Course Descriptions

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

DRAM 555 - (3) (Y)
Performing Arts Management
Prerequisites: Graduate standing; 12 credits in Drama and/or business related courses; or permission of instructor
An examination of the principles and practices of managing the not-for-profit performing arts organization. Using the theatre as a model, the course focuses on the responsibilities of the top manager within the organization, and the relationship to the artistic staff and the board of trustees.

DRAM 571 - (3) (Y)
Playwriting V
Prerequisite: Nine credits of drama courses or permission of instructor
Introduction to the craft of playwriting; examination of exemplary works. Weekly problem exercises emphasizing the development of a way of working.

DRAM 572 - (3) (Y)
Playwriting VI
Prerequisites: DRAM 571 and permission of instructor
The craft of playwriting; continued study of exemplary plays and problem exercises; increased emphasis on reading and discussion of student work.

DRAM 701 - (3) (IR)
Performance in the Postmodernism Era: An Introduction
to Graduate Study in Theatre
Prerequisite: Graduate standing MFA program
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 702 - (3) (IR)
Theatre Makeup
Prerequisite: Graduate standing MFA program
Research and studio practice in the design and application of theatre makeup. Emphasis is on observation and mastery of basic techniques and materials employed in facial analysis and the creation of juvenile, lead, character and aged makeup.

DRAM 703/803/903 - (1-12) (S)
Independent Study
Independent study conducted under the supervision of a specific instructor.

DRAM 710 - (3) (IR)
Graphics for the Theatre
Prerequisite: Graduate standing MFA program
An intense study of basic design communication skills which serve as the foundation for costume, scenic and lighting designers in collaboration with directors, designers, actors and shop personnel. Study includes basic elements of design in line, color, texture, visual research methodology, media techniques in drawing, painting, model making.

DRAM 713, 714 - (2) (IR)
Production Laboratory: Lighting
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program
Participation in the production program, crediting work in the preparation and performance of lighting design.

DRAM 716 - (3) (IR)
Lighting Design I: Elements of Design
Prerequisites: DRAM 710, DRAM 717 or permission of instructor;
Corequisite: DRAM 718, DRAM 714
Study of the elements of theatrical lighting design essential to the stage designer. Areas of study include: script interpretation, lighting composition, color, instrumentation, graphic notation, and presentation techniques.

DRAM 717 - (3) (IR)
Principles of Technology
Prerequisite: Graduate standing MFA program
Study of drafting techniques which prepares the scenic designer to identify and communicate methods and materials relative to executing the design. Covers standards for theatrical drafting, preparation of ground plans, sections, design elevations -- pictorial and orthographic drawings.

DRAM 718 - (3) (IR)
Computer Aided Design and Drafting for the Stage Designer
Prerequisites: DRAM 717 or permission of instructor
Study of computer aided design and drafting techniques which prepares the lighting designer, scenic designer and technical director to identify and communicate methods and materials relative to the execution of a lighting or scenic design. Taught completely on-line with all course materials and project submissions made electronically.

DRAM 719/819/919 - (3-9) (Y)
Mentored Study: Lighting
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
A guided study which gives students the opportunity to explore with a faculty member areas of lighting design and/or technology which are not contained in the established curriculum.

DRAM 723/724 -(2) (IR)
Production Laboratory: Scenery
Prerequisite: Graduate standing MFA program
Participation in the production program of the curriculum crediting work in the preparation and performance of scenic designs.

DRAM 728 - (3) (IR)
Scene Painting
Prerequisites: DRAM 710
Materials and methods of scenic painting: its application to both conventional and non-conventional means of scenic replication for the dramatic and musical stages. Study includes use of various scenic media used for scenic illustration; study also covers methods used for preparing a variety of surfaces to be painted.

DRAM 729/829/929 - (3-9) (S)
Mentored Study: Scene Design
Prerequisite: Graduate standing MFA program
A guided study which gives students the opportunity to explore with a faculty member areas of scenic design and/or technology which are not contained in the established curriculum.

DRAM 733/734 - (2) (IR)
Production Laboratory: Costume
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program
Participation in the production program of the curriculum crediting work in the preparation and performance of costume design.

DRAM 735 - (3) (IR)
Costume: Principles of Production
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program
An intense study of basic execution and design techniques which enable construction techniques, safe and proper equipment utilization, principles of pattern drafting, design analysis, shop organization and personnel management.

