Santa Clara University

DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE AND DANCE

 

Professors: Barbara Fraser, Frederick P. Tollini, S.J.
Associate Professors: Aldo Billingslea, Jerald R. Enos, Barbara Murray (Department Chair), David J. Popalisky, Michael Zampelli, S.J. (Paul L. Locatelli, S.J. Professor)
Assistant Professor: Kimberly M. Hill
Senior Lecturers: Derek Duarte, Kristin Kusanovich, David Sword

 

The Department of Theatre and Dance celebrates creativity of the human spirit, offering a well-rounded education leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts with an emphasis in either theatre or dance. This study involves both academic disciplines and creative processes. These include practice and analysis of skills required in the performing arts; critical evaluation of literature, history, and theory of drama and dance; collaboration in production and public presentation of performance. The department also offers minors in theatre and dance as well as an interdisciplinary minor in musical theatre in cooperation with the Department of Music.

Theatre and dance are distinct but related areas of emphasis. While each has its own set of requirements, students in either emphasis share common courses. Through lectures, studio courses, labs, and productions, students work closely with faculty and staff mentors. The theatre program offers coordinated courses in acting, design, technical production, directing, dramatic literature, and theatre history. Students within the theatre emphasis will have a well-rounded foundation but may focus their study on any of the above areas.

The dance program emphasizes modern dance and choreography, with additional training in jazz and ballet. In these areas, students have many opportunities for performance and production; majors have the option of a senior recital, directing project, design assignment, or a senior thesis. Majors must fulfill the University Core Curriculum and College of Arts and Sciences requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree and the department requirements in their emphasis area, theatre or dance.

A degree in theatre arts provides preparation for many career options. Some students continue on to graduate school, perfecting skills in acting, dance, design, directing, or historical studies. Graduates in theatre and dance have successfully pursued careers in professional theatre and dance companies, film, television, arts administration, and teaching. In addition, many have applied their skills in careers outside of theatre—in medicine, law, management, marketing, development, and religion.

A strong liberal arts education is inherent in the study of theatre and dance. Students are encouraged to work with their advisors planning a program that includes courses within their focus area and courses in other departments with related disciplines. Programs that partner well with theatre and dance include: English, music, communication, studio art, psychology, political science, and marketing. Students may combine theatre with various education waiver programs. Courses in theatre and dance can provide students of any major with experience in collaborative work, critical thinking, management, and communication skills.

The theatre season usually includes at least four faculty-directed plays, three dance concerts, and student-directed plays and recitals. Participation in departmental productions is open to all members of the University community: students, faculty, and staff. Guest productions by professional dance and theatre companies occasionally form part of the season, and guest artists periodically direct, design, choreograph, or perform in shows with Santa Clara students.

The University also offers an interdisciplinary minor in musical theatre. Please see interdisciplinary minors for requirements.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR

In addition to fulfilling University Core Curriculum and College of Arts and Sciences requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree, students majoring in theatre arts must complete the following departmental requirements:

Emphasis in Theatre

• THTR 9, 20, 21, 30
• THTR 41, 42, 43
• Two courses from THTR 31, 32, 33
• DANC 46
• THTR 185
• One course from THTR 116, 117, 118
• DANC 159 or 189
• Four approved 5-unit upper-division theatre or dance electives; two of which must be in alternate specializations: acting, design/technical, directing, history/literature, playwriting
• Four units of THTR 39/139

Emphasis in Dance

• THTR 9, 20, 30
• DANC 67
• One course from DANC 40, 41, or 42
• One course from DANC 43, 44, or 45
• DANC 46, 47, 48, 49
• One course from THTR 31, 32, or 33
• DANC 143 and 146
• Two courses from DANC 140, 141, 142, 145, 147, or 148
• DANC 162 or 166
• DANC 159 or 189
• Two approved 5-unit upper-division theatre or dance electives
• Four units of THTR 39/139

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINORS

Students must fulfill the following requirements for a minor in theatre or dance:

Minor in Theatre

• THTR 10, THTR 8 or THTR 20, THTR 30 or THTR 31
• One 4-unit lower-division theatre and dance elective
• Four 5-unit upper-division theatre and dance courses
• THTR 39/139

Minor in Dance

• THTR 10
• DANC 46, DANC 47, DANC 48, DANC 49
• Four units of ballet or jazz
• DANC 143 and DANC 146
• One course from DANC 140, 141, 142, 145, 147, or 148
• One 5-unit upper-division theatre and dance elective
• THTR 39/139

LOWER and UPPER DIVISION COURSE LISTINGS are AVAILABLE in the Undergraduate Bulletin (PDF)