The Theater and Dance Program offers students an interrelated series
of courses and performance activities designed to provide a sound
liberal arts grounding in the theory and practice of the arts of
theater and dance. The program is designed to foster a sense of
community among faculty, staff, and students. Because the performing
arts are collaborative by nature, students involved in the program
are expected to participate in all aspects of production, both
artistic and technical. The major objectives of the program are:
a. To provide a critical understanding and enhanced appreciation
for theater and dance arts and their relationships to other areas
of liberal arts learning.
b. To encourage interdisciplinary artistic collaboration and studies
with such related disciplines as Film, English, Art, Creative Writing,
and others.
c. To provide concentrated preparation in dance and theater for
students wishing to pursue advanced studies or professional careers.
d. To provide practical experiences in all aspects of production,
both on and back stage.
The introductory level courses are open to all students interested
in broadening the scope of their education or who are majoring
in a related field and wish to use theater or dance as a resource.
Students wishing to pursue more intensive involvement in the arts
are encouraged to enroll in intermediate and advanced-level courses
in technique along with courses in production, history, and the
aesthetics of theater and dance. Students also have the opportunity
to work closely with a number of artists-in-residence each year.
Choreographers, guest directors, playwrights, and specialists offer
workshops lasting from a few days to one month.
Honors. In the second semester of the junior year qualified
students may be admitted to the Honors Program in theater or dance.
The Honors Project may be either, 1) an advanced-level creative
project in acting, directing, design, dance performance, or choreography,
or 2) a research topic in theater or dance history, criticism,
and theory resulting in a substantial written thesis. Advanced-level
creative projects in acting, dance performance, choreography, directing,
and design also include a significant written component. At the
completion of the senior Honors Project, the student is examined
orally by a panel consisting of the Honors student's faculty
advisor and at least two other faculty members. Applications and
further information concerning Honors work in either theater or
dance are available in the Theater and Dance Program office, Warner
Center.
Playwriting. Students interested in studying playwriting
will find these courses listed under Creative Writing and English.
Major and Non-Major Off-Campus Study. Before credit is awarded
for off-campus study, students must obtain tentative prior approval
from a member of the Theater and Dance faculty and the Associate
Dean of Studies. After the study is completed, the student must
supply evidence of satisfactory participation. A maximum of 16
hours of off-campus study may be applied to the majors in Theater
and Dance.
GLCA Arts Program in New York. This consists of a semester
of work, ordinarily in the junior year, in the areas of technique,
performance, production, and related studies. In the past, the
GLCA Program has placed students with various theater companies,
film and video studios, major dance studios, dance-presenting organizations,
dance critics, and stage designers. Students who successfully complete
the GLCA Program earn credits upon payment of the transfer of credit
fee. All arrangements for transferring credit must be made with
a member of the theater or dance faculty and approval for an academic
leave of absence must be granted by the Associate Dean of Studies
before a student begins the GLCA Program.
National Theater Institute at the Eugene O'Neill Theater
Center. This one-semester program at the Eugene O'Neill
Theater Center in Connecticut is designed to acquaint the serious
student of the theater with the demands and expectations of the
theater profession. The program combines the liberal arts philosophy
of studies in a wide range of disciplines with exposure to professional
production standards. Students participate in classes in acting,
directing, design, movement/improvisation, and playwriting, as
well as adjunct courses and special workshops led by guest artists.
The remainder of each semester is devoted to workshops focusing
on one or more specific theatrical exercises. The National Theater
Institute also runs the NTI/Moscow Art Theater Program (MXAT)—an
intensive one-semester training program in Moscow at the Moscow
Art Theater School. Oberlin students wishing to attend the National
Theater Institute must first be nominated by the Theater faculty.
Final admission decisions are made by the National Theater Institute
staff.
Trinity/LaMaMa Performing Arts Program in New York. An intensive,
one-semester Oberlin College Affiliated Program emphasizing interdisciplinary
work in theater and dance that includes internships, seminars,
studio classes and attendance at 45+ performances and events. Full
semester's credits through Trinity College, Hartford, CT.
Spring Semester at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. An affiliated
program designed to offer Oberlin students a concentrated semester
of study in film production, film studies or musical theater. The
program is offered in the spring semester only. Interested students
should contact the Office of the Dean of Studies for application
forms and detailed information about the program.
