Courses

.25 credit or noncredit

This course incorporates training, rehearsal and performance in acting improvisation techniques, including on-the-spot improvisation, sketch comedy, uses of improv in pedagogy, and solo and ensemble improvisation as a creative technique. The ensemble will perform and offer seminars and workshops on campus as well as at area high schools, junior colleges and civic events. Repeatable for credit. Must be taken for credit to count toward the major. Pass/No Pass grading.

.25 credit or noncredit

Practical study in all phases of theatre, including performance, technical production and management. Students are required to average five hours of participation per week and to attend seminars arranged by theatre faculty and led by theatre professionals. Repeatable for credit. May be taken for noncredit. Pass/No Pass grading.

.25 credit or noncredit

Practical study in musical theatre. Participation in a mainstage musical produced by Elmhurst University required. Students are required to average five hours of participation per week over the space of the term. Students must attend seminars led by musical theatre professionals. Pass/No Pass grading. Repeatable for credit. May be taken for noncredit.

A multifaceted exploration of the development of Middle/Near Eastern Dance (RAKS SHARQI) throughout history to its current status. The political, sociological, ethnomusicology, theological, historical (and more) environments that have shaped, developed, hindered, grown and evolved this dance form are studied. The origin of the misnomer “belly dance” will be addressed. Special focus will be on the impact of religion and politics on this performance art. The course will be taught in both classroom and studio settings. No prerequisite. January Term.

Designed for all individuals; no prior dance experience is necessary. A survey of dance as an art form in the United States, ranging from the early 1900s to the present. Students will learn about the history and evolution of dance in its various forms through lecture and required reading, viewing and discussing videos relating to lectures and outside reading, and viewing live dance-related performances on campus and throughout the greater Chicago area. Students will also participate in movement exercises in class initiated by the instructor that physicalize what has been recently read and viewed. Alternate years, Spring Term.

This course is an exploration of the theory and practice of stage acting, from basic technique to ensemble performance. Open to all students, regardless of experience. Recommended for non-majors.

The beginning course in the actor training sequence. The student will gain a strong foundation in acting technique through character development, strong acting choices, acting exercises and voice and movement technique.

Prerequisites: theatre, musical theatre, or theatre arts education majors; theatre minors; and/or consent of instructor. Fall Term.

An introduction to the art of the theatre from its historical roots to contemporary practice. Topics include theatre as an art form, the structure and types of drama, theatre architecture, the role of the audience and contemporary production practice. It is recommended that theatre majors take this course early in their program.

A theoretical and practical study of the traditional and contemporary techniques involved in play production. Fall Term.

This course introduces the basic elements of design. Students will discover how line, shape, color, value and texture work together in all theatrical design areas to create good storytelling. Spring Term.

A practical laboratory course for the exploration of physiological and phonetic foundations in voice and movement for the stage. This fundamental course encourages students to explore and develop their personal physical and vocal awareness and control. Spring Term.

.50 credit

Designed for all levels of dancers; no prior dance experience is necessary. This course focuses on providing a strong foundation of core, classical ballet technique. Each class will consist of a thorough barre warm-up, center technique exercises, across-the-floor patterns and cumulative combinations choreographed by the instructor. A stronger sense of body awareness, balance, flexibility and core centering strength will be developed. May be taken for noncredit. Must be taken for credit to count toward the major. Repeatable for credit.

.50 credit

Designed for all levels of dancers; no prior dance experience is necessary. Students will learn and perfect the fundamentals of jazz movement vocabulary, learning the style and technique of this genre. Each class will consist of a thorough warm-up, center technique, across-the-floor patterns and cumulative combinations choreographed by the instructor. The aim of this course is to create knowledge of and enthusiasm for jazz dance as a popular art form. A stronger sense of body awareness, balance, flexibility and rhythmic sensibility will also be developed. May be taken for noncredit. Must be taken for credit to count toward the major. Repeatable for credit.

.50 credit

Designed for all levels of dancers; no prior dance experience is necessary. A strong foundation in core tap vocabulary is established, focusing on a tapping style based in musical theatre. Each class will consist of a warm-up, center technique, across-the-floor patterns and cumulative combinations choreographed by the instructor. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about significant contributors to the field and to watch footage of various tap artists and discuss their insights. A stronger sense of rhythm and musicality will be developed. May be taken for noncredit. Must be taken for credit to count toward the major. Repeatable for credit.

.50 credit

Designed for all individuals; no prior dance experience is required. Students will learn the style and technique of various period-specific dance forms: waltz, foxtrot, polka, tango, cha-cha, Charleston, swing and jitterbug. Specific attention will be given to learning proper partnering techniques, thereby developing participants’ special awareness. Students will also be exposed to the masters of these dance genres by watching related video footage. May be taken for noncredit. Must be taken for credit to count toward the major. Repeatable for credit.

This course is designed for all levels of dancers; no prior dance experience is required. Each class will consist of a thorough warm-up, center technique exercises, across-the-floor patterns, and cumulative combinations choreographed by the instructor. Students will be encouraged to express themselves physically, in both literal and abstract ways, and thereby expand their movement vocabularies. A stronger sense of rhythm, musicality, flexibility and core strength will be developed as students are introduced to basic styles and technique principles of various modern choreographers. May be taken for credit or noncredit. Must be taken for credit to count toward minor or major. Repeatable for credit.

