CONS - Conservatory Theatre Arts

Course Descriptions

 

CONS 1010 Conservatory I (6-8)

Performance: This fundamental set of classes in theatre skills teaches acting and movement to develop sensitivity and concentration, voice and speech to develop the speaking voice, and stagecraft to investigate theatre structure and organization. Production work is also required. Prerequisite: Acceptance by audition.

Stage Management: This set of classes introduces entering students to drafting, technical production and staff management problems. The Stage Management Seminar focuses on theatre organization. Coursework pairs with production activities according to skills to support and activate the lessons reviewed in Stage Management Seminar. Prerequisite: Acceptance by interview.

Design and Technical Production: The department offers emphases in scene design, scene painting, costume design, lighting design, sound design, technical direction, costume construction and wig and makeup design, which have individual programs for the four years of Conservatory study. In the first year all areas of emphasis share the same curriculum, which aims to develop foundation skills in drafting, scenography, technical production, visual history and text analysis. Each semester culminates in a portfolio review. Prerequisite: Acceptance by portfolio.

CONS 1020 Conservatory I (6-8)

CONS 1020 continues the experiences described in CONS 1010. Prerequisite: CONS 1010.

CONS 2010 Conservatory II (6-8)

Performance: This set of classes continues basic scene study, characterization, movement and neutral mask work. Voice and speech introduces phonetic language and continues to develop vocal instrument. Students also learn the importance of fundamental makeup. Prerequisite: CONS 1020.

Stage Management: This set of classes continues CONS 1020, adding units in scenography, lighting design and costume construction. Each student's schedule is designed in consultation with their advisor. Prerequisite: CONS 1020.

Design and Technical Production: This set of classes continues CONS 1020 for scene design, costume design, lighting design, sound design, scene painting, technical production, costume construction and wig and makeup design. Students begin first-level classes and production assignments in their areas of emphasis, with additional classes and production assignments according to individual program and development. Each semester culminates in a portfolio review. Prerequisite: CONS 1020.

CONS 2020 Conservatory II (6-8)

CONS 2020 continues the experiences described in CONS 2010 for all areas of study. Auditions and portfolio reviews are scheduled each semester. Prerequisite: CONS 2010.

CONS 3010 Conservatory III (6-10)

This set of classes concentrates on specific needs in each area: acting, stage management, design, technical production or management. Prerequisite: CONS 2020.

Acting: Students concentrate on major periods of acting styles, with advanced training in specific movement skills such as combat, t’ai chi ch’uan, clowning or period dance. They also pursue specific work with dialects and non-regional speech. 

Stage Management: Students participate in seminars and in the practical application of the studies in production. 

Design and Technical Production: Students concentrate in advanced-level classes and production assignments in their major with continuing work in other areas. Each semester culminates in a portfolio review. 

CONS 3020 Conservatory III (6-10)

CONS 3020 continues the experiences described in CONS 3010. Prerequisite: CONS 3010.

CONS 4010 Conservatory IV (8-10)

Training in all areas during the final year of the sequence includes advanced theatrical styles and performance needs, preparation for the audition and portfolio review process and performance and production work suited to meet the needs of the student. Particular attention is paid to preparation for the job market. Each semester culminates in a portfolio review. Prerequisite: CONS 3020.

CONS 4020 Conservatory IV (6-10)

CONS 4020 continues the experiences described in CONS 4010. Prerequisite: CONS 4010.