ObjectivesThe Specialization in Theatre Performance prepares the actor for further training and gives the opportunity for performance in a variety of theatrical genres and performance styles. From the foundation provided in the first year core courses, performance students during the second and third year explore and refine their skills in movement, voice, singing, characterization, and ensemble work. Upper level courses include classes in mask, Commedia dell’arte and text work in Shakespeare. Department and student-initiated productions are offered. Advanced work includes specialized classes in mask, Comedia dell’arte and Shakespearean interpretation. Performance students are also normally involved in departmental and student-initiated productions.
Academic titleBachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance
Course descriptionSpecialization in Theatre Performance — 60 credits
First Year — Core Studies
The study and practice of theatre require the integration of various types of artistic, scholarly, technical and organizational activities. Prominent among these are acting, design, theatre and development and technical knowledge of the stage.
Second and Third Year — Completion of Program
Students will complete the BFA degree in one of the five programs under the Department of Theatre.
Courses may include:
* Acting
* Character and Text
* Theatre Movement
* Acting Styles
* Voice and Speech
* Acting Elizabethan text
TPER 201 Introduction to Acting I (3 credits)
Emphasis on developing imagination and physical expression, including basics of improvisation, the playing of intention, and the group ensemble experience working towards presentation.
NOTE: Students enrolled in a Major or Specialization program in the Department of Theatre may not take this course for credit.
TPER 202 Introduction to Acting II (3 credits)
Prerequisite: TPER 201. This course is a continuation of TPER 201 with increased emphasis on language, character, and text.
NOTE: Students enrolled in a Major or Specialization program in the Department of Theatre may not take this course for credit.
NOTE: Students who have received credit for this topic under a TDEV 298 number may not take this course for credit.
TPER 209 Acting I (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Enrolment in a program of the Department of Theatre or written permission of the Department of Theatre. An introduction to the basic principles of the acting process. Areas of study include: sensory awareness, physical and vocal expression of image and intention, improvisation exercises focusing on the development of the actor’s imagination, concentration, and ensemble playing. The emphasis is upon the process of making connections to images and listening to others in the theatrical space.
TPER 210 Acting II (3 credits)
Prerequisite: TPER 209. A continuation of TPER 209 with increased emphasis on language and text. The principles learned in the previous course will be applied to dramatic text including text analysis for the actor.
TPER 231 Theatre Movement I (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Written permission of the Department of Theatre. Movement for the stage including such areas as centring, relaxation, mime, neutral mask, and studies in rhythm and timing.
NOTE: Students who have received credit for TPER 213 or 313 may not take this course for credit.
TPER 298 Special Topics in Theatre Performance (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Written permission of the Department of Theatre. This course provides opportunities for studies in selected styles or modes of theatre performance.
NOTE: Specific topics, and additional prerequisites if required, will be stated in the Undergraduate Class Schedule.
TPER 299 Special Topics in Theatre Performance (6 credits)
Prerequisite: Written permission of the Department of Theatre. This course provides opportunities for studies in selected styles or modes of theatre performance.
NOTE: Specific topics, and additional prerequisites if required, will be stated in the Undergraduate Class Schedule.
TPER 311 Character and Text (3 credits)
Prerequisite: TPER 210. Principles of characterization in various dramatic genre: elements of rhythm, physical and vocal attitude, language, and related improvisation techniques.
TPER 312 Acting Elizabethan Text (3 credits)
Prerequisite: TPER 210. Analysis of Elizabethan text and application of acting principles to the demands of verse forms.
TPER 325 Acting Styles (3 credits)
Prerequisite: TPER 311 or 312. This course focuses on acting styles as they relate to audienceperformer relationships in dramatic genre and periods.
NOTE: Students who have received credit for TPER 411 may not take this course for credit.
TPER 331 Theatre Movement II (3 credits)
Prerequisite: TPER 231. Approaching character through the use of mask. The study of movement and voice aspects of character are approached through the use of half-masks. Improvisation skills are further developed.
NOTE: Students who have received credit for TPER 323 may not take this course for credit.
TPER 333 Special Performance Studies I (3 credits)
Prerequisite: TPER 311, 312. The study of special performance techniques such as musical theatre, clown, Commedia dell’Arte, and mime.
NOTE: Students who have received credit for TPER 413 may not take this course for credit.
TPER 345 Voice and Speech I (3 credits)
Prerequisite: TPER 210. An introduction to voice, speech, and singing skills. Vocal production, articulation, phrasing, and language analysis are taught in studio and laboratory sessions.
NOTE: Students who have received credit for TPER 215 may not take this course for credit.
TPER 355 Voice and Speech II (3 credits)
Prerequisite: TPER 345. A continuation of TPER 345 with greater emphasis on shaping patterns of speech, use of language for character development.
NOTE: Students who have received credit for TPER 315 may not take this course for credit.
TPER 398 Special Topics in Theatre Performance (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Written permission of the Department of Theatre. This course provides opportunities for studies in selected styles or modes of theatre performance.
NOTE: Specific topics, and additional prerequisites if required, will be stated in the Undergraduate Class Schedule.
TPER 399 Special Topics in Theatre Performance (6 credits)
Prerequisite: Written permission of the Department of Theatre. This course provides opportunities for studies in selected styles or modes of theatre performance.
NOTE: Specific topics, and additional prerequisites if required, will be stated in the Undergraduate Class Schedule.
TPER 431 Theatre Movement III (3 credits)
Prerequisite: TPER 331. Specialized movement techniques that may include such topics as Alexander, Feldenkreis, Laban, acrobatics and stage combat.
TPER 498 Special Topics in Theatre Performance (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Written permission of the Department of Theatre. This course provides opportunities for studies in selected styles or modes of theatre performance.
NOTE: Specific topics, and additional prerequisites if required, will be stated in the Undergraduate Class Schedule.
TPER 499 Special Topics in Theatre Performance (6 credits)
Prerequisite: Written permission of the Department of Theatre. This course provides opportunities for studies in selected styles or modes of theatre performance.
NOTE: Specific topics, and additional prerequisites if required, will be stated in the Undergraduate Class Schedule.