Introduction to Skidmore Theatre
Prospectus
of Courses
Spring 2007
This prospectus of courses is designed to help students determine what Theater Department courses to take for next semester. Be sure to discuss your choices with an advisor in the Theater Department, ideally, someone teaching in the concentration you might wish to pursue.
All courses are subject to change depending upon enrollment. Courses with insufficient enrollment may have to be cancelled and replaced with other courses.
If a class is full when you register, be sure to contact Kathy Mendenhall in order to place your name on the waiting list. Be sure to talk to the instructor to register for classes which require the permission of the instructor.
| No. |
Title |
Instructor |
Description |
Notes |
Hrs |
Time |
Room |
| TH104-001 | Intro
to Acting |
Bond |
The
student is exposed to exercises designed to free the imagination
through improvisation and theater games. Secondarily, training
is offered in the basic skills of physical and vocal mastery,
analytical insight into the text, and the ability to synthesize
techniques so the student may acquire discipline in each area.
Prerequisite: TH103. (Fulfills arts requirement.)
|
This
course begins the acting sequence and is generally only available
in the Spring Semester. Any acting students unable to take this
course should plan on taking TH198 this semester and TH101 (Voice)
in the Fall. |
3 |
M/W
9:40-12:30 |
Studio
B |
| TH104-002 | Intro
to Acting |
Kelly |
3 |
T/Th
9:40-12:30 |
Studio
B |
||
| TH104-003 | Intro
to Acting |
Glotzbach |
3 |
T/Th
11:40-2:30 |
Studio A |
||
| TH129-001 | Theater
Production |
Yergan |
A
studio course providing an introduction to the principles and
techniques employed in mounting theatrical productions. Theater
production is explored through studying: the structure and organization
of the production staff of a theater company; the physical plant;
types of scenery and scenic construction techniques; stage lighting;
sound; stage management; and the reading and use of plans. Students
will fulfill a two-hour lab requirement and will work on at least
one Skidmore theater production. Theater majors are required to
complete this course by the end of the sophomore year. Prerequisite:
TH103. Non-liberal arts. |
Both
TH129 and TH130 are required for the Theater Major. Students
may choose to take them in the same semester or in different semesters.
There is no proscribed sequence for these two courses.Any students
interested in study stage, costume or lighting design; stage management;
or technical theater, should attempt to complete these courses
as early as possible. It should also be noted the TH129 is a prerequisite
for TH231 (Intro to Directing). |
2 |
M
2:30-4:30 |
Design
Studio |
| TH130-001 | Intro
to Design |
Wilson |
An
introduction to script analysis and design theory. Students will
learn to construct models and work as collaborative artists. The
course will meet as a lecture and also use laboratory time to
learn model-building skills, to research, and to learn and work
with various building and painting materials. Students will fulfill
a two-hour lab requirement and will work on at least one Skidmore
theater production. Theater majors are required to complete this
course by the end of the sophomore year. Prerequisite: TH103.
Non-liberal arts |
2 |
W
2:30-4:30 |
Design
Studio |
|
| TH198-001 | Movement
for the Actor |
B.
Opitz |
Physical
training for the actor-performer taught from varying points of
view depending on the instructor. Work in this course might include
physical training, dance for actors, mime, stage combat, circus
techniques. Instructors also direct students in the development
of a personal, physical warm-up. This course may be repeated for
a maximum of eight semester hours. Non-liberal arts. (Fulfills
arts requirement.) |
Students
interested in pursuing acting training should try to complete
this course before taking Intermediate Acting, if at all possible. |
2 |
T/Th
3:45-5:45 |
Studio
B |
| TH203-001 | Intermediate
Acting |
Bond |
Emphasis
on deepening of the actor's imagination, concentration, awareness,
and presence through rigorous physical improvisation. Students
experience the integration of physical improvisation with textual
work as the semester progresses. Students are exposed to a variety
of theatrical approaches. Prerequisites: TH101 or 198, and TH104,
or concurrent enrollment in TH101 or 198, or permission of instructor |
This
class asks the question: What is the minimum amount of energy
required by the actor to be on the stage? This course uses the
Suzuki Method of actor training to address the issues of concentration,
focus, presence, breathing, and voice. The Suzuki Method is an
extremely physical and rigorous approach that challenges the actor's
strength, stamina, flexibility and concentration. Through the
act of approaching this vocabulary the actor is "exposed"
in a very objective way and is thereby able to honestly examine
his/her strengths and weaknesses and address them in a practical
