THEATRE AND DANCE
Theater Major
Dance Minor
Course Descriptions
Performing Arts Center, Room 215 (507-457-5230)
www.winona.edu/thad
________ (Chairperson)
FACULTY
Gretchen Cohenour, Professor; B.A., Rockford College; M.F.A., University of Wisconsin-Madison; 1989 –
Vivian Fusillo, Professor; B.A., Marymount College; M.A., Stephen F. Austin State University; 1968 –
Sharon Mansur, Assistant Professor; B.A., Connecticut College; M.F.A., George Mason University; C.M.A., Laban/Bartenieff Institute of
Movement Studies; 2005 –
Peggy Sannerud, Assistant Professor; B.S., Northwestern University; M.F.A., University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; 2003 –
PURPOSE
The Department of Theatre and Dance (THAD) offers the B.A. major in theatre and minors in theatre and dance.
• The liberal arts theatre major offers cognitive, creative, and practical classes that integrate the study of theory and history into performance.
The program develops kinesthetic, cognitive, and creative understanding as well as skills such as keen perception, imaginative problem-solving,
concentration, and respect for craft, which are important to original work in all fields.
• The theatre minor trains students to produce and present material effectively through the medium of performance.
• The dance minor provides an opportunity for students in any discipline to use the dance experience to enhance body/mind integration and to
gain access to creative potential through the art of movement.
Theatre majors take coursework in acting, directing, theatre history, design, and technical production, and then demonstrate their artistic ability by presenting Senior Capstone Production work as a performer, designer, or director. In addition, students may arrange to do independent study with a faculty member or gain hands-on experience in the professional world through an internship. Students who are interested in theatre and dance have ample opportunity to practice their craft under the guidance of experienced faculty. In a recent year, the department's productions gave 200 students the opportunity to fill nearly 350 performance, design, and crew roles.
Department alumni have successfully built careers in fields ranging from professional theatre to high school and college teaching to marketing analysis, county court management, and small business ownership. In response to a recent survey, alumni report an average career satisfaction of 3.40 on a 4.00 scale.
PASS/NO CREDIT (P/NC) COURSES
Except for the THAD Showcase, internships, and practica, students must take all courses in their THAD major and minor on a grade-only basis. The
P/NC option is available to non-majors unless otherwise noted. Courses offered on a pass/no credit-only or grade-only basis are so designated in the course descriptions.
THAD SHOWCASE (THAD 090) AND LAB/PRODUCTION CREW REQUIREMENTS
Theatre major students are normally required to enroll in THAD 090 (THAD Showcase) every semester, and to graduate, they are required to earn a grade of "P" in the course six times during their academic career unless excused by the department chairperson. Dance and theatre minor students are normally required to earn a grade of "P" in the course four times unless excused by the department chairperson; one of the dance minor's enrollments must be in the student's final semester.
Theatre major and minor students enrolled in a course eligible for that major or minor are also required to complete a specified number of hours of work on a Main Season production crew during the semester. All students cast in a Main Season production have the same responsibility. Some THAD courses carry additional production responsibilities; see Course Descriptions for details.
THAD MAJORS AND MINORS
1. Theatre majors may minor in dance, but they may not minor in theatre.
2. New students who intend to major in theatre or minor in dance are strongly encouraged to consult with a THAD Department faculty member before
registering for courses in their first semester. Failure to do so may delay graduation by a year. Continuing theatre majors are required to confer with
their departmental advisor before registering for classes each semester.
3. Students majoring in theatre are required to complete THAD 291 six (6) times with a grade of “C” or better. Theatre minors are required to complete
THAD 291 twice. If students believe they should be excused from all or a portion of this requirement, they must petition the department faculty for
an exemption. This petition must be filed in the semester during which the student first declares his/her major or minor.
4. Students are strongly encouraged to take ENG 111 and CMST 191 in the first year and are required to complete these courses with a grade of "C" or
better before enrolling in Writing flag and Oral flag THAD courses. HIST 121 is required prior to enrollment in THAD 210 or THAD 310.
5. Satisfactory completion of all prerequisite courses is required before a student may enroll in subsequent courses in the theatre major. (“Satisfactory completion” is defined as “completion with a grade no lower than “P” or “C.”)
6. The THAD web page contains the most recent curriculum updates; refer to the web page for revisions made since the printing of this catalog.
TRANSFER STUDENTS
1. Theatre majors and minors transferring to WSU with an Associate in Arts degree will be exempted from 50% of the THAD 090 and THAD 291 requirements listed above.
