Undergraduate Program

A lecture and discussion course introducing the study of dance as technique, spectacle and ritual for today’s audience. Course fee required.

Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area V: Humanities and Fine Arts (NMCCN 1113).

{Fall, Spring}

Fundamental work for the adult beginner in Modern Dance techniques and styles. Course fee required.

{Fall, Spring}

Introduces the student to aesthetics of African dance technique and to develop knowledge and appreciation of fundamental movements, music, and culture. Students acquire facility in a movement language that reaches across linguistic and geographic boundaries. Course fee required.

Fundamental work for the adult beginner in technique and styles of jazz dance. Course fee required.

{Fall}

Beginning level Ballet. Basic fundamentals and performance skills of ballet technique; enhancement of flexibility, strength, body alignment, coordination, personal range of motion, and musicality; ballet terminology including steps, head, body and arm positions. Course fee required.

{Fall, Spring}

Fundamental work for the adult beginner in techniques and styles of Flamenco. Course fee required.

{Fall, Spring}

An introduction to Hip Hop, its movement, style and culture. Course fee required.

{Fall, Spring}

Participation in University theatre and dance season through assignment on a production crew. To be completed in one semester.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

{Summer, Fall, Spring}

Specialized floor work training using principles of the Pilates Methodology and the basic movement concepts of Core Dynamics™. For preparing and maintaining a uniformly developed body for dance and movement. Course fee required.

{Fall, Spring, Summer}

Modern dance techniques and styles at the intermediate level. Course fee required.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

{Fall, Spring}

Introduction to improvisational skills in movement and the principles of choreography as applied to dance/theater composition. Investigation of structured improvisation within the fundamental elements of dance: energy, space, and time.

{Fall}

Jazz techniques and styles at the intermediate level. Course fee required.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

{Fall, Spring}

Overview of fundamental elements of music and historically significant collaborations between choreographers and composers in contemporary dance.

Overview of Flamenco music and history fundamentals, introduction to basic music notation. Primary focus on developing listening skills through a variety of Flamenco song forms. Basic rhythmic notation specifically applied to palmas and footwork patterns.

Intermediate level Ballet. Introduction of more advanced Ballet vocabulary at barre/center work; increase flexibility, strength, body alignment, and coordination for practice of steps/combinations with variations in timing and changes of facing. Course fee required.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

{Spring}

An introduction to Laban’s theoretical system for observing and describing movement events and their component parts. Guidance in the application of Laban theory to dance, therapy and awareness of the role of movement in the other arts through an understanding of dynamics, space and body function. Course fee required.

{Fall}

Flamenco techniques and styles at the intermediate level. Course fee required.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

{Summer, Fall, Spring}

Various topics such as: Cante, Cuadro/Improvisation/ Structure, Spanish Form/Castanets, Palmas and Cajon, Brazeo/Marcaje, Footwork and Vueltas and Bata de Cola/Manton/Abanico. Course fee required.

Lecture courses and workshops on various topics in dance. Course fee required.

{Summer, Fall, Spring}

Modern dance techniques and styles at the advanced level. Course fee required.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

{Fall, Spring}

Creating and exploring movement vocabulary and forms generating choreography; development of ideas and inspirations into short works; space and its importance; giving and receiving critical feedback; exposure to choreography supported by video and reading. 

Prerequisite: 212.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

{Spring}

Structural analysis of movement. This lecture class provides a basic understanding of the skeletal and neuromuscular systems of the human body in movement. Course fee required.

{Fall}

Advanced level Ballet. Improvement of physical and mental skills necessary for professional level Ballet technique, growth in physical stamina, coordination and phrasing, movement efficiency, faster and more accurate assimilation of new movement and spatial awareness. Course fee required.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

{Fall, Spring}

Advanced technique in Flamenco with resident and visiting professors, offering a wide variety of exercises to hone abilities to learn choreography effectively while examining student strengths and weaknesses in personal exploration of the art form. Course fee required. 

Prerequisite: 379.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

{Fall, Spring}

Intermediate to advanced study of Hip Hop, its movement, style and culture. Course fee required.

Prerequisite: 170 or permission of instructor.

Study of various elements necessary in an improvisational setting in Flamenco. Using “tangos” and “Bulerias” as a format, students study the compass of each palo, then move to several traditional letras appropriate to these forms.

