Course Descriptions

This course is an introduction to Western Theatre, from ancient Greece to the 21st Century, including its history, language and vocabulary, and the basic components and principles of theatrical design. Students will discover what makes a story come alive in a theatrical production, will understand how live theatre performance differs from social ritual and electronic media, will become more discerning and appreciative of theatre, and will bring out their own creativity.

Note: Students in this course are required to attend one live theatre performance during the term, at their own expense.

Introduces the fundamentals of producing theatrical scenery including theatre safety, scenic construction techniques, scenic painting, and an introduction to entertainment rigging. Regular session requires a minimum of 10 hours of production work beyond the regular class and lab hours.

Weekly hours: 1.5 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Note: Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

Indigenous culture and world views are explored by using the “communicative method” fundamental to the field of language instruction. This course is divided into three distinct modules: "Acquisition," "Application," and "Expression." Module One, "Acquisition," uses immersion techniques to introduce students to an Indigenous language via a practical and expressive approach. Module Two, "Application," focuses on the application of an Indigenous language to various methods of creative expression: oratory, storytelling and especially performance arts and focuses on both individual and group exercises. In Module Three, "Expression," students develop, rehearse and present individual and group-generated creative works completely driven by the specific Indigenous language explored in Modules One and Two. The course is delivered in an integrated approach—a combination of seminars, and lab/practicum sessions. Language and cultural specialists, elders, traditional Knowledge Keepers, and guest lecturers/artists, enrich this course through socio-cultural activities intended to provide a foundation for the exploration of contemporary Indigenous world views and cultural arts.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 211 may not receive credit for this course.
Note: Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

Introduction to the fundamentals of stage properties construction, materials and techniques. Emphasis will be placed on the practical and aesthetic aspects of producing stage properties for theatre productions. There is a requirement of a minimum of 25 hours of production work beyond the regular class and lab hours. Students should avoid taking any evening classes because of the demands of evening production set-up and rehearsals.

Weekly hours: 2 Lecture hours and 1.5 Practicum/Lab hours
Note: Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

Direct experience of theatre arts and crafts. Designed to encourage the individual's creative impulse. Dramatic activities for teachers at all levels are explored and students move toward an understanding of drama as education.

Weekly hours: 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Note: Not accepted in a drama major except with written permission of the head of the department. Students with credit for DRAM 104.6 may not take this course for credit. Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

The essentials of acting through the exploration of body, voice, idea, and imagination.

Weekly hours: 1 Lecture hours and 2 Practicum/Lab hours
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 116 may not take DRAM 118 for credit. Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

Fundamentals introduced in Acting 1 will be applied to the process of interpreting the dramatic text.

Weekly hours: 1 Lecture hours and 2 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 116 or 118.
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 117 may not take DRAM 119 for credit. Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

Greystone Theatre produces several theatre productions each year, reflecting a range of genres and styles. This course is available to students who have successfully completed an audition and been cast in one of Greystone Theatre’s mainstage productions. Mainstage productions generally take place twice per term (October, November/December, February, March/April), and rehearse in the evenings for 6 weeks leading up to the production. Students will immerse themselves in the creation of an original theatrical production under the guidance of a director and in collaboration with designers, stage managers, and fellow actors. Through physical, vocal and imaginative exercises, text and character analysis, and improvisation, students will investigate their personal creative process, cultivate and appreciation for the craft of acting, and cultivate collaboration skills while engaging with dramatic works drawn from a range of periods, genres and styles.

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of an audition and permission of the program chair is required to enroll in this course.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): DRAM 118.3
Note: Rehearsals generally take place for four hours every evening Monday-Friday with one weekend rehearsal each week (either Saturday or Sunday afternoons). Greystone Theatre rehearsals take place over Thanksgiving weekend, Fall break, and reading week. Outside rehearsal and performance dates are made available at the time of audition, with rehearsal hours being announced when students are offered a role. This course may be taken up to three times for 0 credit units.

