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University of Calgary Calendar 2023-2024 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION Course Descriptions D Drama DRAM
Drama DRAM

For more information about these courses see the Division of Drama website: arts.ucalgary.ca/schools/creative-performing-arts/drama.

Junior Courses
Drama 203       Creativity
From the economy to the environment and from politics to entertainment, creativity is an endlessly renewable resource that offers benefits for all citizens and may well be the most important human element for our future. Students from all disciplines can investigate the practices and processes of creativity and explore the ways in which it can help enrich their lives.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Not open to Drama majors or minors.
Notes:
Attendance at selected arts events is mandatory. Students are responsible for the purchase of tickets. Affordability and accessibility will influence the selection of events.
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Drama 205       Story
An exploration of the elements of story present in the arts and beyond. Story is an exciting, creative, dynamic and universal form of human expression with the potential to engage and inspire students from across departments and disciplines.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Not open to Drama majors or minors.
Notes:
Attendance at selected arts events is mandatory. Students are responsible for the purchase of tickets.        
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Drama 209       Introduction to Acting I
An introduction to creative resources and practices for the actor.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3S-2)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 209 and 200 will not be allowed.
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Drama 210       Introduction to Acting II
An introduction to the actor’s interpretation and performance of texts for the theatre.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3S-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 209.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 210 and 200 will not be allowed.
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Drama 223       Introduction to Theatre Production
An introduction to organizational principles of theatre production and technical theatre skills.
Course Hours:
3 units; (85 hours)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 223 and 222 will not be allowed.
Notes:
Participation on the production crews of Drama productions outside of scheduled class time is required.
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Drama 225       Introduction to Scenography
An introduction to performance design and the disciplines within it: scenery, props, lighting, costumes and sound. Includes a study of the history of theatre design and space. Topics regarding contemporary notions of scenography will be explored, for example performance art, ritual, etc.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 225 and 222 will not be allowed.
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Drama 242       Introduction to the Study of Drama
An introduction to the study of drama, theatre and performance.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 242 and 240 will not be allowed.
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Drama 243       Introduction to the Practice of Drama
Continued study and practice of drama, theatre and performance.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 242.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 243 and 240 will not be allowed.
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Senior Courses
Drama 309       Foundations of Acting I    
Further development of an actor’s interpretation and performance of dramatic text for the stage through investigation of “Naturalism” and contemporary scene study.
Course Hours:
3 units; (4S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 200 or 210, audition and consent of Division Lead, Drama.
Corequisite(s):
Drama 316 and 318.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 309 and 300 or 301 will not be allowed.
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Drama 312       Foundations of Acting II  
A continued investigation of fundamental acting principles, continuing with contemporary contexts with an introduction to classical text.
Course Hours:
3 units; (4S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 301 or 309.
Corequisite(s):
Drama 316 and 318.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 312 and 300 or 302 will not be allowed.
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Drama 313       Scenography I
Basic scenography including set, props, lighting and costume design theory, process and technique for a variety of theatre forms and performance styles.
Course Hours:
3 units; (2S-2)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Drama 319.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 313 and either 415 or 417 will not be allowed.
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Drama 316       Foundations in Vocal Practice
Foundations in vocal practice and development of the voice for live performance and public speaking.
Course Hours:
3 units; (0-4)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 200 or 210.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 316 and 300 or 301 will not be allowed.
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Drama 317       Introduction to Stage Sound
Basic principles of sound for the theatre: recording, reinforcement and reproduction techniques and methods used in creating a production design.
Course Hours:
3 units; (2S-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 223 and 225.
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Drama 318       Foundations in Physical Practice
Foundations in physical practice and development of the body for stylized-live performance and public engagement.
Course Hours:
3 units; (0-4)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 200 or 210.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 318 and 300 or 301 will not be allowed.
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Drama 319       Graphics and Model Building for Theatre
An introduction to graphic and model building techniques for the theatre designer.
Course Hours:
3 units; (2S-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 223 and 225.
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Drama 320       Introduction to Lighting Design
Basic principles of lighting for live performance including conceptualization of the lighting approach, techniques in communication and skills in execution of a performance.
Course Hours:
3 units; (2S-2)
Corequisite(s):
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Drama 319.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 320 and 315 will not be allowed.
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Drama 321       Stage Management
Principles of stage management.
Course Hours:
3 units; (2S-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 223 and 225.
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Drama 345       History of the Theatre: Origins to the Mid-Eighteenth Century
Theatre as an art and society phenomenon in selected cultures, emphasizing the development of Western traditions.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 345 and 342 will not be allowed.
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Drama 346       Seminar in Drama I
An introduction to play and production analysis, developing skills in critical thinking, research, and oral and written communication about drama and theatre.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 243.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 346 and 340 will not be allowed.
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Drama 347       History of the Theatre: The Late Eighteenth Century to the Present
Theatre as an art and social phenomenon in selected cultures, emphasizing the development of Western traditions from the late eighteenth century to the present.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 347 and 344 will not be allowed.
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Drama 348       Seminar in Drama II
Further development of skills and competencies, and critical and interpretive skills.
Course Hours:
3 units; (4S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 346.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 348 and 340 will not be allowed.
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Drama 355       Introduction to Canadian Theatre and Drama
A study of Canadian theatre and performance using both formal and theoretical approaches.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3S-0)
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Drama 358       Performance Creation in Applied Practices
Explorations in personal/group creative process; facilitation of performance forms that may include sound and movement exploration, storytelling, ritual, mask, puppetry, and the collaborative creation of original performance. Emphasis will be placed on collaborative practices and group communication.
Course Hours:
6 units; (2S-2)
Antirequisite(s):
Not open to Drama majors or minors. Credit for Drama 358 and any of 360, 366 or 368 will not be allowed. 
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Drama 365       Theatre for Young Audiences I
Study of the history and production of Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA), as well as the creation of original performances. Exploration of performances techniques specific to TYA content, forms and venues.
Course Hours:
3 units; (2S-2)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 365 and 362 will not be allowed.
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Drama 367       Theatre for Young Audiences II
Advanced exploration of performances techniques specific to Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) content, forms and venues. There is a performance component that includes tours in the community.
Course Hours:
3 units; (2S-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 365.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 367 and 362 will not be allowed.
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Drama 368       Introduction to Performance Creation
Introduction to theatrical devising, focusing on the place of the individual within group creation contexts. Emphasis on personal physical awareness, expressivity, discovery of individual strengths and interests, and strategies for collaboration. Creation of short scenes for presentation.
Course Hours:
3 units; (2S-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Admission to a Drama program.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 368 and either 358 or 360 will not be allowed.
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Drama 371       Introduction to Playwriting
Directed exercises in writing for the theatre; workshop sessions for developing and reworking material.
Course Hours:
3 units; (2S-2)
Prerequisite(s):
12 units Drama 200 or 210; 223, 225; and 240 or 243.
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Drama 381       Topics in Theatre Practice

