Academics

The Theatre Major

Theatre is unique in the range and breadth of its areas of study. It has a rich history, literature, and body of critical theory as well as a number of skill areas where knowledge is put into practice. The sequence of courses in theatre is designed to provide an understanding of each of these areas. The program aims to provide each student with a well-rounded, general mastery of all areas of the art of theatre. In addition, study of the theatre opens a window to the history of our society and culture in a variety of historical contexts. As its particular focus and in keeping with the mission of Roger Williams University, the Theatre Department offers a liberal arts theatre degree with a strong emphasis on practical learning and professional skills.

The theatre program includes a major, a minor, and a Core Concentration. Beyond their more general studies, many students pursue specialization tracks through a series of courses and production experiences in the areas of performance or design. The tracks culminate in capstone experiences such as Senior Projects in performance, design, production, research or with professional internships.

From the beginning of their program, students’ mastery of lessons learned in the classroom is supported by the Department’s active production program. The Department offers a number of public performances each semester providing theatre students, the University community, and the region beyond the University with an exposure to a wide range of styles and types of theatre. During their four years at the University students have the opportunity to work on and see a broad sampling of our theatrical heritage, ranging from the classics, such as Shakespeare and Greek tragedy, to plays drawn from the modern repertory. Special emphasis is given to the musical theatre.

Productions vary from student-directed one-act plays and Senior Projects to the larger and more elaborate faculty-designed-and-directed full length plays. As part of their program, students are expected to participate in all aspects of the theatrical process: backstage, on stage, control booth, publicity, and front of house.

While the production program is an integral part of the theatre program, it is open to all students in the University regardless of their major course of study. The same is true of membership and participation in the Stage Company, the student drama club.

An important element in the overall design of the program is the semester-long London Theatre Program. Since 1971 theatre students have spent the fall semester of their junior year in London under the direction of the Roger Williams theatre faculty and a group of English theatre professionals. They see over 40 plays, concerts, dance events, and exhibitions, study the practical workings of various professional theatres and meet with a range of working theatre practitioners. The full schedule of classes taken by students in London combines theatre studies with courses that provide a broad background in the culture and history of England and Europe. These include field trips to every corner of London and many sites around England.

Many graduates of the theatre program pursue careers in a wide range of the theatrical arts: film, television, and the live theatre. Others have become educators. Theatre graduates can be found teaching on all levels, from elementary to university. Increasingly, those students interested in professional or teaching careers continue their studies through advanced academic and professional degrees in graduate schools throughout the country. But as befits a liberal arts program, many of our students take the research, analytical, organizational, and communications skills that are fundamental to the theatre arts and apply them to a wide variety of business and creative pursuits. Regardless of their ultimate career paths, theatre graduates take with them a deep appreciation of theatre as an art and of its place in our culture.

Degree Requirements

Majors pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in theatre must satisfy all University Core Curriculum requirements and the College speech requirement, COMM 210 . In addition, the theatre major must successfully complete 42 credits from the requirements listed below and sufficient electives to total 120 credits. Majors are encouraged to apply electives toward a minor or second major.

THEAT         110              Acting I
THEAT         120              Design for the Theatre
THEAT        130              The Art of the Theatre
THEAT         140              Musical Theatre Workshop (2 credits)
THEAT         141              Musical Theatre Workshop (1 credit)
THEAT         200              Theatre Practicum (1 credit, taken 3 times)
THEAT         230              Theatre History I
THEAT         231              Theatre History II
THEAT         300              Drama in Production
THEAT        340               Directing

Three Dramatic Literature/History/Theory courses taken from:
THEAT         330              Theatre of Shakespeare
THEAT         331              Modern Theatre and Drama
THEAT         332              British Theatre and Performing Arts
THEAT         333              Asian Drama and Dance
THEAT         334              Contemporary Drama
THEAT         431              Drama Theory and Criticism

Two 3-credit Theatre electives.

