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Co-Curricular Statement It is strongly advised that every student majoring in theatre, or selecting a
dance option within the theatre major, participate actively in the University
Theatre program in both technical and performance areas. Only in this way will
it be possible for faculty members to have sufficient knowledge of a student's
work to recommend him or her for employment or graduate study.
Students are urged to participate actively in the various co-curricular programs
offered by the department. These programs provide excellent opportunities for
theatre and dance students to extend their classroom studies through practical
experience. With the approval and advice of the supervising faculty member,
students may receive credit in Theatre 2050 and/or Theatre 4880 for their
participation in such activities.
During the regular University Theatre season, four major plays and two
full-length dance concert are open to student participation. In addition,
co-curricular experience may also be obtained in the many theatre and dance
productions directed by students enrolled in Theatre 4250 and Theatre 4260,
Theatre 4830, and Theatre 4880.
It is the philosophy of the department that theatre and dance are complementary
fields of study. It is recommended that majors in either area have experience in
its complementary discipline.
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Degrees
Students electing to major in Theatre and Dance have a choice of several degree
programs:
- Bachelor of Arts, or BA, with a major in Theatre and Dance.
Certification to teach with this degree may be obtained through further study in the College of Education.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts, or BFA.
This is a Pre-Professional degree
with concentrations in acting, design/technical theatre, playwriting or dance.
- BFA with Theatre/English. Certification to teach with this degree
may be obtained through further study in the College of Education.
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table of contents Dance Degrees The dance degrees within the Department of Theatre and Dance are designed to
provide the student with a broad foundation in the humanities and a specific
emphasis in the technical, performance, and production aspects of dance. The
student pursuing this course of study will have opportunities to attain
technical competency in ballet and/or modern dance, to perform in yearly dance
productions, and to gain experience in technical theatre as an aid to dance
production.
For the BA in Dance, only 50 credit hours in the major area of theatre and dance
may count toward the total of 120 credit hours required for graduation. A
student who takes more than 50 hours in his/her major area may not count these
hours toward graduation and must take an equivalent number of credits in some
area other than the major to meet graduation requirements. Additionally, 2 hours
in Health Education, 4 hours in Biology and 4 hours in Zoology (see core
courses) are required for the dance option, but these are not considered part of
the 50 maximum hours in the major area. The remaining academic requirements for
the BA and BFA in Theatre and Dance degrees are the same as those for theatre.
Dance students who desire additional training in dance may opt to follow the
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. This concentration permits a total of 60-70
credits in the major as counting towards graduation.
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Advising
Advisors are assigned to student majors by the head of the Department of Theater
and Dance. Faculty members are available for advising non-majors interested in
the discipline. In order to assure progress towards the degree, students are
encouraged to consult with their advisors on a regular basis.
Note: Students should consult with the current University Bulletin and the
Student/Advisor Checklist at the end of this handbook for the various
departmental, college and University Studies degree requirements. Students are
responsible for thoroughly familiarizing themselves with all requirements for
graduation.
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Departmental Opportunities
Snowy Range Summer Theatre
A Summer Theatre has been in operation at the University of Wyoming since 1954.
Productions are staged within a six to eight-week session in June and July. An
actor or technician gains valuable practical theatre experience and receives a
stipend. Company members have the option to pay up to 2 hours of academic credit
if they wish.
Outstanding junior and/or senior theatre majors at UW (particularly those
students seeking a professional degree) are strongly encouraged to audition for
the acting company or apply for the technical company. An effort is made to
select qualified students from UW to participate in the company along with
students who are recruited from throughout the nation.
Auditions and interviews for the Summer Theatre Company are held at selected
locations throughout the country and at UW. For further information contact:
University of Wyoming Snowy Range Summer Theatre
Department of Theatre and Dance
Department 3951
1000 E. University Avenue
Laramie, WY 82071-3951
http://www.uwyo.edu/th&d/whats_playing/SummerFestival/
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Snowy Range Summer Dance Festival
The Snowy Range Dance Festival brings professional dance artists and companies
in residence to the campus of the University of Wyoming for 11 days of intensive
dance study . Guest artists, together with the reputable dance program and
performing arts facilities of the University of Wyoming, provide an academic as
well as a professional atmosphere for the nurturing of young and promising
students of dance and the teachers who instruct them. In addition to technique
classes at various levels, the week's activities include special performances,
concerts, lectures, and discussion groups on current topics pertaining to all
areas of the dancer's special needs. Accompanists and aspiring choreographers
discover a nurturing learning environment in which to observe experienced
artists at work, ask questions, and participate in special workshops in these
areas. The festival is open to junior high through adults, teachers and
accompanists. Scholarships are available. For more information contact:
Festival Director
University of Wyoming
Department of Theatre and Dance
Department 3951
1000 E. University Avenue
PO Box 3951, Laramie, WY 82071-3951
http://outreach.uwyo.edu/conferences/dancefestival/
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table of contents Honors
Students in the Department of Theatre and Dance seeking honors must enroll in
the College of Arts and Sciences Honors Program. The Department of Theatre and
Dance completely endorses the concept of College Honors. Students enrolled in
the College Honors Program must meet all criteria consistent with the
requirements of that program including:
- Successful completion of the elected degree program, BA or BFA, with a grade
point average consistent with A & S Honors requirements.
- Successful completion of a senior thesis. Senior thesis of sufficient
challenge and merit, as determined by the faculty, may fulfill the requirement
of an honors project. If so, this thesis must be written under the guidance of
an approved thesis advisor with one additional faculty member serving as a
member of the thesis committee.
- Students may elect an honors project related to a production. The successful
completion of an honors project does not remove the requirement of a senior
thesis. Honors projects must be submitted and approved in the spring semester of
the junior year.
