Theatre and Dance

Majors and Degrees Offered

• Theatre (B.F.A.) with an Emphasis in:
  • Acting
  • Costume Construction
  • Costume Design
  • Lighting Design
  • Scene Design
  • Scene Painting
  • Sound Design
  • Stage Management
  • Technical Direction
  • Wig and Makeup Design
• Dance (B.A.)
• Dance (B.F.A.)
• Directing (B.A.)

Minors Offered

• Dance
• Theatre

A minor requires a minimum of 18 credit hours of formal coursework from the University curriculum completed at Webster University. Courses used to fulfill a major may not also be used to fulfill a requirement for a minor.

Statement of Purpose

It is our mission to train our future colleagues to become visionaries, creators and leaders in the next generation of American professional theatre.

Educational Goals

Graduates of The Conservatory of Theatre Arts will:

• Possess skills within their area of expertise
• Demonstrate an effective working process
• Be disciplined theatre practitioners
• Understand the value of the ensemble
• Be able to realize the potential of their imagination
• Have experience in theatre production in professional and learning environments
• Be prepared to get work

Student Assessment

The Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University offers a sequential, selective, and intensive program for training young artists for theatre. All students are accepted into the program by interview or audition and are enrolled in a particular sequence. Through a carefully monitored grading system using written comment sheets from all faculty, students are regularly advised of their progress and status within the Conservatory.    Learning outcomes are measured via semester auditions, interviews and/or portfolio reviews from which students receive individual faculty feedback.

Special Study Opportunities

The Conservatory is the only undergraduate program in the country that works with two professional performing organizations in residence and on campus: The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. These outstanding performing institutions offer exciting productions, nationally and internationally recognized theatre artists, and special opportunities for specific projects.

All students in the fourth year take part in a trip to New York City, where they audition and/or exhibit their talents in two performances, one for alumni and one for agents, casting directors, and artistic directors. A portfolio review is scheduled for designers, stage managers, and producers located in New York. The Conservatory produces a season of six plays and one dance concert annually. The productions are mounted and designed by students, using each of three performance spaces. A sequence of weekly one-act plays called E.T.s (Every Tuesday) is part of the directing and actor training programs. Further performance and production opportunities are possible when projects of special merit are proposed.

The bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) in dance is designed to provide an emphasis in performance and choreography. It is an intensive exposure to dance technique, performance, and choreography for the purpose of preparing a student for the challenges of a professional dance career or to increase chances for acceptance into a strong M.F.A. program.

In recent years, theatre and dance students have been placed in internships and practica with the Old Globe Theatre, San Diego; Denver Center Theatre Company; Opera Theatre of Saint Louis; The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Milwaukee Repertory Theatre; Missouri Repertory Theatre; Dance Saint Louis; Grand Center; Circus Flora; Missouri Citizens for the Arts; Washington Opera; Seattle Repertory Theatre; The Nebraska Theatre Caravan; St. Louis Regional Arts Council; Intiman Theatre; the Goodspeed Opera House; the Joffrey Ballet; and San Diego Repertory Theatre.

Scholarships

Marita Woodruff Scholarship

This scholarship was established through a gift from Marsha Mason, an alumna of the Webster Theatre and Dance Department, to acknowledge the outstanding teaching contributions of Marita Woodruff.

The scholarship is awarded annually to one student in the third year and one student in the fourth year who represent an outstanding balance of professionalism, talent, and scholarship in humanistic studies.

Judy K. Meyer Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by the Arthur Meyer Memorial Fund and is awarded to a fourth year musical theatre or regional theatre student judged to be outstanding.

Robert Slowiak Scholarship

This award was created by the Robert Slowiak Memorial Fund to be awarded to the outstanding fourth year student in the design and technical production program. This fund is intended to support the student's needs for supplies and materials.

David Huffman Scholarship

This scholarship is established to provide a student in the fourth year with additional support that will allow him/her to complete the final year. This award is based on financial need and excellent work within the Conservatory.

Phyllis Huffman Del Vecchio Scholarship

This scholarship is established to recognize an outstanding Fourth Year student in Acting or Musical Theatre in The Conservatory of Theatre Arts with significant financial need.   The scholarship is intended to provide support to allow the student to complete his/her final year of studies.   The awardee should exhibit potential for a successful careeer as an actor in theatre or film.

Mary Alice Dwyer-Dobbin Scholarship

This scholarship is established and named for an alumna of the Webster Department of Theatre and Dance and is awarded to the outstanding fourth year stage management student.

Peter E. Sargent Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a student in the third or fourth year representing outstanding talent and promise in the field of lighting design.

Jeffrey Struckman Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship, established by family and friends to honor the memory of an alumnus of the Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University, is awarded to a full-time, third or fourth year student majoring in theatre with an emphasis in costume or scene design.

