Introduction to Medical Acting

Course Number: 07:965:210
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This course is designed to train students to work as Standardized Patients in the OSCE training program at RWJ Medical School by using theatre training to portray patients in scenarios created for the purpose of simulating the experience of the Doctor/Patient relationship in a typical exam circumstance.

3 credit(s)

Instructor: David Dannenfelser, dd178@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Theater Appreciation

Course Number: 07:965:211
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

Designed for nonmajors. Students attend a wide spectrum of theater offerings: Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway, repertory, and university theater performances and, through discussion and lectures by professional artists, gain an appreciation of performance. Theater tickets and in-class presentation fee (generally, no text is required).

3 credit(s)

Learning Goals of Course:

1. Examine critically philosophical and other theoretical issues concerning the nature of reality, human experience, knowledge, value, and/or cultural production through exposure to contemporary theater. Students will be able to analyze and appreciate the contribution Theater makes to the public debate on social issues and values. They will develop an understanding of the theatrical methods and techniques that are used to frame the debate.
2. Analyze the art and literature of the Theater in themselves and in relation to specific histories, values, languages, cultures and technologies. Contemporary theater production includes a wide range of plays and topics. Depending on availability, plays of previous times and values (Shakespeare, etc.) are studied along with plays of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Histories, values and cultures are compared and contrasted in class discussions.

Instructor: Jeffrey Bender, jbender@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Black Theatre History

Course Number: 07:965:214

3 credits

Instructor: Marshall Jones III, mjones3@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Intro to Theatrical Design & Production

Course Number: 07:965:215
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This is an introductory course in basic theatrical design and production. Lectures (given twice a week) cover a wide range of topics relating to the technical, historical, and aesthetic aspects of designing scenery, costumes, and lighting for the stage.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None
Learning Goals of Course: After participating in this course, the student will have a working knowledge of the concepts, history, and terminology related to the design and technical aspects of theatrical production.

Instructor: David P. Gordon, dgordon@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Scenic Art

Course Number: 07:965:216
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

Lecture/workshop course in theatrical set design that expands on concepts covered in the fall semester. Lectures cover both conceptual/artistic and technical topics, and lab periods will be used to learn hands-on technical skills. The class culminates in a single set design project, formally presented at the end of the semester.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:965:215
Course Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course:

After participating in this course, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate the scenic designer’s role in developing productions.
• Critically consider plays for production function, historical/cultural context, and thematic/emotional qualities.
• Demonstrate basic competency in scale drafting and apply these skills to scale model building.
• Provide constructive critique to peers’ work throughout the design process within a positive and collaborative learning environment.
• Critically consider theatrical experiences and current art events.

Required and Recommended Course Materials:

Drafting tools

• Architectural Scale Ruler (Make sure you do not get the Engineering Scale Ruler)
• Minimum 24’’ T-Square
• 10’’ or 12’’ adjustable triangle (45-90 degree)
• 2H and 4H drawing pencils (any brand will do) (one of each is fine, get more if you lose things.)
• White vinyl eraser (I like Staedtler or Vanish but other brands will be fine)
• Hand pencil sharpener with a compartment to catch shavings
• Drafting compass
• Sanding pad
• Masking tape (1/4’’ or 1/2’’ wide)
• Drawing pad-18’’x24’’ (I like Strathmore but other brands are fine)
• Metal eraser shield (recommended but not required)
• Large soft portfolio to carry all this stuff across campus (not required, however, this is extremely helpful on rainy days)

Model Building Tools

• No. 1 X-Acto knife and #11 replacement blades
• 18’’ metal straight edge ruler
• Roll of tracing paper (18’’ White or Yellow)
• 2 Sheets of Black Foam Core (3/16’’ Thickness 20’’x30’’) – Elmer’s brand or Profoam brand is good (Buy at store-online doesn’t seem to sell them in small quantities. Make sure it’s not warped.)
• 1 Sheet black/white matte board (32’’x40’’) (Can be cut in half.)
• Sobo glue (4 oz. bottle)
• Glue stick (Optional)
• 1 pad of 9″x12″ Bristol paper
• Eye protection (Optional-I’ll explain.)
• Medium sized self-mending cutting board (Optional-this is good if you need to work at home and don’t want to ruin your table)
• Other materials may be needed depending on the needs of your final project.

Performing Solo: From Stage to YouTube

Course Number: 07:965:222
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Online Asynchronous

This is a performance-based elective course designed for students of all disciplines who wish to persuasively communicate in person or on video. If you’re scared of public speaking, then this class is a great way to find your comfort zone, from the comfort of your own home. Students will try vlogging, stand-up, monologues, narration, and even multi-character dialogue, with the help of a supportive instructor and class. Students will study these formats through lectures and by watching videos. Students will have the freedom to write their own scripts on a variety of topics important to them. Performance experience is not required to take this course. These skills are not only used in entertainment, but also in video conferencing and marketing for any profession. No matter your major or future career, this course can help you be the person who is confident, comfortable, and stands out.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None
Learning Goals of Course:

Course Goal:

• Using theatrical performance language, students will learn to analyze the genre of solo performance in relation to the genre’s specific history and formats.
• Students will engage critically in the process of developing original creative solo performance material by writing in multiple solo performance styles and genres, as well as giving and receiving productive critiques.
• Students will develop communicative skills and self-awareness inherent in the process of performing their original work for the on-camera assignments.

Course Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

• The unit lectures combined with the unit quizzes will teach students the terminology, definitions, concepts, and methodology of the Solo Performance styles and genres.
• The performance video assignments will teach students how to verbally communicate, sort, and construct a personal speech, presentation, or performance.
• The unit discussion assignments will teach students to compare and solve issues and questions related to topical information.
• Giving and receiving classmate critiques on the video performances will teach students to sort and build their performance understanding and confidence.
• The writing assignments will teach students to write, identify, and construct their thoughts through written communication.

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading: ## Course Assignments

These are the types of assignments you will encounter in the course:

• Unit Lectures - lectures consist of reading the content and viewing the chosen videos within the lectures.
• Unit Quizzes - quizzes consist of multiple-choice questions based on the content of the lectures.
• Unit Video Assignments - the videos will be performed, recorded, edited, and uploaded by the students.
• Each video will be seen by the instructor and fellow students. Constructive criticism will be given. The Final
• Presentation assignment is a video assignment.
• Unit Discussion Assignments - discussion topics will be given to the class and students will be asked to respond to the topic and each other in an online forum.
• Unit Video Critiques - constructive criticism on fellow students' video assignments.
• Unit Writing Assignments - creative writing assignments that are designed to help the students choose their final presentation topic and solo performance style.

Course Grading

Final Grade Percentages

• Writing Assignments (5 total) 15%
• Performance Video Assignments excluding Final (6 total) 30%
• Unit Quizzes (4 total) 8%
• Discussions (5 total) 10%
• Presentation Pitch Research Paper (1 total) 5%
• Critique of Classmates (6 total) 12%
• Final Performance Presentation (1 total) 20%
• TOTAL 100%

Instructor: Raymond McAnally, raymonmc@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Creating Characters Onstage and Online

Course Number: 07:965:225
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Online Asynchronous

This is a performance-based elective course designed for students of all disciplines who wish to persuasively communicate in person or on video. If you’re scared of public speaking, then this class is a great way to find your comfort zone, from the comfort of your own home. Students will try vlogging, stand-up, monologues, narration, and even multi-character dialogue, with the help of a supportive instructor and class. Students will study these formats through lectures and by watching videos. Students will have the freedom to write their own scripts on a variety of topics important to them. Performance experience is not required to take this course. These skills are not only used in entertainment, but also in video conferencing and marketing for any profession. No matter your major or future career, this course can help you be the person who is confident, comfortable, and stands out.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None
Learning Goals of Course: The goal of this course is to analyze the craft of acting in relation to specific techniques and disciplines, in order to engage critically in the process of developing original characters and creative performance material. Each student will experience the benefits of creating, writing, and performing their character work on camera, as well as giving and receiving productive critiques.

The communicative skills, behavioral study, empathy, and self-awareness learned herein will aid students in their individual fields of study and future careers. The class will focus on critical analysis of performance, artistic research of human behavior, and the ability to express one’s thoughts coherently through both verbal and written communication skills.

Objectives

• Using theatrical performance language, students will learn to analyze a variety of acting techniques, in relation to the technique’s specific history and purpose for exploring characters.
• Students will engage critically in the process of developing original creative performance material by writing and performing various acting techniques to create new characters, as well as giving and receiving productive critiques.
• Students will develop communicative skills and self-awareness inherent in the process of performing their original work for the on-camera assignments.

Learning Outcomes
After participating in this course, the student will be able to:

• Understand and utilize the terminology, definitions, concepts, and methodology of the acting techniques covered in the Unit Lectures and reinforced by the Unit Quizzes.
• Verbally communicate, sort, and construct a personal speech, presentation, or performance as learned through their experience preparing for the video assignments.
• Compare and solve issues and questions related to topical information as learned through Unit Discussion assignments.
• Sort and build their performance understanding and confidence by giving and receiving constructive Classmate Critiques for the course video assignments.
• Write, identify, and construct their thoughts through writing assignments.

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading:

Course Assignments
These are the types of assignments you will encounter in the course:

• Unit Lectures - lectures consist of reading the content and viewing the chosen videos within the lectures.
• Unit Quizzes - quizzes consist of multiple-choice questions based on the content of the lectures.
• Unit Video Assignments - the videos will be performed, recorded, edited, and uploaded by the students. Each video will be seen by the instructor and fellow students. Constructive criticism will be given. The Final Presentation assignment is a video assignment.
• Unit Discussion Assignments - discussion topics will be given to the class and students will be asked to respond to the topic and each other in an online forum.
• Unit Video Critiques - constructive criticism on fellow students' video assignments.
• Unit Writing Assignments - creative writing assignments that are designed to help the students choose their final presentation topic and solo performance style.

Course Grading
Final Grade Percentages

• Writing Assignments (5 total)15%
• Performance Video Assignments excluding Final (6 total) 30%
• Unit Quizzes (4 total) 8%
• Discussions (5 total) 10%
• Character Research Paper (1 total) 5%
• Critique of Classmates (6 total) 12%
• Final Performance Presentation (1 total) 20%
• TOTAL 100%

Instructor: Raymond McAnally, raymonmc@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Students attend a wide spectrum of theater offerings including Broadway, off-Broadway, off-off-Broadway, regional, educational, and community events, and, through viewing those theatrical productions and online lectures, gain an appreciation of performance and everything that goes into producing theater.

3 Credits

Note: Students will not receive credit for both 07:965:230 and 07:965:211. This course does not fulfill any SAS core requirements.

Instructors:
Richie Call, rcall@mgsa.rutgers.edu
Raymond Mcanally, rmcanally@mgsa.rutgers.edu
Antu Yacob, ayacob@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Theater History I Online

Course Number: 07:965:231
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Online Asynchronous

The objective is to examine the traditions of primarily Western theater from its origins to the English Restoration, within the context of wider cultural and political developments.

The class focuses on the relationship of these dramatic traditions to current issues such as gender, race, power, and identity, as well as theater as a vital expression of universal human empathy.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None
Learning Goals of Course:

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the relationship of theater to ritual, ceremony, and performance in everyday life;
• Compare, contrast, and interrogate theater/performance traditions through such lenses as race, gender, class, and colonialism, with a particular emphasis on centering traditionally marginalized/ignored/oppressed voices;
• Identify shifting historical approaches to theater production and performance;
• Distinguish between different dramatic genres and styles, and identify their historical evolution.

Learning Outcomes

• Construct coherent, analytical, critical written arguments that synthesize course concepts;
• Demonstrate close engagement with course readings and comprehension of course concepts and facts;
• Critically and creatively engage with other students via select assignments.

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading:

Course Assignments
Over the semester, the student will submit:

• One video introduction
• Eleven weekly open-book quizzes on the readings (lecture plus any additional readings)
• One Visual Connections assignment
• One closed-book Overview Exam
• One Life Connections Assignment

Note: There are NO extra-credit assignments for this class.

