Theatre and Dance Program
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, honor’s thesis, 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 001. Dance in the Contmporary World. 3 Credits.
An examination of dance as it exists in contemporary life, art, culture, entertainment and/or performance. Topics vary. Emphasis on reading, writing, viewing videos/films, and attending live performances, mixed with practical/creative experiential learning. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years.
DNCE 005. D2:Intro to World Dance Cult. 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.
DNCE 006. D2:Asian Performance Tradition. 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 077.
DNCE 011. 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 015. 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.
DNCE 016. 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.
DNCE 021. 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.
DNCE 025. 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.
DNCE 031. D2: 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.
DNCE 033. D2: 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.
DNCE 050. 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.
DNCE 060. 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.
DNCE 062. 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 092. Internship. 1-3 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 095. Introductory 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 096. Introductory 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 097. 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 111. 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 011 or Instructor permission.
DNCE 116. 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 021.
DNCE 121. 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 021 or Instructor permission.
DNCE 150. D1:Jazz in American Dance. 3 Credits.
An in-depth study of the influence of African-derived dance forms on American social/vernacular dance, as well as American Theatre Jazz, Modern Dance, and Ballet. Pre/co-requisites: DNCE 050 or Instructor permission.
DNCE 155. D2: 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 005, DNCE 050, or DNCE 150.
DNCE 156. 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 050 or Instructor permission.
DNCE 160. Dance Composition. 3 Credits.
A study of time, space, force, and design as they relate to dance composition. Focus on developing original movement in the creation of choreographic studies/projects. Pre/co-requisite: DNCE 060 or Instructor permission.
DNCE 165. 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 060.
DNCE 175. Dance Repertory. 1 Credit.
Participation in the learning and rehearsal of dance choreography. May or may not be performed for the public. Pre/co-requisite: Audition or Instructor permission.
DNCE 176. 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.
DNCE 177. 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.
DNCE 178. 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.
DNCE 192. 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 194. 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 195. Intermediate 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 196. Intermediate 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 197. 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. Prerequisite: Department permission.
DNCE 198. 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. Prerequisite: Department permission.
DNCE 211. 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 111 or Instructor permission.
DNCE 230. 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.
DNCE 254. 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 050, DNCE 160 or THE 154. Cross-listed with: THE 254.
DNCE 260. 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 060, DNCE 160.
DNCE 265. 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 060; DNCE 160 or DNCE 165 recommended.
DNCE 280. Advanced Studies in Dance. 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 100-level DNCE courses; Senior standing; departmental permission.
DNCE 292. 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 294. 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 295. Advanced 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 296. Advanced 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 297. 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 298. 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.
Theatre Courses
THE 001. 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.
THE 010. Acting I: 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.
THE 013. 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.
THE 014. 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 017. Performance and Society. 3 Credits.
Study of the many facets of live performance. Application of critical theory and social frameworks to determine relevance and meaning in our historical moment. Investigation into how production translated from page to live performance and the complexities of artistic choices.
THE 020. Fundamentals of Lighting. 0 or 4 Credits.
Primary course in the area of stage lighting design and execution. Includes Lab.
THE 024. 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.
THE 030. 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 034. 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.
THE 040. Fundamentals of Costuming. 0 or 4 Credits.
Primary course in area of costume design and construction. Includes Lab. Fall.
THE 044. 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.
THE 050. 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. Fall. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and Instructor permission.
THE 075. D1:Diversity:Cont 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. Cross-listed with: CRES 075.
THE 077. D2:Asian Performance Tradition. 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 006.
THE 091. Internship. 1-3 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 095. Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
See Schedule of Courses for specific titles. Fall. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
THE 096. Introductory Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
See Schedule of Courses for specific topics.
THE 110. Acting II:Cntmp Scene Study. 3 Credits.
Continuation of Acting I. Development of acting techniques through intensive scene work: refining script analysis and performance skills using contemporary scenes. Prerequisites: THE 010; Sophomore standing.
THE 111. Acting III:Voice & Speech. 3 Credits.
Study of the basics of voice production and Standard American Speech; exercises and practice focusing on freeing the voice and developing good vocal habits. Spring. Prerequisite: THE 010.
THE 112. Acting IV: Movement. 3 Credits.
