To introduce fundamental principles, theory, and techniques of short form improvisational performance. Through the use of improvisation games, exercises, and character analysis students will experience the physical, vocal, emotional, and technical preparation required to assure the success of an improvised performance. Students will become familiar with basic improvisation terminology and protocol. Working in groups, with partners, or singly; students will explore their potential through study and application of basic improvisation techniques.

The student will explore the motivations behind actions and reactions and develop the skills to demonstrate believable human characteristics. Emphasis is upon introducing the student to character development.

TThis course examines the creative physical elements of a theatrical production. Includes costume design and purchasing, properties, set design and construction, lighting and sound production. A practical application is applied with each student fulfilling various production team roles.

The study of the human voice including exercises to develop quality vocal expression, breathing techniques, knowing one’s limitation in projective singing, using the speaking voice effectively, good vocal health, the importance of posture, intonation, proper breath support, supporting tone, correct placement, and the best use of resonant chambers.

A study of theatrical movement and dance based on a combination of classical ballet, modern and jazz techniques. A study that emphasizes posture and stance and includes movement that is harmonious to the student’s physical ability and flexibility.

This course teaches singing in ensembles of various sizes with a repertoire that includes many different styles of music. Part singing in up to eight parts, warm-up exercises, choral blend, pronunciation, expression of feelings, phrasing, vowel shaping for production of the clearest quality ensemble sound, and developing musical beauty as a team are themes that will be explored. Students will experience a variety of choral conductors’ techniques and methods.

A practicum based course that culminates with the student’s involvement in a large scale production. Specific areas of focus include developing strong rehearsal practices, and developing a stage presence that makes an honest connection with the audience and reflects the individual’s talents and humanity. Throughout the semester and practicum study the student will explore the various elements of the overall theatre performance including performance and stage terminology, combining acting skills into performance, set design, literature aspects relating to the performance material and individual and group performance applications.

Guiding the student to understand personal weaknesses and strengths, how the mind relates to physical development and problems, how to relate and reach out to others, understanding shyness, overt reactions, hate, love, familial complexities, how to recognize needs in others, understanding sexual desires as a motivation to life, and finding satisfaction in the goodness of the human spirit.

Students will examine a multitude of physiological conditions and the effects they have on the body. Emphasis will be on the care and protection of the body to ensure a healthy lifestyle. Guest lecturers may include, but are not limited to, an ear, nose and throat specialist, nutritionist, allergy specialist, massage therapist, and an eating disorder specialist.

Applying mathematical principals to everyday living; balancing the check book, paying bills, budgeting, credit cards, taxes, and an overview of investment opportunities. Learning about savings accounts, banking procedures, credit reports and credit unions.

A basic study of the language of music, covering key and time signatures, note recognition and values, the clefs, scales, chords, intervals, music reading skills, aural skills, tempo markings, rhythm values, expression titles and dynamic markings.

This course is designed to offer students the opportunity to study the process of vocal production in a semi-private setting. Emphasis is upon developing vocal techniques and stylistic choices for the individual voice while simultaneously learning from the instructor and by observing peer students.

A study of the most traditional and disciplined form of dance. Emphasis upon strength, conditioning, technique development and vocabulary. Student must take class in sequence.

Developing the dancer’s style and form through the various styles of jazz dance. Emphasis is upon style, strength and coordination of movements. Student must take class in sequence.

A course to develop the tap dancer’s skills. Emphasis upon rhythm creation and technique. Student must take class in sequence.

A course to expand the dance movement of the hip hop dancer. Emphasis will be upon style development and stamina. Student must take class in sequence.

The student expands character development skills to include scene interpretation and developing characters and performance that have a sense of truthfulness, humanity and relatability. (Prerequisite: THEA 151)

This course is designed to allow the student to develop their vocal techniques and style specific to their individual voice. The student will receive private support and instruction from a vocal coach. Students also take this course for 1 Unit in the sophomore module 2. (Prerequisite: MUS 212)

Learning to feel at home with the piano keyboard. How to play the piano, locating all of the keys, applying reading techniques, learning chord charts and including some extemporaneous playing without the use of printed music.

The study of children from birth through adolescence, with major emphasis on grades 4 through 12. Understanding the development of the child both physically and mentally. An overview of childhood problems as related to home life, and difficulties that can affect the student’s progress in the school environment. (Prerequisite: PSY 101)

Learning to read and transcribe musical notation. Understanding the importance of comprehending musical notation and the advantages of sight-reading over memory retention and rote learning. (Prerequisite: MUS 101)

A course combing both lecture and practicum elements in which the student is introduced to the fundamentals of being a successful performing arts educator. The lecture component focuses upon the role of the teacher and the varying methods used to address student ages and learning needs. The practicum component takes the student out in local classrooms to begin observing and applying skills.

This course builds upon the skills and techniques developed in MUS 110 with the emphasis of applying those skills to rehearsal and performance environments. Emphasis is upon instilling good vocal health habits to ensure the protection and longevity of the voice. (Prerequisite: MUS 110)

This course builds upon the skills and techniques developed in DNC 101 with the emphasis of applying those skills to rehearsal and performance environments. The emphasis is upon developing the student’s ability to integrate methods to retain technique into their daily rehearsal process. (Prerequisite: DNC 101)

This course builds upon the skills and techniques developed in MUS 120 with the emphasis of applying those skills to rehearsal and performance environments. The emphasis is upon developing the student’s ability to maintain quality ensemble work in an active performance environment. (Prerequisite: MUS 120)

This course builds upon THEA 101 and offers the student an opportunity to apply their performance skills in a comprehensive practicum experience that involves repeat performances of the same production. The emphasis is upon allowing the student to refine their performance techniques based upon varying performance venues, audiences and learning how to produce a quality performance night after night. (Prerequisite: THEA 101) Touring requires instructor approval.

Student applies the skills learned in THEA 234 through the fulfillment of a crew position in a major production or touring company. Student has the option to pick a crew specialty – costumes, props, lighting, sound or sets. (Prerequisite: THEA 234).

A practicum in which the student can begin to apply the teaching techniques studied in real world situations. Emphasis will be upon preparation techniques and self-review of effectiveness in communicating with students. Students will be expected to undergo a self study to identify their own strengths and weaknesses and begin to understand how their own strengths and weaknesses impact the learning experience for the young students they are working with. (Prerequisites: EDU 153, PSY 201) Touring requires instructor approval.

Use of correct language in written form. How to express oneself intelligently in the written form. Emphasis upon the business letter, resumes, business reports, letters of recommendation, use of the computer keyboard, fonts, size of type, etc. Writing speeches, magazine and newspaper articles, scripts for television, motion pictures and the stage. Filling out job applications and educational forms.

This course is designed to allow the student to develop their vocal techniques and style specific to their individual voice. The student will receive private support and instruction from a vocal coach. (Prerequisite: MUS 212)

The student expands their acting skills to include the development of rehearsal and studio performances of monologues, duet scenes and small group scenes from a variety of theatrical styles including Shakespeare and modern American drama. (Prerequisite: THEA 153)

The history of live performance, with an emphasis upon musical theater and its social impacts are studied. Focus is on the changes to repertoire, production styles, musical styles and theatrical development from the 1900’s to present day. Assignments and class discussions are an integral part of the course.

A course designed to allow the student to explore the works of the most influential artists of our time. The course will include classical composers and musicians, playwrights, designers, and songwriters.