Department of Drama

Drama Building, 109 Culbreth Road
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400128
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4128
(434) 924-3326 Fax: (434) 924-1447
www.virginia.edu/drama

Overview The department’s mission is to provide a creative and intellectually stimulating environment in which to study and produce dramatic arts. The department’s interdependent academic and production programs strive to broaden students’ understanding of society and culture by exploring personal expression in a variety of theatrical disciplines. Students are encouraged to practice theatre by actively engaging in a search for vital connections between theatre’s role in the past and present, and its future purpose in the world. Also, the department endeavors to serve as a major cultural resource for the greater University and regional communities.

Because it is essential that students be involved in every aspect of theatre, the department provides every possible opportunity for students to work as directors, actors, designers, stage managers, technicians, and playwrights. Majors are expected to participate in the production program and attend all productions. Students complete studio and course assignment work in every production area and compete successfully in auditions for roles in main-stage and laboratory theatre productions. The program offers a wide range of projects for undergraduates, from acting in scenes for directing classes, to staging work for classes in other departments. In some cases, students also work as designers on one or more of the main season productions. The B.A. program provides its students with intellectual stimulation and a healthy creative challenge.

The Department of Drama has modern facilities that accommodate all classroom, studio, and production activities. The complex includes two theatres: the 595 seat Culbreth, with its large, well-equipped proscenium stage, and the flexible Helms, which seats 160-200 people. Large and modern scene, costume, and property shops, as well as offices, rehearsal studios, dressing rooms, and computer labs, complete the facility. An excellent Fine Arts Library is only a few steps away.

Faculty The department boasts a nationally renown resident faculty with solid experience and an understanding of the demands of the professional theatre in its many manifestations. Guest artists often augment the resident faculty, providing an on-going professional presence that offers students immediate experience of the ideas and practice in today’s theatre. All of the faculty spend significant time outside of the classroom working personally with serious theatre students.

Students At any given time, there are approximately eighty drama or undeclared majors.

Requirements for Major DRAM 201 with a minimum passing grade of C. The total credits required for the major (including the prerequisite) is 33.

Performance

History, Literature, Criticism

Design/Tech

Synthesis

Elective

Select any one Drama course from DRAM 200-490 level courses

(includes prerequisite)

Requirements for Minor

Performance

History, Literature, Criticism

Design/Tech

Elect 4 credits from one of the following areas:

Synthesis

Elective

Drama majors and minors are expected to participate in the production program and attend all theatre productions and department meetings. The minimum passing grade is C for all required courses.

Drama Activities The activities of the drama department include the main season of major production and the Studio Laboratory Theatre Series, as well as professional theatre companies, guest artists, and ballet troupes. In addition, each summer the department sponsors the professional Heritage Repertory Theatre. All productions are presented in the Helms and Culbreth Theatres located in the Department of Drama building on Culbreth Road.

Additional Information For more information, contact Professor LaVahn Hoh, Undergraduate Advisor, Department of Drama, Drama Building, 109 Culbreth Rd., P.O. Box 400128, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4128; (434) 924-8962 or (434) 924-3326; www.virginia.edu/drama.

Course Descriptions

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Note: Course prerequisites may be waived with instructor permission.

DRAM 101 - (3) (S)
Introduction to Theatre
Investigates theatre arts and their relation to contemporary culture, emphasizing play analysis, types of production, and the roles of various theatre artists.

DRAM 102 - (3) (S)
Oral Interpretation
For non-majors. Enhances communication skills through basic voice and speech exercises leading to staged readings of prose, poetry, comedy, and drama.

DRAM 201 - (3) (S)
Theatre Art: Image to Form
Examines the translation of dramatic image into theatrical form as explored through elements of storytelling, script analysis, 2- and 3-D design, and the experience of performance.

DRAM 202 - (3) (S)
Theatre Art: Acting I
Explores basic theories and techniques of acting and directing through exercises, improvisations, and scenes from contemporary dramatic literature.

DRAM 208 - (3) (Y)
Circus in America
Introduces the circus as a form of American entertainment. Focuses on its development, growth, decline, and cultural influences.

DRAM 211 - (3) (S)
Lighting Technology
Prerequisite: DRAM 201 and 202, or instructor permission; corequisite: DRAM 213.
Studies the basic techniques for moving the lighting design from drafted plot through finished design, including equipment, dimming and control systems, and color theory.

