Fall COURSES
THEA 101 - Introduction to Theatre
Option 1
Instructor: Claudia Orenstein
Lectures: MoTh11:30AM - 12:20PM + Discussion Session
(This class consists of a lecture session and a discussion session.
Students must sign up for the discussion section as well. To view discussion section schedules click on Sign Up to be directed to class search on CunyFirst)
Option 2
Instructor: Jonathan Kalb
MoWe 4:00PM - 5:15PM
Description:
We will explore and study elements of Theatre Arts – dramatic literature, performance traditions, acting, directing, playwriting, production, and design -- from the standpoints of both viewer and participant. This course introduces you to the various elements that comprise the art of the theatre. We will look at the different jobs, forms of collaboration,and creative skills that go into creating theatrical performances. We will also consider how to read and analyze dramatic texts for production, and we will explore the different models and forms of theatre that exist around the world, the many ways they communicate with their audiences, the variety of subject they can address, and the various roles theatre plays in different historical and cultural contexts. Offering a broad overview of the art, from both theartist’s and the audience’s perspective, with opportunities for you to try your own hand at creative work,the course intends to make you a more knowledgeable and appreciative theatre-goer and perhaps inspire you to pursue your own creative path.
THEA 21100 - World Theatre 1
Schedule Options:
TuFr 10:00AM - 11:15AM Instructor: Alexandra Rego
MoTh 4:00PM - 5:15PM Instructor: Esther Neff
Description:
This course introduces and examines a selection of theatres that originated and developed from antiquity until the early seventeenth century in Egypt, Europe, Asia, and America. Instead of focusing exclusively on what happened, we will concern ourselves primarily with how: How have theatre and performance scholars set about understanding historical theatre events? How do we relate ancient theatrical events to our present situations? How does one conduct historical research? In short, how do we do theatre history? This last question is perhaps the most important since, in this class, we will not so much learn about theatre history, but perform the role of theatre historians, historiographers, and theoreticians.
THEA 21300 - World Theatre 3
Instructor: Hui Peng
TuFr 11:30AM - 12:45PM
Description:
This course introduces and examines a selection of plays and performance styles from various parts of the world during the period between 1850 and present day. Through a study of dramatic works, critical texts, and historical contexts, we will explore the intersection between the performing arts and the changing world around them. The course will illustrate how global developments inspired theatremakers to respond to the periods of modernism and beyond.
THEA 25100 - Theatre Production
Instructor: Lateefah Holder
MoTh 11:30AM - 1:20PM
Description:
This course will introduce you to the practical aspects of theatre production through a combination of readings, discussions, guests, and hands-on experience. Class meetings will include lectures and discussions, and visits from Department of Theatre faculty and staff. Another important aspect of this class is that we are responsible for making sure that the departmental productions are of the highest artistic quality, are ready on time, and run smoothly.
THEA 26100- Acting II : American Realism
Option 1
Instructor: Barbara Bosch
MoTh 12:30PM - 2:20PM
Option 2
Instructor: Adrienne Williams
TuFr 11:30AM - 1:20PM
Description:
Continuation of scene study focusing on text analysis, personalization, objective and action using the world realistic repertory, such as the plays of Chekhov, Ibsen and Strindberg. It is recommended that this course be taken with THEA 26300.
THEA 28100 - Visual Elements of Theatre
Instructor: Louisa Pregerson
MoTh 10:00AM - 11:15AM
Description:
Explore the visual storytelling methods, techniques, and tools available to support the playwright’s narrative and the director’s concept for a theatrical production. We will examine the evolution and styles of the stage picture, theatre architecture, music halls and motion picture palaces. We will also address the advent of new visual media, such as digital projection, animation, and its impact on the contemporary audience experience. The class will also attend Broadway Theatre performances.
THEA 36500- Screen Acting
Instructor: Peter Romano
MoTh 10:00AM - 11:15AM
Description:
This course will provide students with fundamental skills used in the craft of Acting for the Camera. The focus of the course work will be on the Actor’s approach to the Film and Television mediums. Through exercises and scene work students will develop practical skills and basic techniques to use on set and in audition settings.
THEA 37200- Directing II
Instructor: Barbara Bosch
MoTh 3:00PM - 4:50PM
Description:
This is an intensive laboratory course in directing for the stage. We will discuss the history of directing and work on text analysis, principles of staging, picturization, rhythm, working with actors and designers and rehearsing a play. We will discuss and practice the basic technique elements that are necessary for the director. We will investigate how to have successful collaborations with all members of the production team. The specifics of organizing your rehearsal calendar – from auditions, to run-throughs, technical rehearsals, etc. will be investigated.
