design (4)
- An introduction to the theory, process, and techniques of set, lighting, and costume design. Students will learn how to create and express information in 3 dimensions using, established drafting practices, creating scale models, drawings, and light plots. Painting and rendering techniques will be explored in costume and set renderings. The course will also include principles and dynamics of design, the development of a design concept, script analysis from the designer's perspective, and color theory. Lecture/lab format.
Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 101 - Formerly 15 - , 25 or equivalent and permission of instructor Offered each semester.
Fulfills: Q - THEA 135 - Formerly 35 - Acting and Directing (4)
- A laboratory course in the basic theories and techniques of acting and directing. Extensive scene work, class exercises, and written analyses. Each student directs two scenes and acts in at least four.
Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered every semester.
Fulfills: BA - THEA 232 - Formerly 36 - Actor's Lab: Monologues I (2)
- A course geared to the actor's individual skills, to strengthen performance in monologues. Students will work with contemporary plays, developing character, emotional truth, and physical action.
Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 135 - Formerly 35 - - THEA 233 - Formerly 37 - Actors' Lab: Scenes I (2)
- A course geared to the actor's individual skills, to strengthen performance in scene study. Students will work with contemporary plays, developing character, emotional truth, and physical action.
Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 135 - Formerly 35 - Offered spring semester, in the first half of the semester. - THEA 235 - Formerly 38 - Movement for the actor (2)
- Acting students will work carefully and in-depth to develop the unique qualities necessary for expert stage performance, beginning with relaxation, balance, alignment and coordination, and extending to sophisticated use of the physical instrument to interpret a variety of characters and styles. Dedicated techniques such as the Feldenkrais and/or Alexander Methods will be studied and applied, offering each participant an individualized approach to body awareness and forming the "mind-body" connection necessary for excellence in dramatic performance. Classes will involve both personalized exercises and the physical interpretation dramatic material.
Enrollment priority: Second-year students. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 135 - Formerly 35 - . - THEA 236 - Formerly 39 - The Actor's Voice (2)
- Serious students of acting will explore techniques to free and enhance the natural speaking voice for performance in a full range of classical and modern drama. Classes will employ a rigorous technique such as the Linklater system to promote relaxation, breath control, production, articulation and emotional connectedness. Drills, poetry and dramatic monologue work done in this class (offered the first half of each semester) will lead students directly into THEA 232 - Formerly 36 - / Actor's Lab: Monologues (offered in the second half of each semester).
Signature of instructor of program director required. Prerequisite: THEA 135 - Formerly 35 - . - THEA 245 - Formerly 45 - Intermediate Directing (4)
- A study of the theory and practice of directing, from the selection of a play through casting, rehearsals, and performance. Emphasizes script analysis and how one translates the playwright's vision into theatrical reality. Coursework includes written assignments and scene projects that help students better understand the art and craft of directing while developing and refining skills and techniques in the discipline. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 220 - Formerly 26 - (can be taken at the same time), THEA 135 - Formerly 35 - , and permission of instructor.
Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 135 - Formerly 35 - Offered spring semester. - THEA 255 - Formerly 55 - Playwriting (4)
- Writing the one-act play from rough draft through polished revision. Exercises in characterization, plot, setting, dialogue, theme, metaphor and dramatic structure. Course focuses on developing material based on observation, adaptation, and imagination through the use of journals, newspapers and improvisation. Class meetings focus on the reading and discussion of student work and selected published plays.
Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 101 - Formerly 15 - and permission of instructor Offered every semester.
Fulfills: WM - THEA 262 - Formerly 62 - African-American Theatre (2-4)
- This class will chart African-American theatre from minstrelsy to contemporary performance. Throughout the course we will investigate the relationship between African-American theatre and the American socio-political landscape: How does theatre both reflect and shape its time period? How is African-American theatre influenced by or a reaction against theatre created by White artists? The texts examined will also be used to explore some fundamental questions about the nature and purpose of theatre: How have various African-American artists opened up new terrain both socially and aesthetically? Is theatre a form of entertainment or social protest or ritual? How can these forms be combined? In addition, we will look at the kinds of relationships explored in the plays: What types of racial or ethnic relationships are depicted? What about gender, sexual orientation, and class? Finally, we will examine the role of the African-American artist: How does one define African-American theatre-is
Meets: Once a week for the entire semester.
