Theatre
Location: Dalhousie Arts Centre, Fifth Floor
6101 University Ave.
Halifax, NS B3H 3J5
Telephone: (902) 494-2233
Fax: (902) 494-1499
Website:
http://theatre.dal.ca
Acting Dean
Gantar, J. BA, MA (Ljubljana), PhD (Toronto)
Chair
Barker, R. (494-1495)
Undergraduate Advisor
Nicol, D. (494-1491)
Professors
Gantar, J. BA, MA (Ljubljana), PhD (Toronto)
Perina, P., MA, Dip. Scenography (Prague)
Associate Professors
Barker, R., BA (King's), MA (Dal), PhD (Birmingham)
Sorge-English, L., BA (King's/Dal), MA (NYU), PhD (Oxford Brookes)
Stackhouse, S., BA (Dal), Dip. (NTS), ADVS (CSSD)
Assistant Professors
Brownlee, S., BA (King's), MA (York), PhD (UC Santa Cruz)
Dionne, M., CEGEP (McGill), BFA (NCSA), MAEd (Fordham)
McClure, R., BA (Queen's), BED (Toronto), MA (Toronto), Dip. (NTS)
Nicol, D., BA (Wales), MA (Birmingham), PhD (UCE)
Shawyer, S., BA (Dal), MA, PhD (U of Texas at Austin)
Lecturer
Edgett, K.
Senior Instructor
Kristoff, D., BHec (MSVU), DCS (Dal), MSc (Manitoba)
Instructor
Henderson, A., BA (Dal), MA (NSCAD)
Special Instructors
MacLennan, B., BA (Dal)
Robb, M., Dip. (Sheridan)
Thomson, I.
I. Introduction
The Dalhousie Theatre Department offers many ways to study the theatre or some aspect of it in tandem with other disciplines offered by the university.
| | | |
| 1. | You can undertake programs that lead to a university degree: an Honours or Combined Honours BA (4 years), a BA with Major (4 years), a General BA (3 years); |
| 2. | You can enroll in a Diploma program in Costume Studies (2 years) which combines academic study and research skills with creative design interpretation and applied skills; |
| 3. | You can select certain theatre classes to reinforce and complement your studies in other disciplines offered by the university; |
The degree programs involve a curriculum of Theatre classes and a selection of other classes in different disciplines. The University has Academic Regulations which specify how these programs must be arranged. These regulations are all listed earlier in this Calendar, and prospective students should refer to them to become aware of the opportunities offered. There are a surprising number of different ways to arrange one's studies; recommended here are the paths you can follow if Theatre is your primary interest.
Facilities
The Department is located in the Theatre wing of the Dalhousie Arts Centre. The Theatre wing is a self-sufficient unit involving one proscenium theatre, two studios, and supporting workshops. Teaching spaces for costume studies are currently located off-campus. The Departmental office is in Room 5-32 of the Arts Centre.
Because of the work involved, some theatre classes have a limited enrolment. All students wishing to take any practical class in Theatre should, therefore, first consult with the department.
PLEASE NOTE: Theatre by its nature requires evening work. Students, especially in Acting, Scenography, and Costume classes, are advised not to undertake other evening commitments.
II. Degree Programs
In addition to the departmental requirements listed below, students must satisfy the requirements outlined in the
Degree Requirements section of this calendar.
A. BA with Honours in Theatre
1. Theatre Studies
This degree is designed for students who wish to follow a program of theatre studies that keeps the whole of theatre in perspective, is academically oriented, and serves as a strong foundation for graduate degrees in Theatre and Drama, or as a good preparation for a variety of professional and education degrees. Honours students must maintain at least a B+ average in all of their advanced Theatre classes.
Year 1
| | | |
| • | THEA 1000X/Y.06 |
| • | 1 other full class in THEA at 1000-level |
| • | 3 classes in other subjects |
Year 2
Years 3 and 4
| | | |
| • | THEA 3200X/Y.06 |
| • | THEA 3501.03 |
| • | THEA 3502.03 |
| • | THEA 3600X/Y.06 |
| • | THEA 4500.03 |
| • | THEA 4501.03 |
| • | 3 full advanced electives in THEA, at least 1 of which must be either in Acting, Scenography, or Costume Studies |
| • | 1 full advanced class in dramatic literature from another department (ENGL, CLAS, RUSS, SPAN, FREN, GERM, etc.) |
| • | 2 full classes in other subjects, including THEA |
An additional credit (the "21st credit") consists of fulfilling the function of a dramaturge or assistant director on one of DalTheatre productions.
