Course Syllabus

THEA 2290 Special Topics in Theatre

Course Description

A variable content course which treats subjects of special interest. The content will change from semester to semester and will be advertised in advance. May be taken by both majors and non-majors. Repeatable for credit.

Justification

This course allows instructors to explore topics of special interest that are not currently being addressed in the departmental curriculum and responds to the need to offer students additional learning opportunities in the field of theatre. Similar courses are taught at most other institutions in the state. Topics typically expand on a theatrical practice in more depth (genre, technique, skills, etc) and allow the faculty of the Theatre Department to tailor our student's electives according to their interests which allows for a more engaged classroom and higher enrollment. It also allows for the Theatre Department to partner with outside schools, professional companies, and industry professionals to develop unique curriculum and invite such individuals to teach at Snow. It expands Snow's artistic connections and gives theatre students opportunities to learn from instructors with even more varied and exotic methodologies and develop networking opportunities for the future.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. The learning outcomes and assessment tools will be determined by faculty and student. More details will be provided in the simple syllabus submission each time this course is offered.

Course Content

This course concerns itself with highly specific topics of theatre, ranging from performance methods, design subjects, technological study, play creation, theatre education, criticism, and/or dramaturgy. Possible performance/acting topics for this course include: - Acting Shakespeare - Acting Chekhov - Period Acting Styles - Contemporary Acting Styles - Avant-Garde Acting - Unarmed Stage Combat - Armed Stage Combat: Short Sword/Rapier - Armed Stage Combat: Long Sword - Armed Stage Combat: Quarterstaff - Armed Stage Combat: Firearms - Movement for the Actor: Viewpoints - Movement for the Actor: Suzuki Technique - Movement for the Actor: Michael Chekhov - Movement for the Actor: Grotowski - Historical Dance Styles - Alexander Technique - Singing for the Actor - Advanced Speech Work: Vocal Coaching - Advanced Speech Work: Dialects - Audition Technique - Acting as a Profession: Unions/Agents - Acting as a Profession: Contracts/Finances/NegotiationsPossible playwriting/literary topics for this course include: - Playwriting - Playwriting: Adaptation/Translation - Screenwriting - Writing for TV - Writing for Musical Theatre - Character Development - Dramaturgy - Devised Theatre - Playback Theatre - Children's Theatre - Theatre Education - Feminist Theatre - African American Theatre - Indigenous People's Theatre - Theatre of Eastern Asia - Theatre Criticism Possible directing/stage management topics for this course include: - Stage Management - Production Management - Text Analysis - Artistic Collaboration - Theatrical Storytelling - Directing: Civic Engagement - Directing: History and Context - Director/Designer Collaboration - Director/Playwright Collaboration - Rehearsal Techniques - Directing Studio: Devising - Directing Studio: Musical Theatre - Directing Studio: Physical Theatre - Directing Studio: Theatrical Adaptation - Directing Studio: Site-Specific Theatre - Directing Studio: Toy TheatrePossible design/technical topics for this course include: - Prop Furniture - Armament - Periods and Styles - Design and Media - Videography - Puppetry - Technical Direction - Sound Design - Properties Design - Advanced Scenic Construction - Theatre Scenographic Technology - Projections - Electricals - Design CollaborationThis course may also serve as an independent study for students assuming positions of great responsibility in a production. Eligible positions would include designer, director, or playwright, all of whom are accountable for a preponderance of creative and artistic decisions for a production.