Course Grading
Note: Please see the Assessment Rubrics page in the Course Essentials modules for further details.

Final Grade Calculation (Assignment Percentage)

• Life Connections 40%
• Overview Exam 25%
• Weekly Quizzes (11 total) 30% (2.72% each)
• Visual Connections 4%
• Introduction Video 1%

Instructors:
David Letwin, dpletwin@mgsa.rutgers.edu
Kate Douglas, kate.douglas@rutgers.edu

Theater History II Online

Course Number: 07:965:232
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Online Asynchronous

Theater II picks up where the first class leaves off and takes us to the present time.

A survey of key theater developments, concepts, and trends, primarily Western, from the 18th Century to the present, within the broader context of emergent modernity, the crises this radical change produced, and the range of artistic responses to this new — and destabilizing — reality.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None
Learning Goals of Course:

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the relationship of theater to ritual, ceremony, and performance in everyday life;
• Compare, contrast, and interrogate theater/performance traditions through such lenses as race, gender, class, modernity, and colonialism, with a particular emphasis on centering traditionally marginalized/ignored/oppressed voices;
• Identify shifting historical approaches to theater production and performance;
• Distinguish between different dramatic genres and styles, and identify their historical evolution.

Learning Outcomes

• Construct coherent, analytical, critical written arguments that synthesize course concepts;
• Demonstrate close engagement with course readings and comprehension of course concepts and facts;
• Critically and creatively engage with other students via select assignments.

Required and Recommended Course Materials: In addition to what is already posted on the Canvas course site (weekly lectures and links to some of the plays), you will need to pick up one book and several plays that are not in the public domain. Please see the "Weekly Supplemental Readings List" page in the "Course Essentials" module for details. 
Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading:

Course Assignments
Over the semester, the student will:

• One video introduction
• Eleven weekly open-book quizzes on the readings (lecture plus any additional readings)
• One Visual Connection assignment
• Two discussions assignments
• One closed-book Overview Exam
• One Blog/Paper Assignment

Note: There are NO extra-credit assignments for this class.

Grading
Note: Please see the Assessment Rubrics page in the Course Essentials modules for further details.

Final Course Grade Calculation (Assignment Percentage)

• Blog/Paper 30%
• Discussion Threads (2 total) 30% (15% each)
• Overview Exam 21%
• Weekly Quizzes (11 total) 15% (1.36% each)
• Visual Connection 3%
• Introduction Video 1%

Instructor: David Letwin, dpletwin@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Staging Resistance: Theater, Protest, and Social Change Online

Course Number: 07:965:240
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Online Asynchronous

Through plays and other performance texts, videos, graphics, media accounts, and critical theory readings, this class will explore the vibrant tradition of the atricalized or staged resistance to the injustice and inequality endemic to contemporary culture. Sources include: plays and films that explicitly challenge embedded power hierarchies; radical performative disruptions such as Pussy Riot, Occupy Wall Street, and Take a Knee protests; and participatory community-engaged theater for social change.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None
Learning Goals of Course: This course is based on the principle of “Dual-Purpose Content,” in which the curriculum a) facilitates the acquisition of discipline-specific knowledge, and b) serves to develop critical, analytical, and creative thinking.

Learning Objectives

• Identify the historical development of “staged resistance,” beginning with the first-wave European avant-garde movements of the late nineteenth/early twentieth century, through to the present
• Identify how class, race, gender, nationality, sexuality — among other identity markers — intersect with “staged resistance.”
• Analyze the ways in which “staged resistance” overlaps with and breaks from the aesthetics/techniques of traditional theater.

Learning Outcomes

• Construct coherent, analytical, critical written arguments that synthesize course concepts.
• Demonstrate close engagement with course readings and comprehension of course concepts and facts.
• Critically, analytically, and creatively engage with other students via discussions assignments based on course material.
• Incorporate course concepts into creative final project.

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading:

Course Structure and Assignments
Note: Assignments subject to change

The course is organized around weekly modules/case studies. Over the semester, the student will:

• One video introduction
• Eleven weekly open-book quizzes on the readings (lecture plus any additional readings)
• Two Visual Connection assignments
• Two discussions assignments
• One closed-book Final Exam
• One Blog Assignment

Final Grade Calculation

• Blog Project 30%
• Discussion Threads (2 total) 32% (16% each)
• Final Exam 21%
• Weekly Quizzes (11 total) 16% (1.45% each)
• Introduction Video 1%

Instructor: David Letwin, dpletwin@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Musical Theatre Appreciation

Course Number: 07:965:260

An overview of the American art form. This course will explore the history, vocabulary, style, and growth of musical theatre through lectures, special guest demonstrators, and live performances. Theater tickets and in-class presentation course fee.

3 credits

Basic Acting

Course Number: 07:965:271

This course is designed to provide students a basic understanding of the technique of acting. Students discover the basic approaches to the technique of acting through active participation in exercises, improvisations, and scene work.

3 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course:

To learn and apply the basic fundamentals of Acting:

• Recognize and explore spontaneous impulses
• Exhibit moment to moment truth
• Develop a strong point of view
• Establish public privacy and reality of doing
• Understand what given circumstances are
• Explore emotional life
• Develop a critical eye for discussion/evaluation of theatrical presentations/TV/Film
• Work with others in a non-judgmental, truthful, collaborative and professional manner
• Cultivate an active IMAGINATION and foster CREATIVITY

Instructor:
Gregory Perri, gperri@mgsa.rutgers.edu
Karen Alvarado; karen.alvarado@rutgers.edu

Intermediate Acting

Course Number: 07:965:272
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This course builds on the skills acquired in Basic Acting; upon that foundation, students will study and practice specific techniques designed to interpret and rehearse scripted material. Students will use an abridged and adapted Sanford Meisner methodology that draws on the theories and writings of Konstantin Stanislavski. In addition, we will use Ping Chong and Company exercises. Students will explore genuine and spontaneous responses to imaginary circumstances that they will both craft and interpret from established texts.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course:

• Reinforcing the basic foundations of acting acquired in theater course 271
• Learning how to deepen the authenticity of response in crafted, improvised and scripted scene work
• Learning to adapt scene work in response to constructive feedback
• Learning to engage in artistic discussions – both written and verbal
• Learning to adapt scene work in response to constructive feedback given circumstances, beats, objectives, actions and expectations.

Instructor: Gregory Perri

Theater History

Course Number: 07:965:281
Course Format: Seminar
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

3 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course:

• Define vocabulary terms and concepts from various global theatrical practices and theories
• Identify cultural theatrical forms, motifs and expressions and how different societies, cultures, and perspectives have shaped the theatrical form and an audience’s experience of it
• Identify writers and theater practitioners from around the world- Students will leave the class with a better understanding that theater history must not be looked at as one movement leading to the next, but as a series of movements often occurring simultaneously and in conversation with one another.
• Students will examine critically aesthetic and theoretical issues concerning theater and performance (SAS Core Curriculum AH.C.o.), as well as analyze theatrical literature in relation to specific histories, values, cultures, and technologies.

Instructor: Chris Cragin-Day

Theater History

Course Number: 07:965:282
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This course aims to develop a set of conceptual and analytical tools for the close reading and interpretation of plays and historical texts as “blueprints” or “scores” for theatrical performance. It provides an analytical vocabulary and dramaturgical skillset useful both to students with a general interest in theater as an artistic and cultural form and to aspiring theater-makers, whether in acting, directing, design, dramaturgy, or other areas. See 07:965:231-232 for online offering.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course:

• Students will explore the historical context in which plays were written and major historical events and players that have significantly contributed to theater.
• Students will leave the class with a better understanding that theater history must not be looked at as one movement leading to the next, but as a series of movements often occurring simultaneously and in conversation with one another.
• Students will examine critically aesthetic and theoretical issues concerning theater and performance (SAS Core Curriculum AH.C.o.), as well as analyze theatrical literature in relation to specific histories, values, cultures, and technologies.

Required and Recommended Course Materials: Theatre Histories: An Introduction (Third Edition) Tobin Nellhaus, general editor.

Instructor: Chris Cragin-Day

New York Theater Experience

Course Number: 07:965:300

This course is designed to provide the student with an enhanced, detailed experience as an audience member of contemporary theater. This is done by examining and challenging the plays in deep analytical terms: examining play/script structure, elements of design, performance truth, and directing/staging. Students attend up to 12 professional productions: Broadway, Off Broadway, and regional. The class attends plays every Wednesday night, and an in-depth student panel discussion occurs the following Monday evening. Course fee for tickets to live theater. Travel costs to see assigned plays are not included. Attendance is required for seeing plays.

3 credits

Instructor: Marshall Jones

Theater For Social Development

Course Number: 07:965:302
Course Format: Lecture

Theater for Social Development is designed to develop students’ understanding of how the arts can be the driver of engaged social interventions and community development​.

3 credit(s)

Instructor: John Keller, jpkeller@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Intro to Costume Design

Course Number: 07:965:310
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

Introduction to Costume Design is a lecture course that covers the fundamentals of costume design; character analysis, basic research techniques, and rendering are covered as they pertain to costume design.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Recognize what costume design is, and the basic principles needed to tell a story.
• Create a visual approach to costume design through research, analysis, and costume renderings.
• Create rough sketches and color costume renderings.
• Present themselves and their work with confidence and clarity.

Instructor: David Murin, dmurin@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Intro to Costume Design

Course Number: 07:965:311
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This is an introductory course on the fundamentals of costume design. In this course, we will cover the practical application of methods, materials, and techniques used in the creative storytelling process. Character analysis, costume research, and rendering will be introduced with the focus on providing students with a working understanding of the theatrical design process as well as the essential skills needed to design costumes for live performance.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course: Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to communicate a visual approach to costume design through research analysis and costume renderings for a work of dramatic literature.

Required and Recommended Course Materials: Will be discussed in the first session

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading: Will be discussed in the first session

Instructor: David Murin, dmurin@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Playwriting

Course Number: 07:965:314

• Dramatic Structure: Story patterns that typically serve as foundations for plot and action
• Characterization: The development of believable people with complex personalities and desires
• Dialogue: Naturalistic conversation captured in the form of dramatic writing
• Theatricality: The unique capabilities of playwriting, distinct from prose and screenwriting
• Criticism: Constructive feedback given between peer writers

3 credits

Learning Goals of Course: 

By the end of the semester, you will be able to:

• Distill existing plays into simplified dramatic structures and outline clear dramatic structures for your own playwriting projects.
• Craft authentic human expression, psychology, and behavior in playwriting form.
• Generate dialogue that captures the cadence and nuance of actual conversation.
• Author moments on the page that present innovative, theatrical opportunities for directors, actors, and designers.
• Give and receive constructive creative feedback.
• Write and present a complete one-act play.

Instructor: Sam Giberga, sag334@scarletmail.rutgers.edu

Advanced Acting

Course Number: 07:965:325

This course is designed to deepen the acting student’s understanding of the craft of acting using structured improvisations, acting exercises, and a study of the rehearsal process as it relates to the production of a one-act play. Actor training will focus on and make use of individual and group exercises that challenge both the mind and the body.

3 credit(s)

Learning Goals:

During this course, the students will:

1. Learn how to apply his/her training in acting exercises to a text
2. Learn about basic text analysis from an actor’s point of view
3. Develop the skills necessary for researching a role
4. Learn the basic elements of rehearsal and the function of the actor in it
5. Develop his/her understanding of the actor’s preparation
6. Develop and expand upon his/her improvisational skills
7. Continue to test and increase his/her use of the imagination
8. Continue to develop his/her verbal and physical agility
9. Continue to increase his/her focus and concentration
10. Continue to increase his/her use of observational skills
11. Continue to develop his/her sensory awareness
12. Continue to develop the discipline necessary for the practice of the craft of acting

Performance Workshop

Course Number: 07:965:326

An active, process-oriented approach to play devising, this course will be concerned with the creation of a single one-act play. Though there will be many opportunities for writing in the class, the nature of this writing will be focused more on active on-your-feet crafting of the elements that make up a piece of dramatic writing than on the traditional pen-to-paper approach. Each student will act as a “scribe” in collaboration with the group to record and fashion our process into a completed play which will then be rehearsed and performed as a culminating experience for the class.

