Courses

The courses listed below are provided by Student Information Services (SIS). This listing provides a snapshot of immediately available courses within this department and may not be complete. Course registration information can be found at https://sis.jhu.edu/classes.

Please consult the online course catalog for cross-listed courses and full course information.

Column one has the course number and section. Other columns show the course title, days offered, instructor's name, room number, if the course is cross-referenced with another program, and a option to view additional course information in a pop-up window.

Acting II
AS.225.201 (01)

As in Workshop I, the principal classroom activities will consist of scene work, exercises, lectures, and discussion. Some rehearsal will also take place during school hours. It is expected that substantial out-of- class time be spent on rehearsals and exercises. Recommended Course Background: AS.225.301

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Closed
  • Seats Available: 2/18
  • PosTag(s): n/a

The Existential Drama: Philosophy and Theatre of the Absurd
AS.225.328 (01)

Existentialism, a powerful movement in modern drama and theatre, has had a profound influence on contemporary political thought, ethics, and psychology, and has transformed our very notion of how to stage a play. Selected readings and lectures on the philosophy of Kierkegaard, Nietszche, Camus and Sartre -- and discussion of works for the stage by Sartre, Ionesco, Genet, Beckett, Albee, Pinter, Athol Fugard (with Nkani & Nshone), Heiner Müller and the late plays of Caryl Churchill. Opportunities for projects on Dürrenmatt, Frisch, Havel, Witkiewicz, and Mrozek.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 4/15
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Adaptation for the Stage
AS.225.324 (01)

For aspiring playwrights, dramaturgs, and literary translators, this course is a workshop opportunity in learning to adapt both dramatic and non-dramatic works into fresh versions for the stage. Students with ability in foreign languages and literatures are encouraged to explore translation of drama as well as adaptation of foreign language fiction in English. Fiction, classical dramas, folk and fairy tales, independent interviews, or versions of plays from foreign languages are covered.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 3/10
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Contemporary Theatre & Film
AS.225.300 (01)

An introduction to the performing arts, including an overview of theatre history, acting styles and the interaction of art and society. A personal view from inside.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Reserved Open
  • Seats Available: 5/22
  • PosTag(s): n/a

The Lab - The Actor/Director/Playwright Lab
AS.225.321 (01)

Student actors, directors, and playwrights will explore their respective crafts with emphasis on process and individual artistic growth. Participants in the class will also collaborate on the creation of new material for the stage. Recommended Course Background: one course in Acting, Directing, or Playwriting.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Closed
  • Seats Available: 0/12
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Stagecraft
AS.225.310 (01)

A hands-on approach to the technical and theoretical elements of production. Meets in the Merrick Barn Scene Shop. Permission Required.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Closed
  • Seats Available: 0/6
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Design for the Stage
AS.225.323 (01)

The fundamentals of stage design, with an emphasis on process, including script analysis, research, conceptualization, and implementation, from the first reading of the play to opening night, along with an overview of theatre architecture from the Greeks to the current day and into our imagined future.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Closed
  • Seats Available: 0/10
  • PosTag(s): n/a

ANGELS IN AMERICA (The Play) The Millennium Shift in American Culture and Politics
AS.225.218 (01)

Tony Kushner’s epoch-making play weaves together astonishingly diverse sides of America in a broad tapestry; a modern work that emerged at the end of the 20th Century, now being revived world wide: it provides keys to understanding the American zeitgeist and the coming transformations of the culture. In one pivotal work we find the emergence of LGBT rights, the Mormon Church, the AIDS epidemic, the new “spirituality,” the Reagan-era transformation of both government and business, and the looming figure of Roy Cohn whose influence in American politics “behind the scenes” ranged from the Rosenberg trial to his work as counsel for the McCarthy Committee in the 1950s: and even his legacy in the 2016 as primary political and business mentor of the current President of the United States.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 7/8
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Acting III
AS.225.303 (01)

Special attention is given to the development of spontaneity and emotional freedom using the principles of Workshops I and II. Hands on work with John Astin’s “The Process” and the second Silverberg workbook are employed, along with the Uta Hagen text. Boleslavsky and Michael Chekhov are introduced. The Clurman, Meisner, Stanislavsky and Strasberg approaches are included. Substantial out of class time is required. Recommended Course Background: Two acting courses.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Canceled
  • Seats Available: 12/12
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Creative Improvisation: For Theatre and for Life
AS.225.346 (02)

An exploration of the imagination and the senses using basic techniques of improvisation: exercises, conflict resolution, ensemble building, and theatre games. Texts: Spolin, Johnstone, LaBan and Feldencreis. Open to all students.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Closed
  • Seats Available: 0/18
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Creative Improvisation: For Theatre and for Life
AS.225.346 (01)

An exploration of the imagination and the senses using basic techniques of improvisation: exercises, conflict resolution, ensemble building, and theatre games. Texts: Spolin, Johnstone, LaBan and Feldencreis. Open to all students.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Closed
  • Seats Available: 0/18
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Shakespeare in Performance
AS.225.308 (01)

Students will work with a selection of Shakespeare’s plays --- TWELFTH NIGHT; MACBETH; and THE TEMPEST --- in exploring specific ways in which the power of the lines can be translated dynamically and immediately into vocal and physical performance. This course can be repeated for credit, because it covers different topics. (Some background in the acting sequence is encouraged).

