School of Drama Courses

Undergraduate Bulletin

School of Drama Courses

PDF

DRA 1131

Technical Theatre IA

2 credits

A series of introductory courses in costuming, lighting and scenery. Students learn the use of equipment and basic construction techniques. Skills and knowledge gained in technical theatre classes are used in crew assignments for School of Drama productions. All first-year students will have production crew assignments.

DRA 1151

Acting IA

2 credits

These are core courses in the School of Drama. In Studio I, the student is encouraged to examine the craft of acting through improvisation, text analysis and basic acting exercises. The teaching associated with the core courses is designed to develop creativity and imagination while providing a sound awareness of the acting process. The student is presented with a comprehensive view of his/her craft and its traditions. The balance between "instinct" and "skill" is an important part of this series of courses.

DRA 1152

Acting IB

2 credits

These are core courses in the School of Drama. In Studio I, the student is encouraged to examine the craft of acting through improvisation, text analysis and basic acting exercises. The teaching associated with the core courses is designed to develop creativity and imagination while providing a sound awareness of the acting process. The student is presented with a comprehensive view of his/her craft and its traditions. The balance between "instinct" and "skill" is an important part of this series of courses.

DRA 1161

Voice and Speech IA

2 credits

Studio I classes begin with a basic understanding of voice and speech. Alexander Technique is used as a means of pyscho-physical reeducation, where the student learns to bring the body and mind together to move, think and express him/herself freely, naturally and with a sense of ease. Blended in with the Alexander Technique is the voice work of Kristen Linklater. This approach is designed to liberate the student actor's natural voice rather than to develop a vocal technique. These courses support the work done in the acting core courses. The International Phonetic Alphabet is learned in order to facilitate advanced work in Voice and Speech classes.

DRA 1162

Voice and Speech IB

2 credits

Studio I classes begin with a basic understanding of voice and speech. Alexander Technique is used as a means of pyscho-physical reeducation, where the student learns to bring the body and mind together to move, think and express him/herself freely, naturally and with a sense of ease. Blended in with the Alexander Technique is the voice work of Kristin Linklater. This approach is designed to liberate the student actor's natural voice rather than to develop a vocal technique. These courses support the work done in the acting core courses. The International Phonetic Alphabet is learned in order to facilitate advanced work in Voice and Speech classes.

DRA 1171

Movement IA

2 credits

Movement training is designed to produce flexible, strong, well-coordinated bodies that will respond easily and readily to the creative demands of acting. Specific topics include theatre movement improvisation, basic combat, jazz dance, tap dance and preliminary mask work.

DRA 1172

Movement IB

2 credits

Movement training is designed to produce flexible, strong, well-coordinated bodies that will respond easily and readily to the creative demands of acting. Specific topics include theatre movement improvisation, basic combat, jazz dance, tap dance, and preliminary mask work.

DRA 1183

Special Techniques 1A

2 credits

The Studio I Special Techniques class is designed to give students added insight and experiences in areas not normally included in traditional acting classes. These classes are intended to balance and expand the actor training program. Special topics may include Stanislavski Technique, Meisner Technique and advanced improvisation techniques.

DRA 1184

Special Techniques IB

2 credits

The Studio I Special Techniques class is designed to give students added insight and experiences in areas not normally included in traditional acting classes. These classes are intended to balance and expand the actor training program. Special topics may include Stanislavski Technique, Meisner Technique and advanced improvisation techniques.

DRA 1185

Applied Techniques IA

1 credit

This course may include research in language and vocabulary. The creative energy of language in communication is explored in texts of non-dramatic material as well as classic material. It may also include an introduction to the phonetic alphabet as a means of heightening the perceptions of sound and pronunciation. This course touches on the philosophic, creative and physical aspects of language. Language formation with emphasis on non-dramatic texts and phonetics is explored.

DRA 1186

Applied Techniques IB

1 credit

This course may include research in language and vocabulary. The creative energy of language in communication is explored in texts of non-dramatic material as well as classic material. It may also include an introduction to the phonetic alphabet as a means of heightening the perceptions of sound and pronunciation. This course touches on the philosophic, creative and physical aspects of language. Language formation with emphasis on non-dramatic texts and phonetics is explored.