3 credit(s)

Learning Goals:

1.  To inspire and foster the development of your skills as an actor/writer through daily exercises in group process
2. To use the group process in order to develop a better understanding of your own personal process and growth as an actor/writer
3. To shake up any preconceived notions you may have about play devising
4. To explore and challenge your understanding of a personal point of view as it exists within the context of a group process and beyond
5. To develop and sharpen your skills in the analysis of your writing through the discussion and critique of your work and of the work of others
6. To encourage the flexibility of creative thought necessary for the crafting of a play
7. To complete a short one-act play through the group process by the end of the semester

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Prerequisites: 07:965:325 and an audition is required.

Instructor: David Dannenfelser, dd178@mgsa.rutgers.edu

 

Improving Communication Through Improv

Course Number: 07:965:330

3 credits

Improv & Theater Games

Course Number: 07:965:350

This course is designed will provide the student with the skills needed to keep the actor’s “instrument(body, voice, mind )”tuned” and in good working order. Various improvisational techniques and theatre games are utilized to this end. While the techniques are fun, the skills acquired are tangible.

3 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Prerequisite: 07:965:271

Learning Goals of Course: By the end of the semester the student will be able to freely improvise, both as an end in itself and to work through problems with character and scene work while in production.

Instructor: Sari Ruskin, sruskin@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Independent Study

Course Number: 07:965:359

This course allows students to work and study on a project independently which provides the opportunity to develop and refine their theater skills with one-on-one support and direction from professional faculty.

BA credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open only to upper-class theater arts majors with permission of instructor and student’s theater arts adviser.

Theater Management

Course Number: 07:965:364

This course is designed to develop the student’s understanding of the fundamental concepts and practices of today’s Theater Manager, which includes several management aspects of professional regional theater, such as: organizational design, administration, marketing, budgeting, and fundraising.

3 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open to 965/966 majors or by permission of instructor.

Theater Management: Producing

Course Number: 07:965:365

This course is designed to further develop the student’s understanding of the fundamental
concepts of producing theatrical shows. The class presents an in-depth examination of the art of producing by assessing such theater management aspects as leadership, script selection, AEA & other unions, contract negotiation and marketing.

3 credit(s)

Instructor: Marshall Jones III, mjones3@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Global Theater I

Course Number: 07:965:370
Course Format: Seminar
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This course explores the theories and practices — the ideas behind the art — of theater and theatrical performance in the 21st century, with an emphasis on historical perspectives and contemporary applications. Through questioning the nature and function of the art form and interdisciplinary comparisons, the students are encouraged to examine their own values and beliefs and how those values and beliefs might shape the future.

3 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Theater History 1 & 2

Learning Goals of Course: Students will read and discuss works by playwrights, philosophers and aesthetic theorists from diverse cultures and epochs. Students will analyze how different societies and perspectives shape the theatrical form and the experience of it. Students will examine critically aesthetic and theoretical issues concerning theater and performance (SAS Core Curriculum AH.C.o.), as well as analyze theatrical literature in relation to specific histories, values, cultures, and technologies.

Instructor: Al Pour Issa

Global Theater II

Course Number: 07:965:371
Course Format: Seminar
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

Builds on the classwork of the first semester in Global I. The class examines shared and divergent ideas about the nature of theater and its diverse expressions across and between contemporary world theatre-makers, with a particular emphasis on challenging global issues and currents. The class places the student in the context of and in dialogue with a wide array of artists around the world.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:965:370
Course Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course:

• Students connect ideas and individuals, place and practice in the theater, and theatrical performance globally at this moment in the 21st century.
• Students engage historical and cultural perspectives and contemporary applications.
• Through building on the questioning we have done in Global I on the nature and function of the art form and continued interdisciplinary/cross-cultural comparisons, the students are encouraged to examine their own values and beliefs and how those values and beliefs might shape the future.

Instructor: Al Pour-Issa

Theater Horizons

Course Number: 07:965:390

This course is designed to provide students valuable information regarding careers in professional theater as well as career preparation–guest speakers and site visits included. Required of all junior theater arts 965 majors.

3 credit(s)

Instructors: Marshall Jones III

Internships/Theater

Course Number: 07:965:396

Supervised work experience in a department of a professional theater organization. Includes design and production, performance, stage management, business management, or literary management.

BA credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

Intro to Dramaturgy

Course Number: 07:965:408

This course offers an introductory exploration of the diverse facets of dramaturgy, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of its definitions, forms, and functions. Throughout the semester, participants will engage with various areas of expertise essential for a dramaturg, fostering practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Additionally, the course delves into the history, theory, and practice of production dramaturgy, encouraging students to explore a range of scholarly, artistic, and interpersonal skills to support emergent artistic production.

3 credits

Learning Goals of Course: Throughout the semester, participants will delve into the diverse areas of expertise crucial for a dramaturg, including the realms of artistic producing and artistic directing, production dramaturgy, literary management, public engagement and outreach, criticism and journalism, as well as publishing, editing, and researching. The course will also cover aspects of adaptations and revisions, preparing students for the nuanced challenges in these creative processes. Furthermore, students will engage in consultation and script development within the theater, TV, and film industries. The course encourages active participation, hands-on learning, and critical thinking, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the multifaceted role of a dramaturg in various professional settings.

Instructor: Al Pour Issa

Directing

Course Number: 07:965:421

Principles of play directing, including visual storytelling techniques, communication with actors, and staging fundamentals.

3 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Prerequisites: 07:965:271 and 07:966:215. Open to juniors and seniors only.

Instructors: David Esbjornson, dje71@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Advanced Directing Project

Course Number: 07:965:422
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

“Advanced Directing” is designed for students who have successfully completed the first semester of “Directing” and have demonstrated a strong interest in deepening their knowledge about the craft and role of a director.

This is a select in-person studio class that focuses on an exploration of dramaturgy and scene work stemming from a variety of styles and sensibilities. A smaller class size allows each student ample opportunity to collaborate with volunteer acting students to create fully articulated presentations.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:965:422
Course Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course:

• Students will build on their knowledge of Directing from last semester and develop additional skills to continue Practicing the craft.
   
• Students will be able to demonstrate the steps needed to prepare for A rehearsal process.
• Students will be able to analyze as well as present comprehensive and practical production thinking on A weekly basis.
   
• Students will learn, through first-hand experience, how to enhance their ability to direct actors.

Required and Recommended Course Materials: TBA essays and plays

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading:

OUR CLASSROOM IS AN E-FREE ENVIRONMENT, WITH NO CELL PHONES OR COMPUTERS. Please bring a notebook and writing materials for taking notes or drawing. Beverages are allowed but please refrain from eating until the breaks.

Participation: Wholehearted participation in class is expected, with openness to the diverse experiences of the group. Participation also includes willingness to read texts out loud and share personal experiences, thoughts or questions

Assignments: are expected to be turned in by the assigned due date. The instructor reserves the right to accept or not accept any late submission.

Technology Failures: may not be accepted as a reason for missed assignment due dates. Therefore, do not leave anything to the last minute. Back up files frequently and in various locations so work is not lost. It is the student’s responsibility to alert the instructor of a technology issue immediately so that the instructor can identify alternative ways to complete or submit an assignment.

Emergencies: If there is an emergency that prevents the timely submission of an assignment, the student should contact the instructor directly, preferably before the due date. Do not include information of a private, personal nature. The instructor will provide instructions how to get documentation supporting the event.

Student Responsibility: Students are responsible for all information included in the course. Failure to read all the course documents Academic Honesty Guidelines, Technical Requirements, the Rutgers Disability Policy, and Schedule of Assessment Due Dates, will not excuse anyone from requirements or policies related to the completion of the course.

Instructor: David Esbjornson, desbjornson@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Storytelling Workshop

Course Number: 07:965:451

An introduction to the art and practice of storytelling including the writing of stories for children using important universal iconography. The different techniques for reading aloud and for telling stories will be taught and practiced throughout the semester. Students will have a chance to “perform” for elementary school classes. The instructor will provide the placements.

2 credits

Learning Goals of Course: The student will have an understanding of the psychology of children’s stories in order to write them as well as the ability to tell them freely.

Instructor: Sari Ruskin

Creative Drama For Children

Course Number: 07:965:471

This course is designed to provide the student with the skills to utilize the creative process in order to positively impact a child’s imagination within the school environment. The students will work with elementary school children in the children’s own classrooms to bring appropriate literature to “life” They will teach the children to use their bodies, voices, and imaginations in ways that are freeing and joyful.

3 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Prerequisite: 07:965:271

Learning Goals of Course: The students will learn appropriate techniques to nudge the children’s creative processes. He/she/they will also learn some classroom management techniques to bring with them into their supervised classroom placements. The instructor will provide the placements.

Instructor: Sari Ruskin, sruskin@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Creative Drama For Children

Course Number: 07:965:472

The students in this class will be part of a “story theatre” troupe and will perform various folk and fairy tales (both classical and modern) for local elementary schools.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:965:271

Learning Goals of Course: The student will learn to utilize his/her/their body in order to “become” all the elements(characters, scenery, sound effects) in performed stories.

Instructor: Sari Ruskin; sruskin@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Clothing & Culture I

Course Number: 07:965:473
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This course introduces the human phenomenon of dress and adornment, with themes from the fields of psychology, anthropology, art, textile, fashion, and cultural history. Diverse examples of global dress from prehistory to the late 20th century provide rich comparison. Enhancing the curriculum of students preparing for careers in the arts, the class examines the role of fashion in the cultural construction of identity.

3 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course:

Upon completion of this course:

1. Students will be able to analyze dress practices using a framework of basic principles.
2. Students will be able to identify key garments from the periods and countries covered and explain how they reflect their eras.
3. Students will be able to recognize themes as they recur throughout the history of fashion.
4. Students will be able to analyze both modern and historical dress using multidisciplinary tools.
5. Students will hone their scholarly research and presentation skills.

Required and Recommended Course Materials:

Recommended:

• Cole, Daniel J. and Nancy Diehl, The History of Modern Fashion from 1850. London: Laurence King Publishing, 2015.
• Steele, Valerie. Encyclopedia of Clothing and Fashion. New York: Scribner/Thomson, 2005.
• Laver, James. Costume and Fashion: A Concise History. New York: Thames & Hudson, 1969.
• Welters, Linda, and Abby Lillethun. Fashion History: A Global View. London: Bloomsbury Visual Arts, 2018.

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading:

Assessment:

• Weekly Assignments: (20%)
  • A short assignment will be due on the Canvas course shell before class almost every week. (See Course Schedule for details.) For Discussion posts, after submitting their work, students are required to read and comment on at least three other classmates’ submissions. These assignments will assess learning outcome goals 1-4.
• Midterm Exam: (15%)
  • A midterm exam will be given on the material covered up to that point. The Midterm assesses how well the student is meeting learning outcome goals 1-4 and which areas may need more work.
• Research Project: (30%)
  • Each student will present a research project in class on an individual’s life in fashion. This project gives students a chance to deepen their knowledge of the course material and develop their research and presentation skills. The Research Project assesses learning outcome goals 1-5.
• Final Exam: (25%)
  • The final exam will cover concepts from the entire semester with an emphasis on the material after the midterm and include selected terms from students’ final research projects. Several essay questions will be assigned ahead. The final exam will be scheduled by the department and held online, assessing learning outcome goals 1-4.
• Class Participation/Attendance: (10%)
  • Wholehearted participation in class is expected, with openness to the diverse experiences of the group. Participation also includes willingness to read period texts out loud, share personal experiences of fashion, and occasionally volunteer to model period clothing.

Instructor: Elizabeth Clancy, elizabeth.clancy@rutgers.edu

Advanced Light Lab

Course Number: 07:965:490

A weekly discussion and exploration of the properties of light, and how to manipulate the medium to support storytelling, affect perception and inform overall point of view.

