https://www.uvm.edu/cas/theatreanddance
Theatre
The Theatre Program provides a breadth and depth of experience so students gain skills to understand the various facets of theatre, while at the same time learning the vital and transferable attributes of critical analysis, problem solving, and belief in one’s own contributions, creativity, and ideas.
The Theatre Program provides students with a combination of theory and practice in understanding theatre as an art form that reflects the human condition. Students who major or minor in theatre are required to take core courses that provide an historical and critical foundation as well as fundamentals courses in areas of acting and design. A wide offering of additional courses are available that reflect theatre as social practice, personal expression, and creative collaboration.
Theatre faculty are working professionals as well as scholars who contribute to the field of theatre in the areas of acting, directing, playwriting, theatre design, and criticism. Students who study theatre have access to faculty through small workshop classes, independent study projects, honors theses, coaching for performance assignments, and production work.
Dance
The Dance Program offers a major and a minor. Both are designed for students who wish to pursue dance studies within a liberal arts context and are open to both students coming to UVM with prior dance training and those who discover dance in college. Inclusivity is a top priority.
UVM Dance combines concentrated applied and experiential practice in composition and performance with the study of dance history, theory, and culture. With an emphasis on physical/creative action and engaged inquiry, it is the goal of the Dance Program to facilitate rich and meaningful interaction amongst faculty, guest, and student artists/scholars. The Dance Program also seeks strong alliances with other art forms and related disciplines on campus. A main emphasis of the program is on student creative work; students have many opportunities to create and present original work in on campus productions and at regional dance conferences.
Dance faculty at UVM are active artists and experienced educators who offer a wide range of courses in different technical, stylistic, somatic, and theoretical approaches to dance studies. Both the major and the minor are designed with flexibility for students to include broad exposure to dance studies; the major culminates with a clear and focused investigation of an advanced topic and/or project.
Dance Courses
DNCE 1010. Topics In: First-Year Seminar. 3 Credits.
Intensive first-year seminar focused on specific themes and/or disciplinary perspectives. Emphasis on developing critical reading and writing skills, substantive revision, information literacy, and analytical thinking. First-year seminars are frequently organized to meet one of the disciplinary Catamount Core requirements. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Catamount Core: AH1, WIL1.
DNCE 1020. Topics In: LASP Writing. 3 Credits.
Intensive course in a broad disciplinary area (humanities, social sciences, arts, or natural sciences). Part of an integrated first-year experience in which students take 2-4 classes exploring aesthetic, humanistic, social, linguistic, environmental, or scientific issues. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Co-requisite: Enrollment in the appropriate Liberal Arts Scholars Program.
DNCE 1025. Topics In: LASP Seminar. 3 Credits.
Intensive course in a broad disciplinary area (humanities, social sciences, arts, or natural sciences). Part of an integrated first-year experience in which students take 2-4 classes exploring aesthetic, humanistic, social, linguistic, environmental, or scientific issues. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Co-requisite: Enrollment in the appropriate Liberal Arts Scholars Program.
DNCE 1050. Dance in the Contmporary World. 3 Credits.
An examination of dance as it exists in contemporary life, art, culture, entertainment and/or performance. Emphasis on reading, writing, viewing videos/films, and attending live performances, mixed with practical/creative experiential learning.
DNCE 1100. Contemporary: Foundations. 3 Credits.
Introduction to applied practice in contemporary dance. Open to students with no previous dance training. Emphasis on fundamentals of contemporary dance technique and movement mechanics. Includes overview of modern/contemporary dance history and experiential anatomy. Reading, writing, and attending live performances required. May be repeated for credit.
DNCE 1110. Yoga for Performance. 1 Credit.
Designed for dancers, actors, athletes, and more. Introduces the language, philosophy, history, and concepts of Yoga. Emphasis on asanas (poses) for increased flexibility, improved health, relaxation, and reduced stress in daily living. Appropriate for all levels of fitness. Catamount Core: AH1.
DNCE 1120. Pilates. 1 Credit.