manner. Additionly, this course familiarizes the actor with the
vocabulary of Viewpoints, an improvisational practice
developed out of the post modern works of the Judson Church group
of artists. The viewpoints practically introduces the actor to
the issues of Time and Space and how these might be turned to
their own use as might a painter or musician. The actor will also
be exposed to partnering and scene work as a way of putting into
practice his/her own unique, new, and growing understanding as
an actor on the stage.There is no proscribed sequence for taking
TH203 and TH204. |
3 |
T/Th
12:40-3:40 |
Studio
B |
| TH204-001 | Intermediate
Acting |
Kelly |
Through
textual analysis, object exercises, and scene work, students experience
the development of a role through the exploration of text and
its relationship to the body in space. Students will develop their
ability to read theatrical texts as they plan for their spatial,
rhythmic and emotional work as performers. Students are exposed
to a variety of theatrical approaches. Prerequisites: TH101 or
198, and TH104, or concurrent enrollment in TH101 or 198, or permission
of instructor. |
This
is a continued profound exploration of what is is to be an actor
through a rigorous inquiry into living fully, truthfully and transcendently
under imaginary circumstances Using Stanislavsky based techniques,
texts will be analyzed in clear actable terms to deepen and solidify
a solid technique and to excite the creative imagination from
which to generate as an actor. There is no proscribed sequence
for taking TH203 and TH204. |
3 |
M/W
2:10-5:10 |
Studio
B |
| TH211-001 | Voice
for the Actor |
Kelly |
Students
explore the power of language through the reading of prose and
verse. Exercises learned in this course continue to move the student
toward a centered, natural placement of the instrument, and the
development of standard non-regional speech, articulation, and
flexibility. Introductory tools are learned in the reading of
verse and standard dialect work. Rehearsal-specific warm-up programs
are developed with students and used regularly. Written evaluations,
critiques, and observations by the student are assigned to increase
awareness of the voice and use of vocal vocabulary. Prerequisite:
TH101 or permission of instructor. Non-liberal arts. |
This
course is essential for all students seeking to pursue an acting
concentration.The earlier it is completed, the better. |
2 |
M/W
9:40-11:40 |
Studio
A |
| TH228-001 | Stage
Lighting |
Opitz |
A
study of the theory, equipment, and technique involved in stage
lighting. Topics include optics, vision, electricity, color, aesthetics,
and design procedures. This course consists of lectures, working
labs, and assigned responsibilities on Skidmore Theater productions.
Pre- or co-requisites: TH129 or TH130. |
This
course Fulfills the QR2 requirement. All students
interested in all aspects of design should consider this course.
It is also designed to help directors to understand the nature
of lighting design. |
4 |
T/Th
9:40-11:40 |
Design
Studio |
| TH230-001 | Theater
& Culture II |
Dasgupta |
A
study of major periods of Western theater since 1800. Students
explore and analyze how theater's components—plays, acting,
design, theory, and management—combine to express and reflect
a culture's dominant values. Architecture, painting, sculpture,
music and dance—the constituent arts of theater—will
be examined both within and outside the theatrical context to
explore aesthetic, socio-economic, and political values that shape
a culture's idea of theater. (Fulfills humanities requirement.)
|
This
course is required for the Theater Major and is only
offered in Spring Semesters. |
3 |
T/Th
11:10-12:30 |
Bolton
103 |
| TH231-1 | Intro
to Directing |
Becker |
An
intensive introduction to the craft of directing for the stage.
The fundamentals of script analysis and interpretation, and production
research and preparation will be explored in a seminar setting,
while the studio will be the laboratory for developing clear lines
of action and the world of the play through composition, picturization,
and improvisation, as well as exploring the collaborative process
with actors and designers. By semester's end students will be
prepared to undertake the staging of a workshop production. Prerequisites:
TH103, 129, and permission of instructor. |
This
course is required for the Theater Major. Students seeking to
propose workshops should try to take this course as soon as possible.
|
3 |
T/Th
9:40-11:40 |
Studio
A |
| TH235-1 | Theater
Company |
Yergan |
Participation
for theater majors and non-majors interested in theater production.
Each company member will acquire a breadth of training across
all areas of theatrical production, as well as make essential
contributions to the ongoing work of the company. All company
members are a part of the production process from concept to design
to execution and evaluation. This course may be repeated for a
maximum of six semester hours. Non-liberal arts. |
1 |
F
2:30-3:30 |
JKB |
|
| TH250-001 | Production
Seminar (Main Stage) |
L.
