815 North Broadway
Saratoga Springs,
New York, 12866
SKIDMORE PHONE
518-580-5000
Theater
Chair of the Department of Theater:Lary Opitz
Professors: Carolyn Anderson, The Kenan Chair of Liberal Arts; Gautam Dasgupta; Lary Opitz
Senior Artist-in-Residence: Alma Becker
Artists-in-Residence: Will Bond, Kate Kelly Bouchard
Lecturers:
*Stephanie Fleischmann,
Barbara A. Gulan,
Marie Glotzbach,
Lisa Grady-Willis,
*Barbara Opitz,
*Patricia Pawliczak,
Garett Wilson,
*David Yergan
Theater Manager and Technical Director: David Yergan
Theater Management Coordinator: Kathy Mendenhall
Costume Manager: Patricia Pawliczak
Assistant Technical Director: Garett Wilson
Technical Assistant: Peter Kobor
The Theater Department offers an opportunity to pursue a serious
study of the theater arts within a liberal arts setting. Courses
within the department afford training in the basic demands of
the discipline—physical and vocal control, technique in acting
and directing, technical and design skills—as well as the opportunity
for advanced study, practical production experience, and off-campus
internships. The liberal arts requirements help the student
to understand the moral, intellectual, and political context
in which any artist practices.
All theater majors take certain basic courses in each of the
department's areas of study. For the best possible training,
students in the upper divisions are urged to concentrate in
performance, directing, or design and technical theater. Students
with specific interests that fall outside these concentrations
may develop a specialized course of study in consultation with
their advisors and the department. Such interest might include
playwriting, special studies in dramatic theory and criticism,
theater management, or arts administration.
THE THEATER MAJOR: Requirements for a major in theater are:
At least one course in dramatic literature:
EN215,
225,
343,
345,
346,
359;
FF318;
FG356;
FS321; or
CC222,
223.
Other courses may be acceptable with permission of the department.
HONORS: Departmental honors are based on a quality point average
of 3.5 in all major courses, satisfactory completion of "Senior
Project" (TH376),
and high quality work on other departmental projects.
INTERDEPARTMENTAL MAJOR: In conjunction with the Department
of Dance, the Theater Department offers a major in dance-theater.
See Interdepartmental Majors.
THE THEATER MINOR: A minor in theater is available for students
interested in a general education in theater but not necessarily
intensive training in a single concentration. Twenty-one to
twenty-five semester hours are required: TH103, 129 or 130, 104or 231, 229, 230, 235, 250;
one 300-level course in theater; and one course in dramatic literature.
Those students interested in combining a study of theater with
art, dance, literature, or music should consult with the Theater
Department and their advisors in the formulation of a self-determined
major.
THEORY, HISTORY, AND PLAYWRITING
TH 103. INTRODUCTION TO THEATER 4
An introduction to the art of the theater that seeks to answer the question "Why theater?"
Topics will include analysis of significant play texts; examination
of theater structures, forms, and styles; study of responsibilities
of the theater artist within the context of collaboration and
production. The role of the performer will be explored in weekly workshops and discussions. Offered in Fall semester only. C. Anderson, L. Opitz, M. Glotzbach and the Department L. Optiz
TH 229. THEATER AND CULTURE I 3
A study of major periods of Western theater from ritualistic beginnings
to 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, socioeconomic,
and political values that shape a culture's idea of theater. (Fulfills humanities
requirement.) G. Dasgupta
TH 230. THEATER AND CULTURE II 3
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.) G. Dasgupta
TH 251. THEATER TOPICS 1-2
Special topics in theory, history, and performance at the
intermediate level. Coursework may include topics related to
production and performance work in preparation for a specific
production, coursework that focuses on certain playwrights,
text and performance analysis, and writing about the theater,
as well as short-term residences by guest artists. Topics may
also include script analysis for actors, introduction to
performance theory, stage management, stage combat, and
audition preparation. The specific courses differ from year to
