Courses
Theatre Courses | Dance CoursesTheatre Courses
THTR 115 Theatre Appreciation
An introduction to the role of actors, playwrights, directors, designers and audiences in the highly collaborative art of theatre. Students learn to appreciate the artistic and intellectual processes of theatre artists and to use knowledge of historical forms and traditions in order to evaluate contemporary live theatre. Students will engage in creative projects in the classroom and interact with professional theatre artists via lab work on mainstage productions. Laboratory assignments with mainstage productions.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
THTR 119 Broadway Musical Theatre
Survey of the Broadway Musical Theatre from its 19th century roots to the present day. Provides basic introduction to music theory and culminates with performance of original one-act musical(s) written and produced by class members. In addition to regular class meetings, weekly labs are held for rehearsals and presentation of special topics. (Same as Music 119.)
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
THTR 201 Stagecraft
Technical aspects of scenery; theory and practical applications. Laboratory hours required.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
THTR 202 Stage Lighting
Mechanics and artistic aspects of stage lighting in theory and in practice; designing and executing light plots. Laboratory hours required.
Unit(s): 1
Unit(s): 1
THTR 205 Production Studies I-Fundamentals of Theatre
Examines the meaning of art to theatre/dance and the necessity of research, while exploring the elements of acting, directing, dance, scene design, lighting, costume design, makeup and sound design in theatre productions. The study of theatre history and theory will provide students with a framework for the analysis of text and performance. Also, students will learn methods for assembling a theatre portfolio that will represent their course work, research, and creative projects.
Unit(s): 1
Unit(s): 1
THTR 206 Introduction to Costume
Introduction to role of costume designer as collaborative artist in theatre process. Survey of historical implications for design. Basic skills of costume construction. Laboratory assignments with mainstage productions.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
THTR 210 Performing Diversity: A Cultural Odyssey
Furthers understanding of minority groups in America by investigating their social condition from an experiential base. Participants will explore existing portraits and issues associated with minorities as well as connect with important notions on cultural diversity in America. Special importance will be placed on celebrating ethnic achievements and lifestyles. Plays, poetry, and other performance art forms (including cooking and dressing) will constitute significant class presentations.
Unit(s): 1
Unit(s): 1
THTR 212 Basics of Acting
Basic methods of analysis and performance techniques necessary to generate believable human behavior on stage. Study of roots (mind/body processes), not ends of acting (performance). Class exercises to develop and discipline actor's physical, vocal, and imaginative equipment. Laboratory assignments with major productions.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
THTR 213 Fundamentals of Stage Makeup
Art and application of theatrical makeup, realism to fantasy. Corrective makeup; specialty makeup (aging, scars, beards, animal faces). Laboratory assignments in conjunction with all major productions.
Unit(s): 1
Unit(s): 1
THTR 219 Ensemble Performance
Exploratory class which attempts to generate honest and spontaneous responses from the actor to performance and play creating circumstances. Major emphasis is placed on teamwork, the search for truth and attaining actual potential in the art of playing. With a view to synergizing theatre activity with communal responsibility participants are encouraged to draw on issues around them and nurture creative inspiration from societal needs. Improvisation, storytelling, and multiple role playing are primary mediums for advancing the experience.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
THTR 301 Scene Design
Artistic aspects of stage setting in theory and in practice. Consideration of mechanical perspective, watercolor sketching, color schemes, and history of period design. Laboratory hours required.
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 115, 201, 205 or permission of instructor.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 115, 201, 205 or permission of instructor.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
THTR 302 Scene Painting
Study of function of scenic artist in theory and practice. Hands-on approach to scene painting.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
THTR 306 Production Studies II: Analysis, Conceptualization and Problem Solving
Continues to build on the foundations established in Theatre 205, focusing more intently upon the process of preparing a play for theatrical production. Students will select a play and develop a production concept by analyzing the text, preparing the necessary dramaturgical research, and using their study of the elements of theatre to realize their production as a classroom project. The various facets of this project will serve as the core elements of a personal theatre portfolio representative of their course work, research, and creative projects.
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 205.
Unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 205.
Unit(s): 1
THTR 308 Basics of Directing
Principles and techniques of directing the realistic modern play. Case studies and scene work. One-act play prepared for production by each student. Laboratory assignments with major productions.