{Spring}

Further exploration in generating and organizing movement material for performance. Course fee required.

Prerequisite: 311.

{Fall}

Theories of teaching. Principles and techniques of curriculum development in elementary schools, secondary schools, higher education and in private schools. Course fee required.

{Spring, odd numbered years}

Observation and written analysis of dance events with an emphasis on contemporary theories and performances. Course fee required.

{Spring, even numbered years}

A survey of the origins of modern ballet and modern dance from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. Extensive readings culminating in a research paper will be required. Course fee required.

Study of contemporary choreography from Modernism to the present. Particular emphasis on feminism and post-modernism as these movements have influenced our understanding of dancing and dance-making.

Introduction to Flamenco history, investigation of the controversial history of the art form through study of Gypsy history, Spanish history, and major figures and events that shaped the evolution of Flamenco.

{Spring, odd numbered years}

Designed for advanced students with knowledge of Flamenco structure and improvisation, cante, palmas, and three levels of Flamenco technique, investigation of choreography in Flamenco movement and rhythms.

Prerequisite: 379.

{Fall}

(Also offered as ARTH, MUS, THEA 487 / 587; MA *487)

Analyzes major instances of interdisciplinary influence and collaboration in the present day. Course fee required.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

{Spring}

Course fee required.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

{Offered upon demand}

Independent project culminating in a formal, informal or video performance. Students must submit a proposal to instructor and program head.

{Summer, Fall, Spring}

Independent project culminating in a formal paper. Students must submit a proposal to instructor and program head.

{Summer, Fall, Spring}

Students achieving an overall grade point of 3.50 will qualify for departmental honors, which requires a research or creative project with supporting written document.

Restriction: permission of department.

Research methods for performing arts including development of working bibliography, types of documentation, investigation of research materials in theatre and dance. Course fee required.

Required of all entering graduate students. 

{Fall}

(Also offered as THEA 503)

The development of methods of interpretation and formation of theories suitable for both traditional and non-traditional theatre and dance performance.

{Spring, even numbered years}

(Also offered as THEA 506)

Examination of major problems and questions arising from interaction between the performing arts and the political, economic and social conditions in which they live. Survey of major figures in contemporary performing arts.

Individualized work with Department faculty or professional artists in Dance or Theatre. Internship to be conceived in advance and structured throughout by directed study. Culminates in critical paper.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

{Summer, Fall, Spring}

An in depth study of the nature of creative investigation and art-making in dance with the prospect of finding alternative ways of constructing dance movement and composing new works. Course fee required.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

{Fall}

Further exploration in generating and organizing movement material for performance. A major piece of 20–30 minutes in duration or several smaller works of equivalent total length will be required. Course fee required.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

{Fall}

Further in-depth study of the nature of creative investigation and art-making specifically as it pertains to dance composition. Works-in-progress begun during the previous semester will be brought to completion. Course fee required.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

{Fall}

Theories and teaching. Principles and techniques of curriculum development in the elementary and secondary schools, higher education and in private studios. Course fee required.

{Spring, odd numbered years}

Observation and written analysis of dance events with an emphasis on contemporary theories and performances. Course fee required.

{Spring, even numbered years}

Regularly-scheduled technique course. Students must enroll in the appropriate section by dance genre and level. Course fee required.

{Fall, Spring}

A study of the history of dance from tribal culture to 19th-century Romantic ballet. Extensive readings culminating in a research paper will be required. Course fee required.

A survey of the origins of modern ballet and modern dance from the late 19th century to the beginning of Modernism. Extensive readings culminating in a formal research paper. Course fee required.

Study of contemporary choreography from Modernism to the present. Particular emphasis on feminism and post-modernism as these movements have influenced our understanding of dancing and dance-making. Course fee required.

Introduction to Flamenco history, investigation of the controversial history of the art form through study of Gypsy history, Spanish history and major figures and events that shaped the evolution of Flamenco. Course fee required.

Designed for advanced students with knowledge of Flamenco structure and improvisation, cante, palmas, and three levels of Flamenco technique, investigation of choreography in Flamenco movement and rhythms.

Prerequisite: 379.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

{Fall}

(Also offered as ARTH, MUS, THEA 587 / 487; MA *487)

Analyzes major instances of interdisciplinary influence and collaboration in the present day. Course fee required.

Independent project culminating in a formal, informal or video performance.

