Drama

Drama involves the study of one's complete human resources in one medium, and is the art form that encompasses life in miniature. The University offers introductory courses incorporating academic study, critical observation of plays and production experience. Instructors are working professionals in the theater, bringing day-to-day creative experiences to the classroom and production settings. This integrated approach to drama encourages a genuine and practical expression of faith in the learning process.

DRAM 202 - Introduction to Theatre Art

Every Year, Winter 3(3-0-3)

Discover how the traditions and practice of theatre in our society have developed, attend live theatre with classmates, and participate in play production projects that will inspire you to make the enjoyment of live theatre on ongoing part of your life.

DRAM 249 - Introduction to Dramatic Process

Every Year, Fall 3(0-0-6)

This introductory course in Improv, stage acting, and the rehearsal process provides tools and opportunities to become a more confident and successful team member in collaborative situations on and off the stage. Students will develop skills for creating dramatic presentations using improvised and original scripts. Topics may include story telling, play analysis, theatre appreciation, effective use of the voice and body in performance, mime, and mask.

DRAM 270 - Singing For The Stage

Every Year, Winter 3(3-0-0)

This course is an introduction to the techniques and practice of musical theatre performance. Students will develop their theatre skills through voice exploration, movement, character development and staging. Students will develop their voices through study and practice of vocal range, technique and musicality in solo and group settings. Students will present staged scenes as a final project.

DRAM 305 - Ensemble Production I

Subject to demand, 3(0-0-6)

Rehearsal and production of a full-length play for public performance: Students audition for production assignments in acting, stage management, and assistant directing in a play or a selection of scenes. Play analysis, scene study, rehearsal, and performance skills are practiced. Attendance at selected professional theatre productions is an aspect of this course.

Prerequisites: 3 credits in Drama or consent of the instructor

DRAM 310 - Stagecraft And Design

Every Year, Winter 3(0-0-6)

An introduction to the technical aspects of theatre: especially live sound and lighting, and also properties, costume, scenery design, and stage management. Students will undertake practical projects in one or more of the technical disciplines for application in dramatic productions, church worship programs, and similar live performance opportunities.

Prerequisites: 3 credits in drama or permission of the instructor

DRAM 320 - Shakespeare: Text and Performance

2025-26, Winter 3(3-3-0)

This course explores issues of textuality and performance in Shakespeare's canon. It combines a detailed study of the plays themselves with an examination of representative film versions. The course centres on a literary analysis of the text while it also explores the historical context out of which the dramas emerged and contemporary scholarly issues that arise in both text and performance.

Same as ENGL 320. This course does not fulfill common curriculum requirements.

Prerequisites: ENGL 215

DRAM 349 - Introduction to and Development of Oral Communication

Every Year, Fall and Winter 3(3-0-3)

Learn to speak in public. Gain understanding of your speaking voice as physical instrument, and develop ways to make it work better for you. The life of an educated person presents many speaking opportunities: to entertain, to teach, to persuade, to negotiate, and to inspire in a wide variety of public settings. Drama 349 uses theatre-based techniques to develop public speaking skills and design effective oral presentations.

DRAM 350 - Introduction to Motion Picture Production

Subject to demand, 3(3-0-3)

This course will examine the global film industry as both an art form and a business. Students will experience selected motion picture production activities in order to enhance their appreciation of the industry. This class will include lectures on film, viewing and discussion of film and practical experience in motion picture production. As a final project each student will produce their own short video.

Same as CMNA 350.

Prerequisites: 3 credits of Drama or 3 credits of Communication Arts or consent of the department

DRAM 355 - Intermediate Ensemble Production II

Subject to demand, 3(0-0-6)

Further opportunity for rehearsal and production of a full-length play for public performance: Students audition for production assignments in acting, stage management, and assistant directing in a play or a selection of scenes. Play analysis, scene study, rehearsal, and performance skills are practiced. Attendance at selected professional theatre productions is an aspect of this course.

Prerequisites: DRAM 305

DRAM 371 - Singing For The Stage

Every Year, Fall 3(0-3-0)

This course is an introduction to the techniques and practice of musical theatre performance. Students will develop their theatre skills through voice exploration, movement, character development and staging. Students will develop their voices through study and practice of vocal range, technique and musicality in solo and group settings. Students will present staged scenes as a final project.

DRAM 399 - Special Topics in Drama

Non-Recurring, 3(varies)

A course on a topic of special interest to a faculty member of the drama faculty and offered on a non-recurring basis.

Prerequisites: Three credits in drama or consent of the instructor

DRAM 405 - Advanced Ensemble Production III

Subject to demand, 3(0-0-6)

Further opportunity for rehearsal and production of a full-length play for public performance: Students audition for production assignments in acting, stage management and assistant directing in a play or a selection of scenes. Play analysis, scene study, rehearsal, and performance skills are practiced. Attendance at selected professional theatre productions is an aspect of this course.

Prerequisites: DRAM 355

DRAM 499 - Directed Studies in Drama

Every Year, 1 to 3(varies)

This course gives the student an opportunity to do intensive production-related work in drama under the direction of an instructor. Prior to registering in the course, the student proposes a project focussing on a particular aspect of theatre production and takes major responsibility for that aspect. The student contracts to fulfill from 1-3 credits depending on the scope of the work undertaken.

Prerequisites: Six credits in drama and consent of the instructor