Theatre

This survey course provides an introduction to the basic principles of acting through the use of readings, monologues, and beginning scene study. Acting theory, dramatic expression, stage movement, pantomime, and voice training will be covered.

This course provides an introduction to set construction, lighting, properties, and sound as they relate specifically to the theater. It combines theory and practical application.

Acting Practicum is a twice-a-week "theatre gymnasium" that majors must take three times for credit. The focus of the course is to expand on the physical and vocal elements of other performances courses to strengthen skills in movement, voice and stage presence. 

This intermediate course focuses on the basics of the Stanislavskian system, focusing on stage dialects, improvisation, scene study and character development.

A survey of dramatic literature, history and theory from the Greeks and the Romans, to Medieval times, Shakespeare and the Restoration. 

A survey of American dramas from O'Neill, Miller and Hellman to the works of Wendy Wasserstein, John Guare, and John Patrick Shanley. Theatre History will be considered in terms of leading actors, plays and political and social events of different time periods.

A survey of non-American dramatic literature, history, and theory from 1870 to the present. Emphasis is placed on Ibsen and the Theatre of the Absurd.

In this course, students will explore using relaxation and articulation to create a more effective sound. Using techniques based on the work of Kristin Linklater, the class will focus on freeing the natural voice and finding a signature sound. Analysis of classical texts and public speaking skills will also be addressed.

This course will focus on stage makeup as used to accent natural features on the face, or to create a character through the distortion of natural features. There will be sections on special effects, ethnic makeup, period makeup, and gender reversal.

This course of study focuses on research and analysis of stage combat disciplines and practical practice to learn the physical techniques necessary to safely perform staged fights.

This course focuses on the development of the ability to move, act and express oneself through the media of lyric and music. The course of study will develop each student's physical instrument while addressing the special challenges and techniques needed by the musical stage actor. Each student will have ample opportunity for performance in class, as well as in a weekly student performance class and in the final public performance.

The department occasionally offers special courses in theatre dealing with areas and topics not otherwise included in the curriculum.

This seminar will prepare students for their next step after college, be going to graduate school, beginning auditions or relocating to another city. Students will assemble an online portfolio, audition binder and head shot and resumes, in addition to doing research on jobs, agents and educational options.

This advanced capstone course is intended for students planning to pursue theatre in graduate school or a career in theatre. As such, it concentrates on detailed character development, audition techniques, the business of acting, and the preparation of four monologues the student can use in the auditioning process.

This course provides a study of the responsibility of the director in the staging of the play: play selection, analysis, casting and the relationship to other creative artists involved in the production. A practical demonstration and production manual are required as final projects. Primarily for Theatre and Musical Theatre majors at the junior level or higher or by permission of instructor.

Performance Studio is an opportunity for experienced students to do a deeper exploration of scene study and/or voice and text skills covered in the performance curriculum. The course is cross-listed with Acting II, Acting III, Acting IV, and Voice and Text. Students in this course will be expected to take a leadership role by mentoring and sharing skills with students taking the performance class for the first time. Performance Studio can be taken twice for credit.

A performance-intensive course designed to grant academic credit for student participation in the production season. Majors will take the course at least two semesters. Participation can be either as a performer or technician.

Thr Inst A directed study involving special topics in theatre. This course provides students and teacher/artists from the New York State Theatre Institute the opportunity to explore the entire range of theatre-related topics.  (Formerly called Directed Study with NYS Theatre Institute)

In this capstone acting course, students will explore classical material through a look at Greek and English Renaissance texts. Skills will be developed through scene work and monologues, plus a study of the eras covered in each text.
 

A methods course in the teaching of creative dramatics to children, including games, puppetry, and improvisation.  Acting in, directing, and producing performances for child audiences will be explored through children's literature and plays.

Students design and execute individual projects under the supervision of a department advisor.

A full-time program involving academic study through classes, individualized instruction and written projects, and supervised applied experiences structured around the Institute's theatrical productions and its residencies in New York State schools. There is a $300 fee for this internship.

CAT and Theatre majors who satisfy college and departmental standards may be invited to undertake an Honors Project in place of a Senior Project. The expectation is that these individual, faculty-supervised projects are both qualitatively and quantitatively superior to a regular Senior Project.