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Courses Taught at Binghamton University

THEA 389J Ballet Mécanique Dance Journey

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THEA 333 Business of Theatre

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THEA 322 Choreography/Dance Composition

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THEA 227 Modern Dance Technique 1

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THEA 327 Modern Dance Technique 2

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THEA 222 Beginning Dance

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THEP 361 Acrobatic Dance

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THEA 387Y Collaborative Choreography

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THEA 389I Contemporary Partnering

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THEA 389F Dance-Cinema Collaboration

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THEA 287M Theatre for English Language Learners

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DANCE PERFORMANCE Orpheus

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DANCE PERFORMANCE Piazzolla

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Ballet Mecanique Syllabus

THEA 389J Ballet Mécanique Dance Journey Syllabus

Theatre 389J-01, CRN 32639, Ballet Mecanique Dance Journey

Spring 2023

Monday and Wednesday, 10:50-11:50, FA91

Tuesday and Thursday, 11:40-1:05, FA93A

Instructor: Andy Horowitz

Office: FA 235, ahorowi@binghamton.edu tel. (607) 348-4044

Office Hours: Tuesday, 9:00-10:00 AM

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Buckle up. Ballet Mécanique Dance Journey is the dance portion of a three-way collaboration between the departments of Theatre, Music, and Cinema.  In celebration of the centenary of Fernand Léger’s 1924, Post-Cubist film, “Ballet Mecanique,” we will devise and showcase a commemorative performance featuring an amalgamation of new musical compositions, experimental cinema, and dance.  Participants in Ballet Mécanique Dance Journey will make frequent field trips to a corresponding cinema class taught by Ariana Gerstein, to better suit the developing choreography to her students’ cinematic needs.  Students of Daniel Davis of the Department of Music will compose pieces, to be performed live, as recorded playback, or both, to which Ballet Mécanique Dance Journey students will choreograph.  The experimental, daring, and unforgettable creative process will result in a public performance, probably off-campus, that will be the culmination of the course.  If you are a mover, creative, willing to work through trial and lots of error in support of a bottom-up, unpredictable, mad-scientist, steampunk, artistic happening, then Ballet Mécanique Dance Journey is for you!

 

Participants will play choreographic games resulting in movement vignettes created by the entire ensemble.  These vignettes will be combined, lengthened, rearranged, and edited until the ensemble is satisfied that they comprise a viable public performance.  The ensemble will design and create costumes, lighting, music, set pieces and anything else that may come up during rehearsals to serve any choreographic end.  Participants will practice weight-sharing, trust and choreographic exercises in order to overcome emotional and physical resistance, ultimately reaching a level of shared inspiration, fluidity, allegiance to and belief in the positive creative synergy of the group as a whole.  The process is inherently collaborative and demands enormous mutual trust that will develop and grow through a nurturing, mutually supportive classroom environment.

 

Ballet Mecanique Dance Journey has been intentionally scheduled to overlap with CINE450, Experimental Animation Projects, Monday and Wednesday, 10:50-12:15, CW B89, so that we can visit each other’s classes.

 

Learning Objectives

To create a performance through a collaborative, leaderless process

To explore and share with Experimental Animation Projects students

To perform the completed work for the public

To augment to performance with lighting, costumes, music, set pieces, special effects, or anything else that the group may come up with to serve any choreographic end

To develop an understanding of body alignment, breath, and musicality

To grow as a performer

To trust oneself and others

To gain strength, stretch, endurance and technique

 

Attendance Policy

Two absences are forgiven, no questions asked.  Any absence beyond the first two will lower the final grade by one increment.  For example, assuming the student were in good standing in all other respects, a final tally of three absences would cause an A to drop to an A-; four absences would bring the grade down to a B+.  Up to two absences can be made up and nullified by attending other dance classes on or off campus.  (Such classes cannot be ones for which you are already getting academic credit.) Thus, it is possible to miss as many as four classes and still get an A. 

 

Friday, May 5th Performance

The culmination of Ballet Mecanique Dance Journey will be a public performance at an off-campus venue.  At this writing, several venues, including the Bundy Museum, Techworks, and Spool MFG, are under consideration. I will let you know when we come to a firm decision.

 

PAPER: Students will attend and review a full-length, live dance performance, on or off campus. A minimally two-page review of this performance shall be submitted by midnight on Sunday, May 7, 2023.  In your review, consider:

  • Casting

  • Dance Style, Technique, Choreography

  • Costumes

  • Lighting

  • Narrative

  • Venue

To receive full credit on this paper, you will submit on time, at length, and avoid using the following words:  very, really, good, like, intense.  The due date is midnight, May 7, 2023.

 

The Anderson Center for the Performing Arts, located in the Fine Arts Building, has several dance offerings during the spring 2023 semester that would be appropriate for your reviews. They include Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, on February 25; Wings: A Celtic Dance Celebration, on March 11; and the Theatre/Dance production of Nukporfe on May 3rd.  There may be other appropriate shows but check with me before assuming that a dance performance not cited above is OK.

 

Watching Class

Students may watch up to two without penalty, assuming they arrive on time and watch the whole class, but they must sit in the front of the room, watch actively and take notes.  Cell phones and other distractions are prohibited.  After two watches, subsequent watches will count as absences.

 

Class Policy

The development and continual strengthening of mutual trust can only happen in a supportive environment.  Participants will be mutually respectful and encouraging.  Grading will be based on individual growth, attitude, attendance and participation.

 

Dress

  • Clothing that allows for full freedom of movement without encumbrance

  • No jewelry or accessories that might inhibit movement, including rolling on the floor and lifting or being lifted by others.Long hair should be tied back.

 

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: The recording of steps or class will only happen with express permission. All artistic work and choreography must be cited correctly.

 

GEN ED DESIGNATION

This course satisfies two Gen Ed requirements: A (Aesthetics) and Y (Physical Activity).

A - Aesthetics - A courses enhance students' understanding of the creative process and the role of imagination and aesthetic judgment in at least one principal form of artistic expression.