NOTE: Applications for Honours in Theatre are not considered by the Department until the winter term of the student's third year. Please enquire at the Department for the relevant deadline.
2. Acting
The main objective of the Acting Program is to satisfy the needs of those students who have decided to pursue a career as performers in the professional theatre. The program is progressive in nature, culminating in a company of student actors who perform in the DalTheatre season in their fourth year. Third year students in the Acting Program will participate in the third show of the DalTheatre season. Fourth year students in the Acting Program will participate in a Play Development Workshop. Auditions are held at the end of the first year for admission into the upper years of study. In addition to meeting degree requirements, students must achieve a B in all Acting Program classes, and must also be recommended by the Acting Faculty in order to advance to the next year's course of study. The program provides these students with professional training and the benefits of a liberal-arts education at a major Canadian university. Honours students must maintain at least a B+ average in all of their advanced Theatre classes.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Honours Acting students will be awarded the 21st credit for their satisfactory completion of a professional portfolio.
NOTE: Applications for Honours in Theatre are not considered by the Department until the winter term of the student's third year. Please enquire at the Department for the relevant deadline.
3. Scenography & Technical Scenography
People from very different backgrounds are attracted to the study of scenography. Students with considerable art school or architecture background are offered specially tailored curricula, and should contact the scenography professor to work out a suitable program of studies in scenography. Students starting with a keen interest and little formal background in art or architecture are admitted if they meet the university entrance requirements. Honours students must maintain at least a B+ average in all of their advanced theatre classes.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
| | | |
| • | THEA 3501.03 |
| • | THEA 3502.03 |
| • | 2 full advanced level electives in theatre |
| • | 2 full classes in other subjects, including up to 1 in theatre. |
The 21st class in Technical Scenography and Scenography consists of designing either set or lighting for one, or assistant-designing for two, DalTheatre productions.
NOTE: Applications for Honours in Theatre are not considered by the Department until the winter term of the student's third year. Please enquire at the Department for the relevant deadline.
NOTE: Interested students studying Technical Scenography may find occasional, paid employment with Neptune Theatre, the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium and IATSE Local 680 (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) with whom the Department of Theatre has a close connection.
4. Costume Studies
This program combines the academic study and research skills necessary to the understanding of costume in its broadest context with the creative interpretation of design and the applied skills of the costumer whose goal is to work in the theatre, film, museums, or historical animation. Some classes in Costume Studies are open to general BA students. See individual class listings. Honours students must maintain at least a B+ average in all of their advanced theatre classes
Year 1
| | | |
| • | THEA 1000X/Y.06 |
| • | THEA 1450X/Y.06 |
| • | TEXL 2000 (NSCAD) |
| • | TEXL 2100 (NSCAD) |
| • | 2 full classes in other subjects |
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Upon acceptance into their program, students should contact the undergraduate advisor in the Department of Theatre for information on registering for required classes that take place at NSCAD University.
Honours students in Costume Studies will be awarded the 21st credit for a substantial involvement in a DalTheatre production.
NOTE: Applications for Honours in Theatre are not considered by the Department until the winter term of the student's third year. Please enquire at the Department for the relevant deadline.
B. BA with Combined Honours
Dalhousie and University of King's College students can also combine their Theatre degrees with a number of other disciplines at the two institutions. For more specific instructions on how to set up a Combined Honours degree in Theatre and another subject, please consult the relevant departments' Undergraduate Advisors. In principle, a student who wishes to graduate with this degree must fulfil at least the minimal requirements for a 3-year BA and have, in the two subjects combined, the required distribution of classes.
1. Music and Theatre
In addition to these Combined Honours degrees, the Departments of Theatre and Music also offer a highly specialized 4-year BA with Combined Honours in Music and Theatre which blends the principal classes of the Bachelor of Music concentration in voice with Theatre classes in Acting and Improvisation, Dance and Movement. Students must audition for both the Music and Theatre Departments: a maximum of five students will be selected for entrance into the program each year. The graduate of this program will advance toward a professional career in the performing arts equipped with a solid foundation in academic, vocal, and stage skills.
