2025-2026 Academic Year

Fall 2025

THDA 101 Theatre as Social Exploration
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 performances—and 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.

THDA 111 Classical Ballet Begin Level
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

THDA 121 Movement Studio
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

THDA 125 Intro Classical Indian Dance
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.

THDA 190 Production and Performance
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 Acting I
An introduction to the principles and theories of acting combined with practical exercises and scene performance. This course fulfills the Arts distribution requirement.

THDA 211 Classical Ballet Interm Level
Permission of Instructor Required.

THDA 235 Costume Design
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 department’s 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.

THDA 300 Acting II:Mvmt/Voice Technique
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.

THDA 311 Classicl Ballet Adv Level
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.

THDA 411 Classical Ballet Cert/Pre-prof
Permission of Instructor Required.

THDA 495 Senior Project
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.