Dance Courses
This course is open to first-year UA Dance majors and is designed to help students navigate college and introduce them to the field of dance as they progress through the major. The course provides an introduction to the UA dance faculty and their various specialties along with various topics related to the study of dance. It additionally includes information about resources and services at UA.
Introduction to ballet, modern, and jazz dance through theory and practice at the beginning level.
This course will introduce the basics of modern and contemporary dance techniques.
A studio course in classical ballet for first year dance majors or musical theatre majors.
The development of theory and practice of classical ballet for first year dance majors or students with some previous experience in ballet.
An introduction to dance movement as influenced by various cultures.
Development of jazz dance technique at the beginner level. This course is designed to provide an introduction to basic jazz technique, including proper warm-up, alignment work, center work, isolations, traveling sequences and improvisations.
Investigation of dance theories and principles. May be repeated for differing topics.
This course will include study of various dance styles at the intermediate level in order to prepare the musical theatre student for more advanced study. Students will be taught dance combinations from musical theatre repertoire in order to enhance technical skills while preparing for performance. The history and development of musical theatre dance will also be explored. Musical Theatre majors only or permission of the instructor.
A studio course in modern dance techniques at the intermediate level. Dance majors only.
A studio course in modern dance technique at the advanced intermediate level. Dance majors only.
Development of classical ballet technique, and performance quality at the intermediate level for dance majors. Dance majors only.
Development of the classical theory and practice of ballet, at the advanced intermediate level. Dance majors only.
A studio course in jazz dance technique at the intermediate level. Dance majors only.
A studio course in jazz dance technique at a more advanced intermediate level. Dance majors only.
A course designed to introduce tap dance language and style while immersing the beginning/intermediate student in the execution of proper tap dance technique and performance. Warm-up and across the floor exercises as well as various combinations will be taught.
This course provides for participation in departmental dance productions in the form of working on dance shows in a capacity other than performing.
Study of dance theories and principles for performance,choreography or pedagogy. Permission of instructor.
This course will focus on one area of dance such as technique, repertoire, composition or pedagogy in order to facilitate a more advanced analysis of that specific area.
Choreography and Performance Workshop allows students to apply their knowledge of choreographic and performance practice in a faculty-mentored environment.
Choreography & Performance workshop allows students to apply their knowledge of choreographic and performance practice in a faculty-mentored environment.
Students apply and extend their knowledge of choreographic and performance practice in a faculty-mentored environment.
Continued exploration of musical theatre dance technique and style at a more advanced level. Students will learn movement covering a wide range of musical theatre eras and styles, with a focus on learning material quickly. For Musical Theatre majors. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours.
Development of ballet technique at the advanced level. Includes ladies' pointe work and men's technique.
Continued development of ballet technique at the advanced level. Includes ladies' pointe work and men's technique.
Independent Study as approved by faculty.
Independent Study to develop research and/or applied skills, and gain expertise in the chosen topic area.
Prepare dancers for a professional career in dance performance through the rehearsal process of learning and performing, ballet, modern and jazz dance repertoire.
Performance skills and practice for dance.
Additional performance skills and practice for dance.
Additional performance skills and practice for dance.
An introduction to the art of dance focusing on cultural influences, functions of dance in society, styles, choreographic trends, and notable artists and dances.
Basic exploration of the rhythmic and spatial elements in the development of movement phrases and choreographic dance studies. Dance Majors only or permission of instructor.
Lecture/studio course covering the basics of the musculoskeletal system and kinesiology with an emphasis on dance. Dance majors only.
This course will investigate the possibilities for synthesizing elements of dance technique and dance academics to facilitate success in the professional dance industry.
This is a composition course for the camera with an emphasis on capturing human movement. The class begins with instruction in basic camera and digital editing skills. In a series of studies for the camera that culminate in a final project, students develop a compositional vocabulary, taking into consideration, choreography, sound, and visual composition. Students’ compositional understanding will be expanded by video-viewing, reading, and discussion. Students with an interest in dance, visual art, theatre, experimental filmmaking, and music are encouraged to enroll.
