Theatre, Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies

THTR 101 (3) Performance Improvisation

A physical approach to improvisation as it relates to the creation of live performance events. [3 hours/week studio]

THTR 102 (3) The Performer's Process I

Introduction to physical and vocal training and intercultural, movement-based performance work rooted in European experimental theatre and non-Western performance traditions. [3 hours/week studio]

THTR 103 (3) Acting for Stage and Screen

An introduction to acting techniques pertaining to the style of psychological realism for stage and screen. Credit will be granted for only one of THTR 103 or FILM 103. [3 hours/week studio]

Equivalency: FILM 103.

THTR 104 (3) The Art of Public Speaking

Verbal and nonverbal communication skills as well as knowledge of basic communications technologies. Well-suited to students who wish to build skill and confidence in public presentation.

THTR 111 (3) Introduction to Theatre and World Performance Traditions

Cross-cultural investigation of Western and non-Western performance traditions and practices including realistic, experimental, and intercultural theatre, as well as ritual performance processes. [2-1-0]

THTR 180 (3) Theatre Appreciation: The Power of Live Performance

Explores how live performances (stand-up comedy, circus, puppetry, performance art, theatre, dance and music) engage an audience and reveal the shifting dynamics of public communication.

THTR 201 (3) Performer/Creator Resources

Research and exploration of diverse sources in the creation of new performance work. Sources may include specific sites or communities, natural and man-made materials, texts, or music.

THTR 202 (3) The Performer's Process II

Intermediate physical and vocal training and intercultural, movement-based performance work rooted in European experimental theatre and non-Western performance traditions. [3 hours/week studio]

Prerequisite: One of THTR 102, THTR 101, VISA 102, VISA 104, VISA 106, CRWR 150, CRWR 160 or permission of the instructor.

THTR 204 (3) Creative Communication and Engagement

Using experiential and collaborative learning, students of sustainability improve their communication skills as speakers, listeners, collaborators, leaders and problem solvers. Credit will be granted for only one of THTR 204 or SUST 204.

Prerequisite: SUST 104 recommended.

Equivalency: SUST 204.

THTR 211 (3) Performance, Embodiment, and Creativity

Interdisciplinary investigation of the history, theory, and practice of performance as an embodied creative process and a form of artistic research. [2-1-0]

THTR 212 (3) Creativity as Source & Resource

Process-oriented exploration of creativity as a source of personal growth and expressive freedom, and a resource for the cultivation of self-confidence, resilience, and well-being.

Prerequisite: Second year standing.

THTR 280 (3/6) d Devised Public Performance

An intensive laboratory course in performance creation leading to a public presentation. Students may work extensively out in the community and compulsory rehearsals will be scheduled outside of class time. [5 hours/week studio]

Corequisite: THTR 101.

THTR 301 (3/6) d Special Topics in Performance Styles

Training in performance styles such as Spoken Word, Commedia dell'Arte, Tragedy, Bouffon, Clown and Performance Art. Students will study both traditional and contemporary examples of one of these styles. With different topics, this course may be taken more than once for credit. [3 hours/week studio]

Prerequisite: One of THTR 101, THTR 102, THTR 201, THTR 202, THTR 280, THTR 480 or permission of the instructor.

THTR 302 (3) Indigenous Performance Practices

Indigenous performance training methods in movement, dance, singing, and storytelling that connect Indigenous Peoples to their homelands and ancestral territories. The interrelation of community, ecology, language, and culture will be explored under the expert guidance of an Indigenous instructor and the mentorship of guest Indigenous artists and Elders. May include field trips. [5 hours/week studio]

Prerequisite: One of THTR 201, THTR 202 or third year standing and permission of the instructor.

THTR 303 (3) Narrative Film Production

The theory and practice of producing a short narrative motion picture for the purpose of developing narrative film literacy. Credit will be granted for only one of THTR 303, CULT 303, CULT 316 or FILM 303. VISA 106, VISA 261, VISA 271, CULT 210, THTR 103, CRWR 250, or FILM 100 recommended.

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

Equivalency: CULT 303;FILM 303.

THTR 304 (3) World Theatre and Cultural Performance

Explorations of world theatre and cultural performance traditions and practices from South, Southeast and East Asia; Oceania; Sub-Saharan Africa; the Middle East; and the Americas; includes Indigenous theatre. Credit will be granted for only one of THTR 304 or WRLD 304.

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

Equivalency: WRLD 304.

THTR 309 (3) Performance Art: Global Perspectives

History, theory, and practice of performance art as a visual medium, a global language, and a political force. Explores a wide range of experimental and interdisciplinary performance art practices, including key contributions by Indigenous artists. Credit will be granted for only one of THTR 309, ARTH 309, CULT 309, or WRLD 309.

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

Equivalency: ARTH 309, CULT 309, WRLD 309.

THTR 313 (3/6) d Dramatic Literature in Performance

Explores the performance of dramatic literature through a combination of interactive lectures and acting/directing training for a selected dramatic repertoire. Rehearsals outside class time required. Culminates in a public presentation. With different topics, the course can be taken more than once for credit. Credit will be granted for no more than a total of 6-credits of THTR 313 and WRLD 313.

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

Equivalency: WRLD 313.

THTR 384 (3) Spoken Word

Advanced workshop in writing and performing Spoken Word texts. Credit will be granted for only one of THTR 384 or CRWR 384, CULT 384 or CULT 308. [0-3-0]

Prerequisite: 6 credits of Creative Writing and/or Theatre. Third-year standing.

Equivalency: CRWR 384, CULT 384.

THTR 401 (3) Live Art/New Media

Interdisciplinary training incorporating the use of old and new technology in live performance. [3 hours/week studio]

Prerequisite: One of THTR 201, THTR 301, VISA 106, VISA 108 or permission of the instructor.

THTR 411 (3) Performance Studies

Seminar in the interdisciplinary field of performance studies, broadly conceived as the investigation of aesthetic, ritual, and everyday life performance practices. Credit will be granted for only one of THTR 411, CULT 411, or WRLD 411. [2-1-0]

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

Equivalency: CULT 411, WRLD 411.

THTR 480 (3/12) d Special Topics in Performance Creation

An intensive course in performance creation leading to a public presentation. Students may work extensively out in the community and additional compulsory rehearsal time will be scheduled. [5 hours/week studio]

Prerequisite: THTR 280 or permission of the instructor.

THTR 482 (6) Advanced Performance Practices I

In consultation with a faculty advisor, students will propose a program of interdisciplinary study for a thesis project. Intensive course for fourth-year Creative Studies students. [5-5-0]

Prerequisite: THTR 301.

THTR 483 (6) Advanced Performance Practices II

A continuation of THTR 482 concluding with an advertised, public performance or community project. [5-5-0]

Prerequisite: THTR 482.

THTR 485 (3/6) c Directed Studies

Performance theories and/or practices leading to completion of a significant written research project (with or without a practical component) or a documented interdisciplinary performance project. [2-3-0]

Prerequisite: Third-year standing and permission of both the department and the supervising faculty member.

THTR 530 (3) Directed Studies in Theatre

Directed studies course for graduate students in performance. Restricted to students in the M.F.A. program with specialization in Interdisciplinary Studies, or with permission of the Department of Creative Studies.