The Department of Theatre & Dance is a community of students, scholars, artists and artisans who regard the collaborative and creative process as the core of education. We engage with that process at all levels of our work as we pursue excellence and understanding. From the root of process stems practice, and that practice bears the fruit of experience. The Department of Theatre & Dance guides that fruition, offering students an expanse of opportunities to encounter the art forms of theatre, dance and experience design, their making and meaning.​ We strongly value the ampersand in Theatre & Dance, and seek to make connections across communities. We aim to make change, make art, and to make a difference, together.

We honor a global diversity of ways of making and of knowing. European colonialism and U.S. imperialism have long worked to diminish and eliminate knowledge that differed from a European worldview. As a U.S.-based institution, we recognize that the only way we can truly see beyond the limitations of our own perspectives is to listen and learn from people with experiences that are different from our own throughout the world. Our diversity efforts are therefore grounded on establishing long-lasting relationships with scholars and artists who have worked and continue to work outside of the United States, and to attract graduate students that can help us continue to learn from these perspectives.

The CU Boulder graduate studies in Theatre & Dance is designed to accommodate a variety of students, from the practicing professional to the recent BA/BFA graduate. Our approach is to develop students' creativity, pedagogical and scholarly skills in equal measure. We combine traditional studies with opportunities for practical training. Ambitious seasonal programs of theatre productions and dance concerts feature student performers, designers, directors and choreographers. Guest artists of national and international fame regularly participate in curricular, performance and extracurricular activities.

The performing arts at CU Boulder embrace many conventional and emerging modalities of presentation: proscenium stages, film, devised work, online social platforms, digital arenas, interactive installations, community collaboration, process-based work, performance activism that is both affective and effective, and new creations of bold imaginarians.

Our primary hope is to enable a deepening of your artistic and scholarly voice, to put what is distinctive about you in conversation with the world. Each of the above programs is designed to suit international expectations in skill acquisition and capacity. We differ from other colleges in our extensive efforts to support and enrich each student’s individual interests and distinct gifts. For this reason, the number of annual admissions is limited to allow for highly personalized mentorship.

Students interested in theatre and performance studies, dance, and experience design are urged to consult with an advisor in the appropriate field to obtain both advice and the most current information concerning program opportunities and expectations.

Course codes for this department are THTR, DNCE, TDXD and THDN.

Departmental Requirements

Students wishing to pursue graduate work in theatre & performance studies, dance, and experience design should carefully read both requirements for advanced degrees in the Graduate School section and the individual degree handbooks published on the Theatre & Dance website. Students should note that departmental requirements are sometimes more comprehensive than those minimums established by the Graduate School.

Prerequisites

Applicants are admitted to the graduate programs in theatre & performance studies, dance, and experience design on the basis of their academic records and recommendations. 

Advising

Every student is assigned a faculty advisor and will have a meeting with their advisor upon entering the program. Topics discussed in the meeting and other available information are employed to design the best possible course of study for the student. 

All candidates for a degree have the responsibility of making certain that the appropriate persons or committees have been appointed to supervise the various steps in their graduate programs. Detailed instructions can be found in the handbook for each degree, available from the department website.

Faculty

While many faculty teach both undergraduate and graduate students, some instruct students at the undergraduate level only. For more information, contact the faculty member's home department.

Bashore, Kate
Assistant Teaching Professor; MFA, University of Tennessee - Knoxville

Bergner, Bruce Alan
Associate Professor; MFA, University of Illinois at Chicago

Cobin, Martin T.
Professor Emeritus

Coleman, Bertram E.
Endowed/Named Professor, Dean, Endowed Chair; PhD, University of Texas at Austin

Devin, Richard
Professor Emeritus

Diachenko, Nada
Professor Emerita; MA, New York University

Ellsworth, Michelle
Distinguished Professor, Chair, Endowed Chair; MFA, University of Colorado Boulder