DRAM 736 - (3) (IR)
Costume Design: Research
Prerequisites: DRAM 710, 735; Corequisite: DRAM 738
Application of design principles to play scripts focusing on the examination of the special world of the play as foundation for character and character relationships.

DRAM 738 - (3) (IR)
Costume Technology: Patterning Fundamentals
Prerequisites: DRAM 710, 735; Corequisites: DRAM 736
Exploration of the fundamentals of draping and flat-patterning, the two basic systems of pattern-making upon which all patterns are based.

DRAM 739/839/939 - (3-9) (S)
Mentored Study: Costume
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program or permission of instructor
This guided study gives students the opportunity to work closely with a faculty member expert in the particular area of costume design and/or technology the student wishes to explore beyond the formal course work set down in the established curriculum.

DRAM 740/840/940 - (3-9) (S)
Mentored Study: Acting
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program or permission of instructor
This guided study gives students the opportunity to work closely with a faculty member expert in the particular area of acting the student wishes to explore beyond the formal course work set down in the established curriculum.

DRAM 741 - (2) (IR)
Movement: Exploration
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program
A physical and psychological approach to addressing the actor's physical habits. Technique and explorations focus on the holistic nature of the actor as communicator and the importance of breath as initiator of sound and movement.

DRAM 742 - (2) (IR)
Movement: Stage Combat
Prerequisites: DRAM 741
An examination of the history of human violence and the forms of personal and military combat that are frequently used on the stage. Actors learn to perform physical aggression that is safe and dramatically effective through technique in armed and unarmed combat. Opportunity to earn SAFD Actor/Combat Certification.

DRAM 743 - (2) (Y)
Voice: Breath, Structure, Sound
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program
Exploration of the basic approaches to vocal relaxation, breath control, resonance and projection. Identification and correction of vocal habits and regionalisms. Introduction of phonetics, Lessac and Linklater vocal methods.

DRAM 744 - (2) (Y)
Voice: Tone, Speech, Text
Prerequisites: DRAM 743
Emphasis on tonal aspects of sound production. Examines appropriate consonant and vowel production and the phonetic analysis of text. Voice is connected to language imagery and emotion employing textual exploration and physicalization exercises.

DRAM 745 - (2) (Y)
Acting: Impulse Into Action
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program
Systematic evaluation of the actor's approach to characterization. Methodology includes exercises for kinesthetic awareness, emotive connections, image formation and action choices.

DRAM 746 - (2) (Y)
Acting: Character Into Relationship
Prerequisites: DRAM 745
Emphasis on complex characterization and style considerations. Works from Miller, Williams, O'Neill, Ibsen, Chekhov and Shaw serve as material for scene study.

DRAM 747/748 - (1) (Y)
Acting: Production and Performance
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program
Participation in the production program of the curriculum crediting work in preparation and performance in the acting in production.

DRAM 749 (2) - (Y)
Acting: Performance Lab I
Prerequisites: DRAM 745
A workshop exploration of original dramatic material written by graduate playwrights in residence. Focus is on short exercises for specific craft development.

DRAM 763/764 - (2) (IR)
Production Laboratory: Technical
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program.
Participation in the production program of the curriculum crediting work in preparation and performance of scenic elements.

DRAM 766 - (3) (IR)
Technical Direction
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program
Advanced principles of scenery technology, construction, shop organization, purchasing, planning and organization of crews to complete a production. Information gained in this course furthers technical directors' skills.

DRAM 768 - (3) (IR)
Construction
Perquisites: Graduate standing MFA program
Traditional and contemporary theories of staging, pragmatic application of scenic construction systems: wood, fabric, plastics and steel. Information gained in this course furthers technical construction skills.

DRAM 769/869/969 - (3-9) (S)
Mentored Study: Technical Production
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program or permission of instructor
The guided study gives students the opportunity to work closely with a faculty member expert in the particular area of technical theatre the student wishes to explore beyond the formal course work set down in the established curriculum.

DRAM 771 - (3) (IR)
Playwriting VII: One-Act Plays
A writing workshop that focuses on the drafting and revision of one-act plays.

DRAM 772 - (3) (IR)
Playwriting VIII: Adaptation
Prerequisites: Playwriting VII
A writing workshop that focuses on building plays through adaptation from other literary forms (novels, short stories).

DRAM 774 - (3) (IR)
Playwriting: Performance Lab I
Prerequisites: Playwriting VII
A writing workshop that focuses on short exercises for specific craft development. The course works in tandem with DRAM 649; the exercises written in this class are then workshopped by graduate actors from 649.

