Theatre, Dance and Performance Technology
Major:
Minor:
University of Dayton’s Theatre, Dance, and Performance Technology Program provides a liberal arts tradition, creating performance with purpose through interdisciplinary discovery. We engage talent in the service of community, leading through the arts to problem-solve.
The theatre is where we discover who we are, affirm our values, aspire to be better, and seek solutions. It's where we play "what if?" in the face of "who cares?" It's where we engage in collaborative, creative inquiry that reminds us what it is to be human, to be flawed, to be transformed. The theatre is the site of embodied democracy, where entertainment entertains emergent ideas - because we all have stories to tell.
The University's program provides the option of four theoretical and practical concentrations: acting, performance, technology, dance, and applied theatre - all informed by a Marianist tradition of community engagement and social justice. The minor is 15 credits. With co-curricular, interdisciplinary, and experiential learning at the heart of the curriculum, performers and technicians learn by doing, serving and creating. They develop their character, find their light and lead.
FACULTY LISTING
Bachelor of Arts, Theatre, Dance and Performance Technology (TDP) minimum 124 hours
The Common Academic Program (CAP) is an innovative curriculum that is the foundation of a University of Dayton education. It is a learning experience that is shared in common among all undergraduate students, regardless of their major. Some CAP requirements must be fulfilled by courses taken at UD (e.g., Capstone and Diversity and Social Justice). Some major requirements must also be fulfilled by courses taken at UD. Students should consult with their advisor regarding applicability of transfer credit to fulfill CAP and major program requirements.
| Common Academic Program (CAP) 1 | ||
| First-Year Humanities Commons 2 | 12 cr. hrs. | |
| Introduction to Global Historical Studies | ||
| Introduction to Religious and Theological Studies | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy | ||
| Writing Seminar I 3 | ||
| Second-Year Writing Seminar 4 | 0-3 cr. hrs. | |
| Writing Seminar II | ||
| Oral Communication | 3 cr. hrs. | |
| Principles of Oral Communication | ||
| Mathematics | 3 cr. hrs. | |
| Social Science | 3 cr. hrs. | |
| Arts | 3 cr. hrs. | |
| Natural Sciences 5 | 7 cr. hrs. | |
| Crossing Boundaries | up to 12 cr. hrs. | |
Faith Traditions | ||
Practical Ethical Action | ||
Inquiry | ||
Integrative | ||
| Advanced Study | ||
Philosophy and/or Religious Studies (6 cr. hrs.) | ||
Historical Studies (3 cr. hrs.) 6 | ||
| Diversity and Social Justice 7 | 3 cr. hrs. | |
| Major Capstone 8 | 0-6 cr. hrs. | |
- 1
The credit hours listed reflect what is needed to complete each CAP component. However, they should not be viewed as a cumulative addition to a student's degree requirements because many CAP courses are designed to satisfy more than one CAP component (e.g., Crossing Boundaries and Advanced Studies) and may also satisfy requirements in the student's major.
- 2
May be completed with ASI 110 and ASI 120 through the Core Program.
- 3
- 4
- 5
Must include two different disciplines and at least one accompanying lab.
- 6
May be completed with ASI 110 and ASI 120 through the Core Program.
- 7
May not double count with First-Year Humanities Commons, Second-Year Writing, Oral Communication, Social Science, Arts, or Natural Sciences CAP components, but may double count with courses taken to satisfy other CAP components and/or courses taken in the student's major.
- 8
The course or experience is designed by faculty in each major; it may, or may not, be assigned credit hours.
