Presents a comprehensive study of 'Black Theatre' as the African-American contribution to the theatre. Explores the historical, cultural, and socio-political underpinnings of this theatre as an artistic form in American and world culture. Students gain a broader understanding of the relationship and contributions of this theatre to theatre arts, business, education, lore, and humanity. A practical theatrical experience is a part of the course offering. Prerequisite: Instructor permission

Introduces principles of vocal health, provides practical techniques for meeting the voice and speech demands of daily life and performance, and promotes life-long exploration of the speaking voice and the spoken word. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

This course surveys a broad range of theories and methodologies pertinent to the fields of Performance Studies. Each unit addresses important concepts and frameworks that help you write about, think about, and make performance art. Lecture, close reading, application exercises, and writing assignments will strengthen your theoretical vocabularies, hone your analytical writing skills and apply various tests to your own work as scholars/artists.

This course is an introduction to dance in the context of performance on stage, on screen, and in public space. Through viewings, discussions, and practical dance experiences, students will deepen their understanding of how dances are created and how dance shapes and is shaped by the world around it. Students will engage with a wide range of styles, historical periods, and creative approaches to consider how dance matters.

Examines the art and craft of stage fighting, comparing its historical context with that of the theater. Focus is on the performance of the illusion of physical aggression and its dramatic intent, following the safety guidelines and techniques recommended by the Society for American Fight Directors. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

Exercises and scene work emphasizing the development of the actor's vocal and physical resources as a means of creating and communicating character, emotion, and relationships. Prerequisite: DRAM 2020 and instructor permission

Investigates theatre arts and their relation to contemporary culture through the practical and experiential study of plays, production style and the role of theatre artists in creative interpretation.

Encourages the development of the director's analytical and rehearsal skills in translating text, actors, and space into valid and effective scenes; drawn from plays in the mode of psychological realism. Prerequisite: Dram 2020 required, and Dram 2010 preferred; Instructor permission

Explores basic theories and techniques of acting through exercises, improvisations and scenes from contemporary dramatic literature.

The goal of this class will be to identify the values and worldviews that drive change-oriented artistry, and for students to identify the values and worldviews that drive their own artistry. The course will explore the forms of community-based performance including ensemble, devised, religious, activist, educational and autobiographical performance.