Y - Physical Activity - Y courses devote at least 50% of their time to the performance of physical exercise and are designed to develop one or more of the following attributes: neuromuscular skill, muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility.

 

GRADING CRITERIA:  Letter Grades are based on Attendance, Participation, Attitude, Motivation, Discipline, and Technical Growth. A’s are not given just for attendance or excellence, but on individual effort and growth in class.

  • Attendance, as explained above

  • Watching and reviewing a dance performance: 10%

  • Overall improvement: 10%

  • Classroom discipline, etiquette, participation and enthusiasm: 30%

  • Performing as part of the ensemble: 50%

 

If you are experiencing undue personal or academic stress at any time during the semester or need to talk with someone about a personal problem or situation, I encourage you to seek support as soon as possible.

 

Dean of Students Office: 607-777-2804

Decker Student Health Services Center: 607-777-2221
University Police: On campus emergency, 911

University Counseling Center: 607-777-2772

Interpersonal Violence Prevention: 607-777-3062
Harpur Advising: 607-777-6305
7.
Office of International Student & Scholar Services: 607-777-2510

 

Communication resources:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fp1xF2hi2bxOdzeUvTZj7VWciC3aD4aDL4bxWhQUYMI/edit

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRwHetFE3wfAoSMeQWstE5CzFX_Kd_3mTM3Q6HYH34DZlnZA/viewform

Businss of Theatre Syllabus

Thea333-01 Business of Theater 

Syllabus, Spring 2023

MWF, 3:20-4:20 PM, FA351

 

Instructor

Andy Horowitz

ahorowi@binghamton.edu

andy@galumpha.com

(607) 348-4044

Office Hours: Tuesdays, 9-10am FA235

 

Guest Lecturer

Keith Hurd

keith@marketingentertainment.net

 

Course Description:

Is there a riskier career choice than theater?  Is there a field more likely to elicit parental worry? Does some masochism prod us forward as artists, even as the world urges us to bone up on alternative skills on which to rely?  Is there a way to up the odds?  In a generally discouraging environment where performers are inundated with reminders of the unlikelihood of success by any measure, this course takes a hopeful look at determining factors, especially those over which one has control.   In The Business of Theater, we will explore performing arts career management. We will learn to see ourselves, our ensembles, or the artists we represent, as integral parts of a dynamic, complex entertainment market.  We will analyze our product, our stakeholders, and our buyers to determine efficient market penetration strategies.  We will study real performance contracts, agreements between artists and agencies, exclusivity, touring, negotiation, minimizing costs, and engendering shared values.

 

Required Text:

  1. Producing Theatre, A Comprehensive and Legal Business Guide by Donald C. Faber

  2. Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping, Updated and Revised for the Internet by Paco Underhill

 

Learning Objectives

  • To understand your product.  Who are you really?  What are you selling?  What is your point of differentiation?  What are your strengths and weaknesses? What opportunities do you face? What threats? 

  • To understand your buyers.  Who are they really?  What do they need? What would they avoid? How can you present your product as irresistible? 

  • To understand your stakeholders.  Who benefits from your career as a performing artist or as a representative of such?  Who might be threatened?   How can you streamline business relationships to minimize costs and maximize gains?  How can you motivate your team to act on your behalf? 

  • To grasp the scope of opportunity.  Where is the work?  How far and wide should you search?  How does the market change from venue to venue, city to city, country to country? 

 

Attendance Policy

I allow two absences.  Any absence beyond the first two will lower the final grade by two points.  For example, assuming one were in perfect standing based on the above rubric, a final tally of three absences would cause 100 to drop to 98; four absences would bring the grade down to a 96.  Two times late equals one absence.  

 

Class Participation (20%)

Active participation is paramount in this small seminar.  I expect fertile, impassioned conversation.  In-class presentations deserve and will receive feedback from their audiences.  Topics will be explored through the sharing of experience, insight, and ideas from all class members. The development and continual strengthening of trust can only happen in a supportive environment.  Participants will be mutually respectful and encouraging.  

 

Unit Quizzes (15%)

Each unit covered in the course will culminate with a quiz. Unit quizzes will be pre-announced. Questions on the quizzes will be a combination of short answers and multiple-choice questions ranging from simple vocabulary to demonstrated understanding of the application of theories learned in the unit. 

 

Reading and other Quizzes (10%)

There will be simple pop quizzes to ensure that students keep up with reading assignments and are ready to join class discussions.  There will also be short quizzes following the runs of Theatre Department mainstage productions.

 

Projects and Presentations (20%)

There will be periodic projects and presentations, assigned well in advance, with clear deadlines. Each project assigned will include clear instructions and a rubric. All projects will be weighted equally.

 

Paper and Attendance of Theatre Department Mainstage Productions (15%)

Attending both Theatre Department mainstage productions is required. They are:

  • Thrive, or What You Will, February 23, 24, 25, 8PM; February 25, 26, 2PM: Watters Theatre

  • Rent, April 21, 22, 28, 8PM; April 23, 30, 2PM; Watters Theatre

 

A paper reviewing one of these two required productions from a marketing standpoint is due by midnight on May 7, 2023.  Consider:

  • Why did the director choose the play? Was it a good choice from a marketing perspective?

  • How large was the audience? How might the Theatre Department increase attendance?

  • Who attended? Students? Faculty? Others? How did they learn about the production?

  • Were tickets appropriately priced? Could changing the price result in a net box office gain?

  • What costs were associated with the production? Were they worth it?

 

I discourage writing to length but suggest that it should take at least three pages to present the information requested above.

 

Group Project (20%)

Near the end of the semester students will create, submit, and defend business plans in support of immediate, mid, and long-term goals for themselves as performers, agents, producers, investors, and other stakeholders.  The plans will include market penetration strategies, methods to elicit interest from agents, publicists and presenters, publicity and biographical materials, links to websites, Backstage, IMDB, and anything else that might serve the interest of the production.  All relationships will be contracted. The plans will be presented in class, challenged by classmates, defended, and edited.  