History of theatre, dominantly in the Western tradition, from antiquity through to the Romantic revolt and the beginnings of realism. The evolution of theatrical production (acting, production, theatre architecture) will be emphasized, with assigned plays being examined largely within the context of the production and performance dynamics of their period.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): Completion of 30 credit units at the university.
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 201 may not take DRAM 203 for credit.

History of theatre, dominantly in the Western tradition, from the rise of the modern theatre to the present day. Evolution of theatrical production (acting, directing, production, theatre architecture) will be emphasized, with assigned plays being examined largely within the context of the production and performance dynamics of their period.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): Completion of 30 credit units at the university.
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 202 may not take DRAM 204 for credit.

A study of the craft and art of the theatre costumer. Emphasizes the practical and aesthetic aspects of producing costumes for the stage. There is a requirement of 50 hours of production work beyond the regular class and lab hours. Students should avoid taking any evening classes because of the demands of evening production set-up and rehearsals.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 110 or 113.
Note: Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

Introduction to the fundamentals of the craft and art of stage lighting, sound production, and theatre stage management. There is a requirement of a minimum of 50 hours of production work beyond the regular class and lab hours. Students should avoid taking any evening classes because of the demands of evening production set-up and rehearsals.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 110 or 113.
Note: Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

The exploration of character in acting.

Weekly hours: 1 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 117 or 119.
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 216 may not take DRAM 218 for credit. Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

A practical exploration of the table work process of script analysis, supplying the keys to creating a dramatic character. Students will learn how to analyze and interpret the text, while continuing to develop and hone their own creative imagination and impulses.

Weekly hours: 4 Lecture hours and 2 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 216 or 218.
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 217 may not take DRAM 219 for credit. Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

Introduction to the technical and aesthetic skills and methods required of the theatre designer. Special consideration will be given to the development of skills required to communicate with fellow theatre practitioners, directors, designers and technicians in the visual medium.

Weekly hours: 2 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 110.3 or DRAM 113.3.
Note: Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the school for details.

An exploration of the role of the theatre designer in the areas of setting, costumes and lighting. Special consideration will be given to the development of skills required to communicate with fellow theatre practitioners, directors, designers and technicians in the visual medium. An application of the technical skills learned in DRAM 220.

Weekly hours: 2 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Permission of the instructor required.
Prerequisite(s):DRAM 220.
Note: Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

The purpose of this course is to learn the basics of dramatic writing, with a focus on writing for the stage. The course is intended for students with little to no previous University-level writing experience, but who have an intense interest in theatre. The specific dramaturgical approach employed in the course focuses on the actor/character relationship to text, where the actor is always the first audience of any script. In that the actor is ultimately responsible for interpreting the text (through performance to the audience), it is the playwright's goal to create a script that both challenges and engages the actor. The craft of writing plays is explored through exercises and class discussion, and the course focuses on First Nations and Métis cultural concerns.

Weekly hours: 3 Practicum/Lab hours and 1 Tutorial hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 118 or 3 credit units 100-level ENG

The principles and techniques used to successfully achieve the illusion of physical conflict for the stage will be examined. Classical sword fighting and unarmed combat will be learned in the context of choreography. Actor safety, effective blocking, believable energy transfer and the analysis of physical motion will be examined.

Weekly hours: 3 Practicum/Lab hours and 1 Tutorial hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 116 or 118.
Note: Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

This course is designed to provide students with further experiential learning opportunities with Greystone Theatre in the role of the Stage Manager. Instruction in the course will involve the basic role and responsibilities of the stage manager as they engage in the process of preparing, rehearsing and opening a theatrical production. Student will learn practical skills that can be applied in professional stage management situations.

Prerequisite(s): DRAM 110.3; and 18 credit units DRAM courses; and permission of the program chair.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): DRAM 213.3
Note: This course may be taken twice for 0 credit units.