| Liberal Studies Curriculum | ||
| L2 Proficiency (Proficiency in a language other than English) | 0-11 | |
| Literature (May include CAP Components) | 3 | |
| Mathematics, excluding MTH 205 (Satisfies CAP Mathematics) | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences (Satisfies CAP Natural Science) | 11 | |
| Social Sciences (Includes CAP Social Science) | 12 | |
| Major Requirements | 36 | |
| THR 105 | Theatre Appreciation (Satisfies CAP Arts) | 3 |
| THR 250 | Diversity in Creative & Performing Arts | 3 |
| or VAR 250 | Diversity in Creative & Performing Arts | |
| THR 304 | Movement for Everyone | 3 |
| THR 308 | Engineering for the Performing Arts | 3 |
| or EGR 308 | Engineering for the Performing Arts | |
| THR 310 | Acting for Everyone | 3 |
| THR 316 | Performance Company 1 | 0 |
| THR 425 | Theatre Theory & History | 3 |
| THR 499 | Creating New Works | 3 |
| Select one concentration: | ||
| Acting (ACT) | ||
| THR 320 | Voice & Movement | 3 |
| THR 323 | Ensemble Acting | 3 |
| THR 345 | Devising Performance | 3 |
| Select 6 semester hours from: 2 | 6 | |
| Performance Practicum | ||
| Acting for the Camera | ||
| Acting Styles | ||
| Kinetic Forms | ||
| Dance & Physical Theatre Styles | ||
| Directing | ||
| Musical & Opera Workshop | ||
or MUS 390 | Ensembles | |
| Applied Theatre (APT) | ||
| THR 345 | Devising Performance | 3 |
| THR 352 | Applied Theatre | 3 |
| Select 9 semester hours from: 2 | 9 | |
| Performance Practicum | ||
| Social Justice & Dramatic Literature | ||
| Costumes & Textiles | ||
| Philosophy and Theatre/Dance: Performing Human Identity | ||
or PHL 322 | Philosophy and Theatre/Dance: Performing Human Identity | |
| Kinetic Forms | ||
| Power, Gender & Performance | ||
or POL 341 | Power, Gender & Performance | |
| Theatre in Education | ||
or EDT 417 | Theatre in Education | |
| Directing | ||
| Dance (DNC) | ||
| THR 322 | Philosophy and Theatre/Dance: Performing Human Identity | 3 |
| or PHL 322 | Philosophy and Theatre/Dance: Performing Human Identity | |
| THR 341 | Modern Dance | 2 |
| THR 345 | Devising Performance | 3 |
| THR 361 | Jazz Dance | 1 |
| THR 371 | Ballet | 2 |
| Select 4 semester hours from: 2 | 4 | |
| Eurhythmics | ||
| Performance Practicum | ||
| Voice & Movement | ||
| Ensemble Acting | ||
| Kinetic Forms | ||
| Dance & Physical Theatre Styles | ||
| Directing | ||
| Musical & Opera Workshop | ||
or MUS 390 | Ensembles | |
| Performance Technology (PFT) | ||
| THR 311 | Design Concepts | 3 |
| Select 6 semester hours from Stage Management & Design: | 6 | |
| Stage Management | ||
| Lighting Design | ||
| Sound Design | ||
| Scenic Design | ||
| Select 6 semester hours from: 2, 4 | 6 | |
| Performance Practicum | ||
| Stage Makeup | ||
| Scenic Painting | ||
| Costumes & Textiles | ||
| Devising Performance | ||
| Kinetic Forms | ||
| Directing | ||
| Theatre Studies (TST) | ||
| Select 15 semester hours from THR, including cross listed courses. | 15 | |
| Course selection requires advisor and program director approval. | ||
| Breadth | ||
| ASI 150 | Introduction to the University Experience | 1 |
| Total Hours to total at least | 124 | |
| 1 | Seven semesters of the 0 credit THR 316 are required for THR majors to build community and provide professional development opportunities. |
| 2 | May include THR 370, THR 490, and THR 498 with permission of program director. |
| 3 | MUS 390 must be the Opera Workshop section. |
| 4 | May also select from two courses not already taken from Stage Management & Design listing. |
Minor in Theatre, Dance and Performance Technology (TDP)
| Theatre, Dance & Performance Technology | ||
| THR 105 | Theatre Appreciation | 3 |
| THR 316 | Performance Company 1 | 0 |
| Select an additional 12 credits from any THR course | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
- 1
Two semesters of THR 316 are required.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| ASI 150 | 1 | ENG 100 (CAP Humanities Commons) | 3 |
| HST 103, PHL 103, or REL 103 (CAP Humanities Commons) | 3 | HST 103, PHL 103, or REL 103 (CAP Humanities Commons) | 3 |
| HST 103, PHL 103, or REL 103 (CAP Humanities Commons) | 3 | THR 310 | 3 |
| THR 105 (CAP Arts / Creative and Performing) | 3 | THR 316 | 0 |
| CMM 100 (CAP Communication) | 3 | MTH (CAP Mathematics) | 3 |
| Language 101 | 4 | Language 141 | 4 |
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| ENG 200 (CAP Writing Seminar) | 3 | SSC 200 (CAP Social Science) | 3 |
| THR 308 or EGR 308 (CAP Integrative) | 3 | THR 250 or VAR 250 (CAP Diversity & Social Justice) | 3 |
| THR 316 | 0 | THR 304 | 3 |
| Social Science - intro level | 3 | THR 316 | 0 |
| INSS (CAP Natural Science w/lab) | 4 | INSS (CAP Natural Science w/lab) | 4 |
| Language 201 or contextual course | 3 | General elective | 2 |