Fulfills: DUS, WI - THEA 271 - Formerly 64 - Show: Business (2)
- A dramatic literature seminar exploring how modern theatre looks at ways of doing business, from Naturalism (Hauptman's The Weavers) through Expressionism (Treadwell's Machinal), Epic theatre (Brecht's Mother Courage) and Realism (Ibsen's An Enemy of the People). The intersection of race, gender and economy will be examined in works ranging from Shaw's Major Barbara to Anna Deveare Smith's Twilight. Videos may include such work as The Cradle Will Rock, Death of a Salesman and Raisin in the Sun. Students will examine readings through written analysis and group discussion.
Signature of instructor required for registration. - THEA 265 - Formerly 65 - Women in the Theatre (4)
- A selected study of the contributions of women in the theatre, with special focus on plays by women. Course may be organized by historical period(s) or appropriate theme. Also could include study of other women theatrical artists and practitioners: actors, directors, designers, artistic directors, producers.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes. - THEA 270 - Formerly 70 - Performing Arts Administration (4)
- An introduction to the basic cultural role, issues, structures, operations, and personnel of performing arts (music and theatre) organizations, focusing primarily on the non-profit sector. Contextual subjects will include: an arts institution's role in and responsibility to its community; government's role in the arts; issues of control and power within the organization. Specific topics will include: types of organizations and organizational structures; marketing, publicity and public relations; fundraising, donor relations, grant writing; long-range planning.
Prerequisite: At least 8 credits in Theatre Arts or Music. Same as: MUS 270 - Formerly 70 - - THEA 210 - Formerly 109 - Theatre History I: Origins to Restoration (4)
- An examination of the development of Western theatre from its origins through the Greeks, Romans, Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Restoration, in relation to culture and society. Also includes study of Asian theatre, including Japanese Noh theatre. Gives consideration to plays, criticism, theatres, audiences, performers, styles, and conventions of theatrical production.
Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 101 - Formerly 15 - Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: WM - THEA 310 - Formerly 110 - Theatre History II: Enlightenment-World War II I (4)
- An examination of the development of Western theatre in relation to culture and society from the Enlightenment through the beginnings of Modern Theatre. An exploration of the significant departures and complements to the mainstream as well as other compelling traditions, particularly those of Japan, China, and Bali. Gives consideration to the plays, criticism, theatres, audiences, performers, styles, conventions of theatrical production.
Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 210 - Formerly 109 - Offered spring semester .
Fulfills: WM - THEA 311 - Formerly 111 - Thea. Hist.III: Contemporary Performance and Dramatic Crit. (4)
- An examination of the significant departures from and the complements to the mainstream such as the development of non-commercial theatre and the growth of multiculturalism, performance art, and inter-active, multi-disciplinary theatre. Gives consideration to the plays, criticism, theatres, audiences, performers, styles, and conventions of theatre production. Students will synthesize and correlate classroom work with ongoing observation of historical influences in contemporary theatre, developing familiarity with the particular theatres and artists who are currently interpreting, rejecting, or re-inventing theatre history.
Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 310 - Formerly 110 - Offered fall semester. - THEA 321 - Formerly 121 - Historic Research for Theatrical Production (2)
- This course serves as an introduction to the principles of period research for theatrical production. Specific attention will be given to period dress and dcor, research techniques utilized by theatrical designers and technologists, and drafting and rendering techniques. The course will be in lecture format and will include extensive theoretical production projects.
Prerequisite: THEA 120 - Formerly 25 - . - THEA 225 - Formerly 122 - Scene Painting (2)
- The art of scenic painting, examining a wide variety of painting techniques used in the theatre. Each student completes several scenic painting projects.
