Course Descriptions
Small details add up to one unique educational experience just for you. The courses
you choose with the help of your academic advisor will enable you to explore your
interests in theatre and dance. Whether it’s through the rigorous training of our
dance program, or the hands-on learning of our theatre program, you will acquire the
skills, knowledge and support to achieve your goals.
Browse our course descriptions to discover the scope of study at USF School of Theatre
& Dance.
Dance Course Descriptions | Theatre Course Descriptions
Dance Course Descriptions
DAA 2100 Fundamentals of Modern Dance
A studio class for students with a serious interest in concert modern dance. Emphasis
upon correct alignment, development of strength, rhythmic and dynamic activity, as
well as spatial and locomotor patterns. May be repeated up to 6 credit hours.
DAA 2104 Modern Dance I
A studio class for students with a serious interest in concert modern dance. Further
emphasis on correct alignment, development of strength, rhythmic and dynamic activity,
as well as spatial and locomotor patterns. May be repeated up to 8 credit hours.
DAA 2200 Fundamentals of Ballet
A studio class for students with a serious interest in ballet. Emphasis on correct
alignment of the body and a progressive development of positions and barre exercises,
as well as the application of combinations in center work using classical ballet vocabulary
(French terms). May be repeated.
DAA 2204 Ballet I
A studio class for students with a serious interest in ballet. Further emphasis on
correct alignment of the body and a progressive development of positions and barre
exercises, as well as the application of combinations in center work using classical
ballet vocabulary (French terms). May be repeated.
DAA 2500 Fundamentals of Jazz Dance
A basic movement course in Jazz Dance involving dance vocabulary, alignment, styles
and simple rhythmic patterns. May be repeated up to 6 credits.
DAA 2504 Jazz Dance
A technique class for the intermediate level dancer to become acquainted with the
dance styles and forms of musical theatre and concert jazz dance. Emphasis is on highly
stylized movement with a strong rhythmic base. May be repeated.
DAA 2570 Jazz Theatre Dance
Further emphasis on projection, phrasing, rhythmic patterns and dynamics. Solo and
ensemble studies leading to performance. May be repeated up to 6 credits.
DAA 3108 Modern Dance II
Study of principles of modern dance technique. Practical work in exercises and movement
phrases, utilizing changing rhythms and dynamics. Concert and performance attendance
required. May be repeated.
DAA 3109 Modern Dance III
Continuation of DAA 3108. Further emphasis on style and phrasing. Work on projecting
mood and quality by dancing and rehearsing in more advanced choreography, leading
to performance. May be repeated.
DAA 3209 Ballet II
Positions and barre exercises. Emphasis on correct alignment of the body and the application
of simple step combinations in center work. The use of ballet vocabulary (French terms).
Material is covered almost totally as practical work in class with a few outside projects.
Concert and performance attendance required. May be repeated.
DAA 3214 Ballet III
Continuation of DAA 3209. Intensification of barre exercises for the development of
strength and form. Application of phrasing and movement. Material covered as practical
work in class for concerts and performances. May be repeated.
DAA 3294 Ballet Variations
This course provides instruction in various forms of ballet. Semester courses include:
Pointe Technique, Men’s Class, Character Dance, Spanish Dance and Partnering. BFA
Ballet concentration students are required to complete two semester hours. May be
repeated.
DAA 3395 World Dance Topics
Students will experience fundamental knowledge of dance representing various world
cultures. In addition to a dance/movement component, a connection will be made to
historical, spiritual/religious, ethnological and environmental indigenous aspects
of people involved in dance as a cultural experience. May be repeated.
DAA 3614 Choreography I
Focus is upon movement invention and concepts of time, space and force. Integration
of basic musical foundations and compositional structures, i.e. ABA and Canon, theme/variations.
Research of various musical genres, rhythms and styles.
DAA 3615 Choreography II
This course focuses on the use of choreographic devices/tools for movement inspiration,
improvisation for generating movement, creating meaning, and music and its relation
to the art form of dance (i.e. meter, tempo, rhythm and style).
DAA 3624 Dance Improvisation
Exploring various methods of spontaneously creating dance movement in individual and
group situations. Focus is upon movement expression as communication and as a revealing
aspect of self-hood.
DAA 3654 Repertory I
The development and performance of solo and/or group dances.
DAA 3684 Repertory II
The development and performance of solo and/or group dances.