2 credit(s)

Instructors:
Don Holder, dholder@mgsa.rutgers.edu
Cat Tate Starmer, cat.tate.starmer@rutgers.edu

Project Work

Course Number: 07:965:491

Project work is the application of performance, production, or critical theory, in an external theatrical organization. Activities include, but are not limited to, literary management, directing, stage management, design, acting, and theater management. Project work proposals require approval of department head.

BA credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Prerequisites: 07:966:215 and permission of student’s B.A. adviser. Open to juniors and seniors.

Learning Goals of Course: Learning Goals are dependent on the Project. Learning goals will be determined in conjunction with department head. 

Project Work

Course Number: 07:965:492

Project work is the application of performance, production, or critical theory, in an external theatrical organization. Activities include, but are not limited to, literary management, directing, stage management, design, acting, and theater management. Project work proposals require approval of department head.

BA credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:965:215-216

Learning Goals of Course: Learning Goals are dependent on the topic of the Project. Learning goals will be determined in conjunction with department head. 

Honors Project Theater Arts

Course Number: 07:965:493

Designed to reflect a student’s deep engagement with a specific discipline, question, or problem, the Capstone Project involves a substantial, sustained, and original writing, research, or performance requirement leading to at least 6 credits. The Capstone must include a bibliography of relevant scholarly literature, receive approval from the Honors College, and be supervised by an approved faculty advisor. To reflect the diversity of experiences available through the Honors College and to reflect the wide range of disciplinary specializations within the participating schools, there are six options for Capstone Projects available to Honors College students. The Capstone Project is a culminating project spanning two consecutive semesters (3 credits each semester) that generally occurs in the fourth year.

3 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Prerequisite: Permission of B.A. adviser. Student must have at least 3.0 within the major.

Learning Goals of Course: Learning Goals are dependent on the topic of the Project. Learning goals will be determined in conjunction with the faculty advisor. 

Honors Project Theater Arts

Course Number: 07:965:494

Designed to reflect a student’s deep engagement with a specific discipline, question, or problem, the Capstone Project involves a substantial, sustained, and original writing, research, or performance requirement leading to at least 6 credits. The Capstone must include a bibliography of relevant scholarly literature, receive approval from the Honors College, and be supervised by an approved faculty advisor. To reflect the diversity of experiences available through the Honors College and to reflect the wide range of disciplinary specializations within the participating schools, there are six options for Capstone Projects available to Honors College students. The Capstone Project is a culminating project spanning two consecutive semesters (3 credits each semester) that generally occurs in the fourth year.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:965:493

Learning Goals of Course: Learning Goals are dependent on the topic of the Project. Learning goals will be determined in conjunction with the faculty advisor. 

Seminar Topics in Theater: Beyond Theater

Course Number: 07:965:495
Course Format: Seminar
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This course is designed to expand the conversation about stage management beyond the major focus of theater practice.

BA credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course: Students will complete this course with an understanding as to how stage management practice can be applied in creative and corporate environments beyond theater.

Instructor: Anne McPherson, amcpherson@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Seminar Topics in Theater

Course Number: 07:965:496

This course number is for independent courses based on special topics. Courses have included Race *Identity* Theater, Embellishments, and Intimacy.

BA credits

Learning Goals of Course: Learning Goals are dependent upon the topic of the course. 

Instructors:
Marshall Jones, mjones3@mgsa.rutgers.edu
Anna Gerdes, alg194@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Workshop Topics Theater

Course Number: 07:965:497
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This course number is for workshop topics in theater and vary each semester. Subjects have included Scene Study, Masks, Physical Acting, etc.

2 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Required for 1st & 2nd Year BFA Acting Students

Learning Goals of Course: Learning Goals are dependent upon the topic of the course. 

Instructor: William Carden, wcarden@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Workshop Topics Theater

Course Number: 07:965:498

This course number is for workshop topics in theater and vary each semester. Subjects have included Scene Study, Masks, Physical Acting, etc.

BA credits

Learning Goals of Course: Learning Goals are dependent upon the topic of the course. 

Instructor: William Carden, wcarden@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Theater Colloquium

Course Number: 07:966:103

Theater Colloquium is a multidisciplinary, weekly event that includes: sharing of ideas, information, and inspirations; professional and academic panels and workshops; guest artists; discussions and performances. Attendance is mandatory and the course is taken for pass/fail credit.

0 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open to BFA students only.

Learning Goals of Course: Colloquium is a convocation, a programmed gathering — for improving communication, building community; and providing informative and creative content, conversation, and connections.

Instructor: Ellen Bredehoft, ebredehoft@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Theater Colloqium

Course Number: 07:966:104

Theater Colloquium is a multidisciplinary, weekly event that includes: sharing of ideas, information, and inspirations; professional and academic panels and workshops; guest artists; discussions and performances. Attendance is mandatory and the course is taken for pass/fail credit.

0 credits

Course Prerequisites: Open to BFA students only.

Learning Goals of Course: Colloquium is a convocation, a programmed gathering — for improving communication, building community; and providing informative and creative content, conversation, and connections.

Instructor: Ellen Bredehoft, ebredehoft@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Drawing Practice

Course Number: 07:966:105
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This course is an exploration into illustration/drawing techniques for both costume and scenic design. Costume students will receive in-depth, solid instruction in figure drawing and rendering, that allow students to develop their individual style for creating costume sketches. Scenic, Lighting and Production students will learn to “see” better, by the use of simple exercises that employ the conditions of visual reality transferred to the flat surface by flat planes and straight lines. Model fee associated with course.

2 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open only to BFA design majors or by permission of instructor
Learning Goals of Course:

Upon completion of this course, Costume students should be able to:

• Create rough pencil sketches and colour costume renderings.
• Show increased skills in various media including: collage, pencil, marker, watercolor, gouache paints, etc.
• Learn industry standard illustration and rendering techniques for costume designers.
• Present themselves and their work with confidence, clarity and professionalism.

Scenic, Lighting and Production students should be able to:

• Make a drawing on paper translated from the immediate environment, art of the historical past, or from photographs.
• Use a variety of art materials for form, character, scale and dimensions.
  Have familiarity with the sources of cultural arcifacts in our surroundings and in our craft.

Instructor: Jerilyn Jurinek, jurinek@mgsa.rutgers.edu; Shane Ballard, sb1596@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Theater Practice

Course Number: 07:966:123
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

Sections include assignments in one of the production shops: set, lighting, and costume or a run crew assignment on one show. Attending one MGSA strike is mandatory in the semester. A minimum of 90 hours is required to pass the course, but some production running assignments may require up to 150 hours.

2 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None
Learning Goals of Course:

• Learn the basic skills associated with a specific production shop
• Learn how to take part in a show strike

Instructor: Jennifer Stauffer, jstauffer@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Theater Practice: Design/Acting

Course Number: 07:966:124
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This course allows the students to experience different areas of the Production experience including the production shops, backstage crew, or understudying on one show. This is a lab course that must be taking twice consecutively covering one full academic year. For BFA Design & Production Majors, over the course of the year they will be assigned 1 run crew assignment and spend 7 weeks in each of the 3 production shops: Scene Shop, Costume Shop, & Light Shop. For the BFA Actors, over the course of the year, they will be assigned to work crew on one show and understudy on one show. Two semesters are required for all BFA majors.

1 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None
Learning Goals of Course:

Depending on your major and/or assignment you will:

• Learn the differences between each production shop.
• Learn how to be a member of a show crew.
• Learn how to take part in a show strike in a safe environment.
• Learn the goals of how to be a successful understudy on a production.

Required and Recommended Course Materials: None
Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading: Your grade for the Theater Practice class will be based on your attendance and the quality of your work. During technical rehearsal weekends you should plan to make yourself available to help get the production up. If a work call is scheduled on tech weekend, it is required. These additional work calls are in addition to your normally scheduled shop time.

Instructor: Jennifer Stauffer, jstauffer@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Stage Management Forum

Course Number: 07:966:202
Course Format: Seminar

This class is set up as a series of full Stage Management Area seminars designed to give students an opportunity to unpack their thoughts about stage management as well as discuss topical stage management-related readings and theater industry news. Most discussion topics are not determined in advance of the semester’s onset, in an effort to hold space for topics to arise.

1 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open to BFA stage managers
Learning Goals of Course: Students actively participating in this course will build on their abilities to reflect regularly on their individual relationships with the craft of stage management, as well as the application of the stage management skillset in professional practice and other arenas.

By meeting deadlines and engaging with the topics presented for discussion, students will build on their skillsets in the following areas:

• Time management
• Organization
• Communication (written & verbal)
• Analysis

All learning opportunities are stage management learning opportunities.

Required and Recommended Course Materials: Varies by semester

Instructor: Anne McPherson, amcpherson@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Introduction to Stage Lighting Technology

Course Number: 07:966:209

2 credits

Learning Goals of Course:

• Demonstrate knowledge of basic skills and safety in stage lighting
• Demonstrate knowledge of standard professional practice in stage lighting
• Demonstrate skills that will prepare them for more advanced training in stage lighting

Instructor: Emrys Watson

Intro to Design

Course Number: 07:966:215
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open only to BFA Design & Production majors or by permission of instructor.

Learning Goals of Course:

• Show a thorough knowledge of basic theatrical technical and design concepts and terminology.
• Show familiarity with job titles and responsibilities within the theatrical profession.
• Show knowledge of historical performance spaces and physical presentation styles and techniques.
• Show knowledge of basic stagecraft concepts in scenery, lighting, and costumes.
• Employ and understand basic design theory and process as well as materials, generated by designers in all areas, necessary to transfer ideas from concept to reality.
• Develop creative work from a variety of viewpoints using various mediums.
• Implement creative solutions and problem-solving techniques in order to make informed design choices.
• Present themselves and their ideas in both visually compelling and verbally articulate manner.

Instructor: David P. Gordon, dgordon@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Introduction to Theatre Design

Course Number: 07:966:216
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

The second semester of Introduction to Design focuses on research and the realized set, costume, and lighting design process for one complete design project.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:966:215
Course Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course:

After participating in this course, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate the designer’s role in developing scenic, costume and lighting choices for productions.
• Critically consider plays for production function, historical/cultural context, and thematic/emotional qualities.
• Demonstrate basic competency in historical/artistic research, and its synthesis in design.
• Demonstrate basic competency in scale drafting and apply these skills to scale model building.
• Demonstrate basic competency in costume rendering.
• Demonstrate basic understanding of how lighting choices in cueing and color can help enhance the audience’s perception of a play.
• Provide constructive critique to peers’ work throughout the design process within a positive and collaborative learning environment.
• Critically consider theatrical experiences and current art events.

Required and Recommended Course Materials:

Drafting tools

• Architectural Scale Ruler (Make sure you do not get the Engineering Scale Ruler)
• Minimum 24’’ T-Square
• 10’’ or 12’’ Adjustable Triangle (45-90 degree)
• 2H and 4H drawing pencils (any brand will do) (one of each is fine, get more if you lose things.)
• White vinyl eraser (I like Staedtler or Vanish but other brands will be fine)
• Hand pencil sharpener with a compartment to catch shavings
• Drafting compass
• Sanding pad
• Masking tape (1/4’’ or 1/2’’ wide)
• Drawing pad-18’’x24’’ (I like Strathmore but other brands are fine)
• Metal eraser shield (recommended but not required)
• Large soft portfolio to carry all this stuff across campus (not required, however, this is extremely helpful on rainy days)

Model Building Tools

• No. 1 X-Acto knife and #11 replacement blades
• 18’’ metal straight edge ruler
• Roll of tracing paper (18’’ White or Yellow)
• 2 Sheets of Black Foam Core (3/16’’ Thickness 20’’x30’’) – Elmer’s brand or Profoam brand is good (Buy at store-online doesn’t seem to sell them in small quantities. Make sure it’s not warped.)
• 1 Sheet black/white matte board (32’’x40’’) (Can be cut in half.)
• Sobo glue (4 oz. bottle)
• Glue stick (Optional)
• 1 pad of 9″x12″ Bristol paper
• Eye protection (Optional-I’ll explain.)
• Medium sized self-mending cutting board (Optional-this is good if you need to work at home and don’t want to ruin your table)
• Other materials may be needed depending on the needs of your final project.

