Academic Catalog

Theatre & Dance (TAD)

IATAD-102  Acting: Identity & the Creative Process  (4 Credits)  

This experiential course explores the fundamentals of the art and craft of acting. Our work will include play and performance analysis, class exercises, and collaborative projects.

Offered: All, Every Year  
IATAD-113  Dance As a Way of Knowing  (4 Credits)  

This experimental dance course addresses issues of identity, culture, and ethics through personal movement exploration and analysis of master works from turning points in modern dance history. Includes dance technique, composition, and research methods from the field of performance studies.

Offered: All, Every Year  
IATAD-191  Special Topics in Dance and Culture  (4 Credits)  

This studio dance course will address the aesthetics and philosophies of selected cultural dance and performance traditions. This course includes dance technique, improvisation, composition, and research methods from the field of performance studies. Students will gain a lens into the specific culture through dance's unique language and history.

Offered: All, Every Year  
IATAD-350  Teaching Dance in Schools  (4 Credits)  

In this course students will discover new and innovative ways to utilize movement in various classroom settings. Students will explore our own instinctual embodiment and relationship to movement and learning.

Prerequisite(s): 24 credits in ISP, including ITW-101 and QL  
IATAD-370  Arts Mgt: Organizatns & Entrepreneurship  (4 Credits)  

Students will be introduced to different ways arts companies are structured and managed, with a focus on not-for-profit organizations. The course will provide an in-depth exploration of opportunities for creating start-up arts businesses, combining projects tailored to individual students' interests, case studies, and discussion.

Prerequisite(s): 24 credits in ISP, including ITW-101 and QL  
Offered: Fall, Every Year  
IATAD-374  Arts Mgt: Marketing, Development, & Comm  (4 Credits)  

Students will be introduced to how arts organizations communicate with different constituencies, both internal and external. The course will cover marketing, communication, development/fundraising, and social media, combining projects tailored to individual students' interests, case studies, and discussion.

Prerequisite(s): 24 credits in ISP, including ITW-101 and QL  
Offered: Spring, Every Year  
IATAD-375  The Regional Creative Economy  (4 Credits)  

How do arts organizations intersect, serve as agents for community vibrancy, and economic development? Students engage with Regional Directors, analyze local arts organizations, work on regional asset mapping, and share their research with local leaders. The hands-on approach of this course provides students with a stake in the regional economy.

Prerequisite(s): Take 24 credits in ISP, including ITW-101 and QL  
TAD-105  Foundations  (4 Credits)  

In Foundations we lay the groundwork for an exciting 4-year journey in search of artistic voice. Students explore aesthetics, the creative process, and who, what, where, why and when one identifies as an artist. In TAD-492 Capstone, students will reflect on the development of their artistic voice.

Offered: Fall, Every Year  
TAD-112  Modern Dance/Composition I  (4 Credits)  

An introduction to modern dance, designed to enable students to experientially understand and appreciate this art form, its discipline and its creativity. Includes basic modern dance technique and movement principles, modern dance history, and fundamentals of dance composition.

Offered: Spring, Every Year  
TAD-121  Introduction to Technical Theatre  (4 Credits)  

Practical training in the following areas of technical theatre: tools and materials, scenic and costume construction, lighting, stage facilities, and safety.

Offered: Fall, Every Year  
TAD-123  Theatre Scene Shop Laboratory  (1 Credit)  

Production training in the scene shop. Projects are assigned according to Theatre and Dance department production needs. Projects will include: scenic construction, painting, lighting, rigging, sound, props. May be repeated for credit as topics change.

Offered: All, Every Year  
TAD-124  Theatre Costume Laboratory  (1 Credit)  

Production training in the costume shop. Projects are assigned according to Theatre and Dance department production needs. Projects will include: costume construction, accessories, maintenance, load-in, and strike. May be repeated for credit as topics change.

TAD-140  Voice and Movement  (4 Credits)  

Introduces the foundational brain-to-body work that aligns the voice and body to support artistic fluidity in the creative art of communication. Students engage in movement and vocal exercises that provide kinesthetic awareness, aid relaxation and release tension that negatively impacts expressive capabilities of artists, dancers, or educator.

Prerequisite(s): TAD-105  
Offered: Spring, Odd Years  
TAD-212  Contemporary/Modern Dance II  (1-4 Credits)  

Continuation in the study and experience of contemporary/modern dance as an art form through the development of dance technique and further exploration of movement, composition, and performance principles. Includes contemporary/modern dance technique, partnering/contact improvisation, and development of the choreographic craft. May be repeated once for credit.