The Laban Centre in London, England. A year-long affiliated
program, administered through Butler University, offering a unique
combination of study abroad in a vibrant artistic community along
with rigorous dance training in technique, theory, and technical
production. Students interested in this performance based intensive
should contact Elesa Rosasco, Associate Professor of Dance, for
additional information.
Winter Term. Winter Term provides an opportunity for students
to engage in projects sponsored by the faculty in dance, film,
acting, directing, design, and dance or theater research. Normally,
several on-campus Winter Term theater productions are in rehearsal
during the month. Guest artists are brought in from time to time
to work with students in areas such as dance, fencing, voice, and
acting. In addition, students use the time to become active in
various alumni and off-campus theater, dance, film, and video internships.
The following faculty are willing to sponsor Winter Term projects
as indicated. Mr. Copeland: history and criticism in dance and
theater; playwriting; performance. Mr. Flaharty: costume design;
makeup; design research. Ms. Groseth: lighting and sound design;
sound recording. Mr. Grube: scene design; painting; graphics. Ms.
Jackson Smith: acting; directing; writing/dramatic literature other
performance projects. Ms. Jobe: stage management. Ms. Martynuk:
dance; choreography; performance. Mr. McAdams: dance with video
and/or computers; kinesiology; massage. Mr. Moser: acting; directing.
Mr. Mroczek: set design. Ms. Rosasco: dance; choreography; performance.
Mr. Wright: acting and directing.
Theater
The Theater curriculum offers courses each year in acting, directing,
history, criticism, design, and production. In addition to class
meetings, many courses have a laboratory component that involves
students in the process of creating a theater production. Each
year, the program produces two or three mainstage productions,
and co-sponsors a black theater production directed by a faculty
member appointed jointly in Theater and Dance and the African American
Studies Department. Workshop productions and student directing
projects are also regularly scheduled. These smaller scale productions
are intended to provide a bridge between the classroom experience
and the fully-mounted campus productions.
The program also sponsors theater residencies from time to time.
These residencies supplement the curriculum by giving students
the opportunity to participate in workshops. In the past, these
workshops have included work with specialists in stage combat,
voice and movement, stage makeup, and film and video acting.
In addition to productions that are sponsored by the Theater and
Dance Program, students have the opportunity to participate in
productions sponsored by other departments and by campus student
theater organizations.
Theater Major. The Theater Major is designed to allow students
the flexibility to either design a general theater major, or pursue
a particular emphasis within the Theater curriculum, such as acting,
directing, history/criticism, or production/ design. The student
planning to major in theater must first secure a faculty advisor,
preferably at the end of the sophomore year. This should be an
instructor in the student's particular area of interest with
whom the student has already successfully completed intermediate
level coursework. The student then works closely with the advisor
to design an individualized plan of study. Once approved, the instructor
agrees to serve as the student's major academic advisor.
Major forms are available from the program office.
Listed below are the core requirements for a theater major:
Theater Major (34-35 total hours):
A.
Core Requirements (25-26 hours):
History of the Western Theater (252, 253) 6 hours
Acting (100)3 hours
Production and Design7-8 hours
B.
Two
theater production labs (199)
0
hours
C.
Additional
intermediate and advanced course electives in Theater
9
hours**
D.
Course
electives in dramatic literature
9
hours*
Theater
Minor (14-15 hours):
A.
History
of the Western Theater (252, 253)
6
hours
B.
One
Production and Design elective
2-3
hours**
C.
Six
semester hours at the intermediate or advanced level in the
student's area of interest
6
hours **
* The Theater faculty offers few drama lit classes. Most drama literature
courses are offered by English, Classics, and various language departments.
These vary annually. Students should check with their advisor to
see if a course counts toward this requirement. A student may count
a three-hour playwrighting course (not independent study) toward
this requirement, but no Private Readings.
** Declaring a Theater major or minor does not guarantee consent
of instructor for upper-level classes outside of a student's
emphasis.
100. Acting 1: Fundamentals
3 hours, 3HU
Second Semester.
The focus of this class is on developing specific techniques
basic to American acting traditions (conversational reality; executing activities;
playing intentions) and applying these skills in contemporary scene work. Intended
for first- and second-year students. Auditions (prepare one- to two-minute contemporary
monologue) will be scheduled during orientation week for fall semester sections
and during the week preceding registration for spring semester. Consent of instructor
required. Enrollment Limit: 16.
Mr. Moser
101. Introduction to Theater Arts
3 hours, 3HU
First Semester. Description TBA. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment Limit:16.