Instructor: Jessica Jahn

Introduction to Scenic Construction

Course Number: 07:966:219
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

Students will be taught techniques and terminology that will prepare them for working in a scene shop; construction of scenic elements will be covered. Working with power tools and learning the basics of theatrical scenery construction while working safely and in a timely fashion.

2 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Only open to BFA students or by permission of instructor.Learning Goals of Course:

At the completion of this course, the student will have:

• Learned the use and application for tools used in scenic construction
• Learned about basic scenic construction
• Learned basic shop math
• Learned about collaboration in a shop setting
• Learned about shop safety

Required and Recommended Course Materials: All course material is supplied.

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading:

• Projects: There will be three construction projects throughout the semester.
• Quizzes: There will be two quizzes throughout the semester. These will be based on lectures to make sure you are on top off all the technical terms used in class.
• Final Project: You will work in small groups to solve a Problem Set that will be assigned to you. It will be reviewed on the last day of classes.

Instructor: Jennifer Stauffer, jstauffer@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Stagecraft II

Course Number: 07:966:220

This course serves as a continuation and enhancement of the basic concepts covered in
Stagecraft. The Fall semester will delve deeper into rigging techniques and systems,
intermediate millwork and joinery, and welding.

2 credits

Instructor: Jennifer Stauffer

Voice & Speech I

Course Number: 07:966:225
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

Introducing the practices of developing one’s vocal mechanism and speech skills to apply to acting and performance.

2 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open only to BFA acting students.

Learning Goals of Course: This fundamental technique course is intended to develop the actor’s breath, tone, range of voice and articulation of the body by finding release and awareness. Through an integrated approach of voice and movement, the student begins to develop balance of body, voice, intention and thought. The class includes those of Clifford Turner, Lessac, Linklater and Fitzmaurice Destructur-ing Technique. The body work during the first semester draws from various techniques including Bartenieff Fundamentals, Laban Movement, Skinner Releasing , Feldenkrais Method, and Yoga.

Instructor: Dayle Towarnicky, dt563@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Voice & Speech I

Course Number: 07:966:226
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

Deepening the practices of developing one’s vocal mechanism and speech skills to apply to acting and performance. Applying practices of voice and speech to text.

2 credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:966:225
Course Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course: Upon completion of the course, students will possess the knowledge and skills to engage critically with fundamental understandings of the relationship of voice and speech with art and society. Students will have the knowledge and skills to apply a theoretical understanding of vocal tract anatomy and the International Phonetic Alphabet to their warm-ups, practice, and acting work.

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to warm-up and practice all aspects of voice and speech for acting at a basic to intermediate level. Students will understand how to support work on text with voice and speech. They will be able to produce all, or the majority of, sounds in the International Phonetic Alphabet. In addition, they will be able to support their acting work in all other courses with their skills set from vocal and speech.

Instructor: Dayle Towarnicky, dayle.towarnicky@rutgers.edu

Movement I

Course Number: 07:966:230
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

Basic development of the body for the stage.

2 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open only to BFA acting students.

Learning Goals of Course: Students will begin to experience and practice exercises designed to release the constrictions of the actor’s instrument and to free the actor’s emotional life. The beginning of the core of The Williamson Technique.

Instructor: Danielle Liccardo-Massood, liccardo@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Movement I

Course Number: 07:966:231
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

Basic development of the body for the stage.

2 credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:966:230
Course Corequisites: None
Learning Goals of Course: The goals of the first year of the movement work:

Upon completion of this course the actor will have a full understanding of how to identify pedestrian and socialized behavior in the body.
Upon completion of this course the actor will be able to:

• embody a more authentic and unbridled physical and emotional expression
• bring about a more receptive physical intelligence in the body

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading: See student handbook

Instructor: Liccardo-Massood, Danielle; liccardo@mgsa.rutgers.edu

History of Costume & Décor I

Course Number: 07:966:232
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

In this two-part introductory research course, we’ll explore how aesthetics, design, culture, and history shape our creative understanding. Part One covers global antiquity to the 15th century, examining the movement of ideas across time and their impact on art, culture, design, and daily life. Our interdisciplinary approach encourages appreciation for aesthetics beyond borders and sparks synthetic thinking. Students l use diverse research methods to build a foundation in global architecture, attire, and material culture (objects), exploring concepts of identity, narrative, and culture in theater and art.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open to BFA design and production students or by permission of instructor.

Learning Goals of Course:

Upon completion, students will:

• Demonstrate the ability to initiate culturally sensitive research using a diverse array of methodologies
• Be equipped to identify and explore the intricate material characteristics of a given time period, geographical setting, cultural affiliation, and specific occasion, thus deepening their understanding of historical and cultural contexts.
• Exhibit the capability to synthesize concepts that transcend cultural boundaries and temporal divisions, resonating with both contemporary society and their understanding of historical and cultural contexts.

Required and Recommended Course Materials:

Required Texts/Course Materials

• Hal Tine, Essentials of Period Style: A source book for stage and production designers, Routledge; 1st edition 2015
• Online articles and videos as assigned by the professor

Non-digital Materials Required:

• Lined notebook and writing tools
• Laptop or Tablet- Ability to create Slide Decks on software like PowerPoint or Google Slides.
• Working Camera (Phone is fine)

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading: Grades will be based on the student’s accumulated grades received on discussion, in class activities, assignments, and responses, and final project—as well as the student’s class participation and attendance.

Attendance at all classes is expected of all students, and all class sessions are conducted with this understanding. In our conservatory unexcused absences are not allowed. Although an occasional absence may be unavoidable, it in no way excuses a student from meeting the requirements of the course. But each unexcused absence will reduce your attendance grade by an entire letter. Only legitimate absences will be excused: illness, family or personal emergencies, or religious observances. The student is responsible for the material covered and the assignments given on the day of their absence.

Assignments are due at the beginning of the class in which it has been stated as the due date. Work submitted after the assigned due date/class period is considered late. Late projects will be deducted as follows:

• 10% off for up to 3 days late.
• 20% off 4-7 days late.
• 30% off for 8-14 days.

Any projects more than 14 days late will not be accepted.

Instructor: Valerie Ramshur, vramshur@mgsa.rutgers.edu

History of Costume & Décor II

Course Number: 07:966:233

In this two-part introductory research course, Part two examines the themes from part 1 focusing on 15th c to 21st c. Students continue to explore the movement of ideas across time and their impact on art, culture, design, and daily life. The interdisciplinary approach encourages appreciation for aesthetics beyond borders and sparks synthetic thinking. Students use diverse visual and non-visual research methods to build on previous semesters work in global architecture, attire, and material culture (objects), while taking a curatorial approach to concepts of identity, narrative, and culture in theater and art.

3 credits

Learning Goals of Course: Upon completion students will demonstrate the ability to initiate culturally sensitive research using a diverse array of methodologies, Students will be equipped to identify and explore the intricate material characteristics of a given time period, geographical setting, cultural affiliation, and specific occasion, thus deepening their understanding of historical and cultural contexts. Students will exhibit the capability to synthesize concepts that transcend cultural boundaries and temporal divisions, resonating with both contemporary society and their understanding of historical and cultural contexts.

Instructor: Valerie Ramshur, vramshur@mgsa.rutgers.edu

On Camera Acting II

Course Number: 07:966:235

This course teaches skills necessary to work as an actor in the film and television industry.

2 credits

Learning Goals of Course:

After participating in this course, the student will have acquired:

• A knowledge and understanding of the intermediate requirements for camera acting.
• The ability to work truthfully and spontaneously from yourself, using all or any aspect of your identity and your unique personality in a focused, relaxed way in front of the camera.
• A working knowledge of the professional best practices required to successfully work in the film and television industry.

 

Instructor: Alexandra Speith

Elements of Design: Script Analysis for Stage Managers and Technical Directors

Course Number: 07:966:241
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

In this class, students look at text analysis from the point of view of production preparation and process (from page to stage), giving strategies for how to read a play effectively, finding foundations for choices, and understanding character and atmosphere in the context of the whole play, as well as methods for addressing the needs of different genres, playwrights, and theatrical texts.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course:

• Students will be able to recognize and engage the needs of various types of texts for different historical and cultural contexts.
   
• Students will be able to identify various textual signifiers that help the theatre-@maker to understand and illuminate an embodied text.
   
• Students will be given strategies for production research in its both direct and indirect forms.

Instructor: Al Pour-Issa

Intro to Stage Lighting

Course Number: 07:966:242
Course Format: Seminar
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

A seminar/lab course discussing and applying stage lighting practices. The course is focused on the technologies used in entertainment lighting design. Topics include: theatrical lighting fixtures, optics, photometrics, color theory, programming computer light boards, practical lighting skills, script analysis, research, and theoretical design.

2 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open only to BFA theater majors or by permission of instructor.

Learning Goals of Course: Students will learn to observe and analyze light as rendered in the visual arts and in the real world and will develop a heightened awareness of light as it relates to their individual disciplines.

Students will understand the properties and objectives of light and will learn the basic building blocks of creating a lighting design: fixtures, optics, color, and photometrics.

Students will learn how to interpret the documentation involved in lighting design and how to execute the design onstage, including programming a computer light board.

Students will acquire sufficient knowledge of lighting process and technique to create a simple lighting design for a play.

Instructor: Cat Tate Starmer, cat.tate.starmer@rutgers.edu

Elements of Design

Course Number: 07:966:243

This is an introductory course in basic theatrical design and production. Lectures cover a wide range of topics relating to the technical and aesthetic aspects of designing scenery, costumes, and lighting for the stage. Assigned projects will cover basic elements of design as well as the vital role research plays in developing a design for the stage, and weekly drawing homework will encourage the habit of drawing regularly. Assigned readings from the textbook will introduce basic design concepts, and while there is no assigned reading from the “Backstage Handbook,” it will serve as a really useful reference throughout the course (and your life — really!)

Elements of Design (07:966:243) is cross-referenced with Intro to Design (07:966:215) and both courses will meet as a single section.

3 credits

Learning Goals of Course:

• A working knowledge of the concepts, history and terminology related to the design and technical aspects of theatrical production.
• Employment and understanding of elements and principles of design and related terminologies.
• The ability to implement creative solutions and problem-solving techniques necessary to make informed design choices.
• Knowledge of (and facility in) basic visual communication techniques.
• The ability to present themselves and their ideas in both a visually compelling and verbally articulate manner.

Instructor: David Gordon, dpgordon@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Elements of Design: Script Analysis for CD, CT, LD & SD

Course Number: 07:966:244
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

In this class students look at text analysis from the point of view of production preparation and process (from page to stage), giving strategies for how to read a play effectively, finding foundations for choices, understanding character and atmosphere in the  context of the whole play, as well as methods for addressing the needs of different genres, playwrights and theatrical texts.

3 credits

Learning Goals of Course:

• Students will be able to recognize and engage the needs of various types of texts for different historical and cultural contexts.
   
• Students will be able to identify various textual signifiers that help the theatre-@maker to understand and illuminate an embodied text.
   
• Students will be given strategies for production research in its both direct and indirect forms.

Instructor: Al Pour-Issa

History of Architecture & Decorative Arts

Course Number: 07:966:245
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This is an introductory course on basic period styles. Weekly lectures introduce vocabulary and main points of identification, along with field trips to the Cloisters, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Frick Collection, and other museums where students do sketch assignments covering appropriate historical periods. Students are responsible for all public transportation and entrance fees.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Prerequisites: 07:966:215 & 07:966:216. Open only to BFA design majors or by permission of instructor.
Learning Goals of Course:

After participating in this course, the student will be able to:

• Understand the history and evolution of architectural periods and styles, from ancient Egypt through late 18th-century Europe.
• Have knowledge of important and influential trends, and architects/designers from ancient to early modern history.
• Identify period styles in architecture, furniture, and decorative objects on sight.
• Use correct terminology to refer to architectural and decorative objects.
• Translate period architectural and decorative objects into hand drawings.

