Corcoran Theatre and Dance (CTAD)

CTAD 1000. Dean's Seminar. 3 Credits.

Focused scholarship on specific intellectual challenges. Topics vary by semester. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details.

CTAD 1015. Understanding Dance. 3 Credits.

Dance as cultural, spiritual, creative, and aesthetic expression. Dance is explored through in-depth study of historical movements and figures in the context of various genres.

CTAD 1020. Women and the Creative Process. 3 Credits.

Consideration of questions of aesthetics and creativity through the study of art produced by women since the mid-twentieth century. The creation, meaning, and impact of work across the fields of visual art, dance, theatre, and music.

CTAD 1021W. The Artist-Activist. 3 Credits.

Modern and contemporary history of work by seminal artists who challenge political and societal structures and advocate for social change. Restricted to students in the Women’s Leadership program. Prerequisites: CTAD 1020 and TRDA 1020. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement.

CTAD 1025. Understanding the Theatre. 3 Credits.

The literature, history, aesthetics, and mechanics of the theatre. Contributions of the playwright, actor, director, and designer.

CTAD 1035. Theatre Production. 3 Credits.

Understanding of the basic elements of theatrical production and the collaborative artist/artisan process through discussion, observation, and practical application. Same As: TRDA 1035.

CTAD 1099. Variable Topics. 1-3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details. Prerequisites: None.

CTAD 1151. Beginning/Intermediate Ballet. 1 Credit.

Introduction to traditional ballet technique, including basic concepts of dynamic alignment, stretch, strength, improvisation, and musicality.

CTAD 1152. Beginning Modern/Postmodern Dance. 1 Credit.

Introduction to modern dance technique, including basic concepts of dynamic alignment, stretch, strength, improvisation, and musicality.

CTAD 1153. Beginning–Intermediate Modern and Postmodern Dance. 1 Credit.

Introduction to modern dance technique, including basic concepts of dynamic alignment, stretch, strength, improvisation and musicality.

CTAD 1170. Intermediate Modern/Postmodern Dance I. 2-3 Credits.

An intermediate level modern/postmodern dance class. Study and train in alignment, release technique, floor work, breath, spatial awareness, improvisation, composition, strength, flexibility and musicality.

CTAD 1171. Intermediate Modern/Postmodern Dance II. 2-3 Credits.

Builds on CTAD 1170. Recommended for students with previous dance experience in jazz, ballet, hip hop, modern, or other styles. Prerequisites: CTAD 1170 or TRDA 1170 or permission of the instructor.

CTAD 1214. Beginning Acting. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the process of acting. Making choices using various acting techniques to create characters and learn about the process. Credit cannot be earned for this course and CTAD 1215.

CTAD 1215. Acting Fundamentals for Majors and Minors. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the process of acting. Students will learn to make choices using various acting techniques to create characters and learn about the process. Credit cannot be earned for this course and CTAD 1214.

CTAD 1240. Performance Theory and Criticism. 3 Credits.

How performance theory and criticism have been used to understand what makes a “good” performance in both ancient and modern contexts. Credit cannot be earned for this course and TRDA 1240.

CTAD 1330. Basics of Production Design. 3 Credits.

Basic elements of production design and execution explored through discussion, observation, and practical application. Same As: TRDA 1330.

CTAD 2160. Intermediate Ballet. 2-3 Credits.

Training in movements and steps within the intermediate-level ballet lexicon, emphasizing technical skills, stamina, mastery of longer dance sequences, presentation, musicality, and artistry. Permission of the instructor required prior to enrollment. Recommended background: Mastery of low intermediate-level ballet steps and vocabulary, ability to perform short combinations of dance steps, and competence in basic elements of ballet technique. Credit cannot be earned for this course and TRDA 2160.

CTAD 2172. Intermediate/Advanced Modern/Postmodern Dance I. 2-3 Credits.

Dancers are given increasingly complex intermediate-advanced dance phrases over the course of the semester. Full participation includes physicalizing ideas in class, research via performance critique and short research paper, and self-assessments. Prerequisites: TRDA 1171 or CTAD 1171 or permission of the instructor.

CTAD 2173. Intermediate/Advanced Modern/Postmodern Dance II. 2-3 Credits.

Builds on CTAD 2172. Dancers are given increasingly complex intermediate-advanced dance phrases over the course of the semester, using movement to increase dynamic range, kinetic awareness, and musicality. Prerequisites: CTAD 2172 or TRDA 2172 or permission of the instructor.

CTAD 2180. Movement Improvisation/Performance. 3 Credits.