Students may choose to use their elective credits to concentrate in either the Acting or Design Track. The requirements for these tracks are:

Acting Track
THEAT 210 Acting II
THEAT 310 Acting Studio

Design Track
THEAT 220 Intermediate Design
THEAT 320 Design Studio

The Theatre Minor

THEAT        110              Acting I
THEAT         120              Design for the Theatre
THEAT         130              The Art of the Theatre
one of the following courses
THEAT         230              Theatre History I
THEAT         231              Theatre History II
THEAT         330              Theatre of Shakespeare
THEAT         331              Modern Theatre and Drama
THEAT         333              Asian Drama and Dance
THEAT         334              Contemporary Drama
THEAT         431              Drama Theory and Criticism
and
Six (6) credits of Theatre electives

The Theatre Minor – London Option

THEAT 130 The Art of the Theatre
One Theatre three-credit elective and four approved three-credit courses taken as part of the London Theatre Program

The London Theatre Program

Instituted in 1971 to provide theatre students with an opportunity to see the finest theatre in the world, the program serves a limited number of students from other academic areas as well and is offered in the fall semester of alternate academic years.

London is the ideal city for students of the theatre and drama. Not only does London offer a greater quantity of productions than one could experience elsewhere, but its theatre fare is also panoramic, encompassing a broad range of periods and styles. Attendance at a large number of events is a part of the program. Courses build on the opportunities that the English site provides with frequent field trips and guest speakers. In addition to their focus on British theatrical arts, courses are multi-disciplinary, offering a wide and varied experience of European history and culture.

Course Descriptions

THEAT 110 – Acting I

Fulfills a requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

The course focuses on elements which form the basis for the art and craft of acting. Its emphasis is on the actor’s instrument: body, voice, intellect and emotion and the resources needed in creating a role. These are explored through a series of acting exercises involving concentration, energy, sensory awareness, rhythm and imagination. The class includes discussions of theory and practice, and an introduction to physical and vocal warmups and scene work. (3 credits) Fall, Spring

THEAT 120 – Design for the Theatre I

Fulfills a requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

A study of scenery and costume design for the theatre. The course will include discussions of design elements, and an introduction to the practical skills of rendering, drafting, and scenic and costume construction. (3 credits) Fall, Spring

THEAT 121 – Design for the Theatre II

Fulfills a requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

This course is a study of lighting design, sound design, and stage management. The course will include discussion of design elements and an introduction to the practical skills of drafting, electricity, applied optics, and the use of sound and sound equipment. In addition, there will be a study of stage management techniques and responsibilities. (3 credits) Spring

THEAT 130 – The Art of the Theatre

Fulfills a requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

A broad examination into the whole theatre craft. The course will focus on script analysis from the point of view of the various theatre professions. Plays chosen will be from differing theatrical periods and reflect the department’s production season. An introduction to theatre vocabulary will also be included. (3 credits) Fall, Spring

THEAT 140, 141 – Musical Theatre Workshop

Fulfills a course requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

This course studies the American musical theatre. It may include weekly private lessons for the development of the singing voice and acting styles for use in the musical theatre. Concentration is on the conveyance of image and dramatic meaning. (2 credits for 140, may be repeated for credit; 1 credit for 141, may be repeated for credit) Fall, Spring

THEAT 200 – Theatre Practicum

Fulfills a course requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

This course offers production experience directly related to other theatre courses. Students receive credit for supervised work in all areas of the department production program. These include all technical areas, running crews, design, directing, performance, and house management and publicity. One credit may be obtained for each semester in residence as a theatre major. (1 credit) Fall, Spring

THEAT 210 – Acting II

Fulfills a course requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

Prerequisite: THEAT 110 or consent of the instructor

This course lays the foundation for a sound methodology and technique for approaching a role. Its practical work builds upon the character and scene analysis and presentations begun in Acting I. (3 credits) Spring

