Theatre Arts

Through the lens of tradition and innovation, students explore the dramaturgy of Asian theatres from classic forms (e.g. - Noh drama) to contemporary plays by Asian American/Canadian authors. Students in this and all contemporary world theatre courses engage with and collaborate in a set of informed, imaginative explorations of plays with a particular emphasis on dramatic action. They work toward the completion of this goal (1) by investigating, in light of performance, a play’s dramaturgy both from within (formally) and from without (historically, culturally); (2) by cutting, arranging, and producing scenes from plays they are studying; (3) by discovering formal and thematic threads that run through the plays, readings, and topics of this class; (4) by considering ways to increase the breadth and depth of theatre productions at Puget Sound through course work grounded in the Knowledge, Identity, and Power rubric. Although contemporary world theatre classes have similar learning outcomes and a common methodology, the plays and fields of study (e.g., African Diaspora, Asian Theatres, Voices of the Americas) differ from one class to another. Taught in rotation with THTR 250, 254, and 256.

This course begins with a deeper exploration of the theories within the Stanislavsky system of acting, focusing on psychological, emotional, physical, and intellectual processes that aid the actor when entering the world of the realistic play. The course then moves to physical approaches to character based in clown traditions as a bridge toward absurdism. Over the semester students explore both physical and emotional approaches to developing characters and apply them to a range of dramatic styles in both lab and class work. Participation includes extensive scene work and rigorous physical and vocal activity.

Students must also register for the THTR 300 lab.

This course serves as an introduction to the process of theatrical direction through in-depth course work and an intensive practicum. Students build a foundation in visual composition, script analysis, scene work, and collaboration, using the classroom as a laboratory to practice communicating vision and working and working with actors. Students then apply their directorial approaches in rehearsal while developing administrative skills as they produce a culminating festival of student-directed one act plays and scenes for the public.

A study of the history of architecture and interior design is combined with an exploration of techniques and styles of rendering and model construction. Contemporary theory and criticism within the field of scenography, methods of research, and play analysis are examined as tools for developing valid and original designs for the theatre.

In this seminar, students gain a better understanding of dramaturgy and the role it plays in the work of actors, designers, directors, dramaturgs, and playwrights. In addition to reading, writing, and talking about dramaturgy, students develop skills as theatre makers by participating in practical projects sponsored by the department that explore the relationship amongst dramaturgy, collaboration, community, and one or more of the following areas: devising, new play development, re-imagining the classics, and theatre education. This course may be repeated for credit.

Through dramaturgical analysis, studies of artist biography, and creative projects, students explore how, why, when, and where people have made theatre from the mid-seventeenth century to the contemporary moment. Encompassing Western and Non-Western traditions, the class emphasizes the discontinuities produced by European modernism. Coursework includes scene reconstruction performances, research projects, oral presentations, exams, and an exploration of the student’s personal vision for theatre in the contemporary world.