Mr. Moser
105. Exploring Acting
3 hours, 3HU
Second Semester. Comparable in content to THEA 100, the focus of this class is
on developing specific techniques basic to American acting traditions (conversational
reality; executing activities; playing intentions) and applying these skills
in contemporary scene work. Notes: This course is intended for third- and fourth-year
students only. No audition required. Enrollment Limit: 16.
Staff
122. Introduction to Technical Theater
3 hours, 3HU Next offered 2006-2007.
173. Production: Costumes
3 hours, 3HU
Second Semester. An overview of the costuming process from the development of
the costume design through the construction of the costume. Also includes seminars
in costume crafts, shop management and fabrication. A three-hour weekly lab focuses
on theatrical costume techniques and approaches. Consent of instructor required.
Enrollment Limit: 8.
Ms. Cuthbertson
199. Theater Production Lab
0 hour, 0HU
First and Second Semester. Each enrolled student will serve on one technical/administrative
crew for one of the theater, dance or opera productions during the semester:
scenery, lighting, sound, costumes or publicity. Mandatory one-time class meeting
on the second Friday of the semester; 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Ms. Groseth, Ms. Jobe
200, 201. Acting 2: Scene Study
3 hours, 3HU
First and Second Semester.
A year long sequence of intermediate level scene study
work. The class will focus on observation, personalization, activation, and listening.
First semester will utilize plays by contemporary playwrights. Second semester
will utilize classical American plays by such authors as Odetts, Miller, Hansberry,
Wilson and Williams. Notes: Auditions in late spring. A few slots will be held
for fall auditions and transfers. Prerequisite: THEA 100. Consent of instructor
required. Enrollment Limit: 12.
Staff
210. Movement for Actors
3 hours, 3HU
Second Semester. This studio course explores movement through both a structured
and an improvisational approach. We will emphasize developing an expressive and
malleable physicality. The basis for individual movement exploration is in Laban
Effort/Shape work. Group improvisations will focus on responsive/openness; the
ability to respond to quickly changing circumstances while remaining open to
the choices of others. Awareness, presence, alignment and strength will also
be addressed through the consistent practice of certain movement patterns. There
will be out of class assignments in addition to the studio work. Consent of instructor
required. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Ms. Martynuk
212. Stage Management
2 hours, 2HU
First Semester, First Module. Second Semester, First Module. This course is an
introduction to the practice of stage management for theater, dance, musical
theater, and opera. Topics covered include: organization, communication, interpersonal
relations, the production process, rehearsal and performance procedures, and
documentation. This course will culminate in a finished prompt book for a play.
Consent of the instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 14.
Ms. Jobe
213. Stage Management Practicum
1-4 hours, 1-4HU
First and Second Semester. For student stage managers currently working on productions
sponsored by the Theater and Dance Program. Note: May be taken concurrently with
THEA 212. Consent of instructor required.
Ms. Jobe
217. Exploration of Puppetry through Characterization and Construction
3 hours,
3HU
Second Semester. This class explores a wide range of puppetry traditions and
styles through historical analysis, and studio/performance work. Note: CR/NE
or P/NP grading. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Mr. Koschnick
222. Introduction to Design
3 hours, 3HU
First Semester. An introduction to designing for the performing arts. Lectures
and readings cover elements of theater design, i.e., scenery, costumes, and lighting,
used to express creative ideas. Projects provide a chance to experiment with
the building blocks of design. Text analysis and concept also are covered from
a visual perspective. A preliminary course to further studies in scene, costume,
or lighting design. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 12.
Mr. Flaharty, Mr. Mroczek
225. Individual or Group Projects
1-4 hours, 1-4HU
First and Second Semester. Intended for intermediate or advanced-level work by
individuals and small groups not easily covered in the private reading option.
Projects must be approved by the sponsoring faculty member before registration.
Demands high student initiative and sustained individual work. Projects sponsored
by Ms. Jobe, Mr. Copeland, Mr. Flaharty, Ms. Groseth, Mr. Grube, Ms. Jackson
Smith, and Mr. Moser. Consent of director required.
229. Autobiography and Performance
4 hours, 4HU, CD, WR Next offered 2006-2007.
236. Scene Design and Historical Research
3 hours, 3HU
Second Semester. This course will use historical theater architecture and scene
design as an impetus to the design process by using historically accurate elements
to inspire plans and elevations for class design projects. Presentation of individual
and group design projects will be by plan, elevation, rendering and model. Basic
scenographic techniques will be covered, as well as design processes involving
the collaborative nature of the medium. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment
Limit: 12.