Exploring the body and its surroundings in movement, use of language, narrative, environments and contexts for creative expression, developing event and performance structures from improvisation.

CTAD 2185. Trends in Performance–Action into Art. 3 Credits.

Study of performance art and activist artists. Students connect concepts and processes and create individual and collaborative projects inspired by global artists to activate awareness and change.

CTAD 2186. The Asian American Pacific Islander Experience through Movement and Performance. 3 Credits.

The Asian American Pacific Islander "body” in relation to historical events and personal stories that have impacted the AAPI community and with it personal identity.

CTAD 2188. African Dance. 1 Credit.

African/Caribbean dance styles and techniques, with warm-ups and center floor work of long and short movement phrases. Basic modern and jazz terminology and definitions appropriate to intermediate and advanced African dance.

CTAD 2191. Dance History. 3 Credits.

History of Euro-American theatrical dance from the late 18th century to the present. The major choreographers and their dance work through readings, lectures, video and discussion, including processes of inclusion and exclusion in canon formation.

CTAD 2191W. Dance History. 3 Credits.

The history of Western theatrical dance from the late eighteenth century to the present. The major choreographers and their dance works through readings, lectures, video, and discussion. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement.

CTAD 2192. Repertory/Performance. 1-2 Credits.

Dance repertory practicum. Students learn and perform dance repertory or new dance works. Audition required.

CTAD 2193. Dance Styles I. 1-3 Credits.

Forms of theatrical dance other than ballet or modern, including African dance, Angola Capoeira, music theatre, Spanish dance, world dance, Middle Eastern dance, and others. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs.

CTAD 2195W. Global Dance History. 3 Credits.

The role of dance globally in socio-cultural and artistic histories, with perspectives from the Americas, Africa, Middle East, and Asia. Importance of artists and dance in context of major world events, viewed through the geography of immigration. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement.

CTAD 2215. Intermediate Acting. 3 Credits.

Builds on acting techniques introduced in CTAD 1214 through scripted scene work. Making choices through text exploration, using various acting techniques to create characters and develop clear character relationships, and staging completed scenes. Prerequisites: CTAD 1214 or TRDA 1214. Credit cannot be earned for this course and TRDA 2215.

CTAD 2240. Play Analysis. 3 Credits.

Traditional and nontraditional (Aristotelian and non-Aristotelian) approaches to the analysis of dramatic literature. Literary and theatrical techniques used by playwrights. Same As: ENGL 2240. Credit cannot be earned for this course and TRDA 2240.

CTAD 2250. Dramatic Writing. 3 Credits.

A workshop in playwriting and screenwriting, with emphasis on dramatic structure. Same As: ENGL 2250.

CTAD 2339. Theatre Practicum. 1 Credit.

Participation in department mainstage productions in a production or management capacity under the supervision of a member of the faculty. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits, 3 of which may be in a performance.

CTAD 3131W. Performance, Identity, and Social Change. 3 Credits.

Theatre of social change as theorized and practiced in the second half of the twentieth century and in the early twenty-first century.

CTAD 3157. Career Strategies for the Dance Artist. 3 Credits.

A series of lectures, guided discussions, guest speakers, and field trips introducing opportunities in the field of the performing arts, from performance to arts management.

CTAD 3174. Advanced Modern/Postmodern Dance I. 2-3 Credits.

Builds on CTAD 3173. Using anatomical principles of weight, momentum and energetic connection into space, explores movement that is fast, luxurious, and complex. Good alignment and anatomical practice are expected. Prerequisites: TRDA 2173 or CTAD 2173 or permission of the instructor.

CTAD 3175. Advanced Modern/Postmodern Dance II. 2-3 Credits.

Builds on CTAD 3174. Exploration of movement that is fast, luxurious, quirky, and complex using anatomical principles of weight, momentum, and energetic connection into space. Prerequisites: CTAD 3174 or TRDA 3174 or permission of the instructor.

CTAD 3182. Dance Composition I. 3 Credits.

The study of dance through structural and conceptual aspects of constructing dances and shaping and forming movement materials. Creation of original dance studies. Emphasis on structure, intention, and content in making dances. Prerequisites: TRDA 2180 or CTAD 2180.

CTAD 3183. Dance Composition II. 3 Credits.

Emphasis on intention and content in dance making. The study of dance as an art through dance composition problems; study and creation of original dance studies. Prerequisites: CTAD 2180 or TRDA 2180.

CTAD 3186. Embodied Kinesis for Dance. 3 Credits.

Exploration of bodies in movement through theoretical, experimental, and personal research. Techniques for embodiment in the somatic arts.