Feeler, Jordan
Instructor; BFA, Webster University

Gerland, Oliver W.
Associate Professor; PhD, Stanford University

Haig, Robin
Senior Instructor Emerita

Harris, Lorenzo R.
Artist in Residence

Henry, Markas
Associate Professor; MFA, University of Connecticut

Irey, Charlotte York
Professor Emerita

Lane, Connie I.
Instructor; BA, Beloit College

Lessley, Merrill J.
Professor Emeritus

Maerz, Lara
Senior Instructor, Captain; M.F.A., University of Missouri-Kansas City

Manno, Jesse J.
Senior Instructor; BA, University of Colorado Boulder

Mejia, Donna
Associate Professor; MFA, Smith College

Meneghini-Stalker, Tamara L.
Associate Professor; MFA, Northern Illinois University

Nichols, Lynn
Senior Instructor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder

Osnes, Mary Beth
Professor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder

Pang, Cecilia J.
Associate Professor; PhD, University of California, Berkeley

Persons, Charles Howard
Associate Professor; MFA, Columbia University

Potts, Margaret Lee
Associate Professor Emerita

Randall, Erika Anne
Associate Professor, Chair; MFA, The Ohio State University

Rich, Kevin M.
Associate Professor, Associate Chair, Faculty Director; MFA, Yale School of Drama

Shannon, Robert J.
Senior Instructor Emeritus

Southall, Lawrence
Instructor; MFA, University of Colorado Boulder

Sowah, Nii Armah
Senior Instructor; MA, Lesley College

Spanier, Nancy L.
Professor Emerita

Spencer, Jonathan
Senior Instructor; MFA, Ohio University

Stark, Theodore
Senior Instructor; MFA, Boston University

Steuernagel, Marcos
Assistant Professor; PhD, New York University

Symons, James M.
Professor Emeritus

Wilkins, Helanius J.
Assistant Professor, Associate Chair; MFA, George Washington University

Williams, Letitia S.
Senior Instructor Emerita

Yang, Daniel
Professor Emeritus

Courses

On This Page

Dance

Show only these courses...

DNCE 5001 (1-2) Graduate Technique

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 12.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Major Technique

DNCE 5012 (1) Concert Production

Meets with DNCE 4012.

Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Production

DNCE 5014 (2) Inside the Groove: Developing Rhythmic Skills for Graduates

Enhances rhythmic acuity through intensive rhythmic drills, analytical listening, drumming, notating and creating rhythm-based performance work. Course material explores non-Western rhythmic paradigms, irregular meters, mixed meters, poly-meter, polyrhythms, etc., and how to communicate clearly with a live accompanist in technique class. Meets with DNCE 3014.

Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Music

DNCE 5015 (3) Movement Analysis

Introduces Rudolf Laban's theories of movement and exposes several body therapies to heighten students' awareness of movement as a multifaceted (neuromuscular/spatial/dynamic) event. Emphasizes refinement of movement, observation skills, and improvement of performance. Meets with DNCE 4015.

Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Movement Awareness Injury Prevent for the Dancer

DNCE 5016 (3) Creative Dance for Children

Methods course for prospective teachers of creative dance for children. Lectures, readings and laboratory experiences are followed by observation and teaching in primary grades.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: DNCE 4016 (with addition of readings and a paper)
Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Pedagogy

DNCE 5017 (3) Dancing Histories: Sex, Gender and Race in U.S. Concert Dance

Traces the evolution of American concert dance through roots in select dance forms, including dances of the African Diaspora, Ballet, Social Dance, Jazz, Modern, and Folklorico. Studies specific dance artists against the backdrop of social, political, economic, and environmental issues.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: DNCE 4017, with addition of graduate papers and/or a project
Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Dance and Cultural Studies

DNCE 5023 (2) Performance Improvisation Techniques

Explores movement and vocal improvisational techniques to enhance creative, interdisciplinary, collaborative and performance skills. Helps individuals expand their definition of performance, discover and access the diversity of the human instrument and employ improvisation to create personal and social commentary.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: DNCE 4023 (with the addition of written analysis and creative assignments)
Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Creative Process

DNCE 5024 (2) SOUND Choices: Enhancing the Music/Dance Relationship

Examines how musical choices can profoundly affect audiences, dancers, and the creative process. Surveys historic and contemporary music styles and influential artists through guided listening and experimentation. Deepens understanding of music, including vocabulary, technology, collaboration skills, ethics, and copyright issues. Meets with DNCE 3024.

Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Music

DNCE 5036 (3) Dance Teaching Practices: Inclusive Approaches to Instruction

Examines legal, practical, pedagogical and philosophical issues in current dance education. Goals and content of professional and recreational dance training are considered and strategies for effective teaching practice are discussed. All genres of dance may be utilized depending on the specialities of participants.

Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Pedagogy

DNCE 5038 (1-3) Dance Repertory

Learning and performing dances from the repertory of current faculty members, artists-in-residence and upon occasion from the repertory of historic modern dancers. Graduate students are required to keep a log of the learning process involved in repertory to document and analyze each work in terms of stylistic differences, musical/sound accompaniment and trends. Dance majors may repeat up to 9 total credit hours with different instructors. Enrollment by audition only.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: DNCE 4038
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 9.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Performance

DNCE 5047 (3) Hip-Hop Dance History

Addresses the origin and evolution of American Hip-Hop dance rooted in a theoretical structure that springs from the elemental nature of the African Diaspora. Emphasis placed on the social, political, and economic environment in which it was fashioned. Pioneers, innovators, terminology, and styles will be identified. Course includes lectures, readings, audio/video analysis and discussion. Meets with DNCE 4047.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Dance and Cultural Studies

DNCE 5048 (3) Performance and Community Engagement

Engages students in the power of performance for effecting positive social change. Students research collaboratively to create performances and workshop experiences to intentionally author the future they want. Readings provide theoretical foundations that serve as the basis for creative work. Students engage in creative explorations. Open to all forms of performance.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Performance

DNCE 5052 (1-3) Studio Concert

Provides the opportunity for choreographic and performative synthesis and experimentation via the execution of a project related to the student's major area of creative research. Project must be approved by the student's first reader.

Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Production

DNCE 5053 (3) Advanced Dance Composition

Meets wtih DNCE 4053.

Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Creative Process

DNCE 5056 (2) Graduate Teaching Seminar

Examines practical, pedagogical, philosophical, and legal issues in current dance education. The goals and content of professional and recreational dance training are considered and strategies for effective teaching practice are discussed. Provides practice in practical application of theoretical material. All genres of dance may be utilized.

Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Pedagogy

DNCE 5064 (2) Music and Dance Seminar: Collaboration

Investigates music in relation to dance performance, choreography, and teaching. Topics may include: a survey of musical styles and composers; direct experimentation with composition and recording techniques; enhancement of rhythmic versatility; work with accompanist/composers; and/or improvement of analytical listening and writing skills.

Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Music

DNCE 5101 (1) Intermediate Graduate Ballet

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Major Technique

DNCE 5128 (1) Ballet Repertory

Develops understanding of the ballet canon through practice of major solos from Romantic, Classical, and Neo-Classical ballets. For the advanced classical ballet student. Enrollment by audition only. Meets with DNCE 4128.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 2.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Performance

DNCE 5261 (1) Advanced Jazz Dance Technique

Refines advanced students' approach to the nuances and virtuosity of the jazz idiom. Emphasis is placed on efficient use of alignment, complex polyrhythmic explorations and improvisations, and dynamic performance style. Class moves quickly through material and demands a high level of proficiency. Enrollment by audition only. Meets with DNCE 4261.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 4.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Major Technique

DNCE 5301 (2) Graduate Hip-Hop Technique 1

Introduces students to Hip-Hop dance as a culturally significant form. Students learn history, the social and political forces at work and the fundamental techniques (Campbell Locking, Popping, Breaking etiquette/movements, Hip-Hop Party Dance and House). Intellectual challenge is offered through the lens of critical race theory and historical context. Training addresses flexibility, sequencing, coordination and performance skills.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 4.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Major Technique

