Program Curriculum

The 19-credit core curriculum was designed for each student to build a critical understanding of the profession through daily artistic training. In addition to core classes, your curriculum is rounded out with numerous master classes with industry professionals, including master teachers, actors, casting directors, agents, producers, composers, writers, designers, stage managers, and production staff members.

Spring 2009 Courses

Click on each course for full description or view all descriptions at once.

Acting (19 credits)

Topics in Theatrical and Dramatic History
DRA 451 - 3 credits

Students attend Broadway and Off-Broadway Theater two nights per week as a basis of exploration into period, play analysis, stylistic development etc. Class meets once a week for instruction in addition to attending the theater.

Professional Practices
DRA 500 - 3 credits

This class is designed to support the student in gaining practical experience and knowledge of the entertainment business. During the semester students are exposed to experienced professionals in the field of theater, film and television through workshops and dialogue, field trips and hands on assignments.

Advanced Acting
DRA 530 - 3 credits

An experiential exploration of the acting process, focusing on advanced acting techniques and their application to modern, classical and poetic texts. One half of the semester period is taught on camera with an emphasis on the acting process as applied to all genres of film and television texts.

Advanced Voice Verse
DRA 433 - 3 credits

Exploring classical texts that challenge the actor emotionally. The class will cover a wide range of periods and will focus on clear diction and facility with complex spoken language

Professional Audition Theory and Practice
DRA 523 - 3 credits

For seniors in the acting major. Repertoire, techniques, and procedures necessary for a professional career in the theater, film and television. Practice, lecture/discussion, and readings.

Movement for Actors
DRA 400 - 3 credits

Movement, improvisation, breathing, and relaxation techniques for developing coordination, posture correction, and physical confidence combined with modern and jazz dance exercises for developing strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance.

Improvisation (or Jazz Dance)
DRA 490 - 1 credits

Introduces and explores the fundamental principles of improvisation, exercises in agreement, support, object and environment work, commitment, spontaneity and listening and strong clear character choices. The framework and structure of the course will provide for the group exploration of the acting process and performance from an improvisational base.
(Acting students have the option to take Improviation or Jazz Dance. For information on Jazz Dance, review course description under its listing in the Musical Theater track.)

Musical Theater (19 credits)

Topics in Theatrical and Dramatic History
DRA 451 - 3 credits

Students attend Broadway and Off-Broadway Theater two nights per week as a basis of exploration into period, play analysis, stylistic development etc. Class meets once a week for instruction in addition to attending the theater.

Professional Practices
DRA 500 - 3 credits

This class is designed to support the student in gaining practical experience and knowledge of the entertainment business. During the semester students are exposed to experienced professionals in the field of theater, film and television through workshops and dialogue, field trips and hands on assignments.

Auditioning for Musical Theater
DRA 410 - 3 credits

For seniors in musical theater. Repertoire, techniques, and procedures necessary for a professional career in musical theater. Practice, lecture/discussion, and readings.

Advanced Acting
DRA 530 - 3 credits

An experiential exploration of the acting process, focusing on advanced acting techniques and their application to modern, classical and poetic texts. One half of the semester period is taught on camera with an emphasis on the acting process as applied to all genres of film and television texts.

Private Applied Voice Lessons
DRA 400 - 1 credits

For seniors in musical theater. Individual lessons once a week for 30 minutes. They are designed to strengthen the actor/singer’s vocal instrument and provide the student a technical base and protect it against misuse. Material from various genres will be worked on. Day and time ill be arranged individually.

Advanced Voice Verse
DRA 433 - 3 credits

Exploring classical texts that challenge the actor emotionally. The class will cover a wide range of periods and will focus on clear diction and facility with complex spoken language

Ballet
DRA 340 - 2 credits

The theory and technique of classical dance as applied to musical theater. Work progressing to extended adagios, elementary turns and allegro combinations. Students will be placed in classes appropriate to their skill level

Jazz Dance
DRA 490 - 1 credits

Techniques and styles of contemporary jazz dance, specifically as applied to the musical theatre stage. Students will be placed in classes appropriate to their skill level.

Stage Management and Design Technical Theater

Students gain experience through internships with professional designers. The curriculum is tailored for each student's individual needs. If you are interested in this program you should contact us for more information.