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 205 or 212 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 205 or 212 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
THTR 309 Theatre History I
Survey of theatre history from ancient Greece to mid-18th century Europe, with emphasis on representative plays, performance practices, and theories, as well as the cultural, economic and political contexts from which they emerged. Lecture/discussion format.
Unit(s): 1
Unit(s): 1
THTR 310 Managing Performing Arts Organizations.
(See Music 310.)
Prerequisite(s): Theatre major, theatre minor, dance minor, or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): Theatre major, theatre minor, dance minor, or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
THTR 312 Special Topics
Representative topics: acting for the camera, advanced courses in costume, directing, makeup, critical theory, directing, improvisation, makeup, performance theory, stage combat, documentary film making, voice and speech for the stage. Can be taken more than once for credit if topic varies.
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 205 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): .5-1
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 205 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): .5-1
THTR 313 Theatre for Social Change I
A studio and seminar class inspired by African and European models in Theatre for Development, a specialized field of drama focused on social development and grounded in participatory procedure. The activity involves research, analysis, scenario building and performance. Participants will be exposed to exercises in devising and performing work for impacting social transformation. The course will highlight issues within the immediate environment as well as the larger Richmond community, and practice will occur in both domains.
Unit(s): 1
Unit(s): 1
THTR 314 Theatre for Social Change II
Designed to enable students to utilize and transfer the skills acquired in Theatre 313 into the larger community. Working in smaller groups, they are responsible for implementing and evaluating a theatre-centered project within the context of social and sustainable development. They will foster the creation of a play by community members on issues affecting their daily lives. Significant emphasis is given to cultivating an interaction with experts in related areas of concern towards galvanizing meaningful future growth in the selected community.
Unit(s): 1
Unit(s): 1
THTR 315 Independent Study
Restriction: Prospectus must be submitted and approved prior to the end of advance registration. Does not count for theatre or dance minor.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Unit(s): .5-1
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Unit(s): .5-1
THTR 319 Theatre History II
A survey of theatre history from mid-18th century Europe to the present, with emphasis on representative plays, performance practices, and theories, as well as the cultural, economic, and political contexts from which they emerged. Lecture/discussion format.
Unit(s): 1
Unit(s): 1
THTR 320 Advanced Acting: Twentieth-Century Acting Styles and Theory
An examination of the major theories that have shaped the discourse on, and practice of, the art of acting in the 20th century. Concentrated scene study class that explores relationship between 20th-century dramatic literature and acting techniques and theories that developed to meet demands of these plays. By preparing scenes from various modern genres of theatre, acting students examine techniques and research methods necessary to unlock performance elements of the most demanding dramas of the last 100 years.
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 212 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 212 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
THTR 321 History of Apparel
Designed to give students a recognition/understanding of the evolution of clothing from the ancients to the 21st century. Beginning with the physiological and psychological reasons for clothing. Includes focus on the relationship of fashion to the social and political issues of the time period.
Unit(s): 1
Unit(s): 1
THTR 322 Advanced Costume Design
Further exploration of various construction, patterning, design, research and rendering problems and the methods for solving them. Building on the techniques learned in the introductory course, students will gain a deeper understanding of the variety of methods used in problem solving, and how to know which approach is best suited to the needs of the script in question. The course will culminate in a public presentation of students' projects.
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 206 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 206 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
THTR 325 Script Analysis
Systematic approach to understanding and realizing the theatrical implications of play scripts. Script study as if in preparation for mounting production. Laboratory hours required.
General Education Requirement: (FSLT)
Unit(s): 1
General Education Requirement: (FSLT)
Unit(s): 1
THTR 327 Acting Shakespeare I
Introduction to methods of textual analysis and literary research necessary to prepare a Shakespearean play for performance.
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 205 or 212 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 205 or 212 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
THTR 328 Acting Shakespeare II
Introduction to emotional, physical, and vocal techniques necessary for performing a Shakespearean play. Builds on work of Theatre 327 in providing students with analytical means and research methods necessary to make informed artistic decisions.
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 327.
Unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 327.
