Theatre and Dance
The Department of Theatre and Dance offers two pre-professional undergraduate degree programs: the Bachelor of Arts in General Theatre, for students seeking careers in teaching, production, directing, or management; and the Bachelor of Arts in Performance, for students seeking careers in acting/directing or entrance into graduate MFA performance programs. It also offers a Minor in Theatre Arts and a Minor in Dance. Both majors and minors are for students interested in pursuing theatre as a vocation or avocation.
Majors in the Department of Theatre and Dance explore a variety of dramatic texts and enjoy opportunities for intensive study and performance in an ensemble style with active participation in all aspects of theatre production, learning the skills necessary to create a balance between acting, directing, production planning, and technical skills.
Two special features of the major are an internship in which the student will work with one of several professional theatre organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, and the opportunity for seniors to produce and direct or design a short play as part of the Theatre Arts Department season.
Bachelor of Arts: Theatre Arts
| In addition to major requirements, students must meet Core Curriculum Requirements and General Degree Requirements. | |||
Production |
Performance | ||
| Prerequisites | |||
| DA038A/138A or DA038B/138B |
Dance Technique I Dance Technique I I |
1 | 1 |
| TA001 | Introduction to the Theatre | 3 | 3 |
| TA002 | Introduction to Oral Interpretation of Literature | 3 | 3 |
| TA010 | Beginning Acting | 3 | 3 |
| TA015 | Makeup | 1 | 1 |
| TA021A/B or TA121A/B |
Theatre Production and Stagecraft | 6 | 6 |
| TA090S/190S | Theatre Production: Stagecraft Laboratory | 1 | 1 |
| TA090R/190R | Rehearsal and Performance | 0 | 1 |
| Total Prerequisites | 18 | 19 | |
| Major Requirements | |||
| TA070/170 | Scenic Design and Model Building | 3 | (3)* |
| TA091/191 | Assistant Stage Manager | 1 | 1 |
| TA092/192 | Stage Manager | 1 | 1 |
| TA093/193 | Assistant Director | 1 | 1 |
| TA100 | Intermediate Acting | 0 | 3 |
| TA110 | Advanced Acting | 0 | 3 |
| TA115 | Stage Lighting and Electrics | 3 | (3)* |
| TA120 | Costume Development and Design | 4 | (4)* |
| TA130A/B/C | Development of the Drama and Theatre | 9 | 9 |
| TA140 | Directing | 3 | 3 |
| TA141 | Directing Practicum | 2 | 2 |
| TA198 | Theatre Internship (Satisfies two units of the Career Development Requirement) | 2 | 2 |
| *Theatre Arts majors who are following a concentration in PERFORMANCE are required to take either TA170 or both TA115 and TA120. | |||
| Total Major Requirements |
29 | 28-32 | |
| Other Degree Requirements* and General Electives * Other degree requirements include Core Curriculum Requirements and General Degree Requirements (e.g., Career Development, U.S. History). |
30 | 27-31 | |
| Total Unit Requirement | 124 | 124 | |
Minor Requirements: Theatre Arts
| Requirements | Units | |
| TA001 | Introduction to the Theatre | 3 |
| TA010 | Beginning Acting | 3 |
| TA021A | Theatre Production and Stagecraft | 3 |
| TA090R | Rehearsal and Performance | 1 |
| TA090S | Stagecraft | 1 |
| TA091 | Assistant Stage Manager | 1 |
| Upper-division electives in Theatre Arts | 6 | |
| Total Minor Requirements | 18 | |
Theatre Arts Courses
If a course is listed as both lower- and upper-division, a separate syllabus is required for each level. The amount of work required for upper-division credit will differ in both quantity and quality from that required for lower-division credit.
TA001 Introduction to the Theatre (3)
Provides a survey of artistic collaborations, materials, and processes
used in the creation of theatre arts events through a study of the
evolution of drama, comparisons of playwrights, actors, directors
and performance styles, design processes, and stage technology.
Fulfills the Core Curriculum Arts Requirement.
TA002/102 Introduction to Oral Interpretation of Literature
(3)
Gives intensive analysis and oral performance of a wide range of
literary genre: prose, poetry, and Romantic literature. Fulfills
the Core Curriculum Arts Requirement.