DNCE 5331 (2) Graduate Hip-Hop Technique 2

Students deepen their understanding of Hi-Hop history through fundamental movement techniques, specifically, House, and study the social/political forces at work. Focuses on increasing dancers' capacity for variation, sequencing, musicality and free-styling in Hip-Hop dance. Enrollment by audition only. Meets with DNCE 3301.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 4.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

DNCE 5339 (1-3) Hip-hop Practicum

Design and implement an experiential, action¿based learning project that connects to local innovators in the Boulder/Denver Hip-hop community who are engaged in one of Hip-hop culture¿s five elements: mcing, djing, breaking/street dance, graffiti, knowledge. Projects might range from creating a piece of graffiti with a local crew to organizing an academic panel or workshop with a Hip-hop pioneer.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 3.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

DNCE 5411 (2) Aerial Dance Technique

Study of basic technique skills in aerial dance on single point, low-flying trapeze. Additional skills include choreographic techniques, improvisation, and an historical overview of aerial dance. Through the theoretical readings and discussion, this course defines the place of aerial dance in the lineage of modern dance and addresses aesthetics, philosophical approaches to teaching, and safety issues.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

DNCE 5501 (2) Graduate African Dance

Explores the technique, styles and rhythms of regional and national cultures of Africa by introducing signature attributes common to different countries' dance traditions. Features discussions of the musical traditions, histories, cosmologies, philosophies and aesthetics to contextualize and increase familiarity. Areas of concentration may vary by each semester (e.g. Ghana, Guinea, Intermediate).

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Major Technique

DNCE 5601 (2) Alexander Technique for Graduate Students

Studies how human reaction, coordination, and movement play a role in all activities. Graduate students will explore direct application to dance training, performance, choreography, and teaching. Through in-depth class discussions, movement exploration, and individualized hands-on lessons, actors and dancers gain an understanding of the technique and its benefits to performance. Meets with DNCE 3601.

Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) or Theatre (THTR) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Major Technique

DNCE 5701 (2) Contact Improvisation 2

Moves into rigorous exploration of weight sharing principles. Emphasis will be placed on ease and efficiency in partnering, and integrating this work into choreography and performance. Meets with DNCE 4701.

Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Major Technique

DNCE 5849 (1-3) Independent Study

Involves creative or scholarly investigation of an area of interest to the student not addressed in the curriculum. Work must be arranged with and advised by a faculty member.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 7.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Independent Study

DNCE 5901 (1-3) Graduate Technique Practicum

Offers special courses in the technique series. Course may meet at the same time with an undergraduate studio course and includes the practical movement experience with an additional scholarly study of specially chosen issues in dance.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Major Technique

DNCE 5909 (1-4) Special Topics

Explores topics and research in relation to areas such as technology, environment, teaching methods, performance, world dance, arts in society, and/or criticism that the normal sequence of offerings may not allow.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: DNCE 2909 and DNCE 4909
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 7.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Independent Study

DNCE 5919 (1-3) Dance Practicum

Project in dance under supervision of senior faculty.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: DNCE 4919
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Independent Study

DNCE 6016 (2) Teaching Lab-Contemporary Dance

Provides opportunity to apply principles and skills introduced in DNCE 5056. Participating students share the responsibility for teaching a lab class that meets twice a week. Focuses on development, analysis and evaluation of teaching skills.

Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Pedagogy

DNCE 6017 (3) Cultural Collisions and Ethics in Dance and Movement Performance

Explores the inevitable transformation of traditions in dance/movement performance, using hip-hop and transnational fusion as foundation studies. As students expand their application of ethical inquiry, we will investigate what responsibility artists have as ambassadors in a digital culture. Films, readings and discussions will address personal integrity, ethics, industry practices, values and distortions imparted by history and socialization.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Dance and Cultural Studies

DNCE 6047 (3) Dance Studies

Studies current dance trends, mostly in the United States, with particular attention paid to dance's intersection with philosophy, theory, technology, politics, current events and the other arts.

Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Dance and Cultural Studies

DNCE 6056 (2) Professional Development

Examines current trends and issues in dance education and the professional dance world. Explores curriculum development, administration, and job opportunities along with other topics such as grant writing, community engagement, dance advocacy, and working as an independent artist.

Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Pedagogy

DNCE 6073 (3) Choreography

Covers in-depth practical and theoretical approaches to dance composition for graduate students; solo and group forms; and analysis of historical and contemporary dance works.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Creative Process

DNCE 6101 (1) Advanced Graduate Ballet

Open only to graduate dance majors.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Major Technique

DNCE 6849 (1-3) Independent Study

Involves creative or scholarly investigation of an area of interest to the student not addressed in the curriculum. Work must be arranged with and advised by a faculty member.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 7.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Independent Study

DNCE 6919 (1-3) Directed Studies

Explores advanced topics in dance not regularly covered in the curriculum of the graduate program.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Independent Study

DNCE 6949 (1) Master's Candidate for Degree

Registration intended for students preparing for a thesis defense, final examination, culminating activity, or completion of degree.

Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Independent Study

DNCE 6959 (1-6) Master's Thesis

Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Independent Study

DNCE 6969 (1-6) The Graduate Project

Provides the opportunity for synthesizing the graduate experience through the execution of a project related to the student's major area of interest. Project must be approved by the graduate faculty advisor.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to Dance (DNCE) graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Independent Study

Experience Design

Show only these courses...

TDXD 5005 (3) Design Theory

Interrogates the principals, theories and philosophies that scaffold successful and innovative design with specific application to the design of immersive and interactive experiences and across a range of commercial, performative and cultural contexts. Activities will clarify how the philosophies of design support the core story-telling and interactive elements of experience designs.

Requisites: Restricted to Experience Design (TDXD MFA) students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Experience Design: Technique

TDXD 5105 (3) Collaboratory in Experience Design 1

Addresses philosophies of storytelling through experience and the general concepts and aesthetics of Experience Design. The first in a two-part series, this course lays foundational principles focusing on the components of a live experience and how space, narrative and interaction affect the design from early conceptualization through implementation.

Requisites: Restricted to Experience Design (TDXD MFA) students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Experience Design: Process

TDXD 5500 (3) Experience Design Atelier 1: Design Evolution and Expression

Introduces students to various techniques for graphically representing design ideas using drawing and illustration techniques in order to augment and deepen the diverse skill sets of students in the class. The first in three-part sequence on graphic representation and expressive practices, students will learn how to work out design ideas through sketching, drawing, creating storyboards and collages.

Requisites: Restricted to Experience Design (TDXD MFA) students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Experience Design: Technique

TDXD 5700 (3) Experience Design Atelier 2: Introduction to Design Graphics

Introduces students to advanced techniques for representing design ideas in graphic form including commonly used software applications (Sketchup, Vectorworks, AutoCAD), scale modeling, mechanical drawing and rendering. The second in a three-part class sequence on graphic representation and expressive practices, this atelier will offer a range of exercises tailored to the skill level of individual students.

Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of TDXD 5500 (minimum grade B-). Restricted to Experience Design (TDXD MFA) students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Experience Design: Technique

TDXD 5805 (3) Professional Portfolio 1

Focuses on selecting, organizing and developing a plan for presenting material that will eventually culminate in the completion of a competitive professional portfolio, a vital tool for gaining employment in the Experience Design industry. The first of a two-part credited final project, students begin the process to prepare their professional portfolio under the guidance of faculty and industry professionals.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to Experience Design (TDXD MFA) students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Experience Dsgn: Documentation

TDXD 6105 (3) Collaboratory in Experience Design 2

Introduces students to professional models of working in the Experience Design industry. The second in a two-part class sequence, students work collaboratively on industry case studies focusing on entertainment, education and cultural destination genres with input from outside professionals in the field.

Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of TDXD 5105 (minimum grade B-). Restricted to Experience Design (TDXD MFA) students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Experience Design: Process

TDXD 6210 (3) Storytelling for XD

Explores multi-modal, expressive strategies for experimental storytelling and investigates the diverse languages of live experience. Students complete projects using varying modes of conveyance including physical and spatial action, filmic approaches, digital media and alternative methods. Students will discuss current trends in expressive methods and the nature of story.

