Drama (DRA)

In this course, students develop acting skills and techniques through improvisation, theatre games and the presentation of theatrical scenes from contemporary literature. Students practice voice projection, staging and character development as well as creative, comic and emotional expression. These skills apply to stage and film acting, and will appeal to anyone interested in developing acting, dramatic staging, creative expression, presentation and communication skills. All skill levels are welcome. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6

In this course, students will foster an appreciation of theatre as a collective performing art. Through experiencing theatre productions, studying scripts and engaging in reflective discussion, students will explore a diversity of historical and cultural contexts of theatre. In addition, students will analyze major dramatic aspects of theatre, including plot, characterization, setting and production concept to understand and critique theatrical production and dramatic literature. The title of this course was previously Theatre Appreciation. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6

In this interactive acting course, students will be introduced to the art of developing and performing scenes without a previously written script. Through theatre games, improvised exercises and performances, students will learn and build upon the tenets and best practices of short and long-form theatrical improvisation. This class explores how to quiet the inner critic, access one's most imaginative impulses, and create inspired, collaborative performances. These skills apply to stage and film acting. The title of this course was previously Improvisational Acting. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6

This course is a continuation of the introduction to acting skills and techniques, exploring a diversity of intermediate approaches through improvisation and the presentation of dramatic scripts. Voice projection, staging, character development and emotional expression are explored in theatre games, monologues and scenes. The skills apply to stage and film acting, and will appeal to anyone interested in developing acting, dramatic staging, presentation and/or communication skills. The title of this course was previously Acting for Theatre II. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; DRA 152 minimum grade "C", may enroll concurrently

In this acting course, students will practice advanced complex skills related to the art of developing and performing scenes without a previously written script. Through theatre games, improvised exercises and performances, students will learn to quiet the inner critic, access one's most imaginative impulses, and build upon the tenets and best practices of short and long-form theatrical improvisation. Various forms of advanced improvisational exercises will be explored, with a focus on spontaneity, listening and responding, accepting the reality of the scene and verbal and non-verbal expression. Advanced skills, including heightening, finding the 'tilt' and 'button' of the scene will be emphasized. These more complex improvisational skills apply to stage and film acting. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; DRA 204 minimum grade "C"

This is a performance-oriented course with an emphasis on ensemble acting skills and techniques. These skills apply to stage and film acting. There is an emphasis on more advanced voice projection, staging, physicality, character development and emotional expression. This course will focus on advanced ensemble projects involving script adaptation, script interpretation and group performance skills necessary for performing in an ensemble theatre setting that may include performances for the community or campus. The lessons, focusing on dramaturgic and acting skills, vary depending on the literature selections, which change each semester. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; DRA 208 minimum grade "C"

In this advanced performance-oriented course, students apply their knowledge of ensemble acting skills and techniques using more advanced voice projection, staging, physicality, character development and emotional expression in performance projects. Students will demonstrate their skills at script adaptation, script interpretation and group performance necessary in an ensemble theatre setting. The lessons, focusing on dramaturgic and acting skills, vary depending on the literature selections, which change each semester. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; DRA 240 minimum grade "C"