Courses

DRAM 108.3 

What is Theatre?
This web-based 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.

DRAM 110.3 

Technical Theatre I Scenic Construction
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.

DRAM 111.3 

Practicum I Indigenous Performance Methods
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.

DRAM 113.3 

Technical Theatre II Stage Properties
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.

DRAM 118.3 

Acting 1
The essentials of acting through the exploration of body, voice, idea, and imagination.

DRAM 119.3 

Acting II
Fundamentals introduced in Acting 1 will be applied to the process of interpreting the dramatic text.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 118.

DRAM 203.3 

History of Theatre from 600 BCE to 1850 CE
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.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of 30 credit units at the university.

DRAM 204.3 

History of Theatre from 600 BCE to 1850 CE
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.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of 30 credit units at the university. Note: Students with credit for DRAM 202 may not take DRAM 204 for credit.

DRAM 210.3 

Technical Theatre III Costume Construction
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.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 110 or 113.

DRAM 213.3 

Technical Theatre IV Stage Management
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.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 110 or 113.

DRAM 218.3 

Acting III
The exploration of character in acting.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 119.

DRAM 219.3 

Acting IV Scene Study and Textual Analysis for the Stage
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.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 218.

DRAM 220.3 

Theatre Design I Introduction
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. Permission of the instructor required. 
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 110, 113.

DRAM 221.3 

Theatre Design II Introduction
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. Application of the skills learned in DRAM 220. Permission of the instructor required.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 220.

DRAM 231.3 

Introduction to Indigenous Playwriting
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. 
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 118 or 3 credit units 100-level ENG.

DRAM 236.3 

Stage Combat
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 emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 116 or 118.

DRAM 285.3

Theatre Studies in London
A study abroad course in drama and theatre history in London, England. Approval from the program chair required.
Prerequisite(s): 30 credit units of university-level course work, including at least 6 credit units in Drama and/or English.

DRAM 286.3

Theatre Studies Abroad
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. Approval from the program chair required. 
Prerequisite(s): 30 credit units of university-level course work, including at least 6 credit units in Drama and/or English.

DRAM 309.3 

Theories of Acting and Directing
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.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of 30 credit units at the university.
*note* DRAM 309 will only be offered every other year. The next offering will be in the 2025-2026 academic year.

 

DRAM 320.3 

Theatre Design III Intermediate
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.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 221 and permission of the instructor.

DRAM 321.3 

Theatre Design IV Intermediate
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 Greystone Theatre production.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 320.

DRAM 324.3 

Acting V
A course in acting Shakespeare. Scene study and exercises to facilitate applied interpretation of Elizabethan prose and verse text in performance.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 219 and an audition.

DRAM 325.3 

Acting VI
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.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 318.

DRAM 362.3 

Vocology Lab I Finding your Voice
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.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 119. Note: Students with credit for DRAM 364 may not take DRAM 362 for credit.

DRAM 363.3 

Voice and Speech for the Actor II
Further development of the student's vocal and speech technique and heightened awareness of the vocal process through increasingly subtle exercises in relaxation, body alignment, support of tone and placement of sound. Extension of range and control of pitch. The voice as a communicative instrument, and the beginning of its technical control through the speaking of prose and poetry.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 362.

DRAM 366.3 

Fundamentals of Movement I
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. Approval 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.

DRAM 368.3 

Movement Fundamentals II
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.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 219 and 366. Note: Students with credit for DRAM 367 may not take DRAM 368 for credit.

DRAM 401.3 

Dramatic Theory and Criticism
An examination of significant theories of major critics, theorists and writers of the theatre from ancient to modern.
Prerequisite(s): At least 12 credit units in English.

DRAM 418.3 

Acting VII
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.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 319.

DRAM 419.3 

Acting VIII
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 rehersal and performance strategies.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 418.

DRAM 420.3

Theatre Design V Advanced
An advanced study of set, costume and lighting design. Emphasis will be placed on the student's growing independence as a practicing theatre designer.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 321 and approval of the instructor. Note: Students with credit for DRAM 414 may not take DRAM 420 for credit.

DRAM 421.3 

Theatre Design VI Advanced
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 Greystone Theatre production.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 420. Note: Students with credit for DRAM 414 may not take DRAM 421 for credit.

DRAM 462.3 

Voice and Speech for the Actor III
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.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 363.

DRAM 463.3 

Voice and Speech for the Actor IV
Specialized problems for the vocal professional will be addressed, focussing on dialects and cold readings. Vocal hygiene and vocal coaching in support of performances for acting class projects and/or performances for Greystone productions.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 462.

DRAM 468.3 

Expressive Movement I
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.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 219, 367. Note: Students with credit for DRAM 466 may not take DRAM 468 for credit.

DRAM 469.3 

Expressive Movement II
More emphasis will be given towards self-creation and ensemble work while continuing to address the student’s psycho-physical body.
Prerequisite(s): DRAM 466. Note: Students with credit for DRAM 467 may not take DRAM 469 for credit.

DRAM 474.6

Internship in Professional Theatre
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, Drama 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 approval from the program chair. Relevant experience in at least one Greystone Theatre production is required.

DRAM 477.0

Work Experience in Professional Theatre
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, Drama 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 approval from the program chair. Relevant experience in at least one Greystone Theatre production is required. Note: This is a non-credit work experience where there student receives an honorarium from the host theatre company.

DRAM 898

Special Topics
Offered occasionally in special situations. Students interested in these courses should contact Drama for more information.

DRAM 899

Special Topics
Offered occasionally in special situations. Students interested in these courses should contact Drama for more information.

DRAM 990

Seminar
Students enrolled in a Master's program must register for this course.

DRAM 994

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