School of Drama Courses
School of Drama Courses
DRA 0051
Acting Fundamentals A.25 unit per semester
This course begins the process of developing a deeper understanding of the actor's craft and explores techniques and theories essential to theatrical performance. Topics include acting for stage and screen, physical theatre, improvisation, script/character/text analysis, contemporary and classical monologues, audition skills, self/tape, devised performance, elements of composition for storytelling, theatre and culture, and a poetry unit.
DRA 0052
Acting Fundamentals B.25 unit per semester
This course expands on the process of developing a deeper understanding of the actor's craft and explores techniques and theories essential to theatrical performance. Topics include acting for stage and screen, physical theatre, improvisation, script/character/text analysis, contemporary and classical monologues, audition skills, self/tape, devised performance, elements of composition for storytelling, theatre and culture, and a poetry unit.
DRA 0061
Fundamentals of Voice and Singing A.25 unit per semester
The spoken voice component of this course begins the process of building the student's speaking voice for the stage. Classes in breathing, release of tension, resonance, and articulation are designed to free the natural sound and develop awareness of the voice as a creative, expressive instrument. A combination of techniques and exploration of anatomy are used throughout the course to support each student's individual vocal process from warmups to rehearsal and performance. The singing component of this course explores and builds the fundamentals of a healthy vocal-singing technique. Areas of focus include physiology of the vocal process, posture and physical alignment, physiology and breath management, tone production and resonance. Students are introduced to musicianship skills, basic music theory and singer's "vocabulary". Through the use of vocal and physical exercises and "songologues", students learn to bring to life theatrical and dramatic components of sung choral and solo music theater and American songbook repertoire. The focus is on expressive, honest, organic and communicative vocal and body language through the sung sound. Guidance is also given for students to prepare 16-32-bar cuts for college pre-screens and auditions.
DRA 0062
Fundamentals of Voice and Singing B.25 unit per semester
The spoken voice component of this course continues the process of building the student's speaking voice for the stage. A combination of techniques and exploration of anatomy are used throughout the course in order to support each student's individual vocal process. In this semester, the vocal techniques explored in the fall are put into action through work on a wide range of texts. Building on work done in the fall semester, the singing component of this course reinforces a fundamental and healthy vocal-signing technique as well as developing an awareness of articulation, diction, and potential areas of tension and how to free them. Students continue to learn about and develop their voices as they explore expressive communication in assigned duets, trios, quartets from the music theater repertoire.
DRA 0071
Fundamentals of Movement A.25 unit per semester
This course is designed to begin the process of developing expressive artistic movement and strengthening the actor's physical instrument and range. Topics include musical theatre dance, yoga and physical conditioning. Emphasis is placed on technique, alignment and shape, mind-body awareness, use of space, strength and flexibility, endurance, dynamic and stylistic range, poise, self-expression, musicality, ensemble awareness and acting through dance. Students also learn about the musical theatre choreographic canon. Guidance is also given for students who need to prepare dance and movement prescreens for college auditions.
DRA 0072
Fundamentals of Movement B.25 unit per semester
This course continues the process of developing expressive artistic movement and the actor's physical instrument. Topics include stage combat, dance, theatre movement for the actor, yoga and physical conditioning.
DRA 0080
Special Techniques.25 unit per semester
This course includes special seminar classes designed to give students insight and experience in areas covering a comprehensive understanding of the field of theatre-making and scope of practice as well as development of individual professional portfolio materials and audition techniques for college and professional auditions. Fall semester topics include college and industry preparation, audition and interview techniques, self-tapes, development of portfolio/professional/audition materials, goal setting, organizational management for artists and building knowledge of performing arts field and current trends. Spring semester focuses on famous practitioners and methodologists and the career collaborations within the field that come together to create theatrical narrative. Scholarly and experiential learning in the areas of directing, playwriting, dramaturgy, administration and management, theatre education, design, and specialty coaching are explored through creative devising projects, peer teaching presentations and workshops with guest artists.