DRAM 213 - (1) (S)
Production Laboratory: Lighting and Sound
Prerequisite: DRAM 201 and 202, or instructor permission; corequisite: DRAM 211.
Application of lighting and sound technology in laboratory production projects. May be repeated up to four credits.

DRAM 221 - (3) (S)
Scenic Technology
Prerequisite: DRAM 201 and 202, or instructor permission.
Studies the basic techniques for moving set design from drawing to finished environment, including drafting, carpentry, painting, and dressing. Lab required.

DRAM 223 - (1) (S)
Production Laboratory: Scenery and Properties
Prerequisite: DRAM 201 and 202, or instructor permission; corequisite: DRAM 221 or instructor permission.
Application of scenery and properties technology in laboratory production projects. May be repeated up to four credits.

DRAM 224 - (3) (Y)
Digital Design: Re-making and Re-imagining
Digital projects that explore the dramatic tension existing between word (drama) and art (picture). Examines bias that is embedded in narrative and visual expressions. Visual work is based upon narrative responses developed by each student. Utilizes a number of digital applications (Adobe Photoshop, RealViz Stitcher, Apple Final Cut Pro) as the palettes that allow the class to explore visual tensions and biases inherent in art, architecture, and scenic design.

DRAM 225 - (3) (Y)
Scene Painting
Fundamental techniques of scenic painting. A studio class during which students learn to paint faux finishes of marble, wood grain, brick and other common finishes for theatrical application.

DRAM 231 - (3) (S)
Costume Technology
Prerequisite: DRAM 201 and 202, or instructor permission; corequisite: DRAM 233 or instructor permission.
Studies basic techniques for moving the costume design from drawing to finished character, including construction, alteration, patterning, fitting, and accessories. Lab required.

DRAM 233 - (1) (S)
Production Laboratory: Costume and Makeup
Prerequisite: DRAM 201 and 202, or instructor permission; corequisite: DRAM 231 or instructor permission.
Application of costume and makeup technology in production laboratory. May be repeated up to four credits.

DRAM 243 - (1) (S)
Production Laboratory: Acting and Directing
Application of acting and directing skills in production laboratory. May be repeated up to four credits.

DRAM 263 - (1) (S)
Production Laboratory: Sound
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Application of sound technology in laboratory production projects. May be repeated up to four credits.

DRAM 264 - (3) (S)
The Art of Designing Sound
Creative application of digital sound editing for media. Techniques investigated include editing pre-recorded music, creating realistic sound environments, representing visual art with sound, three-dimensional sound, and sound creation for video.

DRAM 280 - (3) (Y)
Television News Writing and Production
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Students analyze, discuss, and learn the techniques of television news writing. Explores the difference between print and television news; the value of research; the impact of deadlines; the worth of clear, concise, accurate expression; the importance of ethics; and the urgency of time. Working in teams, students participate in a variety of roles included in television news production, such as reporting and editing, with an emphasis on writing to the dictates of the television medium.

DRAM 281 - (3) (Y)
Cinema as Art Form
A course in visual thinking; introduces film criticism, concentrating on classic and current American and non-American films.

DRAM 282 - (3) (Y)
Television Texts, Scripting and Directing
Studies the theory and creative principles of television scripting and directing; analysis of form, content, and production values; includes composition, writing, lighting, camerawork and performance.

DRAM 302 - (3) (IR)
Theatre Make-Up
Prerequisite: DRAM 201 and 202, or instructor permission.
Introduces the design and application of theatre make-up. Emphasizes observation and mastery of basic techniques and materials employed in facial analysis and the creation of juvenile, lead, character, and aged make-up.

DRAM 305 - (3) (Y)
History of Theatre
Studies the history of theatre as an art form in relation to the development of Western culture from ancient times to the Restoration.

DRAM 306 - (3) (Y)
History of Theatre II
Prerequisite: DRAM 305.
Studies the history of theatre as an art form in relation to the development of Western culture from the Restoration to the present.

DRAM 307 - (3) (S)
African-American Theatre
Presents a comprehensive study of "Black Theatre" as the African-American contribution to the theatre. Explores the historical, cultural, and socio-political underpinnings of this theatre as an artistic form in American and world culture. Students gain a broader understanding of the relationship and contributions of this theatre to theatre arts, business, education, lore, and humanity. A practical theatrical experience is a part of the course offering.

DRAM 309 - (3) (SI)
Script Analysis: Dramatic Structure and Theatrical Production
Analysis of representative play scripts to discover how structure and language support conceptual and stylistic choices in production.