DRA 1198

Special Topics Language

1 credit

DRA 1198: Special Topics: Language (1 Credit per Semester) This course may include research in language and vocabulary. The creative energy of language in communication is explored in texts of non-dramatic material as well as classic material. It may also include an introduction to the phonetic alphabet as a means of heightening the perceptions of sound and pronunciation. This course touches on the philosophic, creative and physical aspects of language. Language formation with emphasis on non-dramatic texts and phonetics is explored.

DRA 2251

Acting IIA

2 credits

Studio II acting builds upon skills learned in Studio I acting classes. Both semesters' study is used to reveal problems of acting in various styles, i.e., Modern American Realism, Shakespeare, etc. The students explore and practice a way to prepare, study, and create a role in a play. The student will access the facts of the play, discover the story, determine the events, and with this information will define the spine, theme, conflict, actions, objectives, obstacles, relationships and character. The student will research the world of the play: historical, social, and cultural. Each semester culminates in a special acting workshop presentation.

DRA 2252

Acting IIB

2 credits

Studio II acting builds upon skills learned in Studio I acting classes. Both semesters' study is used to reveal problems of acting in various styles, i.e., Modern American Realism, Shakespeare, etc. The students explore and practice a way to prepare, study, and create a role in a play. The student will assess the facts of the play, discover the story, determine the events, and with this information will define the spine, theme, conflict, actions, objectives, obstacles, relationships and character. The student will research the world of the play: historical, social and cultural. Each semester culminates in a special acting workshop presentation.

DRA 2261

Voice and Speech IIA

2 credits

Voice & Speech II builds on the foundation established in Voice & Speech I. Students will continue their engagement with Kristin Linklater's work, moving through the full progression of Linklater voice exercises. They will explore the creative and interpretative use of the voice ending in the exploration of "elevated texts." Speech classes develop student's ability to become flexible speakers, able to shift organically between varieties of American Speech. The International Phonetic Alphabet is employed as a descriptive tool. These courses support the work done in the acting core courses.

DRA 2262

Voice and Speech IIB

2 credits

Voice & Speech II builds on the foundation established in Voice & Speech I. Students will continue their engagement with Kristin Linklater's work, moving through the full progression of Linklater voice exercises. They will explore the creative and interpretative use of the voice ending in the exploration of "elevated texts." Speech classes develop student's ability to become flexible speakers, able to shift organically between varieties of American speech. The International Phonetic Alphabet is employed as a descriptive tool. These courses support the work done in the acting core courses.

DRA 2264

Singing Class IIA

2 credits

Vocal Production/Technique: This class will improve the line of the voice that develops the beauty, projection, evenness, and pitch of your tone. The mechanics of breathing and breath management, and the coordination of the jaw, tongue, lips and palette will be addressed. You will also learn to translate musical notation into musical sound. You will learn to read rhythms and identify basic time signatures and to translate a simple melodic line into numbers by sight. You will learn to identify and respond to the language and symbols of basic musical notation as presented in the sight reading exercises and worksheets.

DRA 2265

Singing Class IIB

2 credits

Vocal Production/Technique: This class will improve the line of the voice that develops the beauty, projection, evenness, and pitch of your tone. The mechanics of breathing and breath management, and the coordination of the jaw, tongue, lips and palete will be addressed. You will also learn to translate musical notation into musical sound. You will learn to read rhythms and identify basic time signatures and to translate a simple melodic line into numbers by sight. You will learn to identify and respond to the language and symbols of basic musical notation as presented in the sight reading exercises and worksheets.

DRA 2271

Movement IIA

2 credits

Studio II continues the work accomplished in Studio I. Specific topics include jazz dance, tap dance, modern dance, ballroom dance, unarmed and armed combat, period style, physical comedy, and mask technique: character, neutral, and character 1/2 mask.

DRA 2272

Movement IIB

2 credits

Studio II continues the work accomplished in Studio I. Specific topics include jazz dance, tap dance, modern dance, ballroom dance, unarmed and armed combat, period style, physical comedy, and mask technique: character, neutral, and character 1/2 mask.

DRA 2283

Special Techniques IIA

2 credits

Studio II continues the work accomplished in Studio I special technique classes. Specific topics may include advanced dance techniques, advanced mask techniques and specific period style classes.