{Summer, Fall, Spring}

Independent project culminating in a final paper. Students must submit a proposal to instructor and Dance Program Head.

{Summer, Fall, Spring}

Offered for students who have been advanced to candidacy and who have elected Plan II.

{Summer, Fall, Spring}

For majors and non-majors. Study of the various elements of the practice of theatre: acting, directing, design, production, playwriting. Issues of spectatorship and criticism also addressed. Required attendance at a number of performances.

Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area V: Humanities and Fine Arts. (NMCCN 1113).

 Exploration of the basic fundamentals of acting through exercises, games and improvisation.  Development of the imaginative, physical and emotional skills of the actor. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area V: Humanities and Fine Arts.

Basic techniques, tools and materials for construction of stage scenery. Crew assignments on departmental production required.

{Fall, Spring}

Basic techniques, tools, materials of costume construction.  Crew assignment on departmental production required.  Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area V: Humanities and Fine Arts.

{Fall, Spring}

Basic techniques of stage lighting. Crew assignment on departmental production required.

{Fall, Spring}

Participation in University theatre season in production capacity. May not duplicate other course assignments.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Continued exploration of acting technique. Emphasis on methods of study and preparation for presentation of scenework drawn from contemporary drama. Integration of voice and movement skills with acting technique.

Prerequisite: 130.

Basic vocal and physical skills with emphasis on relaxation, breath, and freeing the voice. Consideration of placement, articulation and support. Voice work is combined with movement to connect the expressive impulse to the entire body.

Pre- or corequisite: 130.

An exploration of the art of acting primarily through the focus on body awareness, dynamic movement techniques, and physical characterization.

Advanced techniques of stage crafts. Crew assignment on departmental production required.

Prerequisite: 192.

{Spring}

Introduction to basic drawing skills used in the presentation of theatrical designs for stage, film, and digital media. Emphasis is given to accurate representation of the human figure, perspective, and lighting using different mediums.

Theory and practice of lighting for the stage. Crew assignment on departmental production required.

Prerequisite: 196.

Lecture and studio study on various topics in Theatre.

An introduction to pattern development using a combination of techniques: flat patterning, slash and spread, and draping.

Prerequisite: 194.

{Fall, odd numbered years}

Training in the singing and acting styles required for performance in musical theatre.

Pre- or corequisite: 130.

Continued exploration of advanced technique. Intensive scenework focusing on works of Modern dramatists such as Chekhov, Ibsen, and Strindberg. 

Prerequisite: 230. 

Solidification and expansion of the skills learned in 231. Development of the actor's vocal and physical options. Applications to character and text.

Prerequisite: 231.

Principles of stage speech and dialect acquisition techniques. Introduction to the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet, application of acquired dialects to performance.

Prerequisite: 231.

This course explores advanced movement techniques through text, scenes, monologues and in-class exercises. We will work in-depth with imagination, and the concepts of psychological gesture and invisible body.

Historical and regional study and analysis of the cultural and sociological importance of what people wear and how they decorate and distort their bodies.

History and theory of theatre and performance, with emphasis on pre-modern and non-western drama. Instruction in the development of critical reading and writing strategies for analysis of theatre.

History and theory of theatre and performance, with emphasis on 19th and 20th century European and American drama. Instruction in issues and methods of theatre history research.

The nature of the staged dramatic work: analysis of plays with representative readings from the history of dramatic literature.

Introduction to writing for the stage. Practice and study of the elements of dramatic form: dialogue, character, plot.

The role, functions and duties of the stage manager in production, rehearsal and performance.

Corequisite: 367.

The purpose of this course is to provide a laboratory for student Stage Managers in which they can acquire and experiment with practical stage management skills.

Corequisite: 366.

Covers CAD and computer modeling, including the basic types of drawings and formats. Techniques and conventions unique to entertainment/theatre/television/film are also covered. Of special interest for architects, theatrical designers, art directors, etc.

For students wishing to create conceptual/multi-media imagery for gallery, performance and similar installations. Covers planning, techniques and equipment, plus teaches software such as PhotoShop, Painter, Illustrator. Students complete a series of conceptual projects.

A multimedia introduction to the craft, history and styles of costume, lighting, scenery and theatre space design for performance. A study of the influence of seminal figures in design from the renaissance to the present.

Principles and practice of scenic painting techniques, including: color mixing, textures, faux finishes, and large scale backdrop painting.

