Theatre Education: Sample Courses

TH521: Ensemble Workshop

4 Credits
Students create a workshop production focused in a particular aesthetic and/or style. Research and in-depth study of the aesthetic accompanies practical application and work in group collaboration, leading to a public showing of the work of the ensemble. (Fall)

TH 525: Theatre & Community I

4 Credits
This course examines the relationships between theatre and culture, where culture is understood as a process of knowing the other, or looking and listening, of creating and maintaining connection in a community. Students learn to identify and explore emerging communities and populations and research how the uses of theatre might be implemented in and for social reflection and change. An examination of theoretical texts in economics, history, sociology, cultural studies, politics, and performance provides a foundation for exploring and experiencing various techniques of making theatre in community. (Fall)

TH 562: Theatre for Young Audiences

4 Credits
This course is an introduction to the scope, purposes, and history of theatre experiences for children and adolescents. Topics will include play reading and analysis and the examination of formal and participatory theatre and theatre-in-education techniques. (Fall)

TH 567: Playwriting For and With Youth

4 Credits
Students are introduced to a variety of schemes and stimuli to use in writing scripts for child or youth audiences, or to use in helping young people write their own plays. Attention is given to freeing and stretching the imagination, issues of structure, methods of development, and style of critiquing, as well as to the social and political relevance of the work. Class work includes writing, improvising, reading aloud, critiquing and discussing. (Semester varies)

TH 660: Drama as Education I

4 Credits
Students examine the philosophical foundations of theatre, speech, and the use of drama as an educational tool. They will explore the uses of creative drama/improvisation in both formal and informal learning environments. Students learn to access needs, develop appropriate and educational goals and objectives, and design and implement teaching strategies using drama. This course is required for students seeking either the Initial or Standard License in Massachusetts as a Teacher (pre- K through grade 12). Readings, class participation, and participation in laboratory teaching sessions are required. (Fall)

TH 680: Directing: Theory and Practice

4 Credits
The directorial process is examined, beginning with textual analysis of dramatic action and covering such areas as ground plans, pictorial composition, movement, and stage action. The relationship of the director and other theatre artists is also studied. Student work includes selected scenes and projects prepared for class presentation. (Fall, Spring)

Complete Course List...