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Theatre and Dance Current Courses

Fall 2025

Course Code Title/Instructor Meets
THDA 101-01 Theatre as Social Exploration
Instructor: Sarah Skaggs, THDA STAFF
Course Description:
Theatre has always been, and continues to be, an artistic form in which society sees itself portrayed. Theatre artists reflect and are influenced by the way they see current social situations, but they also construct and present social criticism that points to a different or desired social future. This course will explore how theatre artists have contributed to movements advocating equality for individuals regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. A comparison will also be drawn by exploring how theatre artists' advocacy and perspective on such issues can be seen throughout theatrical history (in plays such as Shakespeare's Othello, Euripides' The Trojan Women, or Ibsen's A Doll's House, for instance.) By examining the rich tradition of dramatic performancesand especially through looking at performances on contemporary stages and in related dramatic forms--an appreciation for the role of the artist as an agent for social equality and change will be pursued through the course.
10:30 AM-11:45 AM, TR
DENNY 317
THDA 111-01 Classical Ballet Beginning Level
Instructor: Sarah Skaggs, Brigette Plummer
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 Movement Studio class. Credit/no credit
11:45 AM-01:00 PM, TR
CPYB STUDIOS
THDA 121-01 Movement Studio
Instructor: THDA STAFF, Sarah Skaggs
Course Description:
Movement Studio courses are offered at two levels: I. the foundational level assumes no previous dance experience; II. the intermediate level is open to students who demonstrate basic accomplishment in dance technique. All courses explore the principles of modern and contemporary dance techniques, emphasizing physical and embodied awareness, connection and expression. Materials will be selected from a variety of contemporary dance and movement training practices such as Pilates, Yoga, Somatics, Ballet, Hip Hop, and Jazz to promote performance of a range of movement dynamics, as well as musicality, strength, flexibility, and improved body alignment. Each course is designed to develop students movement skills in an active and supportive environment that promotes creative investigation and fosters a deeper understanding of dance as an art form and social practice. 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 Movement Studio and one in the genre of their choosing will satisfy the requirement. Prerequisite: None for THDA 121/122; for THDA 221/222 permission of instructor
01:30 PM-02:45 PM, MR
2527WH DANCE STU
THDA 125-01 Introduction to Classical Indian Dance
Instructor: Sarah Skaggs, THDA STAFF
Course Description:
This course will introduce the movement vocabulary and performance techniques of dance form(s) from different cultures. In this studio-based course, students will develop their skills as performers of specific styles/forms of dance from around the world. The historical and cultural significance of the dance form(s) will also be addressed. Each course may be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor. Carries .5 academic credit. This .5 class counts towards the Arts Requirement when taken with a .5 Movement Studio class.
03:00 PM-04:15 PM, TF
2527WH DANCE STU
THDA 131-01 Scenic Construction and Painting Techniques
Instructor: Jason Nedrow
Course Description:
This is a studio course which will meet flexibly for three hours each week. Students will learn foundational skills and techniques associated with creating the sets for shows and film by learning to understand and by using the basic tools, concepts and techniques associated with carpentry and painting. Students will learn through hands-on exercises. This is a practical, experiential course; throughout the semester the students involved will create the physical environments for our shows and films being produced at the college. Special attention is paid to the sourcing of materials, and what stream these materials end up in, once our use for it has expired. Carries .5 academic credit. Two .5 academic credits of THDA 131-133 can be used to satisfy the Arts distribution requirement.
01:30 PM-02:45 PM, M
MONTGM 100
THDA 132-01 Costume and Soft-Goods Construction
Instructor: Juli Bounds
Course Description:
A hands-on course in the machine and hand stitching skills required for building costumes and other fabric items for stage, this is a project based course. Students will work on individual projects to build the skills needed to work on projects for stage in the departments production program. Carries .5 academic credit. Two .5 academic credits of THDA 131-133 can be used to satisfy the Arts distribution requirement.
01:30 PM-02:45 PM, M
MONTGM 200
THDA 132-02 Costume and Soft-Goods Construction
Instructor: Juli Bounds
Course Description:
A hands-on course in the machine and hand stitching skills required for building costumes and other fabric items for stage, this is a project based course. Students will work on individual projects to build the skills needed to work on projects for stage in the departments production program. Carries .5 academic credit. Two .5 academic credits of THDA 131-133 can be used to satisfy the Arts distribution requirement.
09:00 AM-10:15 AM, T
MONTGM 200
THDA 190-01 Production and Performance
Instructor: THDA STAFF, Sarah Skaggs
Course Description:
A laboratory experience in the creation and performance of theatre production. Under the guidance of faculty, students will explore the interpretive processes by which theatre productions are rehearsed, built and presented. Carries .5 academic credit. Credit/no credit. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor based on an open audition process for performance or application process for production. Two .5 academic credits of this course can be used to satisfy the Arts distribution requirement.