Prerequisite: 192 and 292.

Principles and practice of advanced scenic techniques including rigging, structural analysis, OSHA safety, scene painting and technical direction.

Course covers the techniques, goals and concepts of scenic design for theatre, television, film, and new media. Theoretical, conceptual, and practical issues are addressed. Students complete a series of conceptual design projects.

Prerequisite: 105 and 292.

Exploration of costume design for stage, film and television concentrating on design theory, visual communication, rendering techniques and portfolio presentation. Drawing skills required.

Prerequisite: 105 and 194.

Basics of lighting design, emphasis on play analysis, light plots and plugging charts. Crew assignment on departmental production required.

Prerequisite: 105 and 196.

{Fall}

Principles and practice of advanced costuming techniques like millinery, mask making, corsetry, wigs, jewelry and fabric dyeing.

Prerequisite: 194.

Intensive study and practice of special techniques and materials in theatre and production.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

{Offered upon demand}

Methods and techniques for the director in script-analysis and director-actor communication through visual and oral skills.

Prerequisite: 105 and 130.

Advanced study of the special problems in directing required by specific styles and stagings. Directing of a one-act script is required. Topics vary.

Prerequisite: 403.

The role, functions, duties, and skills of the modern production manager in regards to producing live theatre and managing theatre companies.

Prerequisite: 366.

Methods for using interactive theatre techniques (e.g. Boal’s forum theatre) and collaborative creation of plays for conflict resolution, community building and examining social issues in schools, theatre outreach programs and social service organizations.

Course material varies, including: training in audition preparation, ensemble performance, repertoire, musical theatre movement and cabaret performance.

Prerequisite: 328.

Pre- or corequisite: 230.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

Focus on textual and physical approaches to Classical texts. Topics vary. May include Greek, Jacobean, Restoration, Moliere, etc.

Prerequisite: 330.

Development of acting skills necessary to perform plays written in a variety of styles that depart from realism. Authors may include: Beckett, Ionesco, Genet, Brecht, Fornes, Parks, Wellman, etc.

Prerequisite: 330.

Students create and perform original acts of live art combining various performance disciplines. Studio work will be supplemented by lectures examining performance art and artist. The role of performance in our lives will be probed.

Preparation for a career as a performer, with focus on theatrical and film auditions, callbacks and interviews. Includes practical information on professional etiquette, marketing and creating a strong career plan.

Pre- or corequisite: 330.

Subject differs by semester. May include eras, genres, movements, individuals or theories, e.g., melodrama, feminism and theatre, non-western traditions, Brecht and Artaud, popular entertainments, postcolonial theatre. Advanced lecture/ discussion.

Prerequisite: 345 or 346.

An interdisciplinary, historical, multinational survey of theatrical and non-aesthetic performance theories. Focus on the intersection of theatre practice and assumptions about everyday life. Lecture/discussion.

Prerequisite: 345 and 346.

Emphasis upon analysis of student-written plays.

Prerequisite: 355.

For advanced writers to develop applications of dramatic structure through creation of an original longer form play and to study examples from the history of dramatic literature.

{Fall}

Investigation of the art of writing the feature-length film. Study is performed in tandem with the development of a treatment and a script with revisions.

The study of the different practice and techniques of stage management for theatre, music theatre, opera, and dance. Emphasis on developing advanced skills needed for this collaborative art form.

Prerequisite: 366 and 367.

For students wishing to use computers to explore the aesthetics of space/time/volume. Covers techniques in high-end modeling/animation of spaces/environments, sophisticated visualization software, and advanced presentation via image, sound and video.

Prerequisite: 370.

Provides practical and special techniques for theatre production through play analysis, budgeting, design, and construction in props. Will encourage creative and critical thinking skills, and stimulate the development of a personal aesthetic.

Prerequisite: 292 and 370.

A project-based course in which students participate in realized productions within the department and under the direction of various faculty members. Students work hands-on learning and refining the professional skills needed in the entertainment industry.

Intensive study and practice in computers and technology for design and performance. Topics vary.

{Offered on demand}

A project-based course in which students participate in realized productions within the department and under the direction of various faculty members. Students work hands-on learning and refining the professional skills needed in the entertainment industry.

Prerequisite: 394 and 494.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

Advanced production work in set design and technology for an actual performance under the supervision of the design faculty. Presentation of portfolio on finished project to design committee necessary for final grade. Admission by portfolio. 