 

Class Policy

The development and continual strengthening of trust can only happen in a supportive environment.  Participants will be mutually respectful and encouraging.

 

Academic Honesty

Students are asked to practice extra care and attention in regard to academic honesty, with the understanding that all cases of plagiarism, cheating, multiple submission, and unauthorized collaboration are subject to penalty. Students must properly cite and attribute all sources used for papers and assignments. Students may not collaborate on exams or assignments, directly or through virtual consultation, unless the instructor gives specific permission to do so. Posting an exam, assignment, or answers to them on an online forum (before, during, or after the due date), in addition to consulting posted materials, constitutes a violation of the university’s Honesty policy. Likewise, unauthorized use of live assistance websites, including seeking “expert” help for specific questions during an exam, can be construed as a violation of the honesty policy. All students should be familiar with the University’s Student Academic Honesty Code.

 

Weekly Units

Week 1:           Jan 18, 20

Introductions, Ice-Breaker Assignment

 

Week 2:          Jan 23, 25, 27

Ice-Breaker Presentations, Types of performances, focusing on breadth of the industry.

Read Underhill, Part I, Chaps 1-2

APAP, Cost-Leader, Block Booking, Buyers, Sellers, Inclusive Fees

 

Week 3:          Jan 30, Feb 1, 3

Presenting Conferences

Project: Groups of 2-3 will present assigned conferences.  Consider:

  • Location

  • Target Audience

  • Points of Differentiation

Presenting Conf. Presentations. Begin Artist/Agent relationship.

Artist/Agent: Roleplay

Why We Buy chaps 3-5

 

Week 4:           Feb 6, 8, 10

Presenting Conferences Quiz

Artist/Agent Relationship.  Industry Standard commission, exclusivity, contracts

Project: Negotiate a contract.

Assignment: Research Annette Burnett.  Prepare 2 questions for her.

Read: Underhill, Part II, Chapters 6-7

 

Week 5:           Feb 13, 15, 17

Guest Speaker, Annette Burnett, Director Anderson Center for the Arts, Feb 15

Presenters, Venues, Contracts, Tech Rider, Force Majeure

Project: Roleplay Agent/Presenter meeting. Negotiate a contract.

Presenters,

Anderson Center Budget: BU, Corp and Private Donors, Rentals, Box Office

And. Ctr. Staff: Dir, TD, Stage Hands, House Mgr, Ushers, Box Office Dir, Volunteers

Read: Underhill, Part III, Chapters 8-11

 

Week 6:          Feb 20, 22, 24 Thrive Opens

Unions: AEA, SAG-AFTRA, AGMA, IATSE, AFM (American Federation of Musicians), AGVA (Variety), CWA (Communication Workers of America), United Scenic Artists, SDC (Stage Directors and Choreographers), Directors Guild of America

Read: Underhill, Part IV, Chapters 12-16

 

Week 7:           Feb 27, March 1, 3

Busking, Industrials,

Read: Farber, Chapters 1-3

 

Week 8:           Mar 6, 8, 10

Chris Bodnarczuk, Director of Marketing, Anderson Center, to Speak March 8.  March 6 assign questions.

 

Week 9:          Mar 13, 15, 17

Video: Show Business: The Road to Broadway (2 Days)

Out of Town Trial, Intellectual Property, Grand Rights, First Class Theater

Farber through Chapter 7

 

Week 10:         Mar 20, 22, 24 Keith Hurd, Producing

 

Week 11:         Mar 27, 29, 31 Keith Hurd, Producing

 

Week 12:         Apr 10, 12, 14

Assignment of Roles, Creation of Groups

 

Week 13:         Apr 17, 19, 21 Rent Opens

Director-Agent Contracts April 21

 

Week 14:         April 24, 26, 28

Investor Contracts due April 24

Begin Group Presentations

 

Week 15:        May 1, 3,

Quiz on Rent, Final Group Presentations,

 

 

GRADING SCALE:

A         93-100

A-        90-92

B+       87-89

B         83-86

B-        80-82

C+       77-79

C         73-76

C-        70-72

D         60-69

F          0-59

THEA322 Syllabus

THEA 322 - CHOREOGRAPHY I (Spring 2018)

Monday and Wednesday, 3:30 to 5:40PM, FA 93-A

Andy Horowitz

348-4044

andy@galumpha.com

ahorowi@binghamton.edu

OFFICE:  FA235

Hours:  Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 AM

Credits: 4

 

Overview

Theatre 322, Choreography 1, is a dance composition workshop.  Participant-choreographers will write and revise choreographic proposals, hold auditions, cast performers, create, and hone their pieces, and ultimately have them performed for the public at a date and venue TBD in class.  The class will collaborate in the creation/procurement of advertising, audition pieces, costumes, props, set pieces, and any other support materials that may make the final performance more successful. 

 

The Faculty Senate has adopted a policy directing faculty to include in their course syllabi an explanation of expectations for work done by students outside of class.  The policy suggests that students should expect to spend 12.5 hours per week in combined in-class and out-of-class work for a four-credit, spring or fall semester course, and the policy defines one in-class hour as fifty minutes.  Choreography 1 meets for 130 minutes, twice a week, thus satisfying 5.2 hours of in-class work as defined above.  Expect to work outside of class another 7 hours per week on choreographic proposals, the creation of support materials, preparing for and administering auditions, casting, rehearsing, finding or making costumes, props and set pieces, setting light cues and finally watching the final performance and participating in the following strike.

 

Course Expectation

The development and continual strengthening of trust can only happen in a supportive environment.  Participants will be mutually respectful and encouraging. 

 

Learning Outcomes

  • To grow as a choreographer

  • To gain understanding and control over choreographic variables such as thematic content, dance style, music, blocking, casting, costuming, and lighting.

  • To become familiar with the histories and styles of iconic choreographers such as Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Alvin Ailey, Bill T. Jones, Merce Cunningham, Twyla Tharp and others.