DAA 3686 Junior Performance Project
Required for junior dance majors. Involves rehearsal and performance of work presented
by a senior dance major in the dance program. Open to all university students proficient
in dance techniques and concurrently enrolled in technique courses. Repeatable.
DAA 4110 Modern Dance IV
Intense work on the growth of personal performance styles. Equal emphasis will be
given to training the body in the development of technical excellence. May be repeated.
DAA 4211 Ballet IV
Perfecting the execution of barre work. Intensification of center work. More stress
on aesthetic quality of movement and phrasing. Students expected to be proficient
in pointe work. Outside projects, concerts, and performances are required. May be
repeated.
DAA 4616 Choreography III
Course emphasis is primarily on group choreography, along with a final project where
students work with incorporating text and movement. Continuation of the study of meter,
tempo, rhythm and style in music, as well as dynamics and phrasing.
DAA 4617 Choreography IV
The focus of this course is taking choreography beyond the stage, structured around
two main projects: creating a site-specific work, and filming/editing a dance video
project, including creating an audio score. Introduction to music editing.
DAA 4687 Performance
Open to all university students proficient in dance techniques and concurrently enrolled
in Technique. Involves rehearsal and performance of works presented by the department.
May be repeated.
DAA 4694 Senior Choreography Project
The creation of an original group work and a solo within the senior's major concentration—ballet
or modern. To be performed and presented with the concurrence of a faculty advisor.
DAA 4930 Dance Studies
Dance major status. Individual study to extended competency in technique and performance
of dance through participation in special workshops.
DAE 4340 Dance Pedagogy: Secondary Curriculum
This course is designed to meet the needs of students in Dance Education to understand
the scope and sequence of dance curriculum design and teaching methods appropriate
to the secondary student.
DAE 4340L Dance Pedagogy: Internship
This course is designed to meet the needs of students interested in teaching at the
secondary level (middle/high school). It provides an internship experience where students
have the opportunity to develop their teaching skills in a public school setting.
DAE 4394 Senior Seminar in Dance Education
This course represents a synthesis of the teacher candidates’ courses and is required
concurrently with the internship.
DAN 2100 Understanding the Dance Experience
A study of dance through lectures, discussions, concert attendance, and studio practice.
Designed to develop awareness and insight of dance through creation, discussion, observation,
writing, and movement experiences.
DAN 2160 Entry Seminar
This is a study of dance-related career opportunities through lectures, assigned reading
and video viewing. This course will aid majors in understanding dance as an aesthetic
art form through discussion and critical evaluation.
DAN 3584 Technical Theatre in Dance
An introductory course in technical production including lighting, sound, scenic,
stage management/production, and front of house. Requires load-in hours/crew assignments
during USF Fall and Spring Dance Concerts.
DAN 3614 Music for Dance
Development of musical skills in movement studies. Continued study of the inter-relationship
of music and dance through movement experiences, observations, video, and writing.
DAN 3615 Music for Dance II
Development of practical music skills in relation to dance. Continued problems in
rhythmic materials and the relationship of music forms to dance. Elements within historical
context.
DAN 3714 Dance Kinesiology
This course will give the student an understanding of basic human anatomy and how
it functions in relation to movement, injury prevention, teaching and performance.
Individual structural differences and how these affect movement potential will also
be studied. There will be an emphasis on the kinesiological analysis of movement with
the goal of increased efficiency, enhanced performance and injury prevention.
DAN 4134 Ballet History
This is a lecture course in dance history stemming from its roots in Renaissance court
dance through the mid-20th century focusing primarily on the history of ballet as
an art form.
DAN 4135 20th Century Dance History
Designed for majors and non-majors, this course will trace the development of dance
as an art form in the 20th century. It is designed to develop awareness and insight
through lecture, discussion, video, observation and writing. Students will be required
to attend at least two dance performances.
DAN 4162 Research in Dance I
This course will introduce basic research tools and methodologies for conducting research
in the dance genre, and will serve the student in preparing for future research-based
study in the field of dance. Interdisciplinary linkages will be explored.
DAN 4163 Research in Dance II
This course will build upon the research methods and processes introduced in the Research
in Dance I course. Students in the BA degree track in dance are required to take this
course to develop their research proposal for the independent research project.
DAN 4180 Dance Senior Seminar
A study of career opportunities in performance, teaching, research, design, and choreography.
To aid majors in self-appraisal as artists and develop methods to further their potential
in the professional world. Discussion, critical evaluation and projects.