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table of contents
Centennial Singers
Students with an interest in Musical Theatre have the opportunity to receive
performance credit with the Centennial Singers through the department of Theatre
and Dance. The Singers perform musical theatre reviews throughout the state and
region during their Fall, Spring Break and May Tours. Because of their difficult
rehearsal and tour schedule, all theatre majors, and in particular, those
holding scholarships from the department must work out all conflicts in advance.
Participation in this group is a substantial and rigorous time commitment that
can only be successful through diligent and responsible planning with your
advisor.
Theatre Majors are also strongly encouraged to limit performing with the
organization for just two years because they need to maintain a high level of
performance in the department's regular season and to keep pace with the growth
of their entire class. Although Singers provides an excellent extra curricular
opportunity it does not replace or equal the technical training that you will
receive in departmental productions. In order to achieve the level of expertise
that you require for graduate school or professional work you must have the time
and energy to do substantial main stage work. For more information contact:
Director, Centennial Singers
Alumni House, 1320 Mill Street,
Laramie WY 82071 (307) 766-3076
http://www.uwyo.edu/singers
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Student Organizations
The Associated Students of the Performing Arts (A.S.O.P.A.) is a student
organization within the Department of Theatre and Dance which promotes effective
communication between students and faculty, enhances the academic, performance,
and social areas of student life and provides opportunities for professional
exposure. A.S.O.P.A. is especially valuable to new students in acquainting them
with the Department and the University as a whole. The Department of Theatre and
Dance provides a close knit and cooperative environment in which to work, and
A.S.O.P.A. enhances that atmosphere.
http://uwasopa.org
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table of contents Auditions
Students who wish to audition for a paid position as an actor and who wish to
utilize the members of the theatre faculty as references will be permitted to do
so only after they have auditioned before the acting/directing faculty at an
arranged audition. It is the student's responsibility to arrange this audition
in consultation with his/her advisor.
On the basis of screened auditions the department reserves the right to
recommend only those students whom, in the opinion of the faculty, have
sufficient experience and ability to participate competitively at a scheduled
audition. Approval to compete at one level does not automatically assume
approval to compete at another level.
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Departmental Awards and Scholarships
The Department of Theatre and Dance has several special awards available to
recognize outstanding students in acting performance, dance performance, and
technical/design performance. These awards are given once a year and presented
to the students during DRAM prom. The Jack Oakie acting award is for best comic
performance, contributions to the department and growth as a comic actor and is
in honor of Jack Oakie one of the important comic actors in early film. The
acting, dance and technical design awards are for outstanding work and growth as
artists and contributions to the department. Each of the three students being
recognized will receive $100.00 and their names will be inscribed on our student
awards plaque.
The Department of Theatre and Dance offers scholarships ranging from partial to
full tuition to outstanding students in theatre and dance. For detailed
information regarding scholarship assignments, requirements and philosophy see
Section titled Scholarship Application/Reference Forms.
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Department Policies
Academic Responsibility
The Department of Theatre and Dance recognizes that many of its students are
heavily committed to departmental production activities. The faculty, when
possible, attempts to schedule class assignments with this commitment in mind;
however, students cannot assume that production commitments take precedence over
academic assignments. A production assignment, cast or crew, will not be
considered an acceptable excuse for late academic assignments or absences from
class.
Credit Limitations/Requirements
With the exception of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (pre-Professional), no more than
60 credit hours in the major can count toward the total of 120 credit hours (not
including PE) required for graduation. A student who takes more than 50 hours in
the major may not count these excess credits toward graduation and must take an
equivalent number of credits in some area other than Theatre/Dance to meet
graduation requirements. Theatre and Dance majors must receive a grade of C or
better in all Theatre and Dance courses required for their degree.
The BA degree in Theatre and Dance requires a minimum of 15 credit hours in
theatre and dance courses at the 4000 level or above. Of the total credits
required for graduation, a minimum of 42 credits must be completed at the 3000
level or above.
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Academic Probation Policy
It is important that when students are on academic probation that we do
everything we can to assure their success at the University. Students that are
on academic probation need to concentrate on grades and study skills. Production
work takes time and energy away from studying. Consequently, when a student is
placed on academic probation he/she will not be allowed to design, crew or act
in productions the following semester. For example, if you did poorly Fall
semester and were placed on academic probation at the end of that semester you
will not be allowed to do production work in the Spring (even if you have
already been cast in a production or asked to design one). If you receive no F's
in the Spring semester and are above a 2.0 grade point average you will be
allowed to work on one production the following Fall. If you continue to show
academic progress in that Fall semester while doing minimal production work you
will be able to return to full scale production work in the Spring.
If you are on academic probation your advisor will meet with you on a regular
basis to help you improve your grades. They will do everything they can to help
you get back on course and back into the creative process of doing theatre.
If you are having problems in your classes or if you are having problems with
your study techniques please visit with your advisor about your difficulties
before you wind up on academic probation. The University provides many special
programs that deal with every aspect of learning. We can help you correct
problems before you have to sacrifice production work.
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University of Wyoming
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Theatre and Dance
Scholarships
The Theatre and Dance Department administers an outstanding scholarship program.
Numerous awards are available to qualified students who intend to major in Dance
or Theatre. The scholarship provides resident or non-resident tuition waiver
amounts ranging up to full tuition for the academic year. All interested
students are encouraged to apply.
Further information on the scholarship is available from the Division of Student
Financial Aids of the University of Wyoming.
Application Instructions
Scholarships are awarded for one academic year, beginning in the Fall semester.