Kinesthetic and intellectual introduction to the physical conditioning techniques of Joseph Pilates. Matwork exercises to develop strength, flexibility, stamina, coordination and mind/body awareness. Appropriate for all levels of fitness. Catamount Core: AH1.
DNCE 1200. Movement & Improvisation. 3 Credits.
Guided exploration in dance elements for the creative development of personal movement vocabulary, spontaneous group interaction, as well as overall individual and environmental awareness. Catamount Core: AH1.
DNCE 1400. Ballet: Foundations. 2 Credits.
Introduction to applied practice in ballet. Open to students with no previous dance experience. Training in classical exercises and vocabulary, with focus on placement, alignment, coordination, basic anatomy, and movement quality. Reading, writing, and attending live performances required. Catamount Core: AH1.
DNCE 1410. Hip Hop: Foundations. 2 Credits.
Introduction to applied practice in Hip Hop dance. Open to students with no previous dance training. Emphasis on technique and movement; includes overview of the origins and history of Hip Hop. Reading, writing, and attending live performances required. Catamount Core: AH1.
DNCE 1420. African Forms. 3 Credits.
A detailed study of the practice, history, and cultural significance of African and/or African-derived dance forms. Major emphasis on physical training. Catamount Core: D2.
DNCE 1430. Brazilian Dance. 3 Credits.
Exposure to Brazilian culture through embodied dance practice, informed by studies of music, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic diversity in Brazil. Focus on Brazil's most popular and traditional dances. Reading, writing, and attending live performances required. Catamount Core: D2.
DNCE 1500. Dance History & Legends. 3 Credits.
A survey of dance history in Western civilization from the Renaissance to the present. Emphasis on the dance idioms of ballet and modern dance. Catamount Core: AH1.
DNCE 1510. Global Perspectives in Dance. 3 Credits.
Survey of global dance traditions, including a variety of dance forms from Africa, South America, the Caribbean, South and East Asia, and the Middle East. Catamount Core: D2.
DNCE 1520. Asian Performance Traditions. 3 Credits.
Survey of traditional dance/theatre forms in Asia, including performance traditions from China, Korea, Japan, India, Indonesia and other locations, focusing on the religious, historical, and cultural backgrounds and their influences on contemporary performance. Cross-listed with: THE 1520. Catamount Core: D2.
DNCE 1550. Environment & Performance. 3 Credits.
Explores the relationship between the human body and environment through movement practice, reading, writing, viewing, and discourse. Focuses on intersections between geography, history, identity, and performance. Students examine and build relationships between the moving body and space, time, nature, and context.
DNCE 1990. Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
Introductory courses or seminars on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.
DNCE 2100. Contemporary: Intermediate. 3 Credits.
Intermediate level applied practice in contemporary dance. Emphasis on technical training, working toward expanded body awareness and strength, as well as compositional exploration. Reading, writing, and attending live performances required. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: DNCE 1100 or Instructor permission.
DNCE 2200. Contact Improvisation. 2 Credits.
Practical study of contact improvisation, a socially inclusive, radical movement practice in which two or more bodies make contact with each other, sharing skin, weight, and intention in improvised dances. Prerequisite: DNCE 1200. Catamount Core: AH1.
DNCE 2400. Ballet: Intermediate. 3 Credits.
Intermediate level practice in ballet. Increased competence and stamina in the practice of classical vocabulary/exercises. Emphasis on expanded anatomical principles in dance, as well as developing expressive performance. Reading, writing, and attending live performances required. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: DNCE 1400 or Instructor permission.
DNCE 2450. Musical Theatre Dance. 3 Credits.
The art of dance in musical theatre with training in performance skills, vocabulary, choreography, and specific styles of musical theatre dance. Special emphasis on choreographers whose works influenced musical theatre dance. Reading, writing, and attending live performances required. Prerequisite: DNCE 1400.
DNCE 2510. Sex, Gender & Performance. 3 Credits.
