THDA 105-F1 10806 |
Seeing Performance in the Twin Cities |
Days: T R
|
Time: 01:20 pm-02:50 pm
|
Room: THEATR 203
|
Instructor: Cláudia Tatinge Nascimento
|
|
*First-Year Course Only*
Details
In a process of studied spectatorship, students in this first-year course will attend live performances in the Twin Cities and view films of performances by local artists. They will acquire the vocabularies of the field to critically articulate their individual reactions to dance and theater performances, and consider their design elements. With the support of seminal readings in dance, design, and theater criticism, students will write reviews and essays that give special consideration to issues of representation, socio-historical context, and artistic expression.
General Education Requirements:
Writing WA
U.S. Identities and Differences
Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts
Course Materials
|
THDA 105-F2 10807 |
Seeing Performance in the Twin Cities |
Days: T R
|
Time: 01:20 pm-02:50 pm
|
Room: THEATR 204
|
Instructor: Mina Kinukawa
|
|
*First-Year Course Only*
Details
In a process of studied spectatorship, students in this first-year course will attend live performances in the Twin Cities and view films of performances by local artists. They will acquire the vocabularies of the field to critically articulate their individual reactions to dance and theater performances, and consider their design elements. With the support of seminal readings in dance, design, and theater criticism, students will write reviews and essays that give special consideration to issues of representation, socio-historical context, and artistic expression.
General Education Requirements:
Writing WA
U.S. Identities and Differences
Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts
Course Materials
|
THDA 112-01 10808 |
Reading Plays: Asian and Asian American Playwrights |
Days: M W F
|
Time: 09:40 am-10:40 am
|
Room: THEATR 213
|
Instructor: kt shorb
|
|
*Cross-listed with ASIA 194-03 (10809), AMST 102-01 (10853); appropriate for first-year students*
Details
Reading Plays guides students in close readings of dramatic literature, in particular of plays that are typically left out of the traditional theatrical canon. Students will learn about the socio-historical context of each play, and in-class exercises will introduce them to the foundation of script analysis: they will examine the play’s given circumstances, dialogue, dramatic action, characters, and style. Students will read a new play every week; assignments include weekly in-class writing exercises and short critical papers. Some playwrights we may explore are: Ayad Akhtar, Jaclyn Backhaus, Christopher Chen, Mashuq Mushtaq Deen, Prince Gomolvilas, David Henry Hwang, Naomi Iizuka, Rajiv Joseph, Hansol Jung, Haruna Lee, Kimber Lee, Young Jean Lee, Qui Nguyen, Jiehae Park, Lloyd Suh, Kristina Wong, Lauren Yee, and Chay Yew.
General Education Requirements:
Writing WA
Internationalism OR U.S. Identities and Differences
Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts
Course Materials
|
THDA 120-01 10810 |
Acting |
Days: M W F
|
Time: 02:20 pm-03:20 pm
|
Room: THEATR 120
|
Instructor: Robert Rosen
|
|
*Appropriate for first-year students*
Details
This course introduces students to the art of acting. They will acquire fundamental acting skills and engage in artistic experimentation. Students will learn how to create a repeatable score of psychophysical actions, script analysis, use the body/voice as the actor's performing instrument; explore internal (memory, impulses, and so forth) and external (the other actors, the environment, objects, and so forth) stimuli as creative sources; rediscover of play and imagination; and develop work ethics and discipline. Students in this course will engage in physical activity and be required to spend 3-5 hours in rehearsals outside of scheduled class time.
General Education Requirements:
Writing WP
Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts
Course Materials
|
THDA 120-02 10811 |
Acting |
Days: M W F
|
Time: 03:30 pm-04:30 pm
|
Room: THEATR 120
|
Instructor: Cláudia Tatinge Nascimento
|
|
*Appropriate for first-year students*
Details
This course introduces students to the art of acting. They will acquire fundamental acting skills and engage in artistic experimentation. Students will learn how to create a repeatable score of psychophysical actions, script analysis, use the body/voice as the actor's performing instrument; explore internal (memory, impulses, and so forth) and external (the other actors, the environment, objects, and so forth) stimuli as creative sources; rediscover of play and imagination; and develop work ethics and discipline. Students in this course will engage in physical activity and be required to spend 3-5 hours in rehearsals outside of scheduled class time.
