Spring 2023

Course Code Title/Instructor Meets
THDA 112-01 Classical Ballet Beginning Level
Instructor: Sarah Skaggs, Brigette Plummer, Matthew Donnell
Course Description:
Classes taught under the direction of the CPYB faculty. Instruction is based on the nationally recognized ballet syllabus originally developed by Marcia Dale Weary, founder and artistic director of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Careful consideration to alignment, placement and proper execution of steps will be covered in depth. Studio/classroom location is TBA. This .5 class counts towards the Arts Requirement when taken with a .5 Modern dance class. Credit/no credit
09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
2527WH DANCE STU
THDA 203-01 Acting I
Instructor: Ashley Byerts
Course Description:
An introduction to the principles and theories of acting combined with practical exercises and scene performance. This course fulfills the Arts distribution requirement.
03:00 PM-05:00 PM, MR
CUBICU STUDIO
THDA 205-01 Directing
Instructor: Angela Trovato
Course Description:
A study of the major techniques employed by stage directors. Visual theory, text analysis, collaborative techniques, and organizational strategies are examined and applied in class exercises including the direction of scenes. Prerequisite: 203.
10:30 AM-01:29 PM, W
MONTGM 100
THDA 212-01 Classical Ballet Intermediate Level
Instructor: Matthew Donnell, Sarah Skaggs, Brigette Plummer
Course Description:
Studio classes in classical ballet taught at the intermediate/advance level by teachers from the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB) at the Dickinson Dance studio (The Site). The class is geared towards students who have had at least ten years of consecutive ballet training. Taught by CPYB instructors, students have the opportunity to maintain and hone their ballet technique. Students will focus on maintaining proper alignment in the body while exploring a greater range of motion and momentum. All classes will be taught at the Dickinson Dance Studio 25-27 High Street The Site. This course satisfies the Arts distribution credit when taken with a .5 Modern class. Credit/no credit
11:30 AM-12:45 PM, MWF
2527WH DANCE STU
THDA 214-01 Movement and Media
Instructor: Erin Crawley-Woods
Course Description:
Cross-listed with FMST 220-03. From Loie Fullers luminous Serpentine Dance to Beyoncs lavish visual albums, from Busby Berkeleys elaborate musical productions for the big screen to TikToks viral dances for the small screen, movement has been captured on camera to poetic, political, and powerful effect. In this course we will learn the history of the intersection of dance and film/video, examine the current state of this rapidly-evolving art form and explore the craft through our own choreographic and cinematic creations.
01:30 PM-02:45 PM, MR
MONTGM 200
THDA 222-01 Modern Dance II
Instructor: Sarah Skaggs
Course Description:
Studio courses in modern dance offered at three levels: I. the basic level, which assumes no previous dance experience; II. the intermediate level, open to students who demonstrate basic accomplishment in dance technique; III. the advanced level, open to students who demonstrate substantial technical skill. All courses will explore the principles of modern dance, emphasizing body awareness and the expressive use of weight, space, and time. Materials will be selected from a variety of contemporary dance and movement training practices such as Pilates, yoga, somatics and ballet to promote performance of a range of movement dynamics, as well as musicality, strength, flexibility, and improved body alignment. Each course may be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor. Each carries .5 academic credit. Two .5 academic credits of dance one in Modern and one in the genre of their choosing will satisfy the requirement.
01:30 PM-02:45 PM, TF
2527WH DANCE STU
THDA 230-01 Design Principles and Practices for the Stage
Instructor: Kevin Harper-McCombs, Sherry Harper-McCombs
Course Description:
A study of the language, principles, elements, and tools designers use to both formulate and communicate ideas as part of the collaborative process. Students will learn the basic elements of composition for stage design and will see how these elements function in the areas of costuming, lighting, scenery, and sound. Two hours classroom and three hours laboratory per week.
10:30 AM-11:45 AM, TR
MONTGM 100
01:30 PM-03:30 PM, W
MONTGM 100
THDA 302-01 Music and Dance from the Renaissance to the 21st Century
Instructor: Lena Leson
Course Description:
Cross-listed with MUAC 100-01. This course explores the development of Western art music and concert dance, beginning with the Renaissance and concluding with contemporary works. Through critical reading, listening, viewing, and occasionally even moving, you will become familiar with this repertoire and influential theories of music-movement analysis, criticism, and interpretation. Throughout the semester, we will examine ballets as cultural-political objects, considering gender, sexuality, race, class, disability, and the body. No previous music or dance experience or familiarity with music or dance history is necessary to do well in this course.
11:30 AM-12:20 PM, MWF
WEISS 235
THDA 302-02 Advanced Performance Technique
Instructor: Kent Barrett, Justin Hicks, Kenita Miller-Hicks
Course Description:
An examination of selected aspects of theatrical experiment, theory, and practice. Topics chosen at the discretion of the instructor and in consultation with students, e.g., advanced study in various aspects of production, design, performance, and staging as well as special topics in dramatic literature, history, and theory. Prerequisite: Dependent upon topic.

