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Courses

Theater and Performance offers courses in context, technique, and creative practice and research. Students who major in the program are expected to take classes in all three areas of study.
Context courses include the history of theater and performance, contemporary practice, theories of theater and performance, dramatic literature, dramatic structure, and world theater. Technique courses include skills-based classes in playwriting, directing, acting, voice, movement, performance, and composition. Creative practice and research comprises productions, performance laboratories, master classes, and specialized workshops. 

Areas of Study

  • Context
    Context courses include the history of theater and performance, contemporary practice, theories of theater and performance, dramatic literature, and world theater. Current Context courses include:

    * Power and Performance in the Colonial Atlantic
    * Modern Drama
    * Dramatic Structure
    * Black Experience in American Theater
    * Performing Queer
    * Shakespeare: The Director and the Text
    * Going Viral Performance, Media, Memes
    * Black American Playwrights
    * Contemporary Women Playwrights
    * The Sixties
    * Theater and Politics
  • Technique
    Technique courses include skills-based classes in playwriting, directing, acting, voice, movement, dramatic structure, performance, and composition. Current Technique courses include:

    Intermediate Playwriting 
    Intermediate Acting: Scene Study
    Speaking Shakespeare
    Basic Vocal Technique
    Physical Theater
    Advanced Acting: Physical Comedy and Clown
    Advanced Acting: Rehearsal Techniques
    Advanced Scene Study 
    Dramaturgy in Action
    Voice in Performance
  • Creative Practice and Research
    Creative Practice and Research comprises productions, performance laboratories, master classes and specialized workshops. Current Creative Practice and Research courses include:

    Design Studio 
    Acting and Authenticity 
    Chance in Performance 
    Gender Theater
    Multi-Media Performance 
    Solo Performance 
    Adapting Shakespeare
    Race, Class, adn Gender in Modern Theater 
    Live Art Installation 

Moderation

Before Moderation the curriculum emphasizes courses in Context and Technique, ensuring that a strong foundation is built in the first two years study. After Moderation more prominence is given to Creative Practice and Research.