Marcella Withum Finn Endowed Costume Fund

The fund establishes an endowment to provide support for the design, construction, and execution of costumes for an annually selected Conservatory of Theatre Arts production. It is intended to be utilized for a single production selected by the design and technical production faculty each season.

Special Requirements

Courses completed with a grade of D do not count toward fulfilling the specific course requirements of the major.

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Conservatory of Theatre Arts Degrees:

Theatre with an Emphasis in Acting (B.F.A.)

Degree Requirements

• 86 required credit hours
• 12 general education credit hours
• 30 elective credit hours

Required Courses

• THEA 1010, 1020, 2010, 2020, 3010, 3020, 4010, 4020   (The Conservatory sequence or its approved equivalent)	64 hours
• THEA 3710, 3720 Directing I, II	4 hours
• ENGL 1510, 1520 Major Dramatists I, II	6 hours
• THEA 2030 History of the Theatre: Greeks to Restoration	3 hours
• THEA 2040 History of the Theatre: Eighteenth
Century to Modern	3 hours

Six credit hours from any of the following areas:

•      Behavioral and Social Sciences: Prefixes - PSYC, ANSO
•      General Studies: Prefix - GNST (excludes GNST 1200 - Freshman Seminar)
•      History:   Prefix - HIST

Recommended electives are to be accomplished by the end of the third year. The purpose is to provide the necessary opportunities to explore the variety of disciplines of study that naturally complement the student's theatre training. These areas are:

• Musicianship/private voice or piano	3 hours
• Drama literature	3 hours
• Art or music history	3 hours
• Social sciences, behavioral science, philosophy, or religion	3 hours

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Theatre with an Emphasis in Costume Construction (B.F.A.)

Degree Requirements

• 102 required credit hours
• 12 general education credit hours
• 14 elective credit hours

Required Courses

• THEA 1010, 1020, 2010, 2020, 3010, 3020, 4010, 4020    (The Conservatory sequence or its equivalent)	72 hours
• ART 1110 Introduction to Drawing	3 hours
• ART 1120 Principles of Drawing	3 hours
• ART 1130 Figure Drawing for Theatre Majors	2 hours
• ART 1210 Design: 2-D	3 hours
• ART 1220 Design: 3-D	3 hours
• ENGL 1510, 1520 Major Dramatists I, II	6 hours
• GNST 1400 Civilization and the Arts	4 hours
• THEA 2030 History of the Theatre: Greeks to Restoration	3 hours
• THEA 2040 History of the Theatre: Eighteenth Century to Modern	3 hours

Recommended elective:

• DANC 1560 Costume Construction for Dance                         3 hours

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Theatre with an Emphasis in Costume Design (B.F.A.)

Degree Requirements

• 106 required credit hours
• 12 general education credit hours
• 10 elective credit hours

Required Courses

• THEA 1010, 1020, 2010, 2020, 3010, 3020, 4010, 4020    (The Conservatory sequence or its equivalent)	72 hours
• ART 1110 Introduction to Drawing	3 hours
• ART 1120 Principles of Drawing	3 hours
• ART 1130 Figure Drawing for Theatre Majors	6 hours
• ART 1210 Design: 2-D	3 hours
• ART 1220 Design: 3-D	3 hours
• ENGL 1510, 1520 Major Dramatists I, II	6 hours
• GNST 1400 Civilization and the Arts	4 hours
• THEA 2030 History of the Theatre: Greeks to Restoration	3 hours
• THEA 2040 History of the Theatre: Eighteenth Century to Modern	3 hours

 

Recommended elective:

• DANC 1550 Costume Design for Dance                                    3 hours

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Theatre with an Emphasis in Lighting Design (B.F.A.)

Degree Requirements

• 108 required credit hours
• 12 general education credit hours
• 8 elective credit hours

Required Courses

• THEA 1010, 1020, 2010, 2020, 3010, 3020, 4010, 4020    (The Conservatory sequence or its equivalent)	72 hours
• ART 1110 Introduction to Drawing	3 hours
• ART 1120 Principles of Drawing	3 hours
• ART 1130 Figure Drawing for Theatre Majors	6 hours
• ART 1210 Design: 2-D	3 hours
• ART 1220 Design: 3-D	3 hours
• ENGL 1510, 1520 Major Dramatists I, II	6 hours
• GNST 1400 Civilization and the Arts	4 hours
• SCIN 1410 Patterns of Light and Sound	2 hours
• THEA 2030 History of the Theatre: Greeks to Restoration	3 hours
• THEA 2040 History of the Theatre: Eighteenth Century to Modern	3 hours

 

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Theatre with an Emphasis in Scene Design (B.F.A.)

