Dramatic Arts Courses (DRA)

DRA 2200 Introduction to Drama (2-2)
    An introduction to theatre as a fine art and as a vital part of our western culture, the course focuses on the aspects of audience, production, and performance.  It is designed for the student who wishes to gain a fundamental understanding and an appreciation of the theatrical arts in our society. 
DRA 2211 Theatre for Youth (1-3)
    The Ensemble performs well-known children’s classics for Alabama elementary-age students and others.  Ensemble member open by audition. The stress is on improvisation.  May be repeated for credit. 
DRA 2221 Technical Theatre (2-3)
    A study of standard technical practices and equipment for the theatre.
DRA 2245 Stagecraft Lab (1-3)
    Stagecraft Lab provides the basic elements of theatrical production through participation in acting (actors selected through audition), management, and/or technical theatre, including scenery, props, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup, business and publicity.  All majors must complete four semesters of DRA 2245 with a rotation of crew work in scenery, lighting, costumes, and marketing.
DRA 3301 Acting I (2-3)
    A study of basic principles, terminology, and disciplines of the actor, including relaxation, concentration, movement, and characterization.
DRA 3302 Costume Techniques (2-3)
    A study of the techniques of costume construction, including methods of drafting patterns, building and/or modifying costumes, and the application of arts and crafts. 
DRA 3303 Makeup Techniques (1-2)
    A study of the theory and techniques of stage make-up.  Includes makeup for theatre, film, and video. 
DRA 3304 Lighting Techniques (2-3)
    A study of stage lighting equipment and lighting practices.
DRA 3310 Communication Arts Seminar (1-1)
    An introduction to the methods of designing, researching, and reporting the solutions to rhetorical and theatrical design/technology or acting/directing problems, development of public speaking/forensics presentations or critical analyses of language arts subjects.  Includes focus on standards of professional communication and fine arts organizations as well as graduate and/or professional school opportunities. Also includes requirement for completion of 20 attendance credits at communication and fine arts events that may be earned during the first two years of enrollment.  Special arrangements through department evaluation for transfer students.
DRA 3315 Audition and Portfolio Techniques  (1-2)
    A study of the practices and tools of the actor/designer/technician in the development of the professional audition.  It includes the resume, headshot, interview, prepared monologues, and portfolio. Prerequisite:  DRA 3301, 2245, or permission of instructor.
DRA 3316 Acting II   (2-3)
    A study of advanced concepts of acting, focusing on script analysis and character development along with further study of voice, movement, and scene dynamics.  Prerequisite: DRA 3301 and SPH 2251 or permission of instructor.
DRA 3321 Scenic Design  (3-3)
    The principles and techniques of drafting and designing in a variety of theatrical spaces. Prerequisite: DRA 2221 and completion of the DRA 2245 rotation or permission of the instructor.
DRA 3331 Costume Design (3-3)
    A study of the theory, principles, and techniques of costume design applied to a series of theatrical projects. Prerequisite: Completion of the DRA 2245 rotation or permission of the instructor.
DRA 3344 Lighting Design  (3-3)
    A study of the principles of lighting design and equipment applications. Also covers drafting techniques for lighting. Prerequisite: DRA 3304 and completion of the DRA 2245 rotation or permission of the instructor. 
DRA 3345 Advanced Stagecraft Lab (1-3)
    A continuation of Stagecraft Lab designed for the upper level student. Prerequisites: DRA 2245 rotation or permission of instructor. 
DRA 3350 Script Analysis (2-2)
    Focuses on the nature of the text, playwright's purpose, dramatic structure, and style.  The course will examine how the actor, director, designer, and technician approach a play and how that understanding translates into the staging.
DRA 3352 Sound Techniques  (2-2)
    A study of digital and analog recording techniques, recording equipment, and application. 
DRA 3354 Rendering Techniques for the Theatre (2-2)
    A study and application of traditional and experimental techniques for theatrical rendering, including watercolor, markers, pastels, pencils, and other media. 
DRA 4443 Theatre History I (3-3)
    Through the study of literature and dramaturgy, this course traces the history of theatre from the origins of drama to English Restoration drama of the 18th century. Prerequisite:  Completion of ENG 2205.
DRA 4444 Theatre History II  (3-3)
    Through the study of literature and dramaturgy, this course traces the history of the theatre from the 19th century to the present.  Prerequisite: Completion of ENG 2206
DRA 4451 Directing I (3-3)
    Script analysis and directing principles with studies in the direction of scenes from contemporary plays. Prerequisite:  DRA 3301.
DRA 4452 Directing II (2-3)
    Advanced study of directing, extending to period styles and culminating with the production of a one-act play.  Prerequisites:  DRA 3301 and DRA 4451.
DRA 4455 Theatre Senior Capstone (2)
    Comprehensive exit assessment of student competencies in theatre.  The student will develop a major field-related project, pass an exit exam, and complete a program assessment.  Project proposals must be submitted prior to the semester in which they will be developed.  Final grade will be determined by speech and theatre faculty.
DRA 4491- Guided Independent Research (1-3 credit hours per course)
  92 Information is indexed under Independent Re search and Study in the Bulletin. 
DRA 4493- Guided Independent Study (1-3 credit hours per course)
  94 Information is indexed under Independent Research and Study in the Bulletin.
DRA 4496- Internship (3-6 credit hours per course)
  97 An internship with a recognized professional theatre program or company in which the student is assigned specific tasks in one of the recognized areas of theatre arts.  The number of credit hours earned will depend upon the number of hours contracted for in the internship agreement.  The course is designed to give the student an opportunity for practical application of skills in theatre arts in a professional theatre setting.  The student must apply and meet admission requirements.