  • To grasp the importance of choreographing to the strengths of your dancers

  • To understand and implement the process of launching a public performance

 

Professionalism

This course is designed to reflect professional standards, as they exist in the current arts industry. Students are expected to demonstrate a high level of commitment and discipline to themselves and colleagues; to follow any instruction given by staff members whether permanent or visiting; and to refrain from any behavior that would jeopardize the success of course work.

Technology & Conduct

 Cell phones and other electronic entertainment devices are not permitted in class. Silence cell phones before class begins and keep them out of sight. Laptops and tablets may be used for research or notetaking purposes during group work and specific class exercises, and for quick reference during discussions and lectures. Please respect your peers and the classroom environment by using technology appropriately in class. Per university policy, any person whose behavior is seriously damages the class’ ability to achieve its objectives will be excluded from attending class. Details on this policy, including an appeal procedure, are available in the Binghamton Bulletin.

 

To ensure the free and open discussion of ideas, students may not record audio or video of classroom lectures, discussion and/or activities without the advance written permission of the instructor, and any such recording properly approved in advance can be used solely for the student’s own private use.

 

Attendance Policy

I allow two absences.  Any absence beyond the first two will lower the final grade by one increment.  For example, assuming one were in good standing in all other respects, a final tally of three absences would cause an A to drop to an A-; four absences would bring the grade down to a B+.  Up to two absences can be made up and nullified by attending other dance classes on or off campus or by seeing dance performances and submitting a written review.  Thus, it is possible to miss as many as four classes (two weeks) and still get an A.  Two times late equals one absence. Note that according to Theatre Department policy, missing three weeks of class (6 classes in the case of this Monday & Wednesday course) results in an automatic, non-negotiable failure. 

 

Students who are ill or injured are expected to observe actively through note-taking, unless they are physically unable to attend.

 

Gen Ed: A requirement: Aesthetics

Students in A courses will demonstrate an understanding of the creative process and the role of imagination and aesthetic judgment in at least one principal form of artistic expression in such fields as art, art history, cinema, creative writing, dance, graphic design, music, and theater.

 

Paper

A two-page, typed hard copy review of any full length, live dance performance you have seen during the Spring 2018 semester shall be submitted by midnight on the last day of classes, May 7, or earlier.  The reviewed performance may have taken place on or off campus; in or outside of Binghamton, but may not be the same as submitted to nullify an absence.  To receive full credit in writing this paper you will submit on time, at length, and avoid using the following words:  very, really, good, like, intense.

 

Grading Criteria

  • Attendance (see above)

  • Participation 10%

Active participation in class discussions, assignments and projects, willingness to participate in the creation of publicity, marketing materials and all collaborative class projects in support of the final performance that may arise.

  • Assignments 10%

Submit papers and other assignments in full and on time

  • Casting  10%

Co-create audition pieces.  Attend auditions and participate in the selection process.

  • Rehearsals  40%

Adhere to your rehearsal schedule; Arrive prepared. Uphold music, costume, and choreographic deadlines.

  • Tech Week and Performance 20%

Attend technical meetings.  Uphold light and sound deadlines.  Attend the Performance and participate in strike.

  • Content 10%

The perceived artistic merit of your choreographic project will NOT influence your grade.  However, I may downgrade overly repetitious or short pieces resulting from poorly organized rehearsal schedules or slow rehearsal progress.

 

Departmental Make-up Class Policy

The dance department cannot overstress the importance of attendance because of the physical learning and muscle memory involved in dance, and in the case of this composition class, the negative impact absences have on morale and teamwork. However, should an absence be unavoidable please follow the steps make up a class:

  1. Seek approval from your instructor. Inform your professor by email of your intent to make up missed classes. The professor will determine makeup criteria.(See above)

  2. If taking another dance class is recommended by your professor, please note that you must send notice to the class instructor before participating. Do not just show up unannounced; you may be denied access.

  3. You are to in the make-up class. Observing will not count towards a make-up

  4. Credit for a make-up class may be denied based on lateness, inappropriate attire, being disrespectful, unfocused, or not fully participating in class.

Thea 227 Syllbus

COURSE CODE:    THEA 227 MODERN DANCE 1                          

SEMESTER:           FALL 2018

TIME:                    1:15-2:35 Monday through Thursday     

ROOM:                   FA91

INSTRUCTOR:       Andy Horowitz        

EMAIL:                   ahorowi@binghamton.edu, andy@galumpha.com

OFFICE HOURS:    Mon and Wed 11:00-Noon

 

OVERVIEW:

 

Modern I is a technique-based dance course.  At its core is the fall-and-recovery modern dance technique of Doris Humphrey, combined with weight-sharing, partnering, and the memorization and performance of a body of choreography.

 

Expectations for Course-related Work for a Four-Credit Class

The Faculty Senate has adopted a policy directing faculty to include in their course syllabi an explanation of expectations for work done by students outside of class.  The policy suggests that students should expect to spend 12.5 hours per week in combined in-class and out-of-class work for a four-credit, spring or fall semester course, and the policy defines one in-class hour as fifty minutes.  Modern I meets for 80 minutes, four times a week, thus satisfying 6.4 hours of in-class work as defined above.  Expect to work outside of class another 6 hours per week on the memorization of an increasing body of choreography, practice of dance technique, any additional efforts to strengthen, stretch or increase physical endurance, and on your papers.

 

COURSE EXPECTATIONS:

 

  • Take responsibility for your own physical development.

  • Develop a sense of your body and its limitations.

  • Understand the need for self-discipline.


  • Develop safe dance practices.

  • Develop personal working processes.


  • Cultivate flexibility and openness as well as the ability to express oneself with conviction and respect within a group/ rehearsal environment.


  • Develop an appreciation of Modern Dance

 

END-OF-SEMESTER DANCE SHOWCASE

In addition to in-class choreographic showcases, there will be a department-wide general showcase with submissions from all the Theatre Department dance classes.  The event, for which attendance and participation are mandatory, will take place on December 5, 7:00 PM, Watters Theatre.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Knowledge:

  • Learn Modern Dance Technique

  • Develop an understanding of body alignment, breath, and musicality

Skills:

  • Grow as a performer

  • Gain strength, flexibility and endurance

  • Explore modern dance movement and forms.