May be repeated once for credit. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 120 - Formerly 25 - and permission of instructor. - THEA 323 - Formerly 123 - Graphic Communication for the Theatre (2)
- This course serves as an in depth study into the modes of technical drawing and presentation of the Theatre designer and technician. Students will learn the basic requirements set forth by the International Standards Organization (ISO), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and the comprehensive standards of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT). Attention will be given to basic drafting concepts including geometric construction, types of drawings proscribed by ISO and ANSI standards, specific drawings relevant to theatre production, and lettering. The course will also introduce students to Computer Assisted Design by utilizing commonly used software such as AutoCAD and VectorWorks.
Prerequisite: THEA 120 - Formerly 25 - . - THEA 324 - Formerly 124 - Sound Design for the Theatre Arts (2)
- The course will focus on the principles and practice of sound design, and the role of the sound designer within the context of a collaborative process. Additional attention will be given to audio engineering and electronics. The course will be in lecture format and will include extensive theoretical production projects
Prerequisite: THEA 120 - Formerly 25 - . - THEA 326 - Formerly 126 - Advanced Lighting Design (2)
- An advanced study of lighting design. Examines theories and approaches, as well as drawing, rendering, and drafting techniques. Includes use of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) technology and other software as a tool to aid the designer. Each student completes several advanced design projects and light labs.
May be repeated once for credit. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 120 - Formerly 25 - , THEA 220 - Formerly 26 - , THEA 135 - Formerly 35 - , and permission of instructor. - THEA 327 - Formerly 127 - Advanced Costume Design (2)
- An advanced study of costume design. Examines theories and approaches, as well as drawing, rendering, and painting techniques. Includes use of computer technology as a tool to aid the designed. Each student completes several design projects.
May be repeated once for credit. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 120 - Formerly 25 - , THEA 220 - Formerly 26 - , THEA 135 - Formerly 35 - , and permission of instructor. - THEA 325 - Formerly 128 - Advanced Set Design (2)
- An advanced study of scenic design. Examines theories and approaches, as well as drawing, rendering, and drafting techniques. Includes use of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) technology and other software as a tool to aid the designer. Each student completes several advanced design projects.
May be repeated once for credit. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 120 - Formerly 25 - , THEA 220 - Formerly 26 - , THEA 135 - Formerly 35 - , and permission of instructor. - THEA 320 - Formerly 129 - Advanced Theatre Technology (4)
- The course will primarily focus on the principles and practice of Technical Direction and Production Management and the role of the Technical Director within the context of a collaborative process. The course will also include in depth study of subjects such as stage carpentry, stage electronics, shop management, stage rigging, and technical drafting. The course will also introduce subjects such as motion control, and common trade practices.
Course may be repeated one time. Prerequisite: THEA 120 - Formerly 25 - . - THEA 330 - Formerly 130 - Advanced Acting: Technique (4)
- An extensive exploration of the actor's process for the experienced student. Through exercises, scenework and journal assignments, students investigate the specific technique of a master teacher of acting such as Sanford Meisner.
Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Recommended: THEA 36 and/or 37 Prerequisite: THEA 101 - Formerly 15 - , THEA 135 - Formerly 35 - and permission of instructor - THEA 333 - Formerly 137 - Actors' Lab: Scenes II (2)
- A course geared to the actor's individual skills, to strengthen performance in scene study. Students will investigate material from the world repertoire, exploring periods and styles.
May be repeated for credit. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 330 - Formerly 130 - Offered spring semester, in the second half of the semester. - THEA 338 - Formerly 138 - Advanced Acting: Special Topics (2-4)
- An emphasis on specific challenges an actor faces with advanced material. Topics covered from semester to semester include elements of characterization, period, language and style, voice and movement, and research. Students explore scenes, exercises, and rehearsal methods as dictated by the material.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 330 - Formerly 130 - and permission of instructor (possibly by audition) Offered fall semester in odd-numbered years. - THEA 345 - Formerly 145 - Problems in Directing (1-2)
- A study of the process of directing through the experience of directing a one-act or full-length play for public performance. Classroom discussion focuses on works in progress, with special emphasis on the problems of translating a text to the stage; working with actors, designers, playwrights; composition and creating stage business; style; rhythm.
