Drama studies courses and programs

Course description

This course involves projects in areas such as acting, directing, stage management, and design as assigned within the Motyer-Fancy Theatre season by the director of drama. Practical results are supported by written and/or visual materials as appropriate.

The purpose of Drama 4011 is to allow students majoring or minoring in drama to achieve individualized learning objectives, while advancing their experiential skills in and knowledge of a specific dimension of theatre craft under the guidance of a faculty or staff mentor.

In the winter term, students propose projects to be completed the following academic year in conjunction with the theatre season offered by the Drama Studies program.

Minimum recommended preparation

By the time of proposing their first 4011 project, students should have successfully completed at least 9 credits in DRAM courses and, by the time the project is undertaken, students should have successfully completed at least one course relevant to the area they wish to pursue in the 4011 project (e.g. if wishing to assistant direct, the student should have taken DRAM 3151; if wishing to stage manage, they should have taken at least DRAM 2161, etc.).

It is also strongly advised that students be able to demonstrate some relevant theatre experience in the area of their project. It is important to remember that the Drama 4011 projects are not designed as introductions to a production department, but rather as opportunities to enhance and develop areas of interest students have experienced in courses or practical work.

Please note that completion of preparatory courses alone does not in itself guarantee admission to Drama 4011.

Priority to drama majors/minors

Due to the limited availability of time, personnel, and facilities to accommodate individual projects, proposals will be evaluated and selected on the basis of their scholarly and artistic merit, and the academic performance and profile of the proposers.

If not all proposals can be accommodated in a particular year, preference will be given, in order, to:

1. Drama majors:
   • a) those with fourth-year status and/or
   • b) those with a stronger academic record
2. Drama minors:
   • a) those with fourth-year status and/or
   • b) those with a stronger academic record
3. other students who have demonstrated interest in, and commitment to, theatre practice.

1. Students considering a 4011 project for the following year are strongly encouraged to discuss their ideas with prospective mentors and/or with the 4011 co-ordinator early in the previous winter term (January or February), to ensure there is faculty/staff expertise and capacity to supervise in their chosen area.

2. Students submit a project proposal (deadline is first week of March) which clearly outlines:

a. a detailed description of specific learning outcomes written in the vocabulary of the discipline

b. a plan to develop skills or knowledge previously encountered in drama courses or practice

c. the student’s background and preparation to succeed at the stated objectives

d. a rationale for successful achievement of learning outcomes based on

• the value of the experience to the proposer, linking learning outcomes to the specific project components
• the feasibility of the project within the Drama Studies program
• the student’s experience and other justifying factors

e. the preferred term

f. any other relevant information

3. The director of drama and other faculty and staff will review the proposals and consider the following criteria:

a. The clarity and significance of the learning objectives

b. The relationship of the learning objectives to the proposed project

c. The suitability and feasibility of the proposed learning objectives and project to the student’s particular abilities, experience, and aspirations

d. The academic performance and profile of the proposer

e. The scholarly and artistic merits of the project

f. The contribution of the proposed project to the overall enrichment of the Drama Studies program and the Motyer-Fancy Theatre season

g. The availability of appropriate mentorship and adequate facilities

4. Successful proposals will usually be announced by the end of March.

Students (especially those taking on a 4011 project in the fall term) are strongly encouraged to meet with their mentors at that time to begin the process of developing a clear course plan before leaving for the summer.

Student directors and designers who will collaborate on a studio production during the fall term are especially strongly encouraged to meet in the spring to take preliminary steps toward planning their artistic collaboration.

To submit a DRAM 4011 project proposal

• Review the information on this page carefully.
• Consult potential mentors and/or the 4011 co-ordinator for further information and advice.
• Choose the appropriate option/topic for your DRAM 4011 project.
• Complete the Advanced Theatrical Interpretation project proposal form.
• Submit your proposal by Monday, March 6, 2023.

• Technical areas (lighting, sound, carpentry, etc.)
• Assistant directing or directing (depending on experience)
• Assistant design or design (depending on experience)
  • (costumes, lighting, sets, sound etc.)
• Stage management or assistant stage management (depending on experience)
• Production management or technical direction
• Other
  • Students may propose other types of creative project that will complement their university education, the Motyer-Fancy Theatre season, and the Drama Studies program
  • In addition, one-person shows, non-text-based performances or student-written plays, etc. may be considered for performance in workshop or other venues outside the regular Motyer-Fancy Theatre season

Please note that approval of more advanced projects (such as directing or design) pre-supposes students have already successfully completed at least one 4011 project or have equivalent advanced experience in the area of interest.

Directing

• Students will propose to direct a play of not more than 40 minutes in length (minimum length: 30 minutes). Your prospective mentor must have read your play selection before the application can be considered for a 4011 project.
• As part of the proposal, students will identify the play they want to direct and, ideally, an alternative second choice. If the plays are not well known, a copy of the script must be submitted for purposes of evaluation.
• Students are expected to have completed DRAM 3151 and gained experience assistant directing (or stage managing) with a faculty or staff member before undertaking their project.
• Students who have demonstrated directing potential in other ways may also be considered.
• Non-text-based performances, including devised productions, may be considered for performance in workshop or other venues outside the regular Motyer-Fancy Theatre season on the condition that the proposer has already demonstrated significant directing potential.

Design

• Students will contribute to the design (and its execution) in one or more design areas for a production directed in the Motyer-Fancy Theatre by a faculty or staff member.

Advanced Acting Project

These projects may, but not necessarily, be completed in association with a faculty- or staff-directed production.

Please note that DRAM 4011 proposals in the area of acting will be evaluated independently from other proposals. Students must audition in open calls for faculty and/or staff-directed productions, with no preferential status. Therefore, it is advised that students have an alternative plan in place should they not happen to get cast.

Students are very strongly encouraged to consider formulating their acting course proposal based on a variety of alternative learning projects and experiences (workshops, scene studies, etc.)