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| THR 316 | 0 | THR 316 | 0 |
| THR 425 (CAP Advance History) | 3 | THR Concentration/elective | 3 |
| THR Concentration/elective | 3 | CAP Faith Traditions | 3 |
| INSS Natural Science | 3 | CAP Practical Ethical Action | 3 |
| Literature | 3 | Social Science - 300/400 level | 3 |
| Social Science - elective | 3 | General elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| THR 316 | 0 | THR 316 | 0 |
| THR Concentration/elective | 3 | THR 499 (Satisfies CAP Major Capstone) | 3 |
| THR Concentration/elective | 3 | THR Concentration/elective | 3 |
| CAP Advanced Philosophy/Religious Studies | 3 | CAP Advanced Philosophy/Religious Studies | 3 |
| CAP Inquiry | 3 | General elective | 3 |
| General elective | 3 | General elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total credit hours: 124 | |||
Courses
THR 105. Theatre Appreciation. 3 Hours
Experiential and co-curricular course designed to engage students and create an appreciation for and understanding of live theatre and performance through attendance at selected performances on the campus and in the community. Open to all University students.
THR 1AC. NON-EQUIVALENT COURSE. 0-12 Hours
THR 204. Hip-Hop Culture and Dance. 3 Hours
Introduction to the theory and practice of Hip-Hop as a global cultural movement. This course is a survey of the four artistic pillars of Hip-Hop and a practical study of its dance form. Through the artistic format of dance, students will connect Hip-Hop theories to practical skills that they will apply to their own discipline and exploration of vocation and practical ethical action.
THR 212. Fashion and Costume. 3 Hours
Examination and analysis of fashion and theatrical costume within its cultural context, and exploration of costume design methodologies applied and/or compared to the methods of a student's chosen major.
THR 250. Diversity in Creative & Performing Arts. 3 Hours
This course serves to introduce students to the interdisciplinary fields of visual and performing arts through a critical multicultural and social justice lens that foregrounds the appreciation of diversity and enables the expansion of personal cultural competencies. This Integrative and Diversity and Social Justice CAP course will also engage students in creating performance and/or art in response to diversity and social justice issues.
THR 251. Beginning Tap Dance. 2 Hours
Beginning course in the theory and practice of tap dance.
THR 261. Beginning Jazz Dance. 2-3 Hours
Beginning course in the theory and practice of jazz dance.
THR 271. Beginning Ballet. 2-3 Hours
Beginning course in the theory and practice of classical ballet technique.
THR 300. Performance Practicum. 1-3 Hours
Credit earned for faculty-supervised involvement in a mainstage production. Experiential credit may be earned in a variety of areas including acting, performance technology, dance, applied theatre, and theatre studies. Open to all university students, by permission of Director of Theatre Program. Audition may be required. Enrollment by permission of Director of Theatre Program.
THR 302. Stage Makeup. 2 Hours
An experiential course where students learn the basic principles of the art and technique of stage makeup so that they may use them in the design and execution of makeup applications. Open to all university students.
THR 303. Scenic Painting. 3 Hours
Exploration through experiential learning of the tools, techniques and terminology used in the craft of scenic painting. The student will learn fundamental and advanced scenic painting techniques with additional emphasis on faux painting techniques and trompe’l oeil painting. Open to all university students.
THR 304. Movement for Everyone. 3 Hours
Movement course for non-dancers, athletes, and dancers alike, to learn the theories and practices of bodily awareness, movement, dance, agility and strength. This course will enhance students' embodied communication, expressive agility, strength and endurance, while providing an engagement with the arts and aesthetics.
THR 306. Stage Management. 3 Hours
Investigation of the techniques, communication methodology, resources, and practices for the stage manager. The course examines various activities performed by stage managers in musicals, plays, dance, and operas. Emphasis on organizational and management practices common to most theatres. Development of skills in applying methods of stage management.
THR 307. Lighting Design. 3 Hours
A course in the art and practice of lighting design for the theatre. The course will include lighting equipment and control, elements of electricity, script analysis, design methodologies, additive and subtractive color theory, lighting for dance, musicals, plays and performance installations. Open to all university students.