Prerequisite(s): TAD-112 or IATAD-113, or permission of instructor  
Offered: All, Every Year  
TAD-216  Jazz Dance  (4 Credits)  

An introductory course in jazz dance with emphasis placed on rhythm manipulation, jazz movement vocabulary, and stylistic contrasts encompassed by jazz. Background in modern dance technique recommended.

Offered: Spring, Every Year  
TAD-217  Ballet/Experiential Anatomy  (1-4 Credits)  

A basic course in ballet technique. Emphasis placed on anatomic and kinesthetic principles, experiential anatomy, and competency in the ballet vocabulary. May be repeated once for credit. Students may not change course sections after the first 5 days of the semester.

Offered: Fall, Every Year  
TAD-223  Theatre Technology Workshop  (4 Credits)  

Basic principles and techniques in a specific theatre craft, i.e., rigging, scenic painting, properties, lighting technology, or sound editing. May be repeated for credit as topics change.

TAD-224  Theatrical Design Studio  (4 Credits)  

Basic priniples and techniques in a specific design area of theatre, i.e., puppetry, mask making, properties design, makeup, or sound design. May be repeated for credit as topics change.

TAD-231  Theatre History and Literature I  (4 Credits)  

The history and literature of theatre examined from Ancient Greece through the 18th century. We will explore great dramatic works and learn the contexts in which they were written through discussion, readings, videotapes, and lectures.

Prerequisite(s): ITW-101  
Offered: Fall, Every Year  
TAD-232  Theatre History and Literature II  (4 Credits)  

The history and literature of theatre examined from the 19th century to the present. We will explore great dramatic works and learn the contexts in which they were written through discussion, readings, videotapes, and lectures.

Prerequisite(s): TAD-231  
Offered: Spring, Every Year  
TAD-235  Dance History  (4 Credits)  

The course examines choreography as a creative and evolutionary process. Through lectures, media presentations, readings, and discussions, the course surveys the history of western theatrical dance and explores the interrelationship of dance and world events.

Offered: Spring, Odd Years  
TAD-250  Beginning Acting  (3 Credits)  

An introduction to acting centered on the Stanislavski System. Coursework includes scene analysis, character study, and scene work. Required for all majors.

Corequisite(s): TAD-255  
Offered: Fall, Even Years  
TAD-255  Ensemble Voice and Movement I  (1 Credit)  

A studio course to provide continuous voice, movement and ensemble based training. Work builds on foundational work explored in TAD 140. The ensemble provides a platform for education, directing and acting students to collaborate and engage in creative practice. May be repeated for credit.

Corequisite(s): TAD-250 or permission of the instructor  
Offered: Fall, Even Years  
TAD-290  Special Topics  (4 Credits)  

An exploration of areas not covered by the regular curriculum. Content and prerequisites depend on available faculty and resident artists. May be repeated for credit.

TAD-292  Mid-Level Review  (0 Credits)  

Presentation of a portfolio of work that illustrates student growth and progression towards the realization of program learning objectives and outcomes. Each portfolio requires specialization-based artifacts, resume, headshot, and a personal artist statement. Students will present portfolio materials for their faculty committee members followed by an interview. Graded Pass/Fail.

Offered: All, Every Year  
TAD-311  Contemporary/Modern Dance III  (1-4 Credits)  

Intensive work in movement principles, body awaremess, and progressively more advanced dance technique emphasizing recent developments in choreography and performance. May be repeated once for credit.

Prerequisite(s): TAD-212 or permission of instructor  
Offered: Spring, Every Year  
TAD-312  Contemporary/Modern Dance IV  (1-4 Credits)  

Intensive work in movement principles, improvisation, and progressively more advanced dance technique. Creativity in movement invention and composition are emphasized and historically linked to the post-modern dance era. Includes performance critiques and text readings. May be repeated once for credit.

Prerequisite(s): TAD-212 and TAD-311 or permission of instructor  
Offered: Spring, Every Year  
TAD-318  Research in Choreography  (4 Credits)  

Exploration of the craft of choreography through the application of compositional theories in dance. Studio exploration and research culminate in an end of term performance. May be repeated once for credit.