CTAD 3222. Topics in Advanced Acting. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details. Prerequisites: CTAD 1214 or TRDA 1214; or CTAD 1215 or TRDA 1215.

CTAD 3223. Mask and Movement. 3 Credits.

An acting class in movement and physical theatre. Focus on the flexibility and expressiveness of the body, using the work of Lecoq, Laban, Commedia dell’Arte, clown, stretch and relaxation, avant garde theatre, and physical comedy.

CTAD 3224. Voice and Speech. 3 Credits.

Provides tools and practice in the development of a healthy vocal instrument that allows for free, supported sound that can be applied to performance.

CTAD 3225. Stage Dialects. 3 Credits.

Foundational techniques for learning and applying accents and dialects for stage work. Prerequisites: CTAD 1214 or TRDA 1214.

CTAD 3226. Acting Shakespeare. 3 Credits.

Intro to the specific demands of effectively performing the plays of William Shakespeare, Explore the structure and quality of his verse, as well as social, historical, and cultural contexts Prerequisites: CTAD 1214 or CTAD 1215 or TRDA 1214.

CTAD 3227. Acting for Camera. 3 Credits.

Principles and protocols of acting realism for screen outlets such as film, television, webisodes, and other “new media.” Prerequisites: CTAD 1214, or TRDA 1214, or CTAD 1215.

CTAD 3228. Creating Solo Performance: Performing Culture, Performing History. 3 Credits.

Solo performance is considered and practiced as a way of understanding more about cultures. Culture and history through the creation of personal, historical, visual and everyday life performances.

CTAD 3229. Auditions and the Acting Business. 3 Credits.

Builds upon techniques learned in CTAD 1214. Students investigate, select, and prepare appropriate audition material. Includes monologue and cold reading practice and industry research. Prerequisites: CTAD 1214, or CTAD 1215, or TRDA 1214.

CTAD 3231. Unarmed Stage Combat. 3 Credits.

Performing safe and dramatically effective unarmed stage combat; effective acting techniques for falls, rolls, slaps, punches, kicks, throws, and healthy vocal expression. Prerequisites: CTAD 1214 or CTAD 1215.

CTAD 3232. Stage Combat Swordplay. 3 Credits.

Performing safe and dramatically effective armed stage combat with prop weapons such as single sword, longsword, smallsword, and double-fence rapier and dagger and sword and shield. Prerequisites: CTAD 1214 or CTAD 1215.

CTAD 3240. Introduction to Dramaturgy. 3 Credits.

Fundamentals of classical and contemporary dramaturgical practice, including analyzing plays, doing research, supporting directors and actors in rehearsal, writing program notes, and leading post-show discussions. Same As: ENGL 3240.

CTAD 3245. History of the Theatre I. 3 Credits.

A dramaturg’s approach to case studies of theatre in historical context. Ancient Greece through the seventeenth century.

CTAD 3245W. History of the Theatre I. 3 Credits.

A dramaturg’s approach to case studies of theatre in historical context. Ancient Greece through the seventeenth century. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement.

CTAD 3246. History of the Theatre II. 3 Credits.

Builds on materials covered in CTAD 3245. A dramaturg’s approach to case studies of theatre in historical context. Focus on the connection of specific historical moments to distinctive artistic creation. The eighteenth century through the present.

CTAD 3246W. History of the Theatre II. 3 Credits.

Builds on materials covered in CTAD 3245. A dramaturg’s approach to case studies of theatre in historical context. Focus on the connection of specific historical moments to distinctive artistic creation. The eighteenth century through the present. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement.

CTAD 3247. Musical Theatre History. 3 Credits.

Explores the history of the genre of musical theater including its origins and “Golden Age,” its hits and flops, and some of its major figures, themes and ideologies.

CTAD 3248. Theatre Historiography: Shakespeare and Global Classics. 3 Credits.

Examination of how history of theatre is written and how theatre provides a source for the writing of history to the concept of “classical" theatre as it has been expressed globally, as well as in historical theatre practices of early modern England. Restricted to Theater majors & minors. Prerequisites: CTAD 3245/3245W History of Theatre I; or TRDA 3245/3245W History of Theatre I.

CTAD 3249. Decolonizing Shakespeare through Contemporary Theory. 3 Credits.

Dramaturgically interrogates current productions, adaptations, & revivalist movements of Shakespeare and other classical plays identifying approaches toward “decolonizing the classics” through the lenses of performance studies & critical theories. Restricted to Restricted to Theater majors & minors. Prerequisites: CTAD 3248 Theatre Historiography; or CTAD/TRDA 3246 History of the Theatre II; or CTAD 3131W Performance, Identity, and Social Change.

