Drama Courses & Descriptions
An asterisk (*) indicates a performance class. Use of performance classes in the distribution area of the Arts & Science transfer degree is limited to 5 credits.
DRMA& 101 Introduction to the Theatre • 5 CR
Previously DRAMA 101
Explores the theatre experience from a variety of perspectives, including the audience, the playwright, the actor, the designer, and the director. Attendance at two performances (one on campus) is required.
DRMA 151* Basic Acting Fundamentals • 5 CR
Previously DRAMA 151
Introduces the basic techniques and tools used by the actor. Moving from improvisation to scene work. Students learn warm ups, theatre games, vocal physical and emotional awareness, listening skills, and beginning textual analysis using objectives, obstacles and tactics.
DRMA 152* Basic Acting Movement • 5 CR
Previously DRAMA 152
Concentrates on tuning the actor’s body. Students gain fluidity, flexibility, and agility and develop specific skills such as stage fights and mime. Students practice dramatic situations incorporating both character work and strenuous physical activity.
DRMA 153* Basic Acting Scene Study • 5 CR
Previously DRAMA 153
Emphasizes interpretation of the text through work on scenes and monologues. Students work with scene partners, develop a character and explore the scenes using textural analysis to find objectives and obstacles for performance.
DRMA 161* Acting for Film & Media • 5 CR
Previously DRAMA 161
Introduces acting techniques as applied to film and other media. Students become comfortable in front of a lens and learn to convey on-camera believability. Shot styles include masters, two shots, over-the-shoulders, and close-ups. Students also take roles behind the camera.
DRMA 200 Drama Colloquium • 3 CR
Previously DRAMA 200
Offers an in-depth analysis of the history and literature of the period for BC’s annual drama production. Format includes discussion with the director, designers, and technical director of the production. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in DRMA 291 (prev DRAMA 291) and permission of instructor.
DRMA 206 American Musical Theatre • 5 CR
Previously DRAMA 206
Traces the development of the American Musical from its roots in Vaudeville, through the tap shows of the thirties, the classical musicals of Rodgers and Hammerstein, rock musicals, Sondheim, and Webber up to the newest musicals on and off Broadway. Covers script (book), dance, music, production, thematic material, and the cultural context in which each show was written. Lecture videos, CD’s, scripts and a text are used.
DRMA 210 Scene Technology • 4 CR
Previously DRAMA 110
Presents theories and techniques, and equipment in theater lighting. Intensive lecture/lab format. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in DRMA 290 (prev DRAMA 290).
DRMA 212 Stage Lighting • 4 CR
Previously DRAMA 112
Presents basic theories, techniques, and equipment in theater lighting. Intensive lecture/lab format. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in DRMA 290 (prev DRAMA 290).
DRMA 215 Scene Design • 4 CR
Previously DRAMA 115
Introduction to set design. Students explore dramatic metaphor and the tangible execution of aesthetic. Students explicate dramatic texts, conceptualize scenic designs, draft working schematics and build models. Students collaborate and present their designs to the class.
DRMA 224 Great Plays • 5 CR
Previously DRAMA 224
Introduces students to some of the greatest plays in the Western theater tradition from the Ancient Greeks through the 19th century. Theatrical conventions demonstrated in each major period are studied. The relationship between play writes and playmaking is explored.
DRMA 230 Audition Technique • 2 CR
Previously DRAMA 230
Exploration and practice techniques and materials required to audition for plays, musicals, and advanced theatre programs.
DRMA 251* Advanced Acting: Contemporary Scene Study • 5 CR
Previously DRAMA
Examines scenes from 19th-century and contemporary theater. Students rehearse and perform selected scenes in class. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and/or audition.
DRMA 252* Advanced Acting: Classical Scene Study • 5 CR
Previously DRAMA 252
Examines scenes from Classical Greek and Roman theater. Students rehearse and perform selected scenes in class. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and/or audition.
DRMA 253* Advanced Acting: Elizabethan Scene Study • 5 CR
Previously DRAMA 253
Examines scenes from Elizabethan, 17th-, and 18th-century theater. Students rehearse and perform selected scenes in class. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and/or audition.
DRMA 280* Studio Theater • 5 CR
Previously DRAMA 280
Offers in-depth analysis of and performance opportunities in a play with limited production values. All students in the class are cast in the play. Lecture/lab format. May be repeated for a maximum of 30 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
DRMA 281* Advanced Studio Theater • V1-5 CR
Previously DRAMA 281
All students are cast in the Studio Theater Production. Students analyze, prepare, rehearse and perform a play. Students also participate in cast leadership responsibilities. Provides practical experience in rehearsing and performing a play or musical. May be repeated for a maximum of 10 credits. Prerequisite: DRMA 280 (prev DRAMA 280) and permission of instructor.
DRMA 290* Technical Practice • 1 CR
Previously DRAMA 290
Provides stage or light crew component of DRMA 210 or 212. Requires a minimum of 33 hours of backstage work on the studio theater production. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in DRMA 210 (prev DRAMA 210) or DRMA 212 (prev DRAMA 212).
DRMA 291* Theater Practicum • 2 CR
Previously DRAMA 291
Provides practical hands-on experience in theater production. Students work on the yearly main stage shows or on special projects for studio productions. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in DRMA 200 (prev DRAMA 200) or permission of instructor.
DRMA 294/295/296/297 Special Topics in Theatre Art • V1-5 CR
Previously DRAMA 294/295/296/297
Allows focused study of topics supplementing the Theatre Arts curriculum. Topics are announced in the class schedule. May be repeated for a maximum of 10 credits.
DRMA 299 Individual Research • V1-5 CR
Previously DRAMA 299
Covers individual study in some aspect of drama. Topics include acting, stage, costumes, lighting, publicity, playwriting, or directing. May be repeated for a maximum of 15 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.