Students at Mount Allison with an interest in drama have several options
open to them. In all cases, the programs are designed to provide an education in drama
rather than professional training for the theatre.
With the exceptions below, all descriptions of Drama courses available
are given in the appropriate course description section. The only interdisciplinary drama
courses offered are described below.
Note: The listing of a course in the Calendar is not a guarantee that the
course is offered every year.
Note: Students must obtain a grade of at least C- in all courses used to
fulfill prerequisite requirements. Otherwise, written permission of the
appropriate Department Head or Program Co-ordinator must be obtained.
DRAM/ENGL 1701 (3CR)
INTRODUCTION TO DRAMA
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq or coreq: ENGL 1201 or enrolment in the Interdisciplinary Major or Minor in Drama;
or permission of the Department
Note: This course is cross-listed as ENGL 1701 and may be taken as three credits in
either discipline.
Exclusion: DRAM/ENGL 2021
This course introduces students to conventions, forms, and devices of drama as they
emerge under, and respond to, specific theatrical and cultural conditions.
DRAM 2151 (3CR)
INTRODUCTION TO ACTING
Format: lecture/workshop 3 hours
Prereq: DRAM/ENGL 1701 (or DRAM/ENGL 2021); or permission of the Director of Drama
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of acting, and will help them
to develop competence in script analysis and performance with a view to creating a dramatic role on stage.
The study of the themes, structures, rhythms and subtext, and of the visual-kinetic dimension embedded
in several dramatic texts will be complemented by dramatic improvisations and character/scene studies
in order to prepare students for a final public performance.
DRAM 2161 (3CR)
PRODUCTION I
Format: lecture/workshop 3 hours
Prereq: DRAM/ENGL 1701 (or DRAM/ENGL 2021); or permission of the Director of Drama
Students will develop competence in basic stagecraft, chiefly set construction, light and sound;
in stage management, production management, technical direction, lighting and sound design; and in
basic drafting and technical drawing.
DRAM 3001 (3CR)
DRAMATIC THEORY
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: DRAM/ENGL 1701 (or DRAM/ENGL 2021); or permission of the instructor
Exclusion: DRAM 3000
This course studies ways in which theatre practitioners have understood their art
and the ways in which it reflects their world. Among topics to be explored are theories
of representation, performance theory, tragic theory, comic theory, Naturalism,
Expressionism, and Political Theatre.
DRAM 3151 (3CR)
PRINCIPLES OF DIRECTING
Format: lecture/workshop 3 hours
Prereq: DRAM 2151; or permission of the Director of Drama
Exclusion: DRAM 3051
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of directing, diverse models
of the director's role in the theatrical process, script analysis for directorial purposes,
study of staging techniques, and techniques for working with actors. The class will study
several texts and present selected scenes with a view to developing directorial competence.
DRAM 3161 (3CR)
PRODUCTION II
Format: lecture/workshop 3 hours
Prereq: DRAM 2161; or permission of the Director of Drama
Exclusion: DRAM 3061
This course will explore theatre architecture, set design, costume design, scenic painting,
properties, mask-making, and historical research in support of design.
DRAM 3171 (3CR)
ACTING STYLES
Format: Integrated Lecture and Workshop 3 Hours
Prereq: DRAM 2151; or permission of the Program Director
This course focuses on approaches to character creation and acting styles across
diverse theatrical forms. Advanced acting techniques and principles are explored as a way
to approach non-realist dramatic literature and types of performance with a special emphasis
on developing the students' knowledge and understanding of style in performance. The course
addresses the particular demands made on the performer by styles such as Greek tragedy,
Choral performance, Shakespearean (tragedy and comedy), Comedy of Character, Comedy of Manners,
Commedia dell'arte, Farce, Melodrama, Theatre of the Absurd, and Physical Theatre.
DRAM 4011 (3CR)
ADVANCED THEATRICAL INTERPRETATION
Format: Independent study
Prereq: Permission of the Director of Drama
This course involves projects in areas such as acting, directing,
writing and design as assigned within the Windsor Theatre's season by the
Director of Drama. Practical results are supported by written
and/or visual materials as appropriate.
DRAM 4950/4951 (6/3CR)
INDEPENDENT STUDY IN DRAMA
Format: Independent Study
Prereq: Permission of the Department/Program Advisor. Students must obtain
consent of an instructor who is willing to be a supervisor and must register
for the course prior to the last day for change of registration in the term
during which the course is being taken.
Note: A program on Independent Study cannot duplicate subject matter covered through
regular course offerings.
Note: Students may register for DRAM 4950/51 more than once, provided the subject
matter differs.
This course permits senior students, under the direction faculty members,
to pursue their interest in areas not covered, or not covered in depth, by other
courses through a program of independent study.
DRAM 1991/2991/3991/4991 (3CR)
SPECIAL TOPIC IN DRAMA
Format: Variable
Prereq: Set by the Department/Program when the topic and level are announced
Note: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation,
it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean.
Note: Students may register for DRAM 1991/2991/3991/4991 more than once, provided the
subject matter differs.
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings
in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being
considered for inclusion in the regular program.