Students must therefore re-apply each year and audition in front of the Theatre
and Dance faculty if they wish to be considered for a scholarship for the
following year, regardless of whether or not they hold or have previously held a
Theatre and Dance scholarship. While awarded for a full academic year,
scholarships may be revoked at the end of the fall or spring semester for either
of the following reasons:
- Failure by the student to maintain a 2.0 GPA in all courses.
- Failure by the student to fulfill his or her production responsibilities as a
scholarship student as specified in the Student Handbook
In the event the student fails to fulfill obligations in numbers 1 or 2 above,
the faculty reserves the right to vote, after consultation with the scholarship
director, to place the student on probation for one semester for not meeting the
established criteria. This probationary period is not guaranteed, and solely at
the discretion of the faculty vote.
To apply for a Theatre and Dance Department scholarship, complete the attached
application and return it to the address indicated. You will need three (3)
letters of reference to complete your application. Send the application
immediately and let the individuals who are completing the reference letters for
you know they should mail them to us directly. The address is provided on the
attached reference form.
If you wish, you may apply online. The information can be found on our website
under scholarships. The web address is:
http://www.uwyo.edu/th&d/scholarships
Scholarship Application Form
University of Wyoming
Department of Theatre and Dance |
STAPLE A HEAD OR SENIOR
PHOTO HERE (REQUIRED) |
This form should be completed, detached, and returned to:
University of Wyoming
Department of Theatre and Dance
Department 3951, 1000 E. University Ave
Laramie, WY 82071-3951
Name: ________________________________________ Date: _________________
Permanent Address:____________________________________________________
Email Address: ____________________________________________
Telephone Social
Number: ______________________ Security Number: __________________
Birthdate: _____________________ Sex: M ____ F ____
Please check the appropriate space or spaces below:
_____ High School Graduate: Year: ____________
_____ Community College Graduate: Year: ____________
_____ Transfer student from another four-year institution:
Class: _____________
_____ UW student, changing major to Theatre and Dance:
Class: _____________
Grade point average to date at most recently attended institution: ____________
I wish to apply for a Theatre/Dance scholarship to begin Fall semester of
academic year: _____________
Major area of emphasis: Acting: ________ Technical/Design: _________
Dance: ________ Playwriting: _________
Have you had Dance training and/or experience? Yes ______ No ______
How many years of Dance training have you had? _____________
(Check) Ballet ______ Tap ______ Modern ______ Jazz ______
Do you play a musical instrument? Yes ______ No ______ If Yes, specify:
_____________________
Do you sing? Yes ____ No ____ If Yes, what part?____________________
List Theatre/Dance experience: technical (props, scenery, lighting, sound,
costumes, makeup), acting,
dance choreography, publicity, ticket sales. Indicate
the title of the production, the specific area of
work, and the extent of your
major responsibility (crew head, crew member, running crews, major
role, minor
role, etc.) or attach a resume.
Acting/Dance/Technical Experience: ___________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________
Tell us about yourself, your background, your experiences? What are your short
and long term goals?
What do you consider you strengths as a Theatre Arts
student? Why do you want to attend the
University of Wyoming? Do you plan to
attend if you do not receive a scholarship?
(Continue on reverse if necessary).
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
List the name and address of your most recent Drama Teacher or Dance
Instructor:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Email address of most recent Drama Teacher/Dance Teacher:
______________________________________________________________________
Please feel free to attach a resume.
IMPORTANT: Please ensure you attach a photo as requested above.
SCHOLARSHIP REFERENCE FORM
NAME OF APPLICANT: ___________________________________________________
The person named above is an applicant for a Theatre/Dance scholarship at the
University of Wyoming.
Please mark with an "X" the applicable rating for each of the six areas below
and provide any comments you would like. Please use the reverse for additional
comments if necessary.
Above Below
Superior Average Average Average Poor
1. Performing Ability:______________________________________________
Comments:
2. Technical Ability:_______________________________________________
Comments:
3. Theatre/Dance Promise:___________________________________________
Comments:
4. Scholastic Record:_______________________________________________
Comments:
5. General Character:_______________________________________________
Comments:
6. Dependability:_______________________________________________________
Comments:
Do you believe the applicant should be granted a scholarship?
Yes ________ No _________
Signed: ______________________________________Date:___________________
Position/Title: ______________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________ Telephone:________________
Email address: __________________________________________________
Please mail this reference form directly to:
Scholarship Committee
University of Wyoming Department of Theatre & Dance
Department 3951, 1000 E. University Ave
Laramie, WY 82071-3951
SCHOLARSHIP REFERENCE FORM
NAME OF APPLICANT: ___________________________________________________
The person named above is an applicant for a Theatre/Dance scholarship at the
University of Wyoming.
Please mark with an "X" the applicable rating for each of the six areas below
and provide any comments you would like. Please use the reverse for additional
comments if necessary.
Above Below
Superior Average Average Average Poor
1. Performing Ability:_______________________________________________
Comments:
2. Technical Ability:________________________________________________
Comments:
3. Theatre/Dance Promise:____________________________________________
Comments:
4. Scholastic Record:________________________________________________
Comments:
5. General Character:________________________________________________
Comments:
6. Dependability:________________________________________________________
Comments:
Do you believe the applicant should be granted a scholarship?
Yes ________ No _________
Signed: ______________________________________Date:___________________
Position/Title: ______________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________ Telephone:______________
Email address: __________________________________________________
Please mail this reference form directly to:
Scholarship Committee
University of Wyoming
Department of Theatre and Dance
Department 3951, 1000 E. University Ave
Laramie, WY 82071-3951
SCHOLARSHIP REFERENCE FORM
NAME OF APPLICANT:____________________________________________________
The person named above is an applicant for a Theatre/Dance scholarship at the
University of Wyoming.