DAN 4434 Laban Movement Analysis
Specialized study in movement theories, body alignment, and movement patterns focusing
on the scientific and analytical basis of movement in dance with consideration for
developmental processes, technique, creative expression, and performance.
DAN 4906 Directed Study
Independent studies in the various areas of dance. Must receive approval prior to
registration. May be repeated.
DAN 4930 Selected Topics in Dance
The content of the course will be governed by student and instructor interest. May
be repeated by majors.
Theatre Course Descriptions
THE 2020 Introduction to Theatre
An introduction to the art of theatre as part of the larger context of the nature
of art itself. The approach will be both chronological and multi-cultural. Required
of all theatre majors.
THE 2252 Great Performances on Film
This class traces the evolution of acting styles as evidenced through 100 years of
cinema, and explores how movies and actors have mirrored or influenced cultural, political,
and social change.
THE 2305 Script Analysis
This course teaches theatre students the techniques of close reading of dramatic texts.
THE 3110 Theatre History I
The study of theatrical production in its cultural context, including theatre architecture,
scenography, acting and directing from Greek antiquity to the Elizabethan era. Normally
fifteen plays will be read.
THE 3111 Theatre History II
A study of theatrical production in its cultural context including theatre architecture,
scenography, acting and directing from Shakespeare to the contemporary stage. Normally
fifteen plays will be read.
THE 4174 New British Theatre and Drama
A study of contemporary theatrical practice and key dramatic texts in the British
Isles. This course is restricted to majors.
THE 4180 Theatre Origins
An analysis of the development of theatre out of myth, ritual, and liturgy. Emphasis
placed on what attempts to understand the resulting phenomena (e.g. Aristotle's Poetics)
can teach us about the nature of our art. Either THE 4180 or THE 4562 is required
of all theatre majors.
THE 4264 History of Costume
A survey of clothing and dress from ancient Egypt to the 20th century with an emphasis
on cultural and social influences. (A requirement in the design track: costume.)
THE 4283 Architecture and Decoration
A survey of architecture and furniture from ancient Egypt to the 20th century. (A
requirement in the design track: scenic.)
THE 4330 Shakespeare for the Theatre
Study of select Shakespeare plays through current and past performance. Examination
of texts, filmed rehearsals, scholarly sources, and commercial movies. Performance
required in face-to-face sections.
THE 4401 American Drama
T HE 4401 examines seminal American plays and high quality film adaptions derived
from them. Each play is examined as a script for performance and as an object in an
aesthetic, social and historic context.
THE 4434 Caribbean Theatre
A study of plays and popular theatrical forms of the Caribbean including carnival
and calypso. The student will investigate the social and political forces that shape
the culture of the Caribbean.
THE 4480 Drama - Special Topics
A study of a significant playwright or grouping of playwrights, e.g. Moliere, Brecht,
recent American dramatists.
THE 4562 Contemporary Performance Theory
A seminar for advanced students focusing on theatrical and dramatic theory in relation
to actual stage practice.
THE 4574 Sport as Performance
Students will use contemporary theory to critique and analyze the interconnected elements
of athletic and stage performance, including the athlete/artist, stadium/stage, and
audience/spectator. Spanning topics from the body to the arena, team mascots, professional
wrestling and social media, the course will inform and expand our knowledge in both
disciplines.
THE 4593 Honors Seminar
Readings in the literature, history and theory of the stage in preparation for Theatre
Honors Practicum. Past topics have included New German Theatre, Popular Theatre, New
American Theatre, Jacobean Theatre.
THE 4594 Honors Practicum
Honors Practicum grows out of the Honors Seminar and engages students in workshops
or productions with guest artists. Past artists have included the Free Theatre of
Munich, the San Francisco Mime Troupe, playwrights Eric Overmeyer, Jeff Jones and
Gary Hill.
THE 4595 Honors Thesis
A practical or written thesis related to the seminar and practicum and approved by
the departmental honors committee.
THE 4905 Directed Studies
Independent studies in the various areas of theatre. Course of study and credits must
be assigned prior to registration.
THE 4930 Selected Topics in Theatre
The content of the course will be governed by student demand and instructor interest.
May be lecture or class discussion or studio format.
TPA 2200 Introduction to Technical Theatre I
An introductory course in technical production including coursework in the areas of
scenic construction, theatre production/organization, and sound. Required for theatre
majors. Requires sequential semester enrollment with TPA 2211 and TPA 2291L. Open
to non-majors.