Unit(s): 1
THTR 330 Practicum: Performance
Understanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
THTR 331 Practicum: Directing/Choreography
Understanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
THTR 332 Practicum: Stage Management
Understanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
THTR 333 Practicum: Technical Crew
Understanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
THTR 334 Practicum: Design
Understanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
THTR 340 Practicum: Scenery/Props
Understanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
THTR 341 Practicum: Costume
Understanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
THTR 342 Practicum: Makeup
Understanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
THTR 343 Practicum: Lighting
Understanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department.
Unit(s): .25-1
THTR 345 Philanthropy in the Arts
(See Music 345; same as Art 345.)
Prerequisite(s): Music/Theatre 310 or Art 322 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): Music/Theatre 310 or Art 322 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
THTR 370 Staging Gender
Study of selected plays and theatre productions with a focus on the representations of gender and gender relations. Readings in feminist, gender, and queer theory provide critical frameworks for analyzing representations of gender as well as representations of race and class as they intersect with gender. Culminates in a staged reading of a play.
Unit(s): 1
Unit(s): 1
THTR 380 Honors Thesis Preparation
Research and preparation for honors thesis or project in theatre or dance.
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance in the department honors program.
Unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance in the department honors program.
Unit(s): 1
THTR 381 Honors Performance/Thesis
Research and writing honors thesis or realization (including rehearsals and all drawings) of a creative honors project in theatre or dance.
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance in the department honors program.
Unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance in the department honors program.
Unit(s): 1
THTR 388 Individual Internship
Practical application of theatre and dance principles and skills in supervised, out-of-class environment. Does not count for theatre major or minor or dance minor. No more than 1.5 units of internship in any one department and 3.5 units of internship overall may be counted toward required degree units.
Prerequisite(s): Majors and minors only; faculty approval before beginning work.
Unit(s): .5-1
Prerequisite(s): Majors and minors only; faculty approval before beginning work.
Unit(s): .5-1
THTR 407 Production Studies III-Collaboration and Production
Requires students to form a production organization and produce a substantial play. The production will be staged at the beginning of the next semester and students will receive their final grade after successful completion. Students must select play, analyze material, provide requisite dramaturgical research, create a budget, design all visual elements, raise funds for and publicize the production, conduct rehearsals, and provide a thorough critique of the results.
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 205.
Unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): Theatre 205.
Unit(s): 1
Dance Courses
DANC 238 Introduction to Contact Improvisation
The practice and exploration of contact improvisation, an improvised movement form that relies on partners in constant physical dialog and connection. Class is devoted to developing balance, strength, flexibility, trust, support, weight-sharing, risk-taking, play, and body awareness. The class is ideal for students pursuing dance, theater, biology, psychology, or anyone wanting a physical challenge.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
DANC 248 Introduction to Movement Improvisation
Focus on unraveling habitual ways of moving to discover impromptu motion and new patterns in groups, duets, and alone. A range of contemporary theoretical, artistic, and ethnographic techniques from American and international improvisers will be explored for strategies, techniques, motivations, and process.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
DANC 250 Dance History
Study of the development of dance in Western culture from its primitive beginnings to present. Students will create dance sequences in movement labs.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
DANC 255 Choreography
Study of choreographic process covering fundamentals of movement composition. Studio time includes improvisation and choreography.
Prerequisite(s): Department approval.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): Department approval.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
DANC 256 Beginning Jazz Dance
Introduction to jazz dance as an eclectic form of artistic expression with emphasis on rhythm and technique. Students are required to critique live dance concerts as well as conduct research on a relevant topic.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
DANC 257 Beginning Ballet
Introductory course in ballet as a theatrical art form. Study of basic ballet terminology, understanding of correct body placement, and a general knowledge of performing elementary ballet technique. Students are required to critique live dance concerts as well as conduct research on a relevant topic.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
DANC 258 Writing from the Body: Words and Movement
Reflection on how one moves through the world and how experience gets articulated. Class is devoted to exercises that generate movement and writing, both used as gateways to the other.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
DANC 259 Beginning Tap Dance
Introduction to tap dance, a theatrical form of artistic expression with development of a movement vocabulary based on rhythms made with taps. Students are required to critique live dance concerts as well as conduct research on a relevant topic.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
DANC 260 Beginning Modern Dance
Introduction to modern dance as a diverse form of expression with development of language of movement. Students are required to critique live dance concerts as well as conduct research on a relevant topic.