Please mark with an "X" the applicable rating for each of the six areas below
and provide any comments you would like. Please use the reverse for additional
comments if necessary.
Above Below
Superior Average Average Average Poor
1. Performing Ability:______________________________________________
Comments:
2. Technical Ability:_______________________________________________
Comments:
3. Theatre/Dance Promise:___________________________________________
Comments:
4. Scholastic Record:_______________________________________________
Comments:
5. General Character:_______________________________________________
Comments:
6. Dependability:___________________________________________________
Comments:
Do you believe the applicant should be granted a scholarship?
Yes ________ No _________
Signed: _____________________________________Date:____________________
Position/Title: ______________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________Telephone:________________
Email address: __________________________________________________
Please mail this reference form directly to:
Scholarship Committee
University of Wyoming
Department of Theatre and Dance
Department 3951, 1000 E. University Ave
Laramie, WY 82071-3951
Scholarship Guidelines
I. PHILOSOPHY The scholarship program is designed to financially assist the outstanding
student of theatre and dance and to attract him/her for study at the University
of Wyoming. Students should look upon themselves as undergraduate departmental
aids who contribute to the theatre and dance program here at Wyoming.
II. REQUIREMENTS A. Theatre/Dance major B. Maintenance of an overall cumulative 2.0 grade point average. C. Suitable progress toward the degree goal; student must complete a minimum of
30 credit hours per year (12 months). Scholarship may be retained for 8
semesters. D. Satisfactory fulfillment of assigned responsibilities for departmental
productions. E. Must attend all scholarship meetings F. To further the theatre and dance experience, scholarship students will be
required to audition for all main season productions. Exceptions will be made
for technical/design students and the theatre major auditioning for a dance
production and vice versa; unless the choreographer or director posts audition
requirements to the contrary. A role may be rejected by petitioning a
fact-finding panel, which shall consist of two faculty members and three elected
scholarship students.
III. SCHOLARSHIP ASSIGNMENTS The assignments will be of a definite "job" nature. Scholarship assignments will
be made for each production at the earliest possible time and, whenever
possible, before actual work begins on that production. The student will be
given his/her preference of job assignment whenever possible; however, the
student should also be willing to accept a wide range of responsibilities so
that he/she receives a variety of experiences. Every effort will be made by the
department to keep demands on the time of scholarship students reasonable.
Scholarship students should expect to serve in some capacity, be it running crew
or actor, on a minimum of two main season productions each semester. If either
of these options is impossible during the semester, the student may petition the
scholarship director to complete a crew assignment by working 40 hours in a shop
under the supervision of the shop administrators. The petition must be presented
as near to the beginning of the affected semester as possible to facilitate any
reassignments that are necessary. Petitions received after crew assignments are
posted are not guaranteed consideration.
The following is a short description of specific crew positions, with
information as to duties, responsibilities and time commitments for each. ALL
ASSIGNMENTS INCLUDE REQUIRED ATTENDANCE AT ALL TECHNICAL REHEARSALS,
PERFORMANCES AND STRIKE.
Stage Manager
Assist production director in all aspects of rehearsal and production. Duties
would include calling the show in all performances. Other duties might include
typing and posting rehearsal lists, notes and contact sheets; giving lines
during rehearsals, giving and correcting blocking assignments. This position
requires involvement from the very beginning of the rehearsal process.
Assistant Stage Manager Main responsibility is to provide a communication link between the stage and the
control booth.
Light Board Operator Operate computerized or manual lighting control board as assigned by lighting
designer.
Sound Board Operator Operate soundboard and execute all assigned production sound cues.
Master Carpenter Supervise all scenery shifts and crews assigned to shifts.
Master Electrician Supervise all production electrical needs and crews.
Properties Master Ensure all show props are in place and functioning. Prepare food as necessary.
Operate special effects.
Shift Crew Move scenery as required by each production.
Electrician Operate electrical equipment as required by each production. Duties might
include changing bulbs, color in lighting equipment or operating telephones.
Flyman Operate rigging necessary to shift flown scenery.
Costume Running Crew Duties include making minor repairs to costumes during the run of the show,
assisting actors with costumes as required, maintenance of the dressing rooms,
and daily laundry.
Makeup Running Crew Duties will include make-up assistance, hair dressing, maintenance of the makeup
room and the makeup cabinet, and daily maintenance of wigs (if applicable).
House Manager The House Manager is responsible for maintaining the Box Office during the
actual production. Duties include audience control, assisting in the Box Office,
supervising the ushers, and working with the Stage Manager to orchestrate
intermissions. House Manager's appearance when working should be professional.
Time commitment may begin when the Box Office opens for ticket sales if
necessary, and continue through the run of the production.
IV. SCHOLARSHIP/WORK-STUDY Students awarded scholarships are not encouraged to hold Work-Study positions.
If it is a financial necessity that a scholarship student supplements his/her
earnings with Work-Study, scholarship requirements and responsibilities must be
claimed first and Work-Study hours second. Students will not be able to fulfill
scholarship commitments with Work-Study hours.
V. DANCE - SCHOLARSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES Dance scholarship students will work on a crew or perform a role for a maximum
of two non-dance productions during each year, with their remaining scholarship
responsibilities being fulfilled by their participation in the dance production.
The requirement will be a total of 100 units per semester.
VI. SCHOLARSHIP MEETINGS All Scholarship students must attend all scholarship meetings unless they have
made previous arrangements with the appropriate designer or technical director.
Arrangements must be made at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled meeting.
Scholarship meetings are crucial to the scheduling and the organization of the
student's time and to the production.
