Theatre and Dance

Member of the Division of Humanities

Lesley Delmenico, Chair (Fall); Ellen Mease, Chair (Spring), Craig Quintero, Justin Thomas,
Shawn Womack

In the practice and study of theatre and dance, the Department of Theatre and Dance at Grinnell is committed to high standards of artistic expression and creative scholarship within the context of a liberal arts education. Performance is a cultural necessity that can transform the lives of those involved; as an academic practice it is interdisciplinary in its very nature. Here, theory and practice of performance are integrated, and students engage in acting and directing, dance and choreography, design, and the history and literature of drama and performance as a broad foundation prior to advanced study in any of these areas. Combining historical knowledge and critical thinking with current practices in performance, directing, design, choreography, and studies in drama, students interact creatively with diverse ideas, cultures, and historical moments often far different from their own. The art forms of theatre and dance, inherently collaborative, provide the model for learning to work well and creatively with others. The department also provides students with opportunities for interdisciplinary performance-making. These studies are broadly beneficial to all students in the liberal arts. Grinnell students participating in these studies develop analytic, organizational, technical, and artistic skills, an understanding of socio-political contexts, and an active commitment to social engagement that inevitably contribute to interdisciplinary study and innovative approaches to learning within the liberal arts.

This theatre experience expands our ways of knowing others and ourselves. It can also enable critical examination of the past, since our own social and political concerns inform the making and understanding of the dramatic event, even as we attempt to appreciate and understand staged performances in their social, historical, and artistic contexts. In every community, drama and dance have been among the most important ways of articulating our experience of ourselves and others. Developed aesthetic sensibilities, cooperative skills, historical imaginations, and critical habits  -  the fruits of a liberal education -  are important in personal and professional lives.

The knowledge of the various aesthetic and intellectual means through which a theatrical concept is realized is developed through coursework in dramatic literature, critical theory, and theatre history; in the methodology of stagecraft and the plastic arts of scene, lighting, and costume design; and in the performing arts, including directing, choreography, acting, and dance.

All courses at the introductory level and all departmental productions (for which limited academic credit is offered through Performance Laboratory) are open to students without previous experience in the theatre. Courses in dramatic literature, theory, and theatre history are of particular interest to students majoring in English, foreign languages and literatures, philosophy, history, or religious studies, or to any student who wants to become an informed audience member.

The theatre curriculum serves the College's mission to provide a broad liberal arts training to all its students and prepares students with a compelling interest in theatre to undertake appropriate postgraduate training in the field. To this end, all theatre majors take selected core courses in six principle areas: acting, technical theatre/design, dance, directing, dramaturgy (including textual, critical, theoretical, and historical study), and performance studies. Each area focuses on some aspect of making the dramatic work of art; many skills are at work in each area. The coordination of all of these aspects and skills is manifest in the production.

Early in their course of study, theatre majors are encouraged to take the full array of introductory courses in the College core areas, as well as important foundation courses that cultivate habits of close reading and develop skills of written and oral expression (for example, Humanities 101, 102, and 140; English 120 and 121). Additionally, majors are expected to study in the English, foreign language, philosophy, and religious studies departments; in the sciences and social sciences; and in the other arts. Many majors elect one of the five main areas (acting, directing, design, dance choreography, and dramaturgy) for emphasis and take the designated sequence of courses in that emphasis area, in addition to core courses and the required curriculum. Students with serious interests in any of these areas will want to consult with the department well in advance to insure that prerequisites have been met as the training sequence unfolds and to anticipate complementary coursework in other disciplines, independent study, or off-campus study. Both majors and nonmajors may also undertake individual or group independent work in playwriting, translating, and independent projects in acting, directing, design, choreography, and dramaturgy. An off-campus semester of intensive theatre training with the National Theatre Institute of Waterford, Conn., (the Eugene O'Neill Memorial Theatre Center) is available to a maximum of four selected students each year.

Students interested in dance, whether majoring in theatre and dance or not, may take technique, dance history, and theory courses at the appropriate level, and choreography and other special topics courses as offered. They are also encouraged to participate in Dance Troupe (105), a performing company with membership by audition.

The Major

A minimum of 32 credits. Required are two of three Theatre 111, 113, 117; and Theatre 115; and 201; and one of four Theatre 202, 203, 211, 260; and 325 or 335; and two 300-level electives, in addition to either 325 or 335.

To be considered for honors in theatre, graduating seniors, in addition to meeting the College's general requirements for honors, must demonstrate an underlying commitment to the discipline above and beyond simple completion of the core classes for the major. This commitment is evidenced by excellent performance in class, sustained activity in department productions, and an Independent Project (such as a MAP 499). No more than 12 credits in 100-level courses may be applied to the
32-credit major. A maximum of 4 credits in Independent Projects (Theatre 397,
Theatre 499) may be applied to the 32-credit major. A maximum of 16 credits in Theatre 104 and 204 may count toward graduation.