DRAM 775/776 - (1) (IR)
Production Laboratory: Playwriting
Participation in production program crediting work in preparation and performance of plays written.

DRAM 779/879/979 - (3-9) (S)
Mentored Study: Playwriting
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program or permission of instructor
The guided study gives students the opportunity to work closely with a faculty member expert in the particular area of playwriting the student wishes to explore beyond the formal course work set down in the established curriculum.

DRAM 792 - (2) (IR)
Design: Psychology of Space, Light and Attire
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program
Design for the actor exploring the power of the visual world and the role of the designer in shaping the world of the play in contemporary production. Projects teach the student to express concepts using the designer's tools.

DRAM 797 - (3-12) (Y)
Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Research
Prerequisite: Graduate standing MFA program.

DRAM 813, 814 - (2) (IR)
Production Laboratory: Lighting
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program
Participation in the production program, crediting work in the preparation and performance of lighting design.

DRAM 815 - (3) (IR)
Lighting Design 2: Alternative Forms
Prerequisites: DRAM 716 or permission of instructor
Study of the elements of theatrical lighting design essential to the stage designer (continuation of DRAM 716). Areas of study include: alternative forms and spaces, problem solving; and orchestration and cuing.

DRAM 816 - (3) (IR)
Lighting Design 3: Special Topics
Prerequisites: DRAM 716, DRAM 815 or permission of instructor.
Seminar on advanced topics in lighting design.

DRAM 823/824 - (2) (IR)
Production Laboratory: Scenery
Prerequisite: Graduating standing MFA program
Participation in the production program of the curriculum credit work in preparation and performance of scenic design.

DRAM 825 - (3) (IR)
Scenic Design 2: Design Studio -- The Classics
Prerequisites: DRAM 710, 726; Corequisites: DRAM 827
Study and creation of classical period scenic design. An examination of design for classical, Shakespearean, and 16-18th century plays.

DRAM 827 - (3) (IR)
Period Decor
Prerequisites: DRAM 710; Corequisite: DRAM 825
A study of period furniture and decorative arts from antiquity to the present. Includes a study of cultural influences on the use of interior design elements.

DRAM 831 - (3) (IR)
History of Dress and Textiles
Prerequisites: DRAM 736 or permission of instructor; Corequisites DRAM 835 and 837 recommended.
Study of period and contemporary dress and textiles as the foundation of the designer's creation of costumes for the stage. Analysis of cultural influences of the special world, the psychology of dress, period movement and the expression of self through choice of dress. Development of investigative methodology through hands-on work with the department's vintage clothing and textiles collection.

DRAM 833/834 - (2) (IR)
Production Laboratory: Costume
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program
Participation in the production program of the curriculum crediting work in the preparation and performance of costume designs.

DRAM 835 (3) - (IR)
Costume Design: Character
Prerequisites: DRAM 736; Corequisites: DRAM 837
Application of design principles and psychology of dress to development of character as drawn from a variety of scripts from Shakespeare to Williams. Focuses on translation of idea and character through historical and theatrical forms in development of design concepts for contemporary audiences.

DRAM 836 - (3) (IR)
Costume Design: Production Styles
Prerequisites: DRAM 835
Examination of advanced production forms with application of design principles to fully developed projects to be selected from a variety of the theatrical forms to include plays, musicals, opera, ballet, and film as appropriate to the student's progress and focus. Emphasis on versatility and experimental solutions to contemporary design challenges.

DRAM 837 - (3) (IR)
Costume Technology: Advances Patterning
Prerequisites: DRAM 738; Corequisites: DRAM 835
Contemporary application of period cut and construction in the reproduction of period fashion for stage purposes.

DRAM 841 - (2) (IR)
Movement: Mask
Prerequisites: 741, 742
Emphasis on the actor's responsibility to fill the need of the text and the concept of the actor as "mask of the action." Mask technique is presented as both metaphor and physical agent for character exploration.

DRAM 843 - (2) (Y)
Voice: Voice and Verse
Prerequisites: DRAM 744
An exploration of speaking and acting verse, focusing on scansion, language analysis, verbal improvisation and personalization using Berry, Rodenburg and Wade techniques. Actors score and interpret poetic and dramatic material, integrating text analysis with emotional expressiveness. Emphasis on heightened language texts primarily Shakespeare.

