Current Courses
FALL 2013
*All DRA courses except for DRA 105, Principles of Effective Speaking and DRA 200 Theatre Practicum fulfill the Humanities distribution requirement
DRA 105-10 Public Speaking
W 5:30-8PM Staff
The course is intended to enhance student abilities in the development and delivery of various kinds of public presentations, and to foster skill in the analysis of speeches from the standpoint of the critical listener. This course does not count toward distribution or toward the Drama major.
DRA 211 Acting I
DRA 211-10 MWF 12:30-1:20 Daigle (Freshman only) 16
DRA 211-11 MWF 10:30-11:20 Sommerfeld 16
DRA 211-12 MWF 11:30-12:20 Sommerfeld 16
DRA 211-13 TTH 11:30-12:45 Foster 16
Analysis and application of basic acting techniques with a concentration on scene study and character analysis.
DRA 231-10 Theatre Tech
TTH 10:00-11:15 Stahl
Investigation of methods and materials used in the theatrical production process. Laboratory hours will be required. This course is designed primarily for those who plan to participate in future theatrical productions.
DRA 304 Modern Age
MWF 10:30-11:20 Volansky
The study of experimentation and innovation in dramatic writing and theatrical convention in Europe and America from 1875 to 1950 with emphasis on the principal reactions to naturalism: symbolism, impressionism, expressionism, theatricalism.
DRA 311 Acting II
TTH 1:00-2:15 Fox
Advanced development of acting techniques to explore classical texts. In addition to finding the emotional truth, students will use tools such as scansion to diagram and speak Shakespeare and other classical writers with clarity, specificity, and passion. Prerequisite: Drama 211.
DRA 351 Playwriting
W 1:30-4:00 Volansky
(cross-listed with English)
Analysis and practical application of techniques and styles employed in writing for the stage.
DRA 394-10 Poetry in Performance
TTH 10:00-11:15 Price
(cross-listed with English)
This course is designed to impart an understanding of, and respect for, the performance aspects of poetry by exploring the devices basic to performed verse. The intent is to investigate the progressive aspects of poetic performance and consider the rationale of oral poetics in a post literate world. Emphasis will be placed upon the evocative sounds of poetry and the methods of communicating subtle, nonverbal nuances of the human voice to live audiences and the actions that layer the sensual and emotional impact of the poem. Class assignments will entail students reading, examining and reciting their own work and the works of assigned poet in class and in a public venue.
DRA 394-11 Adapting Non-Dramatic Literature for the Stage
TTH 4:00-5:15 Fox
(cross-listed with English)
Theater practitioners around the country are constantly exploring ways to bring poetry, short stories, and novels to life onstage. What happens to a story when it takes on three-dimensional life? Students will explore their answer to this by writing their own adaptations and exploring them on their feet.
DRA 494-10 Improv
TH 1:00-3:45 Daigle
The course examines the history, theory and practice of theatrical improvisation. Prerequisites DRA 211 and DRA 311
DRA 294-10 Intro to Theatrical Design
TTH 11:30-12:45 Eckelman
This course offers a broad look at all aspects of theatrical design, including scenery, properties, costume, lighting, sound, and projections. Recurring topics will include design process, division of labor, collaboration, and communication. Students will learn to approach theatrical questions from a variety of angles, and will develop a basic understanding of all design elements and how they fit together.
DRA 394-12 SpTp: Lighting Design I
MWF 12:30-1:20 Eckelman
Lighting is an essential element of all performing arts which powerfully shapes the audience’s experience. In this course, we will examine the various goals and properties of lighting, as well as the process by which lighting designers conceive, communicate, and execute their ideas onstage. Some elements of stagecraft will be covered, including basic lighting technologies and elementary drafting. Students will develop and present ideas through written analysis, visual research, and practical projects.