  • Demonstrate Musicality

  • Take direction

Application of knowledge and skills:

  • Demonstrate introductory-level Modern Dance technique

  • Trust oneself and ultimately others in increasingly difficult balance and weight-sharing exercises

  • Perform various choreographic vignettes with musicality and with a connection to the audience

 

PROFESSIONALISM:

The development and continual strengthening of trust can only happen in a supportive environment.  Participants will be mutually respectful and encouraging. 

 

This course is designed to reflect professional standards as they exist in the industry. Students are expected to demonstrate commitment and discipline to themselves and others; to follow any instruction given by staff members whether permanent or visiting; and to refrain from any behavior that would jeopardize the success of course work.

Technology & Conduct:  Cell phones, iPods, and other electronic entertainment devices are not permitted in class. Please silence cell phones before class begins and keep them out of sight. Laptops and tablets may be used for research or notetaking during specific class exercises, and for quick reference during discussions and lectures. Please respect your peers and the classroom environment by using technology appropriately in class. Per university policy, any person whose behavior is seriously damages the class’ ability to achieve its objectives will be excluded from attending class. Details on this policy, including an appeal procedure, are available in the Binghamton Bulletin.

To ensure the free and open discussion of ideas, students may not record audio or video of classroom lectures, discussion and/or activities without the advance written permission of the instructor, and any such recording, properly approved in advance, will be for the student’s own private use.

CLASS WORK 
You are responsible for learning and demonstrating all work from class.

ATTENDANCE: 
Attendance is mandatory for all classes. I allow two absences without penalty.  Any absence beyond the first two will lower the final grade by two points.  For example, assuming one were in perfect standing in all other respects, a final tally of three absences would cause 100 to drop to 98; four absences would bring the grade down to a 96.  Two times late equals one absence.  Any student who attends fewer than 90% of scheduled classes will fail. 

Students who are ill or injured are expected to observe the class and take notes unless they are physically unable to attend. 


Students more than five minutes late for a class will not be permitted to participate in the class unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.

PAPER

A two-page typed hard copy review of any full-length, live dance performance you have seen during the fall 2018 semester shall be submitted by midnight on the last day of classes, December 7, or earlier.  The reviewed performance may have taken place on or off campus; in or outside of Binghamton, and may be Jazz Nut (see below).  To receive full credit in writing this paper, you will submit on time, at length, and avoid using the following words:  very, really, good, like, intense.

 

JAZZ NUT

This semester’s mainstage dance performance will be Jazz Nut.  Performances will be on November 30, December 1 and December 2.  All students of THEA227 must see one of the performances of Jazz Nut. 

 

MODERN DANCE DRESS CODE

 

Black leotards with black tights or jazz pants. Hair should be well groomed, kept off the face, and pulled back in a bun or ponytail. Men must wear a dance belt. Remove all loose jewelry from your neck, ears, wrists, and fingers. No food or drink in the classroom except water.  Please don’t chew gum.

 

INTELLECUAL PROPERTY:

The recording of steps or class will only happen with express permission. All artistic work and choreography must be cited correctly.

GEN ED DESIGNATION

 

This course satisfies two Gen Ed requirements: A (Aesthetics) and Y (Physical Activity).

 

A - Aesthetics - A courses enhance students' understanding of the creative process and the role of imagination and aesthetic judgment in at least one principal form of artistic expression.


Y - Physical Activity - Y courses devote at least 50% of their time to the performance of physical exercise and are designed to develop one or more of the following attributes: neuromuscular skill, muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility.

 

GRADING CRITERIA

Letter Grades are based on Attendance, Participation, Attitude, Motivation, Discipline, and Technical Growth. A’s are not given just for attendance or excellence, but on individual effort and growth in class.

ATTENDANCE:                                                         See Above

PARTICIPATION:                                                      40%                                                              

ATTITUDE (including adherence to class policies):      10%

IMPROVEMENT:                                                      30%

PAPER:                                                                    10%

JAZZ NUT:                                                                5%

DECEMBER 5th DEPARTMENTAL SHOWCASE:       5%    

 

GRADING SCALE:

A:       93-100

A-:      90-92

B+:     87-89

B:       83-86

B-:     80-82

C+:     77-79

C:       73-76

C-:     70-72

D:       60-69

F:       0-59

 

MAKEUP CLASS POLICY

 

The dance department cannot stress enough the importance of attendance because of the physical learning and muscle memory involved in dance.  However, should an absence be unavoidable, please follow the steps below to make up a class:

 

  1. Seek approval from your instructor. You must inform your professor by email of your intent to make up missed classes. Your professor will determine how you will make up those classes, whether through TA coaching, attending another appropriate dance class, or any other means.

 

  1. If your professor recommends taking another dance class, you must send written notice to the professor of the class in question prior to attending. Not all classes are suitable for makeup and instructors may withhold certain classes from guest-participants for reasons of their own. In other words, do not just show up to another professor’s class without informing that instructor. You may be denied access to that class.

 

  1. You are to dance actively in the make-up class; observing will not count towards a makeup.

 

  1. Credit for a make-up class may be denied based on punctuality, attire, attitude, focus, and participation.

 

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:

Plagiarism, copying of assignments, cheating, and other breaches of academic integrity will not be tolerated. Violations of the University-wide policy on academic integrity will result in automatic failure of the assignment and possible failure of the course. Binghamton University’s Academic Honesty Code and infraction procedures are available in the Bulletin, http://bulletin.binghamton.edu.

If you are experiencing undue personal or academic stress at any time during the semester or need to talk with someone about a personal problem or situation, I encourage you to seek support as soon as possible.