May be repeated for credit. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 245 - Formerly 45 - , stage management of department production, and permission of instructor Offered every semester. - THEA 355 - Formerly 155 - Advanced Playwriting (4)
- A writer's workshop with an emphasis on form, language, theatricality, and deep revision. Students complete a full-length play or two one-act plays. Class meetings focus on the reading and discussion of student work and selected published plays as well as preparing manuscripts for production and publication.
May be repeated for credit. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 255 - Formerly 55 - and permission of instructor Offered fall semester. - THEA 365 - Formerly 165 - Selected Topics in Dramatic Literature (2)
- A study of selected plays from one or more periods of dramatic achievement, emphasizing their theatrical qualities and staging. Periods studied and specific emphases vary when offered.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 105 - Formerly 5 - or THEA 101 - Formerly 15 - and permission of instructor - THEA 366 - Formerly 166 - Dramaturgy (2)
- This course is designed to expose students to various facets of dramaturgy including: research, collaboration with directors and actors, criticism and reviews, collaboration with playwrights in new play development, and adaptation and/or translation. This class should prove valuable both for those interested in working as dramaturgs, and for directors, writers, designers, and performers wishing to collaborate with professional dramaturgs in years to come. The course is divided into various units reflecting different facets of dramaturgy. Readings, discussion, and a hands-on project are assigned for each unit.
Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 101 - Formerly 15 - and the permission of the instructor. - THEA 367 - Formerly 167 - Enter Laughing (4)
- Aristotle didn't care for it. Mae West got arrested for it. Great comedy engages the same life and death themes as tragedy, allowing artist and audience to go deeper into issues than convention and taboo ordinarily allow. From the pacifist cross-dressers of Lysistrata to the globe-trotting resistance fighters of Lisa Kron's The Verizon Play, this course will examine how rules are made and broken, how gender is defined and bent, how hot topics are set ablaze, shedding light, cauterizing wounds and sometimes leveling the ground between the powerless and the powerful.
Signature Required. Prerequisite: THEA 101 - Formerly 15 - or permission of the instructor. Offering to be determined. - THEA 375 - Formerly 175 - Special Topics in Theatre: (1-4)
- In depth study in theatre related subjects at the Advanced level. Topics could focus on any area of the theatre.
Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: Student must have completed at least 8 credits in Theatre Arts. - THEA 302 - Formerly 180 - Theatre Practice: Shop Technician (-1)
- Significant practical project under faculty supervision as a technician working for 30 hours in one area of production. Scene shop, lighting or costume shop. Summary paper required at completion of project. Theatre arts majors: MUST complete two credits of this course toward graduation. May take up to two total credits of THEA180, 184, 185, 186, 187 and/or 188 per semester; a total of six credits can be counted toward the degree. Students must consult with the faculty member assigned to the course and formally enroll in this course at the beginning of the semester.
Graded Pass/Unsatisfactory. Non-majors: One credit per semester, up to a total of four credits. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 120 - Formerly 25 - . Offered every semester. - THEA 305 - Formerly 184 - Theatre Practice: Acting (-1)
- Significant practical project under faculty supervision as an actor in a major role for the department's production program. Summary paper required at completion of project. Theatre arts majors: up to two total credits of THEA180, 184, 185, 186, 187 and/or 188 per semester; up to a total of six credits can be counted toward the degree. Students must consult with the faculty member assigned to the course (to determine whether the project is sufficient for credit) and formally enroll with the Registrar's Office before completion of the project (i.e., before the end of the production) to receive academic credit.
Graded Pass/Unsatisfactory. Non-majors: One credit per semester, up to a total of four credits. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 135 - Formerly 35 - . Offered every semester. - THEA 300 - Formerly 185 - Theatre Practice (-1)
- Significant practical projects under faculty supervision in one or more designated area(s) of the department's production program-acting (a major role), playwright-in-rehearsal, design, stage management, technical direction, master electrician. Summary paper required at completion of project.
