Member of the Division of Humanities

Pip Gordon, Chair, Christopher Connelly, Lesley Delmenico, Ellen Mease, Alexander Moffett*, Shawn Womack

The study of theatre at Grinnell embraces all aspects of the dramatic art as part of a liberal arts education. Interdisciplinary in its very nature, theatre studies can be broadly beneficial to all students, enabling them to develop aesthetic responses and abilities in understanding and making dramatic works of art. The collective aesthetic and intellectual activities that make up the work of theatre--reading, writing, drawing, building, talking, performing--help us to develop the skills necessary for a useful and productive life in society, working with other people. In the classroom, in rehearsal and production, we focus on the invention of imaginary realities, a creative and immediate experience that brings us into contact with ideas, cultures, and historical periods often far different from our own. This experience expands our ways of knowing others and ourselves. It can also enable critical examination of the past, since our own social and political concerns inform the making and understanding of the dramatic event, even as we attempt to appreciate and understand plays in their social, historical, and artistic contexts. In every civilized community, drama has been one of the most important ways of articulating our experience of ourselves and others. Developed aesthetic sensibilities, cooperative skills, historical imaginations and critical habits--the fruits of a liberal education--are important in personal and professional lives, and graduates with theatre experience have entered the fields of law, medicine, journalism, social work, the ministry, architecture, arts education and management, and postgraduate disciplines such as philosophy, English, classics, and comparative literature as well as theatre and dance.

Knowledge of the various aesthetic and intellectual means through which a theatrical concept is realized develops through coursework in dramatic literature, critical theory, and theatre history; in the methodology of stagecraft and the plastic arts of scene, lighting, and costume design; and in the performing arts, including directing, acting, and dance. All courses at the introductory level and all departmental productions (for which limited academic credit is offered through Performance Laboratory) are open to students without previous experience in the theatre. Courses in dramatic literature, theory, and theatre history are of particular interest to students majoring in English, foreign languages and literatures, philosophy, history, religious studies, or any student who wants to become an informed audience member.

In addition to serving the College's mission to provide a broad liberal arts training to all its students, the theatre curriculum prepares students with a compelling interest in theatre to undertake appropriate postgraduate training in the field; we prepare majors to prepare for a vocation. To this end, all theatre majors take selected core courses in four principle areas: acting, design, directing, and dramaturgy (which includes textual, critical, theoretical, and historical study). Each area focuses on some aspect of making the dramatic work of art; many skills are at work in each area; the coordination of all of these aspects and skills issues in play production. Early in their course of study, theatre majors are encouraged to take the full array of introductory courses in the core areas as well as important foundation courses that cultivate habits of close reading and develop skills of written and oral expression (Humanities 101, 102, and 140; English 120 and 121); as majors within a liberal arts curriculum they are expected to study in English, foreign-language, philosophy, and religious studies departments, in the sciences and social sciences, and in the other arts. Majors may further elect one of the four main areas for emphasis and may take in addition to core courses the designated sequence of courses in that emphasis area. The theatre major culminates in a required senior seminar, a collaborative performance project that draws on the particular skills, knowledge, and developed creativity of the year's senior majors.

Emphasis areas beyond the core courses required for the major include acting, directing, design, and dramaturgy. Students with serious interests in any of these areas will want to consult with the department well in advance to insure that prerequisites have been met as the training sequence unfolds and to anticipate complementary coursework in other disciplines, independent study, or off-campus study. Beyond required core courses (see "Major Requirements"), coursework in acting would include 101 or 102, 217, and 317 (by application only); in directing, 380 Directing Project (by application); in design 240 and 340; and in dramaturgy, the third 200-level dramatic literature course and both 303 and 304 (pre-modern and modern dramaturgy topics). Both majors and nonmajors may also undertake individual or group independent work in playwriting, translating, design, or other special projects. An off-campus semester of intensive theatre training with the National Theatre Institute of Waterford, Conn., (the Eugene O'Neill Memorial Theatre Center) is available to a maximum of four selected students each year.

Students interested in dance, whatever their major, may take technique, dance history, and theory courses at the appropriate level, choreography, and other special topics courses as offered. They are also encouraged to participate in Dance Troupe (105), a performing company with membership by audition.

A minimum of 32 credits. Required are Theatre 115, 117, 201, and 202 or 203; 280 and either 303 or 304; and 495.