Degree Requirements

• 106 required credit hours
• 12 general education credit hours
• 10 elective credit hours

Required Courses

• THEA 1010, 1020, 2010, 2020, 3010, 3020, 4010, 4020 (The Conservatory sequence or its equivalent)	72 hours
• ART 1110 Introduction to Drawing	3 hours
• ART 1120 Principles of Drawing	3 hours
• ART 1130 Figure Drawing for Theatre Majors	6 hours
• ART 1210 Design: 2-D	3 hours
• ART 1220 Design: 3-D	3 hours
• ENGL 1510, 1520 Major Dramatists I, II	6 hours
• GNST 1400 Civilization and the Arts	4 hours
• THEA 2030 History of the Theatre: Greeks to Restoration	3 hours
• THEA 2040 History of the Theatre: Eighteenth Century to Modern	3 hours

 

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Theatre with an Emphasis in Scene Painting (B.F.A.)

Degree Requirements

• 106 required credit hours
• 12 general education credit hours
• 10 elective credit hours

Required Courses

• THEA 1010, 1020, 2010, 2020, 3010, 3020, 4010, 4020 (The Conservatory sequence or its equivalent)	72 hours
• ART 1110 Introduction to Drawing	3 hours
• ART 1120 Principles of Drawing	3 hours
• ART 1130 Figure Drawing for Theatre Majors	6 hours
• ART 1210 Design: 2-D	3 hours
• ART 1220 Design: 3-D	3 hours
• ENGL 1510, 1520 Major Dramatists I, II	6 hours
• GNST 1400 Civilization and the Arts	4 hours
• THEA 2030 History of Theatre: Greeks to Restoration	3 hours
• THEA 2040 History of Theatre: Eighteenth Century to Modern	3 hours

 

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Theatre with an Emphasis in Sound Design (B.F.A.)

Degree Requirements

• 113 required credit hours
• 12 general education credit hours
• 3 elective credit hours

Required Courses

• THEA 1010, 1020, 2010, 2020, 3010, 3020, 4010, 4020 (The Conservatory sequence or its equivalent)	72 hours
• ART 1110 Introduction to Drawing	3 hours
• ART 1210 Design: 2-D	3 hours
• AUDI 1000, 2000 Audio Production I, II	6 hours
• AUDI 3000 Multitrack Recording	3 hours
• AUDI 3300 Sound System Design and Operation	3 hours
• ENGL 1510, 1520 Major Dramatists I, II	6 hours
• GNST 1400 Civilization and the Arts	4 hours
• MUSC 1000 Fundamentals of Musicianship	2 hours
• MUSC 1050 Introduction to Music Appreciation	3 hours
• SCIN 1410 Patterns of Light and Sound	2 hours
• THEA 2030 History of the Theatre: Greeks to Restoration	3 hours
• THEA 2040 History of the Theatre: Eighteenth Century to Modern	3 hours

Recommended electives:

• AUDI 1200 Intro to MIDI	2 hours
• AUDI 4000 Music Recording	3 hours

 

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Theatre with an Emphasis in Stage Management (B.F.A.)

Degree Requirements

• 90 required credit hours
• 12 general education credit hours
• 26 elective credit hours

Required Courses

• THEA 1010, 1020, 2010, 2020, 3010, 3020, 4010, 4020 (The Conservatory sequence or its equivalent)	72 hours
• ENGL 1510, 1520 Major Dramatists I, II	6 hours
• GNST 1400 Civilization and the Arts	4 hours
• THEA 2030 History of the Theatre: Greeks to Restoration	3 hours
• THEA 2040 History of the Theatre: Eighteenth Century to Modern	3 hours
• MUSC 1000 Fundamentals of Musicianship or piano proficiency	2 hours

 

Recommended electives are to be accomplished by the end of the third year. The purpose is to provide the necessary opportunities to explore the variety of disciplines of study that naturally complement the student's theatre training. These areas are:

• Art or music history	3 hours
• Drama literature	3 hours
• Social sciences, behavioral science, philosophy, or religion	3 hours

 

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Theatre with an Emphasis in Technical Direction (B.F.A.)

Degree Requirements

• 107 required credit hours
• 12 general education credit hours
• 9 elective credit hours

Required Courses

• THEA 1010, 1020, 2010, 2020, 3010, 3020, 4010, 4020 (The Conservatory sequence or its equivalent)	72 hours
• ART 1110 Introduction to Drawing	3 hours
• ART 1120 Principles of Drawing	3 hours
• ART 1130 Figure Drawing for Theatre Majors	2 hours
• ART 1210 Design: 2-D	3 hours
• ART 1220 Design: 3-D	3 hours
• GNST 1400 Civilization and the Arts	4 hours
• ENGL 1510, 1520 Major Dramatists I, II	6 hours
• MATH 1440 Trigonometry	3 hours
• SCIN 1410 Patterns of Light and Sound	2 hours
• THEA 2030 History of the Theatre: Greeks to Restoration	3 hours
• THEA 2040 History of the Theatre: Eighteenth Century to Modern	3 hours

 

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Theatre with an Emphasis in Wig and Makeup Design (B.F.A.)