Mr. Mroczek
252, 253. History of the Western Theater
3 hours, 3HU
First and Second Semester. A year-long lecture course tracing the evolution of
the Western theater from Dionysian ritual in ancient Greece through contemporary
performance practice in Europe and America. Theater architecture, works of dramatic
literature, and theoretical treatises on performance are studied in relation
to the social and intellectual history of each major era. Three historical periods
receive special attention: the fifth century BC in Greece, the 17th century in
England and France, and the 20th century in Europe and America. Prerequisites:
THEA 252 and consent of instructor are prerequisites for THEA 253. Enrollment
Limit: 35.
Mr. Copeland
254. Introduction to Asian Theater/Dance Performance
3 hours, 3HU, CD
Second Semester. Asian performance rarely makes the sort of distinction between "theater" and "dance" that
characterizes much Western performance. This course is designed as an introduction
to those modes of Asian performance which combine elements of both theater and
dance: Kabuku, Noh and Bunraku from Japan, Beijing Opera from China, Wayang Kulit
from Indonesia, and Kathakali from India. Many of these forms also utilize masks
and puppets. This course will examine the wide range of theatrical elements that
Asian forms utilize to create an alternative to the Western style known as "realism." Enrollment
Limit: 20.
Mr. Copeland
257. Introduction to Sound and Sound Design
3 hours, 3HU
First Semester. Introduction to the theory and technique of sound in the performing
arts. Lectures cover basic sound theory, recording, system set-up, mixing, and
design for the theater. Students will utilize lab equipment to learn the basics
of audio production and to produce their own recordings. Basic midi, analog and
digital recording/editing are covered. Some out-of-class lab times are required
to complete projects. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Ms. Groseth
260. Lighting Design
3 hours, 3HU
Second Semester. This class studies the theories and techniques of lighting design
for the performing arts. Lectures cover the design process, which includes space,
script, music and movement, script analysis, design collaboration, and design
execution. Lectures on composition, color, and drafting are supplemented with
lighting design projects undertaken by members of the class. Final project is
a realized design in the Little Theater. Students are required to meet for technical
rehearsals in the evenings at the end of the semester to finish this course.
Prerequisite: THEA 174. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Ms. Groseth
262. Play Analysis
3 hours, 3HU
Second Semester. This class will focus on the analysis of playscripts, with the
aim of developing practical skills in examining both form and content. A wide
range of plays from different genres will be examined for their major themes,
significant elements and unifying principles with the intent of discovering how
each play 'works'. Students will be expected to read one play a week
and to write a weekly assignment prior to each seminar session. Consent of instructor
required. Enrollment Limit: 12.
Staff
264. African American Drama
3 hours, 3HU, CD Next offered 2006-2007.
268. Black Arts Workshop
3 hours, 3HU, CD Next offered 2006-2007.
269. Voice and Speech for the Actor
2 hours, 2HU
First Semester. This course introduces basic principles of voice production for
actors: breathing, relaxation, coordination, resonance and centering. Exercises
are designed to integrate mind/breath/sound/body in the act of purposeful communication:
daily progression from pure sound to text work. Emphasis on freeing the students' natural
range and expressiveness. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of
general American speech through the study of the International Phonetic Alphabet,
addressing individual speech challenges. Consent by audition and instructor required.
Enrollment Limit: 16.
Mr. Wright
272. Technical Production: Scenery
3 hours, 3HU
First and Second Semester. Intermediate work in the techniques and principles
used in technical production for theater, dance, and opera. Lecture materials
include: production management, stage rigging, orthographic projection, elements
of the physical plant as well as construction methods used in building scenic
units. Students participate in fabricating scenery for the semester's productions
during Friday lab hours. Prerequisite: THEA 122. Enrollment Limit: 14.
Mr. Grube
281. Rehearsal and Performance
1-3 hours, 1-3HU
First and Second Semester. Intermediate and advanced level work in preparation
and public performances of a production directed by a member of the theater faculty.
Notes: May be repeated once only for credit. CR/NE or P/NP grading. Consent of
instructor required.
Staff
300, 301. Acting 3: Shakespeare and Poetic
Realism
3 hours, 3HU
First and Second Semester.