This course is available to students who have successfully completed an audition and been cast in one of Greystone Theatre’s mainstage productions in a role that has been deemed by the instructor/director to be of sufficient scope to merit 1CUs. Greystone Theatre produces several theatre productions each year. Mainstage productions generally take place twice per term (October, November/December, February, March/April), and rehearse in the evenings for 6 weeks leading up to the production. Students will immerse themselves in the creation of a theatrical production under the guidance of a director and in collaboration with designers, stage managers, and fellow actors. Through physical, vocal, and imaginative exercises, text and character analysis, and improvisation, students will investigate their personal creative process, cultivate an appreciation for the craft of acting, and cultivate collaboration skills while engaging with dramatic works drawn from a range of periods, genres and styles.

Prerequisite(s): Drama 118.3; successful completion of an audition; and permission of the department.
Prerequisite(s) or Co-requisite(s): DRAM 119.3
Note: Preference will be given to full-time students. Students will be notified of which Greystone Theatre course(s) associated with a particular role at the time of offer. Rehearsals generally take place for four hours every evening Monday-Friday with one weekend rehearsal each week (either Saturday or Sunday afternoons). Greystone Theatre rehearsals take place over Thanksgiving weekend, fall break, and reading week. Outside rehearsal and performance dates are made available at the time of audition, with rehearsal hours being announced when students are offered a role. This course may be taken 3 times for a total of 3 credit units.

A study abroad course in drama and theatre history in London, England.

Prerequisite(s): 30 credit units of university-level course work, including at least 6 credit units in Drama and/or English. Note:There are additional refundable costs in addition to tuition fees. Please contact the department for details.

A study abroad course in Drama with a dual emphasis on theatre history and practical elements pertaining to the making of theatre (direction, acting, design, playwriting) in recognized theatre centres in North America and abroad.

Prerequisite(s): 30 credit units of university level course work, including at least 6 credit units in Drama and/or English.
Note: This course is offered in a location other than Saskatoon. Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours

Acting and directing theory from the Enlightenment to the present day. Emphasis will be placed on the evolving role of the director and actor, as conceived of by important theoretician/practitioners, and on the influence of accelerating technology and changing trends in social, political, psychological and cultural thought.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): Completion of 30 credit units at the university.
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 209 may not take DRAM 309 for credit.

Further development of the theatre designer in the areas of costume, lighting and set design. Continued exploration of design aesthetics in theoretical design projects. Focus is on individual "paper projects" involving the complete planning and execution of projects in costume, sets and lighting.

Weekly hours: 2 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 221 and permission of the program chair.
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 314 may not take DRAM 320 for credit. Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

Continued exploration and identification of concepts and methods as they relate to costume, set and lighting design. Focus on continued exploration of the theatre design process and the continued improvement of technical and aesthetic skills. Course may involve a design project that relates to a departmental production.

Weekly hours: 2 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 320.
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 314 may not take DRAM 321 for credit. Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

A course in acting Shakespeare. Scene study and exercises to facilitate applied interpretation of Elizabethan prose and verse text in performance.

Weekly hours: 6 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 219 and an audition. A successful audition is required for any student hoping to advance to the third year of the acting program. In the audition, the student is required to participate in a voice/movement/acting workshop and to present classical and modern audition pieces.
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 316 or DRAM 318 may not take DRAM 324 for credit. Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

A course in acting styles. Scene study and exercises in various periods and genres. This may include Greek, Medieval and Restoration theatre and forms such as tragedy, comedy of manners, farce, absurdism, expressionism, and epic theatre.

Weekly hours: 6 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 324.3
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 317 or DRAM 319 may not take DRAM 325 for credit. Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

Develop a voice that makes people listen. Vocal production and interpretation for effective public speaking and performance. Through practical exploration and exercises in relaxation, postural alignment, support of tone, placement of sound and foundational articulation, students will develop awareness of vocal anatomy and facility in healthy vocal technique to support easeful and impactful public speaking. Emphasis on freeing the vocal apparatus of tension and connecting with the listener. Appropriate for dedicated students preparing for a career requiring professional voice use including actors, teachers, singers, lawyers, marketing professionals, sports coaches, athletes, and business executives.