DRAM 845 - (2) (Y)
Acting: Shakespeare
Prerequisites: DRAM 745, 746
Performers work for vocal and physical embodiment of Shakespeare's language. The mechanics and structures of poetic language are examined. Includes research and exploration of historical and contemporary approaches to Shakespearean performance.

DRAM 846 - (2) (Y)
Acting: Period Styles
Prerequisites: DRAM 745, 746, 845
Focus on the ability of the actor to make informed performance choices based on aspects of structure such as text, historical period, social moves and production concept. Special attention to movement in period costumes and accoutrements.

DRAM 847, 848 (1) (Y)
Acting: Production and Performance
Prerequisite: Graduate standing MFA program
Participation in the production program of the curriculum, crediting work in preparation and performance in the acting in production.

DRAM 849 - (2) (Y)
Acting: Performance Lab II
Prerequisites: DRAM 749
Continues and expands the work of Performance lab I. Actors collaborate with graduate playwrights by developing short performance pieces.

DRAM 863/864 - (2) (IR)
Production Laboratory: Technical
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program
Participation in the production of the curriculum crediting work vin the preparation and performance of scenic elements.

DRAM 865 - (3) (IR)
Rigging
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program or permission of instructor
An in-depth study of traditional and contemporary entertainment rigging systems. This course investigates current practices of rigging their equipment and the materials involved.

DRAM 866 - (3) (IR)
Technical Design I
Prerequisites: DRAM 766, 768 or permission of instructor; Corequisites: DRAM 868 recommended
Study of structural analysis for the express intent of application to theatrical scenic construction. Review of forces and force actions, beam and frame properties and actions in wood, steel, and other relevant theatrical construction materials (plastics, fabrics and paper, masonry). Development of pragmatic structural design approaches for technical design and direction.

DRAM 867 - (3) (IR)
Woodworking
Prerequisites: DRAM 768 or permission of instructor
A study of the specialized skills of scenic woodworking and its relationship to traditional cabinetry. The student uses available scenic studio wood working power equipment (table saws, band saws, lathe, routers, shaper, scroll saw and cutawl) in fulfilling training project assignments, and in completing an assigned final finished project.

DRAM 868 - (3) (IR)
Welding
Prerequisites: DRAM 766, 768 or permission of instructor
Students study the specialized skill of welding. The process includes stick, gas and mig methods of welding. Students budget and fabricate steel structures for scenic construction.

DRAM 871 - (3)(IR)
Playwriting IX: The Screenplay
Prerequisites: Playwriting VII and Playwriting VIII
A writing workshop that focuses on the screenplay.

DRAM 872 - (3) IR)
Playwriting X: The Research Play
Prerequisites: Playwriting VII, Playwriting VIII, Playwriting IX
A writing workshop that focuses on building a play using specific research.

DRAM 873 - (3) (IR)
Dramaturgy I
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor
An introduction to the art and craft of dramaturgy.

DRAM 874/974 - (3) (IR)
Playwriting: Performance Lab II and III
A writing workshop that focuses on short exercises for specific craft development. The course works in tandem with DRAM 649; the exercises written in this class are then work-shopped by graduate actors from 649.

DRAM 875/876 - (1) (IR)
Production Laboratory: Playwriting
Participation in production program crediting work in preparation and performance of plays written.

DRAM 906 - (3) (IR)
Thesis
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program
Written thesis which corresponds to a performance or the director or the design of a production.

DRAM 913/914 - (2) (IR)
Production Laboratory: Lighting
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program
Participation in the production program, crediting work in the preparation and performance of lighting design.

DRAM 915 (3) - (IR)
Lighting Design 4: Portfolio
Prerequisites: DRAM 716, DRAM 815 and DRAM 816 or permission of instructor; Corequisite: DRAM 906
Critical assessment of the lighting student's portfolio and resume that leads to the creation of a professional body of work. Special projects in design and presentation are tailored to the student's needs.

DRAM 917 - (3) (IR)
Advanced Lighting Technology
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program or permission of instructor
Exploration of advanced stage lighting technologies including MIDI show-control, automated fixture programming, complex cuing and effect sequencing.

DRAM 923/924 - (2) (IR)
Production Laboratory: Scenery
Prerequisite: Graduate standing MFA program
Participation in the production program of the curriculum crediting work in the preparation and performance of scenic designs.

DRAM 925 - (3) (IR)
Scene Design 3: Design Studio -- Alternative Styles
Prerequisites: DRAM 710, DRAM 726, DRAM 825, DRAM 827
A study of advanced production forms including selected operas, musicals and dance productions or ballets. Design projects involve the student in solving design issues that relate directly to music and its influence on the stage picture.

