This program emphasizes the artist-scholar who feels equally comfortable in all facets of dance and theatre. The major provides an educational experience responsive to today’s professional demands in the performing arts, in addition to satisfactory preparation for further work and study in either or both areas. The student may elect one of several emphases: performance, choreography, directing, or historical and theoretical research without a performance component. This major requires careful planning because required courses are taught in alternate years. The student should consult with an adviser in each department as soon as possible.
Admission to the Major
1. Completion of Dance 211 and 212 and Theatre 210.
2. Satisfactory participation in at least one department-sponsored dance or theatre production at Reed.
Requirements for the Major
1. Dance 111, 112, 211, 212, 311, and 312. Dance 111 and 112 may be waived if the student has had sufficient previous technical training.
2. Three units of dance theory and criticism, history, and/or cultural studies. Currently listed courses fulfilling that requirement include Dance 201, 232, 241, 252, 260, 335, 351, 360, 362, and 365.
3. Five units of theatre, including Theatre 202, 210, 250 or 260, and 331. Theatre 321 (Advanced Design Studio with a concentration in lighting) is strongly recommended.
4. One unit of music.
5. One unit of art history, studio art, or theatre design.
6. Humanities 210, 220, or 230 or two art courses or two music courses
not used to meet #4 or #5.
7. Dance–Theatre 470 (thesis).
Additional Requirements
1. Completion of the division requirements specified by the Division of the Arts.
2. Completion of the crew requirement. See explanation in the theatre department section of the catalog. Students are expected to have completed this requirement by the time the junior qualifying examination is taken.
Junior Qualifying Examination
Students electing a major in dance–theatre are examined by the two departments in the second semester of the junior year. On the basis of this review, it will be determined whether a student will be admitted to senior standing, and may undertake a research-centered thesis project or a performance or practice-based thesis project that integrates research with production. Performance on the exam as well as within departmental courses will affect the nature and scope of the thesis project.