THDA 303-01 Acting II: Advanced Technique and Classical Drama
Instructor: Kenita Miller-Hicks, Kent Barrett, Justin Hicks
Course Description:
This class is being taught by guest artists, who are doing a special six-week residency at Dickinson (late February through early April). In addition to classes at the scheduled day-time hours during those six weeks, students will be actively engaged in hands-on learning through rehearsal/performance sessions in the afternoon/evening (approximately 10+ hours per week, with 14-28 hours during the performance week) to develop and help in the creation of a new performance piece. An in-depth examination of the process of acting. Technical, interpretive, and psychological aspects are explored through reading, exercises, and scene performances. Major theories of acting are presented and discussed in the context of developing a workable, individualized approach to acting. Prerequisite: 203.
03:00 PM-05:00 PM, TF
CUBICU STUDIO
THDA 304-01 Applied Choreography
Instructor: Sarah Skaggs
Course Description:
This course will focus on the principles of choreography as they may be applied to the development of original dance works for inclusion in the fully produced, mainstage Dance Theatre Group Spring Concert. Through weekly workshop/discussion sessions, readings, and rehearsals, selected elements of dance composition as well as issues of aesthetic perception and articulation are explored. The processes involved in generating movement material, running constructive and creative rehearsals, and working with lighting and costume designers, are our primary concerns. The course work will include an audition, showings, production of the dances, and the final performance. Prerequisites: 204, 220. 1 credit.
04:45 PM-06:45 PM, W
2527WH DANCE STU
THDA 312-01 Classical Ballet Advanced Level
Instructor: Sarah Skaggs, Brigette Plummer
Course Description:
Classes taught under the direction of the CPYB faculty. Entry into THDA 311/312 is by audition only. (CPYB Certificate) Instruction is based on the nationally recognized ballet syllabus originally developed by Marcia Dale Weary, founder and artistic director of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Careful consideration to alignment, placement and proper execution of steps will be covered in depth. All classes are taught at the CPYB Warehouse three days a week, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 3:00-4:30. Each course may be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor. This satisfies the Arts distribution credit when taken for a full credit, or for.5 credit with a .5 Modern class. Credit/No Credit.
03:00 PM-04:30 PM, MWR
CPYB STUDIOS
THDA 322-01 Modern Dance III
Instructor: Erin Crawley-Woods
Course Description:
Permission of instructor required. Studio courses in modern dance offered at three levels: I. the basic level, which assumes no previous dance experience; II. the intermediate level, open to students who demonstrate basic accomplishment in dance technique; III. the advanced level, open to students who demonstrate substantial technical skill. All courses will explore the principles of modern dance, emphasizing body awareness and the expressive use of weight, space, and time. Materials will be selected from a variety of contemporary dance and movement training practices such as Pilates, yoga, somatics and ballet to promote performance of a range of movement dynamics, as well as musicality, strength, flexibility, and improved body alignment. Each course may be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor. Prerequisite: Permission on the instructor. Each carries .5 academic credit. Two .5 academic credits of dance one in Modern and one in the genre of their choosing will satisfy the requirement.
09:00 AM-10:20 AM, MWF
2527WH DANCE STU
THDA 412-01 Classical Ballet Certificate/Pre-professional Program Audition Only
Instructor: Sarah Skaggs, Brigette Plummer
Course Description:
Classes taught under the direction of the CPYB faculty. Entry into THDA 411/412 is by audition only. (CPYB Certificate) Instruction is based on the nationally recognized ballet syllabus originally developed by Marcia Dale Weary, founder and artistic director of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Students admitted to the Certificate program are accepted into the CPYB school as full time students. As full time students, they are expected to follow and commit to the daily requirements of their instructors. All classes are taught at the CPYB Warehouse and Barn studio during studio hours on or after 4:30 Monday through Friday and at 9am Saturday with other possible classes until 4pm.Classes count for those students enrolled in the CPYB Certificate program. This satisfies the Arts distribution credit when taken for a full credit, or for .5 credit with a .5 Modern class. Credit/No Credit

THDA 495-01 Senior Project
Instructor: Sarah Skaggs
Course Description:
A culminating experience for students completing the Theatre major with emphasis in Dramatic Literature, Acting/Directing, or Dance. The specific nature of projects will be determined on an individual basis, but all senior projects will consist of at least two of the following: a) scholarship, b) technical/production work, and c) performance. Students will register for .5 course credit in the fall semester, during which planning and research will be conducted, and .5 in the spring, during which presentation of the project will occur. Prerequisite: four .25 course credits in THDA 190.