On to Music Up to Index Search the Calendar
The drama courses have been devised to serve students who intend to major in Drama, students who intend to specialize in Visual and Performing Arts, and students who have a casual interest in drama and theatre.
We offer two types of courses which complement each
other: theoretical and practical. The theoretical courses are
in the history of theatre and in special aspects of theatre history
and theory. In the practical courses, students become acquainted
with all aspects of theatre production in studio situations, both
as actors and technicians. Participation in public productions
at the College is strongly encouraged.
Supervisor: P. Sperdakos (287-7188)
Students must complete seven full-course equivalents as follows:
1. VPAA31Y An Introduction to the Practical Elements of Theatre
VPAB31Y Intermediate Workshop in Theatre Performance
2. VPAB20H The History of Theatre I: From Classical Antiquity to the Elizabethan and Jacobean Theatre
VPAB21H The History of Theatre II: From the Restoration
Theatre to the Theatre of the First Part of the 19th
Century
VPAB22H The History of Theatre III: Modern Theatre
3. VPAB24H Theatre in Canada
VPAB25H Introduction to Asian Theatrical Traditions
4. ENGB11Y Twentieth Century Drama
5. Two full-course equivalents in Drama, one of which
must be at the C- or D-level. Students may substitute VPAB04H
and VPAB05H, or other courses outside of Drama, but must first
obtain written permission from the Supervisor of Studies.
Supervisor: P. Sperdakos (287-7188)
Students must complete four full-course equivalents as follows:
1. VPAA31Y An Introduction to the Practical Elements of Theatre
2. At least two of VPAB20H-VPAB25H
3. One full-course equivalent from the C- or D-level.
Students wishing to take VPAC31H must first take VPAB31Y.
An introductory practical course, concentrating on the non-literary aspects of theatre.
In the workshops the student will study basic acting techniques (including basic training in voice, movement, script interpretation, building a character), and will also be introduced to such technical skills as lighting, sound, makeup, set construction and painting. In addition, the student will be expected to participate in at least one production per term.
Two two-hour workshops per week, plus additional time as necessary for rehearsals and/or production meetings, etc. Careful preparation for each workshop is essential.
Exclusion: DRM200
T.B.A. / P. Sperdakos
Discovering the special nature of various forms of theatrical performance.
Students will attend a number of productions and learn the principles of writing a critical review; they are introduced to the resources necessary to the production of a play.
T.B.A.
A survey of staging practices, acting styles, and architectural traditions in the major theatres of Europe. The study of the golden period of theatre in Spain will be followed by an examination of British theatre from 1642 till the end of the 18th century, the theatre in France under Moliere and the great neoclassical dramatists, as well as theatre in Northern and Eastern Europe. Also studied will be the early theatre in North America.
The principal text will be Oscar Brockett's History of the Theatre. Other texts will be announced. The course will be taught in lectures and seminars.
Exclusion: DRM264
T.B.A.
The study of theatre in Europe and North America from the beginning of the 19th century to the 1960's.
Major topics of concentration will include the emergence of realism in the theatre, naturalism, and anti-realist trends on stage. Also studied will be Expressionistic theatre, Dadaism, Futurism, Surrealism, Theatre of the Absurd, and other forms of mainstream and avantgarde contemporary theatre. Attention will also be given to "lesser" theatrical forms such as vaudeville, burlesque, and circus.
The principal text will be Oscar Brockett's History of the Theatre. Other texts will be announced. The course will be taught in lectures and seminars.
Exclusions: (VPAB23H), DRM264, DRM266
T.B.A.
The students will be introduced to some of the major theatrical traditions of Asia.
The principles of Chinese theatre from the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, and of the Ch'ing theatre (Beijing Opera) will be surveyed, as well as the three major Japanese forms of theatre, Noh, Kabuki, and Bunraku. The wayang puppet theatre of Indonesia will also be studied. Other topics will include the great Sanskrit plays of India, and forms of Indian dance theatre, such as the kathakali.
Students will read translations of plays and study some of the theoretical aspects of Oriental theatre in lectures and seminars. Recorded and visual materials will be used extensively.
T.B.A.
This course is designed to enable advanced students to concentrate on problems related to the staging of plays in studio situations.
A portion of the course is devoted to work with TV-videotape equipment. A minimum of three hours weekly in formal groups, and additional time in rehearsal, will be devoted to advanced exercises in acting skills, scene work, and work on productions.
Exclusions: DRM300, (VPAC30Y)
Prerequisite: VPAA31Y
An introduction to the fundamentals of the technical production process.
Students will study the essentials of production and stage management, theatre management, set building and painting, stage lighting, and sound design. As part of the course, students will also assume responsibility for some of the technical and production positions available in college productions.
Exclusion: DRM254Y
Pre- or Co-requisites: VPAA31Y (VPAB30Y)
Discovering the relationship of plays and playhouses.
Students will attend five or six productions, write reviews and consider the various physical spaces in which drama may be performed.
Prerequisite: VPAA39H or permission of the instructor
T.B.A.
Detailed textual analysis, in-depth scene study and elements of directing for the stage in a studio setting. Detailed study of a play which will be produced in the second term.
The course will include work on theatrical technique in areas such as period style, masks, improvisation, etc.
Students are expected to participate in a major production generated by the class, as well as on specific assignments related to the work in the course. They will also work on projects according to their individual area of interest.
Exclusion: DRM400
Prerequisites: VPAB31Y (VPAC30Y)
T.B.A.
An examination of the theatre and the drama in English from 1830 to 1880.
The course traces the movement from romanticism towards realism and the adoption of many of the conventions of twentieth-century theatre.
Byron, Boucicault, Tom Taylor, Tom Robertson, David Belasco, Pinero, and H.A. Jones. The relationship of the drama to the developing modern playhouse, the introduction of new technologies, the changing social attitudes towards theatre, the growth of the Music Hall, and the influence of French and German drama in this period are also assessed.
Prerequisites: Three full-course equivalents in drama or English including one of VPAB22H or ENGB11Y or ENGC33Y
An advanced reading course for Drama students.
Students wishing to take any of these courses should consult with the Supervisor of Studies who will arrange with the student a reading list and set the specific requirements for the course.
The emphasis in this course will be on advanced individual projects exploring specific areas of the history of the theatre and/or dramatic literature. Proposals by students for specific projects will be assessed by the Supervisor of Studies in consultation with other members of faculty.
Prerequisite: One B-level full-course equivalent in Drama, and permission of the instructor.
Exclusion: DRM390
Members of Faculty
The practical study of major theatrical productions.
Students will prepare for a public theatrical performance within the College. Students taking the course for credit will be required to work on design projects, work as directors, or as production stage managers, and will submit written work at the end of the course.
Prerequisites for credit students: VPAC31H and permission of the instructor
T.B.A.
Exclusions: DRM260, DRM262
VPAB24H3 Theatre in Canada
Exclusion: DRM268
VPAB26H3 Women in the Theatre
VPAB28Y3 The Art and Nature of Comedy
Full Listing of Courses Not Offered
On to Music Up to Index Search the Calendar