CTAD 3331. Introduction to Lighting. 3 Credits.

Students develop an aesthetic understanding of the art of lighting as well as learning the fundamental technical skills needed to practically apply those aesthetic goals. Course uses discussion, observation, and practical application.

CTAD 3332. Theatrical Makeup Design. 3 Credits.

Theory and practice in the art of stage makeup design, including latex and crepe hair. Materials fee.

CTAD 3333. Stage Management. 3 Credits.

The role and function of the stage manager in theatrical production. Basic skills needed to begin work in stage management. Emphasis on organization, documentation, and dissemination of information.

CTAD 3334. Introduction to Audio Design. 3 Credits.

The basic elements of audio design and production through discussion, observation, and practical application.

CTAD 3335. Introduction to Scene Design. 3 Credits.

Fundamental skills of scenic design: script analysis, needs assessment; research techniques; conceptual design; rendering techniques; construction documentation and fabrication management. Includes discussion, observation, and practical application. Prerequisites: None.

CTAD 3336. Introduction to Costuming. 3 Credits.

Introduction to principles of theatrical costume design. Period research, design, and rendering skills fostered through practical exercises and basic costume construction. Students design and develop costume for live production. Laboratory fee.

CTAD 4184. Choreography and Performance. 1-3 Credits.

Students create solo or group dances, or performance works, based on research and project design. Students and faculty discuss relevant artistic and practical problems. Prerequisites: One of the following: CTAD 3182, TRDA 3182, CTAD 3183, or TRDA 3183. Recommended background: Prior completion of CTAD 1330 or TRDA 1330; and CTAD 2185 or TRDA.

CTAD 4273. Devising New Works in Performance. 3 Credits.

Designed for those in the performing arts (music, dance, theatre, visual/media arts) whose craft meets at the intersections of bold, forward-thinking, and multi-faceted.

CTAD 4274. Hip-Hop Theatre. 3 Credits.

Exploration of hip-hop through performance, plays, and other cultural artifacts to illuminate the creative methodology integral to its foundation.

CTAD 4275. Directing for the Theatre. 3 Credits.

Fundamentals of script analysis, staging, casting, and rehearsal techniques. Prerequisites: TRDA 1214/CTAD 1214 or TRDA 1215/CTAD 1215.

CTAD 4338. Scene Painting. 3 Credits.

The techniques and materials used in creating character in the various elements of set design. Methods include set preparation, coating, mixing, palette preparation, spraying, transfer, texturing, finishing, and wallpapering. Prerequisites: None.

CTAD 4592. Special Topics in Theatre Studies. 3 Credits.

Topics of current interest in theatre studies, including performance studies, theatre history & historiography, critical theory, & social practice. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Prerequisites: None.

CTAD 4593. Special Topics in Theatre Performance. 3 Credits.

Topics of current interest in theatre performance, including acting, directing, playwrighting, devising, dramaturgy, and social practice. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Prerequisites: None.

CTAD 4594. Special Topics in Production Design. 3 Credits.

Topics of interest in production design, as may be chosen from scenic, costume, lighting, audio, and projection design for stage, screen, exhibition, & events; stage management, production management, & producing; and/or production technology. Prerequisites: None.

CTAD 4595. Selected Topics. 1-3 Credits.

Topics of current interest in theatre or dance. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs.

CTAD 4596. Independent Study. 1-6 Credits.

Independent research and special projects. Prior to enrollment, students must submit a written plan of study proposal and obtain the approval of the faculty member directing the study and the department chair. Restricted to qualified junior and senior theatre or dance majors and minors.

CTAD 4597. Senior Project. 3 Credits.

Capstone in student's concentration. Students work with the advisor on areas including but not limited to performance, design for the theatre, directorial project, playscript, stage management, dramaturgical project, and choregraphic project. Restricted to TRDA majors with senior standing.

CTAD 4598. Internship. 3-6 Credits.

Open to qualified seniors majoring or minoring in theatre or dance. Work placements with nonprofit and commercial theatre and dance organizations for an approved number of hours per week. May be taken for a maximum of 6 credits. Restricted to senior majors or minors in theatre or dance with permission of the department.

CTAD 4599. Honors Thesis. 3 Credits.

Directed research and/or creative project. Open to qualified seniors by permission. Arrangements must be made with a sponsoring faculty member in the department and applications must be completed early in the second semester of the junior year. Same As: TRDA 4599.