Required and Recommended Course Materials:

• Required Text: The Annotated Arch: A Crash Course on the History of Architecture by Carol Strickland
• 9″x12″ sketchbook
• Drawing pencils

Instructor: David P. Gordon, dgordon@mgsa.rutgers.edu

History of Architecture & Decorative Arts

Course Number: 07:966:246
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This is the second semester of an introductory course on basic period styles. Weekly lectures introduce vocabulary and main points of identification, along with field trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim, MOMA, and other museums where students do sketch assignments covering appropriate historical periods. Students are responsible for all public transportation and entrance fees.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Prerequisites: 07:966:245. Open only to BFA design majors or by permission of instructor.
Learning Goals of Course:

After participating in this course, the student will be able to:

• Understand the history and evolution of architectural periods and styles in Europe, America, and elsewhere from the 18th century to the present day.
• Have knowledge of important and influential trends and architects/designers from the colonial to current eras.
• Identify period styles in architecture, furniture, and decorative objects on sight.
• Use correct terminology to refer to architectural and decorative objects.
• Translate period architectural and decorative objects into hand drawings.

Required and Recommended Course Materials:

• Required Texts:
  • The Annotated Arch: A Crash Course on the History of Architecture by Carol Strickland
  • The Visual Dictionary of American Domestic Architecture by Rachel Carley
• 9″x12″ sketchbook
• Drawing pencils

Instructor: David P. Gordon, dgordon@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Introduction to Stage Management

Course Number: 07:966:249
Course Format: Seminar
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This course is designed to introduce students to core stage management concepts.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open to all BFA and BA Theater majors as availability allows. Priority given to Stage Management majors.
Learning Goals of Course:

By taking this course, students will be able to answer fundamental questions about stage management:

• What is stage management?
  What are the basic tasks as commonly divided and shared within a stage management team?
  What skills does stage management require?
  How do stage managers balance tangible and literal (“hard”) skills with the intuitive and interpersonal leadership (“soft”) skills?
  Why is context important when applying these skills?
  Why are specificity and detail important when applying these skills?

Instructor: Anne McPherson, amcpherson@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Fundamentals of Stage Management

Course Number: 07:966:250
Course Format: Seminar
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This course is designed to ensure that first year student stage managers understand the essentials of script analysis and common stage management tasks from the perspective of all members of a stage management team, with an emphasis on the connection between these tasks and the stage manager’s role as communicator, leader, and facilitator.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:966:249
Course Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course: By taking this course, students will learn to participate in a production process with a familiarity with script analysis and all common stage management tasks, common stage management team dynamics, and essential relationships between stage managers and other members of a production team – both creative and technical. Students will begin to develop their own personal stage management “style” and be able to explain how and why stage management tasks are communication, leadership, and facilitation tools.

Instructor: Anne McPherson, amcpherson@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Fundamentals of Drafting

Course Number: 07:966:251

An introductory course focusing on the practice and craft of hand drafting for the theater.

3 credit(s)

Learning Goals of Course:

• To develop each student’s understanding of hand drafting, including specific tools, language, techniques, and standards related to drafting for the theater.
• To create an awareness of the relationship between the built environment, drafting and the design process.
• To prepare students for production work as well as reach a level of skill appropriate for professional drafting and design work in the future

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Prerequisites: 07:966:215-216. Open only to B.F.A. design and production majors or by permission of instructor.

Instructor: Lee Savage, lsavage@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Opera and Production

Course Number: 07:966:268
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This class is an introduction to opera for students coming from a theatre background. The course will cover opera as a unique performing art form (its history, structure, composers, and varied styles) as well as its culture, process, and theatrical/technical aspects. Extensive listening and viewing of audio and video recordings will be used to provide examples of the form. Attendance at a final dress rehearsal at the Metropolitan Opera House in NYC will be arranged as part of the course.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course:

• Students will learn to understand and appreciate opera as its own distinct form of musical theatre.
   
• Students will increase their knowledge and understanding of the history, styles, composers, culture, and terminology of opera.
   
• Students will be exposed to the areas in which opera and theatre intersect and will build knowledge and skills necessary to enter the professional opera world as designers, stage managers, and technicians.

Instructor: David P. Gordon, dgordon@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Acting I

Course Number: 07:966:271
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

Theory and practice in the art of acting.

3 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open only to BFA acting students.

Learning Goals of Course: Throughout the year, our work will take you through a series of exercises designed to root you in the fundamental principles of acting and aid in your development as a truthful acting instrument. These exercises allow you to expand your self-knowledge, investigate your areas of sensitivity, and strengthen your imagination. You will achieve this through utilizing a set of tools designed to help you build a solid foundation of skills that you can later apply to a piece of text.

Instructor: Deborah Jackel, dje2@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Acting I

Course Number: 07:966:272
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

The first year is the student’s introduction to an immersive conservatory environment. Students will have the opportunity to explore their inner emotional life and develop a personal point of view, as well as a solid technique through which to express that point of view. This structure allows the student to become intimately acquainted with their own instrument and how they process and experience things in the imaginary world. All of the first year work is about the actor as a unique individual, working as themselves under imaginary circumstances.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:966:271
Course Corequisites: None
Learning Goals of Course: The work takes students through a series of exercises designed to root them in the fundamental principles of acting and aid in their development as a truthful acting instrument. These exercises allow them to expand their self-knowledge, investigate their areas of sensitivity, and strengthen their imaginations. This will be achieved through utilizing a set of tools designed to help build a solid foundation of skills that can later be applied to a piece of text.

Instructor: Deb Jackel, dje2@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Costume Construction

Course Number: 07:966:274
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This is an introductory course where you will learn fundamental sewing skills that are used in constructing costumes for theater. The course begins with learning both hand sewing and machine sewing techniques. Once you have completed a sample binder displaying these skills you will construct a ballet bodice utilizing the techniques covered earlier and further expand on your costume construction skills to include cutting, uses of flatlining, boning and more advanced sewing techniques.

2 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open to BFA design and production majors or by permission of instructor.

Learning Goals of Course:

• Students will learn hand sewing techniques used in the construction of costumes.
   
• Students will learn how to thread A domestic sewing machine, and learn machine sewing techniques and finishes utilized in constructing costumes
   
• Students will learn how to use the various tools used in A typical costume shop
   
• Students will use These skills to construct A ballet bodice from A theatrical pattern and expand on their knowledge to include cutting, flatlining and boning techniques and More advanced sewing techniques.
   
• Students will assemble and organize A binder container all of the sewing samples covered in Class

Required and Recommended Course Materials: Fabric and notions for various projects. A sewing kit is including but limited to scissors and a grid, ruler, and pencils.

Instructor: Denise Wagner, dwagner@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Production Properties

Course Number: 07:966:277
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This course is an introduction to the world of stage properties. The class will cover responsibilities, paper work, research, programs, and additional duties typically preformed by a prop master, as well as focusing on creating props by using different materials commonly found in prop shops.

2 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open only to BFA design and production majors or by permission of instructor.
Learning Goals of Course:

After participating in this course, the student will be able to:

• Communicate effectively with designers, directors, stage managers and other members of the production team regarding props and how they will be used and need to look.
• Build simple props given a limited amount of materials available to them. Materials will be those that are commonly found in prop shops.
• Create paper work required of prop mangers (budgets, prop list, research and basic drafting of props.
• Show the integration of technologies and properties, how and when to use them and be able to use them.

Required and Recommended Course Materials:

• Exacto knife and blades
• Cutting Mat
• Paint Brushes
• Craft supplies based on chosen prop project
• Preferred way of taking notes
• Binder

Instructor: Shannon White, smw248@rutgers.edu

Introduction to Production Management

Course Number: 07:966:280
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

A production manager is the person who oversees the creation of the production from beginning to end; this includes people, resources, facilities, money, calendar, the list goes on. Simply put by Jay Sheehan, “The goal of a production manager is to make sure the project happens on time, on budget, safely and with everyone speaking to each other in the end.”

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course:

The goals of this course are to obtain a basic knowledge in order to understand the role of the Production Manager (PM) in an organization. This will include:

• Learn to read a play as a PM, and break down the budget elements
• Learn to create a season and production calendar
• Learn the different unions who operate within theater organizations
• Learn the personal associated with a theater both in production and administration.
• Learn about theater safety

Instructor: Jennifer Stauffer, jstauffer@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Theater for Social Development

Course Number: 07:966:302

To develop students’ understanding of how the arts can be the driver of engaged social interventions and community development.

3 credit(s)

Instructor: John Keller, jpkeller@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Advanced Stage Lighting Tech

Course Number: 07:966:305

Technical and mechanical aspects of stage lighting including electrical theory, practical wiring, equipment maintenance, and safety practice. Applications to stage, film, and touring situations.

2 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Prerequisites: 07:966:242 and permission of instructor

Instructor: Emrys Watson, ewatson@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Introduction to Projection Design

Course Number: 07:966:308
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

Introduction to Projection Design is a broad overview of the discipline of projection design in live performance. Topics covered will include modes of projection design and conceptualization process, content creation, and playback systems. Students will breakdown scripts, create storyboards, and build sample pieces of content during the semester, culminating in a final project.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:966:215 or permission of instructor
Course Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course:

• Go from script to conceptualized design for performance.
• Create storyboards to convey designs to collaborators and content creators.
   
• Create simple animated content for production.
   
• Program basic video playback cues in A playback system.

Instructor: John Narun

Costume Design I

Course Number: 07:966:309
Course Format: Other
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This is part one of a year-long introductory course on the fundamentals of costume design. In the first term we focus on “Observation, Research, Elements of Design and Character analysis”. Covering methods, materials, and techniques used in the process of theatrical storytelling. Providing working understanding of the theatrical design process, synthetic thinking and creative problem solving. The essential skills needed to design costumes for live performance and cinema. This will provide students an overview of the field and their place in the costume continuum as they begin their journey toward developing their own unique and individual style of creating costume sketches and renderings.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open only to BFA design and production majors or by permission of instructor.

Learning Goals of Course:

Upon completion of this course, students will:

• Cultivate a deep understanding of critical thinking principles.
• Use creative thinking techniques to generate innovative ideas, as well as foster an inquisitive mindset through the exploration of diverse perspectives.
• Sharpen observational skills to notice details and patterns.
• Develop techniques for interpreting information in various contexts.
• Apply observational skills to enhance the depth and richness of ideas required for costume design.

Required and Recommended Course Materials:

Technology Requirements:

• Laptop or Tablet
• Ability to create Slide Decks on a program similar to PowerPoint or Google Slides.
• Working Camera (Phone is fine)

Non Digital Materials:

• Blank Sketchbook at least 8×10 OR a digital file alternative
• Three Ring Binder for collecting images OR a digital file alternative.
• Items for writing and coloring and Basic art supplies and materials for renderings as needed.
• Lined notebook and writing tools.

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading: Grades will be based on the student’s accumulated grades received on the following: discussions, in class activities, assignments, and responses, and final project—as well as the student’s class participation and attendance.

Attendance at all classes is expected of all students, and all class sessions are conducted with this understanding. In our conservatory unexcused absences are not allowed. Although an occasional absence may be unavoidable, it in no way excuses a student from meeting the requirements of the course. But each unexcused absence will reduce your attendance grade by an entire letter. Only legitimate absences will be excused: illness, family or personal emergencies, or religious observances.

The student is responsible for the material covered and the assignments given on the day of their absence.

Assignments are due at the beginning of the class in which it has been stated as the due date. Work submitted after the assigned due date/class period is considered late. Late projects will be deducted as follows:

• 10% off for up to 3 days late.
• 20% off 4-7 days late.
• 30% off for 8-14 days.
• Any projects more than 14 days late will not be accepted.

Instructor: Valerie Ramshur, vramshur@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Costume Design I

Course Number: 07:966:310
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This is part two of a year-long course on the fundamentals of costume design. This course is designed to enhance critical thinking skills, fostering creativity, innovation, inquiry, and text analysis. Through a combination of theoretical concepts and practical exercises, students will learn to generate and communicate visual ideas by exploring the realms of identity, narrative, and world building. The course emphasizes the development of analytical, evaluative, and synthesizing abilities, enabling observation interpretation and expression of ideas effectively through written, oral, and visual communication that are required in theatrical design.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites: BFA majors only. Must have completed Costume I part 1.