2. In order to graduate from WSU with a theatre major, a transfer student must complete at least 15 credits of WSU Theatre and Dance Department coursework numbered 300 or above.
ADDITIONAL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
For a checklist of the University's graduation requirements, see page 23. Specific requirements for THAD majors are as follows:
1. Earn a grade of “C” or better in each course taken for the theatre major.
2. Earn a GPA of 2.5 or better in the theatre major.
UNIVERSITY STUDIES FLAG REQUIREMENTS
Students may use Flag courses to satisfy both University Studies and major requirements. Flag courses will usually be in the student's major or minor program. The Department of Theatre and Dance offers the following flag courses in the University Studies Program:
FLAG
Oral #
THAD 307 Design II Scenery and Costumes (3)
THAD 309 Design II Lighting and Sound (3)
Math/Critical Analysis #
THAD 321 Play Directing (3)
Writing #
THAD 210 Theatre History and Dramatic Literature I (3)
THAD 310 Theatre History and Dramatic Literature II (3)
Flag courses that can be used to satisfy Theatre and Dance major/minor requirements are identified in the lists of required courses and electives in this section.
B.A. MAJOR - THEATRE (THTR)
44 S.H. (Minor Required)
REQUIRED COURSES - THAD (41 S.H.)
090 Showcase (0; enrollment with a grade of “P” required each
semester any other major course is taken unless excused by the
department chairperson)
107 Introduction to Technical Theatre (2)
119 Play Analysis (3)
131 Performance I (3)
207 Design Communication (3)
# 210 Theatre History/Dramatic Literature I (3)
231 Performance II (3)
291 Rehearsal and Performance (1; 6 S.H. required)
# 307 Design II Scenery and Costumes (3) OR
309 Design II Lighting and Sound (3)
# 310 Theatre History/Dramatic Literature II (3)
# 321 Play Directing (3)
331 Performance III (3)
395 Topics (1-3; 2 S.H. required)
490 Capstone Production Project (3)
495 Theatre Senior Seminar (1)
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS (3 S.H.)
* HIST 121 Western Civilization, 1500-1815 (3)
PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENT
The Theatre major curriculum has a portfolio requirement, which is met by satisfactory completion of the requirements of THAD 495 Theatre Senior Seminar.
B.A. MINOR - THEATRE (THTR)
19 S.H.
REQUIRED COURSES - THAD (16 S.H.)
090 Showcase (0; enrollment with a grade of “P” required each semester any other major course is taken unless excused by the department chairperson)
107 Introduction to Technical Theatre (2)
119 Play Analysis (3)
131 Performance I (3)
207 Design Communication (3) OR
231 Performance II (3)
# 210 Theatre History/Dramatic Literature I (3) OR
# 310 Theatre History/Dramatic Literature II (3)
291 Rehearsal and Performance (1; 2 S.H. required)
ELECTIVES (3 S.H.)
3 S.H. from 300- or 400-level THAD courses for which prerequisites have been met.
B.A. MINOR - DANCE (DANC)
26 S.H.
REQUIRED COURSES - THAD (17 S.H.)
Theory (9 S.H.)
† 090 THAD Showcase (0)
115 Dance Appreciation (3)
131 Performance I (3)
322 Dance Composition (3)
†Four enrollments in THAD 090 THAD Showcase (0 S.H.) with a grade of “P” are required. One of these enrollments must be in the student's final semester, when the student will assemble the required portfolio (see "Portfolio Requirement" on page 211).
TECHNIQUE (8 S.H.)
Must include at least 5 S.H. in either ballet or modern dance from the following list. Each technique class may be repeated once for credit.
THAD Courses:
157 Ballet I (1)
257 Ballet II (2)
357 Ballet III (2)
457 Ballet IV (2)
155 Modern Dance I (1)
255 Modern Dance II (2)
355 Modern Dance III (2)
455 Modern Dance IV (2)
153 Jazz Dance I (1)
253 Jazz Dance II (2)
ELECTIVES (9 S.H.)
Biology – BIOL
* 211 Anatomy and Physiology I (4)
Health, Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences – HERS
205 Nutrition for Lifetime Wellness (3)
291 Prevention/Care of Athletic Injuries (2)
370 Kinesiology/Biomechanics (4)
Theatre and Dance – THAD
107 Introduction to Technical Theatre (2)
137 Dance Repertory I (1-2)
141 Oral Interpretation (3)
151 Tap Dance (1)
215 Introduction to Laban Movement Analysis (3)
231 Performance II (3)
237 Dance Repertory II (1-2)
295 Making Interdisciplinary Connections (3)
331 Performance III (3)
315 Dancing Through History (3)
337 Dance Repertory III (1-2)
399 Internship (1-16)
437 Dance Repertory IV (1-2)
499 Independent Studies in THAD (1-8)
Note: Each Dance Repertory class (THAD 137, 237, 337, 437) may be repeated twice for credit for a total of 2-4 S.H.) In addition, advanced THAD dance technique courses may be used as electives if not taken to fulfill requirements in the “Technique” category.