A study of performance forms from around the world with emphasis on how they reflect, shape, support and challenge cultural concepts of sex and gender. Reading, writing, basic dancing, and live events required. Prerequisite: DNCE 1510, DNCE 1500, or DNCE 2500. Catamount Core: D2.
DNCE 2520. Activism & Performance. 3 Credits.
Investigation of the role art and performance have as a catalyst for social change. Through examining global artistic contexts that have influenced radical shifts in history, explores embodied and collaborative practice as a way to excavate and create performances that are grounded in social and political conscience. Prerequisite: DNCE 1500 or Instructor permission.
DNCE 2600. Dance Composition. 3 Credits.
A study of choreography, using craft and concept in the process of dance composition. Focus on developing original movement and ideas in the creation of choreographic studies/projects. Prerequisite: DNCE 1200.
DNCE 2700. Dance Production Practicum. 1-3 Credits.
Participation in faculty-supervised dance production activities, focused on one area (production crew, design, front of house, marketing, etc.). Prerequisite: Instructor permission. Catamount Core: AH1.
DNCE 2710. Dance Performance Practicum. 1-3 Credits.
Participation in faculty-supervised dance performances; focus on rehearsal leading to fully realized public performances. Prerequisites: Audition or Instructor permission. Catamount Core: AH1.
DNCE 2720. Site Performance Practicum. 1-3 Credits.
Participation in faculty-supervised site-based performances. Emphasis on creative research that leads to performance. Includes focus on performance development/rehearsal, music accompaniment/composition, and/or technical/design preparation leading to a fully realized public performance. Prerequisite: Audition or Instructor permission. Catamount Core: AH1.
DNCE 2730. Dance Repertory. 1 Credit.
Participation in the learning and rehearsal of dance choreography. May or may not be performed for the public. Prerequisite: Audition or Instructor permission. Catamount Core: AH1.
DNCE 2990. Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
Intermediate courses or seminars on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.
DNCE 3100. Contemporary: Advanced. 3 Credits.
Advanced level contemporary dance technique. Focus on advanced skills for performance, conditioning, and exploration of digital performance. Reading, writing, and attending live performances required. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: DNCE 2100 or Instructor permission.
DNCE 3200. Advanced Improvisation. 3 Credits.
For experienced movers and improvisers. Continued investigation of movement's relationship to text, space, music, sound, contact, and solo/group dynamics. Special emphasis on compositional tools embedded in the creation of improvisational structures/scores. Reading, writing, and attending live performance or movement labs. Prerequisites: DNCE 1200; DNCE 2600 or DNCE 2200 recommended.
DNCE 3500. Theories of Performance. 3 Credits.
Coverage of a range of analytical tools and performance frames, using one to explore, enliven, and challenge the other. The concept of performance is intended to be applied widely, covering modern and contemporary dance & dance-theatre, theatrical performance, Live Art, historical re-enactments, secular and sacred rituals, mediatized performance, and performances of everyday life. Prerequisites: DNCE 1500, DNCE 2600; or THE 2500. Cross-listed with: THE 3500.
DNCE 3520. Topics in Dance Studies. 3 Credits.
Advanced seminar for Dance majors/minors. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisites: A Catamount Core WIL1 course, DNCE 1500, DNCE 2600, three additional hours of Dance at the 2000-level or above; Dance majors or minors only; minimum Junior standing. Catamount Core: WIL2.
DNCE 3530. Jazz in American Dance. 3 Credits.
An in-depth study of the legacy and influence of African and African-derived dance forms on American social/vernacular dance, theatre and jazz dance, and hip hop. Prerequisites: A Catamount Core WIL1 course, DNCE 1500, DNCE 2600, three additional hours of Dance at the 2000-level or above; Dance majors or minors only; minimum Junior standing. Catamount Core: D1, WIL2.
DNCE 3600. Choreography Workshop. 3 Credits.
Employing a variety of choreographic methodologies, students work toward developing their unique artistry in dance creation and performance through faculty-supervised projects. Special emphasis on creative collaboration with other artists and performance organization/marketing. Reading, writing, and attending live performances required. Prerequisites: DNCE 1200, DNCE 2600.