DRAM 933/934 - (2)(IR)
Production Laboratory: Costume
Prerequisite: Graduate standing MFA program
Participation in the production program of the curriculum crediting work in the preparation and performance of costume designs.

DRAM 935 - (3) (IR)
Costume Design: Portfolio and Design
Prerequisites: DRAM 836
Critical assessment of the student's portfolio and resume that lead to creation of a professional body of work. Special projectors in design and presentation are tailored to the student's needs.

DRAM 937 - (3) (IR)
Costume Technology: Crafts
Prerequisites: DRAM 837 or permission of instructor
Examination of traditional and innovative products and practices used in the execution of contemporary design of accessories and special costume pieces including period, fantasy, special effects and spectacle.

DRAM 941 - (2) (IR)
Movement: Dance
Prerequisites: DRAM 741, 742, 841
Examines the history of social and theatrical dance, its function in a particular society, and its dramatic purpose within a play. Requires basic proficiency be demonstrated in traditional ballet, jazz, and tap technique. Choreography common to musical theatre performance is taught within each style.

DRAM 943 - (2) (Y)
Voice: Dialects
Prerequisites: DRAM 843
The study of the dialects most commonly employed in theatre. Methodology includes practice with taped dialects, interviews with authentic dialect speakers, phonetic representation, and research into specific cultural aspects influencing structural formation and sound.

DRAM 945 - (2) (IR
Musical Theatre Performance
Prerequisites: DRAM 745, 726, 845, 846
Integration of song into scene work and the examination of special problems posed for the actor/singer. Focus on character's song presentation within the context of a musical play. Major project includes performance of a fully scripted, original, 20-25 minute musical play, using the music from a major composer of the musical theatre.

DRAM 946 - (2) (Y)
Acting: Portfolio Preparation
Prerequisites: DRAM 745, 746, 845, 846
Audition techniques and practice are examined as well as wide-ranging repertoire of audition materials.

DRAM 947/948 - (1) (Y)
Acting: Production and Performance
Prerequisite: Graduate standing MFA program
Participation in the production program of the curriculum, crediting work in preparation and performance in the acting in production.

DRAM 949 - (2) (Y)
Acting: Performance Laboratory III
Prerequisites: DRAM 849
Completes the work of the Performance Lab sequence. Actors develop full-length performance material with graduate playwrights.

DRAM 963/964 - (2) (IR)
Production Laboratory: Technical
Prerequisite: Graduate standing MFA program
Participation in the production program of the curriculum crediting work in preparation and performance of scenic elements.

DRAM 965 - (3) (IR)
Technical Design II
Prerequisites: DRAM 866, 766, 758 or permission of instructor
A study of dynamics analysis with the express intention of application to theatrical scenic shifting systems. The students learn basic physics concepts and have the opportunity to employ those principles of practical terms by solving stage shifting problems.

DRAM 966 - (3) (IR)
SPFX (Special Effects)
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program or permission of instructor
Explores advanced techniques in special effects and the materials used to create those effects. Laboratory assignments establish a basic proficiency in creating special effects. Effects will be created using methods of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Topics include the use of the vacuum form machine, plastic foams, casting, mold making, pyrotechnics, blood, ghosts and illusions, the use of fire arms on stage and atmospheric effects. The course also explores the differences between movie special effects.

DRAM 971 - (3) (IR)
Playwriting XI: The Full-Length Play I
Prerequisites: DRAM 771, 772, 871, 872
A writing workshop that focuses on writing a full-length thesis play.

DRAM 972 - (3) (IR)
Playwriting XII: The Full-Length Play II
Prerequisites: DRAM 771, 772, 871, 872, 971
A writing workshop that focuses on revising and completing a full-length thesis play.

DRAM 973 - (3) (IR)
Dramaturgy II
Prerequisites: permission of instructor
A continuation and expansion of Dramaturgy I, with emphasis on Dramaturgical projects.

DRAM 995/996 - (1) (IR)
Production Laboratory: Playwriting
Participation in production program crediting work in preparation and performance of plays written.

DRAM 997 - (3-12) (Y)
Non-topical Research, Preparation for Research
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program

DRAM 998 - (3-12) (Y)
Non-topical Research, Preparation for Research
Prerequisites: Graduate standing MFA program

Continue to: Departmental Degree Requirements
Return to: Chapter 5 Index