Theatre and New Dance

Goals & Objectives

The global goals of our curriculum that guide our students and faculty are the following:

  1. To engage productivity in the collaborative process.
  2. To build intellectual and aesthetic understanding of the craft and technique of theatre arts.
  3. To develop an appreciation of and respect for the various roles/aspects inherent within the theatrical process.
  4. To explore the diversity of theatre and its intersection with community, culture and society.
  5. To produce diverse productions that challenge students and engage the university community.

Goals and Objective (PDF)

Specific Goals

Students will be able to meet the following objectives:

  • 1.1 Work in collaborative/artistic ensembles; specifically enhancing skills of listening/respect towards others.
  • 1.2 Possess a broad appreciation for theatre arts – in theory, performance, and production, traditional and global standpoints.
  • 1.3 Exhibit a fundamental working knowledge of the basic areas of theatre art (acting, directing, design, voice, etc.)
  • 1.4 Process and maintain a basic knowledge of the history, origin and tradition of theatre as an art form.
  • 1.5 Articulate theatrical knowledge of the basic areas of theatre (acting, directing, design and voice etc.) in both written and oral communication forms.

Students in the acting option will be able to meet the following objectives:

  • 2.1 Perform a broad spectrum of dramatic material both improvised and scripted, ranging from Realism to non-Realism, classical to contemporary.
  • 2.2 Develop vocal, physical and imaginative skills to express a broad spectrum of dramatic material.
  • 2.3 Review, analyze and give constructive criticism on performance.
  • 2.4 Work as an ensemble/collective group.
  • 2.5 Understand the rehearsal and performance process, including the relationship between the actor and the director, the actor and stage manager, actor and production crew, actor and fellow actors.

Students in the Design option will be able to meet the following objectives:2.6 Understand stage mechanics and safe operation of equipment and rigging
systems.

  • 2.7 Understand and apply knowledge of scenic and costume construction techniques, scenic painting methods and lighting and sound application.
  • 2.8 Understand and apply the basic principles of make up and prosthetics.
  • 2.9 Know and operate the lighting and sound equipment for theatrical venues.
  • 2.10 Understand and apply methods of scholarly research to the design process.
  • 2.11 Communicate design concepts through visual means including rendering, model building, mechanical drafting, CAD, and computer graphic techniques.
  • 2.12 Create a design portfolio and theatrical resume. Students within Playwriting will be able to meet the following objectives:
  • 2.13 Write plays based upon the 10-minute form, the one-act and the full-length models.
  • 2.14 Have experience in adaptation and the use of non-traditional, experimental and/or avant-garde techniques.

Students within Directing will be able to meet the following objectives:

  • 2.15 Cohesively and specifically analyze a play from a directorial point of view – paying particular attention to given circumstances, environmental facts, character analysis, spine & scoring.
  • 2.16 Devise a plan of action and implement a rehearsal process with student actors.
  • 2.17 Form a “paper concept” on a period play – including Internet and library research.
  • 2.18 Critically dissect and critique productions & written works from a directorial POV.
  • 2.19 Visualize and mount a polished 10-minute play.

Students will be able to meet the following objectives:

  • 3.1 Understand the evolution of the physical stage and historical staging techniques.
  • 3.2 Understand historical design styles and how dramatic styles influenced production design.
  • 3.3 Appreciate dramatic works from all parts of the world.
  • 3.4 Demonstrate that they are familiar with a selection of historically representative plays, indicated by a demonstrable knowledge of selected plays, theatrical conventions, ideas, and theatrical movements important in the formation of our current contemporary theatrical view.
  • 3.5 Clearly illuminate a particular theatrical time period that best represents our current contemporary theatrical view.
  • 3.6 Understand the origins and development of American Theatre & be able to use theatre as an investigative tool in discovering American Culture.

Students will be able to meet the following objectives:4.1 Analyze a play from a design perspective, opening the students imagine to “seeing” an environment that expresses the theme and spirit of the play.

  • 4.2 Analyze a play from a performance perspective, including dramatic structure, character analysis, language investigation, and integrate it within the rehearsal and performance process.
  • 4.3 Analyze a play from a directorial perspective, paying particular attention to paying particular attention to given circumstances, environmental facts, character analysis, spine & scoring.

Students will be able to meet the following objectives:

  • 5.1 Understand and apply the responsibilities of theatrical production personnel in the run of a production.
  • 5.2 Understand and apply stage management skills that will enhance personal organization, leadership, and responsibility in a production.
  • 5.3 Understand fire and safety regulations and the safe operation of back stage shifting of properties, lighting and scenery.

Students will be able to meet the following objectives:

  • 6.1 Appreciate diverse theatrical cultures and non-traditional approaches to the art.
  • 6.2 Understand and practice discipline and commitment to a project and respect the ideas fellow artists present in the production process.