DNCE 3710. Supplemental Studio Practice. 1 Credit.
Focus on studio practice training above and beyond requirements for Dance majors. Functions as faculty-supervised independent studio work, continued training in UVM dance classes, or pursuit of dance studies beyond the scope of UVM offerings. Prerequisites: Dance majors only; Instructor permission. Catamount Core: AH1.
DNCE 3990. Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
Advanced courses or seminars on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.
DNCE 3991. Internship. 1-18 Credits.
On-site supervised work experience combined with a structured academic learning plan directed by a faculty member or a faculty-staff team in which a faculty member is the instructor of record, for which academic credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
DNCE 3993. Independent Study. 1-18 Credits.
A course which is tailored to fit the interests of a specific student, which occurs outside the traditional classroom/laboratory setting under the supervision of a faculty member, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
DNCE 3995. Undergraduate Research. 1-18 Credits.
Undergraduate student work on individual or small team research projects under the supervision of a faculty member, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
DNCE 4500. Dance Senior Capstone. 3 Credits.
A senior-level capstone course for dance majors, involving independent creative work/research in close consultation with a faculty sponsor on a specific and advanced project. Prerequisites: Nine hours of 2000-level DNCE courses; Senior standing; departmental permission.
DNCE 4990. Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
Advanced courses or seminars on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.
DNCE 4994. Teaching Assistantship. 1-3 Credits.
Undergraduate student service as a teaching assistant, usually in an introductory-level course in the discipline, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
DNCE 4996. Honors. 1-6 Credits.
College honors thesis or other department/program honors, under the supervision of a faculty member. Offered at department discretion.
Theatre Courses
THE 1010. Topics In: First-Year Seminar. 3 Credits.
Intensive first-year seminar focused on specific themes and/or disciplinary perspectives. Emphasis on developing critical reading and writing skills, substantive revision, information literacy, and analytical thinking. First-year seminars are frequently organized to meet one of the disciplinary Catamount Core requirements. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Catamount Core: WIL1.
THE 1020. Topics In: Writing. 3 Credits.
Intensive course in a broad disciplinary area (humanities, social sciences, arts, or natural sciences). Part of an integrated first-year experience in which students take 2-4 classes exploring aesthetic, humanistic, social, linguistic, environmental, or scientific issues. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Co-requisite: Enrollment in the appropriate Liberal Arts Scholars Program.
THE 1025. Topics In: LASP Seminar. 3 Credits.
Intensive course in a broad disciplinary area (humanities, social sciences, arts, or natural sciences). Part of an integrated first-year experience in which students take 2-4 classes exploring aesthetic, humanistic, social, linguistic, environmental, or scientific issues. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Co-requisite: Enrollment in the appropriate Liberal Arts Scholars Program.
THE 1030. Introduction to Theatre. 3 Credits.
Overview of general theatre practices and theories, emphasizing history, script analysis, character development, and communicative skills directed toward a modern audience. Credit not awarded for both THE 1030 and versions of the course offered as THE 1010 to 1029. Catamount Core: AH1.
THE 1100. Intro to Acting. 3 Credits.
Exercises to increase self-awareness and heighten perceptions of human behavior. Basics of script analysis and development of vocal and physical skills through practice and performance. Catamount Core: OC.
THE 1150. Improvisation Workshop. 3 Credits.
Instruction on methods and theories of improvisation as a means of developing character and authenticity for the stage as well as for social and professional contexts that require creative problem solving and collaboration. Catamount Core: OC.
THE 1300. Fundamentals of Design. 3 Credits.
Introduction to the basic techniques, concepts, and skills of theatrical design. Through analysis, research, writing, and design assignments, students will gain a deeper understanding of how designers contribute to the success of a performance and learn more about communication and collaboration within a creative team.
THE 1305. Stagecraft. 1 Credit.