Students must successfully complete the audition/entrance tests for the first year of the Music Program, and have an interview with the Theatre Department. Permission to continue in this program is subject to a successful completion of THEA 1800X/Y.06 and the securing of a place in THEA2800X/Y.06.
Students planning to take this program must advise the Theatre Department Student Advisor.
To qualify for graduation a student must participate by having a significant role in at least one staged musical production (either as an integral part of DalTheatre Productions, or Opera workshop, or as a separate ensemble recital) and also must submit a comprehensive essay on an aspect of Musical Theatre.
NOTE: Students having to withdraw from this Program through failure to achieve the required standards in Theatre classes must re-audition if they wish to complete a Degree Program in Music. Students having to withdraw from this Program through failure to achieve the required standards in Music Classes must re-apply to the Department of Theatre if they wish to complete a Degree Program in Theatre.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
| | | |
| • | MUSC 4101X/Y.06 |
| • | THEA 4800X/Y.06 |
| • | THEA 4840X/Y.06 |
| • | 2 remaining required full electives |
| • | Ensemble: Chamber Choir/Opera Workshop |
| • | Honours Music and Theatre students will be awarded the 21st credit for their satisfactory participation in DalTheatre productions. |
C. 20-credit BA with Major in Theatre
A student may take a 20-credit Major program in Theatre (in Theatre Studies, Acting, Scenography and Technical Scenography or Costume Studies), following consultation with the Departmental Undergraduate Advisor. As in the case of a BA with Combined Honours, it is also possible to set up a Double Major in Theatre and another subject. In this case, a student must fulfil at least the minimal requirements for a 3-year BA and have the required distribution of classes in the two majoring subjects as outlined in the Degree Requirements section of this Calendar.
D. 15-credit BA with Concentration in Theatre
This degree is designed for students who want to take a general liberal-arts degree in Theatre, would like to acquire a broad and varied knowledge of its various aspects, or are not interested in specializing.
Year 1
| | | |
| • | THEA 1000X/Y.06 |
| • | 1 other full class in THEA at 1000-level |
| • | 3 credits in other subjects |
Years 2 and 3
| | | |
| • | THEA 2011.03 |
| • | THEA 2012.03 |
| • | THEA 3500X/Y.06 |
| • | Between 2 and 6 advanced Theatre classes, of which at least 1 credit has to be at the 3000-level |
| • | At least the equivalent of 2 full classes in other subjects |
E. Costume Studies, Diploma in 2 years
After successful completion of this program, students may upgrade their DCS to a BA in Theatre (Costume Studies). Students pursuing the Diploma in Costume Studies are required to combine the classes in the following manner:
Year 1
Year 2
III. Class Descriptions
NOTE: Not all classes are offered every year. Please consult the current timetable to determine if these classes are offered in the current year.
THEA 1000X/Y.06: Introduction to Theatre.
THEA 1050X/Y.06: Introduction to Theatre Organization and Stagecraft.
THEA 1300X/Y.06: Introduction to Film.
THEA 1450X/Y.06: Introduction to Costume Studies.
THEA 1800X/Y.06: Introduction to Acting and Performance.
THEA 2000X/Y.06: Theatre Performance.
THEA 2011.03: Classical Theatre.
THEA 2012.03: Early Modern Theatre.
THEA 2020.06: Jazz Dance I (Spring Session Only).
THEA 2060X/Y.06: Technical Scenography I.
THEA 2070X/Y.06: Performance Technology I.
THEA 2214X/Y.06: Shakespeare.
THEA 2300X/Y.06: Film Study.
THEA 2301.03: Film History I.
THEA 2310X/Y.06: Film Genres.
THEA 2311.03: Film Analysis.
THEA 2312.03: Issues in Film Aesthetics.
THEA 2313.03: Shakespeare and this Contemporaries on Film.
THEA 2314.03: Survey of Italian Cinema.
THEA 2336.03: Russian Film I.
THEA 2337.03: Russian Film II.
THEA 2346.03: East European Cinema: War, Love, and Revolutions.
THEA 2360.03: Popular Cinema.
THEA 2400X/Y.06: Cave to Caf?: Costume and Identity from Antiquity to 1700.
THEA 2406X/Y.06: The Aesthetics of Contemporary Dress.
THEA 2411.03: Designers' Language.
THEA 2451.03: Costume in Performance I.
THEA 2700X/Y.06: Scenography I.
