The department and its University Theatre program offer opportunities in all phases of the dramatic arts. Courses in acting, directing, theatre history, dramatic literature, theatre technology, alternative theatre, performance theory, and costume, scene, lighting, and sound design constitute an academic major or minor program for students who elect theatre as a focal point for their liberal arts education.
The major in theatre consists of a minimum of eight courses and half courses of THEA 101 Theatre Technology and/or THEA 102 Theatrical Rehearsal and Performance. THEA 149 may not be included in this eight course requirement.
Required of all majors:
Students majoring in theatre are expected to participate in the work of the University Theatre production program. Students may register for one quarter credit in THEA 101 of THEA 102 for active participation in designated areas of technology or performance. A maximum of one-half credit is permitted per semester and there is a limit of two full course credits in all. Faculty will supervise student participation, provide instruction, and approve the awarding of credit.
The theatre minor consists of five and one-half credit courses selected from among the following:
DB: TH 110, TH 145, TH 149, DN 215.
HD: TH 256, DN 250.
101. Theatre Technology (I and II; R; 1, 3; U) Quarter course.
Quarter-course credit for supervised participation in any one of several aspects of theatrical production of the University Theatre's major productions. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
102. Theatrical Rehearsal and Performance (I and II; R; 0, 4; U) Quarter course.
Quarter-course credit for substantial participation in a major theatrical production; for example, as actor, stage manager, vocal coach, choreographer. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
103. Audition Technique (I; R; 0, 3; U) Quarter Course.
Working on monologues as a form for the auditioning actor. This study culminates in acutal presentations for graduate school and/or conservatory auditions. Prerequisites: seniors only and permission of instructor.
110. Acting I (I and II; 4, 0; U)
Introduction to acting: a critical approach to drama and personal expression, including physical, vocal, and interpretive aspects of performance. Prerequisite: seniors by permission only.
145. Introduction to Design and Technology (I; 3, 3; U)
Theory and practice of the visual arts which contribute to the theatrical expression of the play.
149. Introduction to the Theatre (I and II,; 3, 0; U)
Introductory study of theatre (playwriting, directing, acting, design, criticism); stresses the elements of drama, their interaction, and their realization in theatrical production.
215. Introduction to Movement/Improvisation (AI; 1.5, 1.5; U)
This lecture/laboratory class encourages the discovery and exploration of basic movement principles, qualities, and improvisational skills. Suitable for students wanting to increase body awareness. Crosslisted with DN 215.
220. Acting II (II; 4, 0; U)
Application of technique and improvisation to the performance of scenes, with emphasis on characterization and textual anaysis. Prerequisite: Acting I or permission of the instructor.
230. Acting Styles (AI; 4, 0; U)
Exploring styles of acting in plays from different periods, including Greek and Shakespearean tradgedy and Comedy of Manners. Prerequisite: TH 110 or permission of the instructor.
240. Directing the Play (II; 3, 0; K)
The critical and creative responsibilities of the director; the principles of directing and their application. Prerequisites: TH 110 and permission of the instructor.
246. Elementary Scene Design (I; 3, 0; U)
An introduction to design of the scenic environment through studying the principles of design and visual expression, the technical challenges of the physical space, and play analysis. Students develop graphic and model building skills by presenting designs for three plays in different periods and styles.
247. Advanced Scene Design (II; 3, 0 U)
Practice in sceneography with emphasis on developing individual approaches to design and solving practical problems of working in different stage spaces. Prerequisite: TH 246 or permission of the instructor.
248. Theatrical Lighting Design (II; 3, 2; U)
An introduction to and practice in theatrical stage lighting. Primary emphasis in aesthetics and function of light in design.
249. Mask and Makeup Design (AI; 3, 0; U)
Hands-on training in mask design and construction, makeup design and application. Study of performance styles and societies which use masks and makeup in religion, ritual, and festival.
250. Costume and Fashion (AI or II; 3, 0; U)
An overview of the history of costume from the Egyptian period to the present; stresses fashion as the mirror of the attitudes of each age.
251. Costume Design (AI or II; 3, 1; U)
Introduction to design of clothing for the stage; emphasis on character analysis and design for plays in different styles and periods.
252. Sound Design (I; 3, 2; U)
This course is directed at students with limited experience in sound design. The course will explore both theoretical and practical aspects of audio mixing and reinforcement.
254. Computer-Aided Design for the Stage (I; R; 3, 1; U)
An introduction to CAD for use in theatre and other entertainment venues. Includes basic CAD training in technical drafting, scenic modeling and lighting design.
256. Rituals, Festivals, Institutions (I; 3, 0; U)
Investigates various theories concerning the origins of Western theatre in ritual performance and explores the development of theatrical institutions from the Greeks to Shakespeare in the context of social, philosophical, and religious values.
258. Modernism in Performance
Addresses the diversity of dramatic styles and thematic interests of modernist playwrights: Buchner, Ibsen, Brecht, Beckett, and Handke; emphasizes historical context and anaylsis of production values.
259. The Rise of Theatrical Realism (AI; 3, 0; U)
Surveys the complexity of theatrical process as part of the history of ideas by focusing on the development of "realism" as a cultural institution in various European capitals from the court celebrations of Stuart London to the off-off Broadway movement in New York City.
