THST 203
Plays, Production, and Performance
Principles and practice of the related arts, which make up the production of a play in the theatre. Analysis of the dramatic script in terms of the actor, the director, the scenic, costume and lighting designers, and the technicians. Practical applications of acquired skills integrate the content of the course. Each student participates in the creation of a fully realized "mini production" which is presented for an audience.
Plays, Production, and Performance
Principles and practice of the related arts, which make up the production of a play in the theatre. Analysis of the dramatic script in terms of the actor, the director, the scenic, costume and lighting designers, and the technicians. Practical applications of acquired skills integrate the content of the course. Each student participates in the creation of a fully realized "mini production" which is presented for an audience.
Instructor: Hussey
Prerequisite: None
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: Fall
Unit: 1.25
Prerequisite: None
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: Fall
Unit: 1.25
THST 204
Techniques of Acting
This course is intended for any and all levels of experience. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of contemporary stage performance, as devised by such stage theoreticians as Constantine Stanislavsky, Lee Strasbourg and Sanford Meisner. Instruction focuses on the proper methods for breaking scenes down into their component units or “beats”, staging them for clarity of purpose, and performing them truthfully in the immediate present before a live audience. Students perform in every class with a rotating roster of partners, emphasizing group learning and mutual support in the pursuit of an individual acting aesthetic. Performance material is drawn from the work of contemporary playwrights researched by the students or recommended by the instructor.
Techniques of Acting
This course is intended for any and all levels of experience. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of contemporary stage performance, as devised by such stage theoreticians as Constantine Stanislavsky, Lee Strasbourg and Sanford Meisner. Instruction focuses on the proper methods for breaking scenes down into their component units or “beats”, staging them for clarity of purpose, and performing them truthfully in the immediate present before a live audience. Students perform in every class with a rotating roster of partners, emphasizing group learning and mutual support in the pursuit of an individual acting aesthetic. Performance material is drawn from the work of contemporary playwrights researched by the students or recommended by the instructor.
Instructor: Arciniegas
Prerequisite: None
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: Fall, Spring
Unit: 1.0
Prerequisite: None
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: Fall, Spring
Unit: 1.0
THST 205
Advanced Scene Study: Historic Periods N/O 2005-6. Offered 2006-07.
This course is intended to give the advanced theatre student experience in the performance styles of other periods. Focusing on Classical, Elizabethan, Restoration and Victorian dramatic literature, students retrace the development of the Western European theatrical tradition in practical terms. Particular emphasis is placed upon developing the performance skills necessary for remaining faithful to the acting style of the period while ensuring relevance and accessibility to a contemporary audience.
Advanced Scene Study: Historic Periods N/O 2005-6. Offered 2006-07.
This course is intended to give the advanced theatre student experience in the performance styles of other periods. Focusing on Classical, Elizabethan, Restoration and Victorian dramatic literature, students retrace the development of the Western European theatrical tradition in practical terms. Particular emphasis is placed upon developing the performance skills necessary for remaining faithful to the acting style of the period while ensuring relevance and accessibility to a contemporary audience.
Instructor: Arciniegas
Prerequisite: 204
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: N/O. Offered in 2004-05
Unit: 1.0
Prerequisite: 204
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: N/O. Offered in 2004-05
Unit: 1.0
THST 206
Directing and Dramaturgy: The New Alliance for the Next Century
Topic for 2005-06: The New Alliance for the Next Century.
This course studies the creative skills of the director in conjunction with the analytical skills of the dramaturge. Particular emphasis will be placed on the creation of a production, the effect on those that follow it, and the effect history has on interpretation of works in this century. Students will be encouraged to develop their own unique “directorial vision.” Students will be expected to provide probing intellectual questions to each other while collaborating. Dramatic material will be drawn from a variety of world literature with emphasis placed on women playwrights. Students will be given opportunities to work with professional actors in a guest artist “lab” format. Weekly.
Directing and Dramaturgy: The New Alliance for the Next Century
Topic for 2005-06: The New Alliance for the Next Century.
This course studies the creative skills of the director in conjunction with the analytical skills of the dramaturge. Particular emphasis will be placed on the creation of a production, the effect on those that follow it, and the effect history has on interpretation of works in this century. Students will be encouraged to develop their own unique “directorial vision.” Students will be expected to provide probing intellectual questions to each other while collaborating. Dramatic material will be drawn from a variety of world literature with emphasis placed on women playwrights. Students will be given opportunities to work with professional actors in a guest artist “lab” format. Weekly.