A year-long intensive course to be taken concurrently
with THEA 210, 269 (Movement and Voice for the Actor). First semester will introduce
skills needed to perform Shakespeare: imaging, phrasing, scansion, and rhetorical
analysis. Second Semester will focus on skills needed to perform Poetic Realism,
such as Chekhov and Ibsen. The sequence is designed for advanced students planning
to apply to graduate school in Acting. Prerequisite: THEA 200, 201. Consent of
instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 12.
Mr. Moser, Staff
302. Happenings, Non-Literary Theater, and Performance Art
3 hours, 3HU Next offered 2006-2007.
305. Seminar in Theater Criticism
3 hours, 3HU Next offered 2006-2007.
307. Directing 2: Seminar—Texts and Concepts
4 hours, 4HU
Second Semester. During first module, seminar readings will focus on a director's
conceptualization process. Students will be introduced to different modes of
textual analysis and how these lead to key artistic choices. During the second
module, classes will monitor the progress of student-directed one act plays to
be performed in the Little Theater. Prerequisite: THEA 208. Consent of instructor
required. Enrollment Limit: 6.
Staff
320. Special Projects: Design, Production, Stage or Arts Management
1-4 hours,
1-4HU
First and Second Semester. Consent of instructor required.
324. The Concept of the Avant-Garde
3 hours, 3HU
First Semester. A seminar examining the cultural and political forces of the
late 19th and early 20th century which helped create an "adversary" relationship
between "avant-garde" artists and middle-class society. The course
focuses on those modernist movements that affected painting, literature, and
theater. Major issues explored include: the relationship of the avant-garde to
radical politics as well as to popular culture and the mass communications media,
the "fate" of the avant-garde in the age of post-modernism, and the
current controversies surrounding NEA funding for the work of artists such as
Robert Mapplethorpe. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 20.
Mr. Copeland
328. Musical Theater Seminar
3 hours, 3HU Next offered 2006-2007.
341. Directing 3: Directing Project
1-3 hours, 1-3HU
First and Second Semester. Individual study in directing. Student directors will
meet weekly with a faculty advisor to discuss and monitor their projects through
the various stages of production: script analysis, concept, design, casting,
rehearsals, tech, and performance. Students must first gain Theater and Dance
Program approval for a their project, at which time a faculty advisor will be
assigned. (Applications available in the program office, are due April 15th.)
Prerequisites: THEA 208 and stage management of a faculty-directed production.
Consent of instructor required.
Mr. Moser
362. Art on Trial
3 hours, 3HU Next offered 2006-2007.
420. Honors Project
3-6 hours, 3-6HU
First and Second Semester. Intensive independent work in theater on a research
thesis or creative project to be decided upon in consultation with an advisor.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Honors Program. Projects sponsored by Mr. Copeland,
Ms. Jackson Smith, and Mr. Moser. Consent of instructor required.
995. Private Reading
1-3 hours, 1-3HU Projects sponsored by Mr. Copeland, Mr. Flaharty, Ms. Groseth, Mr. Grube, Ms.
Jackson Smith, Mr. Moser, and Mr. Wright. Consent of instructor required.
Dance
The Oberlin Dance Program functions within the liberal arts tradition.
Though many of the students go on to be successful dancers and
choreographers, the emphasis in the department is on encouraging
students to create, perform, and think about movement in a manner
that is consonant with their experience in the other fine and liberal
arts.
Dance at Oberlin is also characterized by its commitment to experimentation
and to the creation of original work. Each year at Oberlin, there
are many dance performances involving students, faculty, and visiting
artists. Both student and faculty choreography is shown throughout
the year in formal concerts, and in a regular series of studio
events. Students who wish to involve themselves in collaborations
with dancers (as composers, sculptors, etc.) may enroll in a dance
production project or participate in studio concerts. (In this
regard, the Art Department and the Conservatory of Music as well
as the Theater and Dance Program serve as valuable resources for
dancers.) The program encourages an intelligent and sensitive approach
to dance, in both participants and viewers.
Dance Major. Students planning to major in dance must secure
the approval for a program of study from a member of the faculty
in the dance division. The faculty member thereby agrees to act
as the student's academic advisor. The major in dance requires
29-33 credit hours in courses within the Theater and Dance Program.
It is recommended that students complete the core requirements
and select their areas of concentration, in coordination with their
advisors, early in the major.
The requirements for the dance major follow. The 29-33 total credit
hours for the dance major reflect 18-20 hours in core courses,
and 11-13 hours in a chosen area of concentration.