year, depending on available guest artist opportunities and
faculty and student research interests. Student may take this
course more than once with the approval of the department. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. The Department
TH 325. PLAYWRITING 3
A workshop course in the making
of theater scripts in preparation for public readings. This
course may be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: permission
of instructor. S. Fleischmann
TH 334. SPECIAL STUDIES IN THEATER HISTORY AND
THEORY† 3
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.) C. Anderson, G. Dasgupta
TH 338. BLACK THEATRE 3
The evolution of Black Theatre in the United States. Students will gain an understanding of the importance of image as it relates to the creation, production, and function of Black Theatre through the years. Students will study and interpret plays from the mid-nineteenth century to the end of the twentieth century, and participate in both individual and group presentations. Students will not only study the work as an art form, but the historical origins and social, cultural, and political ramifications of the work. Analysis and exploration will juxtapose the realities of mainstream theater and culture with the solidification of Black Theatre as a field. (Designated a Cultural Diversity course). L. Grady-Willis
TH 339. COMMUNITY-BASED THEATER 3
A study of varied interpretations and manifestations of community-based theater ranging from theater pieces and institutions grounded in particular cultural traditions, to social and political work emerging from artist/community collaborations. Students will explore the work of institutions and artists who identify their target communities by age, race, location/region, and sexual orientation, while studying methodologies and underlying pedagogies for creating with and for community. Students will also examine discourse around cultural equity and the concept of arts for social change. L. Grady-Willis
TH 341. HISTORY
OF AMERICAN THEATER 3
A study of the significant sociopolitical
events, theatrical innovations, and theater artists who helped
shape the American Theater from the late eighteenth century
to the current American avant-garde. Readings and studies will
focus on the relationship of American society to the major currents
in the production process, growth of American theater companies,
artists, and critics, and the emergence of American genres such
as urban comedy, melodramas, and musical comedy. Students will
analyze primary resource materials such as reviews, journal
entries, and plays, and will synthesize readings from historical
events and theoretical perspectives. Prerequisites:TH103 and 230, or permission of
instructor. C. Anderson, G. Dasgupta
TH 371, 372. INDEPENDENT STUDY 3, 3
Independent 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). The Department
TH 377. SENIOR SEMINAR 1
An exploration of professional ethics, current issues in the theater, audition technique,
portfolio preparation, and career planning. Prerequisite: senior
class status as a declared theater major or minor. L. Opitz
PERFORMANCE
TH 101. VOICE
AND SPEECH IN THE THEATER 2
The student will learn voice production
techniques and theories principally for the actor. This course
seeks to develop a free and natural speaking voice in the student
and will provide the fundamentals of natural voice placement.
Extensive exercises in breathing, support, resonance, flexibility,
and projection will be learned toward the development of a personal
vocal warm-up. (Fulfills arts requirement.) K. Kelly Bouchard
TH 104. INTRODUCTION
TO ACTING 3
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.) A. Becker, K. Bouchard, M. Glotzbach, W. Bond
TH 198. MOVEMENT
FOR THE THEATER 2
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. Not for liberal arts credit. (Fulfills arts
requirement.) B. Opitz
TH 203. INTERMEDIATE
ACTING 3
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. W. Bond
TH 204. INTERMEDIATE
ACTING 3
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. K. Kelly Bouchard
TH 211. VOICE
FOR THE ACTOR 2
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. Not for liberal arts credit. K. Kelly Bouchard
TH 242. ACTING SHAKESPEARE 3
An exploration of
the ways in which Shakespeare himself effectively serves as a guide for
the comprehension and performance of his verse in his plays and poetry.
