Faculty: Thomas Darnall, Kaarin Johnston, Kerry Lafferty, Willene Mangham

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University theater department is supportive of the mission statements of both institutions and dedicated to the education of the general student as well as the theater major. This is achieved by helping the student understand that theater is a formalization of human experience usually requiring rehearsed behavior, linked to text, within a designed visual environment and intended for live public display. This formalization serves several functions. These functions include: a confrontation with our own humanity, an illumination of diverse constructions of reality and a celebration of our spirits. Coupled with this understanding of function is a developed appreciation of the many artistic contributions necessary to the making of theater art.

The department is committed to scholarly and artistic creativity, to the integration of theory as experience, to the dynamics of theatrical process and to positive and constructive human values. The program emphasizes the importance of a broad base of knowledge and theatrical experience as a foundation for later specialization. The faculty perceives the theatrical process as being a collaborative endeavor, unifying the diverse disciplines of costume, set and lighting with the acting of the text. This collaboration establishes a strong creative community which builds integrated theatrical events; events that reflect and examine the given historical, societal and cultural context in which they are embedded. The curriculum and performance schedule is structured with sufficient theatrical range to supply the fundamentals for all the production and scholarly areas. To encounter work other than their own, students are required to attend a variety of performances both off and on campus. The department vigorously encourages students to accept a life-long responsibility for expressing their artistic ideas. Acknowledging that their artistic ideas are an expression of who they are as human beings, this expression requires the development of self awareness, mindful reflection, a cultivation of their own integrity, intelligence and talent, as well as competence in basic theatrical skills.

All theater majors take a common sequence of 36 credits to include 8 credits in technical theater, 113 and 213; 8 credits in acting, 117, 217; 8 credits in costume chosen from 253 and any other 4-credit costume course (321 or 353); 4 credits in theater history, 337 or 338; and 8 credits in dramatic literature, 327 and 368. Additional credits to complete the theater major will be selected with a department adviser.

Beginning theory and practice of scenography. Study of materials and techniques used in stage scenery. Also an introduction to the theories and equipment used in theater lighting and sound. Lab required. Fall.

Introduction to improvisational techniques. Designed to develop the actor’s imagination, observation and concentration through exercises in sense awareness, relaxation, pantomime and theater games. Also an introduction to building the foundation of a good voice. Deals with the physical aspects of voice and speech. Training in breathing, physical structure and relaxation.

Continuation of 117 with more advanced levels of theory and performance. Includes intensive scene work, with emphasis on text analysis and rehearsal techniques designed to expose the emotional and relational content of the scenes. Furthers work on the voice including the development of tone, resonance, range, power, articulation and projection. Prerequisite 117.

Study at the introductory level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

Study at the introductory level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Designed to fulfill core disciplinary requirement. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

A presentation of theater from the audience’s rather than the performer’s perspective. Designed to acquaint non-theater students with live theater as enjoyment. Approached from the student’s present exposure level. Lecture, group discussions and field trips to live performances required.

The theory and practice of writing plays for theater performance. Writing exercises and reading assignments will culminate in the writing of an original one-act play. Prerequisite: Successful completion of first-year Symposium.

A continuation of 113 pursuing an understanding of the standard practice in stage lighting and sound, culminating in the study of lighting and sound design. Spring. Prerequisite: 113 or instructor’s permission.

Principles and application of various make-up techniques. Laboratory projects. Alternate years. Fall.

253 Introduction to the Costuming Process. (4)

A basic comprehensive study of the process a stage costumer employs from character analysis to costume execution. Practical application and production-work are emphasized through laboratory experience. Spring. Prerequisite to all costume classes.

271 Individual Learning Project. (1-4)  [Top]

Supervised reading or research at the lower-division level. Permission of department chair required. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. Not available to first-year students.

Study of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

Study of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Designed to fulfill core disciplinary requirement. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

A study of historic costumes from the primitive through the present through the use of great works of art from each period. Fall, alternate years. Prerequisite: 253 or instructor’s consent.

Analysis, through representative dramatic texts and theories, of the development of literary and theatrical elements in the major dramatic forms and modes from the Greeks to the late 19th century. Open to sophomores. Fall.

Laboratory course covering the basic responsibilities of the director. Concentration on developing the beginning director’s rehearsal methods for working with actors. Script analysis, auditioning, rehearsal schedules and blocking will be addressed. Direction of class projects. Prerequisites: 113, 117, 217 and permission of instructor. Alternate years.

Analysis, through representative dramatic texts and theories, of the development of literary and theatrical elements in the major dramatic forms and modes from the Greeks to the late 19th century. Open to sophomores. Fall.

Laboratory course covering the basic responsibilities of the director. Concentration on developing the beginning director’s rehearsal methods for working with actors. Script analysis, auditioning, rehearsal schedules and blocking will be addressed. Direction of class projects. Prerequisites: 113, 117, 217 and permission of instructor. Alternate years.

Introduction to the art of costume design through study of contemporary designers, assigned readings and weekly critiques of sketch problems. Prerequisite: 253 or instructor’s consent. Alternate years.

Introduction to the art of scenic design through study of contemporary designers, assigned readings and weekly critiques of sketch problems. Alternate years. Fall.

Survey of theatrical activity in the West: acting styles, theater architecture, dramatic literature and theory, production techniques such as costuming, scenery and directing in the context of the historical social milieus. Content will include Western and Asian theater. Alternate years. Fall.

A continuation of 337 from 18th century to the present. Alternate years. Spring.

Advanced work in costume and set materials which are useful to the theater practitioner. Materials such as plastics, fiber glass, foams and fabrics will be investigated. Prerequisites: 113, 213, 253. Alternate years. Fall.

Analysis and interpretation of English, Continental and American drama from Ibsen to the present. Spring.

Supervised reading or research at the upper-division level. Permission of department chair and completion and/or concurrent registration of 12 credits within the department required. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. Not available to first-year students.

Full-time learning experience during the January Term done under the direction of a faculty moderator, often in conjunction with an off-campus supervisor. Requires permission of instructor. Not available to first-year students.

Study at the upper-division level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

Study at the upper-division level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Designed to fulfill core disciplinary requirement. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

Study of a major theater topic in design and technology, aspects of performance, dramatic literature or theory. Prerequisites: Vary according to the particular offering. Upper-class standing. Offered irregularly.

A full semester, interim session or summer placement in a variety of professional theater settings doing supervised work. The individual projects are tailored to student needs/career. Subject to approval of faculty adviser and department chair.

Required for graduation with "All-College Honors" and "Departmental Distinction in Theater." Prerequisite: HONR 396 and approval of the department chair and director of the honors program. For further information see HONR 398.

These courses, offered every semester, are designed to meet special needs of students in laboratory experiences.

A minimum of 50 hours work in acting or technical theater involving a crew responsibility. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission. May be repeated for up to 6 credits.

Acting in a theater faculty-directed production.

Technical lab experience under the supervision of a theater faculty member.

Costume lab experience under the supervision of a theater faculty member.

Independent projects by advanced theater majors in an area of special interest. Consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

Project of special interest in theater sound.

Project of special interest in theater lighting.

Project of special interest in properties.

Project of special interest in theater settings.

Project of special interest in theater costumes.

Stage managing a faculty-directed production.

A specialized program for the theater major to work in a theater situation away from the Saint Benedict’s/Saint John’s campus theaters. An internship program arranged with another college or professional company or a touring theater company. Arranged with the department chair the previous semester.