Dance Major (29-33 hours):
A. Core Courses (18-20 hours):
One semester of Modern Dance technique, any level
One semester of West African Dance forms, any level
Two semesters of Dance History
Choreography I
Improvisation I or Contact Improvisation
One course in the area of design and production
One Production Lab (THEA 199)
B. Courses in areas of concentration (11-13 hours):
In consultation with their major advisor, students
should define a focused area of study in performance, choreography,
theory, interdisciplinary, or collaborative work.
Dance Minor. A student planning to minor in dance must secure
the approval of a program of study from a member of the faculty
in
the dance division. The minor in dance requires 15-16 credit hours
in dance courses within the Theater and Dance Program.
Dance Minor (15-16 hours):
A. Core Courses (9-10 hours):
One semester of Modern Dance technique, any level
One semester of Dance History
Improvisation I or Contact Improvisation
West African Dance Forms 1, any level
B. Elective Courses (six hours):
The remaining six credits must be selected from
dance courses within the Theater and Dance curriculum. One
course must be at a non-introductory level.
All Dance majors and minors are required to register for their required courses
during the first registration period of a given semester. Only courses requiring
a placement class or audition are exempt from this rule.
100. Modern Dance I: Beginning
2 hours, 2HU
First and Second Semester. Introduction to basic physical/intellectual principles
of modern dance technique with an emphasis on the development of the body as
an instrument of expression. Students on the wait list must attend the first
class meeting in order to be considered for any openings. Note: May be repeated
for credit. Enrollment Limit: 25.
Mr. McAdams, Ms. Rosasco, Ms. Vogel
113. Ballet I
2 hours, 2HU
Second Semester. Introduction to classical ballet with an emphasis on alignment,
injury prevention, and expression. Notes: Students on the waitlist must attend
the first class meeting in order to be considered for any openings. May be repeated
for credit. Enrollment Limit: 25.
Ms. Rosasco
118. Ritual and Performance I: The World According to the Yoruba and their
Descendants in the New World
3 hours, 3SS, CD, WR
First Semester. Identical to AAST 118. For description, see "Colloquia
for First- and Second-Year Students" in this catalog. Enrollment Limit:
15.
Ms. Sharpley
132. Contact Improvisation
3 hours, 3HU
First Semester. The points of contact—visual, physical, rhythmic, emotional—set
up the physical meeting ground for dancing. In this class we will acquire the
physical skills (such as rolling, learning when and when not to give weight,
how to receive weight, and how to fall softly) in order to facilitate a conscious,
engaged dancing with one other. Note: May be repeated for credit. Consent of
instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 25.
Staff
150. Dance History: Cross-Cultural Approaches to Dance
3 hours, 3HU, CD,
WR Next offered 2006-2007.
190. West African Dance Forms in the Diaspora I
3 hours, 3HU, CD
Second Semester. This course will expand the dance movements, forms, and techniques
from AAST 190 class. Extensive dance performance within a particular area (Brazil,
Cuba and Haiti) will be examined. The dances will be explored in their total
experience in context with costumes and music. Prerequisites: AAST/DANC 190 or
previous dance experience. Identical to AAST 190. Enrollment Limit: 30.
Ms. Sharpley
191. West African Dance Forms in the Diaspora II
3 hours, 3HU, CD Next offered 2006-2007.
192. West African Dance Forms in the Diaspora III
3 hours, 3HU, CD Next offered 2006-2007.
196. African American Dance History
3 hours, 3HU, CD Next offered 2006-2007.
200. Modern Dance II: Low Intermediate
2 hours, 2HU
First Semester. A continuation of dance technique for those who have successfully
completed DANC 100 or the equivalent. Note: May be repeated for credit. Consent
of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 20.
Ms. McAdams
201. Modern Dance II: High Intermediate
2 hours, 2HU
Second Semester. A continuation of dance technique for those who have successfully
completed DANC 200 or the equivalent. Note: May be repeated for credit. Consent
of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 20.
Ms. Handman
203. Physical Mindfulness: Embodying Contemplative Practice
3 hours, 3HU, WR Next offered 2006-2007.
207. Improvisation I
2 hours, 2HU
First Semester. Improvisation is the process of making choices within a given
structure while moving and discovering the collective "choice" as
it evolves. The class will go from highly defined structures to more open improvisations
over the course of the semester. Solo and group structures will be used. Elements
such as time, space, motion, shape, weight, focus, and range will be emphasized
as key choices in this exploration. Prerequisite: DANC 100 or DANC 200. Consent
of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Ms. Rosasco
211. Production Project
1-2 hours, 1-2HU
First and Second Semester. Individual or collaborative work based in performance.