Physical Education and Sport Science – PESS
112 Folk/Square Dance (1)
120 Ballroom Dance (1)
137 Fencing (1)
144 Contemporary Activities (1) (Yoga or Pilates or Tai Chi
sections only)
199 Lifetime Fitness (2)
Music – MUS
114 World Music (3)
Philosophy – PHIL
280 Philosophy of Art (3)
PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENT
Upon declaring a dance minor, students should schedule a “portfolio appointment” with Professor Gretchen Cohenour, PAC Room 212 (457-5665). Dance minors are required to document their development while at WSU by maintaining chronological videotapes of their work and other supporting written and visual materials, organized in portfolio form. The completed portfolio must be submitted for faculty review by April 1 in the year of graduation or by November 1 for mid-year graduates.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS (THAD)
090 - THAD Showcase (0 S.H.)
Once-weekly sessions present creative work in theatre and dance courses, critiques of productions, discussions of professional, educational, and employment issues. Repeatable: Grade of “P” in 6 enrollments normally required of theatre majors; 4 of theatre minors and dance minors. P/NC only. Offered each semester.
100 - Theatre Activities (1 S.H.)
Active participation in a major theatre or dance production as performer or in box office, scenic studio, or costume studio. Course is intended for non-theatre majors; may be repeated up to 6 S.H. Offered each semester.
107 - Introduction to Technical Theatre (2 S.H.)
Study of non-performance aspects of theatre for theatre and teaching majors and minors. Course contains production crew requirement; concurrent registration in THAD 090 required unless excused by the department. In addition, THAD majors and minors must concurrently enroll in THAD 291; all other students must concurrently enroll in THAD 100. Grade only. Offered yearly.
111 - Theatre Appreciation (3 S.H.)
Designed for the general student who wishes to become familiar with theatre. Students will explore theatre through class lectures and discussion, individual and group projects, production attendance, and play readings. Students will be expected to attend theatre productions outside scheduled class time. Offered each semester.
115 - Dance Appreciation (3 S.H.)
Analysis and appreciation of diverse theatrical dance styles and 20th century trends within their cultural, historical, and theoretical contexts. Emphasis on active learning, teamwork, and kinesthetic involvement as a basis for response to the dance experience via live performance, video, movement, and writing. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required of dance minors unless excused by the department. P/NC option. Offered each semester.
119 - Play Analysis (3 S.H.)
Study and applications of analytical methods to modern theatrical styles; introduction to relationships between designers, directors, and performers and to research methods and library resources in theatre. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required of theatre majors and minors unless excused by the department. Offered yearly.
131 - Performance I for Everyone (3 S.H.)
Practice in and integration of movement and voice in expressive performance through solo and group improvisation and collaborative work. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required of THAD majors and minors unless excused by the department. P/NC option. Offered yearly.
137 - Dance Repertory I (1-2 S.H.)
May be taken by students preparing for public performance of new or previously created dance, which is choreographed by faculty or guest artists; or by student choreographers preparing dance for public performance under direct faculty supervision. Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. May be repeated once. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required of dance minors unless excused by the department. Grade only. Offered each semester.
141 - Oral Interpretation (3 S.H.)
Study of prose, poetry, and drama through performance. Brings to life the printed symbol. Offered yearly.
151 - Tap Dance I (1 S.H.)
An introduction to tap technique emphasizing musicality, expression, and style in performance within its cultural and historical context. May be repeated once for credit. Grade only.
153 - Jazz Dance I (1 S.H.)
An introduction to the basic movement techniques, styles, history, and music of contemporary jazz dance. May be repeated once for credit. Grade only.
155 - Modern Dance I (1 S.H.)
This course is an introduction to the theory, technique, terminology, and history of modern dance as a performing art. The focus of expressive movement training is enhanced through experiences with improvisation and choreography. May be repeated once for credit. Grade only.
157 - Ballet I (1 S.H.)
An introduction to classical ballet technique, theory, and history as a performing art. Grade only. May be repeated once for credit.
195 - Topics in Theatre (1-3 S.H.)