The second year of the Acting Program introduces students to the fundamental principles of acting through the study of Shakespearean text, voice and movement. Emphasis is placed on the discipline and dedication that is the basis for a career in the professional theatre. In addition to meeting degree requirements, students must achieve a B in all Acting Program classes, and must also be recommended by the Acting Faculty in order to advance to the next year's course of study.
NOTE: Students taking these classes must register in both X and Y in consecutive terms; credit will be given only if both are completed consecutively.
THEA 2820X/Y.06: Dance and Movement II.
THEA 2840.03: Voice and Speech II.
THEA 2841.03: Speak With Confidence: Voice for Non-Majors.
THEA 2901X/Y.06: Production Dramaturgy.
THEA 2902.03: Play Analysis for Directing.
THEA 2911.03: Stars and Stardom on Stage and Screen.
THEA 3010X/Y.06: The History of Musical Theatre.
THEA 3015.03: Renaissance Drama.
THEA 3020.06: Jazz Dance II. (Spring Session only).
THEA 3060X/Y.06: Technical Scenography II.
THEA 3070X/Y.06: Performance Technology II.
THEA 3200X/Y.06: The Director in the Theatre.
THEA 3301.03: Film History II.
THEA 3313.03: Documentary, Experimental and Animated Film.
THEA 3330.03: Film Theory I.
THEA 3331.03: Film Theory II.
THEA 3350.03: Topics in Asian Cinema.
THEA 3351.03: The Cinema of David Lynch.
THEA 3401X/Y.06: Dress and Identity: King's Court to Mass Culture, 1700-Present.
THEA 3451X/Y.06: Costume in Performance II.
THEA 3454.03: Body-Shaping Through Historical Tailoring II.
THEA 3455.03: Body-Shaping Through Historical Tailoring I.
THEA 3500X/Y.06: The Modern Theatre.
THEA 3501.03: The Modern Theatre 1: Realism and Responses.
THEA 3502.03: The Modern Theatre 2: High Modernism.
THEA 3600X/Y.06: The Playwright in the Theatre.
THEA 3710X/Y.06: Scenography II.
The third year of the Acting Program is structured to build on the knowledge acquired in the previous two years. Students learn how to integrate what they have discovered as they gain further understanding of skills, techniques and creative expression. Third-year students perform in one show of the DalTheatre season and may be invited to perform in others, depending upon the needs of the plays chosen and the student's readiness for the performance situation as assessed by the faculty.
In addition to meeting degree requirements, students must achieve a B in all Acting Program classes, and must also be recommended by the Acting Faculty in order to advance to the next year's course of study.
NOTE: Students taking these classes must register in both X and Y in consecutive terms; credit will be given only if both are completed consecutively.
THEA 3800X/Y.06: Acting III.
THEA 3810X/Y.06: Voice and Speech III.
THEA 3820X/Y.06: Dance and Movement III.
THEA 3911.03: Gender in Theatre: A Cross-Cultural Survey.
THEA 3912.03: Gender Theory and Contemporary Performance.
THEA 3913.03: English Drama 1660-1800.
THEA 4390.03: Special Topics in Film Studies.
THEA 4391.03: Special Topics in Popular Cinema.
THEA 4406X/Y.06: The Aesthetics of Historical Dress.
THEA 4450.03: Costume Technology.
THEA 4452.03: The Sculpture of Dress.
THEA 4500.03: Canadian Theatre to 1968: Performing the Nation.
THEA 4501.03: Canadian Theatre Since 1968: Interrogating Identities.
THEA 4700X/Y.06: Special Topics I.
THEA 4735X/Y.06: Advanced Seminar in Baroque Culture.
THEA 4800X/Y.06/4840X/Y.06: The Interpretation and Performance Year.
In the final year of the Acting Program, students' studies are geared toward performance and entering the world of professional acting. The company of fourth year Acting Program students will be cast in three DalTheatre season shows and a Play Development Workshop . Classes are devoted to preparing the student actor for transition into the profession.
NOTE: Students taking these classes must register in both X and Y in consecutive terms; credit will be given only if both are completed consecutively.
THEA 4830.03: Voice and Speech IV.
THEA 4840X/Y.06: Advanced Performance Techniques.
THEA 4900X/Y.06: Theory and Criticism of Drama and Theatre.
THEA 4921.03: Special Topics II.
THEA 4931.03: Contemporary Theatre.
THEA 4932.03: Cross-Cultural Theatres.