Instructor: Hussey
Prerequisite: None
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: Fall
Unit: 1.0
Prerequisite: None
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: Fall
Unit: 1.0
THST 207
Stagecraft for Performance
Study of the craft and theory of the production arts in the theatre. The course will cover the process, the designers' function in the production: creating working drawings, problem-solving, use of theatrical equipment and alternative media for the realization of sound, set, and lighting designs. There will be additional time outside of class scheduled for production apprenticeships.
Stagecraft for Performance
Study of the craft and theory of the production arts in the theatre. The course will cover the process, the designers' function in the production: creating working drawings, problem-solving, use of theatrical equipment and alternative media for the realization of sound, set, and lighting designs. There will be additional time outside of class scheduled for production apprenticeships.
Instructor: Loewitt
Prerequisite: 203 or by permission of the instructor.
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: Spring
Unit: 1.0
Prerequisite: 203 or by permission of the instructor.
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: Spring
Unit: 1.0
THST 210
Echoes of the Homeland Topic for 2005-2006: Oral Interpretation of Writers from Ethnic Traditions.
Have you ever wondered what is lost in the process of assimilation into American culture? In this interpretation class, students are introduced to the literature of Hispanic, Celtic, and African American cultures. Through prose, poetry, and drama - stories and characters are brought to vivid life. Students will hone their interpretive skills while exploring issues of identity, immigration, and the female experience. Material will be taken from folklore, mainstream literature, and emerging writers of today.
Echoes of the Homeland Topic for 2005-2006: Oral Interpretation of Writers from Ethnic Traditions.
Have you ever wondered what is lost in the process of assimilation into American culture? In this interpretation class, students are introduced to the literature of Hispanic, Celtic, and African American cultures. Through prose, poetry, and drama - stories and characters are brought to vivid life. Students will hone their interpretive skills while exploring issues of identity, immigration, and the female experience. Material will be taken from folklore, mainstream literature, and emerging writers of today.
Instructor: Lopez, Hussey, Roach
Prerequisite: None
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: Fall
Unit: 1.0
Prerequisite: None
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: Fall
Unit: 1.0
THST 212
Representations of Women on Stage (Offered in 2005-06. N/O IN 2006-07.)
This course looks at specific examples of the representation of women on the dramatic stage during various eras in a variety of cultures, focusing primarily on what a public and popular art says and implies about women: their “nature,” their roles, their place in the society reflected. Consideration is given to the male dominance in both playwrighting and performance in historic cultures. Texts will be chosen from a broad spectrum of dramatic world literature.
Representations of Women on Stage (Offered in 2005-06. N/O IN 2006-07.)
This course looks at specific examples of the representation of women on the dramatic stage during various eras in a variety of cultures, focusing primarily on what a public and popular art says and implies about women: their “nature,” their roles, their place in the society reflected. Consideration is given to the male dominance in both playwrighting and performance in historic cultures. Texts will be chosen from a broad spectrum of dramatic world literature.
Instructor: Lopez
Prerequisite: None
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: Spring.
Unit: 1.0
Prerequisite: None
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: Spring.
Unit: 1.0
THST 220
Classic Plays in Performance (N/O IN 2005-06. Offered in 2006-07. )
This course, taught by playwright Melinda Lopez, surveys dramatic texts as realized in performance (including the plays of Shakespeare). Films and video recordings of live performances approximating the original production style will be utilized along with modern interpretations. Class discussion will also incorporate analysis and comparison of women and minorities who have shaped and created the theatre as actors, directors, designers, and producers. Analytical and critical writing skills are emphasized in the development of written critiques. Students will contrast and compare contemporary events with the events in dramatic texts and will incorporate that knowledge into class projects such as adaptations, research papers, or original plays. Guest artists from the theatre world occasionally visit to illuminate other perspectives.
Classic Plays in Performance (N/O IN 2005-06. Offered in 2006-07. )
This course, taught by playwright Melinda Lopez, surveys dramatic texts as realized in performance (including the plays of Shakespeare). Films and video recordings of live performances approximating the original production style will be utilized along with modern interpretations. Class discussion will also incorporate analysis and comparison of women and minorities who have shaped and created the theatre as actors, directors, designers, and producers. Analytical and critical writing skills are emphasized in the development of written critiques. Students will contrast and compare contemporary events with the events in dramatic texts and will incorporate that knowledge into class projects such as adaptations, research papers, or original plays. Guest artists from the theatre world occasionally visit to illuminate other perspectives.