VII. REAPPLICATION All scholarships will automatically become open at the end of each academic
year. Therefore, anyone who wishes a scholarship for the following academic year
must apply or reapply each spring at a time specified by the faculty. An effort
will be made to fill approximately 25% of the scholarships with incoming
freshmen or students transferring from other colleges. An audition or portfolio interview will be required of all students. The
audition/interview will take place in the spring semester before the entire
theatre and dance faculty.
VIII. FACULTY ASSESSMENT OF SCHOLARSHIP STUDENTS Due to the increased competition for scholarships, it is necessary that the
faculty assess the work of scholarship students at the end of the fall semester
and at the time of spring applications. This assessment will be based on the
following:
A. The fulfillment by scholarship students of the requirements in parts A, B, C,
D, and E section II.
B. The assessment of students' work in fulfilling the requirements in part F,
section II. This assessment, based on the recommendations of faculty members who
have worked with scholarship students in production, will of necessity be
fundamentally subjective.
A theatre and dance scholarship is intended to financially assist the theatre
and dance student whose work is outstanding both in class and in production. Any
assessment will be based on a balance of these two parts of a student's work.
Outstanding work in production is usually based more strongly on the attitude of
the student doing the work than on the skill that the student may have in any
particular job. Production work, whether artistically stimulating or rather dull, must be done
well and on time if the production is to be successful and if all those working
on the production are to gain maximum educational benefit. Therefore, a student
who seeks to contribute more positively and consistently to the qualitative
completion of a job will be assessed more favorably than a student who works the
minimum time required or who seeks to do only certain kinds of work.
The faculty may, at the end of the fall semester, withdraw aid from any student
who, in the opinion of the faculty, has not satisfactorily fulfilled all of the
requirements for that scholarship. Should the scholarship administrator and/or
any other member of the faculty recommend such a revocation, the student(s)
involved will be notified in writing and given seven days to request a hearing
and review before a departmental fact finding panel. A panel, consisting of
three scholarship students and two faculty members appointed by the department
head in consultation with the faculty, will seek to determine the merits of both
the recommendation for revocation of the scholarship and the appeal of the
student involved. The panel will present its recommendation to the entire
faculty, which will then vote on the matter. The faculty vote will be final.
AUDITIONS TIPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL
SCHOLARSHIP AUDITIONS - ACTING
You have a maximum of 5 minutes. We would prefer to see you perform two
contrasting monologues, each about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes in length. By contrasting,
we mean material that utilizes different sides of you as a performer. This
contrast could mean one serious and one comic piece, or one contemporary/modern
language piece coupled with a classical piece, (Shakespeare, Moliere, etc.). If
you would like to sing, please do. A tape player will be provided, and usually
16 measures or one verse is sufficient. Please sing a song from a musical, not a
top 40 hit, and remember, songs must be acted too!
Avoid Shakespeare unless you have experience and feel comfortable with it.
Without more training, we don't expect you to present this difficult material,
but if you feel comfortable and confident with it, by all means go ahead!
Do material that shows off your best and strongest skills as a performer,
that's what we want to see! For example, are you funny? Do you have good comic
sense/timing? A strong sense of your own physicality? Can you present honest and
grounded work? Do you have a sense of vulnerability? Can you incorporate a
strength or weakness in your character as called for in the text? Can you do all
of these without always making the cliche choice? Are you creative? These are
things we are trying to discern in your audition!
Work with your drama teacher to put together the best audition possible. Show
them these guidelines, and by all means, have them call us if they have any
questions. (307-766-2198) WE WANT YOU TO DO YOUR BEST! Many times, we see
students bring in Speech cuttings that have been successful at their speech
meets throughout the year. While these do show off skills, we prefer to see
material from plays, that have fully developed characters. Novels, stories,
poems, etc., are not usually meant to be performed, but read. Acting is action,
and plays provide that type of material.
When you audition, we like to make it as relaxed as possible for you. A group
of faculty can be intimidating, but please remember we want you to do your best!
We like to see talent! Wear something that is flattering to you, but also
comfortable. If you don't feel right in nylons and heels, don't wear them. Suits
and ties are nice, but if they restrict your audition in any way, choose
something else. Be sure to introduce the names of your selections at the
beginning of your audition, as well as telling us your name. Don't describe the
scene or setting you are about to do, just do it! Most of the time, we are
familiar with the plays you choose. If not, a short description, (as we see in
many speech cuttings) won't help that much anyway.
Finally, stay around and chat with our faculty. Get to know us, and allow us
to get to know you! Mature, serious, and creative students make the best
candidates for scholarships, and whatever you can show us during those two days
will help. Talk with our students, look at the facilities, take in a show if
possible, and sit in on our classes if you can make the time for it. We want you
to be happy with your choice of school! Break a leg!
AUDITION TIPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP AUDITIONS
- TECHNICAL/DESIGN MAJORS
For the scholarship audition you will be asked to formally present a portfolio
of your work to date and to provide a resume. Begin with an introduction of
yourself, where you are from, and where you are in your training. Briefly
discuss your goals as a technician or designer. Then go on and present your
actual materials. You have a maximum of 10 minutes.
A few general recommendations:
a. Appearance is important. Dress well, in something that is flattering to you,
but comfortable. Ladies, if you don't feel right in nylons and heels, don't wear
them! Suits and ties are nice for men, but if they restrict your presentation in
any way, choose something else.
b. Be as neat and meticulous as possible with your visual materials for
presentation. Your visual presentation is a reflection of your organizational
skills.
c. Be extremely positive when discussing your work. You should exude a positive
self-image and a sense of enthusiasm for your career and your work.
d. Don't just show your photographs or renderings: provide a brief explanation
of why you think this project was special or significant.
e. In terms of layout, general practice is to list your best skills first. The
same is true of your resume. List your most current experience (which should
reflect your best work) and work backwards.
f. And finally, practice your presentation. Portfolio material is difficult to
handle. You will stay much better poised if you have handled it previously.