General Education Requirements:
Writing WP
Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts
Course Materials
|
THDA 125-01 10812 |
Technologies of Performance |
Days: M W F
|
Time: 10:50 am-11:50 am
|
Room: THEATR 006
|
Instructor: Thomas Barrett
|
|
*Appropriate for first-year students*
Details
This course grounds students in the technical and construction practices of performance-making: materials and their sources and histories; conventional and contemporary technologies and techniques; quantitative methods for calculating and assessing drawings for execution. A balance of lecture and hands-on studio time allow students to learn and apply knowledge through working with materials. Students in this course also may provide support to mainstage performance projects, further extending their learning in the course. Department provides course materials.
General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q1
Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts
Course Materials
|
THDA 125-L1 10813 |
Tech/Performance Lab |
Days: T
|
Time: 08:00 am-11:10 am
|
Room: THEATR 006
|
Instructor: Thomas Barrett
|
|
Details
This course grounds students in the technical and construction practices of performance-making: materials and their sources and histories; conventional and contemporary technologies and techniques; quantitative methods for calculating and assessing drawings for execution. A balance of lecture and hands-on studio time allow students to learn and apply knowledge through working with materials. Students in this course also may provide support to mainstage performance projects, further extending their learning in the course. Department provides course materials.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Course Materials
|
THDA 217-01 10814 |
Gender and Race Theory in Performance |
Days: T R
|
Time: 09:40 am-11:10 am
|
Room: THEATR 213
|
Instructor: kt shorb
|
|
*Cross-listed with WGSS 217-01 (10815)*
Details
This course introduces students to debates, methods, and conceptual frameworks in race and gender, as represented in performance. It engages students in an interdisciplinary exploration of key terms--such as corporeality, embodiment, intersectionality, and performativity--that remain central to the fields of gender and sexuality, critical race theory, and performance. Through drafts and revisions of written work, critical dialogues and oral presentations in small groups, peer feedback, and analytical reading, students will engage in questions around identity formation, structural inequality, and the politics of citizenship.
General Education Requirements:
Writing WA
U.S. Identities and Differences
Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts
Course Materials
|
THDA 222-01 10816 |
Contemporary Ensemble Choreography |
Days: T R
|
Time: 09:40 am-11:10 am
|
Room: THEATR 003
|
Instructor: Wynn Fricke
|
|
Details
In this introductory studio course, students learn the art of contemporary dance-making with an emphasis on ensemble work. In the role of choreographer, students learn how to convey movement to dancers, as well as evoke movement from them. In an atmosphere of play, we explore a range of approaches to choreography, while analyzing the styles and choreographic structures of post-modern and contemporary choreographers. We explore site-specific work, and give special emphasis to the integration of music as well as design elements including set, costume, and lighting. We inquire about what defines dance and what are choreographic forms that speak to the needs of our time. Prerequisite(s): THDA 31 or coursework in a dance technique; or permission of instructor. Students with dance experience prior to Macalester are encouraged to contact the instructor for permission to enroll.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts
Course Materials
|
THDA 235-01 10817 |
Fundamentals of Scenography |
Days: T R
|
Time: 03:00 pm-04:30 pm
|
Room: THEATR 006
|
Instructor: Mina Kinukawa
|
|
Details
Scenography is the creation of imagined spaces for performance. In this course we will study the fundamentals of scenography holistically, including scenic, lighting, costume, and sound design. Students will develop the ability to analyze and critique elements of performance design, articulate design ideas through written and verbal means, and complete a design project from textual analysis to tangible objects. This course is a prerequisite for intermediate and advanced design courses in Theater and Dance. Department provides course materials.
General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q1
Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts
Course Materials
|
THDA 242-01 10818 |
Playwriting |
Days: M W F
|
Time: 10:50 am-11:50 am
|
Room: THEATR 101
|
Instructor: STAFF
|
|
*Cross-listed with ENGL 285-01 (10819)*
Details
In this course, students engage in a series of playwriting exercises and read a wide variety of plays. They will read new and contemporary plays that employ different storytelling techniques (i.e., structure, character arcs, staging elements, etc.), embrace the unlimited possibilities of theatricality, and exemplify why we write for the stage. Students will develop a "playwriting toolkit" as they explore their artistic interests following the conventions of time-bound pieces: the 1-minute, 5-minute, 10-minute, and ultimately one-act form. In-class exercises and prompts, and small-group workshopping and reading will challenge each writer's individual development. A midterm and final play reading series of one-acts will allow students to hear their work in a supportive public setting. May be repeated for credit.
