Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies

The program in Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies (TDPS) explores the dynamic nature and multivalent possibilities of performance as an interdisciplinary field. TDPS operates at the intersection of theory and practice, training students to engage with multiple forms of performance in traditional theatrical contexts as well as through broader ways of thinking and being in society. Accordingly, the program is divided between courses in performance practice (practicum) and courses with a focus in theoretical, historical, cultural, social, and literary approaches (theory). TDPS conceives of performance expansively, valuing broad connections over narrow specialization.

Students will learn to communicate effectively in speech, writing, and embodied practice, to collaborate effectively with others, and to apply their skills in critical analysis to both the production and the consumption of the performances that surround us. The program is broadly interdisciplinary, involving faculty with many differing areas of expertise and preparing students for collaborative endeavors in many fields after graduation, including but not limited to careers in the performing arts.

TDPS takes advantage of the vibrant performing arts resources in the greater Sarasota community such as Urbanite Theatre, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre, The Players Centre for Performing Arts, Sarasota Contemporary Dance Company, Kuumba Dancers and Drummers, Sarasota Ballet, and Sarasota Opera, amongst others. Practicum courses are taught by artists and scholars who are active in their fields and affiliated with professional theater and dance companies, including the acting faculty at the FSU Asolo Conservatory. Student internships with professional companies are available in many areas of theater, dance, arts management, and education. Students also have the opportunity to take performance courses at other Sarasota area colleges through the Cross College Alliance.

Core Faculty in Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies

April Flakne, Professor of Philosophy
Nova Myhill, Professor of English and Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies/Director of Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies
Hesam Sharifian, Visiting Assistant Professor in Theater and Performance Studies
Diego Villada, Assistant Professor of Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies (On Leave)
Queen Zabriskie, Associate Professor of Sociology (On Leave)

Affiliated Faculty in Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies

Maribeth Clark, Professor of Music/Humanities Division Chair
Aron Edidin, Professor of Philosophy
T. J. H. McCarthy, Professor of Medieval History (On Leave)
Amy Reid, Professor of French and Gender Studies/Director of the Gender Studies Program/Chair of the Faculty
Carl Shaw, Professor of Classics
Wendy Sutherland, Professor of German and Black European and Diaspora Studies
Hugo Viera-Vargas, Associate Professor of Caribbean and Latin American Studies and Music
Maria D. Vesperi, Professor of Anthropology
Jing Zhang, Associate Professor of Chinese Language and Culture/Director of International and Area Studies

Practicum Specialists

Tim O’Donnell, Production Manager and Technical Director
Travis Ray, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies
Leymis Wilmott, Dance Instructor and Artist In Residence

Requirements for the AOC in Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies

A minimum of twelve (12) academic units.

Course List
Code	Title
Introduction to Performance Studies
Select one from the following examples:
TDPS 2155	Introduction to Performance Studies*
Theoretical, Historical, Cultural, Social, or Literary Approaches
Select five full credit courses or tutorials in at least three different disciplines, including at least two at the intermediate or advanced level; some examples include:
ANTH 2450	The Anthropology of Performance
LITR 2090	Ancient Greek Drama*
LITR 2150	Theater and Society*
MUSC 2100	Music Theory I
MUSC 2160	Popular Music and Societies of the Hispanic Caribbean*
MUSC 2705	The Cultural Politics of Listening*
RELI 2400	Ritual Theory*
Practicum
Select five full credit courses or tutorials, including at least one each in Acting, Dance, and Technical Theater; one in Advanced Acting, Directing, Choreography, or Design; and one additional elective:
Acting
Select one; examples include:
TDPS 2510	Acting I
TDPS 3500	Acting II*
TDPS 3750	Performance Practicum: Theater
Dance
Select one; examples include:
TDPS 2090	The Elements of Dance*
TDPS 2550	Introduction to Dance
TDPS 2100	Introduction to Contemporary Dance*
TDPS 2150	Dance Sampler: Introduction to a Variety of Embodied Practices*
TDPS 2200	Introduction to Jazz Dance*
TDPS 2300	Ballet I
TDPS 2340	Afro-Modern Dance*
Technical Theater
Select one; examples include:
TDPS 2050	Basics of Theater Production
TDPS 2020	Technical Theatre Production:
TDPS 2010	Technical Theatre Production: Dance on Campus
Advanced Practicum (Acting, Directing, Choreography, or Design)
Select one; examples include:
TDPS 3720	Voice and Speech for the Actor
TDPS 3200	Directing I
TDPS 3550	Modern Dance and Performance
TDPS 2060	Theatrical Costuming: Design and Construction
Additional Practicum Elective
One additional course in any of the above categories.
Credit-Bearing Internship
One internship with a professional or community performance organization
Additional Requirements
Senior Thesis in Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies, and a Baccalaureate Exam. The thesis must include a written component and may also include a performance component.

Requirements for the Joint AOC in Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies

A minimum of eight (8) academic units.

Course List
Code	Title
Theoretical, Historical, Cultural, Social, or Literary Approaches
Select four full credit courses or tutorials in at least two different disciplines, including at least one at the intermediate or advanced level; some examples include: ¹
TDPS 2155	Introduction to Performance Studies*
ANTH 2450	The Anthropology of Performance
MUSC 2100	Music Theory I
MUSC 2160	Popular Music and Societies of the Hispanic Caribbean*
LITR 2090	Ancient Greek Drama*
LITR 2150	Theater and Society*
RELI 2400	Ritual Theory*
Practicum
Select four full credit courses or tutorials, including at least one each in two of the fields of Acting, Dance, and Technical Theater and one advanced practicum in any field. See full AOC requirements (listed above) for examples.
Additional Requirements
Senior Thesis with significant component engaging with Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies, and Baccalaureate Exam

¹: Introduction to Performance Studies is strongly recommended.

Representative Senior Theses in Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies

A Series of Unfortunate Events: Directing and Reflecting in a Pandemic
Production Managing Carrie: The Musical
Gaston's Chair: An Exploration of Disney Nostalgia and Falsified Memories Through Props
Costuming Welcome to Night Vale as a Demonstration of Skill
Cloud 10: An Exploration of Immersive Theatre's Many Benefits and the Process of Creating My Own Cafe
The Cardinal: Independent Filmmaking During a Pandemic
The Story I Tell, the Self I Create; Understanding Transnational Indian Identity Through a Kaleidoscope of Lenses: Literature, Theatre, and Ethnography
"Waiting for Something to Happen?" Creating Fear and Unease Through Video Game Music and Sound Design