DRAM 331 - (3) (Y)
History of Dress
Studies the history of dress, from ancient to modern times, as a reflection of the individual’s self expression and the relationship to one’s culture. Lab required.

DRAM 341 - (3) (S)
Acting II
Prerequisite: DRAM 202.
Self to character: exercises and scene work emphasizing the development of the actor’s vocal and physical resources as a means of creating and communicating character, emotion, and relationships.

DRAM 342 - (3) (S)
Voice for the Theatre
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Intended to give the drama major a thorough grounding in the voice and speech demands of theatre performance and to launch the student on a life-long investigation of voice and speech production.

DRAM 343 - (3) (S)
Improvisation
Prerequisite: DRAM 202 or instructor permission.
A workshop that explores several dimensions of theatrical self-expression through improvised exercises and situations. This course will employ lecture, discussion and performance activities to raise awareness and proficiency in improvisational techniques through dramatic interaction involving imagination and creativity.

DRAM 345 - (3) (Y)
Musical Theatre Performance
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Studies the integration of song into scene work, and examination of special problems posed for the actor/singer/dancer. Focuses on a character’s song presentation within the context of a musical play.

DRAM 349 - (3) (Y)
Acting Out
Prerequisite: By audition and instructor permission.
Select ensemble company rehearses and performs scenes from Shakespeare, classic, and contemporary dramatic literature in public performance workshops.

DRAM 351 - (3) (Y)
Directing I
Prerequisite: DRAM 201 and 202.
Encourages the development of the director’s analytical and rehearsal skills in translating text, actors, and space into valid and effective scenes; drawn from plays in the mode of psychological realism.

DRAM 352 - (1) (S)
Production Management
Corequisite: DRAM 353.
This course will examine aspects of theatrical management including: production, stage, company, and house. Students will study current management principles and the application of those principles in practical management projects.

DRAM 353 - (1-2) (S)
Production Laboratory: Stage Management
Prerequisite: DRAM 201, 202, 211, 221, and 231, or instructor permission; corequisite: DRAM 352.
One credit is required; may be repeated up to four credits. Application of stage management skills to production and performance.

DRAM 360 - (3) (Y)
Modern American Drama
Studies representative twentieth-century American dramas in the context of theatre history.

DRAM 371 - (3) (Y)
Playwriting I
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Introduces the art and craft of playwriting, focusing on short exercises and in-class writing assignments.

DRAM 372 - (3) (Y)
Playwriting II
Prerequisite: DRAM 371.
Continuation of Playwriting I, focusing on specific craft exercises and the development of individual style.

DRAM 381 - (3) (SS)
Film Criticism
Extends the work of DRAM 281 by concentrating on the development of a critical perspective in the study of films and film-makers.

DRAM 383 - (3) (Y)
History of Film I
Analyzes the development of the silent film, 1895 to 1928; emphasizes the technical and thematic links between national schools of cinema art and the contributions of individual directors. Includes weekly film screenings.

DRAM 384 - (3) (Y)
History of Film II
Prerequisite: DRAM 281 or 383, or instructor permission.
Analyzes the development of film art from the inception of sound to the 1950s. Includes weekly film screenings.

DRAM 387 - (3) (Y)
Contemporary Independent Film and Video
Prerequisite: DRAM 281, or instructor permission.
Investigates the nature of "independent" film and video in relation to the dominant commercial media, surveying a broad range of independent media genres, from the independent features of John Cassavetes and Quentin Tarantino through the alternatives practiced by experimental and documentary makers.

DRAM 408 - (3) (IR)
Performance: From the Modern to the Post Modern
Prerequisite: instructor permission.
Traces the development of the modern theatre from its inception to its reputed decline and absorption into post modern performance. Special attention is paid to those individuals or theatre companies that shaped the modern/post-modern theatre worlds.

DRAM 411 - (3) (Y)
Lighting Design
Prerequisite: DRAM 201 and 211, or instructor permission.
Studies the development of lighting design, from script analysis through concept to completed production. Lab required.

DRAM 421 - (3) (Y)
Scenic Design
Prerequisite: DRAM 201, or instructor permission; corequisite: DRAM 223.
Studies the development of the scenic design as theatrical environment, from script analysis through research to completed scenic design.

DRAM 431 - (3) (Y)
Costume Design
Prerequisite: DRAM 201, or instructor permission.
Studies the development of costume design as a revelation of character and relationship to the special world. Proceeds from script analysis through research to the completed rendering. Lab required.