Opitz |
Students
enrolled in TH250 will have major responsibilities working on
the main-stage productions and on the black-box studio production.
The main-stage production is usually presented at the end of the
semester, and the studio production is usually presented mid-semester.
In addition to fulfilling production responsibilities, students
in both productions will participate in a weekly seminar class
through which production work will be synthesized with various
perspectives from other liberal arts disciplines. Seminars for
both productions will focus on the study of pertinent theatrical,
literary, social, political, and economic issues surrounding the
play. The studio production continues its seminar sessions after
the production is over. Post-production topics may include issues
raised in the theater company critiques, continued exploration
of the playwright's works, continued study of the themes, etc.
Students will meet with the faculty to determine the appropriate
number of semester hours for each experience. This course may
be repeated, but semester hours are limited to a maximum of six.
Prerequisite: Permission of the department. |
Students
may only register for this class after casting is completed during
the first week of the in the Spring semester. |
1-4 |
M
6:30-7:30 |
Design
Studio |
| TH250-002 | Production
Seminar (Black Box) |
Becker |
Students
enrolled in TH250 will have major responsibilities working on
the main-stage productions and on the black-box studio production.
The main-stage production is usually presented at the end of the
semester, and the studio production is usually presented mid-semester.
In addition to fulfilling production responsibilities, students
in both productions will participate in a weekly seminar class
through which production work will be synthesized with various
perspectives from other liberal arts disciplines. Seminars for
both productions will focus on the study of pertinent theatrical,
literary, social, political, and economic issues surrounding the
play. The studio production continues its seminar sessions after
the production is over. Post-production topics may include issues
raised in the theater company critiques, continued exploration
of the playwright's works, continued study of the themes, etc.
Students will meet with the faculty to determine the appropriate
number of semester hours for each experience. This course may
be repeated, but semester hours are limited to a maximum of six.
Prerequisite: Permission of the department. |
Students
may only register for this class after casting is completed during
the first week of the in the Spring semester. |
1-4 |
M
6:30-7:30 |
Black
Box |
| TH251B-001 | Text
Analysis |
Anderson |
Text
Analysis – We will analyze several contemporary plays through
the eyes of the director, actor, and designer. Among the writers
we will be studying at are Sarah Rule, Suzan-Lori Parks, Emily
Mann, Tina Howe, Felipe Santander, Adam Rapp, Stephen Adly Guirgis,
Tony Kushner, and Jose Rivera. Students may also suggest writers. |
2 |
M/W
TBA |
Green
Room |
|
| TH251A-004 | Audition
Workshop |
L.
Opitz |
This
course is designed for Senior acting students preparing for professional
and graduate school auditions. Students will explore monologues
for open calls, call-backs, cold readings, and the use of breakdowns.
Students will be encouraged to develop at least four monologues
(combinations of comic, dramatic, contemporary and classical).
Prerequisites: Senior class status or permission of the instructor.
|
1 |
F
12:20-2:20 |
Studio
A |
|
| TH251B-003 | Workshop
for Directors |
Bond |
This
course is for all workshop and special project directors for the
Spring semester. Weekly meetings will be held at a time to be
determined. Directors will have an opportunity to share their
goals, ideas, processes, and problems throughout the semester.
