Course Descriptions

MPRA 103 Introduction to Performance
This course is designed as a practical approach to vocal and physical expression for the artist in the methods and techniques of modern performance. Through exercises and development of formal scenes, students learn and implement the basic acting vocabulary of performance primarily through the study of the modern American canon of theatre, television, and film.

MPRA 106 Movement for Performance I
This class explores the practical exercise in relaxation methods, performance techniques and physical flexibility that connects the actor's kinesthetic sense to the expressive, connected and free use of the body as part of the story telling process of the actor's body that is vitally necessary for character development. Various movement experts are explored with the Alexander Technique as the connective underpinning of this course of study. MPRA 103.

MPRA 200 American Musical Theater Survey
This course presents the history of musical theater in the United States from the early 18th century to the contemporary era, including cultural icons of American theater history. Through examples and analysis, the course seeks to develop the ability of students to listen to, experience and critique musical theater trends in a discerning manner. The design, fashion, musical structures, theater architecture and musical film genres of the era of study are integral to the lectures and research of the course. Prerequisite: ARTH 110.

MPRA 201 Survey of Theater and Drama I
This course surveys the development and history of Western theater from the classical era to the present. The influences of theater architecture, technology, politics, literature and major contributors on the evolution of drama are considered. Prerequisite: ARTH 110.

MPRA 204 Survey of Theater and Drama II
This course surveys the development and history of Western theatre from 1600 to the present, with special attention to the rise of the new media of the 20th century. The influences of theater architecture, technology, politics, literature and major contributors on the evolution of drama are considered. Prerequisite: MPRA 201.

MPRA 206 Movement for Performance II
This course offers an intensive examination of movement patterning and the actor's physical presence and choices made in character study. Actors continue to develop their movement creativity and understand pattern choices through exercises, movement explorations, mask work and physical monologue study. Various movement experts are explored with the Alexander Technique as the connective underpinning of this course of study. Prerequisite: MPRA 106.

MPRA 210 Voice for Performance I
This course introduces voice production, using the methodology of Kristin Linklater, Cicely Berry and Edith Skinner. The movement element explores the Alexander Technique, focusing on relaxation and creating the free actor tool of physicalization. Prerequisite: MPRA 103.

MPRA 211 Voice for Performance II
This comprehensive course explores advanced speech and articulation using contemporary and classical texts. Emphasis is placed on elocution, dialect, interpretation, freeing the natural voice and projection. Prerequisite: MPRA 210.

MPRA 215 Playwriting
This course teaches the fundamentals of playwriting, including character development, plot construction, conflict and the writing of believable dialogue. Students study and analyze classic dramas in order to fully understand the various techniques and styles used for the stage. Student scripts are extensively workshopped and critiqued. Prerequisite: ENGL 180.

MPRA 220 Media Criticism and News Writing
This course explores the elements of constructive criticism and news writing. The basics of editing and the clarity of thought necessary for clearly communicating ideas and opinions are emphasized. Additional practicum time is required and assigned by the professor. Prerequisite: MPRA 103.

MPRA 230 Professional Studies in Media Relations
By studying industry standard techniques and professional practices in media criticism, news writing, marketing, casting, unions, and contracts, students in this course explore a variety of writing and editing approaches necessary for clearly communicating ideas and opinions through scholarly criticism, effective news writing techniques and oral adjudication. Prerequisites: MPRA 103, MPRA 201, MPRA 204.

MPRA 287 Performing Arts Seminar
As the center of cultural eclecticism, commerce, diversity, ethnicity, and history, New York offers an exceptional opportunity for students to observe nationally and internationally acclaimed practitioners of the performing arts. This seminar involves a wide spectrum of venues including: live designers, agents, casting directors, photographers, marketing directors, as well as exploring classic theater architecture. Prerequisite: MPRA 103.

MPRA 300 Theory and Acting for the Classics
This advanced course of theory and practice examines the works of Shakespeare and his contemporaries for style, execution and physicalization. Emphasis is placed on interpretation of roles, text and performance. Students explore scene work and analysis and create a canon of monologues for additional purposes. Prerequisites: MPRA 106, MPRA 210.