This is a technical production course specifically for dance majors and covers the practical aspects of theatre technology of lighting and sound.
This course is designed to introduce students to the costume design and production processes for dance.
This course explores creative processes in various dance styles. Students will research their chosen subject matter with a public presentation as the culmination of the class. Dance Majors or permission of the instructor only.
This course explores creative processes and performance in various dance styles. Students will research their chosen subject matter with a public presentation as the culmination of the class. The class promotes unique staging and performance opportunities by allowing students to develop work to be presented off campus, with the possibility of presentation internationally. Students learn about creating press releases, an on-line presence, and video/photo promos for concert promotions. Classes will involve heavy faculty feedback throughout the semester as students develop work for production.
This course is a service-learning course developing techniques for teaching movement concepts. This course includes a practicum component teaching dance to elementary students in the public schools. Dance Majors or permission of the instructor.
The history of dance from pre-classic, romantic, classical and early modern ballet. Dance majors only. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
The history of dance with an emphasis on 20th century and contemporary dance styles. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course. Dance Majors only.
Theatre Courses
Credit for this course will not be awarded to students majoring or minoring in theatre. A beginning course designed to assist the student in improving use of his or her voice and speech. Offered annually and in the summer session.
Introduction to the theatre through the study of plays, stage histories, practitioners, elements of theatre and production techniques.
Credit for this course will not be awarded to students majoring or minoring in theatre. Training in the basic elements of the actor's craft. Additional hours in related theatre activities may be required.
An introduction to the various areas of theatrical design and technology, including but not limited to scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, and makeup.
The course is designed to introduce the beginning student to the art and craft of acting.
A course in basic musical theatre skills, including sight-singing, playing keyboard instruments, singing in harmony, phonetic transcription, and audition techniques.
The class is designed to introduce students to basic concepts of vocal technique and musicianship through practical application.
This course provides for participation in productions with The University of Alabama’s Department of Theatre and Dance. Participation typically will be in the form of working on show crews, in the shops, or in the ticket office.
This course provides opportunities in performance and production assignments with The University of Alabama’s Department of Theatre and Dance. Participation typically will be in the form of performing in a production or serving on the creative team on a particular production. Only students who have assignments as a performer or on the creative team on a particular production are allowed to register for this course.
A survey of the techniques and materials for building, rigging, and painting scenery for varied forms of theatre production. Emphasis is on the standard techniques for the legitimate stage. Introduction to stage lighting and sound is also included. REQUIRED LAB.
Required lab. Principles of and practical work in all types of stage makeup.
A studio course in basic patterning, cutting, and construction techniques. Additional hours in related theatre activities may be required.
An introductory course implementing the principles of design as related to costumes.
A beginning course in movement for the actor and development of the physical instrument for performance. May be repeated for up to 6 credit hours as topics rotate.
Majors- only advanced acting course. An in depth study of various techniques used to explore an acting scene in performance: advanced personalization, intense experiential analysis of emotional and intellectual transitions in a text, and specific physical and musical improvisations, which combine to form the basis of a “Simulated Experience” of the character. Students will explore works from the Realistic Period as well as modern texts, in order to develop a personal technique applicable to any material the actor might encounter, both classical and contemporary.
Survey of the practical and theoretical knowledge necessary to teach theatre. Topics include acting, directing, choosing plays for production, and rehearsal techniques.
This course provides for participation in productions with The University of Alabama’s Department of Theatre and Dance. Participation typically will be in the form of working on show crews, in the shops, or in the ticket office.
This course provides opportunities in performance and production assignments with The University of Alabama’s Department of Theatre and Dance. Participation typically will be in the form of performing in a production or serving on the creative team on a particular production. Only students who have assignments as a performer or on the creative team on a particular production are allowed to register for this course.
A technical production course specifically for dance majors covering the practical aspects of theatre technology.
