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Graduate Course Descriptions
Click on each course title to get detailed course descriptions. You may also use the bookmarks to the left to browse by Department.
Courses that are shared amongst disciplines can be found under the Inter-Depratmental Courses category below.
You may also view a printable copy of this page by clicking here >>
Acting Courses |
TDGR 200. Dynamics (1)
| X |
| A daily program of physical, vocal, and speech exercises designed to prepare the student to move in a focused way into specific class areas with minimum amount of warm-up time. The exercises work on development of flexibility, strength, and coordination throughout the body. Strong emphasis is placed on physical and mental centering within a structured and disciplined approach to preparation. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 204A. Text Analysis (4)
| X |
Topics to be covered will include:
(1) concept of poetic language; lexical and syntactic analysis of dialogue
(2) the semantic context of dialogue
(3) thematic structure, from motive to themes
(4) the concept of dramatic character or hero
(5) dramatic narrative
(6) the material of drama; the relationship of myth and ritual to drama
(7) analysis versus interpretation
(8) practical applications.
Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 204B
Contemporary Theories of Theatre (4)
| X |
| An investigation of contemporary theories of theatre with an emphasis on structural and poststructural perspectives on text and textuality. The seminar will focus on adapting contemporary techniques of close reading to the interpretive and creative process in the theatre. Prerequisites: TDGR 204A; admittance to M.F.A. program or consent of instructor. |
TDGR 209. Commedia and Comic Techniques (3)
| X |
| A course designed to provide actors with tools, both physical and verbal, to play comedy. Included will be commedia del arte techniques, clown work, masks, circus techniques, mime, and scene work from comic scripts. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 210B. Process I (4)
| X |
| Intensive studio examination of realistic texts using improvisational and imaginative techniques to realistically based texts commonly from American theatre. Prerequisites: THGR or TDGR 210A and admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 211A-B-C. Speech for the Actor I (2-2-2)
| X |
| Introduction of the principles of phonetics and articulation. Constant study and drill to prepare the actor for standard speech and flexibility. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 213A-B-C. Movement for Theatre I (2-2-2)
| X |
| An intensive studio course in the art of movement as a basis for theatre performance. Theory and practice of energy flow, weight, spatial focus, time consumption, and the shape factor. (S/U grades only.) Prerequisites: THGR or TDGR 213A for B, THGR or TDGR 213B for C; admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 220A-B-C. Process II: Classical Text (4,4,4)
| X |
| An intensive studio examination of problems and potentials associated with the theatrical realization of the classical text. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 223A-B. Movement for Theatre II (2-2)
| X |
| An advanced course in the art of movement for the theatre, building on the knowledge gained in Theatre 213. (S/U grades only.) Prerequisite: THGR or TDGR 223A for B; admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 225A-B. Singing for the Actor II (1-1)
| X |
| Continuing vocal technique for the musical theatre. More complicated musical material investigated and prepared. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 233. Acting for the Camera (1)
| X |
| This course is designed to aid the actor in the transition from stage to film work. Examination of film production and its physical characteristics and the acting style needed for work in film and television. Students will rehearse and perform in simulated studio setting. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 239. Skills (4)
| X |
| Continuing vocal technique for the musical theatre. More complicated musical material investigated and prepared. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
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TDGR 201. Stage Combat (2)
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X |
| A study of the dramatic elements of stage violence, and practical work in developing the physical skills necessary to fully realize violent moments on the stage. At the core of the study is the process from text to convincing theatrical action. Physical work revolves around basic principles of energy, focus, and center inherent in unarmed and weapons combat. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 205. Improvisation for the Theatre (3)
| X |
A course designed to introduce improvisational techniques to professional acting students. A variety of approaches to the art of improvisation will be presented and practiced, both serious and comic. Small and large group improvisations will be offered for participation.
Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 204C. Collective Creation (4)
| X |
| TDGR 204C. Collective Creation (4) The culmination of the TDGR 204 sequence, in which students in all disciplines create and perform publicly presented original theatre pieces. Prerequisites: TDGR 204B; admittance to M.F.A. program or consent of instructor. |
TDGR 210A. Process I (4)
| X |
| The actors focus on the nature of the acting process, using various exercises to stimulate imagination and inspire instinctual choices. Later work includes improvisational and imaginative experiences to explore character and text. The class culminates in intensive scene work chosen for the particular actor to meld the improvisational approach with scripted material. The class is a combination of both actors and directors so that a common language is developed. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 210C. Process I (4)
| X |
| The intensive study of the dramatic and fictional work of Anton Chekhov and an actor’s approach to that work. This course includes many of the techniques begun in earlier classes and applies them to this material. Also included is a study of Chekhov’s short stories and plays, and involves adapting and staging these works. Prerequisities: THGR or TDGR 210B and admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 212. Acting Practicum (2)
| X |
| One-on-one laboratory workshop which examines practical applications of accents, speech and voice work, dialect, movement and combat work specific and ancillary to the productions in which the students have been cast. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 214A-B-C. Voice for Theatre I (2-2-2)
| X |
| Voice exercises designed to “free the voice” with emphasis on diaphragmatic breathing, articulation exercises, and singing exercises. Course designed to broaden pitch, range, projection, and to expand the full range of potential characterizations. (S/U grades only.) Prerequisites: THGR or TDGR 214A for B; THGR or TDGR 214B for C; admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 221A-B. Speech for the Actor II (3-3)
| X |
| Advanced work in phonetics and articulation. Intensive study of stage dialects to prepare actor for variety of roles. Prerequisites: graduate standing; THGR or TDGR 221A Prerequisite for THGR or TDGR 221B; admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 224A-B. Voice for Theatre II (2-2)
| X |
| Advanced voice training designed to help the actor fuse voice, emotion, and body into a fully realized reflection of the text. (S/U grades only.) Prerequisite: THGR or TDGR 224A for B; admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 230. Acting Process III: Actors’ Studio (4)
| X |
| An advanced studio for graduate actors and directors, this work will explore a single text from the modern theatre under the direction of a master teacher-artist. Concentration will be on multiple possible modes of encountering a text, varieties of interpretation and performance realization, and the development of a theatre ensemble. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 235. Singing for the Actor III (1-1)
| X |
| Continuing vocal technique for the musical theatre. More complicated musical material investigated and prepared. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 295. Acting Practicum (2)
| X |
| This course covers the artistic, aesthetic, and practical aspects of the actors’ work as they develop and execute the character/role towards a fully realized production. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
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Design Courses |
TDGR 228. Designing Assistantship (6-12)
| X |
| Assisting faculty with productions off-campus. To draft some or all of the project design. To perform research, either visual, historical or technical. To create and maintain all production plans and paperwork records from pre-production through opening night. To organize the staff for focus and work calls. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 271. Design Seminar (2)
| X |
| A seminar focusing on all aspects of the design profession, including current projects of graduate design students. The work may also include portfolio presentations, research presentations, and guest lecturers. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 273. Fashioning the Body (4)
| X |
| A survey/history of artistic and cultural stylistic change as embodied in clothing from early Western civilization to the contemporary period. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 275. Advanced Lighting Design (4)
| X |
| Creative projects and topics in Lighting Design to develop the student’s techniques and professional practices. Work to include studies in design research, concepts, psychophysical considerations, collaboration, professional procedures and systems, paperwork, and organization. Various scales of production projects will be addressed by the student for presentation and critique, and may be theoretical or productions in the departmental calendar. Prerequisite: second- or third-year design students only; admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 278. Special Topics in Theatre Design: (1-6)
| X |
| A course designed to expose the theatre design student to a variety of specialized topics, including millinery, pattern drafting and draping, scenic painting, model making, figure drawing, drafting, fitting, rendering. Topics will vary from quarter to quarter. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
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TDGR 270A-B-C. Design Studio I (4-4-4)
| X |
| This course will focus on beginning-level problems in theatre design, including text analysis, research, conceptualization, and visual expression. Students will work on individual projects in lighting, costume, and scenic design. The course will include group critiques of completed designs and works in progress. 270A: Scenic Design (fall); 270B: Costume Design (winter); 270C: Lighting Design (spring). Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 272. Master Class in Design (1-4)
| X |
| Special topics in design taught in an intensive workshop format by professionals in the respective fields of study. Topics could include, but are not limited to, sound design techniques, new development in set design, AutoCAD. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 274. Advanced Scenic Design (4)