To be considered for honors in theatre, graduating seniors, in addition to meeting the College's general requirements for honors, must demonstrate an underlying commitment to the discipline above and beyond simple completion of the core classes for the major. This commitment is evidenced by excellent performance in class, sustained activity in department productions, and/or voluntary activity in the department SEPC.

100 Performance Laboratory (Fall or Spring) 1 or 2 credits

Guided participation, for major theatre and dance productions, in performance, assistant directing, stage managing, dramaturgy, or design and crew work on sets, lights, props, costumes, or make-up. Qualified students examine problems of production in the theatre while solving these problems in rehearsal and performance. Prerequisites: permission of instructor. S/D/F only. May be repeated for credit. (A maximum of 8 practica credits may count toward graduation.) STAFF.

103 Ballet Technique (Fall or Spring) 2 credits

Beginning and intermediate classical ballet technique; the principles, terminology, with some basic history of ballet, striving for a physical and kinesthetic understanding of the art form. S/D/F only. For fees, see Financial Regulations. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisites: none. STAFF.

105 Dance Troupe (Fall and Spring) 1 or 2 credits

Faculty-directed participation for dancing (1 credit) or dancing and choreographing (2 credits) in Dance Troupe, the theatre department's dance company. Qualified students participate in an ensemble environment for four sessions per week. Students learn dance technique, choreography, performance technique, and dance company management. S/D/F only. A yearlong commitment is required. May be repeated for credit each semester. Prerequisites: permission of instructor and audition. (A maximum of 8 practica credits may count toward graduation.) STAFF.

106 Acting and Moving: Improvisation Technique (Fall) 4 credits

An action-based approach to improvisation to broaden the individual's expressive range through movement, vocalizations, and speech. Improvisations will build skill in moment-by-moment decision-making, shaping material while in the act of doing, and creating collectively as a group or ensemble. These skills will be applied to a culminating performance project. Readings and written assignments on various improvisation projects and practices will provide context and the means to examine the historical, social, and political significance of improvised performance. Prerequisites: none. WOMACK.

111 Introduction to Performance Studies* (Spring) 4 credits

An examination of dramatic performance in its broadest cultural context. The course explores the origins and the evolution of theatre in several cultural traditions, traditional and contemporary ritual performance, and modern theatre practice. Prerequisites: none. STAFF.

115 Introduction to Stagecraft (Fall and Spring) 4 credits

An introduction to the technical aspects of theatre production. Brief exposure to stage painting, properties, lighting, sound, drafting, and costuming. Emphasis placed on the basic theories and methods of scenic construction. No previous drafting experience necessary. Requirements include one three-hour laboratory each week, plus crew work for one of the major productions during the semester. Prerequisites: none. GORDON.

117 Fundamentals of Acting (Fall and Spring) 4 credits

Practical exploration of the process of acting and characterization. Designed to provide an initial exposure to the effects and influence of the voice, body, observation, and imagination in combined and independent usage. One or more scenes may be prepared for public viewing. Prerequisites: none. STAFF.

160 Introduction to Contemporary Dance (Fall and Spring) 4 credits

A survey of approaches to contemporary dance-making and performance practices. Studio-based exercises in basic modern dance technique, improvisation, and composition provide a physical and conceptual understanding of dance as a performing art form. Additionally, readings, video viewings, and lecture/discussion on current dance practices and scholarship in Europe and the United States will examine how dance operates within specified historical, political, and cultural contexts. Prerequisites: none. WOMACK.

201 Dramatic Literature I (Fall) 4 credits+

Study of major works in Western dramatic literature to 1850, with reference to cultural contexts, interpretive problems, and dramatic theory beginning with Aristotle's Poetics. Readings include Greek tragedy and Aristophanic comedy, medieval cycle plays, Marlowe, Shakespeare, Webster's revenge tragedy, French Neoclassicism, a Restoration comedy, and Göethe's Faust. Prerequisites: English 120, Humanities 101, or permission of instructor. STAFF.

202 Dramatic Literature II (Spring) 4 credits+

Study of major works in Western dramatic literature from 1850 to the present, with reference to cultural contexts, interpretive problems, and dramatic theory. From realism to the Theatre of the Absurd, dramatists include Ibsen, Chekhov, Pirandello, Artaud, Brecht, Genet, Beckett, Pinter, and others. Prerequisites: English 120, Humanities 101, or permission of instructor. MEASE.