Degree Requirements

• 104 required credit hours
• 12 general education credit hours
• 12 elective credit hours

Required Courses

• THEA 1010, 1020, 2010, 2020, 3010, 3020, 4010, 4020 (The Conservatory sequence or its equivalent.)	72 hours
• ART 1110 Introduction to Figure Drawing	3 hours
• ART 1120 Principles of Drawing	3 hours
• ART 1130 Figure Drawing for Theatre Majors	4 hours
• ART 1210 Design: 2-D	3 hours
• ART 1220 Design: 3-D	3 hours
• ENGL 1510, 1520 Major Dramatists I, II	6 hours
• GNST 1400 Civilization and the Arts	4 hours
• THEA 2030 History of the Theatre: Greeks to Restoration	3 hours
• THEA 2040 History of the Theatre: Eighteenth Century to Modern	3 hours

 

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Directing (B.A.)

Degree Requirements

• 72 required credit hours
• 27 general education credit hours
• 29 elective credit hours

Required Courses

• THEA 1010, 1020, 2010, 2020, 3010, 3020, 4020 (Conservatory or approved equivalent)	46 hours
• ENGL 1510, 1520 Major Dramatists I, II	6 hours
• THEA 3710, 3720, 4710, 4720 Directing I-IV	8 hours
• ENGL 4150 Shakespeare I	3 hours
• THEA 2030 History of the Theatre: Greeks to Restoration	3 hours
• THEA 2040 History of the Theatre: Eighteenth Century to Modern	3 hours
• THEA 4500 London Theatre	3 hours

 

Suggested General Education Courses

• ANSO 2030 Culture and Communication [CUL]
• MUSC 1050 Music Appreciation
• PSYC 1100 Introduction to Psychology [SCI]
• ANSO 1010 Introduction to Sociology [VAL]
• MATH 1360 Business Mathematics [MTH]
• PHIL 1100 Introduction to Philosophy [CRI]
• MEDC 1010 Introduction to Mass Communications [COM]

Recommended Courses

• ENGL 3210 Tragic Themes	3 hours
• ENGL 4000 Myth and Modern Literature	3 hours
• ENGL 3010 Playwriting	3 hours
• ENGL 3900 Myth and Classical Literature	3 hours
• ENGL 3050 Topics in Drama	3 hours
• THEA 3030, 3040 Topics in Theatre	4 hours
• Courses in history, philosophy, art, dance, media

 

Special Requirements

Webster University's directing program is designed to educate student directors in the craft and art of storytelling. The program is also designed to immerse young directors in the world of the designer, actor, and stage manager as well. Directing students take classes in directing, acting, fundamentals of design, stage management, text analysis, crew management, visual history, lighting design, voice, and movement.

All directing candidates must audition, interview, and write an essay for consideration for the program. Directing students' work will be reviewed at the end of the second year, and they will receive evaluations from the faculty involved in THEA 2020.

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Theatre Minor

Degree Requirements

To complete a minor in Theatre, students must take a minimum of 18 credits hours from the courses listed below.   Courses used to fulfill a requirement for any major may not also be used to fulfill a requirement for the minor in Theatre.   The Department of Theatre and Dance strongly encourages students to take advantage of the courses available at our London campus.

Courses available at the St. Louis Campus:

• THEA 1005 Theatre Going (1)
• THEA 1030 Acting for Non-majors   I (2-3)
• THEA 1050 Theatre Appreciation (3)
• THEA 2030 History of the Theatre: Greeks to Restoration (3)
• THEA 2040 History of the Theatre: Eighteenth Century to Modern (3)
• THEA 3030 Topics in Theatre (2-3)
• THEA 3040 Topics in Theatre (2-3)
• THEA 3050 Acting for Non-Majors II   (3)
• THEA 3060 Theatre in the Elementary Classroom (3)
• THEA 3070   Creative Dramatics: Social Issues (3)
• THEA 4500 London Theatre (3)
• MUTH 1030 History of American Musical Theatre (3)
• ENGL 1510 Major Dramatists I   (3)
• ENGL 1520 Major Dramatists II   (3)

Courses available at the London Campus:

• THEA 1030 Introduction to Acting
• THEA 3030 Introduction to Theatre Arts: London Theatre from Shakespeare's Globe to the West End
• THEA 3030 British & American Musical Theatre
• THEA 3040 Introduction to the Performing Arts
• THEA 3040 Contemporary London Theatre
• ENGL 3500 Shakespeare: Comedies & Romances
• ENGL 3500 Shakespeare: Tragedies & Histories

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Dance Degrees

Dance (B.A.)