Theatre arts majors: up to two total credits of THEA 300 - Formerly 185 - , 186, and/or 187 per semester; up to a total of six credits can be counted toward the degree. Students must consult with the faculty member assigned to the course (to determine whether the project is sufficient for credit) and formally enroll with the Registrar's Office before completion of the project (i.e., before the end of the production) to receive academic credit. Graded Pass/Unsatisfactory. Non-majors: One credit per semester, up to a total of four credits. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered every semester. - THEA 303 - Formerly 186 - Theatre Practice: Design (-1)
- A study of the process of design through the experience of designing in the department's production season. Classroom discussion/presentation focuses on works in progress, with special emphasis on the problems of creating and executing a design for the stage; working with directors, other designers, technicians and crew; drafting and rendering techniques. Enrollment is required of all students designing sets, lights or costumes, in the production season, in a given semester.
Theatre arts majors: up to two total credits of THEA 300 - Formerly 185 - , 186, and/or 187 per semester; up to a total of six credits can be counted toward the degree. Non majors: one credit of THEA 300 - Formerly 185 - , THEA 303 - Formerly 186 - , and/or THEA 304 - Formerly 187 - per semester; up to four credits can be counted toward the degree. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 120 - Formerly 25 - Corequisite: THEA 220 - Formerly 26 - . Offered every semester. - THEA 304 - Formerly 187 - Theatre Practice: Stage Management (1)
- A study of the process of stage managing through the experience of stage managing in the department's production season. Classroom discussion and presentations focus on works in progress, with special emphasis on the stage manager's role in production organization and communication. Enrollment is required of all students' stage managing a production in a given semester. Graded Pass/Unsatisfactory.
Graded Pass/Unsatisfactory. Theatre arts majors: up to two total credits of THEA 300 - Formerly 185 - , THEA 303 - Formerly 186 - , and/or THEA 304 - Formerly 187 - per semester; up to a total of six credits can be counted toward the degree. Non majors: one credit of THEA 300 - Formerly 185 - , THEA 303 - Formerly 186 - , and/or THEA 304 - Formerly 187 - per semester; up to four credits can be counted toward the degree. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered every semester. - THEA 306 - Formerly 188 - Theatre Practice: Dance (-1)
- A study of the process of dance through the experience of performing in the department's dance concert.
Summary paper required at completion of project. Students must: consult with the faculty member assigned to the course (to determine whether the project is sufficient for credit), and formally enroll with the Registrar's Office before completion of the project (i.e., before the end of the production) to receive academic credit. Graded Pass/Unsatisfactory. Graded Pass/Unsatisfactory. Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: DANC 101 - Formerly DAN 2 - or DANC 101 - Formerly DAN 2 - 4 as a pre-requisite or co-requisite. Every Semester. - THEA 386 - Formerly 190 - Theatre In The Community: The Newark Collaboration (4)
- This course is a collaborative theatre-making enterprise in which Drew students will team with high school students from the Newark inner city schools to create original work that will be presented both on Drew's campus and at the Marion Bolden Student Center in Newark. Classes will likewise meet at both locations, with Drew students and Newark students traveling to the two sites by turn. Drew participants will both mentor and share in the process of original play development and performance. In addition to the weekly play development workshops and rehearsals with the Newark students, Drew participants will meet frequently on their own, to assess and develop strategies for facilitating the work of the full group and keeping it on track. A research component studying the historical impact of community-based theaters around the globe, together with a final paper, will also be required of Drew students.
Course may be repeated. Enrollment restricted to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Enrollment priority: Priority given to theatre majors, theatre minors, and seniors. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: Pre-Requisite: At least 8 prior credits of theatre classes required. Offered every spring semester.
Fulfills: DUS, OCE - THEA 201 - Formerly 192 - 9TH AND MADISON SUMMER THEATRE INTENSIVE (6)
- No description is available for this course.
- THEA 301 - Formerly 195 - Independent Study in Theatre Arts (1-4)
- A tutorial course stressing independent investigation of a topic selected in consultation with the instructor. Regular meetings with adviser and written assignments or creative projects.