DRA 2284

Special Techniques IIB

2 credits

Studio II continues the work accomplished in Studio I special technique classes. Specific topics may include advanced dance techniques, advanced mask techniques, and specific period style classes.

DRA 2285

Applied Techniques IIA

2 credits

The Studio II Applied Techniques class is designed to give students added insights into the use of language, physical interpretation, and acting concepts. It continues the work begun in the Studio I Applied Techniques class.

DRA 2286

Applied Techniques IIB

2 credits

The Studio II Applied Techniques class is designed to give students added insights into the use of language, physical interpretation, and acting concepts. It continues the work begun in the Studio I Applied Techniques class.

DRA 3088

Independent Study

1 to 3 credits

This course will offer an individual student the opportunity to delve deeply into a particular discipline or area of inquiry within the School of Drama, under the supervision of an appropriate faculty member. An individual contract detailing the nature and content of the course will be drawn up between the student and faculty member concerned for each Independent Study undertaken. Methods of evaluation will vary according to discipline, and be determined by the faculty member supervising the Independent Study. They may include presentation of performance, written papers, oral and/or written exams, or other methods of evaluation deemed appropriate by the faculty member and the Dean of the School of Drama.

DRA 3321

Fundamental of Directing Studio IIIA

2 credits

Directing Students will analyze each aspect of production in terms of directing. In a seminar situation, students will also create a production book for a specific play selected by the instructor. They will attend all Drama productions, workshops, and forums; visit museums and art exhibits as assigned; attend music and dance concerts; write evaluation papers; and do assigned field work and scene work. In the Spring semester directing students will direct a one-act play.

DRA 3322

Fundamentals of Directing Studio IIIB

2 credits

Directing Students will analyze each aspect of production in terms of directing. In a seminar situation, students will also create a production book for a specific play selected by the instructor. They will attend all Drama productions, workshops and forums; visit museums and art exhibits as assigned; attend music and dance concerts; write evaluation papers; and do assigned field work and scene work. In the Spring semester directing students will direct a one-act play.

DRA 3341

Rehearsal & Performance IIIA

2 credits

Faculty and guest directors use the rehearsal period and performance to extend training. During the rehearsal period, the actor is taught to develop a responsible, professional attitude and approach to the work. The actor learns to maintain a spontaneous and disciplined performance through the run of the production.

DRA 3342

Rehearsal & Performance IIIB

2 credits

Faculty and guest directors use the rehearsal period and performance to extend training. During the rehearsal period, the actor is taught to develop a responsible, professional attitude and approach to the work. The actor learns to maintain a spontaneous and disciplined performance through the run of the production.

DRA 3351

Acting IIIA

2 credits

Studio III acting refines the skills learned in Studio II acting and continues to enhance the step by step process in breaking down a script. These principles are applied to texts by playwrights such as Ibsen, Chekhov, Shaw and Williams. The student will examine the spine of the play and the given circumstances of the play. Character elements will be broken down and physicalized. The technique that the student learns in the first two years will be drawn upon to enrich the clarity of the play. Each semester culminates in rehearsal and public performance.

DRA 3352

Acting IIIB

2 credits

Studio III acting refines the skills learned in Studio II acting and continues to enhance the step by step process in breaking down a script. These principles are applied to texts by playwrights such as Ibsen, Chekhov, Shaw and Williams. The student will examine the spine of the play and the given circumstances of the play. Character elements will be broken down and physicalized. The technique that the student learns in the first two years will be drawn upon to enrich the clarity of the play. Each semester culminates in rehearsal and public performance.

DRA 3361

Voice and Speech IIIA

2 credits

Studio III continues and builds on the work accomplished in Studio I & Studio II. Voice classes include Accent and Dialects and Shakespeare Text. The Accent and Dialects component will develop a student's ability to produce and analyze the key features of a dialect/accent using the International Phonetic Alphabet. The Shakespeare component will deal with various forms of Shakespearean text, sonnets, soliloquies, and finally scenes. Theses courses support the work done in the acting core courses.