Prerequisite: 392.

Emphasis on designing for various types of stages. Crew assignment on departmental production required.

Prerequisite: 396.

{Spring}

(Also offered as ARTH, DANC, MUS 487 / 587; MA *487)

Analyzes major instances of interdisciplinary influence and collaboration in the present day.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

{Spring}

Advanced production work in lighting design and technology for an actual performance under the supervision of the design faculty. Presentation of portfolio on finished project to design committee necessary for final grade. Admission by portfolio. 

Restriction: permission of instructor.

Study of the practice and techniques of scenic design for theatre, opera and dance. Emphasis on developing personal artistic vision in a collaborative art form. Students complete conceptual design projects.

Prerequisite: 392.

Overview of the role, task and techniques of the Art Director/Production Designer for television, film and electronic media. Covered are graphics, set design, location scouting, special effects, research, storyboarding, model making and computer pre-visualization.

Advanced work in costume design, concentrating on student projects for dance, stage, film and television. Portfolio presentation required.

Prerequisite: 394.

Advanced studies in Theatre under the supervision of an individual faculty member. This study must conclude in a project. This study may not be substitute for any course offered by the Theatre Program.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

Advanced studies and research in Theatre under the supervision of an individual faculty member. This study must conclude in a written project. This study may not substitute for any course offered by the Theatre Program. All projects must be approved by the Department.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

Explores current topics and trends in contemporary design aesthetics, portfolio and resume preparation, and discussions on the business of theatrical design and related industries. Capstone course intended for students preparing for graduation.

{Fall}

Students achieving an overall grade point of 3.50 will qualify to apply for departmental honors which requires a research or creative project with supporting written document.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

Research methods for performing arts including development of working bibliography, types of documentation, investigation of research materials and resources in theatre and dance. Includes a survey of main types of studies undertaken in theatre arts and dance. Required of all entering graduate students.

{Fall}

(Also offered as DANC 503)

The development of methods of interpretation and formation of theories suitable for both traditional and non-traditional theatre and dance performance.

{Spring, even numbered years}

Advanced study of the special problems in directing required by specific styles and stagings. Directing of a one-act script is required. Topics vary.

Prerequisite: 403.

{Spring}

(Also offered as DANC 506)

Examination of major problems and questions arising from interaction between the performing arts and the political, economic and social conditions in which they live. Survey of major figures in contemporary performing arts.

Subject differs by semester. May include eras, genres, movements, individuals or theories, e.g., melodrama, feminism and theatre, non-western traditions, Brecht and Artaud, popular entertainments, postcolonial theatre. Advanced lecture/ discussion.

An interdisciplinary, historical, multinational survey of theatrical and non-aesthetic performance theories. Focus on the intersection of theatre practice and assumptions about everyday life. Lecture/discussion.

Prerequisite: 345 and 346.

{Spring}

Phase #1 of an integrated experience in playwriting in which original concepts are explored and analyzed for dramatic viability, clarity of the central conflict and developed into plays to be read and revised.

Phase #2 of an integrated experience in playwriting in which experimental playwriting is explored, with an emphasis on modern and post-modern examples. Original concepts are developed into plays to be read and revised.

Phase #3 of an integrated experience in playwriting. New works are cast, rehearsed and presented to the public in the form of concert readings or in special cases, more elaborate settings

Investigation of the art of writing the feature-length film. The analysis of concept, premise and social arena to develop the student’s own original screenplay to include at least one major set of revisions.

Selected topics for the professional dramatic writer. Includes: screenwriting, writing for the stage (including musical theatre), film, television and other media. Topics will be offered in response to student demand and guest artist availability.

Intensive study and practice in computers and technology for design and performance. Topics vary.

{Offered on demand}

(Also offered as ARTH, DANC, MUS 587 / 487; MA *487)

Analyzes major instances of interdisciplinary influence and collaboration in the present day.

{Spring}

Advanced studies in Theatre under the supervision of an individual faculty member. This study must conclude in a project. This study may not substitute for any course offered by the Theatre Program.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

{Fall, Spring}

Offered for students who have been advanced to candidacy and who have elected Plan II.

Submission of a major work, full length play or screen play that is shown in a public presentation as a staged concert reading or if approved, in a more comprehensive presentation.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.