May be repeated once for credit. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: At least eight credits in theatre arts courses Offered every semester. - THEA 400 - Formerly 196 - Theatre Arts Capstone: Junior Year (2)
- The Theatre Arts Major capstone is a two-semester sequence consisting of regular seminar meetings, written assignments, guest speakers, and appropriate involvement in the "Theatre Capstone Festival" at the end of the senior year. The major goal of the capstone is to help students gain perspective on their academic and production work in the department and to contextualize these efforts both within the broader liberal arts and in the theatre world beyond Drew. In the junior year, weekly seminar discussions and written work will focus on self-reflection and assessment, and will develop into an on-line portfolio for each student and include a personal inventory of historical and contemporary sources of inspiration. Also in the junior year capstone course, students will work with the capstone advisor to produce a formal proposal for their participation in the "Theatre Capstone Festival," to be presented in the Spring of the Senior Year.
[CAP] Capstone. Enrollment limited to Senior Theatre Arts Majors and approved Minors only. Signature of department chair or professor required. Prerequisite: Pre-requisite: Permission of instructor. - THEA 401 - Formerly 199 - Theatre Arts Capstone: Senior Year (2)
- The Theatre Arts Major capstone is a two-semester sequence consisting of regular seminar meetings, written assignments, guest speakers, and appropriate involvement in the "Theatre Capstone Festival" at the end of the senior year. The major goal of the capstone is to help students gain perspective on their academic and production work in the department and to contextualize these efforts both within the broader liberal arts and in the theatre world beyond Drew. In the senior year capstone course, students will begin the semester developing of a manifesto of one's motivations and goals in doing theatre. The rest of the semester will be devoted to preparation of performance pieces or other appropriate materials to be presented as part of the capstone festival. Enrollment limited to Senior Theatre Arts Majors and approved Minors only.
[CAP] Capstone. Graded Pass/Unsatisfactory. Enrollment limited to Senior Theatre Arts Majors and approved Minors only. . Signature of department chair or professor required. Prerequisite: Pre-requisite: THEA 400 - Formerly 196 - Permission of instructor.
Theatre Arts Courses
- THEA 322 - Formerly 125 - Creative Collaboration (2-4)
- This course will explore how designers and directors collaborate in the theatre. We will examine how some of the great collaborators of our time create their work and discuss the challenges which they often face. Students will team up to create their own in-class projects taking on the roles of director and designer to immerse themselves in this process.
May be repeated once for credit. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: THEA 120 - Formerly 25 - , THEA 220 - Formerly 26 - , THEA 135 - Formerly 35 - , and permission of instructor
Internship Programs: Theatre Semester
A 12-credit package of internship experience and independent study with an established profesional theatre company in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area. Open only to qualified Drew theatre arts majors. Students interning with the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey usually do the program from early May through mid-December, receiving 12 credits in the fall semester (normally of the senior year). Students interning with other theatres participate in the second or final (if finishing all graduation requirements in the fall) semester of their senior year after completing all of the requirements for the theatre arts major. At most 12 credits from internships in theatre and the Theatre Semester (THEA 197/198) mau be counted toward the degree. Therefore, students expecting to participate in the Theatre Semester should not take any internship (INTR 50) credits. Those who do internships and then decide to enroll in THEA 197/198 have the credits for THEA 197 reduced proportionally by the amount of internship credit earned or must exceed the minimum number of credits required for the B.A. degree by the amount of internship credits. Students can enroll in THEA 197/198 once only, choosing either to intern with the Shakespeare Theatre of N.J. or a theatre approved by the department.
- THEA 387 - Formerly 197 - Theatre Semester: Internship (9)
- A full-time internship with an established professional theatre in New York New Jersey metropolitan area, including the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey on campus or Playwrights Theatre of N.J. Specifics of each assignment are determined by the theatre arts department, the theatre involved, and the individual student. Most internships are entry-level positions with a variety of tasks, allowing the student to gain a working knowledge of and experience in the professional theatre as both a business and an art. Increased responsibilities during the course of the internship depend upon a student's performance and the needs of the theatre. All interns meet regularly with the faculty supervisor to examine various topics relating to the professional theatre. A detailed written summary of the internship is due at the end of the semester. Internships in New York City or at a distance from campus usually require students to live, at their own expense, off campus, suitably convenient to their work.