TA003/103 All the World's a Stage (3)
Students learn about the history of art forms and focus specifically on several important production companies along with film and television studies. Students attend performances and tour performance and production facilities and attend presentations by professionals from the theatre, dance, film, and television.
TA010 Beginning Acting (3)
Develops student's awareness of his/her physical response to emotion in order that he/shemay truthfully recreate these responses in an appropriate way in acting scenes. The class utilizes constant activity including structured
exercise and sensory practice. Fulfills the Core Curriculum Arts
Requirement.
TA015 Makeup (1)
Focuses on theory and practice of using theatre makeup. Emphasis
is placed on corrective, middle age, old age, and character makeup.
TA021A/121A Theatre Production and Stagecraft (3)
Provides an introduction to theatre production principles and theories,
including stage management, theatre architecture, and basic scenic
design, drafting, and rendering processes. Classroom work is reinforced
with hands-on practice in the Theatre Arts Department stage facilities.
Coursework is centered on individual projects and participation
in departmental productions. Course requires a minimum of 15 hours
of laboratory stagecraft time.
TA021B/121B Theatre Production and Stagecraft (3)
Prerequisite: TA021A/121A.
Provides an introduction to the tools, materials, techniques, and
procedures of scenic construction, stage operations, shop
safety, properties, and scenic painting. Discusses the processes
utilized to create scenic and properties components of stage productions.
In-class work includes practice with tools and materials. Course
requires a minimum of 15 hours of laboratory stagecraft time.
TA025/125 Musical Theatre Workshop (1-3)
Cross-listed with MT125A and MU525A. See Musical Theatre for course description.
TA061/161 Theatre and Drama in the Schools (3)
Students and faculty create a children's theatre touring production
to be presented at elementary and middle schools throughout the
Bay Area. Students learn the skills and techniques needed to
create play scripts. They learn basic design and construction
skills for costumes, properties, scenic elements, and musical components.
Although some experience in theatre is preferred, there are no prerequisites
for the course. Fulfills the Core Curriculum Arts Requirement.
TA070/170 Scenic Design and Model Building (3)
Prerequisites: TA001 and TA021A or TA021B.
Provides an in-depth study of the process of creating theatrical
scenery through a study of historical staging techniques to the
most current scenic technology. Students are taught drafting and
model-building skills and are challenged through projects in drafting,
perspective, life drawing, and faux painting to communicate design
ideas and construction information. Fulfills the Core Curriculum
Arts Requirement. Cross-listed with AR070/170.
TA080/180 Introduction to Arts Management (3)
Students examine the various administrative functions that relate to selection, planning,
financing, promotion, and staffing of performing arts events. Study
includes theory and practice of arts administration ranging
from professional to amateur organizations; practical experience
in the management functions of theatre arts productions. Fulfills
the Core Curriculum Arts Requirement. Cross-listed with MG180 and
SL180.
TA090A/C/L/R/S and 190A/C/L/R/S Theatre Production (1-2)
A Theatre Administration (1-2)
Provides practical experience in box office, house management, public realtions and audience development.
C Costume Laboratory (1-2)
Provides practical experience in building costumes or working on
costume and/or make-up crews for Theatre Arts productions.
L Lighting and Sound Laboratory (1-2)
Provides practical experience in working on light and sound crews
for Theatre Arts productions.
R Rehearsal and Performance (1-2)
Provides credit for participation as a performer in departmental
productions. May be repeated for credit.
S Stagecraft Laboratory (1-2)
Provides practical experience in working stage crews, scenic construction,
painting, and lighting for Theatre Arts productions.
TA091/191 Assistant Stage Manager (1)
Provides the opportunity for students to serve as Assistant Stage Manager for an NDNU Theatre Department production. Student Assistant Stage Managers are responsible for assisting the Stage Manager and the Director. They gain experience in the organization and implementation of the necessary theatre production process.
TA092/192 Stage Manager (1)
Provides the opportunity for students to serve as Stage Manager for an NDNU Theatre Department production. Student Stage Managers are responsible to assist the production Director. They supervise technical crews, auditions, rehearsals, and performances. They gain experience in overseeing all aspects of organizing and implementing the necessary Theatre production process.