Open to dancers, musicians, poets, designers, etc. Students must observe the
rules posted in Warner Center. Note: May be repeated for a total of six credits.
Consent of instructor required.
Ms. Cooper Albright, Ms. Martynuk, Mr. McAdams, Ms. Rosasco
212. Ballet II
2 hours, 2HU
First Semester. In this continuation of ballet technique, an intermediate vocabulary
is explored with particular attention given to phrasing. Attendance at three
to five dance performances is required. Note: May be repeated for credit. Consent
of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 25.
Staff
214. Moving Into Communities
3 hours, 3HU
First Semester. From teaching classes to long-term residencies, dancers are involved
with communities in a variety of ways. This course will examine the differing
approaches dance artists have taken as they move into school and community settings.
Students will learn how to teach technique, improvisation, and creative movement
classes; they will design their own lecture-demonstrations and learn how to build
residencies that bring both artistic satisfaction and various people into what
can be a transforming experience. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment
Limit: 10.
Mr. McAdams
221. Body Re-education and Alignment
3 hours, 3HU
First Semester. This course focuses on the relationship of mind and body in affecting
physical change to re-educate and align the body. A body-based language describing
and analyzing movement, anatomy, and imagery is used in the movement sessions.
Readings are assigned. Prerequisite: DANC 100 or DANC 113. Consent of instructor
required. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Ms. Vogel
222. Choreography I
4 hours, 4HU
First Semester. This class focuses on methods of generating material and shaping
movement phrases toward the creation of solos and small group dances. Weekly
studies are assigned, exploring the use of space, gesture, dynamics, rhythm,
shape, and texture. Methods of composition include use of improvisation as well
as an introduction to the basic forms of theme and variation, canon, and repetition.
Readings, discussions, and performances are required. Prerequisites: DANC 100
and one semester of DANC 250, DANC 273 or DANC 350. Consent of instructor required.
Enrollment Limit: 10.
Ms. Rosasco
230. Autobiography and Performance
4 hours, 4HU, CD, WR Next offered 2006-2007.
250. Dance History: Dance in the 20th Century
3 hours, 3HU, CD, WR Next offered 2006-2007.
300. Modern Dance III—Advanced
2 hours, 2HU
Second Semester. A continuation of dance technique for those who have successfully
completed DANC 201 or the equivalent. Note: May be repeated for credit. Consent
of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Ms. Handman
303. Oberlin Dance Company
1-4 hours, 1-4HU
Second Semester. Students will learn a faculty-choreographed dance for performance
in Hall Auditorium. The course will emphasize rehearsal and performance techniques
such as learning and retaining movement quickly and taking responsibility for
expressively developing one's own role. Placement by audition the first
day of classes. Note: May be repeated for credit. Consent of instructor required.
Enrollment Limit: 12.
Ms. Rosasco
307. Improvisational Performance
3 hours, 3HU
Second Semester. Students will contribute to an original score by the faculty
director. The project will culminate in performance at the end of the semester.
Placement by audition at the first class. Prerequisite: DANC 207. Consent of
instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 10.
Ms. Rosasco
311. Practicum in Dance
1-2 hours, 1-2HU
First and Second Semester. Individual projects that are not performance-based,
such as teaching or community service work. Note: May be repeated for credit.
Consent of instructor required.
Staff
332. Varsity Contact
3 hours, 3HU, WR
Second Semester. This course will build on the foundational skills acquired in
DANC 132. We will both deepen and expand our work in performance, creative and
critical writing, and working with various communities. Students interested in
this course must be able to attend Sunday jams and various weekend events. Prerequisite:
Contact Improvisation (DANC 132). Consent of instructor required. Enrollment
Limit: 15.
Staff
390. Essence Dance Class
1-2 hours, 1-2HU, CD
Second Semester. This course is designed to promote and develop creativity in
dance performance through the Black experience. A variety of dance forms will
be used such as: modern, Afro-forms, and black urban vernacular dances. Students
are expected to purchase costumes. Prerequisites: AAST 101, DANC/AAST 190, or
DANC/AAST 191 preferred. Notes: May be repeated for a maximum of four accumulated
hours. CR/NE or P/NP grading. Consent of instructor required. Identical to AAST
390. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Ms. Sharpley
391. Dance Diaspora
2 hours, 2HU, CD
First Semester. Faculty directed performance project. Auditions are held during
each semester before enrollment. Notes: May be repeated for a maximum of four
accumulated hours. African American Studies majors and Dance majors will have
first priority. Consent of instructor required. Identical to AAST 391. Enrollment
Limit: 15.