Learning Goals of Course:

Upon completion of this course students will be able to:

• Analyze narrative structures and techniques for effective storytelling
• Engage in world-building exercises to develop a deep understanding of contextual frameworks.
• Sharpen observational skills to notice details and patterns.
• Develop techniques for interpreting information in various contexts.
• Express Ideas through multiple medium both verbally and visually for impactful and persuasive presentations.

Required and Recommended Course Materials: Will be discussed at first session

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading: Will be discussed at first session

Instructor: Valerie Ramshur, vramshur@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Draping I

Course Number: 07:966:311

In this course, students will obtain a basic knowledge of pattern drafting based on draping to an individual, starting with the dress form and fitting it to a specific body. This class and the text we will be using focus on feminine-presenting bodies. We will use draping techniques to learn pattern manipulation for garments post-1920’s.

3 credits

Learning Goal of Course: 

• Drape and fit a bodice, skirt, and sleeve sloper pattern specific to an individual.
• Drape bodice, skirt, and sleeve variations, basic collars, yokes and midriffs.
• Pattern and fit a princess bodice and gored skirt to an individual.
• Drape, fit, and construct a post-1920’s dress to fit an individual.
• Drape a post 1920’s dress from an image.

Instructor: Joleen Loyd, jl3148@connect.rutgers.edu

Draping II

Course Number: 07:966:312
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

The objective of this course is to focus on the fit of clothing and costumes to individuals. You will learn how to identify fit issues in a fitting setting and how to correct the pattern. Bias construction, flat-patterning, working with stretch, and giving direction will be explored.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:966:310
Course Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course:

The main objective of this course is to explore more difficult patterning techniques. This will include:

• Introduction to flat-patterning techniques
• Exploring draping of bias garments and basic construction of bias garments
• Learning the basics of creating stretch patterns and constructing garments made from stretch fabric
• Learning how to pattern bifurcated garments

All garments will be made to fit either a model or dress form.

Required and Recommended Course Materials:

Text Required: 

• Patternmaking for Fashion Design by Helen Joseph Armstrong
• Patternmaking with Stretch Knit Fabrics by Julie Cole

Supplies discussed in class will be required in order to participate in the class.

Instructor: Anna Gerdes, alg194@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Set Design I

Course Number: 07:966:313

3 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Prerequisites: 07:966:243-244. Open only to B.F.A. design majors or by permission of instructor.

Learning Goals of Course:

• Develop the practice of analyzing dramatic texts from a story and character-based perspective.
• Use visual representations such as research, sketches, models, and drafting to communicate design ideas.
• Reinforce the ability to articulate a point of view – to share and discuss ideas relating to and supporting your design choices.
• Build communication, organizational, and collaborative skills fundamental to the working environment of the theater.
• Place scenic design in a historical context by learning about the practice of specific scenic designers that have made a significant impact in the field.

Instructor: Lee Savage, lsavage@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Set Design I

Course Number: 07:966:314

3 credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:966:243-244

Learning Goals of Course: 

• Continue the development of analyzing dramatic texts from a story and character-based perspective.
• Use visual representations such as research, sketches, models, and drafting to communicate design ideas
• Reinforce the ability to articulate a point of view – to share and discuss ideas relating to and supporting your design choices.
• To build communication, organizational, and collaborative skills fundamental to the working environment of the theater.
• Place scenic design in a historical context by learning about the practice of specific scenic designers that have made a significant impact in the field.

Instructor: Lee Savage, lsavage@mgsa.rutgers.edu

 

Principles of Stage Management

Course Number: 07:966:315
Course Format: Seminar
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

The course is designed to build on the foundation of stage management essentials through a process of elaboration and expansion, continuing to explore the evergreen question: how do stage management building blocks function in practice in the field, at each stage of production?

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Prerequisites: 07:966:249-250. Open only to BFA stage management students or by permission of instructor.
Learning Goals of Course: By taking this course, students will grow more versed in nuance, situation-specific engagement, and deployment of skills. Students will grow their understanding of team dynamics as well as relationship building with other members of the production team. Students will continue to develop their leadership skills. Students will continue to develop their knowledge of the “how you.”

Instructor: Kasson Marroquin

Scene Painting

Course Number: 07:966:316

2 credits

Learning Goals of Course:

• Students will learn organic painting techniques such as how to paint skies, clouds, assorted foliage, mountains and trees.
• Students will learn layout skills such as gridding, how to scale art, how to set a vanishing point, and how to draw.
• Students will learn architectural painting techniques and how to apply highlight and shadow to create convincing dimension.

Instructor: Colleen Dolan

Theater Practice

Course Number: 07:966:323
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This is a BFA 2 lab course that expands the students experience in their concentration as a vital part of the construction crew in either the Scene, Costume or Electrics Shops.

Scenic Designer and Technical Directors: This is a lab class that takes place in the Scene Shop and involves building scenery, painting, etc. Appropriate attire is required for working conditions.

Lighting Designers: This is a lab class that takes place in the Electrics Shop, where you will be cabling, circuiting, maintaining, hanging and focusing lighting instruments.

Costume Designers and Costume Technicians: This is a lab class that takes place in the Costume Shop where you will learn basic sewing and costume-related skills that are useful in theater. Skills covered will include hand stitches and their most common applications, machine sewing, maintaining a show, and working in a shop environment. You will also assist with various support tasks around the shop (e.g. alterations and restocking), make a purse or tote bag utilizing your new skills, and possibly construct basic costume pieces for stock.

BA credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Prerequisite: 07:966:124. Not open to first-year students.

Learning Goals of Course:

• Learning how to run your shop, assigning and overseeing individual projects.
• Creation of work to develop your professional portfolio.
• Learning how to network.
• Learning the dynamic of the interaction between the various shops, seeing complex Problem solving.

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading: This class requires weekly hours in the shop of your focus, as well as work calls during tech weekend and all strikes. You will be given assignments that coincide with the current departmental productions. Your grade for the Theater Practice class will be based on your attendance and the quality of your work.

Instructor: Jennifer Stauffer, jstauffer@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Acting II: Technique

Course Number: 07:966:325
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

Scene study and the basis of characterization.

4 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open only to BFA II actors.

Learning Goals of Course:

To Discover and Explore: The various styles and approaches to acting as it applies to performance. Reinforcing the training from the first year in the program. Consistent habits for breaking down and studying a script. To become conversant about the profession.

To Apply: Technique and discoveries to scripted texts.

Students will be able to:

• Recognize how word choice and rhetorical forms give the actor a road map for approaching many different types of material
• Use imagery in a way that is active
• Continue the development of a rehearsal process that is prescriptive, active, and able to be articulated.
• Develop of process of working that is consistent with the industry/professional expectations
• Explore and create character from the outside/in
• Creating work that is knowledgeable and consistent with the world of the production

Instructor: Cameron Knight, cameron.knight@rutgers.edu

Acting II: Technique

Course Number: 07:966:326
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

Scene study and the basis of characterization. To discover and explore the various styles and approaches as it applies to performance. Reinforcing the training from the first year in the program. Consistent habits for breaking down and studying a script. To become conversant about the profession.

4 credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:966:271-272
Course Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course:

Students will be able to:

• Recognize how word choice and rhetorical forms give the actor a road map for approaching many different types of material
• Use imagery in a way that is active
• Continue the development of a rehearsal process that is prescriptive, active, and able to be articulated
• Explore and create character from the outside/in
• Creating work that is knowledgeable and consistent with the world of the production

Instructor: Cameron Knight, cameron.knight@rutgers.edu

Voice & Speech II

Course Number: 07:966:327
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

Use of the voice in acting.

2 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open only to BFA II actors.

Learning Goals of Course: The goal of this semester is for the actor to explore their own instrument. All levels of voice production are covered through daily warmups and rehearsals for a new play. The student will learn to lead the warmup for the company. We will work with monologues and scenes where the actor will explore their body, sound and effect in the space. We will also explore physical risk in order to expand vocal and physical range and its relationship to emotional vulnerability. The vocal and physical vigor of the course will stretch limitations and deepen our connection with our body, voice and presence in the space. The semester draws from other techniques such as Fitzmaurice, Lecoq, Lessac, Clown, Linklater, Bartenieff, and Skinner.

Instructor: Valeria Avina Ortiz, va277@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Voice & Speech II

Course Number: 07:966:328

The goal of this semester is for the actor to explore their own instrument. All levels of voice production are covered through daily warmups and rehearsals for a new play. The student will learn to lead the warmup for the company. We will work with monologues and scenes where the actor will explore their body, sound, and effect in the space. We will also explore physical risk in order to expand vocal and physical range and its relationship to emotional vulnerability. The vocal and physical vigor of the course will stretch limitations and deepen our connection with our body, voice, and presence in the space. The semester draws from other techniques such as Fitzmaurice, Lecog, Lessac, Clown, Linklater, Bartenieff, and Skinner.

2 credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:966:225-226

Instructor: Valeria Avina Ortiz, va277@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Movement II

Course Number: 07:966:333
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

Emphasis on stage challenges such as period movement; use of objects; awareness of space, energy, and time. Use of the body to develop characterization.

2 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open only to BFA II actors.

Learning Goals of Course: The arc of the movement curriculum has been designed to release the constrictions of the actor’s instrument and to free the actor’s emotional life. The core technique that was explored in the first year of the training was the The Williamson Technique, coupled with ensemble focused exploration, collaboration and composition. The advanced exploration of this work will be articulated in the fall and spring semesters of the second year.

Instructor: Danielle Liccardo-Massood, liccardo@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Movement II

Course Number: 07:966:334
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

The physical process of acting, the expansive, transformative instrument, and its role in performance. Emphasis on stage challenges such as period movement, awareness of space, energy, and time. Use of the body to develop characterization.

2 credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:966:230-231
Learning Goals of Course: The goals of the second year of the movement training:
Upon completion of this course the actor will be able to:

• shape their physical expression; and their vocal and deep emotional life into something concrete and specific,
• build a clear physical intelligence in the acting instrument,
• apply all acquired skills and concepts to all of the acting work in order to create sustainable, consistent character choices,
• inhabit their physical instrument in the arena of alignment, openness, and full physical expression.

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading: See student handbook

Instructor: Liccardo-Massood, Danielle; liccardo@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Costume Design II

Course Number: 07:966:335
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This is an upper level course for graduating costume designers and technicians. In this course, we continue the application of methods, materials, and techniques used in the creative storytelling process. Character analysis, costume research and rendering, and fabric swatching will be the focus, providing students with a working understanding of the theatrical design process as well as the essential skills needed to design costumes for live performance.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:966:247-248. Open to BFA majors only. Must have completed Costume I and Costume II part 1.

Learning Goals of Course: Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to communicate a visual approach to costume design through research analysis and costume renderings for a work of dramatic literature.

Instructor: David Murin, dmurin@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Costume Design II

Course Number: 07:966:336
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This is an upper level course for graduating costume designers and technicians. In this course, we continue the application of methods, materials, and techniques used in the creative storytelling process. Character analysis, costume research and rendering, and fabric swatching will be the focus, providing students with a working understanding of the theatrical design process as well as the essential skills needed to design costumes for live performance.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:966:247-248. Open to BFA majors only. Must have completed Costume I and Costume II part 1.

Learning Goals of Course: Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to communicate a visual approach to costume design through research analysis and costume renderings for a work of dramatic literature.

Instructor: David Murin, dmurin@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Technical Direction I

Course Number: 07:966:339
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

Principles and practice of Technical Direction and the role of the Technical Director within the context of a collaborative process.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Prerequisites: 07:966:220
Learning Goals of Course:

Upon completion of this course, students will have:

• Learned about intermediate stage carpentry
• Learned about basic stage electronics
• Learned about basic stage rigging
• Learned about basic technical drafting

Instructor: Jennifer Stauffer, jstauffer@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Technical Direction II

Course Number: 07:966:340

Principles and practice of Technical Direction and the role of the Technical Director within the context of a collaborative process.