THDA 190-02 Production and Performance
Instructor: Sarah Skaggs, THDA STAFF
Course Description:
A laboratory experience in the creation and performance of theatre production. Under the guidance of faculty, students will explore the interpretive processes by which theatre productions are rehearsed, built and presented. Carries .5 academic credit. Credit/no credit. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor based on an open audition process for performance or application process for production. Two .5 academic credits of this course can be used to satisfy the Arts distribution requirement.

THDA 203-01 Acting I
Instructor: THDA STAFF, Sarah Skaggs
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 204-01 Fundamentals of Choreography and Dance Composition
Instructor: Erin Woods-Burke
Course Description:
A studio-based course designed to introduce the student to various tools to generate and create original dance compositions. Basic elements such as time, space, energy, dynamics, movement generation, and quality are explored in addition to multiple structuring devices. Using an interdisciplinary lens, this course offers a different approach to art making from related fields such as visual art, literature, and media in order to treat dance composition as a relevant response to the contemporary moment. Prerequisite: 102, or permission of the instructor. One studio course in dance is recommended.
01:30 PM-02:45 PM, TF
2527WH DANCE STU
THDA 211-01 Classical Ballet Intermediate Level
Instructor: Sarah Skaggs, Brigette Plummer
Course Description:
Permission of Instructor Required. 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 Movement Studio class. Credit/no credit
11:30 AM-12:45 PM, MWF
CPYB STUDIOS
THDA 220-01 Dance Production and Performance
Instructor: Erin Woods-Burke
Course Description:
Additional rehearsal times will be determined following the audition. A laboratory experience in the creation and performance of dance for the concert stage. Under the guidance of faculty or guest professional choreographers, students will explore the interpretive processes by which dances are created. Carries .5 academic credit. Credit/no credit. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor based on an open audition process for performance or application process for production. Two .5 academic credits of this course can be used to satisfy the Arts distribution requirement.
05:00 PM-06:30 PM, TR
2527WH DANCE STU
THDA 235-01 Costume Design as Artistic Practice
Instructor: THDA STAFF, Sarah Skaggs
Course Description:
This course connects students with the process of costume design from concept to creation to performance. The first half of the semester will be connected with the departments production program where students will assist the resident designer and observe the process of manifesting design ideas on stage while studying design skills in a studio setting. The second half of the semester will focus on students designing for other students in semester showcase productions and/or Freshworks.Prerequisite: 132 or permission of the instructor.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, W
MONTGM 200
THDA 300-01 Acting II: Movement/Voice Technique and Devised Theatre
Instructor: Sarah Skaggs, THDA STAFF
Course Description:
This course will explore the creative process through movement and language. The student will work individually and in groups to create performance pieces based upon principles of text and movement. The class aims to develop the expressive power of the voice and body while fostering interdisciplinary thinking and artistic experimentation and an appreciation for the historic intersection of dance and theater. Prerequisite: 203 and/or 200-level movement.
01:30 PM-02:45 PM, MR
CUBICU STUDIO
THDA 311-01 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 Movement Studio class. Credit/No Credit.
11:45 AM-01:00 PM, TWR
CPYB STUDIOS
THDA 411-01 Classical Ballet Certificate/Pre-professional Program Audition Only
Instructor: Sarah Skaggs, Brigette Plummer
Course Description:
Permission of Instructor Required. 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. 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.