Special topics in the study of scenography and techniques for the scenographer.

381.04 Costume Techniques
381.05 Scenic Art
381.06 Theatre and Technology
381.08 Stage Combat
381.09 Voice and Presence for Every Performance
381.10 Mask and Puppetry


Course Hours:
3 units; (2-2) or (1.5-1.5)
Notes:
A supplementary fee will be assessed for Drama 381.04, 381.05 and 381.10 to cover additional costs associated with this course.
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Drama 382       Topics in Drama
Special topics in the study of drama. Topics may include Writing for Performance, Black Canadian Drama, and Solo Performance Creation.
Course Hours:
3 units; (2-2) or (1.5-1.5)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Drama 391       Practicum I
Practical experience in the practice of disciplinary skills for performance or production.
Course Hours:
3 units; (100 hours)
Prerequisite(s):
12 units Drama 200 or 210; 223, 225; and 240 or 243 and consent of the Division Lead, Drama.
Notes:
Students must submit an application and identify a supervisor before being considered for this course.
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Drama 393       Practicum II
Further practical experience in the practice of disciplinary skills for performance or production.
Course Hours:
3 units; (100 hours)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 391 and consent of the Division Lead, Drama.
Notes:
Students must submit an application and identify a supervisor before being considered for this course.
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Drama 409       Advanced Acting I  
Investigation and development of the actor’s process with a deepening rigour toward integrating vocal and physical modalities as they connect to dramatic text. A study of best practice in rehearsal, and introduction to live-public performance.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3S-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 300 or 302 or 310, 316, and 318, audition and consent of the Division Lead, Drama.
Corequisite(s):
Drama 416 and 418.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 409 and 400 will not be allowed.
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Drama 411       Introduction to Directing
Fundamental approaches and skills in directing covered through theory and practice.
Course Hours:
3 units; (2-2)
Prerequisite(s):
9 units Drama 223, 200 or 210, and 340 or 346.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 411 and 410 will not be allowed.
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Drama 412       Advanced Acting II
Intermediate practice of contemporary and stylized performance and acting techniques, in addition to personal practice associated with strong physical presence.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3S-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 409 and consent of the Division Lead, Drama.
Corequisite(s):
Drama 416 and 418.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 412 and 400 will not be allowed.
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Drama 413       Directing I
Extended practices in directing.
Course Hours:
3 units; (2-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 411.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 413 and 410 will not be allowed.
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Drama 416       Topics in Vocal Practice
Topics in the development of vocal practice for live performance and public speaking. Exploration of contemporary and classical text.
Course Hours:
3 units; (0-4)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 316 or both 301 and 302.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 416 and Drama 400 will not be allowed.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Drama 418       Topics in Physical Practice for Performance
Topics in the development of physical practice on stage in association to contemporary and classical performance. Exploring physical readiness for live performance.
Course Hours:
3 units; (0-4)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 318 or both 301 and 302.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 418 and 400 will not be allowed.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Drama 468       Intermediate Performance Creation
Examines a broad cross-section of approaches, both historical and contemporary, to performance creation, physical theatre and theatrical devising. Conceptual and practical introduction to a wide range of distinct models for training and creation.
Course Hours:
3 units; (2S-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 368
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 468 and 460 will not be allowed.
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Drama 471       Playwriting
Intermediate studies in writing for the theatre leading to the development of a one-act or full-length piece; workshop sessions for developing and rehearsing material.
Course Hours:
3 units; (2S-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 371 and consent of the Division Lead, Drama.
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Drama 481       Advanced Topics in Theatre Practice
Immersive Theatre, Wearable Electronics for Costume Design, Design for Devised Theatre, Professional Practice and Career Preparation, Intimacy Coaching, Stage Combat Choreography, Site-Specific Theatre, Advanced Mask and Puppetry, Codes of Performance in Ancient Drama, and Directing, Design and Dramaturgy.
Course Hours:
3 units; (2S-2) or (1.5S-1.5) or (0-6)
Prerequisite(s):
12 units in the field of Drama.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Drama 483       Advanced Topics in Theatre Studies
Advanced study in various topics related to theatre studies. Possible topics include, but are not limited to: a particular historical period, genre, theme, playwright, or critical/theoretical approach. Recent topics have included Contemporary Women Playwrights and Gender, Sexuality, Modernism, and Performance.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3S-0) or (3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 346.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Drama 491       Practicum III