 

1. Dean of Students Office: 607-777-2804


2. Decker Student Health Services Center: 607-777-2221

3. University Police: On campus emergency, 911


4. University Counseling Center: 607-777-2772


5. Interpersonal Violence Prevention: 607-777-3062

6. Harpur Advising: 607-777-6305
7.

7. Office of International Student & Scholar Services: 607-777-2510

 

2018 SCHEDULE:

Aug 22                    Classes begin

Sep 3                     No classes (Labor Day)

Sep 5                     Add/Drop Deadline

Sep 10-11               No classes (Rosh HaShannah)

Sep 19                    No classes (Yom Kippur)

Oct 11-14               No classes (Fall Break)

Oct 30, 4:30PM       Withdrawal/Grade-Change Deadline

Nov 21-25               No classes (Thanksgiving)

Dec 3-6                  In-Class Showcases

Dec 5, 7:00PM        Departmental Dance Showcase, Watters Theatre

Dec 7                     Last day of classes; papers due by midnight

Thea327 Syllbus

Theatre 327, Modern II

Instructor: Andy Horowitz

Monday-Thursday, 11:40 AM-1:00 PM, FA91

Office: FA325; Hours Tuesday & Thursday, 9-10 AM

Phone: 73073, (607) 348-4044

Email: ahorowi@binghamton.edu

 

Modern II is a continuation of Modern I (Theatre 227) or of any introductory, technique-based dance course.  At its core is the fall-and-recovery modern dance technique of Doris Humphrey, combined with weight sharing, partnering, and the memorization and performance of a body of choreography.   

 

Gen Ed: A requirement: Aesthetics

Students in A courses will demonstrate an understanding of the creative process and the role of imagination and aesthetic judgment in at least one principal form of artistic expression in such fields as art, art history, cinema, creative writing, dance, graphic design, music, and theater.

 

Learning Objectives

To learn Advanced Modern Dance Technique

To develop an understanding of body alignment, breath, and musicality

To grow as a performer

To trust oneself and ultimately others in increasingly difficult balance and weight-sharing exercises

To gain strength, stretch and endurance

 

Attendance Policy

I allow two absences.  Any absence beyond the first two will lower the final grade by one increment.  For example, assuming one were in good standing in all other respects, a final tally of three absences would cause an A to drop to an A-; four absences would bring the grade down to a B+.  Up to four absences can be made up and nullified by attending other dance classes on or off campus or by seeing dance performances and submitting a written review.  Thus, it is possible to miss as many as six classes and still get an A.  Two times late equals one absence. Note that per Theatre Department policy, missing three weeks of class (12 classes in the case of this Monday-Thursday course) results in an automatic, non-negotiable failure.  Attendance grade penalties will be added after application of the grading rubric, below.

 

Paper

A two-page, typed hard copy review of any full length, live dance performance you have seen during the spring 2016 semester shall be submitted by midnight on the last day of classes, May 9, or earlier.  The reviewed performance may have taken place on or off campus; in or outside of Binghamton, but may not be the same as submitted to nullify an absence.  To receive full credit in writing this paper you will submit on time, at length, and avoid using the following words:  very, really, good, like, intense.

 

Watching Class

Students who aren’t feeling well or who are injured may watch up to four classes, but they must sit in the front of the room and watch actively.  Cell phones and other distractions are prohibited.  Watching class beyond the allowance of four sessions will equal an absence.

 

Class Policy

The development and continual strengthening of trust can only happen in a supportive environment.  Participants will be mutually respectful and encouraging. 

 

Dress

  • Clothing that allows for full freedom of movement without encumbrance

  • Bare feet

  • No jewelry or accessories that might inhibit movement, including rolling on the floor and lifting or being lifted by others.Long hair should be tied back.

 

Grading Criteria

Grading will be based on attendance as explained above, the paper, in-class attitude and participation, the memorization and ability to perform choreographic vignettes taught in class and on mastery of rudimentary dance technique as follows:

  • Pointing (or flexing) the feet; articulation of feet through walking, use of tendu and through transitional steps

  • Understanding and maintaining turnout (or parallel)

  • Spotting

  • Knowing 1st, 2nd, and 5th position and how to plier from each

  • Body Alignment: Ribs enclosed, Hip bones up, Tail bone down, Shoulders relaxed and neck erect

 

Theatre 227 Modern I Grading Rubric

 

Expectations for Course-related Work for a Four-Credit Class

The Faculty Senate has adopted a policy directing faculty to include in their course syllabi an explanation of expectations for work done by students outside of class.  The policy suggests that students should expect to spend 12.5 hours per week in combined in-class and out-of-class work for a four-credit, spring or fall semester course, and the policy defines one in-class hour as fifty minutes.  Modern II meets for 80 minutes, four times a week, thus satisfying 6.4 hours of in-class work as defined above.  Expect to work outside of class another 6 hours per week on the memorization of an increasing body of choreography, practice of dance technique, any additional efforts to strengthen, stretch or increase physical endurance, and on your papers.

 

 

Exams

During the final week of class students will split into small groups and perform dance vignettes that they have been working on through the semester. 

Department of Theatre

Fine Arts, Room 127
PO Box 6000 Binghamton, New York 13902-6000
607-777-2567, Fax: 607-777-2489

THEA-222 Beginning Dance

Spring 2023

Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:40-10:40 AM, FA91

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:05 AM-11:25 AM, FA91

 

 

INSTRUCTOR: Andy Horowitz

EMAIL: ahorowi@binghamton.edu, andy@galumpha.com
OFFICE HOURS: Tuesdays, 9-10:00 AM, FA235

 

OVERVIEW:

Dance for Beginners is a technique-based dance course.  At its core is classical dance technique, shared by almost all schools of Ballet, Modern, and Jazz, along with the memorization and performance of a body of choreography.