When you audition, we like to make it as relaxed as possible for you. A group of
faculty can be intimidating, but please remember we want you to do your best! We
like to see talent! We also hope that after the auditions you'll stay around and
chat with our faculty during an informal reception. Get to know us, and allow us
to get to know you! Mature, serious, and creative students make the best
candidates for scholarships, and whatever you can show us during the time you
are here will help. Come a day before auditions, talk with our students, look at
the facilities, take in a show if possible. Again, we want you to be happy with
your choice of school!
TIPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP AUDITIONS -
DANCE
Students auditioning for dance scholarships should prepare one dance piece, two
minutes in length, in the style of your choice (modern, ballet, or jazz). The
genre chosen should consist of movement that is exemplary of your training
background and should demonstrate your personal style as a performer. If you
tap, we would be delighted to see an additional short (one minute or less)
selection demonstrating your ability. We will provide a CD/tape player for your
audition. Please come prepared with your music cued-up and ready to go.
Students are often worried about how to get audition material together and whose
choreography they can use. You may choreograph your own audition material, or
you might look to your dance teacher for help in this area. Be sure to introduce
yourself just before you begin your audition piece, state the music and the
composer's name which you have selected for accompaniment, and the choreographer
of your piece.
When you audition, we like to make it as relaxed as possible for you. A group of
faculty can be very intimidating, so remember we want you to do your best!
Simple leotards and tights are appropriate attire for your scholarship audition.
If you are a dancer with a background in theatre, do feel free to participate in
the theatre auditions. We are a theatre AND dance department, demonstrations and
strength in both areas will only help you in your chances of attaining a
scholarship. Refer to the separate sheet on acting/performance audition tips.
After the auditions, we may ask questions about your goals, interests and
background. Mature, serious, and creative students make the best candidates for
scholarships, and whatever you can show us during your time here will help. We
welcome questions and conversation about our program, the university, financial
aid, etc. Talk with our students, look at the facilities, and see a performance
if possible. Keep in mind, prospective students are welcome to visit campus
anytime and are invited to participate in or observe a class.
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Production Priorities
FIRST: The present structure of a minimum of six productions including dance and
musical theatre/opera.
SECOND: Local performance of the Cultural Outreach dance or theatre tour and/or
projects resulting from course work in dance composition classes or those in the
directing class.
THIRD: Senior/honors projects.
FOURTH: Additional productions by theatre faculty including
THEA 4060.
FIFTH: Production proposals involving other academic units.
Adopted by faculty Spring 2001
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Drug and Alcohol Abuse Any student who, through the use of alcohol or drugs, is unable to perform
his/her responsibilities as an actor or technician, will automatically be
suspended from participation in all departmentally sponsored activities for one
year from the date of the infraction. The suspension will take effect
immediately. Students holding scholarships will automatically have their
scholarships terminated.
Departmentally sponsored activities shall be construed as meaning any activity
in which departmental resources or department space or equipment is employed.
back to
table of contents Class Absences The Department of Theatre and Dance recognizes that many of its students are
heavily committed to departmental production activities. The faculty, when
possible, attempts to schedule class assignments with this commitment in mind;
however, students cannot assume that production commitments take precedence over
academic assignments. A production assignment, cast or crew, will not be
considered an acceptable excuse for late academic assignments or absences from
classes.
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End of the Year Evaluations All theatre and dance majors (freshmen through seniors) are REQUIRED to prepare
a performance/presentation to be reviewed by the entire faculty at the end of
each year. This includes Theatre/English majors. The dates for these evaluations
will be set early in the year at the same time as the departmental calendar.
Please discuss these evaluations with your advisors early in the Spring semester
so that you will be well prepared. Your advisor will be able to provide you with
additional information regarding portfolios, resumes, etc. This is an opportunity for faculty who have not had you in class during the year
to see how well you are progressing, to discuss any potential problems with
course work, and to make recommendations with regard to your development. It is
also an opportunity for us to see the level of your maturity and poise and to
discuss assignment of future projects which require individual responsibility
such as stage managing, designing, assistant directing, etc.
THEATRE PERFORMANCE MAJORS
Freshmen Freshmen must prepare one contemporary monologue not to exceed 2 minutes, and
bring a resume. They will remain for an additional 3-4 minute feedback session,
led by the acting faculty.
Sophomores Sophomores will perform two contrasting contemporary monologues not to exceed 4
minutes and bring a resume. They will remain for an additional 3-4 minute
feedback session, led by the acting faculty.
Juniors and Non-Graduating Seniors Juniors must prepare two contrasting monologues; one must be
classical
(Shakespeare, Moliere, Shaw, Jonson, Sheridan, etc.) not to exceed 3 minutes in
length. In addition all juniors in the performance concentration must provide a
photo and resume.
Seniors (includes Performance, Design/Technical, Dance, Theatre/English, &
Playwriting)
Seniors will participate in an external interview and survey process,
facilitated by the Center for Teaching Excellence. Details will be posted near
the end of the spring semester. Non-graduating Seniors must participate using
the Junior guidelines above.
* Pay close attention to time limits. You WILL BE STOPPED if you exceed the
limit. * Any performance major may sing in place of a contemporary piece
DANCE MAJORS
Dance majors at all levels will prepare their end of the year evaluations under
the guidance of their individual technique teachers in their classes. The
specific material will be the responsibility of the technique teacher. The
pieces will be presented to the faculty in a group showing at the allotted time.
All dance majors are required to submit a resume.
TECHNICAL/DESIGN MAJORS
For End of the Year Evaluations you will be asked to formally present a
portfolio of your work to date and to provide a resume. Begin with an
introduction of yourself and a statement of where you are in your training.
