Theatre

WPI’s academic Theatre program supports students in their exploration and practice of theatre. We teach courses that foster creativity and critical thinking across a broad range of theatre disciplines—from acting to technical production, and playwriting to management. We value theatre as artistic expression and entertainment, as well as culture, history, and a way of understanding the human condition.

The department stages two major productions per year, in which students can try their hand at acting, directing, dramaturgy, design, management, and technical production—either for fun or as an academic project (HUA Practicum, Minor Capstone, or Major Qualifying Project).

Find a list of permanent courses in WPI's Cleancatalog.

Each year, any course titled as “Special Topics” will feature a unique topic for that term. Check here for updated information about future topics.

B-Term: TH 3200-B01 - Special Topics in Dramatic Literature: Queer Theatre

This course will examine the history and current trends in Queer Theatre. “Queer” is defined as that which subverts, is positioned outside of, or acts in opposition to the dominant structure. Through queer theatre, artists have been able to form, deconstruct, and reform understandings of identity, in efforts toward a more liberated and multifaceted community. We will investigate plays and performances that developed alongside the gay liberation movement and have continued to transform in response to questions of identity, visibility, politics, and more.

Experimental courses are newer courses to the curriculum that haven’t been added to the official course catalog yet, so check here for updates about new courses being offered in the theatre program.

A-Term: TH 203X-A01 - Contemporary Dance

This course teaches the movement styles, techniques, history, and current trends of contemporary dance. With guided instruction, students will discuss, collaborate, and physically develop their movement vocabulary, while experimenting with self-expression and improvisation. This course is appropriate for any students interested in learning and/or strengthening their body awareness, musicality, or dance skills. (This course may count toward either the HUA requirement [for 1/6 unit] or the WPE requirement [for 1/12 unit], but may not count toward both. It may not be repeated for credit..

B-Term: TH 342X-B01 - Costume Design

This course examines the principles and practices of theatrical costume design. Through class discussion, hands-on activities, and creative design projects, students will acquire skills in all parts of the design process, including play & character analysis, visual & historical research, design development, and visual communication (which may include drawing, painting, and/or fabric selection). This course may also touch on adjacent fields, such as hair & makeup. Though primarily focused on live performance (theatre, dance, opera, etc.), this course will also teach ideas and skills applicable to other entertainment styles & mediums (film/TV, comedy, video games, theme parks, etc.).

D-Term: TH 343X-D01 - Scenic Design

This course examines the principles and practices of theatrical scenic design (including props). Through class discussion, hands-on activities, and creative design projects, students will acquire skills in all parts of the design process, including play analysis, visual/historical research, design development, and visual communication (which may include drafting, rendering, and/or model building). This course may also touch on adjacent fields, such as projections. Though primarily focused on live performance (theatre, dance, opera, etc.), this course will also teach ideas and skills applicable to other entertainment styles & mediums (film/TV, comedy, video games, theme parks, etc.)

D-Term: TH 310X-D01 - Scene Study for Actors & Directors

This course examines the relationship between the text, the director, and the actor. Using short scenes from iconic works, students will work in groups, learning how to tell a clear story onstage, moment-by-moment, using only the most fundamental theatrical building blocks: language and bodies in space. Students will develop creative choice-making skills, interpretive skills, and communication / collaboration skills.

D-Term: TH 207X-D01 - Social Dance Across Cultures

This course introduces multiple social dance styles, with particular focus on footwork, posture, musicality, and partnering. Students will also learn about the social context and culture from which these styles emerged, and how they manifest today. Possible styles include: waltzes, Latin dances, swing dances, and group dances. This course is appropriate for dancers of all levels. (This course may count toward either the HUA requirement [for 1/6 unit] or the WPE requirement [for 1/12 unit], but may not count toward both. It may not be repeated for credit.)