Further practical experience in the practice of disciplinary skills for performance or production.
Course Hours:
3 units; (100 hours)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 393 and consent of the Division Lead, Drama.
Notes:
Students must submit an application and identify a supervisor before being considered for this course.
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Drama 493       Practicum IV
Further practical experience in the practice of disciplinary skills for performance or production.
Course Hours:
3 units; (100 hours)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 491 and consent of the Division Lead, Drama.
Notes:
Students must submit an application and identify a supervisor before being considered for this course.
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Drama 509       Advanced Acting III 
Advanced research and development of the actor’s process with attention to leadership within a performing ensemble. Further study of best practice in rehearsal with an increased commitment to the scope of roles within the context of live public performance.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3S-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 410 or 400 and consent of the Division Lead, Drama.
Corequisite(s):
Drama 416 and 418.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 509 and 500 will not be allowed.
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Drama 511       Directing II
Advanced directorial processes from ideas through presentation and documentation.
Course Hours:
3 units; (2S-3)
Prerequisite(s):
6 units Drama 410 or 6 units 411 and 413 and consent of the Division Lead, Drama.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 511 and 510 will not be allowed.
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Drama 512       Advanced Acting IV
Advanced research and development of the actor’s process with an attention toward the “Moderns” text, sub-text and deepened character analysis. Exploration and preparation for professional practice and auditions.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3S-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 400 or 509 and consent of the Division Lead, Drama.
Corequisite(s):
Drama 416 and 418.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 512 and 500 will not be allowed.
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Drama 517       Scenography IV
Advanced set, props, lighting, and costume design theory, process and technique for a variety of theatre forms and performance styles.
Course Hours:
3 units; (2S-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Division Lead, Drama.
Notes:
This course will provide students with an opportunity to practice scenography in connection to a live performance in the Drama season.
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Drama 568       Advanced Performance Creation
Collaborative contribution to a focused creation process under the individual or team-based mentorship of a SCPA faculty member and/or guest artist. Students generate performance material towards a public presentation.
Course Hours:
3 units; (2S-2) or (0-6)
Prerequisite(s):
Drama 468.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 568 and 560 will not be allowed.
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Drama 571       Directed Studies I
Independent research under the direction of a faculty member.
Course Hours:
3 units; (12-36 hours)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Division Lead, Drama.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Drama 573       Dramaturgy
Theory and core principles of dramaturgy.
Course Hours:
3 units, (3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Division Chair, Drama.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 573 and either Drama 571.23 (Dramaturgy) or 571.30 (Dramaturgy) will not be allowed.
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Drama 574       Advanced Topics in Drama
Advanced studies exploring topics in Theatre Studies, Theatre Practice, or a combination.
Course Hours:
3 units; (2-2) or (1.5S -1.5)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Division Lead, Drama.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Graduate Courses
Drama 605       Methods in Theatre Research
Methods in research in the four areas of specialization in the MFA Theatre program.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3S-0)
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Drama 611       Selected Problems in Directing I
Investigates both the theoretical and executive functions of the director. Emphasis will be placed on contemporary theatre practices through research and conceptual design, rehearsal and creation methods, and the development and articulation of a personal approach to theatre-making.
Course Hours:
3 units; (2S-3)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Drama 611 and 610 will not be allowed.
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Drama 613       Selected Problems in Directing II
A continuation and deepening of the theories, techniques and practices from Drama 611. This course includes the research, development, rehearsal and presentation of a short pre-thesis project to be presented as part of the SCPA Alchemy Festival.
Course Hours:
3 units; (2S-3)
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Drama 615       Collaboration in Performance Creation
A practical exploration of approaches to collaboration across roles in performance and theatre creation such as playwriting, directing, design, dramaturgy, and acting.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3S-0)
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Drama 623       Seminar in Scene Design