Weekly hours: 4.5 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 119.3.
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 364 may not take DRAM 362 for credit.
Note: Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

Further development of the student's vocal technique and heightened awareness of the vocal process through increasingly subtle exercises in relaxation, body alignment, support of tone, and placement of sound. Study of vocal anatomy and physiology. Introduction to the voice as an instrument for exploring and expressing character, including foundational concepts in articulatory phonetics. Developing technical control, expressive freedom, and creativity through interpretation of poetry, prose, song, and self-generated texts.

Weekly hours: 4.5 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 362.3 and permission of the program chair.
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 364.3 may not take DRAM 363.3 for credit. Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details. Accompaniment is not provided for students for exercises or projects involving singing. Students are responsible for sourcing and providing their own accompaniment for project work..

The student will address the building blocks in consciously linking their mind and body through the fundamentals of breath, dynamic connectivity, inner/outer experience, function/expressivity, mobility/stability and exertion/recuperation.

Weekly hours: 4.5 Practicum/Lab hours
Permission of the program chair required.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 219 and an audition.
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 365 may not take DRAM 366 for credit. Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

Further development of the student’s body focusing on more abstract concepts to build upon the student’s ability to create a fluid, flexible and responsive physical instrument.

Weekly hours: 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 366.3
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 367 may not take DRAM 368 for credit. Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

This course is available to students who have successfully completed an audition and been cast in one of Greystone Theatre’s mainstage productions in a role that has been deemed by the instructor/director to be of sufficient scope to merit 2CUs. Greystone Theatre produces several theatre productions each year. Mainstage productions generally take place twice per term (October, November/December, February, March/April), and rehearse in the evenings for 6 weeks leading up to the production. Students will immerse themselves in the creation of an theatrical production under the guidance of a director and in collaboration with designers, stage managers, and fellow actors. Through physical, vocal and imaginative exercises, text and character analysis, and improvisation, students will investigate their personal creative process, cultivate an appreciation for the craft of acting, and cultivate collaboration skills while engaging with dramatic works drawn from a range of periods, genres and styles.

Prerequisite(s): Drama 119.3; successful completion of an audition; and permission of the department.
Prerequisite(s) or Co-requisite(s): DRAM 218.3
Note: Preference will be given to full-time students. Students will be notified of which Greystone Theatre course(s) associated with a particular role at the time of offer. Rehearsals generally take place for four hours every evening Monday-Friday with one weekend rehearsal each week (either Saturday or Sunday afternoons). Greystone Theatre rehearsals take place over Thanksgiving weekend, fall break, and reading week. Outside rehearsal and performance dates are made available at the time of audition, with rehearsal hours being announced when students are offered a role. This course may be taken 3 times for a total of 6 credit units.

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours

A laboratory course to assist in the preparation for transition into the professional world. The course will focus on solo rehearsal, audition and performance techniques for the stage. Special concentration will also encompass the technical demands of acting for the media.

Weekly hours: 6 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 325.
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 415 or 416 may not take DRAM 418 for credit. Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

Final studio production(s) that further explore(s) the acting demands of a text from the classical repertoire. The course will strengthen the concept of the ensemble as well as rehearsal and performance strategies.

Weekly hours: 6 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 325.3 and successful completion of an audition.
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 415 or 417 may not take DRAM 419 for credit. Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

An advanced study of set, costume and lighting design. Emphasis will be placed on the student's growing independence as a practicing theatre designer.

Weekly hours: 2 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 321 and approval of the instructor.
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 414 may not take DRAM 420 for credit. Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

An advanced study of set, costume and lighting design as it relates to practical application. The student will be assigned a design project that relates to a departmental production.

Weekly hours: 2 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 420.
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 414 may not take DRAM 421 for credit. Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

Specialized problems for the vocal professional will be addressed: physical characterizations and their effect on voice and speech; rehearsal and extreme performance demands (shouting, crying, laughing), keeping the vocal performance fresh; vocal coaching in support of performances for acting class projects and/or performances for Greystone productions.