| X |
| This course explores advanced problems in scenic design through development and critique of creative class projects and production works-in-progress. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 276. Advanced Costume Design (4)
| X |
| Projects in costume design, emphasizing script analysis, research, conceptualization, and visual expression. Studio work includes costume rendering in various media for specific plays. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 279. Design Practicum (4)
| X |
| This course covers the artistic, aesthetic and practical aspects of the designers work as they develop and execute the design toward a fully realized production. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
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Directing Courses |
TDGR 219. Directing Process Studio (4)
| X |
| Preparation, presentation, and discussion of representative scenes from various periods of dramatic literature. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 240. Directing Seminar (1-6)
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X |
| A seminar focusing on the current directing projects of all graduate directing students. Depending upon individual student needs, the work may include play selection, historical or sociological research, and discussion of emerging directorial concepts, the rehearsal process, and post-production evaluation. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 245. Directing Practicum (4)
| X |
| Students enrolled in this course will work on productions in the function of a director. This will include staging, creative interpretation, blocking, etc. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
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TDGR 227. Directing Assistantship (6-12)
| X |
| Assisting faculty with productions off-campus. Perform research necessary for project. Assist with casting. Participate in design meetings. Observe and participate in rehearsal. Direct, if delegated to do so. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 241. Directing—Site Specific (2-4)
| X |
| A course designed to create theatre performance in non-theatrical settings. This will be done by using theatrical text in non-traditional settings or text specifically created for individual sites. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
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Playwriting Courses |
TDGR 250. Playwriting Seminar (4)
| X |
| A seminar focusing on the current playwriting project of all graduate playwriting students. Work for each quarter is individually determined according to student needs, but may include exploration of an inceptive idea, development of a scenario or other structural work, and writing dialogue. Students present work to be discussed in class. May include group or individual playwriting exercises. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 256. Contemporary Plays (1-4)
| X |
| A guided reading course focusing exclusively on very recent plays in an attempt to become aware of what is being written now. Course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 258. Dramatization and Adaptation (4)
| X |
| Seminar will deal with dramatization and adaptation of literary texts for the purpose of theatrical production. The class will study some significant examples of such practice from the past, and, subsequently, students will develop their own projects of dramatization, adaptation, or modernization of texts. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 277. Special Topics in Playwriting and
Writing for other Media (4)
| X |
| Topics will focus on various aspects of writing for the stage, television, and film. Topics will vary from quarter to quarter. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
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TDGR 251. Playwriting Practicum (3-6)
| X |
| Creative writing project developing original scripts from outline to the final play. Plays may vary depending on the quarter, but will include writing of a realistic one-act, a nonrealistic one-act, a one-act documentary or dramatization of fiction, a full-length play. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 257. Screenwriting (4)
| X |
| Students will develop the concept for an original piece for television or film and will write the screenplay. Student work will be discussed in seminar at each phase of the development. Prerequisites: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program and THGR or TDGR 250. |
TDGR 261. Theatre and Drama in Ancient Greece (4)
| X |
| This class will deal mainly with the fifth-century theatre, drama, and related subjects of mythology and philosophy of art. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
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PHD Courses |
TDGR 252. Dramaturgy Seminar (4)
TDGR 290. Dramatic Literature and Theatre History Prior to 1900 (4)
| X |
| Selected material from following topics: Classical Drama, Asian Drama,Medieval and Early Modern Drama, Shakespeare, European Drama 1600–1900. May be taken eight times as content varies. Prerequisite: admission to Ph.D. program in Theatre. |
TDGR 292. Cultural and Critical Theory (4)
| X |
| Selected material from following topics: Performance Theory, Dramatic Theory, Critical Theory, Cultural Studies. May be taken eight times as content varies. Prerequisite: admission to Ph.D. program in Theatre. |
TDGR 294. Dissertation Research (4-12) Research and preparation of doctoral dissertation.
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TDGR 253. Dramaturgy Practicum (1-6)
| X |
| Students enrolled in this course will work on productions in the function of a dramaturg. This will entail preparation of texts, research, participation at rehearsals, etc. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 291. Dramatic Literature and Theatre History 1900 to the Present (4)
| X |
| Selected material from following topics: European Theatre 1900–Present, American Theatre 1900– Present, Contemporary Theatre and Performance. May be taken eight times as content varies. Prerequisite: admission to Ph.D. program in Theatre. |
TDGR 293. Directed Studies (4-12) Individual or small group directed study.