Graded Pass/Unsatisfactory. Open only to qualified Drew theatre arts majors Signature of instructor required for registration. Offering to be determined. - THEA 388 - Formerly 198 - Theatre Semester: Independent Study (3)
- Several research papers, the topics of which to be chosen in consultation with faculty adviser, undertaken as part of the Theatre Semester program.
Open only to qualified Drew theatre arts majors Signature of instructor required for registration. Offering to be determined.
Internship Program
- THEA 200 - Formerly 191S - The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey Apprenticeship/ Internship (4)
- A full-time apprenticeship or internship lasting from early May through late August with the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. The specifics of each assignment are determined by the department, the Shakespeare Theatre, and the individual student. The apprentice program is designed for students with little experience and a primary interest in acting. Apprentices receive intensive training in scene study, voice and movement, and have broad exposure to all aspects of theatre production, gaining valuable knowledge and experience in each. The internship program is designed for more advanced students interested in developing their knowledge and skills in a specific, non-acting area, such as set, lighting, or costume design, directing, stage management, general management, publicity, and box office. Requirements include the keeping of a journal that records the student's day-to-day activities and experiences, a detailed written summary of the entire apprenticeship/internship, and a creative project. All work must be completed before the student finishes the program. Exact completion date and nature of the creative project are determined in consultation with the Shakespeare Theatre and the Drew faculty adviser. Drew students receiving four credits for S can apply only four additional credits of internship (INTR 50) toward the degree.
Additional tuition required when taken during summer. Signature of instructor required for registration.
Off-Campus Programs: Drew London Semester
The theatre arts department strongly encourages majors to participate in the London Semester program. London is the theatre capital of the English-speaking world, offering students an incomparable variety of plays, venues, and production styles. The semester's more academic focus serves as an important complement to the more production-oriented on-campus program. Students expand their theatrical perspectives by studying the theatre in its larger social and political context and attending numerous productions.
- THEA 383 - Formerly 169 - British Political Drama (4)
- Under the premise that all theatre has a political dimension and works its influence on audiences both overtly and subversively, this course is designed to take advantage of the huge variety of productions available in London venues (not necessarily conventional theatre spaces), with a focus on the political questions they raise for twenty-first century audiences. Because the 1960s saw big changes on the theatrical scene in Britain it is taken as a starting point, and we see what we can of the playwrights who helped form our present day theatre through the twentieth century. Because it does not operate in a vacuum, appropriate plays may be chosen from other periods and cultures that address crucial global, social and political issues.
Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered fall semester. Same as: ENGL 383 - Formerly 169 -
Fulfills: BH, BA - THEA 380 - Formerly 182 - Research Tutorial (4)
- Each student conducts research and writes a paper on a topic approved by the London program instructor. The project stresses normal library research as well as personal interviews and other out-of-class experiences as part of the research process. Students are urged to consult with their home campus adviser about their topic before going to London.
Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered fall semester. Same as: PSCI 380 - Formerly 182 -
Dance Courses
- DANC 101 - Formerly DAN 2 - Beginning Movement Studies (2)
- An exploration of dance technique through several current movement styles. Focuses on alignment, strength, and flexibility. Students develop the basic body connections necessary to execute more advanced movement sequences, while fostering body awareness and integration.
Enrollment priority: theatre majors and minors and dance minors. Offered spring semester.
Fulfills: BA - DANC 220 - Formerly DAN 24 - Movement for the Musical Stage (2)
- An exploration of various movement and dance styles utilized in musical theatre. The first half of the semester will focus on the technique of Jazz dance, exposing students to a specific anatomical use particular to that style and combinations influenced by the historical jazz genre. Among the other styles that may be included in the remainder of the semester are ballroom, swing, and tap.