This course will explore a wide range of performance art created by African American artists. The works examined will span from the early nineteenth century to modern contemporary works. Students will view the works of artists, as they have reflected on black identity and experience in theatre, musical theatre, dance and performance art. This course will explore the nature of representation in storytelling: Who tells the story? Why does it matter? How is power reinforced, resisted, subverted, or transformed by the telling and re-telling that occurs in the performing arts?.
The study of the professional stage manager's process: preparing and running rehearsal and performance, conflict resolution, and general responsibilities as defined by Actor's Equity Association. Required production element outside of class.
Using the overview of the history of musical theatre covered in previous courses as a foundation, students will have the opportunity to put what they have learned into practice by studying and performing repertoire that traces the development of the art form. Focus in class will be devoted to acting the song techniques, selecting pieces from various eras and understanding their historical context, personalizing the students material, and giving/receiving constructive feedback.
This course provides for participation in productions with The University of Alabama’s Department of Theatre and Dance. Participation typically will be in the form of working on show crews, in the shops, or in the ticket office.
This course provides opportunities in performance and production assignments with The University of Alabama’s Department of Theatre and Dance. Participation typically will be in the form of performing in a production or serving on the creative team on a particular production. Only students who have assignments as a performer or on the creative team on a particular production are allowed to register for this course.
This course provides an exploration and introduction to the business of being a professional theatre artist or practitioner.
This course covers the theories and analysis of rigging systems, their design and engineering as well as practical implementation and operation. This course is intended for the student that already has been exposed to standard theatrical production concepts and methodologies. Furthermore, a large portion of the subject matter of the class deals in scientific theory and computations so competency in basic mathematics, algebra, and basic physics are essential.
This course provides study and studio work in aspects of electricity and electronics with reference to understanding, usage, and design of systems for theatrical production. This course will cover the essential concepts of electrical theory for both AC and DC systems. The student will not only be exposed to theory, but will also have hands-on experience. As a large portion of the subject matter of the class deals in scientific theory and computations, competency in basic mathematics and algebra is essential.
The course provides the student with a working knowledge of theatrical sound design. It emphasizes the creation of sound files for theatre and dance, and the techniques for professional sound design communication.
Lecture, discussion, and projects, training in theatrical lighting design. Provide the undergraduate level design & technical student an in-depth understanding of the design methods of stage lighting, including lighting analysis; generation of paperwork; calculation of field angles; prediction of color effects; assembly of complete designs from concept to technical rehearsal; and a thorough understanding of stage lighting science, terminology, aesthetics, and professionalism.
A studio course in advanced costume construction techniques and/or costume crafts. Topics may include tailoring, corsetry, millinery, armor, wigs, masks, and jewelry. May be repeated for credit.
A studio course in costume design, principles, and presentation.
Preparation of "hard," digital and web-based portfolio presentations. Also included is information on presentation in a professional setting, such as a job interview or adjudication.
Course Description: This course explores and introduces a variety of techniques in which to modify the original appearance and/or intent of fibres and fabrics. This is done through the use of various dyes/techniques, surface treatment, use of non-traditional materials and restructuring of fabrics.
A studio course using a variety of materials in the art of mask making, hair ventilating, and prosthetics.
Advanced theory and practice of specific stage movement, such as Alexander Technique, Developmental Movement, Grotowski,clowning, Mask, Stage Combat, Mime, and Stage Combat, Laban Movement Analysis, Devised Movement. Techniques alternate in successive semesters. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours for differing topics.
Thorough exploration of character study, script analysis, and scene work for the actor. Offered in alternate years. This course is repeatable up-to 6 credit hours.
The course focuses on audition and interview techniques for stage and screen, unions, resume writing, identification of type and market, and other skills required to apply for positions in the academic and professional theatre. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
Study and practice of acting styles from 1900 to the present, concentrating on classical comedy, high comedy, situation comedy and acting for the camera. As playwrights studied vary semester to semester, this course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
Intensive exercises and practice in the healthy use of voice and speech for performers. This course is repeatable up-to 6 hours, and is also offered as Interim Intensive. The course will include an introduction to Fitzmaurice Voicework, Archetypes for Actor, along with articulation and text work to develop the vocal skills of the actor.