General Education Requirements:
Writing WC
Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts
Course Materials
|
THDA 242-02 10820 |
Playwriting |
Days: T R
|
Time: 03:00 pm-04:30 pm
|
Room: THEATR 213
|
Instructor: Jarek Pastor
|
|
*Cross-listed with ENGL 285-02 (10821)*
Details
In this course, students engage in a series of playwriting exercises and read a wide variety of plays. They will read new and contemporary plays that employ different storytelling techniques (i.e., structure, character arcs, staging elements, etc.), embrace the unlimited possibilities of theatricality, and exemplify why we write for the stage. Students will develop a "playwriting toolkit" as they explore their artistic interests following the conventions of time-bound pieces: the 1-minute, 5-minute, 10-minute, and ultimately one-act form. In-class exercises and prompts, and small-group workshopping and reading will challenge each writer's individual development. A midterm and final play reading series of one-acts will allow students to hear their work in a supportive public setting. May be repeated for credit.
General Education Requirements:
Writing WC
Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts
Course Materials
|
THDA 247-01 10822 |
Stage and Event Management |
Days: T R
|
Time: 01:20 pm-02:50 pm
|
Room: THEATR 006
|
Instructor: Wu Chen Khoo
|
|
*Appropriate for first-year students*
Details
This course will introduce students to the multi-faceted responsibilities of the stage manager in theatrical stage productions. Through a combination of classroom discussions, in-class group activities, at-home exercises and site visits, students will learn the responsibilities and tools of managing any collaborative creative team. By the end of this course, students will have developed core proficiencies in note-taking, information management, giving written & verbal feedback, collaboration, leadership, communication, conflict intervention and team organization.
General Education Requirements:
Writing WP
Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts
Course Materials
|
THDA 250-01 10823 |
Experiential Anatomy and the Mind Body Connection |
Days: T R
|
Time: 01:20 pm-02:50 pm
|
Room: THEATR 120
|
Instructor: Jill Lile
|
|
Details
The study of anatomy and somatics provide concrete pathways to deepening our understanding of self and the mind-body connection. We will study the musculoskeletal human anatomy on both a theoretical and practical level. Countering the notion that the body is an assemblage of parts to be trained, strengthened, and disciplined, we will delve into various mind-body practices that illuminate anatomy from a first-person perspective. We will focus on experiential learning including embodied anatomy and movement practices that provide direct knowledge of anatomy and alignment while providing opportunities for an integrated experience from within and increased self-awareness. In-class work will be supplemented by readings, journaling, physical practice, writing and research.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts
Course Materials
|
THDA 285-01 10824 |
Costume Design |
Days: M W F
|
Time: 12:00 pm-02:00 pm
|
Room: THEATR 006
|
Instructor: Sarah Bahr
|
|
Details
Students in this class will engage with costume design as both generative and collaborative artists. They will learn to conceptualize costumes for theater and dance productions drawing from a multitude of inspirations including the fine arts, costume/fashion history, music, literature, film, opera, and textiles. Class meetings will include discussions about readings and visual literacy, as well as hands-on exploration of a real-world design process including research, drawing and painting renderings, budgeting, fittings, and oral presentations of designs. Students will engage with both traditional and devised methods of developing characters and silhouettes to develop their unique vision for theatrical and dance productions. There will be 1-2 field trips to visit key resource locations for costume designers.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts
Course Materials
|
THDA 294-01 10825 |
Historical Journey: From Greek Theater to the Restoration |
Days: M W F
|
Time: 12:00 pm-01:00 pm
|
Room: THEATR 101
|
Instructor: Randy Reyes
|
|
*Cross-listed with CLAS 294-01 (10826) and HIST 294-03 (10828); appropriate for first-year students*
Details
This course explores the four significant periods of theater history (Classical, Medieval, Renaissance, and Restoration) through learning about the historical context, the physical theater elements, the plays that defined the time and the playwrights who wrote them. Students will engage with script analysis of the plays through staged readings.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts
Course Materials
|
THDA 350-01 10829 |
Directing for the Stage |
Days: M W F
|
Time: 02:20 pm-04:30 pm
|
Room: THEATR 004
|
Instructor: Randy Reyes
|
|
*Not appropriate for first-year students*
Details
This course prepares advanced theater students to direct public performances, and thus focuses on the acquisition of skills such as text analysis, dynamic storytelling, stage composition, and communication (with designers, actors, stage managers, and production team). Students will choose a scene from a play proposed by the instructor, research style and aesthetic, run auditions, cast the scene, facilitate a rehearsal process, and stage a live performance. They will also learn best collaborative practices, since the class unfolds in conversation with the Acting Approaches course (THDA360) and culminates in public performances at the James A. Williams Theater. Prerequisite(s): THDA 120 or THDA 235 or THDA 360, or permission of the instructor.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts
Course Materials
|
THDA 360-01 10830 |
Acting Approaches: Shakespeare in Performance |
Days: T R
|
Time: 09:40 am-11:10 am
|
Room: THEATR 120
|
Instructor: Randy Reyes
|
|
*Not appropriate for first-year students*
Details
In the different editions of this course, students have an opportunity to approach the acting method of theater masters, as well as acting styles and genres. The Fall 2024 edition of the course will focus on acting Shakespeare. This is arguably the greatest challenge for any actor. Through monologues and scenes from Shakespeare plays, students will learn to mine the text, understand the historical context in which he wrote the plays, develop voice and speech techniques, and gain acting skills to effectively bring his iconic characters to life. May be repeated for credit.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts
Course Materials
|
THDA 490-01 10831 |
Senior Seminar |
Days: T R
|
Time: 01:20 pm-02:50 pm
|
Room: THEATR 101
|
Instructor: kt shorb
|
|
Details
This is a reading and writing intensive course that engages theories from the fields of aesthetics and cultural studies to support each student's in-depth research into a topic of their choice. Discussions examine how particular uses of the body, space, and narrative intersect to inform our experience of "performance," broadly defined, and engage the interplay between real and fictional in both artistic productions and performative social contexts. Students may pursue archival and library research, analysis of live performance, and analysis of documents of various kinds, including visual materials. Required for Theater and Dance majors, open to Dance, Theater, and Performance Design and Technologies minors.
General Education Requirements:
Writing WA
Distribution Requirements:
Fine arts
Course Materials
|
THDA 21-01 10832 |
Dances of the African Diaspora I: Capoeira |
Days: T R
|
Time: 03:00 pm-04:30 pm
|
Room: THEATR 120
|
Instructor: Marciano Silva Dos Santos
|
|
Details
Dances of the African Diaspora I introduces students to selected dance forms from the African diaspora, especially those coming from West Africa and that emerged in the Caribbean and the Americas. The course is physically rigorous and emphasizes community building. A drummer accompanies the class, so students experience the fundamental connection between drums and dance as they learn the histories, techniques, and characteristics of Diasporic movement forms. Assignments include movement projects developed in class and presentations. All are welcome. May be repeated for credit. Letter grading, effective spring 2022.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Course Materials
|
THDA 22-01 10833 |
Beginning Ballet |
Days: M W F
|
Time: 02:20 pm-03:20 pm
|
Room: THEATR 003
|
Instructor: Jill Lile
|
|
Details
This is a beginning ballet class designed for students who have never had ballet before. The goal is to demonstrate fundamental understanding and execution of basic ballet technique and to develop a foundation in movement that will carry over and support any other style of dance or physical practice. It will include barre and center work, across-the-floor combinations, and stretching and strengthening practices. Correct alignment, coordination, and body mechanics will be emphasized. May be repeated for credit. Letter grading.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Course Materials
|
THDA 23-01 10834 |
Dance Improvisation |
Days: M W F
|
Time: 01:10 pm-02:10 pm
|
Room: THEATR 120
|
Instructor: Krista Langberg
|
|
Details
This class introduces students to the process of spontaneously creating movement, and the art of composing in the moment. Creative exploration is facilitated using a variety of movement scores and structures, working with the elements of time, space, quality, sensory experiences and perception. This course emphasizes collaboration and community, as well as individual agency within that framework. Through a kinesthetic lens, using curiosity and awareness, we will delve into who we are and how we move through the world. The class includes an introduction to Contact Improvisation, the "art-sport" developed by Steve Paxton in 1972. Come with a desire to move, an open mind and a willingness to explore in a non-competitive environment. Open to students with any level of previous experience in dance and movement, from beginning to advanced. May be repeated for credit. Letter grading.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Course Materials
|
THDA 24-01 10835 |
Modern Dance I |
Days: M W F
|
Time: 10:50 am-11:50 am
|
Room: THEATR 120
|
Instructor: Wynn Fricke
|
|
Details
This introductory level course explores the theory, technique, and terminology of modern dance as a performing art. Students engage fully with their bodies and minds as they deepen their strength, sense of rhythm, flexibility, and coordination. The course develops skills in inversions, floor work, and balance based in a deepening awareness of alignment. May be repeated for credit. Letter grading.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Course Materials
|