THR 308. Engineering for the Performing Arts. 3 Hours
Experiential course exploring the best practices and upcoming trends in the materials, methods, and procedures used in engineering scenic environments for the performing arts, through the integration of the technical Theatre and Engineering disciplines. This course will provide students with practical experience in working with performance technology industry partners through the testing of emergent performance technology for product development and the uses of this technology to help support arts education needs in our community. Open to all university students.
THR 309. Sound Design. 3 Hours
Study and application of designing sound for live theatrical productions. Through experiential learning, this course will cover the following principle areas: basic audio, theatrical recording techniques and equipment, musical and effects integration, theatre acoustics, designing sound, and sound reinforcement for live theatrical events. Open to all university students.
THR 310. Acting for Everyone. 3 Hours
Study of the fundamentals of acting and how to apply them to real life situations to enhance communication skills and career preparation in all major fields of study; previous acting experience is not a pre-requisite. Open to all university students.
THR 311. Design Concepts. 3 Hours
Survey of various backstage professional technical theatre positions in a theatrical production. Current theory is examined along with practical applications and techniques. Open to all university students.
THR 312. Acting for the Camera. 3 Hours
Study and practice of basic techniques of acting for the camera: multimedia platforms, film, and television. Emphasis on technical requirements of acting for the camera and the control of body and voice actors must exercise in these media.
Prerequisite(s): THR 310.
THR 313. Social Justice & Dramatic Literature. 3 Hours
Survey of dramatic literature that engages issues pertaining to diversity and social justice. Survey may include domestic and global dramatic literatures that grapple with processes of identity, representation, and performing the “other.”.
THR 315. Inclusive Dance Studies. 3 Hours
Inclusive Dance Studies explores the diverse aspects of dance within a framework of inclusivity and social justice. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students will examine the historical, cultural, and social contexts of dance, with a particular focus on understanding and promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equitable practices within the dance field. The course will delve into dance history, foundations of inclusive dance, diversity in dance forms, intersectionality in dance, dance and social justice, dance technology, dance pedagogy, community engagement, and accessibility and disability studies in dance. By engaging with scholarly readings, collaborative engagement, in-class discussion, and practical experiences, students will gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of inclusive and diverse dance as a tool for social change.
THR 316. Performance Company. 0 Hours
Weekly performance workshop. All Theatre, Dance, & Performance Technology majors and minors are required to attend. Workshops will be experiential, adapted to student interests/needs, and material to be covered will include a variety of topics in acting, applied theatre, dance, performance technology, and theatre studies. May be repeated.
Prerequisite(s): Theatre majors and minors only.
THR 320. Voice & Movement. 3 Hours
Study of voice and movement for the performer, using an integrated approach.
THR 323. Ensemble Acting. 3 Hours
Further study and practice of techniques introduced in Acting for Everyone. An emphasis on interaction, ensemble, group processes, and scene study. Open to all university students.
THR 330. Scenic Design. 3 Hours
Introduction to the art and practice of set design for the theatre. Study and projects will involve the development of conceptual approaches, research, sketches, script analysis, presentation techniques, and design for dance, musicals, plays and performance installations. Open to all university students.
THR 331. Costume Design. 3 Hours
A course in the art and practice of costume design. Course includes learning to design for dance, plays, and musicals and learning to render the human form and clothing.
THR 341. Modern Dance. 2 Hours
Introductory study of the theory and practice of modern dance and technique. Open to all students.
THR 344. Musical & Opera Workshop. 1 Hour
An experiential course where students rehearse and perform in a mainstage musical or opera production. Audition required. Open to all students. Fall only.
Corequisites: MUS 390; additional rehearsals to prepare for production.
THR 345. Devising Performance. 3 Hours
Applied theatre laboratory in devising performance techniques via in-class exercises to develop original ensemble-created performance.
THR 347. Introduction to Community Arts Engagement. 3 Hours
Interdisciplinary introduction to the fundamental principles, strategies, and tools of community arts engagement and non-profit arts organization. Recommended for students with a background in any arts discipline, communication, English, and/or business. Required as an entry-level course to the undergraduate Certificate in Community Arts Engagement.