THEA 38300- Costume Design I
Instructor: Deepsikha Chatterjee
MoTh 11:30AM - 1:20PM
Description:
This course introduces the principles, elements, and practicalities of costume design and their relation to design in the theatre. Students will learn how to communicate design choices both visually and verbally through rendering techniques and research. They will also develop their skills in character analysis, period research, and costume construction. Material from a diverse and global perspective will be employed here..
THEA 16100 - Acting I : Basic Acting Techniques
Instructors: Peter Romano, Michael Mcintire, Benjamin Moore,Lateefah Holder, Timothy Cusick,Adrienne Williams
Schedule Options:
MoTh 11:30AM -12:45PM MoTh 10:00AM -11:15AM
TuFr 1:00PM - 2:15PM TuFr 11:30AM -12:45PM
MoTh 4:00PM - 5:15PM MoTh 2:30PM - 3:45PM
TuFr 10:00AM -11:15AM
Description:
This will be an introductory course that explores the fundamental elements of acting. The mission of this course is to awaken the emotional, imaginative, and transformative powers in each of us. We will explore what it means to really be a storyteller through plays, recommended texts, improvisation, scene work, and monologues. Each student will explore harnessing their own personal experiences (sense memory), to help inform their acting. Finally, this course will enhance the actor's ability to channel "self" (body, mind, and experience), through one’s acting in a TRUTHFUL and believable way; pushing each student’s willingness, readiness, and resilience to transform the "self" beyond its pre-established boundaries.
THEA 21200 - World Theatre 2
Instructor: Jonathan Kalb
MoWe 5:30PM - 6:45PM
Description:
This course introduces and examines a selection of theatres around the globe that originated and developed between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries. We will read writings that will enable us to explore the histories and textual and performing characteristics of the examined theatres and their relations to the immediate cultural, social, political, and economic contexts. The goals are to acquire better understanding of the theatres and establish models of study that may be applied to examining other examples.
THEA 21400- Multicultural Perspectives
Instructor: Dong Shin Chang
TuFr 10:00AM - 11:15AM
Description:
This course introduces and examines the theatres of African, Latin/Hispanic, Asian, and Native Americans. We will study their histories and dramatic works in order to explore the thematic and performing characteristics of the studied theatres and their relations to the immediate cultural, social, political, and economic contexts. The goals are to acquire better understanding of the theatres and to inspire both creative and scholarly interest.
THEA 25357- Musical Theatre Workshop 1
THEA 39770 - Musical Theater Performance
Instructor: Micah Eljiah Caldwell
TuFr 4:00PM - 5:50PM
Description:
Telling stories through song! To obtain a sense of ease with the voice across a multitude of styles of music. An exemplary application of material across styles/genres. A training to be a professional artist.
THEA 26300 - Basic Voice and Movement For Performers
Instructor: Benjamin Moore
TuFr 10:00AM - 11:15AM
Description:
This course helps the performer develop authority, range, and freedom in their artistic work. Using the Linklater approach, students learn how to release physical tensions and integrate their body, voice and creativity through exercises. Through text work students will develop their creative imagination and sharpen their articulation. By the end of this course students will have gained more artistic confidence and connection, and leave with a physical and vocal foundation for their rehearsal and performance work
32100 - Play Analysis
Instructor: Christine Scarfuto
Tu 11:30AM - 2:15PM
Description:
The course aims to develop a set of conceptual and analytical tools for the close reading and interpretation of plays as “blueprints” or “scores” for theatrical performance. The course provides an analytical vocabulary useful both to students with a general interest in theater and to aspiring theater artists. Drawing on a variety of analytical frameworks, the course focuses not only on what a play represents and means but also, more importantly, how it does so: how a dissection of a play’s structure can illuminate the play’s dramatic dynamics and theatrical potential. The course introduces students to a wide range of dramatic genres and forms, their formal principles, and to the embodiment of those principles in particular texts. While providing essential historical context for interpreting those genres and forms, the course provides an “inside-out” approach to the reading of plays.
THEA 37100- Directing I
Instructor: Barbara Bosch
MoTh 3:00PM - 4:50PM
Description:
This is an intensive laboratory course in directing for the stage. We will discuss the history of directing and work on text analysis, principles of staging, picturization, rhythm, working with actors and designers and rehearsing a play. We will discuss and practice the basic technique elements that are necessary for the director. We will investigate how to have successful collaborations with all members of the production team. The specifics of organizing your rehearsal calendar – from auditions, to run-throughs, technical rehearsals, etc. will be investigated.
THEA 37600- Playwriting I
Instructor: Phillip Christian Smith
TuFr 1:00PM - 2:15PM
Description:
Students will learn the fundamental tools that a playwright employs, culminating in a final one-act play. We will be reading & discussing plays and completing writing exercises to help open students to the world of exploration and experimentation that playwriting should be. We will be focusing on elements such as patterns, rhythm, environment, internal structure/ rules, and more – and then playing around with them.