Weekly hours: 4.5 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 363.
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 464 may not take DRAM 462 for credit. Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

Specialized problems for the vocal professional will be addressed, focusing on dialects and cold readings. Vocal hygiene and vocal coaching in support of performances for acting class projects and/or performances for Greystone productions.

Weekly hours: 4.5 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 462.
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 464 may not take DRAM 463 for credit. Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

Consolidates the training in DRAM 366 and 368 with an emphasis on linking fundamental movement with expressive movement. The course will assist the student in utilizing vocabulary that will help them to develop authentic characterizations in order to support the demands of class projects and performances.

Weekly hours: 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 368
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 466 may not take DRAM 468 for credit. Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

More emphasis will be given towards self-creation and ensemble work while continuing to address the student’s psycho-physical body.

Weekly hours: 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 468.3
Note: Students with credit for DRAM 467 may not take DRAM 469 for credit. Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

This internship offers students an opportunity to apply and develop their theatre training through an artistic placement with a professional theatre company. When placements are available, the department facilitates matching students with a host theatre where they will be mentored by theatre professionals while being integrated into the process of mounting a production. Work experience could be assigned in the disciplines of: acting, directing, design (costumes, set, props, lighting), set construction, stage combat, stage management, front-of-house management, scriptwriting or dramaturgy. The experience and progress throughout the engagement will be monitored by the assigned professional mentor and a faculty advisor. Terms are a minimum of 6 weeks. Students will be given the opportunity to apply for internship opportunities as they become available, and placements will be made on the basis of an adjudication/interview.

Prerequisite(s): DRAM 419 or DRAM 421; and permission from the program chair. Relevant experience in at least one Greystone Theatre production is required.
Note(s): This course may be taken more than once for credit if the assignment or the host theatre is substantially different. Consult with the department for details. Depending on the location of the host theatre, the student may be required to relocate. The student is responsible for all relocation costs. Participation in this course is in essence a professional engagement, and withdrawal from the production will create serious consequences for the host company. Students who withdraw from the course after the Deadline for Registration Changes will forfeit any tuition refund. If the host theatre has just cause to release the intern before completion of the placement, the student will receive a failing grade, based on their work to that point. Such students are not eligible for any tuition refund. Students will be required to sign an Intent to Participate form at the start of the course, outlining their responsibilities and what may constitute just cause for dismissal.

This internship offers students an opportunity to apply and develop their theatre training through an artistic placement with a professional theatre company. When placements are available, the department facilitates matching students with a host theatre where they will be mentored by theatre professionals while being integrated into the process of mounting a production. Work experience could be assigned in the disciplines of: acting, directing, design (costumes, set, props, lighting), set construction, stage combat, stage management, front-of-house management, scriptwriting or dramaturgy. The experience and progress throughout the engagement will be monitored by the assigned professional mentor and a faculty advisor. Terms are a minimum of 6 weeks. Students will be given the opportunity to apply for internship opportunities as they become available, and placements will be made on the basis of an adjudication/interview.

Prerequisite(s): DRAM 419 or DRAM 421; and permission from the program chair. Relevant experience in at least one Greystone Theatre production is required.
Note: This course may be taken more than once if the assignment or the host theatre is substantially different. Consult with the department for details. Depending on the location of the host theatre, the student may be required to relocate. The student is responsible for all relocation costs. Participation in this course is in essence a professional engagement, and withdrawal from the production will create serious consequences for the host company. If the host theatre has just cause to release the intern before completion of the placement, the student will receive a failing grade, based on their work to that point. Such students are not eligible for any tuition refund. Students will be required to sign an Intent to Participate form at the start of the course, outlining their responsibilities and what may constitute just cause for dismissal.

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours

Offered occasionally in special situations. Students interested in these courses should contact the department for more information.

Offered occasionally in special situations. Students interested in these courses should contact the department for more information.

Not Available

Students writing a Master's thesis must register for this course.