MPRA 310 Violence for Stage I
Using the single-sword and unarmed combat, the actor develops safe and effective means of demonstrating a believable skill-set for the stage audience. This specialized form of actor movement develops: physical and spatial awareness, grounding, centering, economy of effort, extension of line, focus, timing, action/reaction, moment to moment and impulse reaction. Prerequisites: MPRA 106, MPRA 210.

MPRA 314 Acting for the Camera I
This course enables students to gain hands-on experience in camera acting technique and methodology. The course includes cold reading, text work, immediate character development and dissection of dramatic action. Emphasis is placed on practical performance for video and film. Additional practicum time is required and assigned by the professor. Prerequisite: MPRA 103.

MPRA 315 Advanced Playwriting
This course is designed for students who would like to further develop their playwriting skills. Students write plays, analyze and critique in a workshop setting that includes read-through, walk-through and other performance formats to develop professional-quality work. Students have the opportunity to create, develop, and revise full-length scripts for performance. Prerequisite: MPRA 215.

MPRA 330 Singing for the Actor
A studio class designed to prepare the actor for success in performance events that require singing. Students learn and practice the basic fundamentals of singing (i.e. breath management, phonation, resonance, articulation, registration and interpretation) as related to acting and preparation for singing auditions. Prerequisites: MPRA 103, MPRA 106, MPRA 210.

MPRA 340 Scene Study
Focusing on the development of character in two and three person scenes, students in this advanced performance course learn to use a variety of method acting techniques to enhance of the possibilities to be found in a broad range of physical and vocal characterizations. Prerequisites: MPRA 103, MPRA 106, MPRA 210.

MPRA 375 Directing
Through the process of script analysis, the process of design, and the staging of live performance, students in this course present for class critique two five-minute scenes and one short one-act play in its entirety. Emphasis for the course is placed on demonstrating competence in directing for live performance and the ability to evaluate the work of colleagues. Prerequisites: MPRA 300, MPRA 340.

MPRA 400 Audition Techniques and Materials
Through the study of cold readings, improvisational and interview techniques, as well as prepared audition materials, students in this course select, develop, and rehearse materials as related to casting opportunities in film, stage, concert and cabaret events. Students also prepare industry-standard resume materials for presentation. Prerequisites: MPRA 300, MPRA 340.

MPRA 401 Special Topics in Performing Arts
The topic of this course varies from quarter to quarter. Each seminar focuses on various issues in the field of media and performing arts and allows students to pursue projects related to the subject of the course. Prerequisites: Vary according to topic.

MPRA 404 Voice-over and Dialects
Students study and apply the techniques of voice-over performance in radio, film, commercials, animation, television, and other media. They acquire the techniques of the application of dialect in speech proceeding from the fundamental study of IPA. Students develop a voice-over reel for use in professional casting venues. Prerequisite: MPRA 400.

MPRA 410 Issues of Contemporary Acting Genres
This course introduces students to various types of acting styles, including theater of the absurd, environmental theater and poetic realism. Focus is placed on the works of Samuel Beckett, Eugene Ionesco, Jerzy Grotowski, Eugene O'Neill, Lillian Hellman, Tennessee Williams, August Wilson and Tony Kushner. Prerequisite: MPRA 201.

MPRA 414 Acting for the Camera II
In this course, students refine their on-camera technique. The course examines acting with special effects, replicating shots take after take, overcoming obstacles, timing commercials, advanced marketing and auditioning techniques, and more. Acting for single-camera shoots, studio three-camera, A.D.R. (looping) and voice-over technique are also introduced. Prerequisite: MPRA 314.

MPRA 415 Violence for the Stage II
This course refines stage violence techniques with the study of the rapier and dagger. Students develop safe and effective means of demonstrating command of this weapon for an audience. This specialized movement training enhances spatial awareness, centering, economy of effort, extension of line, focus, and moment-to-moment playing of the actor. Students perform a scene as actors with approved fight choreography that demonstrates their ability as actors, as well as basic mastery of skills and possible certification by the Society of American Fight Directors. Prerequisite: MPRA 310.