Course Hours:
3 units; (2S-2)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Drama 625       Seminar in Costume Design

Course Hours:
3 units; (2S-2)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Drama 627       Seminar in Lighting Design

Course Hours:
3 units; (2S-2)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Drama 631       Practicum in Design
Supervised, experiential pre-thesis learning, designing lighting, sound, properties, set, or costumes for a production at the School of Creative and Performing Arts.
Course Hours:
3 units; (1S-3)
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Drama 641       Artistic Research
A series of supervised practical research tasks and exercises, leading to student-led completion of artistic or empirical project plans, ethics protocols, and research instruments for pre-thesis or early thesis exploration.
Course Hours:
3 units; (1S-3)
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Drama 643       Dramaturgy
An analytical and practical introduction to dramaturgical strategies of creation and composition with attention to their potential effect on audience experiences.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3S-0)
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Drama 645       Special Topics
Advanced studies in shifting topics such as Theory, Analysis, Praxis; Premodern Theatre; Theatre and Technology; Puppetry and Mask.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3S-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Drama 647       Studies in Modern Drama I
Studies in the literature, history, theory and criticism of drama, theatre and performance from the late nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3S-0)
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Drama 649       Studies in Modern Drama II
Studies in the literature, history, theory and criticism of drama, theatre and performance from the mid-twentieth century to the present.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3S-0)
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Drama 651       Directed Studies

Course Hours:
3 units; (2S-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Drama 671       Selected Problems in Playwriting I

Course Hours:
3 units; (3S-0)
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Drama 673       Selected Problems in Playwriting II

Course Hours:
3 units; (3S-0)
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Drama 675       Pre-thesis in Playwriting
Advanced exploration of dramatic structure and character development is accomplished through completion of a one-act play.
Course Hours:
3 units; (2S-0)
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