Theatre Arts
Department of Communication & Cultural Studies
School of Media, Culture and Creative Arts
Faculty of Humanities
Curtin University
Area Coordinator: Philip Miolin. For more information email: p.miolin@curtin.edu.au / phone: 9266 2511 / Building: 209 Room 354
1ST YEAR - PRE-MAJOR UNITS
Semester 1:
THTR 1001: Acting Fundamentals (1 x 3hr seminar)
This unit introduces students to foundational skills and processes applicable to a variety of performance contexts, including practice, analysis and reflection. The unit focuses particularly on the practical application of acting, vocal and movement skills. This unit provides a clear framework from which to approach any performance activity.
Semester 2:
THTR 1002: Devising Fundamentals (1 x 3hr seminar)
This unit introduces both practical and theoretical approaches to understanding and creating contemporary theatre specifically focussing on devising. Students will incorporate practical processes and theoretical material to gain a critical understanding of devising techniques and processes and will apply them to the rehearsal and presentation of an original devised work. Attending performances at the Hayman Theatre will be central to the experience of this unit.
2ND YEAR UNITS
Semester 1:
THTR 2001: Acting (1 x 3hr seminar)
This unit examines the major influences on contemporary western performance relating to acting for the stage. A consideration of the key acting theories and techniques and how they can be applied in practice will be undertaken. Through a series of lectures, master classes and workshops, students will explore the ‘System’ of acting devised by Konstantin Stanislavski and the approaches of those who followed including Michael Chekhov, Bertolt Brecht, Lee Strasberg, Stella Adler and Sanford Meisner.
THTR 2004: Voice for the Actor (1 x 3hr seminar)
This unit develops awareness of vocal strengths, weaknesses and habits and explores a range of exercises to help develop the performer’s voice. Students will also apply vocal technique to spoken language, verse and dialogue. Students will be asked to effectively apply voice work to performance of both a Shakespearean sonnet and a dialogue from a chosen play.
AND/OR
THTR 2002: Technical Theatre Fundamentals (1x 3hr seminar)
This unit aims to introduce students to the acquisition and application of technical production skills for performance. This highly practical unit is closely linked to the production program at Curtin’s Hayman Theatre. It will introduce students to the process of theatre production through an investigation of the procedures of stage management, lighting and audio theory and practice and an investigation of both the role of design in technical theatre production and its relationship to the artistic intention of the production. In addition to the weekly seminar students will be expected to work on Lunchtime and Major Productions.
Semester 2:
THTR 3006: Collaborative Theatre Practice (1 x 3hr seminar)
Classic plays will be considered both within the cultural and performance contexts of their creation and their subsequent performance history. As a means of positioning these texts within a contemporary performance environment practical dramaturgical skills will be introduced and applied to a student-led interpretation and production of a classic text.
THTR 2003: Movement for the Actor (1 x 3hr seminar)
This is a movement unit for performers and performance makers. A theoretical and practical exploration of Laban Movement Analysis and Bartenieff Fundamentals this unit aims to increase the individual’s awareness of their personal movement signature and to expand their functional and expressive movement range. It will provide a conceptual framework and set of practical tools and terminology to develop the performer’s level of verbal articulation and embodiment of movement choices for more effective meaning making in performance.
AND/OR
THTR 2002: Technical Theatre Fundamentals (1x 3hr seminar)
See above.
3RD YEAR UNITS
Semester 1:
THTR 3003: International Theatre (1 x 3hr seminar)
This unit examines a range of international plays, playwrights and movements in modern and contemporary theatre and performance from the early twentieth century to the present day as blueprints for: performance; ideological statements and reflections of the historical, cultural and political environment of their creation and production. The unit combines both practical and theoretical approaches to this material.
THTR 3001: Devising Theatre (1 x 3hr seminar)
Through a combination of discussion, research and practical exercises this unit will examine ways and means of devising performance in which text is not the privileged element. These strategies will be applied practically as the students work towards the production of a collaborative, devised performance work as part of a season of original performance work at the Hayman Theatre. (Prerequisite: This unit is available to students who have successfully completed either THTR 2001: Acting or THTR 3006: Collaborative Theatre Practice).
AND/OR
THTR 3005: Dramaturgy and Creative Production (1 x 3hr seminar)
This unit is designed specifically for Theatre Arts students who have demonstrated a high level of commitment to creative or technical involvement in productions by Curtin’s Hayman Theatre Company throughout their course of study. It is suited to students intending to enter the performing arts as a profession and consists of a dual emphasis: excellence of practice and the ability to document and reflect. (Prerequisites: significant participation in 3 eligible productions by Curtin’s Hayman Theatre Company throughout their course of study and successful completion of THTR 2002: Technical Theatre Fundamentals.)
Semester 2:
THTR 3004: Australian Theatre (1 x 3hr seminar)
This unit examines a range of recent Australian plays and considers them from a number of perspectives: as blueprints for performance; ideological statements and reflections of Australia at various stages of its recent history. The set texts include a diverse range of recent Australian plays and critical writing about Australian theatre. The unit combines both practical and theoretical approaches to this material.
THTR 3000: Directing Theatre (1 x 3hr seminar)
Students analyse and present the work of major theatre directors and acquire and apply directing skills in a season of public performances of their own works at the Hayman Theatre. (Prerequisites: This unit is available to students who have successfully completed 1st year pre-major PS units and THTR 2002: Technical Theatre Fundamentals.)
AND/OR
THTR 3002: Professional Theatre Practice (1 x 4hr seminar)
This unit introduces students to the local and national performing arts industry. Students will have the opportunity to make valuable connections with industry professionals and arts workers and are shown strategies for writing and compiling funding applications for professional development and production opportunities. There is an emphasis on collaborative process and authentic assessment within a practical and theoretical context.
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