The emphasis will be on analysis of verse, techniques in speaking it,
and the use of verse techniques to explore and develop character. During
the course, students will study, prepare, and present soliloquies, monologues
(including set speeches), and sonnets. Prerequisite:TH103and
104. L. Opitz
TH 303. ACTING STYLES 3
Concentrated scene study from major periods in theatrical history. Emphasis on the knowledge
and discovery of each particular period through the study and
use of masks, costumes, and props. Prerequisite:TH101, TH198,TH203, TH204, or permission of
instructor. A. Becker
TH 304. SPECIAL
STUDIES IN ACTING† 3
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. Prerequisite:TH101, TH198,
TH203, TH204,
or permission of instructor. A. Becker, W. Bond
TH 343. COLLABORATIONS: SPECIAL STUDIES IN DIRECTING AND ACTING 3
TH343A - ACTORS
TH343D - DIRECTORS A laboratory class which provides advanced directors and advanced actors an opportunity to collaborate on a series of performance projects. These projects will focus on texts from various countries, genres, and eras. Directing students will define and refine their personal directing methodology by researching and working with various styles of theater literature. Script analysis, study of style and working with a company of actors are core experiences of directors. Acting students will engage in a variety of performance styles. They will be required to apply their practice and research in fully rehearsed scenes and short plays. All students will research and write about topics relevant to the play texts (e.g., historical contexts, themes, the playwright, etc.). All students will also be involved in research presentations and critique sessions for each project. Prerequisites: For Directors - TH140, TH240 and permission of the instructor; For Actors - TH203, TH204 and permission of the instructor. C. Anderson, A. Becker, W. Bond
DIRECTING
TH 140. INTRODUCTION TO DIRECTING 3 An overview of the essential elements of directing. Students will analyze play texts and directing theories as well as engage in active lab work in understanding dramatic action, composition and picturization in a variety of spaces which will provide the foundation for working with actors. Students will also analyze the written analysis of plays, study the expression of directorial concepts, and communicate with actors through class exercises and scene work reinforcing the idea of the director as a collaborator as well as the primary leader and communicator about the play before and during the rehearsal process. Students will develop time management strategies enabling them to craft a rehearsal schedule by which to build the play and move the rehearsal process forward. Theoretical texts and articles about directors and play texts will provide one context for these analyses. In the studio, students will work as actors and directors and have the opportunity to direct actors from the intermediate acting class. Prerequisites: TH 103, TH 129. C. Anderson, A. Becker
TH 231. DIRECTING
FOR THE THEATER 3
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. C. Anderson, A. Becker
TH 240. INTERMEDIATE DIRECTING 3 A studio course designed to enhance the director's use of space, light, sound and text. Lab work consists of problems to solve regarding these elements in addition to work with given themes, new spaces, devised texts and scripted pieces. Students will also read materials from the disciplines of architecture, art history, anthropology, philosophy, etc. Readings such as The Poetics of Space by Gaston Bachlard and Andy Goldsworthy's Passage will serve to underscore the director as an interdisciplinary thinking who draws on a variety of experiences and knowledge to create the world of the play. Texts and articles focusing on and written by internationally acclaimed directors will also be highlighted. Directors will act in this studio course and will be expected to invite actors from the Theater department to accomplish course assignments. Prerequisites: TH103, TH104, TH129, TH140 and permission of the instructor. C. Anderson, A. Becker
TH 332. ADVANCED
DIRECTING 3
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
instructor. C. Anderson, A. Becker
TH 333. THE
DIRECTOR AS COLLABORATIVE ARTIST 3
An advanced seminar course stressing
the relationship of the director's insights to the insights
and work of actors, designers, stage managers, composers, and
musicians. Students examine a variety of directorial models
and theories. Students also analyze their own collaborative
efforts and directorial strategies in various workshop productions. Prerequisite:TH230or 231, or permission of
instructor. G. Dasgupta or the Department
TH 343. COLLABORATIONS: SPECIAL STUDIES IN DIRECTING AND ACTING 3
TH343A - ACTORS
TH343D - DIRECTORS A laboratory class which provides advanced directors and advanced actors an opportunity to collaborate on a series of performance projects. These projects will focus on texts from various countries, genres, and eras. Directing students will define and refine their personal directing methodology by researching and working with various styles of theater literature. Script analysis, study of style and working with a company of actors are core experiences of directors. Acting students will engage in a variety of performance styles. They will be required to apply their practice and research in fully rehearsed scenes and short plays. All students will research and write about topics relevant to the play texts (e.g., historical contexts, themes, the playwright, etc.). All students will also be involved in research presentations and critique sessions for each project. Prerequisites: For Directors - TH140, TH240 and permission of the instructor; For Actors - TH203, TH204 and permission of the instructor. C. Anderson, A. Becker, W. Bond
TH 375. ADVANCED
DIRECTING PRACTICUM† 3
Independent work on a theatrical
production. Under faculty supervision, the student will choose,
cast, and mount a dramatic work which will be presented to the
public. Prerequisite:TH332 and permission of the department. Recommended:TH333. The Department
DESIGN AND TECHNICAL THEATER
TH 129. THEATER
PRODUCTION 2
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. Not for liberal arts credit. D. Yergan
TH 130. INTRODUCTION
TO DESIGN 2
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. Not for liberal arts credit. G. Wilson
TH 216. THEATER
DESIGN: FROM PAGE TO STAGE 4
A study of scenic, lighting,
and costume design for the theater. The history and theory of
design will be explored, as well as the practical application
of principles. Special attention will be given to the processes
of research, play analysis, and conceptualization. Students
will complete a series of projects involving drafting, drawing,
painting, and model-making. Prerequisites:TH129 and 130; TH129 may be taken concurrently.