TA093/193 Assistant Director (1)
Provides the opportunity for students to serve as Assistant Directors for an NDNU Theatre Department production. Student Assistant Directors assist the Director in planning and preparing all aspects of the play production. They serve as a liaison with the performers, Stage Manager, theatre staff and administration, and production personnel.
TA100 Intermediate Acting (3)
Prerequisite: TA010 or permission of instructor.
Provides for intensive work in character analysis and development
through exercises and scene study. Fulfills the Core Curriculum
Arts Requirement.
TA110 Advanced Acting (3)
Prerequisites: TA001, TA010, TA100.
Provides an intensive study of period acting styles through monologue
and ensemble scene work. Fulfills the Core Curriculum Arts Requirement.
TA115 Stage Lighting and Electrics (3)
Prerequisites: TA001, TA021A or TA021B, and TA070.
Provides an introduction to the art and technology of theatrical
and stage lighting through a study of the nature and psychology
of light and the principles of electrics, production, documentation,
lighting control systems (including computers), and conceptualization.
Hands-on practice and application are highlighted in this course.
TA117 Shakespeare (3)
Cross-listed with EN117. See English listings
for course description.
TA120 Costume Development and Design (4)
Prerequisites: TA001 and TA021A or TA021B.
Provides an introduction to the process of creating theatrical costumes,
through a study of clothing style, historically and across cultures.
Includes character and script analysis, conceptualization, patterning,
and construction techniques. Sewing techniques and rendering skills
are taught and exercised.
TA130A Development of Drama and Theatre to 1600 (3)
Prerequisite: TA001.
Provides the history of the theatre and its literature from ancient
Greece to 1600. Fulfills the Core Curriculum Arts Requirement.
TA130B/530B Development of Drama and Theatre from 1600 to 1800 (3)
Prerequisite: TA001.
Provides the history of the theatre and its literature from the 17th
century to 1800. Fulfills the Core Curriculum Arts Requirement.
TA130C Development of Drama and Theatre from 1800 to the Present
(3)
Prerequisite: TA001.
Provides a survey of modern theatre history and literature. Fulfills
the Core Curriculum Arts Requirement.
TA140 Directing (3)
Prerequisite: TA001, TA010 or by permission of instructor.
Students examine the theories and practices of stage direction.
Study includes the emergence of the position of the stage director,
script selection and analysis, casting procedures, staging concepts, and
discussions of the relationship of the director to the cast, designers,
and technicians.
TA141 Directing Practicum (2)
Prerequisite: TA140.
Offers practical experience in play directing.
TA149T Teaching Assistant (1-3)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Provides an opportunity for advanced Theatre Arts students to earn
credit by assisting instructors in planning and conducting theatre
courses and production activities.
TA160 Children's Theatre (3)
Provides theory of theatre education in the elementary school
with practical projects planned for specific developmental levels.
Fulfills the Core Curriculum Arts Requirement.
TA175 Acting for the Camera (3)
Provides an exploration of specific techniques required for acting in television and film productions. Fulfills the Core Curriculum Arts Requirement. Cross-listed with CM175.
TA195 Special Topics in Theatre (1-3)
Special projects in theatre theory and design are available.
TA198 Theatre Internship (2)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Provides practical theatrical experience with an off-campus theatre organization. Satisfies two units of the Career Development Requirement.
TA199 Independent Study in Theatre Arts (1-3) Fall, Spring
Provides an opportunity for independent study or research under the direction of an instructor. See Undergraduate Policies and Procedures section on Independent Study.
Dance Minor
The Dance program at NDNU is part of the Department of Theatre and Dance. The dance curriculum provides a strong program in technical dance, choreography and performance, and theatrical dance education. It is designed to meet the dance education and training needs of students from the Theatre and Musical Theatre majors. Courses in the NDNU Dance program are open to students from all majors.
The NDNU Dance Minor consists of fifteen units of dance, a minimum of twelve units must be completed in NDNU dance courses. The courses are designed to allow students to take individual courses to suit their abilities, interests, and needs. Students in the Dance minor are expected to contribute to the courses and studio activities in which dance performance pieces are developed and rehearsed in preparation for the annual Spring Dance Concert.