Requisites: Restricted to Experience Design (TDXD) MFA students only.

TDXD 6500 (3) Experience Design Atelier 3: Packaging the Design Presentation

Investigates strategies for visually communication and "selling" design ideas in a compelling and well composed visual/aural presentation. The third in a three-part sequence on graphic representation and expressive practices, this class culminates I a final, comprehensive design project portfolio that follows current professional standards.

Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of TDXD 5700 (minimum grade B-). Restricted to Experience Design (TDXD MFA) students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Experience Design: Technique

TDXD 6555 (3) Experience Design Technology

Explores established and cutting-edge technologies employed in visual, auditory, and interactive elements of designed environments and experiences. Develops an understanding of the function of these areas, the ways in which they facilitate a complete experience and examines new directions of experimentation in these fields. Elicits research, analysis, and development of new concepts in response to current practices and design problems.

Requisites: Restricted to Experience Design (TDXD) MFA students only.

TDXD 6805 (3) Professional Portfolio 2

Through editing materials collected in TDXD 5805, students will complete adaptable versions (hard copy, digital, web-based and presentations) of their professional portfolios. In this second of a two-part credited project, a committee comprised of faculty and industry professionals guide the completion of XD portfolios.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of TDXD 5805 (minimum grade B-). Restricted to Experience Design (TDXD MFA) students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Experience Dsgn: Documentation

TDXD 6849 (3-6) Independent Study

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.

TDXD 6901 (3) XD Implementation and Engineering

Explores the realities and challenges of implementing themed entertainment design. Within the framework of project based case studies and a real work project, this course analyzes aspects of construction management, client management and approvals, scheduling, budgeting, value engineering, architecture and design.

Requisites: Restricted to Experience Design (TDXD MFA) students only.

TDXD 6910 (3-6) The Experience Design Center

Offers Experience Design students an opportunity to engage in and complete projects posed by industry professionals or non-profit partners seeking assistance with experiential projects in a professional, practicing lab/studio setting. The XD Center, house in a campus "maker-space," accepts design challenges and assignments that provide a realistic field experience for students.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Requisites: Restricted to Experience Design (TDXD) MFA students only.

Theatre

Show only these courses...

THTR 5011 (3) Seminar: Theory and Criticism

Studies theories and criticisms of drama and theatrical performances from Plato to post-modernism.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: History/Dramaturgy/Directing

THTR 5025 (3) Costume Patterning and Construction

Includes techniques for the patterning and construction of contemporary and period costumes. Hands-on format covers techniques, materials and equipment particular to theatrical production. Grad section grading will include additional documentation components, beyond those in the undergrad section of the course.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: THTR 4025
Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of THTR 1105 and THTR 1115 (all minimum grade C-). Restricted to graduate students.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Theatre Design and Technology

THTR 5033 (3) Advanced Movement for the Stage

Explores a wide range of physical actor training methods and practices that support the fundamentals of mask training and mask performance for the actor. Students will experience each mask by gaining an understanding of its historical and performative relevance and directly bring into play the authentic life required of the specific mask. Department consent required.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: THTR 4033
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

THTR 5039 (3) Musical Theatre Repertory

Developed around the learning of complete scenes, songs and dances that are representative of the major periods and styles within musical comedy from the 1920s to the present. Emphasizes in-class performance. Admission by audition.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: THTR 4039
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Special Courses in Theatre

THTR 5046 (3) Costume Crafts

Covers basic and advanced techniques in casting/molding, mask making, dyeing, painting, jewelry making, ventilating and wig style and millinery via a series of projects. Culminates in a final project encompassing all techniques. Instruction consent required. Formerly THTR 5045.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: THTR 4046
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 3.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Recommended: Prerequisite THTR 1115 (minimum grade C-).