THR 350. Acting Styles. 3 Hours
Advanced study and exploration of acting fundamentals as they apply to various styles or specific historical periods. Study and practice of plays, manners, customs, voice, and movement could encompass Greek, Elizabethan, French Neoclassicism, Restoration, Realism, or Post Realistic genres, among many others. Open to all university students.
Prerequisite(s): THR 310.
THR 351. Intermediate Tap Dance. 2 Hours
Intermediate course in the theory and practice of tap dance.
THR 352. Applied Theatre. 3 Hours
Introduction to the practical applications of theatre and prepares the theatre practitioner to create performance for social justice, and engage in applied theatre work according to the best practices in applied theatre ethics. This course is a survey of theorists, theater ensembles, and performers who represent and create with communities in various contexts. This course will also put theory into practice as the student will engage in various applied theatre practices in collaboration with community partners.
THR 354. Kinetic Forms. 3 Hours
Exploration of movement and visual performance of kinetic forms through the design, construction, and manipulation of puppets, kinetic sculpture, and masks. Open to all university students.
THR 361. Jazz Dance. 1 Hour
Study of the theory and practice of jazz dance and technique. Open to all students.
THR 370. Special Topics. 1-3 Hours
Study of special topics or themes in theatre, performance technology, dance, and applied theatre. May be repeated as topics change.
THR 371. Ballet. 2 Hours
Study of the theory and practice of classical ballet technique. Open to all students.
THR 372. Dance & Physical Theatre Styles. 1-3 Hours
Special topics in dance and movement, varying between specific dance modes and movement practices drawn from physical theatre and dance modalities.
THR 380. Power, Gender & Performance. 3 Hours
Consideration of performances of identity and advocacy at the intersection of political power and gender as constructive responses to gender inequality. Performance protests for gender equality, and cultural performances of gender are examined in historical case studies and current events.
THR 417. Theatre in Education. 3 Hours
Theories and practices of educational drama and theatre as applied to the language arts. Attention given to the integration of creative drama and applied theatre practices to support speaking, thinking, writing, and reading. Co‐curricular and experiential immersion required.
THR 424. Directing. 3 Hours
Study of the evolution of the modern director. Script interpretation as a basis for the development and execution of the production concept, directing for devised works, and experiential learning with practical directing experience in class may be covered.
THR 425. Theatre Theory & History. 3 Hours
Seminar course that examines theatre and performance with texts that hybridize conventional theatre history and performance studies with emphases on international performance history and cultural studies/theories. This course considers historical, theoretical and play texts, in order to further the student's understanding of the application of theory to the practice and history of theatre. Plays are critically examined as primary sources informing theatrical historiography.
Prerequisite(s): THR 105 & HST 103.
THR 477. Honors Thesis Project. 3 Hours
First of two courses leading to the selection, design, investigation, and completion of an independent, original Honors Thesis project under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. Restricted to students in the University Honors Program with permission of the program director and department chairperson. Students pursuing an interdisciplinary thesis topic may register for three semester hours each in two separate disciplines in consultation with the department chairpersons. Prerequisite(s): Approval of University Honors Program.
THR 478. Honors Thesis Project. 3 Hours
Second of two courses leading to the selection, design, investigation, and completion of an independent, original Honors Thesis project under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. Restricted to students in the University Honors Program with permission of the program director and department chairperson. Students pursuing an interdisciplinary thesis topic may register for three semester hours each in two separate disciplines in consultation with the department chairpersons. Prerequisite(s): Approved 477; approval of University Honors Program.
THR 488. Internship in Community Arts Engagement. 3-4 Hours
Arts work experience in approved community organizations for students pursuing the undergraduate Certificate in Community Arts Engagement.
Prerequisites: MUS 347 or VAR 347 or THR 347.
THR 490. Independent Study. 1-6 Hours
Individual research and report on topic of student's choice in the field of theatre and performance under direct supervision of faculty/staff. Repeatable for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of Program Director.
THR 498. Internship. 1-6 Hours
Theatre, dance, performance technology, or applied theatre work experience with an approved organization.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of Program Director.
THR 499. Creating New Works. 3 Hours
Capstone course for all theatre, dance, and performance technology majors and communication/theatre (CTR) majors. Students will create an original work in an ensemble, taking on various roles of a creative team. The performance will be presented to the public, and documented for portfolio. Students will engage in professional development to prepare for entering various theatre, performance, dance, performance technology, entertainment, creative industry, and applied theatre fields.
Co-requisite: Must be a theatre or CTR major completing their senior year of coursework.