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 2/15
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Acting IV
AS.225.374 (01)

Work is tailored to individual students, using the principles of Workshops I and II and other previous experience. Students work with John Astin’s “The Process”, along with the texts of Uta Hagen, Boleslavsky and Michael Chekhov. The Clurman, Meisner, Stanislavsky and Strasberg approaches are further explored. Substantial out of class time is required. Recommended Course Background: Two acting courses. Permission Required.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Closed
  • Seats Available: 8/12
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Course # (Section) Title Day/Times Instructor Room PosTag(s) Info
AS.225.201 (01)Acting IITTh 12:00PM - 1:15PMAstin, JohnMerrick 105
AS.225.328 (01)The Existential Drama: Philosophy and Theatre of the AbsurdM 3:00PM - 5:30PMMartin, Joseph HMerrick 105
AS.225.324 (01)Adaptation for the StageW 3:00PM - 5:30PMMartin, Joseph HGarland 97
AS.225.300 (01)Contemporary Theatre & FilmTTh 10:30AM - 11:45AMAstin, JohnKrieger Laverty
AS.225.321 (01)The Lab - The Actor/Director/Playwright LabT 6:00PM - 8:30PMDenithorne, MargaretMerrick 105
AS.225.310 (01)StagecraftTTh 10:30AM - 11:45AMRoche, William CMerrick 101
AS.225.323 (01)Design for the StageMW 12:00PM - 1:15PMRoche, William CMerrick 105
AS.225.218 (01)ANGELS IN AMERICA (The Play) The Millennium Shift in American Culture and PoliticsTh 3:00PM - 5:30PMMartin, Joseph HMerrick 105
AS.225.303 (01)Acting IIIW 4:30PM - 7:00PMAstin, JohnMerrick 200
AS.225.346 (02)Creative Improvisation: For Theatre and for LifeTTh 4:30PM - 5:45PMDenithorne, MargaretMattin Center 101
AS.225.346 (01)Creative Improvisation: For Theatre and for LifeTTh 3:00PM - 4:15PMDenithorne, MargaretMattin Center 101
AS.225.308 (01)Shakespeare in PerformanceM 6:00PM - 8:30PMGlossman, JamesMerrick 200
AS.225.374 (01)Acting IVW 4:30PM - 7:00PMAstin, John 

Column one has the course number and section. Other columns show the course title, days offered, instructor's name, room number, if the course is cross-referenced with another program, and a option to view additional course information in a pop-up window.

Course # (Section) Title Day/Times Instructor Room PosTag(s) Info

Column one has the course number and section. Other columns show the course title, days offered, instructor's name, room number, if the course is cross-referenced with another program, and a option to view additional course information in a pop-up window.

Scene Study 3
AS.225.333 (01)

Classes and scenes tailored to the needs of the actors. Some rehearsal will take place during school hours. It is expected that substantial out-of-class time be spent on rehearsals and exercises.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 3/12
  • PosTag(s): n/a

History of Modern Theatre & Drama
AS.225.345 (01)

Designed to impart a deepened appreciation and understanding of today's theatre by surveying the major playwrights, historical movements, and theatre practices of the 20th century. The course also seeks to help students understand theatre's relationship to the societal and political power structure of each era and to introduce students to great dynamic literature in its intended form, which is performance.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Waitlist Only
  • Seats Available: 0/15
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Acting I
AS.225.101 (02)

An introduction to the fundamentals of acting through exercises, improvisation, and work on scenes from established plays and Shakespearean sonnets, based on the teachings of Stanislavsky, Greet, Boleslavsky, Michael Chekhov, Clurman, and Meisner. This course also includes a brief survey of major playwrights. Plays will be read, analyzed, and employed in scene work.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Waitlist Only
  • Seats Available: 0/12
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Voice and Speech for the Actor
AS.225.212 (01)