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
General Education Requirement: (FSVP)
Unit(s): 1
DANC 261 Intermediate Jazz Dance
Continuation of beginning jazz, emphasizing intermediate technique, vocabulary and style. Students are required to critique live dance concerts as well as conduct research on a relevant topic.
Prerequisite(s): Previous jazz technique.
Unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): Previous jazz technique.
Unit(s): 1
DANC 262 Intermediate Tap Dance
Continuation of beginning tap dance, emphasizing intermediate technique using movement to build strength and coordination. Syncopated rhythms are explored with the sounds of the taps. Students are required to critique live dance concerts as well as conduct research on a relevant topic.
Prerequisite(s): Previous tap dance technique.
Unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): Previous tap dance technique.
Unit(s): 1
DANC 263 Intermediate Modern Dance
Continuation of beginning modern dance, emphasizing intermediate technique and development of an aesthetic vocabulary of contemporary modern dance. Students are required to critique live dance concerts as well as conduct research on a relevant topic.
Prerequisite(s): Previous modern dance technique.
Unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): Previous modern dance technique.
Unit(s): 1
DANC 266 Intermediate Ballet
Continuation of beginning ballet, emphasizing intermediate technique and vocabulary. Students are required to critique live dance concerts as well as conduct research on a relevant topic.
Prerequisite(s): Previous ballet technique.
Unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): Previous ballet technique.
Unit(s): 1
DANC 306 University Dancers
Technique, rehearsal, and performance of dance works choreographed by dance faculty, students and visiting choreographers. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Audition or invitation of director.
Unit(s): .5
Prerequisite(s): Audition or invitation of director.
Unit(s): .5
DANC 312 Special Topics in Dance
Offered on an as-needed basis. Representative topics include ballet, jazz, modern, tap, dance history, advanced choreography, dance theory, music for dancers, kinesiology, and pointe.
Unit(s): .5-1
Unit(s): .5-1
DANC 315 Independent Study
Restriction: Prospectus must be submitted and approved prior to the end of advance registration.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Unit(s): .5-1
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Unit(s): .5-1
DANC 316 Repertory
Students in the repertory class are members of University Dancers, and will spend the fall semester learning, rehearsing and collaborating on a new piece of choreography by one of the University of Richmond's dance faculty or a guest artist.
Prerequisite(s): Dance 306 (corequisite).
Unit(s): .5
Prerequisite(s): Dance 306 (corequisite).
Unit(s): .5
DANC 356 Pointe and Variation
For advanced ballet students to continue training in pointe work. Study of classical variations in an historical context and performance of these variations in an informal showing. Students are required to critique live dance concerts as well as conduct research on a relevant topic.
Prerequisite(s): Must be able to dance on pointe at the intermediate or advanced level.
Unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): Must be able to dance on pointe at the intermediate or advanced level.
Unit(s): 1
DANC 361 Advanced Jazz Dance
Continuation of intermediate jazz, emphasizing advanced technique, vocabulary and style. Students are required to critique live dance concerts as well as conduct research on a relevant topic.
Prerequisite(s): Previous intermediate jazz technique.
Unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): Previous intermediate jazz technique.
Unit(s): 1
DANC 362 Advanced Tap Dance
Continuation of intermediate tap dance, emphasizing advanced technique using movement to build strength and coordination. Syncopated rhythms are explored with the sounds of the taps. Students are required to critique live dance concerts as well as conduct research on a relevant topic.
Prerequisite(s): Previous intermediate tap dance technique.
Unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): Previous intermediate tap dance technique.
Unit(s): 1
DANC 363 Advanced Modern Dance
Continuation of intermediate modern dance, emphasizing advanced technique and developing an aesthetic vocabulary of contemporary modern dance. Students are required to critique live dance concerts as well as conduct research on a relevant topic.
Prerequisite(s): Previous intermediate modern dance technique.
Unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): Previous intermediate modern dance technique.
Unit(s): 1
DANC 366 Advanced Ballet
Continuation of intermediate ballet, emphasizing advanced technique and vocabulary. Students are required to critique live dance concerts as well as conduct research on a relevant topic.
Prerequisite(s): Previous intermediate ballet technique.
Unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): Previous intermediate ballet technique.
Unit(s): 1