Degree Requirements

• 46 required credit hours
• 27 general education credit hours
• 55 elective credit hours

Required Courses

• DANC 3000-level applied dance, Ballet or Modern             18 hours
• DANC 1000-, 2000-, or 3000-level applied dance,
  Ballet, Modern, Jazz, or Tap (in area other than above)      12 hours
• DANC 1220 Improvisation                                                           2 hours
• DANC 1310, 1320 Composition I                                              6 hours
• DANC 2210 Dance History                                                           3 hours
• DANC 2520 Living Anatomy and Movement                          3 hours
• MUSC 1000 Fundamentals of Musicianship                            2 hours

There are no limitations on the degree of intensity with which dance work can be pursued prior to declaring a major in the second year. At that time the student, assisted by his or her advisor, prepares a written proposal of specific goals in his or her intended major. It may be presented in terms of career goals, such as teaching, dance notation, performing; as a declaration of intended choreographic accomplishments; or as an approach to the study of dance with personal learning goals. The entire dance faculty will evaluate the individual's realistic ability to accomplish those goals.

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Dance (B.F.A.)

Degree Requirements

• 83 required credit hours
• 12 general education credit hours
• 33 elective credit hours

Required Courses

• DANC 3000-level applied dance, Ballet or Modern
  (six semesters minimum)                                                        18 hours
• DANC 1000-, 2000-, or 3000-level applied dance,
  Ballet, Modern, Jazz, or Tap (four semesters in area
  other than above)                                                                      12 hours
• DANC 1220 Improvisation                                                           2 hours
• DANC 1310, 1320 Composition I                                              6 hours
• DANC 2310, 2320 Composition II                                            6 hours
• DANC 2210 Dance History                                                           3 hours
• DANC 3310 Choreographic Project                                           3 hours
• Additional advanced-level work in technique,
  choreography, independent study                                           6 hours
• DANC 2520 Living Anatomy and Movement                          3 hours
• DANC 1550 Costume Design for Dance                                    3 hours
• DANC 1560 Costume Construction for Dance                         3 hours
• DANC 3150 Webster University Dance Ensemble                 4 hours
• WRIT 1010 Composition or
  ENGL 2160 Creative Writing: Fiction                                       3 hours
• EPMD 1000 Introduction to Media Production                        3 hours
• THEA 1030 Introduction to Theatre: Acting
  for Non-Majors                                                                            3 hours
• ART 1000 Introduction to Studio Art                                         3 hours
• MUSC 1000 Fundamentals of Musicianship                            2 hours

After a student has been accepted into the department (see B.A. requirements), he or she may apply for B.F.A. candidacy by completing the B.F.A. candidacy application form. Recommended time for applying is prior to the end of the sophomore year. The student must submit an example of choreography and demonstrate a certain degree of expertise in the area of emphasis. Successful completion of both the written application and studio work is required for acceptance. The student will receive either written notification of acceptance or a recommendation to continue pursuing a B.A. degree after the choreography, technical expertise, and application are reviewed by the dance faculty.

Recommended Electives for the B.A.
or B.F.A. Degree in Dance

The following courses are recommended as electives:

• ANSO 1070 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology              3 hours
• PSYC 1100 Introduction to Psychology                                   3 hours
• BUSN 1200 Introduction to Business                                        3 hours

Foreign Languages

• ENGL 1510 Major Dramatists I                                                    3 hours
• ENGL 2150 Creative Writing: Poetry                                        3 hours
• HIST 1100 World Civilizations Before 1500                          3 hours
• VIDE 1810 Video Production I                                                      3 hours
• PHOT 1000 Photo I                                                                         3 hours
• PHIL 1010 Introduction to Critical Thinking                          3 hours

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Dance Minor

Degree Requirements

• 29 required credit hours

Required Courses

• DANC 3000-level applied dance, Ballet or Modern               9 hours
• DANC 1000-, 2000-, 3000-level applied dance, Ballet,
  Modern, Jazz, or Tap (in area other than above)                 6 hours
• DANC 2210 Dance History                                                           3 hours
• DANC 1220 Improvisation                                                           2 hours
• DANC 1310 Composition I                                                          3 hours
• DANC 1320 Composition I                                                          3 hours
• One additional semester of advanced level work in
  technique, choreography, independent study                      3 hours

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Theatre Course Listings

THEA 1005 Theatre Going (1)

Through play attendance, reading, and guest speakers students experience, observe, discuss, and assess as they explore what theatre means to them personally as well as the role this art form plays in their daily lives. Repeatable for credit as content changes.