(Fulfills arts component of breadth requirement.) L. Opitz, G. Wilson
TH 228. STAGE
LIGHTING 4
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. Prerequisites:TH129 or TH130. (Fulfills arts requirement and QR2
requirement.) L. OpitzG. Wilson or D. Yergan
TH 238. COSTUME
DESIGN 3
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.
Offered every other fall semester. Prerequisite:TH129. Alternates with TH337 in fall semester. P. Pawliczak
TH 248. STAGE LIGHTING PRACTICUM 3
Students will learn to use computer programs to produce stage lighting
plots. In addition to projects designed to explore and teach CADD
programs, students will assist the faculty lighting designer on actual
productions during the semester. Production work will include hanging
and focusing lights, attending rehearsals and meetings, and the
development of light cues. D. Yergan
TH 305, 306. SPECIAL STUDIES IN DESIGN AND
TECHNICAL THEATER† 3, 3
A series of specialized and advanced
level courses in design and technical theater. The opportunities
offered in a particular production season, the expertise of
available visiting artists, and the needs of qualified students
will determine the offering(s) each term. Permission of instructor
required. Not for liberal arts credit. A. Scenic Painting B. Make-up C. Costume Design Construction D. Advanced Scenic Design E. Advanced Lighting
L. Opitz, P. Pawliczak, G. Wilson, D. Yergan, and guest artists
TH 336. ADVANCED
THEATER PRODUCTION 3
This course, structured on an
individual basis, provides leadership experience in the areas
of stage management, properties, sound, and technical direction.
Theories and strategies are studied, then applied to work on
a major production assignment. Prerequisite:TH129 and permission of instructor. Not for liberal arts credit. L. Opitz or D. Yergan
TH 337. SCENIC
DESIGN 3
A studio course in advanced theories
and practices of scenic design. Study and projects will involve
the development of conceptual approaches, research, sketches,
and preservation techniques. Students will serve as assistant
designers on Skidmore Theater productions. Prerequisites:TH129 or 130 and 216, or permission of
instructor. L. Opitz or G. Wilson
PRODUCTION
TH 235. THE
SKIDMORE THEATER COMPANY† 1
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. Not for liberal arts credit. D. Yergan and the Department
TH 250. PRODUCTION
SEMINAR† 1, 2, 3 or 4
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. (Fulfills arts requirement.) The Department
TH 299. PROFESSIONAL
INTERNSHIP IN THEATER 3 or 6
Internship opportunity for students
whose curricular foundations and cocurricular experience have
prepared them for professional work related to the major field.
With faculty sponsorship and department approval, students may
extend their educational experience into such areas as stage
managing; lighting; scene design and construction; costume design,
construction, and restoration; sound design and implementation;
acting; directing; and theater management and promotion. Prerequisite: one of the following courses pertinent to the chosen area of the internship: TH103, 129, 130,231, 228, or 235, or 335.
TH 335. THE
SKIDMORE THEATER COMPANY† 2
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. Not for liberal arts credit. D. Yergan and the Department
TH 376. SENIOR
PROJECT† 3
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. The Department
TH 399. PROFESSIONAL
INTERNSHIP IN THEATER 3, 6, or 9
Professional experience at an
advanced level for juniors and seniors with substantial academic
and cocurricular experience in the major field. With faculty
sponsorship and department approval, students may extend their
educational experience into such areas as stage managing; lighting;
scenic design and construction; costume design, construction,
and restoration; sound design and implementation; acting; directing;
and theater management and promotion. Prerequisite: students
must have completed all intermediate level theater courses appropriate
to the area of the internship and be recommended by an instructor
in the chosen area of study. The Department
†This
course may be repeated for credit at the discretion of the department.