MPRA 495 Performing Arts Senior Project
The learning experience culminates in a final production involving performance, directing, media, design, theory and practicum. Each student selects an area of specialization in which to showcase his or her work. Prerequisite: Permission of professor and department chair.

MPRA 701 Contemporary Drama: Exploration and Context
This course is a chronological study of representative dramatic works written and produced in the United States during the last century. Close analysis of an individual text as well as detailed study of historical and social factors contributing to its development form the basic content.

MPRA 703 Performance Texts I
This course provides the student with an understanding of the development of both the written and performed drama in Western culture, from its roots in Ancient Greece to 1600 AD, and considers the influences of theatre architecture, technology, politics, literature as major contributors to the evolution of drama. The focus for the course is on play texts, the modes and forms of drama, the function of the director and designer, performance venues, and the role of the audience.

MPRA 704 Acting and Stage Movement
This course is a practical exercise in vocal and physical stage performance techniques and methodology, which includes work and performance in interpreting text, character and dramatic action. Emphasis is placed on relaxation methods, performance techniques and physical flexibility for the building of a character's physical and emotional persona.

MPRA 705 Movement Studies for Performance
As applied to all facets of live performance, this graduate course covers the principles of performance movement, applied dynamics and kinesiology, as executed in specialized activities such as Alexander technique, Feldenkrais training, clowning, and tumbling techniques.

MPRA 707 Principles of Performance
Through exposure to the major influences in performance theory, as well as classroom exercises, both prescribed and improvisational, this course covers the principles of performance. Students acquire the ability to be clear, truthful, and spontaneous in the rehearsal and performance environment.

MPRA 711 Performance Texts II
Through scholarly research and the analysis and critique of performance through reviews of performance and film, this course provides the student with an understanding of the development of both the written and performed drama in Western culture, 1600 to the present, and considers the influences of theatre architecture, technology, politics, literature as major contributors to the evolution of drama. Prerequisite: MPRA 703.

MPRA 713 Media Criticism and News Writing
In this course, students gain the tools necessary to work in the newspaper industry, with specific focus on theatrical criticism. Students attend local community theater, national Broadway tours and local events and report their opinions in the form of constructive critiques and specific reviews, with emphasis on editing techniques and clarity of thought.

MPRA 714 Voice Production: Live and Recorded Media
This course explores speech and articulation, and the range of character possibilities for the performer using non-verse texts. Emphasis is placed on fundamental and advanced breath work, text interpretation, and voice production. Students are expected to master the International Phonetic Alphabet, and apply their training to the creation of a professional-quality voice-over reel. Prerequisite: MPRA 707.

MPRA 716 Media Relations and Marketing
In this course, students create news releases, commercial copy, informational packages, synopses and media kits. The course explores methods for maintaining relationships with the media and maintaining a seasonal planning calendar of events and goals. Focus is placed on marketing productions and on learning the methodology of self-marketing for the business world and job market. Prerequisite: MPRA 713.

MPRA 717 Verse and Classical Text: Studies and Application
This course examines the techniques involved in the metrical analysis of verse in speech and their application to performance. Through the study of sonnets, play scripts, and other related materials from a variety of periods, including Greek, Elizabethan, Restoration, Neo Classical, and Romantic, students master the complexities of verse-speaking. Prerequisites: MPRA 705, MPRA 707.

MPRA 722 Acting and Directing Theory
In this discussion and research course, students explore classical and contemporary theories of acting and directing styles and performance. Prerequisite: MPRA 704.

MPRA 724 Master Scene Study
Students in this course study under guest and resident master artists during a residency period at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta. Performance concentrations may include classical, modern, and contemporary monologue and scene study exercises, as well as artist-specific topics. Prerequisites: MPRA 705, MPRA 707, MPRA 714, MPRA 717.

MPRA 728 Script Analysis
This course, which is offered for each emphasis area of the media and performing arts graduate program, provides students with a thorough understanding of script analysis and creative and research writing. Students engage in a continuing process of interpretation and conceptual and critical analysis. Prerequisite: MPRA 704 or MPRA 707.