Learning Goals of Course:

• Understand the proper approach to advanced carpentry challenges
• Understand the different choices of materials.
• Create technical drafting that is clean, clear and others can understand.
• Understand the safety factors involved in building scenery

3 credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:966:220

Instructor: Jennifer Stauffer, jstauffer@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Fundamentals of Lighting Design

Course Number: 07:966:343

Basic theory and practice of lighting design including script analysis, physics of light and color, and light plots.

3 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Prerequisites: 07:966:242. Open only to B.F.A. design and production majors or permission of instructor.

Instructor: Don Holder, dholder@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Fundamentals of Lighting Design

Course Number: 07:966:344
Course Format: Seminar
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

An introduction to advanced lighting design process and technique. Exploration of lighting design practice, including script analysis, essentials of stage lighting technique, and production of design and technical documents required to bring a lighting designer’s ideas to life.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:966:242

Learning Goals of Course:

• Students will learn to Observe light in the real world and develop an awareness of lighting that will inform and enrich their work in the theatre.
   
• Students will develop A facility in formulating and organizing A conceptual approach to lighting design, based on submitted visual research, written concept statements and Class discussions.
   
• Students will develop A growing level of comfort with lighting technique and professional practice.

Recommended Textbooks:

• Stage Lighting Design: The Art, the Craft, the Life by Richard Pilbrow, Design Press
• A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting by Steven Louis Shelley, Focal Press
• Color & Light: Navigating Color Mixing in the Midst of an LED Revolution, A Handbook for Lighting Designers by Clifton Taylor
• The Creative Habit, by Twyla Tharp, Simon and Schuster

Any required reading will be shared with the class. These texts are optional.

Instructor: Don Holder, dholder@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Fabric Dyeing

Course Number: 07:966:350

2 credits

Learning Goals of Course:

• Dye a variety of fibers using a variety of techniques.
• Identify a fiber and know what the appropriate dyes would be used for fabric dyeing or painting.
• Accurately access a color swatch and match it using dyeing techniques.
• Employ a variety of shibori, resist dyeing, and ombré techniques on any dyeable fabric.
• Understand the safety concerns of stage and film in relation to the costume shop including fabric dyeing and painting.

Instructor: Ellen Bredehoft

Portfolio Prep I

Course Number: 07:966:358
Course Format: Other
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This course prepares the BFA design student to present themselves and their design work in the professional portfolio formats required by the industry. Team-taught by members of the design faculty, the student is guided in resume preparation, cover letter writing, business cards and digital portfolio creation. In this course students will either start a new portfolio or update a current portfolio. This will include completing an online website portfolio and a digital portfolio.

1 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open only to BFA design majors.
Learning Goals of Course:

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Create a digital portfolio that can be shared via cloud or email.
• Present their portfolio in professional settings. (Part 2)
• Create a current resume or CV that is geared toward specific job prospects.
• Write a professional cover letter.
• Create and order professional business cards.
• Create a website to showcase projects. (Part 2)

Required and Recommended Course Materials: Working laptop and Wifi access. Additional examples and handouts will be provided in class.

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading:

Attendance Policy

Attendance is a very important part of the class. Absence from any class is problematic. In the event that an absence is unavoidable, it is the student’s responsibility to discuss the absence with the instructor to determine whether the absence is excused. One unexcused absence from class can lower the student’s final grade; two unexcused absences may result in failure. Three late arrivals are equal to one unexcused absence. Students are responsible for making up any missed work and being properly prepared for the next class.

Grading

Your grade will be based on the following criteria:

• 10% Attendance & Participation
• 25% Business Card
• 30% Digital Portfolio
• 25% Cover Letter and Resume
• 10% Portfolio Presentation

Specific requirements for each project will be discussed when assigned.

Work submitted after the assigned due date/class period are considered late. Late projects will be deducted 10% for each week past due.

Instructor: Valerie Ramshur, vramshur@mgsa.rutgers.edu; Lee Savage, lee.savage@rutgers.edu

Directed Study

Course Number: 07:966:359

This course allows students to work and study on a project independently which provides the opportunity to develop and refine their theater skills with one-on-one support and direction from professional faculty.

BA credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open only to B.F.A. majors with permission of instructor and theater arts adviser.

Learning Goals of Course: Learning Goals are dependent on the topic. Learning goals will be determined in conjunction with department head. 

Directed Study

Course Number: 07:966:360
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This course allows students to work and study on a project independently which provides the opportunity to develop and refine their theater skills with one-on-one support and direction from professional faculty.

BA

Course Prerequisites: Lighting Design I
Course Corequisites: Vectorworks

Learning Goals of Course: Learning Goals are dependent on the topic. Learning goals will be determend in conjunction with department head. 

Required and Recommended Course Materials:

Required Materials:

• Your own computer with the following programs:
• Vectorworks Spotlight 2020 (Student Edition)
• Lightwright 6 with latest upgrade (Student Edition)
• Excel and Word
• Filemaker is optional
• EOS Offline Edit (version TBD)
• Access to Dropbox. (Please notify instructor if there is a data limit to your access.)
• Flash drive with at least 8GB (ability to use these programs to create at least basic lighting documents is assumed.)

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading:

Attendance is required and class will start promptly at 9 a.m. Please be in class, set up, and ready go at that time. If this conflicts with your previous class please notify the instructor immediately.

If for any reason you cannot attend a class, please notify the instructor in advance. Your situation will be treated with as much understanding as possible. However, failure to notify in advance will result in an automatic deduction from your grade. Absence of more than one class without cause will result in an automatic failure of the class.

Instructor: Donald Holder, dholder@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Sound Tech for Theater

Course Number: 07:966:361
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

Basic theory and practice for use of sound in the theater.

Fees: cost of media.

2 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Prerequisites: 07:966:215-216 or permission of instructor

Learning Goals of Course: Upon completion of this course, students should be able to understand the role of a sound designer in theatre and create a sound design for a production.

Instructor: Joshua Maywood, jm3045@connect.rutgers.edu

Script Analysis

Course Number: 07:966:371
Course Format: Seminar
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

The ability to read and analyze a script is essential to the theatre-maker. In this class we explore and apply the fundamental dramaturgical tools needed to move from the page to the stage. The goal of the course includes — distinguishing the architecture of diverse dramatic works; identifying the types and uses of stage directions; recognizing and activating punctuation, silences and pauses; learning to tell the difference between atmosphere and mood; understanding how to discern and express character through textual clues; and determining the most effective research methods required by a variety of texts.

2 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open only to BFA students or by permission of instructor.

Learning Goals of Course: In this class we will look at text analysis from the point of view of the theatre-maker’s preparation, auditions, and first rehearsals (from audition to table reads), giving strategies for how to read a play effectively, finding foundations for actions, understanding character in the context of the whole play, as well as methods for addressing the needs of different genres, playwrights, and theatrical texts.

Students read from a variety of works, analyze, and research. Our primary source is the text in whatever form. We look at language, character, place, imagery, music and musicality, sources, allusions, historical connections, and theatricality, as well as issues of editing and translation, etc.

Instructor: Cameron Knight, cameron.knight@rutgers.edu​

Advanced Text: Dramatic Structure

Course Number: 07:966:372
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

Course builds on concepts and skills learned in Script Analysis for Actors and applies them to close reads of two dramatic works and an intensive reading of two others, enabling the actor to get the most out of the first readings of a play. How do different works demand different or similar approaches? What is the nature and function of research in the artistic process?

2 credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:966:371:01
Course Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course:

• Students learn the dramaturgical tools needed for A close read of A play in production.
   
• Students engage and learn strategies for different types of texts from classical plays to contemporary works and film scripts.
   
• Students deepen their ability to productively use research techniques in creating A role.

Instructor: Christopher Cartmill, cjc289@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Advanced Costume Construction

Course Number: 07:966:390
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This hands-on course is a continuation of Costume Construction and teaches the basic skills and terminology that are used in costumes. Throughout the semester, students will learn advanced hand- and machine-sewing techniques used to stitch historical and modern costumes.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:966:274
Course Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course:

The main objective of this course is to obtain the following:

• Learn hand and machine stitching skills.
• Learn terminology related to sewing.
• Learn the basics of constructing costumes.
• Learn about the most common fibers and weaves used in fabric.
• Learn a variety of other skills related to sewing including operating domestic and industrial sewing machines and irons.

Required and Recommended Course Materials: Professional Sewing Techniques for Designers by Julie Cole and Sharon Czachor

Instructor: Ellen Bredehoft, ebredehoft@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Projection Design II

Course Number: 07:966:408

In this Fall semester course, students will continue to explore and develop an understanding of how projection can be integrated into the theatrical space. We will look at examples from theater, dance, opera, and the art world. Students consider the specific gravity of projected media as a storytelling tool and create storyboards and video projects. Emphasis is on exploring and interrogating the text, project research, technical knowledge, paperwork standards, and thinking in pictures. We consider the image in “isolation”, within the context of other imagery, moving images, image supported by music or sound, and ultimately within a larger theatrical context of script, scenery and lighting. The format of the class includes: lectures, discussions, group work, projects, presentations, and critique.

3 credits

Instructor: John Narun, john.narun@rutgers.edu

Production Techniques

Course Number: 07:966:411
Course Format: Lab/Studio
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

This is a required lab course that expands the students experience in their concentration as a vital part of the construction crew in either the Scenic, Costume, or Electrics Shops.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Prerequisite: 07:966:323. Open only to BFA design and production majors.
Learning Goals of Course:

• Learning how to run your shop, assigning and overseeing individual projects.
   
• Creation of work to develop your professional portfolio.
   
• Learning how to network.
   
• Learning the dynamic of the interaction between the various shops and gaining skills in complex Problem solving.

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading: This class requires weekly hours in the shop of your focus, as well as work calls during tech weekend and all strikes. The grade will be based on your attendance and the quality of your work.

Instructor: Jennifer Stauffer, jstauffer@mgsa.rutgers.edu

British Arts & Culture

Course Number: 07:966:417
Course Format: Seminar
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

British history, art, and architecture studied on site as part of Rutgers’ Conservatory at Shakespeare’s Globe in London to provide historical, social, and religious contexts for Shakespeare’s plays.

3 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open to BFA students studying in London.

Learning Goals of Course: The main goal of this course is to provide students with a foundation and understanding of British art and culture which will support their awareness of the historic and current trends in Britain. Further, students will connect this knowledge with art and culture that influenced or is influenced by Shakespeare. This will include:

• Identifying cultural and artistic influences in Britain.
• Writing critical analysis of British art, architecture and culture in historical, social and religious context.
• Understanding the historic significance of British social and artistic trends.
• Recognizing the influence on and of Shakespeare.
• Synthesizing the impact on American Theatre and Art.
• Expanding one’s artistic range and context.

Instructor: Cameron Knight

British Arts & Culture

Course Number: 07:966:418
Course Format: Other
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

In British Art and Culture, students explore British history, art, architecture, and culture forming the foun­dation of the intensive study of Shakespeare’s work in historical, social, and religious con­text. Students see classic and contemporary performances, create written reflections on what they have experienced, and visit cultural and artistic landmarks throughout England.

3 credit(s)

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: Open to BFA students studying in London.

Learning Goals of Course:

The main goal of this course is to provide students with a foundation and understanding of British art and culture which will support their awareness of the historic and current trends in Britain. Further, students will connect this knowledge with art and culture that influenced or is influenced by Shakespeare. This will include:

• Experiencing cultural and artistic landmarks in Britain through a series of weekly visits.
• Writing critical analysis of British art, architecture, and culture in historical, social and religious context, with a particular focus on theatre performances.
• Understanding the historic significance of British social and religious trends.
• Recognizing the influences on and of Shakespeare.

Instructor: Cameron Knight, cameron.knight@rutgers.edu

Topics in Technical Direction

Course Number: 07:966:419
Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face

Instructor: Jennifer Stauffer, jstauffer@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Topics in Technical Direction

Course Number: 07:966:420

BA credits

Course Prerequisites: 07:966:219-220