261. Inner Journey: Sam Shepard and American Theatre (AI; 3, 1; U)
Sam Shepard has his finger on the pulse of post-modern America. This study of his plays and films charts the transformation of his dramatic style, from absurdism through jazz and rock 'n' roll to realism, and explores the profound changes in Shepard's vision of the theatre and American culture.
265. Special Studies in Theatre (I or II; R; 3, 0; K)
In appropriate years, special topics such as stage combat, mime, or theatrical criticism will be studied.
314. Seminar in Contemporary Scenography (AII; 3, 0; K)
A study of new media, styles of expression, and the design of the stage-spectator spaces in contemporary theatre. The course explores the 20th-century visual art and theatre movements that have exerted a pervasive influence on contemporary scenography and performance.
319. Individual Projects (I and II; R; K)
Individual, special projects supervised by instructor; honors thesis.
393. Seminar in Avant-Garde Performance (AI or II; R; 3, 0; K)
A study of experimental aesthetics traces the development of a new paradigm for 20th century "multi-media" art forms and the aesthetics of "total theatre." The course explores thematic topics such as The Theatre of Social Change, The Self as Content, Theatre and Therapy, The Poor Theatre, Environmental and Formalist Experiments, Happenings and Performance Art.
397. Seminar in Special Topics (I or II; R; 3, 0; K)
Particular theatre topics selected by the instructor.
The minor in dance is structured as follows:
Theory Requirements (three course credits): DN 250, DN 262, and DN 215/TH 215 (or an approved elective(s) in theatre, music or art).
Technique Requirements (three course credits): Students may elect three course credits from the following studio and performance classes but are expected to achieve technical proficiency at the 300 level in either ballet or modern dance as demonstrated by a passing grade in DN 310/340 or DN 325/350. All technique and performance classes are repeatable in recognition of the importance of consistent indiviualized training at the appropriate level within each dance style.
DN 016 Dance Rehearsal and Performance
Performance: Students minoring in dance are expected to participate in the work of the the Bucknell Dance Company and/or other dance performance groups. Performance and choreographic opportunities include mainstage, studio, and environmental concerts in the University Theatre, Weis Center for the Performing Arts, Tustin Blackbox Theatre, and other alternative spaces. Quarter-course repeatable credit in DN 016 reflects significant involvement; a maximum of one-quarter credit is permitted per semester.
016. Rehearsal and Performance (I and II; R; 0, 4; U) Quarter course.
Quarter-course credit for substantial participation in dance production, touring, or residency. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
210. Modern Dance Technique I (I and II; R; 0, 3; U) Half course.
Introduction to the technical skills and artistic philosophy of modern dance; dance movement vocabulary includes basic floorwork, axial and locomotor patterns, and movement combinations.
215. Introduction to Movement/Improvisation (AI; 1.5, 1.5; U)
This lecture/laboratory class encourages the discovery and exploration of basic movement principles, qualities, and improvisational skills. Suitable for students wanting to increase body awareness. Crosslisted with TH 215.
225. Ballet Technique I (I and II; R; 0, 3; U) Half course.
A course designed to build the strength, flexibility, and control necessary for performance of classical ballet technique at the beginning/low intermediate level.
230. Jazz Dance Technique I (I and II; R; 0, 3; U) Half course.
Designed to provide training and experience in the technique of jazz dance while placing the art form in its historical context as an American vernacular form.
250. History of Dance (II; 3, 0; U)
A study of the forms of dance both as reflective of cultural history and as an art form from primitive times to the present.
262. Dance Composition (I; 3, 2; U)
Introduction to the basic techniques and underlying principles of the craft and art of choreography; practical experience in structuring solo and group choreography. Prerequisite: DN 210 or permission of the instructor.
263. Repertory (I or II; 0, 3; U) Half course.
A course designed to provide advanced dance technique, performance theory, and repertory selections from a specific dance style or ethnic form.
310. Modern Dance Technique II (I and/or II; R; 0, 3; U) Half course.
A continuation of DN 210 with emphasis on advanced technical skills, expressive style, and performance elements. Prerequisite: DN 210 or permission of the instructor.
325. Ballet Technique II (I and/or II; R; 0, 3; U) Half course.
A continuation of DN 225 with emphasis on advanced technical skills and performance aesthetics. Prerequsite: DN 225 or permission of the instructor.
330. Jazz Dance Technique II (I and/or II; R; 0, 3; U) Half course.
A continuation of DN 230 with emphasis on advanced technical skills and historical style; jazz repertory and compositional work included. Prerequisite: DN 230 or permission of the instructor.
340. Modern Dance Technique III (AI or II; R; 0, 3; U) Half course.
An advanced-level course designed to emphasize specific modern dance styles and repertory. Prerequisite: DN 310 or permission of the instructor.
350. Ballet Technique III (AI or II; R; 0, 3: U) Half course.
An advanced-level course designed to aid the student in the application and refinement of technical skills, French terminology, and artistic philosophy of classial ballet. Prerequisite: DN 325 or permission of the instructor.
355. Pointe (I and II; R; 0, 2; U) Quarter course.
The application of already acquired technical skills of classical ballet to work performed in pointe shoes will be explored incorporating the development of kinesthetic and aesthetic awareness.
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