Theatre and Dance - undergraduate program

Theatre and Dance

[ undergraduate program | graduate program | faculty ]

All courses, faculty listings, and curricular and degree requirements described herein are subject to change or deletion without notice.

Courses

For course descriptions not found in the UC San Diego General Catalog 2019–20, please contact the department for more information.

Note: For changes in major requirements and in course offering implemented after publication, inquire at the office of the Department of Theatre and Dance.

The subject codes are

TDAC Theatre Acting

TDDE Theatre Design

TDDM Dance Making

TDDR Theatre Directing/Stage Management

TDGE Theatre General

TDGR Theatre Graduate

TDHD Dance History

TDHT Theatre History and Theory

TDMV Dance Movement

TDPF Dance Performance

TDPR Theatre/Dance Practicum

TDPW Theatre Playwriting

TDTR Dance Theory

TDAC—Theatre Acting

TDAC 1. Introduction to Acting (4)

A beginning course in the fundamentals of acting: establishing a working vocabulary and acquiring the basic skills of the acting process. Through exercises, compositions, and improvisations, the student actor explores the imagination as the actor’s primary resource, and the basic approach to text through action. Prerequisites: none.

TDAC 101. Acting I (4)

This course focuses on beginning scene study with an emphasis on exploring action/objective and the given circumstances of a selected text. Prerequisites: THAC or TDAC 1 or consent of instructor.

TDAC 102. Acting II (4)

Further study in the application of the given circumstances to a text and the development of characterization. Prerequisites: TDAC 101.

TDAC 103A. Acting Intensive I (4)

An intensive foundation class for students interested in professional actor training. Using Viewpoints, students will train the physical, vocal, and emotional aspects of their actor instrument toward developing character and relationships by using scenes from contemporary and modern plays. Prerequisites: TDAC 102.

TDAC 103B. Acting Intensive II (4)

A continuation of TDAC 103A. Working from Meisner technique, students will learn to deepen and detail their objectives, spontaneous response, and deep listening skills. Focus on the process that will lead to scene work using this technique. Prerequisites: TDAC 103A, department stamp, and consent of instructor.

TDAC 104. Classical Text (4)

Studies in the heightened realities of poetic drama. Verse analysis, research, methods and how to approach a classical dialogue. Prerequisites: TDAC 102.

TDAC 105. Rehearing Shakespeare (4)

Advanced exploration of Shakespeare’s language through examining and performing scenes from the plays. Admission by audition/interview. May be taken for credit two times. Prerequisites: TDAC 102.

TDAC 106. Chekhov Acting (4)

Practical exercises, discussion, text analysis, and scene work on the writings of Anton Chekhov. Admission by audition/interview. Prerequisites: TDAC 102.

TDAC 107. Improvisation for the Theatre (4)

Improvisation for the Theatre explores improvisation techniques as an alternative and unique approach to acting. Students should have a performance background. Prerequisites: THAC or TDAC 1.

TDAC 108. Advanced Topics (4)

Advanced topics in acting, such as avant-garde drama, commedia, or Beckett, for students who possess basic acting techniques. May be taken for credit four times. Prerequisites: TDAC 102.

TDAC 109. Singing for Actors (4)

This course introduces basic skills of breathing, placement, diction, musicianship, harmony, interpretation, and presentation needed by actors for roles requiring singing. Through a combination of group and individual coaching in class, students will prepare a program of short solo and ensemble pieces for a finals-week presentation. Prerequisites: THAC or TDAC 1 and audition; department stamp.

TDAC 110. Acting for the Camera (4)

This course is designed to aid the actor in the transition from stage to film work. Examination of film production and its physical characteristics and the acting style needed for work in film and television. Students will perform in simulated studio setting on camera. Prerequisites: TDAC 102.

TDAC 111. Freeing the Voice (4)

Intensive workshop for actors and directors designed to “free the voice,” with special emphasis on characteristics and vocal flexibility in a wide range of dramatic texts. This proven method combines experimental and didactic learning with selected exercises, texts, tapes, films, and total time commitment. Prerequisites: TDAC 101 and audition/interview required.

TDAC 112. Senior Seminar in Acting (4)

An in-depth study seminar focused on special issues in acting as they relate to contemporary theatre. Of particular interest to students who plan to pursue a career in this area of theatre. Prerequisites: TDAC 102.

TDAC 115. Movement for Actors (4)

An exploration of the wide array of physical skills necessary for the actor. Using techniques derived from mime, clowning, sports, acrobatics, and improvisation, students will investigate their individual physical potential as well as their sense of creativity and imagination. Prerequisites: THAC or TDAC 101.

TDAC 120. Ensemble (4)

An intensive theatre practicum designed to generate theatre created by an ensemble with particular emphasis upon the analysis of text. Students will explore and analyze the script and its author. Ensemble segments include black theatre, Chicano theatre, feminist theatre, and commedia dell’arte. Audition may be required. A maximum of four units may be used for major credit. (Cross-listed with ETHN 146A.) Prerequisites: upper-division standing or consent of instructor.

