Drama (DRM)

American theater and media arts have been influenced principally from Western European traditions and practices. However, unique viewpoints and styles have come from the minds of talented American artists who have been influenced by a wide of array of world cultures. American Theater and Media Arts Traditions will examine those forms and practices that are uniquely American as well as examining the origins of and influences on those forms. Although live theater in America is an outgrowth of the European theatrical tradition, movies and television are art forms that were developed in the United States. All three of these story-telling forms will be experienced. Students will study the development of these forms from their inception to the present. Students will explore landmark works while placing these works within the social and political context of the times in which they were produced.

Introduction to Technical Theatre provides a practical and theoretical survey of the tools and techniques involved in Modern American Theatre. The course is divided into equal parts class room lecture and technical laboratory.

Theatrical performance is a time honored method of teaching the fundamentals of theater. While the non-performance based study of theatrical history and appreciation of theater’s many forms is an essential component of theatrical study, mounting and participating in all aspects of live performance is an irreplaceable experience. Performance-Based Theatrical Expression will allow students to explore a wide range of theatrical pieces and styles. Students will be expected to participate in live University of Great Falls theater performances as either actors or crew.

Students may receive credit for acting in University productions. May be repeated to a total of six credits.

Students may receive credit for work on the stage crew in University productions. May be repeated to a total of six credits.

Various performance techniques will be developed to express character, emotion and action in musical theatre performance. Students will study and learn songs from many different styles and eras of Musical Theatre; operetta, the golden era and modern musical theatre and “pop” musicals. Students will learn the difference between performing in a production and performing an audition. Students who complete this course will develop an understanding of their musical strengths and weaknesses and begin to develop a portfolio of songs for auditions.

Students will work collaboratively to create a piece of devised theatre. Students will write, direct, perform and promote the production. Subject matter and performance style will change from class to class. Emphasis will be placed on furthering theories learned in Intro to Acting and Dramatic Literature.

Students will assess their problem-solving and teamwork skills in conjunction with an approved University activity. May be repeated up to three times for credit.

Course may be repeated with a different topic. Expected to be offered: Sufficient Demand

Students will study various eras, styles and theories of theatre through the ages. A survey of the major developments of the theatre from primitive beginnings to the 20th century. The class will also serve as an upper-level writing course.

Students will take a stronger leadership position with the Theatre Lab I class. Focus will be on furthering the concepts from either Playwriting or Directing class.

Introduction to the basics of storytelling and the creation of dramatic texts using both organic and formulaic models. Students will learn to observe the world for meaning, build characters, place characters in settings, write monologues, create dialogue between characters, and lay the groundwork for longer, more substantive work. Students will write several short pieces and one full play/screenplay.

Students will learn the basics of directing actors in a play. Techniques will be discussed and put into practice for analyzing a script, working with actors, and assembling a rehearsal schedule. Students who complete this course will have the confidence to come up with practical solutions to problems that arise during the course of directing a play.