Lower-division version of THAD 395 (Topics in Theatre). Study of a specific topic in dramatic theory/literature/history, performance, or theatrical design/stagecraft. Topics and course credits vary. May be repeated as topics change. Course may contain production crew requirement, attendance at productions, and additional course fees. This course does not satisfy the “Topics” requirement in the theatre major curriculum. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required unless excused by the department. Prerequisite: Theatre major or minor or instructor’s permission. Offered yearly.
205 - Make Up for the Performer (1 S.H.)
Study of design and execution of traditional and non-traditional theatrical make up for the performer. Each student must purchase a personal theatrical make up kit to instructor's specifications. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required of all majors and minors unless excused by the department. Grade only. Offered alternate years.
207 - Design Communication (3 S.H.)
The study and practice of the aesthetic principles and graphic skills involved in scenery, lighting, and costume design. Development of the student's abilities in external research, mechanical drawing, freehand sketching, and rendering. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required unless excused by the department. Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of THAD 107 and THAD 119 or instructor's permission. Grade only. Offered yearly.
209 - Stage Management (1 S.H.)
Study and practice of the functions of a stage manager. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required of all majors and minors unless excused by the department. Offered alternate years.
210 - Theatre History and Dramatic Literature I (3 S.H.)
Survey of the works of major Western playwrights through 1800, their cultural contexts, and staging practices. Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of ENG 111, THAD 119, HIST 121. Additional assignments required. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required of majors and minors unless excused by the department. Offered yearly.
215 - Introduction to Laban Movement Analysis (3 S.H.)
Introduction to the theoretical and experiential movement system of Laban Movement Analysis. Provides a framework for observing, describing, and analyzing human movement patterns and understanding non-verbal actions and communication. This course satisfies the requirements for University Studies Critical Analysis. Prerequisite: None. Grade only. Offered yearly.
231 - Performance II (3 S.H.)
Theories and practice of acting in realistic styles. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required unless excused by the department. Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of THAD 119 and THAD 131. Grade only. Offered yearly.
237 - Dance Repertory II- (1-2 S.H.)
Continuation of THAD 137. Prerequisite: THAD 137. May be repeated once. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required unless excused by the department. Grade only. Offered each semester.
239 - Creative Dramatics for Children (2 S.H.)
Study and application of techniques that enable teachers and group leaders to guide others to imagine, enact, and reflect upon human experiences through dramatic activity. Offered alternate years.
253 - Jazz Dance II (2 S.H.)
A continuation of Jazz Dance I with more extensive techniques, terminology, history, and music, emphasizing the refinement of skills in contemporary jazz dance. The course will deepen conceptual understandings in various jazz styles and will include elements of performance and choreography. Prerequisite: Jazz I or instructor's permission. May be repeated once for credit. Grade only.
255 - Modern Dance II (2 S.H.)
This advanced beginning level course is a further exploration of the theory, technique, terminology, and history of modern dance as a performing art. The focus of expressive movement training is enhanced through experiences with improvisation and choreography. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: Modern Dance I (THAD 155) or instructor's permission. Grade only.
257 - Ballet II (2 S.H.)
A continuation of Ballet I with more extensive classical ballet technique, theory, and history. The course will develop skills in choreography and performance. Prerequisite: Ballet I (THAD 157) or instructor's permission. May be repeated once for credit. Grade only.
290 - Creativity across the Curriculum (2 S.H.)
Study and practice of skills to improve teaching and learning; the emphasis is on creative thinking, bringing information to life and fostering conditions favorable to participatory learning. Offered alternate years.
291 - Rehearsal and Performance (1 S.H.)
Responsible work as performer, crew head, or running crew on the creation of theatrical productions for public presentation. Theatre majors must normally repeat to 6 S.H.; Theatre minors to 2 S.H. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required unless excused by the department. Grade only. Offered each semester.
295 - Making Interdisciplinary Connections (3 S.H.)
Interdisciplinary experience involving one or more artistic media incorporating content from diverse disciplines across campus. Topics vary. This course satisfies the requirements for University Studies Fine and Performing Arts. Prerequisite: None. Grade only. Offered yearly.
307 - Design II Scenery and Costumes (3 S.H.)
Study of the process for creating scenery and costume designs for the stage, including research, conceptualization, and creation of the pieces necessary to communicate a design to a director. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required unless excused by the department. Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of CMST 191, THAD 207, and all other prerequisite courses or instructor's permission. Offered alternate years.
309 - Design II Lighting and Sound (3 S.H.)