Dance Courses
DA031/131 Hip-Hop (1-2)
Hip-Hop is a highly aerobic form of dance that draws from jazz, street, funk, and pop styles of movement. This class focuses on building a dance movement vocabulary and developing a student's individual style. May be repeated for credit.
DA032/132 Swing Dance (1-2)
Swing dance students are taught 1940's popular dances centered around Big Band Swing Music.
DA033/133 Dance for Choreographers (1-2)
Presents the key elements of dance and choreography for successful stage performance in both dance productions and musical theatre. This experiential course focuses on dance psychology – understanding movement on a deeper level through improvisation and refining technical ability to include a broader range of performance styles in dance – in order to have a greater impact on audiences. Discussions also include the collaborative nature of choreography, particularly in theatre.
DA034A/134A Tap (1-2)
This course is designed for all levels of tap dancers. No prior dance experience is necessary although it is welcomed. Dancers of all levels learn basic tap technique and steps and be able to implement this information in combinations of various styles. This course aims to create a knowledge of and enthusiasm for tap dance as a popular art form. In addition to improving body awareness and rhythmic sensibility, students develop a working vocabulary for various tap steps as well as dance technique. Each student is encouraged to explore both historical and popular culture examples of tap to aid in creating their own artistic style.
DA034B/134B Advanced Tap (1-2)
This course is designed for the experienced tap dancer and students who have an interest in teaching. Students are able to both further their own growth as a tapper as well as examine their current teaching style. In addition to learning and refining tap technique, students are asked to choreograph and teach combinations of various styles. This course aims to create a knowledge of and enthusiasm for teaching and choreography in tap. Students continue to develop a working vocabulary and implement more advanced dance technique. Students are asked to incorporate these elements in their own teaching and hold fellow students to their own standard. Each student is encouraged to explore both historical and popular culture examples of tap to aid in creating their own artistic style.
DA035/135 Jazz Dance (1-2)
Focuses on the study and application of the fundamentals of jazz dance techniques. Students learn various styles of jazz from the lyrical and funk to Afro-Caribbean. May be repeated for credit.
DA036/136 Dance for Theatre (1-2)
Focuses on the exploration of dance and movement styles necessary for theatre performance. May be repeated for credit.
DA037/137 Intermediate/Advanced Jazz Dance (1-2)
A continuation of Jazz Dance 035/135, this course focuses on the study and application of advanced dance techniques. A strong foundation of technical skill is required for this course. Students also have opportunity to choreograph their own dance pieces and refine their skills in the various forms of jazz dance style and composition.
DA038A/138A Dance Technique I (1)
This class introduces the fundamentals of ballet, jazz, and modern dance styles. Dance Technique I emphasizes the development of body isolations, rhythmic awareness, and movement coordination through a series of technical sequences and dance combinations. Focus is placed on technical form, and includes barre and floor combinations that increase flexibility, balance, control, muscle tone, and memory. A strong foundation of technical skill is developed in all three genres and is required for advancement into Dance Technique II. May be repeated for credit.
DA038B/138B Dance Technique II (1)
Prerequisite: DA038A
This class is a continuation of Dance Technique I with emphasis on discipline, coordination, and the development of practical performing skills in ballet, jazz, modern jazz, and modern dance technique. Continued study in Dance Technique II emphasizes the expressive potential of modern/lyrical dance and its application to the traditional styles of ballet and jazz dance. Focus is placed on technical and performing proficiency and includes barre exercises and extended dance combinations. Students in Dance Technique II are eligible to audition for the Theatre Dance Company and enroll in Dance Choreography and Performance. May be repeated for credit.
DA038C/138C Dance Technique III (1-2)
Prerequisite: DA038A/B
Dance Technique III is designed to refine students technical and performance skills in the art of dance, with special emphasis on advanced axial and locomotor movements of jazz, ballet, and modern dance. Expressive components of dance, cultural dance, and the principles of group/solo choreography are also explored in this course.
DA090D/190D Rehearsal and Performance: Dance (1-2)
Provides credit for participation as a performer in departmental productions. May be repeated for credit.