Development of physical freedom and articulate physical expression through techniques promoting relaxation, flexibility, strength, creative spontaneity, and purposeful movement. Techniques applied to short movement performances. Fall. Prerequisite: THE 010 and Instructor permission.
THE 119. 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 010.
THE 120. Lighting Design. 3 Credits.
Explores, through classroom instruction and projects, the development of lighting designs for a variety of live performance situations. Prerequisite: THE 020. Fall only.
THE 130. 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 030. Spring only.
THE 140. Costume Design. 3 Credits.
Elements, principles, and styles of design applied to the visual creation of a dramatic character. Prerequisite: THE 014 or THE 040.
THE 150. Hist I:Class/Med/Ren Thtr. 3 Credits.
A study of the theatrical rituals of Greece, Rome, and the Middle Ages leading to the reinvention of theatre in Renaissance Italy, England, and Spain. Spring. Prerequisite: THE 050.
THE 154. Issues in Theatre History. 3 Credits.
Examination of a wide range of primary materials and debates in theater history. Allows students to explore cultural, political, and historical discussions in the field by putting past and present performance traditions and aesthetic theories in conversation. Prerequisite: THE 050.
THE 160. Stage Management. 3 Credits.
Theory and practice for stage managing in the non-commercial theatre. Prerequisites: THE 010 and Pre/co-requisites: THE 010 and one of: THE 020, THE 030, THE 040. Spring.
THE 170. Playwriting and Dramatic Forms. 3 Credits.
Studies models of dramatic structure and contemporary concepts of writing for the stage and apply principles to the creation of original works. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: THE 050 or ENGS 053; minimum Sophomore standing. Cross-listed with: ENGS 115.
THE 190. Theatre Practicum. 0.5-3 Credits.
Students are required to earn credit through production activities. Project proposals must be approved by department faculty. Students may not complete more than 2 credits in any one area of production (acting, production crew, front of house, marketing, and design). Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
THE 191. 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 192. 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 195. Intermediate Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
See Schedule of Courses for specific titles. Fall. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
THE 196. Intermediate Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
See Schedule of Courses for specific titles. Spring. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
THE 197. 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. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission.
THE 198. 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. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission.
THE 200. 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. Prerequisite: Junior/Senior standing and by Instructor permission only.
THE 212. Mask: Transformational Acting. 3 Credits.
Mask is used to provoke actor's imagination through improvisation, physical gesture, creation of original works, and storytelling. Prerequisites: THE 010, THE 110, or Instructor permission.
THE 250. Directing I. 3 Credits.
Theory of theatrical directing, including script analysis; approaches to audition, rehearsal, and performance; coaching actors. Prerequisites: THE 010, THE 020, THE 030, THE 040, THE 050, THE 110, THE 150, either THE 120, THE 130, or THE 140; Senior standing or Instructor permission. Fall.
THE 252. History II:17th - 21st Century. 3 Credits.
A study of historical context, theatrical conventions, and dramas representative of the restoration, sentimental neo classicism, romanticism, realism, and anti-realism to the contemporary. Prerequisite: THE 150.
THE 254. 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 050 ,DNCE 160 or THE 154. Cross-listed with: DNCE 254.
THE 283. Seminar - Design. 3 Credits.
Senior Theatre projects for students in areas of design. Prerequisites: Senior standing; THE 010, THE 020, THE 030, THE 040, THE 050, THE 150, THE 252; and THE 120, THE 130, or THE 140; and by Instructor permission only.
THE 284. Seminar: Act, Dir, SM, Write. 3 Credits.
Senior Theatre projects for students in the areas of acting, directing, playwriting, and stage management. Prerequisites: Senior standing; THE 010, THE 020, THE 030, THE 040, THE 050, THE 150, THE 252; and by Instructor permission only. In addition: for Actors: THE 110; for Stage Managers: THE 160; for Playwrights: THE 170; for Directors, THE 250.
THE 291. 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 292. 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 295. Advanced Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
See Schedule of Courses for specific titles. Pre/co-requisite: Instructor permission only.
THE 296. Advanced Special Topics. 1-18 Credits.
See Schedule of Courses for specific titles. Pre/co-requisite: Instructor permission only.
THE 297. 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 298. 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.