Coordinator
Greg Doran, English

Theatrical performance is one of the most significant art forms in the history of civilization; it exemplifies the connection between Art and people. Unlike most forms of studied literature, dramatic literature is intended to be performed for and experienced by an audience. As a result, Dramatic literature exists between scholarly and practical realms. It requires the acquisition of both analytic and practical skills. UPEI’s Minor in Theatre Studies offers students the opportunity to develop their analytic, practical, and creative skills required for theatrical production. The Minor in Theatre Studies provides students with foundational skills on which they can pursue their interest in the Theatre, or any area of study.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN THEATRE STUDIES
A Minor in Theatre Studies consists of twenty-one (21) semester hours of credit taken from the list of approved courses. Theatre 2440, Theatre 3440, Theatre 4560, and Theatre 4440 are compulsory for the Minor. Prospective students should note, however, that Theatre 4440 requires students to make a significant contribution to a Theatre Studies production, or another production approved by the Coordinator of Theatre Studies. Theatre 4440 will, typically, be only offered in the Winter Term of the academic year. Students enrolled in Theatre 4440 will be under the direct supervision of the Coordinator of Theatre Studies, or an approved supervisor. In addition, students must select three elective courses. Students using any of the approved courses to complete the Minor in Theatre Studies may not also use them to complete a Major.

THEATRE STUDIES CORE COURSES

2440 INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE STUDY – TEXT, CHARACTER, AND PERFORMANCE
This course introduces students to core performance skills: voice, movement, and character development. Through a series of practical performance exercises and assignments, students will develop these skills. Students will also learn how to break down a script and prepare for a performance. Using a selection of plays, students will learn how to translate a text into a performance.
Cross-listed with English 2440.
PREREQUISITE: Permission of the Coordinator of Theatre Studies
Three hours a week

3440 ADVANCED THEATRE STUDIES – DIRECTING, CRITICISM, AND PLAY-CREATION
In this course, students will build on the performance skills developed in Theatre 2440. Students will complete units in Performance Criticism, Directing, and Play-Creation. Through a series of hands-on, practical assignments, students will come to understand the steps to take a script from the page to the stage. Students will also learn how to transform an empty space into a theatre.
PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of Theatre 2440 and permission of the Coordinator of Theatre Studies.
Three hours a week

4340 SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE STUDIES
This course is designed to expand students’ understanding of Theatre. Theatre 4340 is a variable topic course taught by Theatre Practitioners, who teach in their area of expertise. For course information, please contact the Coordinator of Theatre Studies.
PREREQUISITES: Theatre 3440, enrolment in the Theatre Studies Minor, and the permission of the Coordinator of Theatre Studies
Three hours a week

4440 THEATRE PRACTICUM
Theatre 4440 is the capstone course for the Theatre Studies Minor. It provides students with the opportunity to put the skills and theories into practice. Students are expected to make a significant contribution to a production. Each Practicum is tailored to the individual student, in consultation with the Coordinator of Theatre Studies. The production must be approved by the Coordinator of Theatre Studies.
PREREQUISITES: Theatre 3440, enrolment in the Theatre Studies Minor, and the permission of the Coordinator of Theatre Studies
Three hours of credit

4560 DRAMATURGY
This course will introduce students to the important pre-production work of the Dramaturge. During the term, students will complete a variety of assignments, culminating in a dramaturgy portfolio. Students will develop their knowledge of theatre history, production practices, and the structures of dramatic literature. Through the activities of the course, students will develop research, communication, and design skill.
PREREQUISITES: Theatre 2440 and Theatre 3440, and must be enrolled in the Theatre Studies Minor Program.
Three hours of credit

ELECTIVES
NOTE: Students who are in the Majors or Honours English programs must take at least one elective outside the English Department.

English
English 2220 Reading Film: Introduction to Film Studies
English 2550 Introduction to Shakespeare
English 2560 Shakespeare in Film and Media
English 2850 Linguistics I: The Sound System of English
English 3030 Contemporary Drama
English 3150 English-Canadian Drama
English 3410 Modern Drama
English 3570 Renaissance Drama
English 3670 Restoration and Eighteenth-Century Drama
English 4550 Advanced Studies in Early Modern Literature

Theatre Studies
Theatre Studies 4340: Special Topics

Classics
Classics 2120 Ancient Tragedy
Classics 2220 Ancient Comedy

Modern Languages (French)
3390 Théàtre Canadienne-Français
3440 XVIIe Siecle: Le Grand Siecle II

DIRECTED STUDIES
With the approval of the Coordinator, the Dean of Arts, and the relevant Department, a student may credit three hours of Directed Studies in any subject towards the Minor in Theatre Studies.