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Stage Management Courses |
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TDGR 280A, 280B, and 280C. Stage Management (1-3)
| X |
| Discussion and research into the duties, responsibilities, and roles of a stage manager. Work to include studies in script analysis, communication, rehearsal procedures, performance skills, and style and concept approach to theatre. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 286. Special Topics in Stage Management (1-6)
| X |
| A course for M.F.A. students in stage management. Topics will focus on various aspects of theatre administration, and advanced stage management including: Non-profit Theatre, Commercial Theatre, Advanced Problems, Venues, Musicals/Dance, Production Management, Theatre Development, Business Problems, and Theatre Marketing. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 296. Stage Management Practicum (4)
| X |
| Taken each term by all graduate stage management students. The class focuses on the development of knowledge and skills necessary for the contemporary stage manager. Seminar format is augmented by lab work that may include departmental productions. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
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TDGR 252. Dramaturgy (4)
| X |
| The seminar will deal with all dramaturgical issues pertaining to departmental productions: production research, textual and analysis, translation, adaptation, rehearsal process, and critique. Concurrently with the dramaturgy issues of the given year, the seminar will discuss possible choices of plays for future production seasons. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 270C. Design Studio I: Lighting Design (4)
| X |
| This course will focus on beginning-level problems in theatre design, including text analysis, research, conceptualization, and visual expression. Students will work on individual projects in lighting, costume, and scenic design. The course will include group critiques of completed design and works in progress. 270A: Scenic Design (fall); 270B: Costume Design (winter); 270C: Lighting Design (spring). |
TDGR 270D. Design Studio I: Sound Design (4)
| X |
| This course will focus on beginning-level problems in theatre design, including text analysis, research, conceptualization, and visual/auditory expression. Students will work on individual projects in sound, lighting, costume, and scenic design. This course will include group critiques of completed design and works in progress. 270A: Scenic Design (fall); 270B: Costume Design (winter); 270C: Lighting Design (spring). |
| X |
| A continuation of the introductory stage management course, to further explore the stage manager’s process, focusing on the technical rehearsal period through the closing of a show. Prerequisites: TDGR 280, admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 288. Stage Management Seminar (4)
| X |
| A weekly seminar in which all graduate stage managers participate. Includes discussions of problems encountered on current productions, paperwork, methodology, and production approaches. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
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Inter-Departmental Courses |
TDGR 202. Joint Stock (3)
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X |
| The process of collaborative creation from idea to performance. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 206. Faculty Directed Production (4)
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X |
| Faculty directed production, from the rehearsal process through public performance. All participants will enroll in the same section, the number of units depending upon degree of involvement. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 229. Theatre Externship (9-12)
| X |
| Selected professional opportunities in repertory and commercial theatre, designed to engage the student in particular creative responsibilities under the guidance of master artist-teachers. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 297. Thesis Research (2-12) Thesis research for M.F.A. degree. (S/U grades only.) Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program.
TDGR 299. Thesis Project (2-12)
| X |
| Specific projects in theatre individually determined to meet the developing needs, interests, and abilities of M.F.A. candidates. (S/U grades only.) Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 501. Teaching—Non Departmental (4)
| X |
| Consideration of pedagogical applications in the teaching of literacy, historical and philosophical text at the undergraduate level. Pedagogical aids for the teaching of composition and supervised teaching in sections of undergraduate coruses such as the Revelle Humanities sequence and in the CAT programs of Sixth College. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
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TDGR 203. Seminar and Supervision for ArtsBridge Scholars (1)
| X |
| A workshop to address the specific pedagogical requirements and techniques to be employed by students as ArtsBridge (outreach) Scholars and Mentors of ArtsBridge Scholars. Instructor will mentor the students on-site as well as in seminars. Prerequisites: graduate standing and consent of instructor. |
TDGR 207. Production (1)
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X |
| The collaborative process from the rehearsal process through public performance. All participants will enroll in the same section, the same number of units. Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program. |
TDGR 231. New Play Festival (8-12)
| X |
| The workshopping and production of plays written by M.F.A. playwrights. |
TDGR 298. Special Projects (0-4) Advanced seminar and research projects in theatre. (S/U grades only.) Prerequisite: admission to the M.F.A. Theatre program.
TDGR 500. Introduction to Apprentice Teaching (4)
| X |
| This course, designed to meet the needs of the graduate students who serve as teaching assistants, includes analysis of texts and materials, discussion of teaching techniques, conducting discussion sections, formulation of topics and questions for papers, and examinations and grading. 2 units=25% TAship. 4 units=50% TAship. Prerequisites: graduate standing and consent of the instructor. |
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