It has been said that 90% of what an actor does onstage is dependent on being effortlessly heard and understood by their audiences. This course is designed to establish the tools for the actor to begin to create this foundation. Using a combination of both the benchmark texts by Edith Skinner and Kristin Linklater, along with in-class exercises and monologues, we will begin the process of exploring both vocal power through breathing and breath control, and the fundamental tools of clarity in the speaking of a dramatic text onstage.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 4/15
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Theatre: Tech Direction
AS.225.314 (01)

An introduction to Technical Direction including pre-production and production with an overview of materials, tools, rigging and safety, together with design and its implementation.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Approval Required
  • Seats Available: 12/14
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Stagecraft
AS.225.310 (01)

A hands-on approach to the technical and theoretical elements of production. Meets in the Merrick Barn Scene Shop. Permission Required.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Approval Required
  • Seats Available: 0/6
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Acting I
AS.225.101 (01)

An introduction to the fundamentals of acting through exercises, improvisation, and work on scenes from established plays and Shakespearean sonnets, based on the teachings of Stanislavsky, Greet, Boleslavsky, Michael Chekhov, Clurman, and Meisner. This course also includes a brief survey of major playwrights. Plays will be read, analyzed, and employed in scene work.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 3/12
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Performing Musical Theatre
AS.225.215 (01)

Effective performance in musical theatre demands a committed analysis of the musical and dramatic values of the song and the libretto from which it springs, in order to develop a fresh, organic interpretation. This course will provide you with the training to both analyze and interpret musical theatre scenes and songs and to make the most of them in performance. Instructor Permission Only.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Approval Required
  • Seats Available: 0/12
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Three Key Dramatists: Ibsen/Strindberg/Brecht
AS.225.412 (01)

These three dramatists, among the most important of the last two hundred years, lived and worked in Europe in a close historical sequence – spanning a period from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century and changed theatre permanently: moving from realism to expressionism and finally the “epic theatre.” For this course students will explore three or four plays by each of these transformative dramatists. Ibsen: An Enemy of the People, The Wild Duck, and When We Dead Awaken. Strindberg: Miss Julie, the one-acts (“Pariah” and “ The Stronger”) and The Ghost Sonata. Brecht: A Man’s a Man, Three Penny Opera, Mother Courage and Her Children, and the Good Person of Setzuan. (Students of German or Scandinavian languages and literature are encouraged to examine the plays in the original language.) Open to graduate students, juniors and seniors.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 10/12
  • PosTag(s): GRLL-ENGL, GRLL-GERM

Playwriting Strategies
AS.225.330 (01)

A seminar and workshop in playwriting with Dr. Joe Martin, playwright and dramaturge. Student writers, developing their plays, will learn how to open up to the creative process, “brainstorm,” refine their work, and shape it toward an act of artistic communication. Writer’s techniques, such as attending to plot or “story,” delineation of character, creating effective “dialog,” even overcoming “writer’s block,” will be addressed. This course is designed to be complementary to – not a replacement for – playwriting classes in the Writing Seminars.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 4/8
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Introduction to Theatre
AS.225.100 (01)

An introduction to the drama: how and why the theatre came into being; its role in human history; and how changing social structures in different regions and epochs have shaped different kinds of theatre, plays and performance. Also: how theatre “works” for us and on us, and the major plays of world drama.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 7/15
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Course # (Section) Title Day/Times Instructor Room PosTag(s) Info
AS.225.333 (01)Scene Study 3W 4:30PM - 7:00PMAstin, JohnMerrick 200
AS.225.345 (01)History of Modern Theatre & DramaT 3:00PM - 5:30PMDenithorne, MargaretMerrick 105
AS.225.101 (02)Acting ITTh 12:00PM - 1:15PMAstin, JohnMerrick 105
AS.225.212 (01)Voice and Speech for the ActorM 6:00PM - 8:30PMGlossman, JamesMerrick 200
AS.225.314 (01)Theatre: Tech DirectionMW 12:00PM - 1:15PMRoche, William CMerrick 105
AS.225.310 (01)StagecraftTTh 10:30AM - 11:45AMRoche, William CMerrick 101
AS.225.101 (01)Acting ITTh 10:30AM - 11:45AMAstin, JohnMerrick 105
AS.225.215 (01)Performing Musical TheatreT 6:00PM - 8:30PMDenithorne, MargaretMerrick 200
AS.225.412 (01)Three Key Dramatists: Ibsen/Strindberg/BrechtTh 3:00PM - 5:30PMMartin, Joseph HGilman 77GRLL-ENGL, GRLL-GERM
AS.225.330 (01)Playwriting StrategiesW 3:00PM - 5:30PMMartin, Joseph HHodson 110
AS.225.100 (01)Introduction to TheatreM 3:00PM - 5:30PMMartin, Joseph HMerrick 105