Technical theatre lab experience in the areas of costuming, scene, and lighting. Hands-on learning through production work related to shows on the Theatre & Dance season. Catamount Core: AH1.
THE 1310. Stagecraft: Lighting. 1 Credit.
Lighting lab experience that provides the opportunity to learn and practice the technical aspects of lighting through hands-on production work. This course may be repeated for credit. Catamount Core: AH1.
THE 1319. Fundamentals of Lighting. 0 or 4 Credits.
Primary course in the area of stage lighting design and execution. Includes Lab.
THE 1320. Stagecraft: Scenery. 1 Credit.
A scene shop lab experience that provides the opportunity to learn and practice the technical aspects of scenery construction through hands-on production work. This course may be repeated for credit. Catamount Core: AH1.
THE 1329. Fundamentals of Scenery. 0 or 4 Credits.
A hands-on introduction to the theory and practical application of the scenic elements involved in play production (drawing, building, and painting techniques). Includes Lab.
THE 1330. Stagecraft: Costumes. 1 Credit.
A costume shop lab experience that provides the opportunity to learn and practice costume construction techniques through projects and hands-on production work. This course may be repeated for credit. Catamount Core: AH1.
THE 1339. Fundamentals of Costuming. 0 or 4 Credits.
Primary course in area of costume design and construction. Includes Lab.
THE 1500. Dramatic Analysis. 3 Credits.
Examination of structural characteristics of the basic forms and styles of drama and the manner in which they affect theatrical representation. Catamount Core: AH2.
THE 1510. Diversity in US Theatre. 3 Credits.
An exploration of plays, playwrights, performance artists, and creative production companies whose work explores topics, themes, and content centering the narratives and experiences of historically marginalized and presently underrepresented communities in U.S. theatre. Exact topics vary. Previous content has included works addressing race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, neurodivergence, body diversity, intersectionality among these, and more. Catamount Core: D1.
THE 1520. Asian Performance Traditions. 3 Credits.
Survey of traditional dance/theatre forms in Asia, including performance traditions from China, Korea, Japan, India, Indonesia and other locations, focusing on the religious, historical, and cultural backgrounds and their influences on contemporary performance. Cross-listed with: DNCE 1520. Catamount Core: D2.
THE 1990. Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
See Schedule of Courses for specific topics.
THE 2110. Contemporary Scene Study. 3 Credits.
Continuation of Intro to Acting. Development of acting techniques through intensive scene work: refining script analysis and performance skills using contemporary scenes. Prerequisites: THE 1100; minimum Sophomore standing.
THE 2140. Topics in Monologue Study. 3 Credits.
Supports students in the craft of workshopping and presenting monologues for use in entire plays as well as extracted for use in audition environments. They will engage with various practices to help build the vocal, physical, and emotional life of a character, character analysis, object/space awareness toward fictional world-building, and other techniques. Prerequisite: THE 1100.
THE 2160. Performing Musical Theatre. 3 Credits.
Provides students with a sound foundation in the craft of musical theatre performance. Instruction guides students to connect vocally, emotionally, and physically to musical materials that reflect various historical periods and styles of musical theatre. Prerequisite: THE 1100.
THE 2300. Stage Management. 3 Credits.
Theory and practice for stage managing in the non-commercial theatre. Prerequisites: THE 1100; (THE 1300; THE 1310, THE 1320, or THE 1330) or (THE 1319, THE 1329, or THE 1339).
THE 2310. Lighting Design. 3 Credits.
Explores, through classroom instruction and projects, the development of lighting designs for a variety of live performance situations. Prerequisite: THE 1300.
THE 2320. Scene Design. 3 Credits.
A practical application of the elements, principles, and styles of theatrical stage design through research, sketching, and rendering techniques. Prerequisite: THE 1300.
THE 2330. Costume Design. 3 Credits.
Elements, principles, and styles of design applied to the visual creation of a dramatic character. Prerequisite: THE 1300.
THE 2519. Theatre History I. 3 Credits.