MPRA 731 Genre Acting Styles
With particular emphasis on neo-classical, and anti-realistic materials, this advanced course in performance covers the performative modes outside of realism, and develops competency in the execution of style-based acting that enables a broad range, from normative character behavior to extreme modes of characterization. Prerequisites: MPRA 705, MPRA 707.

MPRA 740 Production Seminar: Performance
In this flexible, self-directed seminar/critique course, students are allowed maximum freedom to define and develop directions in personal artistic growth and evolution, while receiving guidance and criticism from multiple viewpoints. Prerequisite: MPRA 722.

MPRA 742 Production Seminar: Directing
This course covers all elements of stage direction, including management skills, informed blocking, directing theory, script analysis, character development, research and physicalization. Students produce a prompt script, rehearsal schedule and basic scene design for a one-act play, which is produced in class. Prerequisite: MPRA 722.

MPRA 744 Production Seminar: Stage Management
In this course, students are expected to master the art of stage management. The course emphasizes the organization of the audition process, the creation and maintenance of a prompt script and a comprehensive rehearsal schedule, and full working knowledge of the rules and guidelines provided by the Actors' Equity Association. Prerequisite: MPRA 722.

MPRA 746 Production Seminar: Lighting and Scene Design
Students are introduced to the basics of stagecraft and design elements through a hands-on approach to the practical side of mounting a production. Students build and paint scenery, hang and focus lighting instruments, and acquaint themselves with the preliminaries of design theory and techniques. Prerequisite: MPRA 704.

MPRA 749 Performing Arts M.A. Final Project
All M.A. students in performing arts are required to develop and present a final project that represents the culmination of their academic program.

MPRA 752 Applied Performing Arts Theory and Practice
This studio course provides hands-on development of the final project requirements of the M.F.A. degree. Depending on their emphasis within the program, students explore the production elements of a self-generated, one-person project, approved in advance by their adviser, as the culmination of their graduate work. Prerequisite: MPRA 740 or MPRA 742.

MPRA 753 Actor/Director Laboratory
This course examines script analysis, the process of design, and the staging of live performance. Students present for class critique two five-minute scenes and one short one-act play in its entirety. Students form a cohort and serve as both directors and actors for presented scenes. Different techniques and interpretations by student directors are analyzed. Prerequisites: MPRA 705, MPRA 707.

MPRA 754 Casting and Promotion
Students are trained in the methodology and techniques of a casting director and learn to cast productions, commercials, videos, films and special events. Students also explore contracts and union affiliation. Prerequisite: MPRA 713.

MPRA 758 Violence for Stage and Screen
A variety of stage combat techniques are employed to allow the graduate student actor the means to develop safe, effective and believable skills for the stage audience. In addition to providing the actor with believable acting skills, this specialized form of training further develops physical and spatial awareness, grounding, centering, economy of effort, extension of line, focus, timing, action/reaction work and moment-to-moment impulse reactive playing. Prerequisites: MPRA 705, MPRA 707.

MPRA 770 Media and Promotion: Practical Studies
Students in this course study management and administrative functions of a number of departments located in a non-profit artistic organization, with particular focus on the management policies and organizational directives of the front-of-house, marketing, casting, media relations, and management departments at a regional theatre. Prerequisites: DWRI 738, DWRI 740 or MPRA 703, MPRA 705, MPRA 707.

MPRA 775 Graduate Camera Acting
Through digitally taped scene study, hands-on experience and on-camera performance technique and methodology students learn and explore a repeatable on-camera acting process for Film and Television. The course includes cold reading, text work, analysis, immediate character development and dissection of dramatic action. Emphasis is placed on practical performance skills for the camera. Prerequisites: MPRA 705, MPRA 707.

MPRA 780 Special Topics in Performing Arts
The topic of this course varies from quarter to quarter and focuses on diverse issues in the field of media and performing arts. The course gives graduate students the opportunity to pursue projects of interest related to these particular issues. Faculty, course content and prerequisites vary each time the course is offered. The course may include lectures, discussions, individual projects and critiques, depending on the nature of the topic.

MPRA 790 Performing Arts M.F.A. Thesis
All performing arts M.F.A. students must complete a final project accompanied by a written component, with prior approval of a faculty adviser and close supervision by a faculty committee.