DRAM 441 - (3) (Y)
Acting III
Prerequisite: DRAM 341.
Creating roles: scripted scenes, exercises, and ensemble work to expand the actor’s approach to characterization and interpretation within various dramatic genres.

DRAM 444 - (3) (Y)
Dance for Theatre
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Examines the history of social and theatrical dance, its function in a particular society, and its dramatic purpose within a play. Requires demonstrated proficiency in traditional ballet, jazz, and tap technique. Choreography common to musical theatre performance is taught within each style.

DRAM 449 - (3) (Y)
Stage Combat"
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Examines the history of human violence and various forms of personal and military combat frequently used on stage, as well as "comedic violence," such as slapstick, clowning, and commedia. Students safely perform physical aggression that is appropriate and dramatically effective, following the safety guidelines and techniques recommended by the Society of American Fight Directors.

DRAM 451 - (3) (Y)
Directing II
Prerequisite: DRAM 351 and instructor permission.
Continues the work of DRAM 351 with special attention to the director’s organization, scheduling, and efficient use of resources. Students direct a one-act play.

DRAM 471 - (3) (Y)
Playwriting III
Prerequisite: DRAM 372.
Advanced workshop focusing on the development of longer works and the rewriting process.

DRAM 472 - (3) (Y)
Playwriting IV
Prerequisite: DRAM 471.
A continuation of Playwriting III.

DRAM 491 - (3) (S)
Senior Seminar
Seminar discussions and assignments that allow the student to demonstrate knowledge of the theatre as well as artistic, aesthetic, and critical judgment.

DRAM 492 - (1-3) (S)
Special Studies in Drama
Prerequisite: Instructor permission and advisor.
Independent study project conducted under the supervision of an instructor of the student’s choice. Instructor determines credit.

DRAM 493 - (1-3) (S)
Special Topics in Performance
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Special topics in performance offered to upper-level students.

DRAM 494 - (1-3) (S)
Special Topics in Movement
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Specialized topics in movement offered to upper-level students.

DRAM 495 - (1-3) (S)
Special Topics in Voice
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Specialized topics in voice and speech offered to upper-level performance students.

DRAM 496 - (1-3) (S)
Special Topics in Directing
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Intensive study of specific topics offered to upper-level students.

DRAM 497 - (1-3) (S)
Special Topics in Design
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Intensive study of specific topics in theatre design offered to upper-level students.

DRAM 498 - (1-3) (S)
Special Topics in Design Technology
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Intensive study of specific topics offered to upper-level students.

DRAM 499 - (1-3) (S)
Special Topics in Playwriting
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Specialized topics offered to upper-level students.

DRAM 504 - (3) (O)
Early American Theatre and Drama
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or instructor permission.
A study of nineteenth-century theatre and dramatic literature in relation to the central cultural developments of the century. An examination, through the reading of nineteenth-century comedies and melodramas as social documents, of the complex and ever-changing role(s) the theatre played in nineteenth-century American life.

DRAM 506 - (3) (IR)
Modernism in the Theatre
Prerequisite: DRAM 305, 306 or equivalent.
Studies the theory, literature, and mis-en-scene of the theatre during the modern era.

DRAM 507 - (3) (IR)
History of American Popular Entertainment: From Minstrelsy to Madonna
This course traces the development of popular entertainment forms from British and European roots through late modern and post-modern examples like Elvis, Madonna and Disneyland. Particular attention will be paid to popular culture and broad cultural trends.

DRAM 508 - (3) (IR)
Performance in the Postmodernism Era
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or instructor permission.
Through detailed research and the "reconstruction" of performance(s), students examine the work of contemporary theatre artists and the nature of the shift from a modern position/perspective/aesthetic to what many historians and critics regard as a post-modern one.

DRAM 555 - (3) (Y)
Performing Arts Management
Prerequisite: Graduate standing; 12 credits in DRAM and/or business related courses; or instructor permission.
Examines the principles and practices of managing the non-profit performing arts organization. Using the theatre as a model, this course focuses on the responsibilities of the top manager within the organization, and the relationship to both artistic staff and the board of trustees.

DRAM 571 - (3) (Y)
Playwriting V
Prerequisite: Nine credits of DRAM or instructor permission.
Introduces the craft of playwriting and examination of exemplary works. Weekly problem exercises emphasize the development of a way of working.

DRAM 572 - (3) (Y)
Playwriting VI
Prerequisite: DRAM 571 and instructor permission.
Analyzes the craft of playwriting. Continued study of exemplary plays and problem exercises, and increased emphasis on reading and discussion of student work.