TPA 2211 Introduction to Technical Theatre II
An introductory course in technical production including stage lighting, costume construction,
and sound. Required for theatre majors. Requires sequential semester enrollment with
TPA 2200 and TPA 2290L. Open to non-majors.
TPA 2220 Introduction to Technical Theatre III
An introductory course designed to acquaint students with a working knowledge of the
basic skills, equipment and terminology in stage lighting production. Open to non-majors.
TPA 2220L Technical Theatre Lab III
A practical laboratory providing an understanding of the duties associated with lighting
crews through hands-on production experiences. Open to non-majors.
TPA 2248 Workshop in Stage Makeup
Beginning theory and practice in make-up for the stage. Open to non-majors. Theatre
majors given preference. A studio course.
TPA 2290L Technical Theatre Lab I
A practical laboratory involving the pre-performance preparation of all technical
aspects of a major production, such as painting, sewing, lighting, and sound. Students
are assigned two areas of study per semester. Required of all theatre majors. Open
to non-majors.
TPA 2291L Technical Theatre Lab II
A practical laboratory involving the pre-performance preparation of all technical
aspects of a major production, such as painting, sewing, lighting, and sound. Students
are assigned two areas of study per semester. Required of all theatre majors. Open
to non-majors.
TPA 2292 Production Involvement I
The rehearsal, construction, and performance of major theatrical works. Assignments
are made by a faculty committee following the student’s completion of a PI request
form, available in the Theatre Office, and enrollment in this course.
TPA 3007 Introduction to Design I
This course will include lectures, demonstrations, individual student presentations,
and studio activities. The course work will provide an introduction to the various
aspects of design including: two- and three-dimensional design, basic presentation
and visual communication skills, research, and project analysis/organization.
TPA 3008 Introduction to Design II
This course will include lectures, demonstrations, individual student presentations,
and studio activities. The course work will provide an introduction to the various
aspects of design including: two- and three-dimensional design, basic presentation
and visual communication skills, research, and project analysis/organization. Open
to non-majors.
TPA 3208 Drafting and CAD I
The course will include lectures, demonstrations, individual student presentations,
and studio activities. The course work will provide an opportunity to develop skills
and techniques in the visual presentation of various design and technical draftings.
Open to non-majors.
TPA 3223 Lighting: Theory and Practice
Intermediate lighting design course concerned with graphic presentations, color theory,
design concepts, and practical experience with computer lighting systems. A requirement
in the design track: lighting.
TPA 3231 Costume Construction
A practical course in the drafting of patterns for costuming the actor. Materials,
skills, and techniques for construction of costumes and costume accessories will be
treated. Included topics are millinery, footwear, jewelry, masks, armor, courtesy;
both period and modern.
TPA 3251 Drafting and CAD II
Continuation of TPA 3208. The course will include lectures, demonstrations, field
trip(s), individual student presentations, and studio activities. The course work
will provide an opportunity to develop your skills and techniques in the visual presentation
of various design and technical draftings. Open to non-majors.
TPA 3265 Sound for the Stage
Basic study of audio components, fundamental properties of sound, multiple channel
recording, editing, reproduction and reinforcement. Methods and techniques used in
theatre to create sound effects.
TPA 3296 Design Practicum
This is a studio/laboratory course in the practical aspects of production. The course
is intended to provide realized production experience to the advanced theatre design
student in such areas as costume, lighting, and scenic design; stage properties design;
technical direction; and theatrical production craft/skill areas. The student will
be individually mentored by a faculty member through the process of developing and
realizing a production design/craft/skill.
TPA 3601 Stage Management
A practical course in the working organizational function of the stage manager in
theatre, dance, opera, and other live performance situations.
TPA 4011 Design Studio I
TPA 4011 will include studio design project activities in the areas of costume, lighting,
and scenic design. The course work will stress the nature of collaborative work and
the various stages and processes involved with the development of a design from the
first meeting to the final paper/model design.
TPA 4013 Lighting Design
A lighting design course concerned with graphic presentations, color theory, design
concepts, and practical experience with computer lighting systems, stressing collaborative
work and the various stages and processes in lighting design development.
TPA 4045 Costume Design
This course will include studio design project activities in the areas of costume,
lighting, and scenic design. The course work will stress the nature of collaborative
work and the various stages and processes involved with the development of a design
from the first meeting to the final paper/model design. Evaluation of the project
will emphasize the process followed in the development of the design, including thumbnail/idea
sketching, research, and production concept. The course will include seminar (production)
discussions, lectures, demonstrations, individual and group work, and individual student
presentations.