TDAC 122. Ensemble: Undergraduate Production (4)

Participation in a fully staged theatre production directed by an MFA or PhD student for the Department of Theatre and Dance. Admission by audition only. A maximum of four units may be used for major credit. Prerequisites: consent of the instructor; department stamp.

TDAC 123. Advanced Studies in Performance (4)

Participation in a fully staged season production that is directed by a faculty member or guest for the Department of Theatre and Dance. Admission by audition only. A maximum of four units may be used for major credit. Prerequisites: consent of the instructor; department stamp.

TDDE—Theatre Design

TDDE 1. Introduction to Design for the Theatre (4)

A survey of contemporary and historical concepts and practices in the visual arts of the theatre; studies in text analysis, studio processes and technical production; elementary work in design criticism, scale model making, and costume design. A course serving as an introduction to theatre design and production.

TDDE 101. Theatre Process—Scenery (4)

A hands-on course develops craft skills and solution-finding process in design including script analysis, concept sketches, research, and scale model making. An exploration of fundamental ways of seeing and understanding visual design. Prerequisites: THDE or TDDE 1 or THPR or TDPR 1.

TDDE 102. Advanced Scenic Design (4)

An advanced course based on the “practice” of scenic design, dealing with the solution finding process, from text to idea to realized work. Prerequisites: THDE or TDDE 1, THDE or TDDE 101, or consent of instructor.

TDDE 111. Theatre Process—Costume Design (4)

The process of the costume designer from script analysis and research visualization of ideas, through the process of costume design. Lecture and demonstration labs parallel lecture material. This course is intended for those interested in a basic understanding of the costumer’s process. No previous drawing or painting skills required. Prerequisites: THDE or TDDE 1.

TDDE 112. Advanced Costume Design (4)

An advanced course based on the “practice” of costume design, dealing with the solution finding process, from text to idea to realized work. Prerequisites: THDE or TDDE 1, THDE or TDDE 111, or consent of instructor.

TDDE 121. Theatre Process—Lighting Design (4)

One of three classes in theatre process. The course aims to develop basic skills in lighting design through practical projects, lab work and lecture. These emphasize collaborating, manipulating light and color, and developing craft skills. Prerequisites: THDE or TDDE 1 or THPR or TDPR 3 or consent of instructor.

TDDE 130. Assistant Designer (2–6)

A production-oriented course that continues to introduce students to the fundamentals of design assisting. Laboratory format allows the student to work with faculty, graduate, or advanced undergraduate theatre designers, doing research, developing design concepts, and supporting the designer in a number of professional ways. May be taken for credit two times. Prerequisites: THDE or TDDE 1, any upper-division undergraduate theatre design class, THPR or TDPR 1, 2, 3, or 5; and consent of instructor; department stamp.

TDDE 131. Special Topics in Theatre Design (4)

A course designed to expose the theatre design students to a variety of specialized topics that will vary from quarter to quarter. May be taken for credit three times. Prerequisites: THDE or TDDE 1 or consent of instructor.

TDDE 132. Undergraduate Main Stage Production: Design (4)

A course that will guide a student in a design assignment on the undergraduate main stage production. Specialized topics dependent on the design requirements of the production. May be taken for credit three times. Prerequisites: THDE or TDDE 1 and THDE or TDDE 101 or THDE or TDDE 121, or THDE or TDDE 131, or consent of instructor.

TDDE 141. Theatre Process—Sound Design (4)

A hands-on course on the process of sound design from conception to planning and implementation. The course will concentrate equally on the technical and artistic aspects of the sound design process and will include a survey of modern audio technologies. Prerequisites: TDPR 5 or TDPR 6 or TDDE 1 or MUS 173 or consent of instructor.

TDDE 142. Advanced Sound Design (4)

This course focuses on advancing students in their artistic and technical skills in sound design. A large-scale project will be identified with special attention given to text analysis and technical specification of the sound design. Prerequisites: TDDE 1 and TDDE 141 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.

TDDE 151. Digital Video Design (4)

This course will examine the field of projection design for theatre and dance performance. Students will study and produce original works based on the theoretical and aesthetic approaches of animation, film, performance, and installation art that influence contemporary projection design. Prerequisites: upper-division standing or consent of instructor.

TDDE 169A. Digital Rendering for Theatre and Performance Design I (4)

Introductory course that explores a variety of digital rendering methods for artistic 2-D, 3-D, and moving graphics visualization in theatre and performance design. Course objective is to synthesize and expand traditional drawing and painting methods with modern digital media-based applications. Prerequisites: none.

TDDE 169B. Digital Rendering for Theatre and Performance Design II (4)

A continuation of TDDE 169A. Studio course explores advanced digital rendering methods for artistic 2-D, 3-D, and moving graphics for theatre and performance design. Focus will be on advanced techniques in the process of visualization from conception to production. Prerequisites: TDDE 169A.