Prerequisite(s): Two from TAD-212, TAD-216, TAD-235, TAD-311, TAD-312, and concurrent enrollment in TAD-112, TAD-212, TAD-216, TAD-311, or TAD-411, or permission of instructor  
Offered: Fall, Every Year  
TAD-350  Intermediate Acting  (3 Credits)  

An extension of foundational technique acquired in TAD-250 with emphasis on the psychophysical connection and method of physical action. Work includes the impact of detailed scene analysis, milieu study, characterization, relationships, and alignment of thinking.

Prerequisite(s): TAD-250  
Corequisite(s): TAD-355  
Offered: Spring, Odd Years  
TAD-355  Ensemble Voice and Movement 2  (1 Credit)  

A studio course that provides continuing voice, movement and ensemble based training. Work builds on foundational work explored in TAD-350. The ensemble provides a platform for education, directing and acting students to collaborate and engage in creative practice.

Prerequisite(s): TAD-250  
Corequisite(s): TAD-350  
Offered: Spring, Odd Years  
TAD-361  Scenic Design  (3 Credits)  

How a designer analyzes a script and works with the director to create a design. Students study techniques of rendering, sketching, model building, and drafting.

Corequisite(s): TAD-371  
Offered: Spring, Odd Years  
TAD-362  Lighting Design  (3 Credits)  

The lighting designer's role in the creation of a stage design. Lighting principles, instrumentation, color theory, script analysis, and light plots.

Prerequisite(s): TAD-105 and TAD-121, or permission of instructor  
Corequisite(s): TAD-372  
Offered: Spring, Odd Years  
TAD-363  Costume Design  (3 Credits)  

The role of the costume designer in the theatrical process. Students study basic costume history, principles of design, script analysis and rendering techniques.

Prerequisite(s): TAD-105 and TAD-121, or permission of instructor  
Corequisite(s): TAD-373  
Offered: Fall, Odd Years  
TAD-371  Scenic Design Laboratory  (1 Credit)  

Students will work on scenic design application skills such as model making, scenic rendering, drafting, and scenic design related software. Corequisite TAD-361.

Offered: Spring, Odd Years  
TAD-372  Lighting Design Laboratory  (1 Credit)  

Students will work on lighting design application skills such as lighting technology, rendering, and drafting and paperwork software.

Prerequisite(s): TAD-105 and TAD-121, or permission of instructor  
Corequisite(s): TAD-362  
Offered: Spring, Even Years  
TAD-373  Costume Design Laboratory  (1 Credit)  

Students will work on Costume design application skills such as human anatomy, drawing clothing on figures, costume rendering, and textile.

Prerequisite(s): TAD-105 and TAD-121, or permission of instructor  
Corequisite(s): TAD-363  
Offered: Spring, Odd Years  
TAD-393  Theatre Internship  (4 Credits)  

A supervised contracted experience applying theatrical theories and skills in a professional setting. Internships are arranged by the student with approval from the TAD faculty. On-site and faculty supervision are required.

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and permission of instructor  
Offered: Summer, Every Year  
TAD-397  Production Process  (1-4 Credits)  

With approval of the faculty member concerned, a student may earn credit for fulfilling a position of responsibility on a faculty-directed production. May be repeated for credit.

Offered: All, Every Year  
TAD-398  Performance Process  (0-4 Credits)  

This lecture/laboratory course in theatre or dance examines the performance process from audition through conceptual analysis, rehearsal, and ensemble development, to the critical stage experience. May be repeated for unlimited credit.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor  
Offered: All, Every Year  
TAD-411  Contemporary/Modern Dance V  (1-4 Credits)  

Advanced work in contemporary/modern dance technique and performance. Primary focus is to clarify and articulate technical ability to help illustrate choreographic intention. Composition work emphasizes the use of choreographic collaboration reflecting themes in cultural issues, music analysis, or topics of contemporary concern. May be repeated once for credit.

Prerequisite(s): TAD-311 or TAD-312, or permission of instructor  
Offered: Fall, Every Year  
TAD-412  Modern/Contemporary Dance VI  (1-4 Credits)  

This course continues advanced work in contemporary/modern dance through the investigation of the technique/performance interrelationship. Research and choreography explore original creative voice in preparation for professional dance and/or graduate school. May be repeated once for credit.

Prerequisite(s): TAD-318 and TAD-411 or permission of instructor  
Offered: Spring, Every Year  
TAD-450  Advanced Acting  (3 Credits)  

Actors explore technique specific to the handling the classical texts of ancient origins through the 18th century.