THTR 5049 (3) Topics in Theatre Studies

Provides an opportunity for an in-depth study of a particular topic in theatre (e.g., a historical period, a region, a group or artist, a theorist, a concept). Topic specified in the Online Schedule Planner.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 9.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Special Courses in Theatre

THTR 5065 (3) Theatrical Tailoring

Explores classic and theatrical tailoring techniques and theories through the construction of classical men's wear: trousers, vest/waistcoats and coats. Student work with hand and machine sewing techniques, patterning skills and appropriate tailoring materials. Period of exploration will vary by semester. Grad section grading will include additional documentation components, beyond those in the undergrad section of the course.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Recommended: Prerequisite THTR 1115.

THTR 5067 (3) Teaching Shakespeare

Provides students with pedagogies, lesson plans and exercises for making Shakespeare accessible for students of all ages and across multiple content. This online course may be taken as a standalone, 3-credit course or as part of the Graduate Certificate in Applied Shakespeare.

THTR 5071 (3) Advanced Directing

Advanced study of theory and practice of stage directing through examination of the work of leading directors, analysis of texts and classroom exercises. Instructor consent required.

Additional Information: Departmental Category: History/Dramaturgy/Directing

THTR 5085 (3) Theatre Management

Concentrates on theory and practice of management aspects of the performing arts, emphasizing theatre and dance. Includes marketing, budgeting, house and stage management, audience development, grant writing, unions and season development. Includes practical experience.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: THTR 4085
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Theatre Design and Technology

THTR 5105 (3) Theatre Make-Up Design

Explores theatrical make-up styles and techniques from initial research through paper design to final make-up. Ranging from period styles to Byzantine mosaic, to clowns, to special effects (old age, wounds, stages of healing, zombies, etc.) Techniques include ombre blending, removing eyebrows, shrinking and enlarging features, creating 3D appliances and applying silicone and foam prosthetics.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: THTR 4105
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Special Courses in Theatre

THTR 5113 (3) Comedy Matters

Examines the role of comedy in performance within various cultures through readings, viewings and a participatory exploration. We will analyze comedy within various societies to understand the underlying ideals and values. Throughout this investigation we will seek to understand what makes something comedic, why, for whom, for what purpose, when and under what circumstances.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: THTR 4113
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Performance

THTR 5125 (3) Watercolor Illustration and Rendering Techniques

Gain fluency in established techniques and styles of master illustrators and painters. Famous illustrations are technically analyzed and copied in this exploration of intent, process, technique and style. Other mediums incorporated include pastels, color pencils, pen and ink and gouache. Painting supplies must be supplied by the student.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: THTR 4125
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Theatre Design and Technology

THTR 5143 (3) Shakespeare in Community

Surveys a growing field of arts practitioners who are intersecting Applied Theatre, Shakespeare and community in meaningful ways, including Shakespeare in Prisons, Shakespeare with Veterans and Shakespeare for Inclusive Audiences. Students will explore a variety of methodologies for teaching and practicing Shakespeare and create original work using Shakespeare as a lens for examining a particular theme, topic or social issue.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: THTR 4143
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

THTR 5175 (3) Conceptualization

Fosters the student's creative and collaborative skills by introducing a variety of strategies and scenarios for conceiving live, theatrical productions, events and experiences. A project based curriculum offers several individual and team exercises in visualizing, documenting and communicating ideas for live performances, including their overall scope, aesthetic, style, audience relationship and mode of presentation.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: THTR 4175
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Special Courses in Theatre

THTR 5213 (3) Improvisation I: Thinking On Your Feet

Provides students with an introduction to several forms of improvisation, including short form, long-form, playback theatre and clown. A useful course for anyone interested in improving confidence with public speaking, communication and/or performance. Attendance and participation are mandatory.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Performance

THTR 5849 (1-3) Independent Study

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Special Courses in Theatre

THTR 6003 (1-3) Production Research and Practicum: Acting

Allows students to undertake an acting project, normally within the major theatre season, that requires detailed preparatory research, testing of ideas, and public presentation. Students work under faculty supervision and prepare a written report and evaluation of the research, rehearsal, and performance process.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Recommended: advanced studies in acting and advisor approval.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Performance