THEA 1010 Conservatory I (8)

Performance: Fundamental course in theatre skills: teaches acting and movement to develop sensitivity and concentration; voice and speech to develop the speaking voice; and stagecraft to investigate theatre structure and organization. Requires production work. Prerequisite: acceptance by audition.

Stage Management: Introduces entering students to drafting, technical production, and staff management problems. Seminar studies theatre organization. Assigns production activities according to skills and utilizes them to support those activities reviewed in stage management seminar. Prerequisite: acceptance by interview.

Design and Technical Areas: The department offers emphases in scene design, scene painting, costume design, lighting design, sound design, technical direction, costume construction, and wig and makeup design, which have individual programs for the four years of Conservatory study.

In the first year all areas of emphasis share the same curriculum, which aims to develop foundation skills in drafting, scenography, technical production, visual history, and text analysis. Portfolio review at the end of each semester. Prerequisite: acceptance by portfolio.

THEA 1020 Conservatory I (8)

Continues experiences described in THEA 1010. Prerequisite: THEA 1010.

THEA 1030 Acting for Non-majors   I (2-3)

This is an introduction to naturalistic acting. Course includes basic awareness exercises, as well as theoretical and practical application of the Stanislavsky system.

THEA 1050 Theatre Appreciation (3)

The course examines how theatre art is created, from concept to curtain call. Students will be required to see several live theatre performances. Emphasis is placed on how theatre art involves audiences in the exploration of the themes of the human condition.

THEA 2010 Conservatory II (6-8)

Performance: Continues basic scene study, characterization, movement, and neutral mask work. Voice and speech introduces phonetic language and continues to develop vocal instrument. Stresses importance of fundamental makeup. Prerequisite: THEA 1020.

Stage Management: Continues THEA 1020, along with scenography, lighting design, and costume construction. Schedule designed in consultation with advisor. Prerequisite: THEA 1020.

Design and Technical Production: Scene design, costume design, lighting design, sound design, scene painting, technical production, costume construction, wig and makeup design: Students begin first-level classes and production assignments in their areas of emphasis, with additional classes and production assignments according to individual program and development. Portfolio review each semester. Prerequisite: THEA 1020.

THEA 2020 Conservatory II (6-8)

Continues the previous semester for all areas of study. Auditions and portfolio reviews are scheduled. Prerequisite: THEA 2010.

THEA 2030 History of the Theatre: Greeks to Restoration (3)

Surveys history of the theatre, its playwrights, directors, actors, audiences, and physical theatres.

THEA 2040 History of the Theatre: Eighteenth Century to Modern (3)

Continues THEA 2030. Prerequisite: THEA 2030 or permission of the instructor.

THEA 3010 Conservatory III (6-10)

Concentrates on specific needs in each area: acting, stage management, design, technical production, or management. Acting concentrates on major periods of acting styles, with advanced training in specific movement skills: combat, t'ai chi ch'uan, clowning, period dance. Also specific work with dialects and non-regional speech. Design and technical areas concentrate on emphasis in advanced-level classes and production assignments with continuing work in other areas. Students in Wig and Makeup Design will take classes in cosmetology leading to licensure.   Portfolio review each semester. Stage managers participate in seminars and the practical application of the studies in production. Prerequisites: THEA 2020 and approval of area faculty.

THEA 3020 Conservatory III (6-10)

Continues THEA 3010. Prerequisite: THEA 3010.

THEA 3030 Topics in Theatre (2-3)

THEA 3040 Topics in Theatre (2-3)

A series dealing with various topics in theatre: creative dramatics, museum studies, design applications, women in theatre, black/ethnic theatre, contemporary theatre, the elitist theatre, and a history of acting. The courses may be repeated for credit.

THEA 3050 Acting for Non-Majors II   (3)

This course is a continuation of Acting for Non-Majors I. It will take the fundamentals learned in THEA 1030 and apply them to scene and monologue work from play scripts. Prerequisites: THEA 1030

THEA 3060 Theatre in the Elementary Classroom (3)

Students will learn to use the educational power of theatre as both an instructional and assessment tool by creating a multi-disciplinary theatre based on literature appropriate for 5th and 6th graders.

THEA 3070   Creative Dramatics: Social Issues (3)

This course will focus on researching current social issues that affect teens and adolescents.   The class will then write, produce, and perform a social issues review at local high schools.   Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

THEA 3710 Directing I (2)

Acquaints the student with the basic principles of directing. These principles of analysis, composition, movement, and picturization are discussed in class. The student then attempts to apply these principles by directing short scenes during the class. The class then discusses the scenes. The student director defends the choices made or concurs that another choice may have been more effective. Scenes are reworked in class. Prerequisites: THEA 2020 and acceptance into the directing program, or permission of the instructor.