TDDE 190. Major Project in Design/Theatre Production (4)

For the advanced design/production student. Concentration on a particularly challenging design or theatre production assignment, including such areas as assistant designer (scenery, lighting, or costumes), technical director, master cutter, or master electrician. May be repeated one time for credit. A maximum of eight units of major project study, regardless of area (design, directing, or stage management) may be used to fulfill major requirements. May be taken for credit two times. Prerequisites: admission by consent of instructor only. See department for application form.

TDDR—Theatre Directing/Stage Management

TDDR 101. Stage Management (4)

Discussion and research into the duties, responsibilities, and roles of a stage manager. Work to include studies in script analysis, communication, rehearsal procedures, performance skills, and style and conceptual approach to theatre. THGE or TDGE 1, THAC or TDAC 1, and THDE or TDDE 1 recommended.

TDDR 108. Text Analysis for Actors and Directors (4)

This is an introductory class in the process of understanding the play script. The class will focus on analyzing the story and the underlying dramatic structure in terms of dramatic action. Objectives, actions, choices, given circumstances, and character will be examined. Prerequisites: upper-division standing or consent of instructor.

TDDR 111. Directing-Acting Process (4)

A studio class that investigates the fundamental skills a director needs to work with actors. Working with actors, students learn how to animate the text onstage through status exercises and scene work as they develop their skill in text work, staging, and dramatic storytelling. Prerequisites: THDR or TDDR 108 or THHS or TDHT 10.

TDDR 190. Major Project in Directing (4)

For the advanced student in directing. Intensive concentration on the full realization of a dramatic text from research and analysis through rehearsal and into performance. A maximum of eight units of major project study, regardless of area (design, directing, or stage management) may be used to fulfill major requirements. See department for application. May be taken for credit two times. Prerequisites: THDR or TDDR 108, THDR or TDDR 111, consent of instructor, and department stamp.

TDDR 191. Major Project in Stage Management (4)

For the advanced student in stage management. Intensive concentration on the full realization of a dramatic text, from research and analysis through rehearsal and final performance. A maximum of eight units of major project study regardless of area (design, directing, stage management, or playwriting) may be used to fulfill major requirements. See department for application. May be taken for credit two times. Prerequisites: THPR or TDPR 4, THPR or TDPR 104, THDR or TDDR 101, consent of instructor, and department stamp.

TDDM—Dance Making

TDDM 1. Introduction to Dance Making (4)

Explores the concepts and processes of dance making through creative projects, discussions, and the examination of major dance works. Recommended preparation: No prior dance experience required. Open to all levels. Prerequisites: none.

TDDM 5. Site Specific Dance and Performance (4)

The study of dance and performance creation in relation to the environment, political activism, happenings, and ritual. Students explore ideas within the unique attributes of architecture, natural landscapes, public spaces, visual art, historic landmarks, and cultural contexts. Recommended preparation: No prior dance experience needed. Open to all levels. Prerequisites: none.

TDDM 100. Dance Making 1 (4)

Practical and conceptual studies of approaches to dance making. Compositional projects enable students to create short works for solo, duet, and small group situations with options to explore interdisciplinary collaboration, specific sites, text, political and societal issues, and advanced partner work. Prerequisites: TDDM 1 or consent of instructor.

TDDM 101. Dance Making 2 (4)

The study of compositional, ensemble, collaborative, and improvisational approaches to dance making. Structures, scores, tasks, imagination, timing, spontaneity, partnering skills, composing in the moment, shared authorship, and experimentation facilitate the development of movement vocabulary. Prerequisites: TDDM 1 or consent of instructor.

TDGE—Theatre General

TDGE 1. Introduction to Theatre (4)

An introduction to fundamental concepts in drama and performance. Students will attend performances and learn about how the theatre functions as an art and as an industry in today’s world. Prerequisites: none.

TDGE 3. Cultivating the Creative Mind (4)

This course will use the theatrical context to integrate scientific research about creativity, group dynamics, and related topics. Through a mix of theoretical and experiential classes and assignments, we will explore the intersection of theatre and neuroscience, investigating and expanding the creative mind. Prerequisites: none

TDGE 5. A Glimpse into Acting (4)

An introductory course on acting fundamentals for students without an acting background. Through analysis of acting on film, students will explore the actor’s craft and practice these skills in studio exercises to better understand how an actor approaches a text. Prerequisites: none.

TDGE 10. Theatre and Film (4)

Theatre and Film analyzes the essential differences between theatrical and cinematic approaches to drama. Through selected play/film combinations, the course looks at how the director uses actors and the visual languages of the stage and screen to guide and stimulate the audience’s responses. Prerequisites: none.

TDGE 11. Great Performances on Film (4)

t exploration...