This is an advanced-level course in contemporary dance technique with a primary focus on movement practice. Using the studio as a laboratory, we will embody increasingly complex and dynamic movement that investigates clarity, freedom, adaptability, and artistry and challenges stamina. Additionally, contemporary dance’s roots and influences will be acknowledged and applied through movement exploration. These include the borrowing and fusing of movement vocabularies from jazz, modern, hip hop, and improvisational dance forms like contact improvisation.

This is an advanced-level course in contemporary dance technique with a primary focus on movement practice. Using the studio as a laboratory, we will embody increasingly complex and dynamic movement that investigates clarity, freedom, adaptability, and artistry and challenges stamina. Additionally, contemporary dance’s roots and influences will be acknowledged and applied through movement exploration. These include the borrowing and fusing of movement vocabularies from jazz, modern, hip hop, and improvisational dance forms like contact improvisation.

How does a deep understanding of dramatic text influence the way we rehearse, and vice versa?  In this course, exercises in script analysis are undertaken in parallel with practical work in rehearsal techniques. Throughout the semester, students will take an integrated approach to dramaturgical study, and acting and directing, taking on various roles within group projects. Readings will include important works in dramaturgical theory alongside play texts reflecting a variety of voices, periods, and styles, including poetic text.

An investigative look at clothes and style through the lens of costume design, rooted in cultural, socio-economic and political landscapes. In this course, students are introduced to fashion in history and the core principles of costume design for performance.  Assignments consist of reading, research, and small-scale presentations. No previous design experience is required.  Fall semester.  Professor Lee.

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An investigation of different performing spaces from the past, present and future. In this course, students are introduced to various space designs for performance, including plays, operas, musical theater, dance, film and television, and concerts. Built on the understanding of performance spaces, students explore the relationship between performers and audience, and audience experience. Students will also learn the creative process of visual response to language and ideas.

Calling all writers, actors, directors, and musicians! Let’s create a show together. Creativity and collaboration are concepts found in all disciplines and regularly requested. This course is a practical, on-your-feet introduction to collaborative and devised theatre-making as an ensemble of artists. Students will be introduced to different processes of ensemble theatre-making  through critical texts and classroom practice.

This intermediate course is designed to continue practice and study of hip-hop technique and culture. Study of movement vocabulary will be contextualized in analyses of hip-hop’s history, culture, underground, and current trends. Students will build stamina, strength, and expand their hip-hop vocabulary.  Continued focus is on body awareness, musicality, and drills designed to help students create with the language of hip-hop culture.

This course will include studio sessions in contemporary modern dance technique at the intermediate level and rehearsal sessions to create original choreography; the new work will be presented toward the end of the semester. The emphasis in the course will be to increase expressive range, technical skills and the performance versatility of the performer through the practice, creation and performance of choreography. The course will include readings and video viewings to offer a broader understanding of performance and choreography at a workload level appropriate to a 2-credit half course.

This course will include studio sessions in contemporary modern dance technique at the intermediate level and rehearsal sessions to create original choreography; the new work will be presented toward the end of the semester. The emphasis in the course will be to increase expressive range, technical skills and the performance versatility of the performer through the practice, creation and performance of choreography. The course will include readings and video viewings to offer a broader understanding of performance and choreography.

What is a play and how do you write it?  In this course, students will be introduced to the basic principles of writing for the stage (voice, craft, and process), and study short plays. Students will gain an understanding of foundational aspects such as conflict, character, objectives, obstacles, and stakes. In parallel to learning elements of playwriting, students will read plays reflecting various periods, cultures and narratives, as well as critical theories around the craft of playwriting and theatrical forms.