Study of stage dialects for the performer. Offered in alternate years. This course is repeatable up-to 6 hours.
In this acting course, students analyze and participate in the rehearsal process of both unpublished and published scripts. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
Covers the period from western theatre's beginnings to the 18th century. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course. This course is restricted to Seniors or by permission of the Instructor.
Covers the period in western theatre from late 18th century Romanticism to the current 21st century theatre. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course. This course is restricted to seniors, or by permission of the Instructor.
Through class discussions and presentations of various styles, theories and approaches to the craft and art of directing, students will apply new ideas and concepts in a practical, hands-on studio setting. This studio work will be augmented with the direction of a short one-act play or extended scene with minimal, “bare-bones” production value at the end of the semester. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
A course in musical theatre scene study, in which acting, singing, and movement skills are blended in the performance of songs and scenes.
A special topics course exploring such areas as musical theatre history, cabaret performance, in-depth study of a single work, etc.
The course introduces the basic fundamentals of writing for the stage. Practical instruction in playwriting includes an opportunity to write a one-act play. The course allows students the opportunity to explore different forms (full length plays, one person shows, etc) in a subsequent semester, so the class may be repeated for a maximum of six credits.
Advanced level seminar on writing for the stage, from dramatic conception to finished one act script, with a particular emphasis on the continuing development of a writer’s voice and personal approach to story composition. Course can be retaken for credit to further develop scripts composed within this course; or study alternate forms of dramatic writing, including full length plays, screenplays and teleplays.
In this course the student will be pursuing study in subject matters involving the collaborative theatre process. The specifics of a particular course offering will be assigned by the sponsoring faculty member. The subject matter for the course will require the student to do research, experimentation, analysis or other academic pursuit to fulfill the goals that are proposed for the specific course instance. The particular course offering will focus on a topic that will expose the student to specific collaborative methods found in the production of theatre.
This course provides for participation in productions with The University of Alabama’s Department of Theatre and Dance. Participation typically will be in the form of working on show crews, in the shops, or in the ticket office.
This course provides opportunities in performance and production assignments with The University of Alabama’s Department of Theatre and Dance. Participation typically will be in the form of performing in a production or serving on the creative team on a particular production. Only students who have assignments as a performer or on the creative team on a particular production are allowed to register for this course.
The Senior Project is a culminating course designed for BFA majors at the University of Alabama that demonstrates the student’s growth in their particular area of study (acting, musical theatre, design/technical production). Each student will present a final project in the area of scholarly research or performance/design work within a production (undertaken at some point in their training) that reflects advanced understanding of their chosen topic and accumulated experience. The supervisor of the particular area of study determines the most appropriate format for the student’s project. This course fulfills the capstone requirement for the department’s core curriculum. A written proposal must be submitted to supervising faculty for approval by the end of the semester preceeding the final semester.
Offerings of this course will pursue a particular topic in the study of theatre assigned by the sponsoring faculty member. The subject matter for the course will require the student to do research, experimentation, analysis, creation, or other academic pursuit to fulfill the goals that are proposed for the specific course instance. The particular course offering will focus on subject matter that will expose the student to aspects of theatre not found in the current department curriculum.
No description available.
Private Instruction. This class is designed to work on vocal technique, including but not limited to, breathing, resonance, coordination of vocal registers, and musical theatre repertoire.
Private Instruction. This class is designed to work on vocal technique, including but not limited to, breathing, resonance, coordination of vocal registers, and musical theatre repertoire.
Musical Theatre History I (1840s-1943): This course offers students an opportunity to analyze the developmental history of the indigenous American art form of musical theatre. With a historical and ethical lens, students will explore the earliest origins and influences of musical theatre against the backdrop of a socially evolving and industrially developing American landscape pre World War II.