TPA 4077 Scene Painting
A practical course in the painting of stage scenery: media and application.
TPA 4273 Stage Properties: Techniques and Materials Studio
Demonstration of and experience with materials used in construction of stage properties.
Modeling of prototypes and basic casting techniques. Organization of shop.
TPA 4293 Production Involvement II
The rehearsal, construction, and performance of major theatrical works. Assignments
are made by a faculty committee following the student's completion of a PI request
form, available in the Theatre Office, and enrollment in this course.
TPA 4298 Advanced Design Practicum
This is a studio/laboratory course in the practical aspects of production. The course
is intended to provide realized production experience to the advanced theatre design
student in such areas as costume, lighting, and scenic design; stage properties design;
technical direction; and theatrical production craft/skill areas. The student will
be individually mentored by a faculty member through the process of developing and
realizing a production design/craft/skill.
TPP 2110 Acting I
Exploring the elements basic to acting skills, a participation course. Required of
all theatre majors. Open to non-majors.
TPP 2190 Studio Theatre Performance I
A practical laboratory involving the rehearsal and performance of a major production.
Activities may include acting, directing, stage management, and the activities of
the performance production crews. Placement by audition. If cast in production student
must accept role. Required of all theatre majors. May be repeated. Open to non-majors
with CI.
TPP 2500 Movement for Actors
A laboratory course in various disciplines or systems and understanding the body’s
motive powers, with focus on their use for the stage performer.
TPP 3121 Improvisation I
An intensive study in improvisation as an enhancement of the actor's skill. Exercises
and theatre games as flexible forms which accommodate improvisation and physical invention
are examined and used to develop group creativity.
TPP 3155 Acting II
Identify and investigate the fundamental elements of acting as applied to scene exploration,
rehearsal, and presentation.
TPP 3230 Laboratory Workshop in Performance
The content of the course will be governed by student demand and instructor interest.
TPP 3251C Acting the Song
This course will enable the student to approach music and lyrics from the actor's
point of view. Lyrics are explored as monologues and music is explored as a way to
support the emotional life of the character.
TPP 3252C Musical Theater Scene Study
This course teaches acting for the musical theatre. It addresses why songs occur,
how to transition from dialogue to song, and the use of underscoring. It explores
these techniques in distinct genres from the Golden Age of musical theater to the
present.
TPP 3580 Special Skills in Movement
Stage combat, circus and acrobatic techniques, and other special techniques of movement.
TPP 3790 Voice for Actors
A concentrated laboratory on freeing the breathing function, developing body and oral
resonance, and strengthening the muscles used on the formation of speech sounds.
TPP 4140 Styles of Acting
Examination of the actor’s craft and skills needed to fulfill the demands of classical
theatre forms.
TPP 4180 Acting III
An acting workshop focusing on application of character development and rehearsal
techniques over a sustained period leading toward a project showing at semester’s
end.
TPP 4193 Studio Theatre Performance II
A practical laboratory involving the rehearsal and performance of a major production.
Activities may include acting, directing, stage management, and the activities of
the performance production crews. Placement by audition. If cast in production student
must accept role. Required of all theatre majors. May be repeated. Open to non-majors
with CI.
TPP 4221 Audition Workshop for Actors
Preparation for professional audition; discussion of professional objectives.
TPP 4310 Directing I
An elective sequence in directing. A workshop course in which the student first encounters
the basic tasks of the director by preparing and directing one or two scenes and then
progresses to more complex scene work in a variety of styles, and finally proceeds
to the short play or theatre pieces.
TPP 4311 Directing II
An elective sequence in directing. A workshop course in which the student first encounters
the basic tasks of the director by preparing and directing one or two scenes and then
progresses to more complex scene work in a variety of styles and finally proceeds
to the short play or theatre pieces.
TPP 4600 Writing for the Theatre
An elective sequence in writing, in which the student first encounters the problems
unique to dramatic language and situation, then progresses to complexities of character,
plot, and stage dynamics. Normally the aim would be to complete several performance-worthy
self-contained scenes.
TPP 4920 Senior Workshop for Actors
A workshop in advanced vocal and movement techniques.
TPP 4923 Music Theatre Workshop
Exploration of musical theatre materials and performance techniques for the actor.
Individual and ensemble work.