Briefly discuss your goals as a technician or designer. Then go on and present
your actual materials.
With freshman, sophomores, and juniors we are interested primarily in your
progress and development. So don't be afraid to show beginning level work and to
discuss how you feel you have grown from project to project. Always keep in mind
the final goal, however--preparation for entering the job market. This will also
keep you prepared in case you want to interview for an internship at an earlier
stage of your development. By the time that you are a senior you should have
narrowed your portfolio down to your best work, have it in a polished and
well-defined form and have developed a mature presentation style.
A few general recommendations:
1. Appearance is important. Dress well.
2. Be as neat and meticulous as possible with your visual materials for
presentation. Your visual presentation is a reflection of your organizational
skills.
3. Be extremely positive when discussing your work. You should exude a positive
self-image and a sense of enthusiasm for your career and for your work.
4. Make an investment in a good portfolio. Think of it as an investment in your
future. If you start putting together your materials at an early stage they will
be in excellent shape by the time you graduate. If you start the process early
we can make suggestions of how your can clarify the presentation of your
materials.
5. As a beginner you are going to have to depend in part upon course projects
for portfolio materials. The more meticulous and careful you are with your
projects the more impressive they will be in your portfolios. Always keep your
best work in immaculate condition. Begin immediately to think about what best
expresses your abilities. Take close up photographs of the work you do for
production.
6. Don't just show your photographs or renderings. Provide a brief explanation
of why you think this project was special or significant.
7. In terms of Layout, general practice is to list your best skills first. The
same is true of your resume. List your most current experience (which should
reflect your best work) and work backwards.
8. A copy of "Critical Tips for Composing a Technical/ Design Portfolio and
Resume" is available in the office and should help you get started.
9. And finally, practice your presentation. Portfolio material is difficult to
handle. You will stay much better poised if you have handled it previously.
10. See resume samples
(coming soon).
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table of contents
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table of contents
Theater and Dance Course Offerings Offered
|
Course # |
Course Title |
Prerequisite |
Fall, Summer, Spring |
We have indicated after the course title if a specific course meets a University
Studies requirement, such as CA, G, etc. |
|
1000 |
Introduction to the Theatre (CA) |
|
F/S |
|
1020 |
IC
for Theatre and Dance (I) |
|
F/S |
|
1040 |
Production Crew I |
|
F/S |
|
1100 |
Beginning Acting (CA) |
|
F/S |
|
1200 |
Introduction to Stage Design |
|
F |
|
1300 |
Centennial Singers audition |
|
F/S |
|
1405 |
Introduction to Pilates Training consent |
|
F/Su/S |
|
1410 |
Ballet I/I (CA) |
|
F/Su/S |
|
1420 |
Ballet I/II (CA) |
1410
|
S |
|
1430 |
Modern Dance I (CA) |
|
F/S |
|
1440 |
Modern Dance I/II (CA) |
1430
|
S |
|
1450 |
Beginning Tap Dance |
|
S |
|
1470 |
Mens Technique |
|
F/S |
|
1480 |
Beginning Jazz |
|
F/S |
|
1700 |
Voice for the Actor |
1100
or consent |
S |
|
2010 |
Theatrical Backgrounds Drama I |
|
F |
|
2020 |
Theatrical Backgrounds Drama II |
2010 or consent
|
S |
|
2040 |
Production Crew II |
|
F/S |
|
2050 |
Theatre Practice |
consent
|
F/S |
|
2050 |
Performance Credit
|
consent |
F/S |
|
2050-02 |
Dance Styles
|
consent |
F/S |
|
2150
|
Drafting for Design
|
|
F |
|
2160
|
Stage Makeup
|
1100
or consent |
F |
|
2170
|
Speech for the Actor
|
|
F |
|
2200
|
Backgrounds of Dance (CA, G)
|
|
F |
|
2220
|
Stagecraft
|
|
F/S |
|
2240
|
Stage Production
|
|
F |
|
2250
|
Computer Auto Design I
|
2150
|
S |
|
2400
|
Vertical Dance I
|
consent |
S |
|
2410
|
Ballet II/I
|
consent |
F |
|
2420
|
Ballet II/II
|
consent |
S |
|
2450
* |
Tap II
|
1450
and consent |
S |
|
2480
+ |
Jazz II
|
1480
and consent |
S |
|
2800
|
Elements of Stage Lighting
|
1200, 2200 |
F/S |
|
3025
|
Teaching Creative Movement (CA)
|
3440
|
S |
|
3100
|
Kinesiology for Dance
|
consent and PEPR 2040 |
F (Every 4th Sem) |
|
3400
|
Vertical Dance II
|
consent |
F |
|
3410
|
Classical Ballet III/I
|
1420
and consent |
F |
|
3420
|
Classical Ballet III/II
|
3410
and consent |
S |
|
3430
|
Modern Dance III/I
|
1440
and consent |
F |
|
3440
|
Modern Dance III/II
|
3430
and consent |
S |
|
3480
|
Jazz III/I
|
2480
or consent |
F |
|
3490
|
Jazz III/II
|
3480/consent |
S |
|
3500
|
Playwriting/Screenwriting
|
consent |
S |
|
3720 * |
Stage Movement/Combat I |
1100 |
F |
|