THEAT 220 - Intermediate Design

Fulfills a course requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

Prerequisite: THEAT 120 or consent of the instructor

A detailed examination of technical theatre, the design process, and methods for lighting, scenery, and costuming. Sound design and technology will also be introduced. Discussions will include play analysis, period style, and the application of historical research to design projects. Students will be expected to narrow their focus to one or more design areas. The class will culminate in a portfolio review. (3 credits) Spring

THEAT 230 – Theatre History I

Fulfills a course requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

This course surveys the history of theatre and drama in Europe and Asia from the ancient Greeks through the Elizabethan period. (3 credits) Fall

THEAT 231 – Theatre History II

Fulfills a course requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

This course surveys the history of theatre and drama in Europe, Asia, and the Americas from the French neo-classic period through the development of modernism in the twentieth century. (3 credits) Spring

THEAT 300, 301 – Drama in Production

Fulfills a course requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

An intensive course in the theory and practice of the theatrical arts. Each semester the course will focus on a particular playwright, period, or style. Study in the classroom will parallel the practical application of the material in the studio. The course will culminate in a workshop production. (3 credits for 300, may be repeated for credit; 1 credit for 301, may be repeated for credit) Fall, Spring

THEAT 310, 311 – Acting Studio

Fulfills a course requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

Prerequisite: THEAT 210 or consent of the instructor

An advanced acting course that will examine particular acting problems and styles through analysis and presentation of dramatic writing selected from a variety of periods and cultures across time. Subject matter will vary each term (3 credits for 310, may be repeated for credit; 1 credit for 311, may be repeated for credit) Spring

THEAT 312 – Acting Workshop

Fulfills a course requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

Prerequisite: Two semesters of introductory acting courses or their equivalent and a serious commitment to acting as a profession.

Advanced study of experimental theatre techniques. The aim of the work is to extend the creative range of the actor by developing his or her physical and vocal equipment, releasing the imagination so that the actor is able to bring a new freedom and a new depth to his or her work, whether in the experimental or the traditional theatre. (3 credits) Fall (London)

THEAT 320, 321 – Design Studio

Fulfills a course requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

Prerequisite: THEAT 220 or consent of the instructor

A focused examination of design processes and techniques. Much of the work will be through individual design projects. Students will engage in readings and research in their area of specialty. The class will culminate in a portfolio review. (3 credits for 320, may be repeated for credit; 1 credit for 321, may be repeated for credit)

THEAT 322 – Theatre Design Workshop

Fulfills a course requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

Prerequisites: THEAT 120, 220

Advanced design project in scenery, costume, or lighting. Each student submits a plan for his or her own course of study, augmented by museum visits and research checklists, using the various resources available in London. Ordinarily, the goal of this study is a major design project of portfolio quality. (3 credits) Fall (London)

THEAT 330 – Theatre of Shakespeare

Fulfills a course requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

Critical analysis of selected comedies, tragedies, and histories, including a study of the Globe Theatre and of contemporary production techniques. Plays chosen reflect the announced seasons of local and nearby London theatre production companies. (3 credits) Fall (London)

THEAT 331 – Modern Theatre and Drama

Fulfills a course requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

Examines the ideas and practices of the modern theatre. Beginning in the late nineteenth century with realism and the anti-realistic rebellion, the course follows the major theories, plays, and practitioners that shaped our contemporary theatre. (3 credits) Alternate Spring (also taught in London)

THEAT 332 – British Theatre and Performing Arts

Fulfills a course requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

A study of the contemporary performing arts in England through exposure to a broad range of theatre, dance, and musical events. The course emphasizes the historic development of various performance traditions. Theatre tours, classroom discussions, guest speakers, reading and writing assignments provide historic context and critical perspective. (3 credits) Fall (London)

THEAT 333 – Asian Drama and Dance

Fulfills a course requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

Study of major traditional dance-drama forms in India, China, and Japan. The course will deal with traditions, texts, and performance practices for Kathakali, Peking Opera, Noh, Kabuki, and Bunraku in their traditional and modern manifestations demonstrating parallels and interactions between Eastern and European performance traditions. (3 credits) Alternate Spring