Study of the process of creating lighting and sound designs for the stage including research, conceptualization, and creation. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required of majors and minors unless excused by the department. Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of CMST 191, THAD 207 and all other prerequisite courses. Open to majors and minors or with instructor's permission. Offered alternate years.
310 - Theatre History and Dramatic Literature II (3 S.H.)
Survey of the works of major Western playwrights 1800-1970, their cultural contexts and staging practices. Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of THAD 210 and all other prerequisite courses. Additional assignments required. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required of majors and minors unless excused by the department. Offered yearly.
315 - Dancing Through History (3 S.H.)
Broad survey of world dance history from origins to the present within specific cultural and aesthetic contexts. No prerequisite for non-THAD major/minors although THAD 115 is strongly recommended. Prerequisite for THAD majors/minors: THAD 115. Offered occasionally.
321 - Play Directing (3 S.H.)
Study and application of processes affecting play selection, casting, and rehearsals. Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of University Studies math basic skills course, THAD 231, THAD 307 or THAD 309, and THAD 310. Open to declared theatre majors and minors only. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required unless excused by the department. Grade only. Offered yearly.
322 - Dance Composition (3 S.H.)
Compositional theory, methods and conceptual approaches to traditional and non-literal choreography. Explores relationships between form, content, technique, and projection of the dance image. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required unless excused by the department. Prerequisites: THAD 115 and THAD 131 or instructor's permission. Grade only. Offered alternate years.
331 - Performance III (3 S.H.)
Theories and practice of acting in non-realistic styles. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required unless excused by the department. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of THAD 231 and all other prerequisite courses. Open to declared theatre majors and minors only. Grade only. Offered yearly.
337 - Dance Repertory III (1-2 S.H.)
Continuation of THAD 237. Prerequisite: THAD 237. May be repeated once. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required unless excused by the department. Grade only. Offered each semester.
355 - Modern Dance III (2 S.H.)
An intermediate level course focusing on technique, theory, and history of modern dance as a performing art. Level III engages more in-depth skill development in technique, performance, improvisation, and choreography. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: Modern Dance II (THAD 255) or instructor's permission. Grade only.
357 - Ballet III (2 S.H.)
The practice and study of intermediate classical ballet technique with continued refinement of movement skills and aesthetic awareness. The course includes more extensive ballet history and further develops skills in choreography and performance. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: Ballet II (THAD 257) or instructor's permission. Grade only.
395 - Topics in Theatre (1-3 S.H.)
Study of a specific topic in dramatic theory/literature/history, performance, or theatrical design/stagecraft. Topics and course credits vary. May be repeated as topics change. Course may contain production crew requirement. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required unless excused by the department. Prerequisite: Junior standing. Open to declared majors and minors or instructor's permission. Offered yearly.
399 - Internship (1-16 S.H.
Supervised work experience designed by student, advisor, and employer. Prerequisites: Faculty advisor's permission and a minimum overall GPA of 2.5. Open to declared theatre and dance majors and minors only. P/NC only. Offered by arrangement.
437 - Dance Repertory IV (1-2 S.H.)
Continuation of THAD 337. Prerequisite: THAD 337. May be repeated once. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required unless excused by the department. Grade only. Offered each semester.
455 - Modern Dance IV (2 S.H.)
An intermediate advanced level course focusing on technique, theory, and history of modern dance as a performing art. Level IV develops advanced skill levels in technique, performance, improvisation, choreography, and applied theory. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: Modern Dance III (THAD 355) or instructor's permission. Grade only.
457 - Ballet IV (2 S.H.)
The practice and study of advanced classical ballet technique with continued refinement of movement skills and aesthetic awareness. The course includes more extensive ballet history and further develops skills in choreography and performance. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: Ballet III (THAD 357) or instructor's permission. Grade only.
490 - Capstone Production Project (3 S.H.)
Full responsibility for work as a designer or performer on a Main Season theatre production or as a director in the Studio Season. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required unless excused by the department. Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of THAD 307 or THAD 309, THAD 321, THAD 331, and all other prerequisite courses. Open to declared Theatre majors and minors only. Grade only. Offered yearly.
495 - Theatre Senior Seminar (1 S.H.)
Review, editing, organization, and submission of theatre major portfolio. Prerequisites: Senior standing and satisfactory completion of 35 S.H. of theatre major curriculum. Concurrent registration in THAD 090 required unless excused by the department. Grade only. Offered yearly.
499 - Independent Studies in THAD (1-8 S.H.)
Offers the advanced student an opportunity to study independently in an area of special interest. May be repeated to a total of 8 S.H. Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. Grade only. Offered by arrangement.