Professor L.B. Jacobson (Chair)
Associate Professors W.A. Pucilowsky, C.F. Gudenius, E.J. O'Brien
Assistant Professor V.S. Smith
Master of Fine Arts in the field of classical acting—Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, in cooperation with the Shakespeare Theatre Academy for Classical Acting, offers the Master of Fine Arts in the field of classical acting. The program is an intensive endeavor intended for students who have had extensive theatre training as part of their undergraduate preparation or have spent several years after completing college as working professionals in the field.
Required: The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences. The 59-credit-hour degree program is taken in three intensive sessions over an 11-month period.
Master of Fine Arts in the field of theatre with a concentration in theatre design—Prerequisite: the degree of Bachelor of Arts from this University, or an equivalent degree.
Required: the general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences. The program of study consists of 54 credit hours of 100- and 200-level course work in theatre and dance and in art, planned in consultation with the advisor, including a creative thesis (TrDa 299–300). The program may emphasize scenery, lighting, or costume. For listings of 100-level courses, see the Undergraduate Programs Bulletin.
Departmental prerequisite: Prerequisite to TrDa 201 through 229: degree candidacy in the M.F.A. in the field of classical acting. Prerequisite to all other 200-level courses: M.F.A. candidacy and permission of instructor. |
| 201–4 |
Acting (2 or 3 each) |
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The focus of the acting sequence shifts with each session, providing a studio structure to explore and meet the demands of the classical canon. Portions of the sequence focus on the history plays and tragedies, classic comedy, high comedy, the Jacobeans, and master classes. |
| 205–8 |
Topics in Classical Drama and Culture (1 or 2 each) |
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Plays and other writings from the Elizabethan, Jacobean, and Restoration eras and the 18th century. The historical world in which the plays were written as well as the imaginary worlds created in the plays themselves. |
| 209–10 |
Text (2–2) |
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Textual analysis emphasizing development of aesthetic expression. The forms and rules of verse: its meter, scansion, and overall structure in the early, middle, and late Shakespeare plays, as well as the intricacies of the prose. |
| 211–14 |
Voice and Speech (2 or 3 each) |
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The development of clear, supported speech and sound that can meet the demands and challenges of classical texts. Resonators, articulators, breathing, and placement; phonetics and ear training; defining the character through the voice. |
| 215–18 |
Movement (1 or 2 each) |
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The development of an awareness of the body and its expressive abilities through an integrated approach that includes ballet, modern dance, Hatha Yoga, and Feldenkrais for coordination, focus, and expression. |
| 219–22 |
Alexander Technique (1 or 2 each) |
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Through group work and individual sessions, students develop a further awareness of the body toward expression of imagination and the creative process, enabling powerful characterization without stress or personal physical distortion. |
| 223–24 |
Stage Combat (2–2) |
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Skills in stage combat techniques, including unarmed combat and broadsword, buckler, rapier, dagger, and other lighter weapons, toward development of greater physical strength and an awareness of safety issues. The course is designed to lead to certification as an actor/combatant through the Society of American Fight Directors. |
| 225–28 |
Practicum (arr.) |
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This sequence of courses includes scene preparation, rehearsal/production, clown class, and other performance skills. |
| 229 |
Audition Techniques (3) |
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A set of workshops to help students develop strong audition skills. Business aspects of acting, such as selection of agents, Equity status, and taxation issues. The workshop concludes with a showcase performance for casting directors, agents, and theatre directors. |
| 231 |
Lighting Design (3) |
Gudenius |
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Theory and execution of lighting design for theatre and dance. Prerequisite: TrDa 131. May be repeated for credit. |
| 233 |
Architecture of Theatre and Exhibit Spaces (3) |
Staff |
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Theatrical architecture from a historical perspective. Traditional and nontraditional exhibit, theatrical, and assembly spaces are examined and evaluated with reference to the functional use of space from practical, architectural, and aesthetic perspectives. Studio work includes design of a hypothetical performance space and its auxiliary units. |
| 234 |
Scene Design: Renderings (3) |
Staff |
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Preparation for the advanced student designer, with emphasis on the individual development of rendering techniques including computer graphics, practical design applications, traditional script analysis, and original scenographic interpretations. May be repeated once for credit. |
| 235 |
Scene Design: Model Making (3) |
Staff |
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Exploration of all styles of traditional and contemporary scenography through the making of scale models. May be repeated once for credit. Admission by permission of instructor. |
| 236 |
Intermediate Costume (3) |
Pucilowsky, Smith |
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Introduction to the basic techniques of costume design through specific projects. Various rendering techniques will be explored, consistent with the historical period concerned. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: TrDa 136. |
| 237 |
Advanced Costume (3) |
Pucilowsky, Smith |
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Study of special design, style, and construction problems. May be repeated for credit. |
| 238 |
Pattern Making (3) |
Pucilowsky, Smith |
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The study of pattern drafting and draping methods, based on contemporary and historical clothing, through lecture and class work. Prerequisite: TrDa 136. |
| 241 |
Production Drafting (3) |
Gudenius |
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Development of drafting skills for production: groundplans, elevations, sections, perspectives, etc. |
| 246 |
Scene Painting (3) |
Gudenius, Smith |
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Development of the skills of painting needed for the reproductive craft of theatrical painting. Material fee, $75. |
| 291 |
Internship (3 or 6) |
Staff |
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Internships with theatre companies or arts organizations, including conference and/or seminar. May be taken for a total of 6 credit hours. |
| 292 |
Selected Topics (1 to 3) |
Staff |
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May be repeated for credit. |
| 294 |
Independent Research (arr.) |
Staff |
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May be repeated for credit. |
| 299–300 |
Thesis Research (3–3) |