THEA 3720 Directing II (2)

This course is a continuation of THEA 3710. The student continues to direct scenes and apply the basic principles. The final project is to direct a 10-minute scene and to go through the full directorial process. The best scenes are presented to the Conservatory. Prerequisite: THEA 3710.

THEA 4010 Conservatory IV (8-10)

Final year of the training sequence. Training in all areas will include advanced theatrical styles and performance needs, preparation for the audition and portfolio review process, performance, and production work suited to meet the needs of the student. Particular attention will be paid to preparation for the job market. Portfolio review each semester. Prerequisite: THEA 3020.

THEA 4020 Conservatory IV (6-10)

Continuation of THEA 4010. Prerequisite: THEA 4010.

THEA 4500 London Theatre (3)

Students will spend a minimum of two weeks in London, viewing at least 10 plays and visiting museums. They will keep detailed journals including substantial critiques of plays and productions. There will be a preparation period of discussions with a mentor to select plays and prepare for the experience, as well as discussions of the experience with the mentor on the students' return. Prerequisites: ENGL 1510 and ENGL 1520; THEA 2030 and THEA 2040.

THEA 4610 Reading Course (1-6)

Prerequisite: filing of the official form.

THEA 4710 Directing III (2)

Emphasizes learning by the student's directing a minimum of four one-act plays. It includes discussions on analysis, function of director as interpreter, organizer, teacher; problems of involved physical staging; and relationship to designers. Special emphasis is placed on creative interrelationship between the actor and director interpretation and acting out the play through improvisation. Student work in process will be videotaped from casting to performance and discussed in class. These will be performed for the Conservatory with no budget and modular furniture. Directors from the Repertory Theatre and Conservatory are guest lecturers. Prerequisite: THEA 3720.

THEA 4720 Directing IV (2)

This course is a continuation of THEA 4710. Prerequisite: THEA 4710.

Dance Course Listings

DANC 1010 Ballet I (2)

Analyzes and practices fundamental laws of ballet, principles of correct placement for stability, action, and movement of the body. May be repeated once for credit.

DANC 1020 Ballet I (2)

Continues DANC 1010. Prerequisite: DANC 1010 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.

DANCE 1030 Dance As An Artform (3)

Students experience the basics of ballet, modern and jazz dance techniques, as well as elements of composition and improvisation.   The course provides a focus on the movement experience, with some theory and history that can lead the participant to confident, comfortable aesthetic discussions of dance.   The course develops future audiences, critics, administrators and supporters of dance.   General education course.

DANC 1090 Jazz I (1-2)

Introduces techniques of dance for contemporary and musical theatre. May be repeated once for credit.

DANC 1100 Jazz I (1-2)

Continues DANC 1090. Prerequisite: DANC 1090 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.

DANC 1110 Modern Dance I (1-2)

Fundamental course studies Graham, Humphries, and Limon philosophies in studio situation. May be repeated once for credit.

DANC 1120 Modern Dance I (1-2)

Prerequisite: DANC 1110 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.

DANC 1230 Tap Dance I (2)

Studies fundamental steps and techniques necessary for rhythmic coordination of simple tap routines. May be repeated once for credit.

DANC 1240 Tap Dance I (2)

Continues DANC 1230. Prerequisite: DANC 1230 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.

DANC 1550 Costume Design for Dance (3)

Basic design theory emphasizes line, shape, color, and texture, followed by a discussion of style. Includes more practical work of draping, dyeing, painting, and patterning. Teaches students to measure and research; students are responsible for final project.

DANC 1560 Costume Construction for Dance (3)

Teaches basic skills and techniques of sewing, cutting, and pattern drafting through practical classroom experience. Concentrates on dance costumes.

DANC 2010 Ballet II (1-3)

Aims to reinforce the still-growing beginning skills. Adds these skills to a combination of exercises designed to evolve style of ballet. Prerequisite: DANC 1020 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.

DANC 2020 Ballet II (1-3)

Continues DANC 2010. Prerequisite: DANC 2010 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.

DANC 2090 Jazz II (1-3)

Studies contemporary dance techniques using an approach toward musical comedy and dance rather than modern dance. Prerequisite: DANC 1100 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.

DANC 2100 Jazz II (1-3)

Continues DANC 2090. Prerequisite: DANC 2090 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.

DANC 2110 Modern Dance II (1-3)

Continues basic modern dance techniques. Student continues to develop skills leading to performance quality. Prerequisite: DANC 1120 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.