THTR 6005 (1-3) Production Research and Practicum: Designing

Allows students to undertake a design project, normally within the theatre season, that requires detailed preparatory research, testing of ideas, and public presentation of theories and concepts in practice. Students work under faculty supervision, and prepare a documented written report and evaluation of the research, design, and realization process, as well as fully rendered designs and/or plots. Projects may be in costumes, lights, or scenery.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Theatre Design and Technology

THTR 6011 (3) Theatre and Performance Histories 1

Studies the various histories of theatre and performance globally before colonialism, in context of contemporary work and the implications of this work through critical and scholarly responses to these performances.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: History/Dramaturgy/Directing
Departmental Category: Asia Content

THTR 6041 (3) Theatre and Performance Histories 2

Studies global histories of theatre and performance from colonization to the present, with particular attention paid to critical and theoretical responses to work from the period.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: History/Dramaturgy/Directing

THTR 6051 (1-3) Production Research and Practicum: Directing

Advanced study of theory and practice of stage directing through examination of the work of leading directors, analysis of texts and classroom exercise. Instructor consent required.

Additional Information: Departmental Category: History/Dramaturgy/Directing

THTR 6091 (1-3) Production Research and Practicum: Dramaturgy

Students undertake a dramaturgical project, normally within the major season, requiring detailed preparatory research, testing of ideas, and public presentation of theories and concepts in practice. Students work under faculty supervision and prepare a documented written report of their project.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Recommended: advanced course work in dramatic literature and advisor approval.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: History/Dramaturgy/Directing

THTR 6849 (1-3) Independent Study

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Special Courses in Theatre

THTR 6949 (1) Master's Candidate for Degree

Registration intended for students preparing for a thesis defense, final examination, culminating activity, or completion of degree.

Additional Information: Departmental Category: Special Courses in Theatre

THTR 6959 (1-6) Master's Thesis

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Special Courses in Theatre

THTR 7004 (3-6) Colorado Shakespeare Festival Summer Immersion

Immersive summer intensive designed to provide an in-depth study of Shakespeare with the Colorado Shakespeare Festival (CSF). Students learn from and engage with CSF company members and faculty from English and Theatre & Dance departments in a small group, experiential setting. Students attend plays, rehearsals and lectures, and explore acting, directing and pedagogy.

Additional Information: Departmental Category: Shakespearean Production

THTR 8999 (1-10) Doctoral Dissertation

All doctoral students must register for not fewer than 30 hours of dissertation credit as part of the requirements for the degree. For a detailed discussion of doctoral dissertation credit, refer to the Graduate School section.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 30.00 total credit hours.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Special Courses in Theatre

Theatre & Dance

Show only these courses...

THDN 5010 (3) Introduction to Performance Studies

Introduces students to performance studies by surveying foundational concepts and recent scholarship in the field and by examining theoretical and methodological questions raised by performance practices. This interdisciplinary course provides students with the necessary vocabulary and research skills to continue to navigate the field of performance studies and the many academic fields it intersects with. Formerly THTR 5010.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

THDN 5051 (3) Topics in Performance Studies

Provides an opportunity for an in-depth study of a particular topic in performance studies (e.g., a historical period, a region, a practitioner, a theorist, a concept). Topic specified in the Online Schedule Planner.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 9.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Departmental Category: History/Dramaturgy/Directing

THDN 5099 (3) Live Performance: Critical Curation

Examines live arts curation and engages in both practical and theoretical investigations. Course observes how approach to curation requires changes in production practices as well as models of spectatorship. The course culminates in a student-directed creation of an original, team-based curatorial project. This course counts toward the Dance Seminar requirement.

Recommended: Prerequisite THTR 5010.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

THDN 6009 (2) Research and Teaching in Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies

Provides an overview of resources, methodologies, and strategies for graduate teaching in the fields of theatre, dance, and performance studies. Students will be exposed to library and other resources available to them in the department and in the university, and will develop a research proposal for a project they plan to develop during their graduate studies.

Requisites: Restricted to THTR MA, THTR PhD or DNCE MFA students