100 Performance Laboratory (Fall or Spring) 1 or 2 credits

Guided participation, for major theatre and dance productions, in performance, assistant directing, stage managing, dramaturgy, or design and crew work on sets, lights, props, costumes, or makeup. Qualified students examine problems of production in the theatre while solving these problems in rehearsal and performance. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. S/D/F only. May be repeated for credit. (A maximum of 8 practica credits may count toward graduation.) STAFF.

104 Dance Technique I (Fall or Spring) 2 credits

Beginning dance technique; the principles, terminology, basic history; developing a physical and kinesthetic understanding of concert dance techniques. Possible areas of emphasis include but are not limited to ballet or modern dance. Consult the Schedule of Courses for the specific area of emphasis each semester. S/D/F only. Does not count toward the theatre major. For fees, see Financial Regulations. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: none. HURLEY.

105 Dance Troupe (Fall and Spring) 1 or 2 credits

Faculty-directed participation for dancing (1 credit) or dancing and choreographing (2 credits) in Dance Troupe, the theatre department's dance company. Qualified students participate in an ensemble environment for four sessions per week. Students learn dance technique, choreography, performance technique, and dance company management. S/D/F only. A yearlong commitment is required. May be repeated for credit each semester. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and audition. (A maximum of 8 practica credits may count toward graduation.) STAFF.

111 Introduction to Performance Studies* (Fall) 4 credits

An examination of dramatic performance in its broadest cultural contexts. This foundational course is designed to encourage critical thinking about the inclusive field of performance and how it is created, including orality, festivals, living history museums, trials, political conventions, and sporting events. Students explore both texts and performance events to analyze "What makes an event performance?" and "How is performance made and understood?" Because knowledge is embodied as well as textualized, students will both write and perform components of their final class projects. Prerequisite: none. DELMENICO.

113 Movement for the Performer (Fall) 4 credits

Practical exploration of movement and bodily-based trainings such as pilates, yoga, body-mind centering, and Bartenieff Fundamentals and/or Laban Movement Analysis as preparation for performance. Studio-based exercises will investigate somatic and movement improvisation practices as an alternative means to theorize the relationship of mind to body and to develop greater physical awareness. Prerequisite: none. WOMACK.

115 Introduction to Technical Theatre (Fall and Spring) 4 credits

An introduction to the technical aspects of theatre production. Brief exposure to theatre architecture and stage forms, stage painting, properties, lighting, sound, drafting, make-up, and costuming. Emphasis placed on the basic theories and methods of scenic construction. No previous drafting experience necessary. Requirements include one three-hour laboratory each week, plus crew work for one of the major productions during the semester. Prerequisite: none. THOMAS.

117 Fundamentals of Acting (Fall and Spring) 4 credits

Practical exploration of the process of acting and characterization. Designed to provide an initial exposure to the effects and influence of the voice, body, observation, and imagination in combined and independent usage. One or more scenes may be prepared for public viewing. Prerequisite: none. DELMENICO, QUINTERO.

201 Dramatic Literature I (Fall) 4 credits+

Study of major works in Western dramatic literature to 1850, with reference to cultural contexts, interpretive problems, and dramatic theory beginning with Aristotle's Poetics. Readings include Greek tragedy and Aristophanic comedy, medieval cycle plays, Machiavelli, Marlowe, Shakespeare's Hamlet and Tempest, Webster's revenge tragedy, Ben Jonson, Spanish Golden Age, Racine and Moliere, a Restoration comedy, and Goethe's Faust. Prerequisite: English 120, or Humanities 101, or permission of instructor. DELMENICO, MEASE.

202 Dramatic Literature II (Spring) 4 credits+

Study of major works in Western dramatic literature from 1850 to the present, with reference to cultural contexts, interpretive problems, and dramatic theory. From realism to the Theatre of the Absurd, dramatists include Ibsen, Chekhov, Pirandello, Artaud, Brecht, Genet, Beckett, Pinter, and others. Prerequisite: English 120, or Humanities 101, or permission of instructor. MEASE.

203 American Theatre* (Fall) 4 credits+

A study of American theatre from the late 19th century to the present. Attention to major cultural and philosophical influences and to phenomena such as the little theatre movement, off and off-off Broadway, and the performance groups. Dramatists include O'Neill, Williams, Miller, Wilson, Shepard. Prerequisite: English 120, or Humanities 101, or permission of instructor. QUINTERO.

204 Dance Technique II (Fall or Spring) 2 credits

Intermediate and advanced dance technique; physical and kinesthetic study involving more complex movement patterns and sequences, phrasing, musicality, and stylistic considerations. Possible areas of emphasis include but are not limited to ballet or modern dance. Consult the Schedule of Courses for the specific area of emphasis each semester. S/D/F only. For fees see Financial Regulations. A studio instruction fee applies. May be repeated for credit. Does not count toward the theatre major. Prerequisite: Theatre 104, or equivalent experience, or permission of instructor. HURLEY.