DANC 2120 Modern Dance II (1-3)

Continues DANC 2110. Prerequisite: DANC 2110 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.

DANC 2210 Dance History (3)

Studies and analyzes a series of aesthetic revolutions that have led to the art of dance as we know it today. Students study development of classical ballet and beginnings of modern dance in America, beginning with social, ethnic, religious, and ritualistic roots, and following the widening distance between audience and performer. Prerequisite: 9 credit hours of dance or permission of the instructor.

DANC 2230 Tap Dance II (1-2)

This course is designed to go beyond the fundamentals necessary for rhythmic coordination in tap combinations. Emphasis is on musicality and phrasing as well as rhythmic improvisation. Prerequisite: DANC 1240. May be repeated for credit.

DANC 2240 Tap Dance II (1-2)

This course is designed to go beyond the fundamentals necessary for rhythmic coordination in tap combinations. Emphasis is on musicality and phrasing as well as rhythmic improvisation. Prerequisite: DANC 2230. May be repeated for credit.

DANC 2520 Living Anatomy and Movement (3)

Musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology course is for dancers and non-science majors. Class members learn to feel and understand each part studied in their own bodies. Mechanisms of coordination, balance, and breathing are discussed. Muscle testing and toning techniques are used to demonstrate physiology of motion and kinesiology. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

DANC 3000 Topics in Dance (1-3)

Intensive studies in a specialized area of dance, such as: ballet, modern, jazz, tap, improvisation, choreography, repertory, history, anatomy/kinesiology, ethnic, somatics, pedagogy, technical theatre, conditioning, criticism, arts administration, therapy. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.

DANC 3010 Ballet III (1-3)

Develops basic skills into unified forms. Prerequisite: DANC 2020 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.

DANC 3020 Ballet III (1-3)

Continues DANC 3010. Prerequisite: DANC 3010 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.

DANC 3030 Dance Study (1-3)

More advanced course includes pointe work and two other dance forms (i.e., pas de deux, character). Offered each semester. Prerequisites: dance major and permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.

DANC 3040 Dance Study (1-3)

Continues DANC 3030. Prerequisite: DANC 3030 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.

DANC 3090 Jazz III (1-3)

Prerequisite: DANC 2100 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.

DANC 3100 Jazz III (1-3)

Prerequisite: DANC 3090 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.

DANC 3110 Modern Dance III (1-3)

Advanced level technique class. Students continue to gain strength, articulation, flexibility, and alignment while working on longer movement phrases demanding wide range of qualities, off-balance turns, elevations, and falls. Prerequisite: DANC 2120 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.

DANC 3120 Modern Dance III (1-3)

Continues DANC 3110. Prerequisite: DANC 3110 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.

DANC 4010 Ballet IV (3)

Advanced training in the classic skills of ballet. Prerequisite: DANC 3020 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.

DANC 4020 Ballet IV (3)

Continues DANC 4010. Prerequisite: DANC 4010 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.

DANC 4410 Dance Seminar (1)

Various members of dance faculty as well as invited guests offer sessions exploring various aspects of dance field: notation, dance therapy, criticism, and aesthetics, effort-shape, dance and video, current changes, financing dance, diet, and ethnic dance. Master classes also offered under this title. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.

DANC 4610 Reading Course (1-3)

Prerequisite: filing of the official form.

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Composition/Choreography Course Listings

DANC 1220 Improvisation (2)

Explores space, time, weight, energy, contact, props, games, grids, scores, relationships, and group dynamics. Appropriate for dance majors and non-dance majors. Class members expected to invent their own approaches to work.

DANC 1310 Composition I (1-3)

Explores basic elements of space, time, and dynamics through experiences in class and assigned studies. Explores motivations, phrasing, gesture, and utilization of thematic material, as well as working with music. Develops critical faculties for viewing dance.

DANC 1320 Composition I (1-3)

Continues DANC 1310. Prerequisite: DANC 1310.

DANC 2310 Composition II (1-3)

Continues Composition I. Emphasizes phrasing, form, content, the utilization of music, props, and other visual effects, and manipulation of larger groups. Prerequisite: DANC 1320 or permission of the instructor.

DANC 2320 Composition II (1-3)

Continues DANC 2310. Prerequisite: DANC 2310 or permission of the instructor.

DANC 3150 Webster University Dance Ensemble (1-2)

Rehearsal and performance in Dance Company. Prerequisite: acceptance into ensemble by audition. May be repeated for credit.

DANC 3310 Choreographic Project (2)

Requires a written proposal for a dance work, including music to be used, number of dancers, length, and brief description of intended choreographic approach. Views and criticizes the work several times during semester. Public performance of the work constitutes satisfactory completion of course requirements. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

DANC 3320 Choreographic Project (2)

Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

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