May be repeated once for credit. Enrollment priority: theatre majors and minors and dance minors. Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: BA - DANC 201 - Formerly DAN 62 - Intermediate Movement Studies (2)
- A continuation of the movement explorations of DANC 101 - Formerly DAN 2 - for students who want to develop their physical awareness, flexibility, and strength further as well as their awareness and experience of different dance techniques. Students will be challenged to achieve a high level of technical execution. They will also be required to participate in the Theatre Arts Department's dance concert at the end of the semester and to view selected videos on different dance techniques and submit written analyses.
Course may be repeated. Enrollment priority: theatre majors and minors and dance minors. Prerequisite: DANC 101 - Formerly DAN 2 - Offered spring semester. - DANC 250 - Formerly DAN 68 - Special Topics in Dance: (2-4)
- Study in dance related subjects at the Intermediate or Advanced level. Topics could include: Styles (jazz, tap, ballet etc.), dance on film, appreciation and critique, history of dance.
Course may be repeated as the topic changes. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offering to be determined. Same as: DANC 350 - Formerly DAN 168 - - DANC 322 - Formerly DAN 123 - Choreography and Performance Studies (4)
- Advanced technical composition and theoretical exploration through the preparation and performance of several choreographed pieces as part of the Theatre Arts Department's dance concert at the end of the semester. Will require the development of extensive preproduction research and performance preparation work in conjunction with choreographed pieces in the concert.
May be repeated for credit. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: DANC 101 - Formerly DAN 2 - or 24. - DANC 350 - Formerly DAN 168 - Special Topics in Dance: (2-4)
- Study in dance related subjects at the Intermediate or Advanced level. Topics could include: Styles (jazz, tap, ballet etc.), dance on film, appreciation and critique, history of dance.
Course may be repeated as topic changes. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offering to be determined. Same as: DANC 250 - Formerly DAN 68 -
Film Courses
- FILM 101 - Formerly 15 - The Art of Film (4)
- An introduction to the basic expressive elements of film art. Extensive screenings illustrate such elements as shot composition, editing, camera movement, color, lighting, and directorial style. Readings in film theory and criticism.
Fulfills: BA - FILM 202 - Formerly 18 - History of Film (4)
- A survey of developments in film history from 1895 to the present, from the foundation of the basic language of film to the rise of national cinema in the United States and Europe. Extensive screenings of illustrative works; readings in film history and criticism.
- FILM 350 - Formerly 116 - Selected Studies in Film (4)
- An intensive study of a single topic or problem in film history, theory, or criticism, or an analysis of works by a single filmmaker.
Course may be repeated. Same as: HIST 313 - Formerly HISTG 116 -
Fulfills: BA
Speech Courses
- SPCH 101 - Formerly 1 - Speech Fundamentals (4)
- Provides students with a variety of extemporaneous and impromptu speaking experiences, which develop the student's skills in the organization, content, and delivery of public communication. Includes some vocal exercise work to help train the speaker to better understand, use, and control the voice and body in performance. Overall aim is to help students feel more confident in their ability to "think on their feet" and present ideas in a clear and interesting manner.
Offered every semester.
Fulfills: BA - SPCH 301 - Formerly 105 - Advanced Speech (4)
- Designed for the serious student who wishes to excel in oral communication. Builds on previous experience with extemporaneous and impromptu speaking to give each student practice at speech-making that is specialized to his/her career plans. Emphasizes careful crafting of speeches, debate, fielding questions, leading panel discussions, making an impact in two minutes, and holding interest in longer presentations. Uses video resources to tape and analyze performances. Students are required to attend selected speeches given on campus.
Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: SPCH 101 - Formerly 1 - or equivalent and permission of instructor
Off-Campus Program
Off-Campus Program
Drew London Semester
The London Semester, offered in the spring semester annually, allows students to explore political and social change in Britain. Courses focus on the interplay of British history and politics, and literary and theatrical portrayals of social and political themes. The program is directed by a Drew faculty member, and classes are taught by a continuing staff of distinguished British faculty. Field trips to political meetings, party conferences, theatres, and museums, along with guest speakers from British political, literary, and theatrical life, are a regular feature of the academic program. Students live in apartments prearranged by the program staff. A variety of cultural activities and special events introduce the students to the cultural life of London.