Theatre: Professional Acting - Certificate of Achievement

This course is the required prerequisite to all sophomore theatre arts courses. In a series of lectures, demonstrations, activities, assigned readings, and laboratory projects, the student examines the theatrical synthesis by exploring the elements of the actor's instrument and process from the specific standpoint of the professional actor. Team-taught by the drama faculty, staff, and resident and guest artists, the student examines the aesthetics and theory of the drama, the nature of dramatic action, and the arts and crafts vital for communication with an audience. The class explores the interpretation of drama through the art of the actor, with exercises and laboratory projects designed to develop the actor's vocal, physical, emotional, creative, and intellectual capacities. This course is the equivalent of three units of basic acting, two units movement, two units of voice and speech, two units of dramatic theory, and one unit of singing techniques. This course is not open to students who have received credit for DRMA 101.

The exploration and development of a theatrical production at a beginning level in a lab environment. Students apply the necessary skills for the process of mounting a professional theatrical production. This course is not open to students who have received credit for DRMA 112.

In this intensive beginning level laboratory course, the student can apply and develop all of the skills utilized in dramatic performances. Students may spend class hours with the instructor dealing with different performance situations, working under pressure to meet unchanging deadlines, and engaging in actual performance experiences. Therefore, absence from a production laboratory meeting is allowed only with prior approval of the instructor. This course is not open to students who have received credit for DRMA 113.

An introduction to dance styles appropriate to professional classic musical theatre productions, emphasizing vocabulary acquisition and exercises which develop the body stretch and flexibility, strength and improve rhythmic and movement coordination. Limitation on enrollment: Completion of the program application and procedures for enrollment. This course is not open to students who have received credit for DRMA 401.

A continuation of THEA 101, with emphasis on individual development. This course is not open to students who have received credit for DRMA 102.

The exploration and development of a theatrical production at an intermediate level in a lab environment. Students apply the necessary skills for the process of mounting a professional theatrical production. This course is not open to students who have received credit for DRMA 112.

In this intensive intermediate level laboratory course, the student can apply and develop all of the skills utilized in dramatic performances. Students may spend class hours with the instructor dealing with different performance situations, working under pressure to meet unchanging deadlines, and engaging in actual performance experiences. Therefore, absence from a production laboratory meeting is allowed only with prior approval of the instructor. This course is not open to students who have received credit for DRMA 113.

A study at the intermediate level of dance styles appropriate to professional contemporary as well as classic musical theatre productions, emphasizing across the floor combinations and choreography acquisition through exposure to set dance pieces from a variety of classic contemporary productions. This course is not open to students who have received credit for DRMA 401.

Through a series of lectures, demonstrations, activities, assigned readings and laboratory projects, the student will further explore the theatrical synthesis from the specific standpoint of the professional actor. Practical application of basic acting skills in the major theatrical styles with specific emphasis on personal acting problems will be supplemented by more intensive classes in vocal skills (including voice production and projection, articulation, use of the International Phonetic Alphabet, Standard American Speech and various dialects) and movement techniques for the actor (including techniques of relaxation, body alignment and concentration of energy, mask techniques, combat techniques, as well as solutions to specific physical characterization challenges required of the actor by period styles and production concepts). Script analysis and advanced techniques for scoring a dramatic text will be covered. Audition techniques and business survival skills will also be covered. The class will be team taught by the drama faculty and staff in conjunction with resident and guest artists. This course is not open to students who have received credit for DRMA 120.

The exploration and development of a theatrical production at an advanced-intermediate level in a lab environment. Students apply the necessary skills for the process of mounting a professional theatrical production. This course is not open to students who have received credit for DRMA 112.

In this intensive advanced-intermediate level laboratory course, the student can apply and develop all of the skills utilized in dramatic performances. Students may spend class hours with the instructor dealing with different production situations, working under pressure to meet unchanging deadlines, and engaging in actual performance experiences. Therefore, absence from a production laboratory meeting is allowed only with prior approval of the instructor. This course is not open to students who have received credit for DRMA 113.

A study at the advanced-intermediate level of dance styles appropriate to professional classic and contemporary musical theatre productions, emphasizing a growing mastery of musical theatre dance style techniques and rapid choreography acquisition. Students have the opportunity to create and teach their own movement combinations. This course is not open to students who have received credit for DRMA 401.

A continuation of THEA 120 with specific emphasis on personal acting issues in rehearsal and performance. This course is not open to students who have received credit for DRMA 121.

The exploration and development of a theatrical production at an advanced level in a lab environment. Students apply the necessary skills for the process of mounting a professional theatrical production. This course is not open to students who have received credit for DRMA 112.

In this intensive advanced-intermediate level laboratory course, the student can apply and develop all of the skills utilized in dramatic performances. Students may spend class hours with the instructor dealing with different performance situations, working under pressure to meet unchanging deadlines, and engaging in actual performance experiences. Therefore, absence from a production laboratory meeting is allowed only with prior approval of the instructor. This course is not open to students who have received credit for DRMA 113.

A study at the advanced level of dance styles appropriate to professional classic and contemporary musical theatre productions, emphasizing techniques to succeed in a professional musical theatre dance audition and callback. Students will participate in mock dance auditions for a variety of production styles. This course is not open to students who have received credit for DRMA 401.