Instructor: Lopez
Prerequisite: None
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: N/O. Offered in 2004-05
Unit: 1.0
Prerequisite: None
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: N/O. Offered in 2004-05
Unit: 1.0
THST 221
Introduction to Playwriting
This course will teach basic playwriting skills implemented through in-class exercises and at-home writing assignments. This hands-on, practical approach will require writing one short play each week. Emphasis is on experimentation, innovation, risk taking and process. A spirit of fun, innovation and creativity will dominate this workshop format. Each class meeting will incorporate reading student work aloud with commentary from the instructor and the class. Students will listen, critique and develop the vocabulary to discuss plays, structure, story and content. Each student will begin to connect her dramatic voice and intellectual passion. Not offered every year. Subject to Dean’s Office approval.
Introduction to Playwriting
This course will teach basic playwriting skills implemented through in-class exercises and at-home writing assignments. This hands-on, practical approach will require writing one short play each week. Emphasis is on experimentation, innovation, risk taking and process. A spirit of fun, innovation and creativity will dominate this workshop format. Each class meeting will incorporate reading student work aloud with commentary from the instructor and the class. Students will listen, critique and develop the vocabulary to discuss plays, structure, story and content. Each student will begin to connect her dramatic voice and intellectual passion. Not offered every year. Subject to Dean’s Office approval.
Instructor: Harrington
Prerequisite: None
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: Wintersession
Unit: TBD
Prerequisite: None
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: Wintersession
Unit: TBD
THST 250 Research, Independent Study or Apprenticeship
Prerequisite: None
Distribution: None
Semester: Fall, Spring
Unit: 1.0
Prerequisite: None
Distribution: None
Semester: Fall, Spring
Unit: 1.0
THST 250H Research, Independent Study or Apprenticeship
Prerequisite: None
Distribution: None
Semester: Fall, Spring
Unit: 0.5
Prerequisite: None
Distribution: None
Semester: Fall, Spring
Unit: 0.5
THST 306
The Director's Art
Intended for the serious directing student, this course will focus on seeing, analyzing and critiquing the work of the director. Significant
attention will be paid to the collaboration between directors, designers and actors. The pragmatic aspects of mounting a production will be analyzed using the performances attended by the class as raw material for discussions. Students will attend six productions paid for by theatre studies, one in New York and Providence, and four in Boston. Particular emphasis will be placed on the students determining how successful the productions are in engaging the audience and fulfilling the intention of the playwright. As a final presentation students will produce and direct their own ten minute play festival for the Wellesley community.
The Director's Art
Intended for the serious directing student, this course will focus on seeing, analyzing and critiquing the work of the director. Significant
attention will be paid to the collaboration between directors, designers and actors. The pragmatic aspects of mounting a production will be analyzed using the performances attended by the class as raw material for discussions. Students will attend six productions paid for by theatre studies, one in New York and Providence, and four in Boston. Particular emphasis will be placed on the students determining how successful the productions are in engaging the audience and fulfilling the intention of the playwright. As a final presentation students will produce and direct their own ten minute play festival for the Wellesley community.
Instructor: Hussey
Prerequisite: 203 or 206 or under unusual circumstances permission of the instructor.
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: Spring
Unit: 1.0
Prerequisite: 203 or 206 or under unusual circumstances permission of the instructor.
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: Spring
Unit: 1.0
THST 315
Acting Shakespeare
Study and practice of skills and techniques for the performance of scenes and monologues and the realization of theatrical characters from Shakespeare's texts. Speeches and scenes performed for class criticism. Class will be sub-divided by instructor according to skill levels. Students are expected to rehearse and prepare scenes outside of class time.
Acting Shakespeare
Study and practice of skills and techniques for the performance of scenes and monologues and the realization of theatrical characters from Shakespeare's texts. Speeches and scenes performed for class criticism. Class will be sub-divided by instructor according to skill levels. Students are expected to rehearse and prepare scenes outside of class time.
Instructor: Arciniegas
Prerequisite: 203, 204 and 205 or by permission of the instructor after audition.
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: Offered in 2003-04
Unit: 1.0
Prerequisite: 203, 204 and 205 or by permission of the instructor after audition.