THEAT 334 – Contemporary Drama

Fulfills a course requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

Concentrated study of major trends in the contemporary theatre. Each semester the class will focus on the work of one playwright or one aspect of the current theatre. Students are expected to do extensive research and analysis for seminar presentations. (3 credits) Alternate Spring

THEAT 340 – Directing

Fulfills a course requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

The fundamentals of play direction, including script analysis, interpretation, blocking, focus and methods used to maintain directorial image. This course will include a study of the director’s role in the modern theatre and will include student direction of short scenes. (3 credits) Spring

THEAT 341 – Seminar in Directing Problems

Fulfills a course requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

Prerequisite: Successful completion of a directing class, directing experience, or consent of instructor

Study of specific problems of play direction as seen in the current productions in the London theatres. Analyzes each production to identify directing problems and possible solutions. Class attendance at the productions and guest lectures by British directors, whenever possible, supplements the study. (3 credits) Fall (London)

THEAT 431 – Drama Theory and Criticism

Fulfills a course requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

A study of selected ideas of theater from Aristotle to the present. Readings include Aristotle, Brecht, Artaud, Stanislavski, Craig, and Grotowski. A seminar course for upperclassmen in theatre and others by permission. Includes discussion, research papers, and classroom presentations. Greatest emphasis is placed on theorists and practitioners of the 20th century. (3 credits) Alternate Spring

THEAT 441 – Theatre for Young Audiences

Fulfills a course requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

The study of techniques of creating theatrical productions and using theatre as a learning tool for children of various ages. Dramatic literature for children will also be surveyed. Students will test their theories and the range of their skills by creating productions for outreach in community schools. (3 credits) Special Offering

THEAT 443 – Special Topics in Theatre

Fulfills a course requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

The course will focus on one aspect of theatre production such as vocal training, stage management, or playwriting. Work in the course will include both the theoretical basis and the practical application of the subject matter. (3 credits) Special Offering

THEAT 490 – Cultures in Contact: British Heritage and Its Impact on Modern Man

Fulfills a course requirement in the Theatre Core Concentration

Accompanied by lectures in English history, art, and mores, the bulk of the course is an on-the-street workshop exploring British culture. Includes individual visits to many important museums and galleries, and tours of London, Greenwich, Windsor, Hampton Court, St. Albans (Verulamium), Shaw’s Corner, Canterbury, and Stratford-upon-Avon. Required of all participating students. (3 credits) Fall (London)

Alternatives to Classroom Study

(Open only to seniors majoring in theatre.)

THEAT 475 – Senior Topics

Senior majors, in consultation with the theatre faculty, may select one course of special study best suited to their learning needs and demonstrated abilities.

Theatre Management, Promotion, and Publicity

Prerequisite: THEAT 130 ; or consent of instructor

Principles and methods involved in commercial and educational theatre operation, which include organization, choice of a season of plays, creation of an audience, box office routines, house management, and touring. Includes actual practice in ticket, program, poster, and flyer design. (3 credits) Spring

Professional Theatre Internship

This alternative involves an intern semester with a professional theatre company under the tutelage of a qualified professional approved by the department coordinator. Apply for variable credit through the Cooperative Education Office. (3 credits) Fall, Spring

Project in Acting, Design, Directing, or Stage Management

Acting: Students, working with a faculty director, contribute to every aspect of the decision-making process and bear a major responsibility for character and script analysis. (3 credits) Fall, Spring

Design: Students execute a project in scenery, costume, or lighting under the tutorial guidance of faculty. (3 credits) Fall, Spring

Directing: Students are responsible for the selection, analysis, and direction of a one-act play and assume complete supervision of the production under the tutorial guidance of faculty. (3 credits) Fall, Spring

Stage Management: Students are responsible for the complete supervision of a Main Season production under the guidance of the faculty director. (3 credits) Fall, Spring

Research Project

The student undertakes a project of research and theory, which may have practical production application, under the tutorial guidance of faculty. (3 credits) Fall, Spring