Ms. Sharpley
394. Collaborations: Dance, Art and Music
3 hours, 3HU
First Semester. We will investigate the history of choreographers' and
director's collaborations with artists and composers; the lectures and
studio projects will be in conjunction with a parallel course offered in TIMARA.
Students will form collaborative teams among the disciplines for their projects.
Prerequisite: DANC 222 or DANC 207. Consent of the instructor required. Enrollment
Limit: 10.
Ms. Martynuk
395. Special Topics in Choreography
3 hours, 3HU Next offered 2006-2007.
Independent Projects
First and Second Semester. Final projects for Dance majors in their different
areas of concentration. All projects require consent of instructor.
402. Independent Theory Project
2 hours, 2HU Consent of instructor required.
420. Honors Project
3-6 hours, 3-6HU Intensive independent work in dance on a research thesis or creative project
to be decided upon in consultation with an advisor. Prerequisite: Admission to
the Honors Program. Projects sponsored by Ms. Cooper Albright, Ms. Martynuk,
Mr. McAdams, and Ms. Rosasco. Consent of instructor required.
995. Private Reading
1-3 hours, 1-3HU Projects sponsored by Ms. Cooper Albright, Ms. Martynuk, Mr. McAdams, and Ms.
Rosasco. Consent of instructor required.
Interdisciplinary
Performance Major
Many traditional performance genres as well as a growing body of
contemporary work in performance art and physical theater elude
easy categorization as either Theater or Dance. Thus, the Theater
and Dance Program offers a third major which incorporates a more
integrated approach to the study of performance. The Interdisciplinary
Performance Major is designed for the highly focused student who
wishes to pursue an intensive, individually designed course of
study, which combines offerings from both the Theater and Dance
curricula.
The student planning an IPM must secure two members of the Theater
and Dance faculty, one in Theater and one in Dance, to serve as
academic advisors. IPM majors must meet regularly with both advisors
(simultaneously) to help design their IPM course of study and monitor
progress toward its successful completion. An IPM plan of study
must include both Theater and Dance electives (B), and should articulate
a coherent course of study leading to a senior project (C).
IPM majors are especially encouraged to take courses that have
been specifically designated as "Interdisciplinary Performance
Courses." IPM majors should also consider related courses
offered by other departments that will enhance the interdisciplinary
breadth of their course of study.
Individual Performance Major (35-37 hours):
A. Core Courses (22 hours)
Performance History
Two semesters of Theater History
Two semesters of Dance History 6 hours
6 hours
6 hours
Studio/Technique:
One semester of Acting Technique
One semester of Ballet, African or Modern Dance Technique
One semester of Improvisation or Contact Improvisation
3 hours
2 hours
2 hours
Production/Design:
One Production or Design Course
One Production Lab (THEA 199)
3 hours
0 hours
B. Four Intermediate or Advanced electives (selected from both Theater
and Dance with at least three hours at 300 level) 12 hours* **
C. Senior Project in Scholarship and/ or Performance 1-3 hours***
*May include a maximum of three hours of private readings, or Rehearsal and
Performance credit.
**Declaring an IPM major does not guarantee consent of instructor for individual
upper-level classes.
***IPM majors must submit a proposal for their senior project by the end of
junior year.
No more than 12 transfer credits can be counted toward the major.
Performance History Courses:
DANC 150 Cross-Cultural Approaches to Dance
DANC 196 African American Dance History
DANC 250 Dance History: Dance in the 20th Century
THEA 252, 253 History of Western Theater
THEA 254 Intro to Asian Theater/Dance Performance
DANC 273 Western Dance History and Aesthetics
DANC 350 Dance History: Contemporary Global Forms
Recommended Courses with an Interdisciplinary Performance Focus:
THEA 217 Exploration of Puppetry through Characterization and
Construction
THEA 222 Intro to Design
THEA 224 The Concept of the Avant-Garde
THEA 229/DANC 230 Autobiography and Performance
THEA 268 Black Arts Workshop
DANC 270 Queer Acts
THEA 302 Happenings, Non-Literary Theater and Performance Art
DANC 394 Collaborations: Dance, Art and Music
DANC 395 Special Topics in Choreography