 

Academic Honesty

Students are asked to practice extra care and attention regarding academic honesty, with the understanding that all cases of plagiarism, cheating, multiple submission, and unauthorized collaboration are subject to penalty. Students must properly cite and attribute all sources used for papers and assignments. Students may not collaborate on exams or assignments, directly or through virtual consultation, unless the instructor gives specific permission to do so. Posting an exam, assignment, or answers to them on an online forum (before, during, or after the due date), in addition to consulting posted materials, constitutes a violation of the university’s Honesty policy. Likewise, unauthorized use of live assistance websites, including seeking “expert” help for specific questions during an exam, can be construed as a violation of the honesty policy. All students should be familiar with the University’s Student Academic Honesty Code.

 

COURSE EXPECTATION: Students are expected to:

  • Take responsibility for own physical development.

  • Develop a sense of your body and its limitations.

  • Understand the need for self-discipline.


  • Further develop safe dance practices.

  • Develop personal working processes.


  • Cultivate flexibility and openness as well as the ability to express oneself with conviction and respect within a group/ rehearsal environment.


  • Develop an appreciation of dance and movement.

 

CLASS WORK

You are responsible for learning and demonstrating all work from class.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Knowledge:

  • Learn Dance Technique

  • Learn Dance Vocabulary

  • Develop an understanding of body alignment, breath, and musicality

Skills:

  • Grow as a performer

  • Gain strength, flexibility, and endurance

  • Explore modern dance movement and forms

  • Demonstrate musicality

  • Take direction

 

Application of knowledge and skills:

  • Demonstrate introductory-level Dance technique

  • Perform various choreographic vignettes with musicality and with a connection to the audience

 

PROFESSIONALISM:

This course is designed to reflect professional standards, as they exist in the current arts industry. Students are expected to demonstrate a high level of commitment and discipline to themselves and colleagues; to follow any instruction given by staff members whether permanent or visiting; and to refrain from any behavior that would jeopardize the success of course work.

 

TECHNOLOGY & CONDUCT: Cell phones, iPods, and other electronic entertainment and communication devices are not permitted in class. Please silence cell phones before class begins and keep them out of sight. Cell phones and smart watches may not be worn or pocketed during class. Laptops and tablets may be used for research or notetaking purposes during group work and specific class exercises, and for quick reference during discussions and lectures. Please respect your peers and the classroom environment by using technology appropriately in class. Per university policy, any person whose behavior is seriously damages the class’s ability to achieve its objectives will be excluded from attending class. Details on this policy, including an appeal procedure, are available in the Binghamton Bulletin.

 

To ensure the free and open discussion of ideas, students may not record audio or video of classroom lectures, discussion and/or activities without the advance written permission of the instructor, and any such recording properly approved in advance can be used solely for the student’s own private use.

 

ATTENDANCE: 


Attendance will be taken at the beginning of every class meeting. Two absences will be allowed without penalty. A third absence will reduce your final grade by one increment, a second by two increments, and so on.  Thus, if you have five absences and in all other areas your grade amounts to a B+, your final grade will be a C+.  Two Lates equal one absence.   Observing class without physically participating will be allowed twice without penalty.

 

Class begins promptly. Please be on time, dressed in dance attire and ready to work.  

 

Letter Grades are based on Attendance, Participation, Attitude, Motivation, Discipline, Technical Growth, Performance of Dance Vignettes, Quiz Scores, and a Paper. A’s are not given just for attendance or excellence, but on individual effort and growth in class.

 

MAKEUP CLASS POLICY: The dance department cannot stress enough the importance of attendance because of the physical learning and muscle memory involved in dance.  However, should an absence be unavoidable, please follow the steps below to make up a class:

  1. Seek approval from your instructor.You must inform your professor by email of your intent to make up missed classes. Your professor will determine how you will make up those classes, whether through TA coaching, attending another appropriate dance class, or any other means.

  2. If your professor recommends taking another dance class, you must send written notice to the professor of the class in question prior to attending. Not all classes are suitable for makeup and instructors may withhold certain classes from guest-participants for reasons of their own. In other words, do not just show up to another professor’s class without informing that instructor. You may be denied access to that class.

  3. You are to dance actively in the make-up class; observing will not count towards a makeup.

  4. Credit for a make-up class may be denied based on punctuality, attire, attitude, focus, and participation.

 

RENT:    The Theatre Department mainstage musical, Rent, is required viewing and there will be a quiz on its content. Showtimes are April 21, 22, $ 28 at 8:00PM; April 23 & 30 at 2:00 PM; Watters Theatre.  Tickets can be purchased by phone at (607) 777-ARTS, at the door (unless sold out), or online here:

https://anderson-center.secure.force.com/ticket/#/events/a0S8W00000baqgAUAQ

 

PAPER: Students will attend and review a full-length, live dance performance, on or off campus. A minimally two-page review of this performance shall be submitted by midnight on Sunday, May 7, 2023.  In your review, consider:

​

  • Dance Style, Technique, Choreography

  • Costumes

  • Music

  • Lighting

  • Set Design

  • Narrative

To receive full credit on this paper, you will submit on time, at length, and avoid using the following words:  very, really, good, like, intense.  The due date is midnight, May 7, 2023

 

The Anderson Center for the Performing Arts, located in the Fine Arts Building, has several dance offerings during the spring 2023 semester that would be appropriate for your reviews. They include Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, on February 25; Wings: A Celtic Dance Celebration, on March 11; and the Theatre/Dance production of Nukporfe on May 3rd.  There may be other appropriate shows but check with me before assuming that a dance performance not cited above is OK.

 

QUIZZES: Quizzes will cover dance vocabulary, Rent content, perhaps other matters, and will be announced in advance.

DANCE SHOWCASE: On Thursday, May 4th, at 6:00 PM, there will be a Theatre Department-wide dance showcase at Watters Theatre in the Fine Arts Building in which ALL THEATRE DEPARTMENT DANCE STUDENTS MUST PARTICIPATE.  Enrollment in Dance for Beginners is a commitment to participate in this end-of-semester recital.  Failure to do so will result in a lowering of the final grade by one increment. 

 

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: The recording of steps or class will only happen with express permission. All artistic work and choreography must be cited correctly.

 

GEN ED DESIGNATION

This course satisfies two Gen Ed requirements: A (Aesthetics) and Y (Physical Activity).

