Drama

DM 1302. From Page to Stage in Theatre History. 3 Semester Hours.

An examination of the historical evolution of plays and the types of script analysis needed to transmit the text to theatrical performance. Much will be learned of the theatrical practices of a period and how they reflect its social and historical context. Additional fee associated with this course. See fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.

DM 1311. Voice and Diction. 3 Semester Hours.

This course deals with the training of the speaking voice as it is explored through breath control and execution, integration of facial and body posture, and the synergism of consonant and vowel action into a resonating voice. In mastering the basic applications in this course, one may engage in vital vocal communication and expression of one's personal culture. Additional fee associated with this course. See fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.

DM 2311. Improvisation. 3 Semester Hours.

The ability to "think faster" is the core of improvisation, useful for any situation from acting to handling an unexpected business problem. Improvisation skills allow you to think "in the moment" in a collaborative way and gives you the ability to produce an intuitive and spontaneous response to a dynamic, changing environment. Through a series of theatre games and creative exercises, this course will increase your ability to improvise any situation with confidence and spontaneity.

DM 2321. Introduction to Acting. 3 Semester Hours.

This workshop-format course examines the essential elements of the acting process, creative expression, and collaboration. Whether new to acting or have previous experience, come explore how to translate a playwright's text into a living, breathing person. You'll understand how to use your artistic impulses, both internal (psychological) and external (physical), in creating dynamic and vibrant characters. Course work will lead to in-class performances of individual monologues and group scenes throughout the semester.

DM 2322. Introduction to Costume Design & Construction. 3 Semester Hours.

An introduction into the processes involved in the basic design and build of costumes for a theatre production. Aesthetic and practical applications are derived from a conceptual analysis for a character’s costume in a play as well as exposure to sewing techniques and equipment, fabric selection, color theory and design choices. Participation in departmental productions is required.

DM 2343. Theatre Roots. 3 Semester Hours.

Theatre Roots is a course that examines the origins of story telling via live performance. Beginning with the basic human need to imitate and role play, we will analyze the origins and components of different types of theatre through multiple perspectives: ritual/religion, cultural/social, and artistic expression. Examination of basic terminology and the historic context of western theatre from antiquity to contemporary productions will frame an overall understanding of why theatrical performance is an enduring aspect of human behavior.

DM 2352. Introduction to Stagecraft. 3 Semester Hours.

A hands-on course in which the basic knowledge of tools, techniques, and procedures is used to create and build the end results of the divisions of theatre production; namely, in set design and construction, lighting design, sound and property design, and stage management. Participation in departmental productions is required. Additional fee associated with this course. See fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.

DM 2353. Production Technology. 3 Semester Hours.

A hands-on course in which the basic knowledge of equipment, techniques, and procedures is used to create and build the end results of the divisions of theatre production; namely, in lighting, projection and sound design & implantation of each. Participation in departmental productions is required. Additional fee associated with this course. See fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.

DM 2354. Scenic Construction. 3 Semester Hours.

A hands-on course in which the basic knowledge of tools, techniques, and procedures is used to create and build the end results of the divisions of theatre production; namely, in set design and construction, lighting design, sound and property design, and stage management. Participation in departmental productions is required. Additional fee associated with this course. See fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.

DM 2375. Theatre for Social Change and Justice. 3 Semester Hours.

This course examines issues of power, privilege, social identity, and structures of oppression through reading and discussion of recent events in a variety of social and institutional contexts. As a way of responding, we’ll explore using performance as a catalyst for positive human growth by allowing theatre’s storytelling power and emotional engagement to identify injustice, discuss associated issues, and then instigate action to facilitate social change. These techniques can be used for teaching, self study, as a problem-solving technique, and for community building among disparate groups.

DM 2385. Latino Theatre Activism. 3 Semester Hours.

This course examines issues of power, social identity, and social injustice though the performative lens of Latino Theatre from is origins in California of the 1960s to today. Through the works of playwrights including Luis Valdez, Luis Alfaro, María Sánchez Scott, Cherrie Moraga and performance groups El Teatro Campesino and Culture Clash, we’ll see how teatro is used as an “evocative irritant” to examine lifestyle, family, politics, and religion in its celebration of Latino culture.

DM 3142. Drama Pedagogical Practices for Elementary School Teachers. 1 Semester Hour.

This course, using the Texas Essential Knowledge of Skills (TEKS) for Fine Arts framework, provides ideas for using drama games and activities as a pedagogical component for teaching any subject in grades K-5. Using drama in the classroom can maximize learning, deliver key content in an easily understood format, and help embrace increasingly diverse classrooms through inclusive teaching practices. Participatory drama exercises ensure a supportive learning environment for all students, one in which they can learn and explore new ideas both individually and as members of groups.

DM 3161. Rehearsal & Performance. 1 Semester Hour.

Practicum in which experience in the various aspects of theatre production is achieved. May be repeated up to 3 hours credit. This course may be taken by Free Audit. This means it will appear on transcript as "AU", but does not count toward graduation. Additional fee associated with this course. See fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.

DM 3331. Directing. 3 Semester Hours.

This course is an application of staging techniques and directorial principles onto selected scenes and short plays in a laboratory setting. Emphasis is placed upon the fundamentals of blocking, script analysis, achievement of emphasis as it relates to a visionary concept, and the development of aesthetic values. Prerequisites: DM 2321 or DM 2352 Additional fee associated with this course. See fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.

DM 3362. Theatrical Rehearsal and Performance. 3 Semester Hours.

Rehearsal and public performance of a live theatrical event. Course content will vary from scripted plays to student-written, devised pieces. May be repeated for credit.

DM 3371. Arts Administration. 3 Semester Hours.

This course introduces arts administration and management as a career, primarily focusing on performing arts organizations. Assignments cover a broad range of issues facing those who work in management and administration of both non-profit and for-profit arts organizations.

DM 3381. History of the Theatre I. 3 Semester Hours.

A survey of the history of drama and theatre and their relationship to theory and practice from primitive times to 17th century, including the origins of theatre, ancient Greek theatre, theatre of the Roman Republic and Empire, Medieval theatre, early Indian theatre, early Chinese theatre, Italian Renaissance theatre and Elizabethan theatre. Additional fee associated with this course. See fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.

DM 3382. History of the Theatre II. 3 Semester Hours.

A survey of the history of drama and theatre and their relationship to theory and practice from 18th Century to the present day, including Restoration theatre, Japanese theatre, the development of Realism to Modernism and Post-Modernistic movements and those trends emerging today.

DM 4191. Special Studies in Drama. 1 Semester Hour.

Independent study or seminar of a particular topic of interest in theatre. Consent of the department required. May be repeated up to six three hours of credit. Additional fee associated with this course. See fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.

DM 4291. Special Studies in Drama. 2 Semester Hours.

Independent study or seminar of a particular topic of interest in theatre. Consent of the department required. May be repeated up to six three hours of credit.

DM 4371. Playwriting. 3 Semester Hours.

Principles and practice in dramatic writing for the stage.

DM 4391. Special Studies in Drama. 3 Semester Hours.

Independent study or seminar of a particular topic of interest in theatre. Consent of the department required. May be repeated up to six three hours of credit.