DRA 3362

Voice and Speech IIIB

2 credits

Studio III continues and builds on the work accomplished in Studio I & Studio II. Voice classes include Accent and Dialects and Shakespeare Text. The Accent and Dialects component will develop a student's ability to produce and analyze the key features of a dialect/accent using the International Phonetic Alphabet. The Shakespeare component will deal with various forms of Shakespearean text, sonnets, soliloquies, and finally scenes. These courses support the work done in the acting core courses.

DRA 3364

Singing Class IIIA

2 credits

Studio III continues and builds on the work accomplished in Studio II. Vocal Production/Technique is continued along with a staged or choreographed ensemble song, a song by George Gershwin and an "a capella" folk song. In addition to preparing these three songs for performance in class, students will learn to effectively use an iPod or recorder during classes and rehearsals. You will learn how to personalize a song for your voice technique and acting technique. Duets will be assigned leading from scene into song.

DRA 3365

Singing Class IIIB

2 credits

Studio III continues and builds on the work accomplished in Studio II. Vocal Production/Technique is continued along with a staged or choreographed ensemble song, a song by George Gershwin and an "a capella" folk song. In addition to preparing these three songs for performance in class, students will learn to effectively use an iPod or recorder during classes and rehearsals. You will learn how to personalize a song for your voice technique and acting technique. Duets will be assigned leading from scene into song.

DRA 3371

Movement IIIA

2 credits

Studio III continues and builds on the work accomplished in Studio I & Studio II. Specific advanced topics include: jazz dance, tap dance, modern dance, combat, physical comedy, and mask.

DRA 3372

Movement IIIB

2 credits

Studio III continues and builds on the work accomplished in Studio I & Studio II. Specific advanced topics include: jazz dance, tap dance, modern dance, combat, physical comedy, and mask.

DRA 3383

Special Techniques IIIA

2 credits

Studio III continues and builds on the work accomplished in Studio I and II. Specific topics may include advanced physical comedy and mask: "The Clown Red Nose"; audition techniques; advanced acting for film and television; and make-up for the actor.

DRA 3384

Special Techniques IIIA

2 credits

Studio III continues and builds on the work accomplished in Studio I and II. Specific topics may include advanced physical comedy and mask: "The Clown Red Nose"; audition techniques; advanced acting for film and television; and make-up for the actor.

DRA 4089

Professional Internship

1 to 12 credits

A supervised work experience at a professional performing arts organization, or an organization serving the performing arts, outside of UNCSA, through which a student applies the knowledge and skills learned in course work to on-the-job assignments and responsibilities. The number of credits varies according to the nature and scope of the internship. Graded Pass/Fail.

DRA 4421

Advanced Directing (Directing Concentration) I

12 credits

The fourth year director is guided toward independent development in various directing projects and scene work. In addition, fourth year directors will assist guest directors in preparation and rehearsal of major productions, be responsible for the preparation and direction of the first act of a three act play in the Spring Semester, and for the presentation of a non-dramatic performance piece during Intensive Arts. Student directors participate in seminars with guest artists and master teachers.

DRA 4422

Advanced Directing (Directing Concentration) II

12 credits

The fourth year director is guided toward independent development in various directing projects and scene work. In addition, fourth year directors will assist guest directors in preparation and rehearsal of major productions, be responsible for the preparation and direction of the first act of a three act play in the Spring Semester, and for the presentation of a non-dramatic performance piece during Intensive Arts. Student directors participate in seminars with guest artists and master teachers.

DRA 4441

Rehearsal and Performance IVA

12 credits

In the final year of training, fourth-year students present a season of classical and contemporary plays. In addition, master classes by distinguished members of the profession are given. Students develop ensemble skill while maintaining artistic individuality. Graduating students are presented in New York & Los Angeles to management, agents and casting directors for theatre, film and television.

DRA 4442

Rehearsal and Performance IVB

12 credits

In the final year of training, fourth-year students present a season of classical and contemporary plays. In addition, master classes by distinguished members of the profession are given. Students develop ensemble skill while maintaining artistic individuality. Graduating students are presented in New York & Los Angeles to management, agents and casting directors for theatre, film and television.

DRA 5599

Intensive Arts

1 credit

At the end of the Fall Semester, all students participate in Intensive Arts, a one-week period in which adventurous creativity is stressed. Students are encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary studies and to develop individual creative projects. Graded Pass/Fail.