.50 credit

Dance Ensemble is designed for serious dancers. Prior dance experience is required. Simulating a dance company experience, the course focuses on student choreography of group works and the building of new dance repertoire through a collaborative process. The course will culminate in a performance that is a scheduled event in the theatre season. Can be taken for credit or noncredit. Repeatable for credit.

A survey of the development of American musical theatre from its origins in the 19th century through its current place in 21st-century culture. Spring Term.

A lecture and laboratory course dealing with the analysis, appreciation and communication of literature to an audience. Spring Term.

An intermediate course in which the student will refine the ability to make strong acting choices, through basic character development, acting exercises and scene study.

Prerequisite: THE 225 or THE 226 or consent of instructor. Fall Term.

In this course, students will learn how to research and analyze scripts within the context of design and utilize the basic elements of design in a collaborative environment to create designs in lighting, scenery and costumes.

An investigation of specific world cultures and civilizations through the study of performance traditions, dramatic literature, cultural studies and historical texts. At the end of the course, the student will be able to critically discuss issues involving culture, civilization, politics, religion, faith, art forms and dramatic literature. The course investigates specific performance traditions and dramatic literature of cultures and co-cultures chosen from Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, South America and North America.

Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. Spring Term.

A historical survey of theatre and drama as a reflection of Western society from classical Greece through the English Restoration, 1660–1700. Fall Term.

A historical survey of theatre and drama as a reflection of Western society from the English Restoration through the 20th century.

Teaching of Dance is a course designed for dance artists and choreographers aiming to teach dance in school systems, private studios, and/or professional venues. Through textbook analysis, lecture/discussions, and various class activities, students will be able to present dance and movement vocabulary with strong focus and clarity. Students will also be challenged to teach with artistic potency, making the experience of learning dance vocabulary enriching and fulfilling creatively. Alternate fall terms.

This course is designed for serious dance students with strong interest and background in dance. Various artistic methods for approaching choreography, the composition of dance, are covered. Different approaches to the creative process behind dance composition are explored, and each student will be challenged to invent his/her own approach to the creation of dance movement. Students will also be exposed to various methods of presenting and teaching dance material to others. Prerequisite: at least one 400-level dance course, or consent of instructor. Alternate years, Spring Term.

This course is designed to examine the art and process of play direction in a seminar as well as a laboratory setting.

Prerequisite: THE 226 or equivalent or consent of instructor. Spring Term.

Advanced scene study and monologue preparation. Emphasis is placed on preparing for auditions and professional acting.

Prerequisite: THE 225 or THE 226 or consent of instructor. Fall Term.

An advanced course in theatre design, including advanced theatre technology techniques. This course prepares the student for the requirements of stage design, including lighting, set, costume and sound. The student will understand the design process from initial production meetings through to the realized production.

Prerequisite: THE 228 or consent of instructor. Spring Term.

A study of general pedagogical principles that apply to the teaching of communication and theatre in secondary schools. Must be taken prior to student teaching.

Prerequisite: SEC 410. Open to seniors or with consent of instructor.

.50, 1.00 or 1.5 credit

Designed to provide junior and senior theatre majors with supervised, on-the-job experience with participating professional theatres or media stations. May be taken during the regular term with part-time employment of seven to 13 hours weekly for .50 credit, 14 to 17 hours weekly for 1.00 credit, 18 to 20 hours weekly for 1.50 credit, or during Summer Term with 36 to 40 hours per week. Applications should be made early in the term preceding registration and are reviewed on the basis of academic grade-point average, faculty recommendations, professional progress and demonstrated interest. Offered for Pass/No Pass grading.

Prerequisite: consent of instructor required during previous term unless exception is granted by the internship coordinator.

This seminar will allow students to become familiar with the new and creative dramatic and performance styles of the 20th century. From Ibsen to the Theatre of the Absurd and Dadaism to the Living Theatre, the 20th century was an era of innovation and experimentation. Through the reading of dramatic literature and the history of various styles and movements, students will gain an understanding of contemporary theatre. January Term.

Study of theatre, performance, film and dramatic literature related to the Holocaust, including an examination of historical and contextual views of society and social responsibility. Students will explore the roles of nations and individuals within the situations of the Holocaust before, during and after World War II. With its tradition and mission of examining human nature and narrative, the theatre brings a compelling approach to the analysis of the events and context of the Holocaust through this study of performance and performance texts.

.25, .50 or 1.00 credit

Studies may include creative projects as well as directed reading and research in theatre. Open to juniors and seniors with consent of instructor.

.50 credit

This course gives Honors Program students the opportunity to design and implement a significant research project in the field of theatre arts, culminating in an appropriate public dissemination of research methods and findings. This research must build upon previous coursework taken within the major or minor, facilitating faculty supervision and guidance. Repeatable for credit. Permission of the faculty supervisor and the director of the Honors Program required prior to registration.

This course serves as a culmination of scholarship and creative application of theatre studies and practice. Designed for seniors, the course addresses pre-professional preparation and addresses the needs of students preparing for graduate study. Students in this course may integrate theatre with other disciplinary studies. In this seminar course, students will develop final projects in consultation with faculty advisors. Projects will include research, writing and creative components. Projects may include informal or formal presentations on or off campus.