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Video
Semester: Offered in 2003-04
Unit: 1.0
THST 350
Research or Individual Study
Prerequisite: Open by permission to qualified students.
Distribution: None
Semester: Fall, Spring
Unit: 1.0
Research or Individual Study
Prerequisite: Open by permission to qualified students.
Distribution: None
Semester: Fall, Spring
Unit: 1.0
THST 350H
Research or Individual Study
Prerequisite: Open by permission to qualified students.
Distribution: None
Semester: Fall, Spring
Unit: 0.5
Research or Individual Study
Prerequisite: Open by permission to qualified students.
Distribution: None
Semester: Fall, Spring
Unit: 0.5
THST 360
Senior Thesis Research
Prerequisite: Open by permission to qualified students.
Distribution: None
Semester: Fall, Spring
Unit: 1.0
Senior Thesis Research
Prerequisite: Open by permission to qualified students.
Distribution: None
Semester: Fall, Spring
Unit: 1.0
THST 370
Senior Thesis Prerequisite: Open by permission to qualified students.
Distribution: None
Semester: Fall, Spring
Unit: 1.0
Related Courses Applicable to the Major
Senior Thesis Prerequisite: Open by permission to qualified students.
Distribution: None
Semester: Fall, Spring
Unit: 1.0
Related Courses Applicable to the Major
AFR 207 Images of Africana People through the Cinema
AFR 222 Images of Women and Blacks in American Cinema
AFR 266 Black Drama
ARTH 364 Women Filmmakers: History and Theory of Subversion
ARTS 165 Introduction to Video Production
ARTS 265 Intermediate Video Production
CAMS 175 Introduction to Cinema Studies
CAMS 231 Film as Art
ENG 112 Introduction to Shakespeare
ENG 127 Modern European and American Drama
ENG 223 Shakespeare Part I: The Elizabethan Period
ENG 224 Shakespeare Part II: The Jacobean Period
ENG 320 Literary Cross Currents
ENG 324 Advanced Studies in Shakespeare
ENG 325 Advanced Studies in Sixteenth- and Seventeenth-Century Literature
FREN 222 French Cinema
FREN 313 George Sand and the Romantic Theatre
GER 252 Drama as Text and Performance
GER 280 Film in Germany 1919-1999
ITAS 212 Italian Women Directors: The Female Authorial Voice in Italian Cinema (in English)
ITAS 261 Italian Cinema
ITAS 311 Theatre, Politics, and the Arts in Renaissance Italy
JPN 251 Japanese Writers and Their Worlds
JPN 256 Japanese Film: The Restaging of a Culture
PHIL 203 Philosophy of Art
RUSS 278 The Stories and Plays of Anton Chekhov
SPAN 300 Honor, Monarchy, and Religion in the Golden Age Drama
WOST 249 Asian American Women in Film and Video
AFR 222 Images of Women and Blacks in American Cinema
AFR 266 Black Drama
ARTH 364 Women Filmmakers: History and Theory of Subversion
ARTS 165 Introduction to Video Production
ARTS 265 Intermediate Video Production
CAMS 175 Introduction to Cinema Studies
CAMS 231 Film as Art
ENG 112 Introduction to Shakespeare
ENG 127 Modern European and American Drama
ENG 223 Shakespeare Part I: The Elizabethan Period
ENG 224 Shakespeare Part II: The Jacobean Period
ENG 320 Literary Cross Currents
ENG 324 Advanced Studies in Shakespeare
ENG 325 Advanced Studies in Sixteenth- and Seventeenth-Century Literature
FREN 222 French Cinema
FREN 313 George Sand and the Romantic Theatre
GER 252 Drama as Text and Performance
GER 280 Film in Germany 1919-1999
ITAS 212 Italian Women Directors: The Female Authorial Voice in Italian Cinema (in English)
ITAS 261 Italian Cinema
ITAS 311 Theatre, Politics, and the Arts in Renaissance Italy
JPN 251 Japanese Writers and Their Worlds
JPN 256 Japanese Film: The Restaging of a Culture
PHIL 203 Philosophy of Art
RUSS 278 The Stories and Plays of Anton Chekhov
SPAN 300 Honor, Monarchy, and Religion in the Golden Age Drama
WOST 249 Asian American Women in Film and Video
The Wellesley College Theatre Department provides ample performance and production opportunities for both majors and non-majors, those with previous theatrical experience and those with none. Come visit us in Alumnae Hall to find out more!