Prerequisite(s): TAD-350  
Corequisite(s): TAD-455  
Offered: Fall, Odd Years  
TAD-455  Ensemble, Voice, and Movement 3  (1 Credit)  

A studio course to provide continuous voice, movement and ensemble based training. Work builds on foundational work explored in Voice and Movement. The ensemble provides a platform for education, directing and acting students to collaborate and engage in creative practice.

Prerequisite(s): TAD-350  
Corequisite(s): TAD-450 or permission of instructor  
Offered: Fall, Odd Years  
TAD-460  Directing  (3 Credits)  

An introduction to directing theory and practice that includes play selection, script analysis, research, directorial concept, character biographies, casting, rehearsal planning, development of a production team, rehearsal management, blocking, integrating sets, lighting, sound, costumes, and music. Culminates in a hands-on directing project.

Prerequisite(s): TAD-350  
Corequisite(s): TAD-465  
Offered: Fall, Odd Years  
TAD-465  Ensemble Voice and Movement 4  (1 Credit)  

A studio course to provide continuous voice, movement and ensemble based training. Work builds on foundational work explored in TAD-460. The ensemble provides a platform for education, directing and acting students to collaborate and engage in creative practice.

Prerequisite(s): TAD-350 or permission of instructor  
Corequisite(s): TAD-460  
Offered: Fall, Odd Years  
TAD-470  Directing 2  (3 Credits)  

To prepare students for solo directorial projects this course continues work started in Directing 1 with an additional focus on producing. The course culminates in an evening of one-act plays directed and co-produced by students.

Prerequisite(s): TAD-460  
Corequisite(s): TAD-475  
Offered: Spring, Odd Years  
TAD-475  Ensemble Voice and Movement 5  (1 Credit)  

A studio course to provide continuous voice, movement and ensemble based training. Work builds on foundational work explored in TAD-470. The ensemble provides a platform for education, directing and acting students to collaborate and engage in creative practice.

Prerequisite(s): TAD-460 or permission of instructor  
Corequisite(s): TAD-470  
Offered: Spring, Odd Years  
TAD-490  Advanced Special Topics  (4 Credits)  

An exploration of areas not covered by the regular curriculum. Content and prerequisites depend on available faculty and resident artists. May be repeated for credit.

TAD-492  Capstone  (4 Credits)  

In our Capstone course students reflect on the development of their artistic voice and engage in creative inquiry. They research, analyze, explain, manage, and carry out some important aspect of a theatrical production. Depending on the student's interests, the project may focus on acting, directing, dramaturgy, or design.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor  
Offered: Spring, Even Years  
TAD-494  Arts Management Practicum  (4 Credits)  

Arts Lab for students from professionally aligned disciplines to gain hands-on experience in the performing arts management field. Students work with creative practitioners on projects that facilitate professional skills and resume development. Focus areas include arts programming, budgeting, education, project management, marketing and communication, and fundraising. By permission of instructor.

Offered: All, Every Year  
TAD-495  Modern Dance Seminar  (4 Credits)  

The course examines the evolution of artistic ideas in contemporary dance. Through the analysis of the modern dance art form and the examination of 20th century choreographers and dancers, students will contextualize the work of 21st century dance artists.

Prerequisite(s): TAD-235 or permission of instructor  
Offered: Spring, Odd Years  
TAD-496  Dance Education Practicum I  (2 Credits)  

A practicum in developing curriculum and teaching dance in public and nontraditional school programs. The course content addresses standards and assessment in the New Hampshire Curriculum Framework for the Arts. May be repeated for credit. Section 01 - Primary, section 02 - Intermediate, section 03 - Middle School.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor  
Offered: Fall, Every Year  
TAD-497  Dance Education Practicum II  (2 Credits)  

A continued praticum in developing curriculum and teaching dance in public and nontraditional school programs. The course content addresses standards and assessment in the New Hampshire Frameworks for Arts Curriculum. May be repeated for credit. Section 01 - Primary, section 02 - Intermediate, section 03 - Middle School.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of Instructor  
Offered: Spring, Every Year  
TAD-498  Independent Study  (1-4 Credits)  

Intensive study of an issue, problem, or topic related to theatre arts or dance. May be repeated.

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and permission of instructor  
Offered: All, Every Year