211 Performance Studies: Traditions and Innovations (Fall) 4 credits

This course examines non-naturalistic forms of theatre and performance-making. It explores the work of foundational avant-garde director/theorists and performance practices that have developed since the 1960s, including performance art and community-based theatre. It also focuses on non-Western performances, including textual and non-textual practices, and the ways in which Western and non-Western theatre have intersected interculturally during the last century. Prerequisite: Theatre 111, or 113, or 117, or permission of instructor. DELMENICO.

217 Intermediate Acting* (Fall) 4 credits

An exploration of acting in various periods and styles with an emphasis on psychological realism. The course emphasizes scene work, monologue preparation, textual and character analysis with exercise work in voice and movement. Prerequisite: Theatre 117 or permission of instructor. QUINTERO.

240 Theatrical Design I (Spring) 4 credits+

An exploration of the design fundamentals common to each facet of theatrical design: scenery, lighting, costumes, and makeup. Such elements as design procedure from conception to realization, research techniques and materials, period style, and design history are emphasized. Prerequisite: Theatre 115 or permission of instructor. THOMAS.

245 Lighting for the Stage* (Fall) 4 credits+

Introduces the student to the art of lighting design, process, and the practice of lighting the stage for the theatre, opera, dance, industrials, television, and video. Students develop the knowledge, vocabulary, and skills necessary to become a master electrician, assistant lighting designer, and beginning lighting designer. Prerequisite: Theatre 115 or permission of instructor. THOMAS.

260 Contemporary Dance* (Fall or Spring) 4 credits

A study of Western concert dance from the 19th century to the present. Studio-based exercises in modern dance technique and composition are combined with readings, video viewings, and lecture/discussion to provide a physical, conceptual, and historical understanding of dance as a performing art form. Prerequisite: none. WOMACK.

303-304 Studies in Drama I and II (Fall or Spring) 4 credits+

A seminar-style course in dramaturgy, the history and theory of theatre and performance. Studies in Drama I covers topics prior to 1850; Studies in Drama II covers topics after 1850. (Topics are announced in the Schedule of Courses.) The course will emphasize the development of methodologies and research strategies useful for the theatre practitioner and the researcher. Topics have included: Theories of Comedy (Aristophanes to Stoppard); English Medieval and Renaissance Drama; Revenge Tragedy and Hamlet; Ibsen, Strindberg, and Chekhov; Beckett and the Absurd; British Drama since World War II; and Postcolonial Theatre. Topics could include: Early English Theatre Production Practice; the Development of Theatre Spaces and Scenic Investiture; Asian Theatre - Literature and Practice; and the Development of Theatre Architecture in the 20th Century. Prerequisite: May vary depending on topic but can include 200-level coursework in English, foreign languages, classics, history, philosophy, religious studies, anthropology, art, and dramatic literature/criticism/theatre history, or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit when content changes. DELMENICO, MEASE.

310 Studies in Dance* (Spring) 4 credits

A combined seminar and practice course for advanced study of a selected topic in dance or contemporary performance that will be detailed each time the course is offered (topics are announced in the Schedule of Courses). The course will employ a variety of materials and methods for advanced research in dance as a cultural, social, historical, and artistic phenomenon. Topics could include: Dance and Technology; Community and Performance; Dancing Gender and Sexuality; and The Choreography of Political Protest. Prerequisite: Theatre 202, or 203, or 211, or 260, or permission of instructor. May be repeated once for credit. WOMACK

320 Theatrical Design II* (Spring) 4 credits+

An in-depth exploration of designing for the stage, with the specific area of design (scenery, lighting, costumes) announced each time the course is offered. Emphasis is on script or dance "text" analysis and the evolution of design from first reading to first performance. Prerequisite: Theatre 240 and 201, or 202 or 203, or permission of instructor. THOMAS.

325 Choreography: Theory and Composition* (Spring) 4 credits

A theoretical and practical investigation of dance composition and performance technique. Prerequisite: Theatre 113, or 260, or permission of instructor. WOMACK.

330 Period Acting Styles* (Spring) 4 credits

This course focuses on Classical, Elizabethan, French Neoclassic, and contemporary docu-drama theatre. Students will retrace the development of the Western European theatrical tradition in aesthetic and practical terms. Emphasis is placed upon developing the performance skills, especially in regards to movement, voice, diction, and characterization, essential to the acting style of the period, while examining its value in contemporary performance. Course emphasis is on historical research, scene study, and performance. Prerequisite: Theatre 201 and 217, or permission of instructor. QUINTERO.

335 Directing (Fall) 4 credits+

A theoretical and practical investigation of the responsibilities and techniques of the director in the theatre. Classroom exercises are supplemented by selected readings in the history and theory of directing. The final project is the directing of a one-act play. Prerequisite: Theatre 115, 117, and 201; and 202, or 203, or 211; or permission of instructor. QUINTERO.