A survey of theatre and performance traditions from early civilizations in Europe, Africa, and Asia through the medieval period and Renaissance. Prerequisite: THE 1500.
THE 2600. Playwriting. 3 Credits.
Studies models of dramatic structure and contemporary concepts of writing for the stage. Students will apply these principles to the creation of original works. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: THE 1500 or ENGL 1730; minimum Sophomore standing. Cross-listed with: ENGL 2750. Catamount Core: AH1.
THE 2700. Theatre Program Practicum. 1-3 Credits.
An experiential course that provides students with the opportunity to learn and practice hands-on theatre skills in areas including technical theatre, marketing, and/or front-of-house operations. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. Catamount Core: AH1.
THE 2710. Theatre Performance Practicum. 1-3 Credits.
An experiential course that provides students with the opportunity to learn and practice hands-on theatre skills in as part of specific Theatre & Dance Program season shows. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. Catamount Core: AH1.
THE 2990. Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
See Schedule of Courses for specific titles. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
THE 3400. Directing. 3 Credits.
Theory of theatrical directing, including script analysis; approaches to audition, rehearsal, and performance; coaching actors. Prerequisites: THE 1100, THE 1300, THE 1500, and 3 credits total of THE 2700 and THE 2710; and two of the following: THE 2110, THE 2300, THE 2310, THE 2320, THE 2330; minimum Junior standing; or Instructor permission.
THE 3500. Theories of Performance. 3 Credits.
Coverage of a range of analytical tools and performance frames, using one to explore, enliven, and challenge the other. The concept of performance is intended to be applied widely, covering modern and contemporary dance & dance-theatre, theatrical performance, Live Art, historical re-enactments, secular and sacred rituals, mediatized performance, and performances of everyday life. Prerequisites: THE 2500; or DNCE 1500, DNCE 2600. Cross-listed with: DNCE 3500.
THE 3519. Theatre History II. 3 Credits.
A survey of theatre and performance traditions from the Enlightenment to the present, with a focus on avant-garde movements and global drama. Prerequisite: THE 2519.
THE 3700. Professional Preparation. 1-3 Credits.
Topics include preparing for auditions, portfolio reviews, interviews, and research papers for entrance into graduate schools or professional theatre venues. Prerequisites: Minimum Junior standing, Instructor permission.
THE 3990. Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
See Schedule of Courses for specific titles. Pre/co-requisite: Instructor permission only.
THE 3991. Internship. 1-18 Credits.
On-site supervised work experience combined with a structured academic learning plan directed by a faculty member or a faculty-staff team in which a faculty member is the instructor of record, for which academic credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
THE 3993. Independent Study. 1-18 Credits.
A course which is tailored to fit the interests of a specific student, which occurs outside the traditional classroom/laboratory setting under the supervision of a faculty member, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
THE 3995. Undergraduate Research. 1-18 Credits.
Undergraduate student work on individual or small team research projects under the supervision of a faculty member, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
THE 4500. Theatre Senior Capstone. 3 Credits.
Senior Theatre projects for students in the areas of acting, directing, playwriting, and stage management. Additional preparation: for Actors: THE 2110; for Stage Managers: THE 2300; for Playwrights: THE 2600; for Directors, THE 3400. Prerequisites: THE 1100, THE 1300, THE 1500, THE 2500; Senior standing; Instructor permission.
THE 4509. Seminar - Design. 3 Credits.
Senior Theatre projects for students in areas of design. Prerequisites: Senior standing; THE 1100, THE 1319, THE 1329, THE 1339, THE 1500, THE 2519, THE 3519; and THE 2310, THE 2320, or THE 2330; and by Instructor permission only.
THE 4990. Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
See Schedule of Courses for specific titles. Pre/co-requisite: Instructor permission only.
THE 4994. Teaching Assistantship. 1-3 Credits.
Undergraduate student service as a teaching assistant, usually in an introductory level course in the discipline, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
THE 4996. Honors. 1-6 Credits.
College honors thesis or other department/program honors, under the supervision of a faculty member. Offered at department discretion.