203 American Theatre* (Fall) 4 credits+

A study of American theatre from the late 19th century to the present. Attention to major cultural and philosophical influences and to phenomena such as the little theatre movement, off and off-off Broadway, and the performance groups. Dramatists include O'Neill, Williams, Miller, Wilson, Shepard. Prerequisites: English 120, Humanities 101, or permission of instructor. CONNELLY.

217 Intermediate Acting* (Fall) 4 credits

An exploration of acting in various periods and styles with an emphasis on psychological realism. The course emphasizes scene work, monologue preparation, textual and character analysis with exercise work in voice and movement. Prerequisite: Theatre 117 or permission of instructor. CONNELLY.

225 Choreography: Theory and Composition (Fall) 4 credits

Dance composition and performance technique. Prerequisite: Theatre 101 or 160 or permission of instructor. WOMACK.

240 Theatrical Design I (Spring) 4 credits+

An exploration of the design fundamentals common to each facet of theatrical design: scenery, lighting, costumes, and makeup. Such elements as design procedure, research techniques and materials, period style, and design history are emphasized. Prerequisite: Theatre 115. GORDON.

245 Lighting for the Stage* (Fall) 4 credits+

Introduces the student to the art of lighting design, process, and the practice of lighting the stage for the theatre, opera, dance, industrials, television, and video. Students develop the knowledge, vocabulary, and skills necessary to become a master electrician, assistant lighting designer, and beginning lighting designer. Prerequisite: Theatre 115. GORDON.

260 Contemporary Dance II* (Fall and Spring) 4 credits

A continuation of work covered in Introduction to Contemporary Dance. Skills furthered in dance technique and related somatic disciplines (such as Pilates, body-mind centering, and Bartenieff fundamentals) as well as in dance composition by exploring American postmodern choreographic processes. Additional study of the dancing body as a site of discourse within contemporary dance in the United States and in relation to social formations of gender, race, and class. Prerequisite: Theatre 101 or 160 or permission of instructor. WOMACK.

280 Directing (Fall) 4 credits+

A theoretical and practical investigation of the responsibilities and techniques of the director in the theatre. Classroom exercises supplemented by selected reading in the history and theory of directing. Prerequisites: Theatre 115 and 117 and Theatre 201, 202, or 203. CONNELLY.

303 Studies in Drama I* 4 credits+

Close study of a central topic in drama prior to 1850 that will be detailed each time the course is offered. Prerequisite: a 200-level literature course or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit. STAFF.

304 Studies in Drama II (Spring) 4 credits+

Close study of a central topic in drama after 1850 that will be detailed each time the course is offered (see Schedule of Courses). Prerequisite: a 200-level literature course or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit. STAFF.

317 Acting Project (Fall or Spring) 4 credits

A performance project by application. Emphasizes a comprehensive examination of the entire acting process. Serious acting students, with faculty assistance, diagnose the actor's previous training and experience and design a program to complete technical training and supplement knowledge of period styles, dramatic literature, and theatre history. This course emphasizes intensive scene work. Prerequisites: Theatre 217, 201, and either 202 or 203. Applications due one semester in advance. STAFF.

340 Theatrical Design II* 4 credits+

An exploration of designing for the stage, with the specific area of design (scenery, lighting, costumes, make-up) announced each time the course is offered. Emphasis on script analysis and the evolution of design from first reading to first performance. Prerequisites: Theatre 240 and 201, 202, or 203. GORDON.

380 Directing Project (Fall or Spring) 4 credits

A performance project by application. Advanced directing students, with faculty supervision, direct a production. Students choose a script and thoroughly prepare production plans, cast the play with student performers by open audition, collaborate with a student design team, conduct rehearsals, and bring the project to performance. The project may be done in conjunction with advanced independent projects or Special Topics courses in design. Prerequisites: Theatre 117, 280, and completion of one open space. Applications due two semesters in advance. STAFF.

495 Senior Seminar (Spring) 4 credits

A variable topic course incorporating significant research, writing and discussion, integrating studies in theory, history, and literature. The course will include a collaborative public presentation of a class project. Prerequisites: theatre major, senior standing. MEASE.

*Not offered every year.