THDA 25-01 10836 |
Urban and Street Dance |
Days: T R
|
Time: 04:45 pm-06:00 pm
|
Room: THEATR 003
|
Instructor: STAFF
|
|
Details
This course introduces students to fundamental characteristics, techniques, and principles of Urban and Street Dance. This fall, the course will focus specifically on Krump. The class will dive into the typical movements, histories and origins of this urban dance style. We are going into deep detail using theories and concepts that can help our minds, bodies and spirits connect further and deeper to the styles themselves. This class will allow your own identity and way of motion to be in the forefront. The course is physically rigorous, and emphasizes community building. No experience required. All are welcome. May be repeated for credit. Letter grading.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Course Materials
|
THDA 32-01 10837 |
Intermediate Ballet |
Days: T R
|
Time: 03:00 pm-04:30 pm
|
Room: THEATR 003
|
Instructor: Jill Lile
|
|
Details
This is a beginning intermediate level ballet class for students who have acquired a foundation in the basic skills of classical ballet or have successfully completed THDA 51. Students will be expected to develop or expand their ballet technique while continuing to grow as dance artists. This class will consist of ballet barre and center work, simple pirouettes and the development of basic petit allegro steps. May be repeated for credit. Letter grading. Prerequisite(s): THDA 22 (Beginning Ballet) or permission of instructor.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Course Materials
|
THDA 42-01 10838 |
Advanced Ballet |
Days: M W F
|
Time: 03:30 pm-04:45 pm
|
Room: THEATR 003
|
Instructor: Jill Lile
|
|
*Permission of instructor required*
Details
This is an advanced level ballet class for students who have achieved an advanced level of skill and artistry in classical ballet. Students will be expected to expand and develop their ballet technique while continuing to grow as dance artists. It will include barre work, pirouettes ending in all positions, and petit allegro with beats. Combinations will increase in complexity and students will be expected to pick up material quickly. May be repeated for credit. Letter grading. Prerequisite(s): Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Course Materials
|
THDA 44-01 10839 |
Modern Dance III |
Days: M W
|
Time: 04:45 pm-06:00 pm
|
Room: THEATR 120
|
Instructor: Toni Pierce-Sands
|
|
Details
The purpose of this technique class is to allow the intermediate to advanced modern dance student to explore and discover themselves as an articulate and expressive mover. Classwork places specific emphasis on alignment, power, momentum, articulation, clarity of intent, musicality and stamina. Class consists of in-place warm-ups, center exercises and a range of dance phrases. May be repeated for credit. Letter grading, effective Spring 2022. Prerequisite(s): THDA 42 or THDA 43 or permission of instructor.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Course Materials
|
THDA 79-01 10840 |
Performance Practice in Student Projects |
Days: MTWR
|
Time: 05:30 pm-09:00 pm
|
Room: THEATR 121
|
Instructor: Cláudia Tatinge Nascimento
|
|
Details
Students are involved in Theater and Dance Department productions as actors or dancers in student-led pieces. Performance Practice in Student Projects is the appropriate course when students will not work under direct supervision of a faculty member, but are part of a student director's or student choreographer's work in an Honors production or Dance Concert. Two credits awarded at the end of the semester. May be repeated for credit. S/N grading only.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Course Materials
|
THDA 80-01 10841 |
Performance Practice |
Days: MTWR
|
Time: 05:30 pm-09:00 pm
|
Room: THEATR 121
|
Instructor: Robert Rosen
|
|
Details
Students are involved in production as actors or dancers, assistant choreographers or choreographers, assistant directors or directors, assistant designers or designers, dramaturgs and playwrights. Two credits awarded at the end of the semester. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor required; please contact the Theater and Dance Department directly for audition and registration information
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Course Materials
|
THDA 80-02 10842 |
Performance Practice |
Days: MTWR
|
Time: 05:30 pm-09:00 pm
|
Room: THEATR 121
|
Instructor: Wynn Fricke
|
|
Details
Students are involved in production as actors or dancers, assistant choreographers or choreographers, assistant directors or directors, assistant designers or designers, dramaturgs and playwrights. Two credits awarded at the end of the semester. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor required; please contact the Theater and Dance Department directly for audition and registration information
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Course Materials
|
THDA 81-01 10843 |
Technical Practice |
Days: MTWR
|
Time: 05:30 pm-09:00 pm
|
Room: THEATR 121
|
Instructor: Barrett, Gagner, Khoo
|
|
Details
Students are involved in set, costume, lighting and sound engineering and construction, and running crew. Two credits awarded at the end of the semester. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor required; please see instructor to be added to registration roster
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Course Materials
|