3730 |
Intermediate Acting |
1100, 2010, 2020 |
F |
|
3740 |
Acting Styles |
3730 |
S |
|
3750 |
Acting for the Camera |
3730, 1100 |
F |
|
3790 |
Stage Management |
|
F |
|
3810 |
Scene Design |
1200, 2220 or consent |
S |
|
3820 |
Stage Costuming I |
1200, 2010, 2020, 3730/consent |
S |
|
3910 |
20th Century Theatre Diversity (CA, D) |
1000 |
S |
|
3950* |
Dialects for the Actor |
|
S |
|
4000* |
Character Dance |
3410 |
S |
|
4001+ |
Historical Dance |
3410 |
F |
|
4010 |
Advanced Ballet |
3420 |
F/S |
|
4030 |
Advanced Modern Dance |
3440 |
F/S |
|
4200 |
20th Century Dance (CA, WC) |
2200 |
S |
|
4250 * |
Beginning Dance Composition |
|
F |
|
4260 + |
Intermediate Dance Composition |
4250 |
F/S |
|
4500 |
Advanced Playwriting |
3500 |
F |
|
4710 * |
Advanced Scene Study |
3740/consent |
S |
|
4720 |
Auditioning & Professional Issues |
3740/Consent |
F |
|
4730 * |
Stage Movement/Combat II |
3720 |
S |
|
4750 |
Computer Auto Design II |
2250 |
S |
|
4770 |
Summer Theatre |
12 hours in THEA/consent |
Su |
|
4800 * |
Advanced Stage Lighting |
2800/consent |
S |
|
4810 + |
Advanced Scenic Design |
3810, 4820, 3820 |
S |
|
4820 |
Directing I |
2010, 2020, 3730, 3810 |
F |
|
4830 * |
Directing II |
4820/consent |
S |
|
4850 |
Stage Costuming II |
3820/consent |
S |
|
4880 |
Advanced Theatre Practice |
12 hours in THEA and consent |
F/S |
|
4880-01 |
Independent Study in Theatre |
Consent |
F/S |
|
4880-04 |
Dance Pedagogy I |
Consent F |
|
|
4880-05 |
Dance Pedagogy II |
Consent S |
|
|
4880-06 |
Dance Pedagogy III |
Consent F |
|
|
4880-07 |
Dance Pedagogy IV |
Consent S |
|
|
4930 |
Theatre History I |
2010, 2020, 6 hours in theatre at
3000 level or consent |
F |
|
4940 |
Theatre History II |
4930/consent |
S |
|
4950 |
Senior Thesis |
Senior standing |
F/S |
|
4990 |
Research in Theatre |
6 hours in area of research and
consent |
F/S |
|
4990 |
Voice II 1700 |
|
F |
|
4990-03 |
Musical Theatre Workshop |
|
F |
Please note the following designations following certain courses:
* These courses are offered on alternating school years where the fall semester
is an odd year.
+ These courses are offered on alternating school years where the fall semester
is an even year. |
:: Return to previous page
:: View table of contents
BFA & BA Theatre
Core Courses The following courses are the required core courses in the theatre major for all
degree programs except a major in Dance.
|
Credits |
Course# |
Title |
|
.5 |
1040 |
Production Crew I |
|
3 |
1100 |
Beginning Acting |
|
3 |
1200 |
Introduction to Stage Design |
|
3 |
2010 |
Theatrical Backgrounds Drama I |
|
3 |
2020 |
Theatrical Backgrounds Drama II |
|
.5 |
2040 |
Production Crew II |
|
3 |
2220 |
Stagecraft |
|
3 |
2800 |
Elements of Stage Lighting |
|
3 |
3730 |
Intermediate Acting |
|
3 |
3740 |
Acting Styles |
|
3 |
3810 |
Scene Design |
|
3 |
3820 |
Stage Costuming I |
|
3 |
4820 |
Directing I |
|
3 |
4930 |
Theatre History I |
|
3 |
4940 |
Theatre History II |
|
40 Total number of core credits |
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BFA Theatre
Performance Concentration In addition to the core, students electing the BFA Degree in Theatre Performance
must complete the following:
|
Credits |
Course# |
Title |
|
2 |
1700 |
Voice for the Actor |
|
3 |
2170 |
Speech for the Actor |
|
2 |
2160 |
Stage Makeup |
|
2 |
3720 |
Stage Movement/Combat I |
|
3 |
4710 |
Advanced Scene Study |
|
3 |
4720 |
Auditioning & Professional Issues |
|
2 |
4730 |
Stage Movement/Combat II |
AND THREE HOURS FROM THE FOLLOWING |
|
1 |
1410 |
Ballet I |
|
1 |
1430 |
Modern Dance I |
|
1 |
1450 |
Beginning Tap Dance |
|
1 |
1480 |
Beginning Jazz |
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BFA Theatre Design/Technical Concentration In addition to the core, students electing the BFA in Design or Technical
Theatre must complete the following:
|
Credits |
Course# |
Title |
|
3 |
2050 |
Theatre Practice |
|
2 |
2160 |
Stage Makeup |
|
3 |
3790 |
Stage Management |
|
6-8 |
|
Theatre Electives |
AND SIX HOURS FROM THE FOLLOWING |
|
3 |
4800 |
Advanced Stage Lighting |
|
3 |
4810 |
Advanced Scene Design |
|
3 |
4850 |
Stage Costuming II |
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BFA Theatre Theatre/English Concentration In addition to the core, students electing the BFA in Theatre/English must
complete the following:
|
SIX HOURS (two courses) from the English 2000 level literature courses (ENGL
2425, 2430, or 2435) |
|
NINE HOURS (three courses) in any English 4000 level literature courses |
|
ENGL 4110 or 4120 |
|
THEA 4830 Directing II |
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BFA Theatre Playwriting Concentration
In addition to the core, students electing the BFA in Playwriting must complete
the following:
|
Credits |
Course# |
Title |
|
3 |
THEA 3500 |
Playwriting/Screenwriting |
|
3 |
THEA 3790 |
Stage Management |
|
3 |
THEA 4500 |
Advanced Playwriting |
|
3 |
| |