This survey course traces the development of the American stage musical from the late 19th/early 20th century to the present day. Students will examine how the musical evolved as an art form and business, study the key individuals and landmark shows that helped define the musical as we know it today, and look at how cultural, political, and economic trends influenced what appeared on the Broadway stage. Limited availability for non-musical theater students – contact instructor for more information.
Private Instruction. This class is designed to work on vocal technique, including but not limited to, breathing, resonance, coordination of vocal registers, and musical theatre repertoire.
Private Instruction. This class is designed to work on vocal technique, including but not limited to, breathing, resonance, coordination of vocal registers, and musical theatre repertoire.
Private Instruction. This class is designed to work on vocal technique, including but not limited to, breathing, resonance, coordination of vocal registers, and musical theatre repertoire.
DNCA-Dance Academics Courses
An introduction to the art of dance focusing on cultural influences, functions of dance in society, styles, choreographic trends, and notable artists and dances.
Basic exploration of the rhythmic and spatial elements in the development of movement phrases and choreographic dance studies. Dance Majors only or permission of instructor.
Lecture/studio course covering the basics of the musculoskeletal system and kinesiology with an emphasis on dance. Dance majors only.
This course will investigate the possibilities for synthesizing elements of dance technique and dance academics to facilitate success in the professional dance industry.
This is a composition course for the camera with an emphasis on capturing human movement. The class begins with instruction in basic camera and digital editing skills. In a series of studies for the camera that culminate in a final project, students develop a compositional vocabulary, taking into consideration, choreography, sound, and visual composition. Students’ compositional understanding will be expanded by video-viewing, reading, and discussion. Students with an interest in dance, visual art, theatre, experimental filmmaking, and music are encouraged to enroll.
This is a technical production course specifically for dance majors and covers the practical aspects of theatre technology of lighting and sound.
This course is designed to introduce students to the costume design and production processes for dance.
This course explores creative processes in various dance styles. Students will research their chosen subject matter with a public presentation as the culmination of the class. Dance Majors or permission of the instructor only.
This course explores creative processes and performance in various dance styles. Students will research their chosen subject matter with a public presentation as the culmination of the class. The class promotes unique staging and performance opportunities by allowing students to develop work to be presented off campus, with the possibility of presentation internationally. Students learn about creating press releases, an on-line presence, and video/photo promos for concert promotions. Classes will involve heavy faculty feedback throughout the semester as students develop work for production.
This course is a service-learning course developing techniques for teaching movement concepts. This course includes a practicum component teaching dance to elementary students in the public schools. Dance Majors or permission of the instructor.
The history of dance from pre-classic, romantic, classical and early modern ballet. Dance majors only. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
The history of dance with an emphasis on 20th century and contemporary dance styles. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course. Dance Majors only.
THMT-Theatre-Musical Theatre Courses
Private Instruction. This class is designed to work on vocal technique, including but not limited to, breathing, resonance, coordination of vocal registers, and musical theatre repertoire.
Private Instruction. This class is designed to work on vocal technique, including but not limited to, breathing, resonance, coordination of vocal registers, and musical theatre repertoire.
Musical Theatre History I (1840s-1943): This course offers students an opportunity to analyze the developmental history of the indigenous American art form of musical theatre. With a historical and ethical lens, students will explore the earliest origins and influences of musical theatre against the backdrop of a socially evolving and industrially developing American landscape pre World War II.
This survey course traces the development of the American stage musical from the late 19th/early 20th century to the present day. Students will examine how the musical evolved as an art form and business, study the key individuals and landmark shows that helped define the musical as we know it today, and look at how cultural, political, and economic trends influenced what appeared on the Broadway stage. Limited availability for non-musical theater students – contact instructor for more information.
Private Instruction. This class is designed to work on vocal technique, including but not limited to, breathing, resonance, coordination of vocal registers, and musical theatre repertoire.
Private Instruction. This class is designed to work on vocal technique, including but not limited to, breathing, resonance, coordination of vocal registers, and musical theatre repertoire.
Private Instruction. This class is designed to work on vocal technique, including but not limited to, breathing, resonance, coordination of vocal registers, and musical theatre repertoire.