|
|
Department of Theatre and Dance
Basic Philosophy of the Theatre Arts
Our curricula in the Theatre Arts are based on the belief that critical study,
performance, and studio work are all necessary for the education of the theatre
artist. Study of literature, theatre history and theory deepens the theatre artist’s
understanding of principles and perspectives of the art. Likewise, the studio
provides the necessary practical training for the artist and the productions become
the laboratory for practice of new skills gained. The artist’s work not only
utilizes history and theory but more importantly generates history and theory.
Actual art and practice lend substance to ideas.
The production of plays is the principal means available for coordinating all
the elements of “theatre art.” The play is the single experience in
which the knowledge and insight gained from history, theory and criticism are
given substance by the arts of the playwright, director, actor, and designer.
In this way the production program of the Department is an integral component
of the education of our graduate students.
In order to excel in the practical disciplines of theatre, an individual must
develop his or her natural abilities through study combined with practice. While
individual students are selected with a high degree of natural talent, it will
be their ability to apply themselves with discipline and determination to the
preparation and practice of classroom work that will lead to their final success
in our programs and in the profession.
The ultimate aim of our graduate programs is to produce theatre artists who have
knowledge of representative plays from all periods of Western European theatre
history, of the theoretical foundations of western drama and the theatre arts.
They should be capable of applying that knowledge in performance and production
work. The Department of Theatre, Speech and Dance has been guided by these tenets
in the development of its various curricula and degree programs.
|
|