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor (only students who
have projects which have been approved in Fall 2006 are eligible
to take this course. |
This
course is limited to those students who have been selected to
direct workshop productions in the Spring semester. |
2 |
M/W
5:30-6:30 |
Studio
A |
| TH251A-003 | Workshop
for Actors |
Bond |
All
students who are cast in the Spring 2007 workshops are eligible
for this course. In addition to scheduled rehearsals, there may
be a number of additional meetings thoughout the semester. |
Students
may only register for this class after casting is completed during
the first week of the in the Spring semester. |
1 |
TBA |
Studio
A |
| TH251B-002 | Funky
Plays |
Dasgupta |
Structural
and thematic readings of plays from an international repertoire
of texts that have extended the traditional boundaries of playwriting
from the close of the nineteenth century up to our time. Although
these plays partake of modernist trends, they are more deliberately
avant-garde in their usage of form, dialogue, character and plot
development, and overall structure. |
2 |
T/Th
12:40-1:40 |
Bolton
103 |
|
| TH251A-002 | Beckett
and Kafka |
Dasgupta |
Through
detailed analysis of some of the major texts by these two authors,
we shall attempt to draw significant parallels and contrasts between
their approaches to power, the nature of being, socio-cultural
relationships, and concepts of theatricality (or anti-theatricality)
as embedded in their works. |
1 |
Th
3:00-4:00 |
Bolton
103 |
|
| TH304-001 | Special
Studies in Acting |
Becker |
An
open series of acting studies capable of ranging from Shakespearean
scene study to musical comedy, from Grotowski training to acting
for the epic theater. The specific area of study could be determined
by the opportunities of a particular production season, by the
training of a visiting artist, or by the interests of faculty
or a given group of students. May be repeated three times for
credit. Prerequisites: TH203, 204 or permission of instructor. |
3 |
T/Th
2:30-5:30 |
Studio
A |
|
| TH238-001 | Costume
Design |
Pawliczak |
A
studio course in the principles and practice of stage costume
design, including an historical survey of clothes, moral conventions,
and theatrical costume. The process of design development from
concept to completed plates will be encountered through a series
of assigned projects. Prerequisite: TH129. |
3 |
T/Th
12:40-2:00 |
Costume
Shop |
|
| TH332-001 | Advanced
Directing |
Anderson |
This
is an advanced studio course focusing on the art and craft of
directing for the theater. Through the use of exercises, scene
work, reading theoretical texts, and writing papers on directorial
concepts, students will be encouraged to broaden and deepen their
personal aesthetic while simultaneously developing techniques
necessary for realizing their directorial vision. Not open to
first-year students. Prerequisites: TH231 and permission of the
instructor. |
3 |
M/W
12:20-2:20 |
Studio
A |
|
| TH334-001 | Street
Theatre |
Anderson |
An
in depth examination of a specific topic drawn from the related
fields of history and theory. Topics might include a specific
period or trend in theater history (for example, the avant-garde)
or key artists (for example, women in the American theater) or
exploration of theater in relationship to other arts or media
(for example, from theater to film) or writing about performance
and art. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. (TH334N is designated
a non-Western course.) |
In
this class we will examine the development of Street Theater from
the 1960s to today as well as Site-specific Theater. We will focus
our work on American performance groups, but not limit our study
to only American groups. We will read conceptual material and
theories by a number of theater artists, study performance texts,
and view visual materials on street theater and site specific
performances, Part of this course will also involve performing.
Students will gather pertinent materials, create scenes in a workshop
with members of the Living Theater Company and perform
the piece at various places on the campus, and off between April
27th and 30th. This course fulfills part of the Theater
History & Theory course requirement. |
3 |
T/Th
9:40-11:00 |
Bolton
280 |
| TH335-001 | Theater
Company |
Yergan |
Participation
for theater majors and non-majors interested in theater production.
Advanced level work is usually: working as a designer, as a director,
performing in a substantial role, in a leadership capacity or
specialist on crews or management areas. All company members are
a part of the production process from concept to design to execution
and evaluation. This course may be repeated for a maximum of four
semester hours. (Normally this course is only open to seniors.)
Prerequisite: TH235. Non-liberal arts. |
2 |
F
2:30-3:30 |
JKB |
|
| TH372 | Independent
Study |
Faculty |
ndependent
study and production projects under the guidance of the department.
Hours to be arranged. Prerequisite: permission of department.
This course may or may not be credited in liberal arts, at the
discretion of both the department chair and the registrar (and,
in exceptional instances, the College Curriculum Committee). |
3 |
TBA |
TBA |
|
| TH376 | Senior
Project |
Faculty |
This
course provides a culminating experience for the theater major.
In consultation with faculty, each student will submit a project
proposal during the junior year. Projects should be based upon
the student's past work and provide an appropriate next challenge
for the student's development as a theater artist. Projects will
be supervised by an appropriate faculty member. Possible projects
include: a. Preparing a thesis (research paper, design project, etc.) b. Performing in a seminar or faculty directed studio production c. Directing a studio production d. Designing a studio or seminar production e. Serving in one of a number of approved production positions such as general manager, production manager, technical director, etc. Students unable to accomplish projects due to the casting or nature of available production will revise proposal during the senior year. Prerequisites: TH250; senior status as a theater major; senior minors may participate with permission of department. |
1-4 |
TBA |
TBA |
Janet
Kinghorn Bernhard Theatre
Phone: (518) 580-5430 | Fax: (518) 580-5444 | kmendenh@skidmore.edu