A - Aesthetics - A courses enhance students' understanding of the creative process and the role of imagination and aesthetic judgment in at least one principal form of artistic expression.

Y - Physical Activity - Y courses devote at least 50% of their time to the performance of physical exercise and are designed to develop one or more of the following attributes: neuromuscular skill, muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility.

 

GRADING CRITERIA:  Letter Grades are based on Attendance, Participation, Attitude, Motivation, Discipline, and Technical Growth. A’s are not given just for attendance or excellence, but on individual effort and growth in class.

 

ATTENDANCE: See Above

PARTICIPATION: 40%                                                                  

IN-CLASS DEMONSTRATIONS: 40%                                                                  

PAPER: 10%

QUIZZES: 10%

DANCE SHOWCASE PARTICIPATION : See Above

                                                                            

GRADING SCALE:

A            93-200

A-           90-92

B+          87-89

B             83-86

B-           80-82

C+          77-79

C             73-76

C-           70-72

D            60-69

F             0-59

 

CONTINUED ENROLLMENT IN THIS COURSE CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE POLICIES SET FORTH IN THIS SYLLABUS. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS SYLLABUS.

 

Students requesting disability-related accommodations should register with the Services for Students with Disabilities office (SSD). They are the appropriate entity on campus to determine and authorize disability-related accommodations. The office is located in the University Union, room 119. Phone number 607-777-2686. For students already registered with SSD, please provide your academic accommodation letter as soon as possible so that we can discuss the implementation of your accommodations.

 

DANCE UNIFORM AND CLOTHING REQUIREMENTS:

Wear clothing in which you can move and sweat.  Please remove all loose jewelry from your neck, ears, wrists, and fingers. No food or drink in the classroom except water. Please remove chewing gum before class.  Tie back long hair.

 

If you are experiencing undue personal or academic stress at any time during the semester or need to talk with someone about a personal problem or situation, I encourage you to seek support as soon as possible.

 

Dean of Students Office: 607-777-2804

Decker Student Health Services Center: 607-777-2221
University Police: On campus emergency, 911

University Counseling Center: 607-777-2772

Interpersonal Violence Prevention: 607-777-3062
Harpur Advising: 607-777-6305
7.
Office of International Student & Scholar Services: 607-777-2510

 

Communication resources:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fp1xF2hi2bxOdzeUvTZj7VWciC3aD4aDL4bxWhQUYMI/edit

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRwHetFE3wfAoSMeQWstE5CzFX_Kd_3mTM3Q6HYH34DZlnZA/viewform

Thea222 Syllbus
Thea389F Syllabus

Theatre 389F 01 Dance/Cinema Collaboration

Spring 2016

Monday through Thursday, 10:05-11:25 AM, FA 104 and Monday, 1-2:20 PM, Studio B

Instructor: Andy Horowitz

Office: FA 235, andy@galumpha.com, ahorowi@binghamton.edu tel. 73073

Office Hours, Tuesday & Thursday, 9:00-10:00 AM

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Dance/Cinema Collaboration is a Spring 2016, 4-credit, workshop-style course. Participants will co-create, co-costume and co-perform a new choreographic work in collaboration with certain CINE360, Expanded Cinema, students.   The resulting amalgamation of dance and film will be showcased to the general public as a final class project at Spool MFG in Johnson City on May 7 and/or May 8. Students will play choreographic games resulting in movement vignettes created by the entire ensemble.  These vignettes will be combined, lengthened, rearranged and edited until the ensemble is satisfied that they comprise a viable public performance.  The ensemble will design and create costumes, lighting, music, set pieces and anything else that may come up during rehearsals to serve any choreographic end.  Participants will practice weight-sharing, trust and choreographic exercises in order to overcome emotional and physical resistance, ultimately reaching a level of shared inspiration, fluidity, allegiance to and belief in the positive creative synergy of the group as a whole.  The process is inherently collaborative and demands enormous mutual trust that will develop and grow through a nurturing, mutually supportive classroom environment.

 

Learning Objectives

To create a performance through a collaborative, leaderless process

To explore and share with Expanded Cinema students

To perform the completed work for the general public

To augment to performance with lighting, costumes, music, set pieces, special effects, or anything else that the group may come up with to serve any choreographic end

To develop an understanding of body alignment, breath, and musicality

To grow as a performer

To trust oneself and others

To gain strength, stretch, endurance and technique

 

Attendance Policy

I allow two absences.  Any absence beyond the first two will lower the final grade by one increment.  For example, assuming the student were in good standing in all other respects, a final tally of three absences would cause an A to drop to an A-; four absences would bring the grade down to a B+.  Up to two absences can be made up and nullified by attending other dance classes on or off campus.  (Such classes cannot be ones for which you are already getting academic credit.) Thus it is possible to miss as many as four classes and still get an A.  Bring a note from the dance teacher proving you were there. Two times late equals one absence.

 

Seeing a Dance Performance

You are required to be in the audience of at least one dance concert, on or off campus, during the Spring 2016 semester.  You will hand in a written review of the concert along with a ticket stub or other proof that you were there.  The deadline for submission of your review is the last day of classes.

 

Theatre Department Policy

Missing three weeks of class, 6 classes in the case of this Monday & Wednesday course, results in an automatic, non-negotiable failure.

 

Watching Class

I allow students who aren’t feeling well or who are injured to watch as many as four classes without penalty, assuming they arrive on time and watch the whole class, but they must sit in the front of the room, watch actively and take notes.  Cell phones and other distractions are prohibited.  After four watches, subsequent watches will count as absences.

 

Class Policy

The development and continual strengthening of mutual trust can only happen in a supportive environment.  Participants will be mutually respectful and encouraging.  Grading will be based on individual growth, attitude, attendance and participation.

 

Dress

  • Clothing that allows for full freedom of movement without encumbrance

  • Bare feet

  • No jewelry or accessories that might inhibit movement, including rolling on the floor and lifting or being lifted by others.Long hair should be tied back.

 

Grading Criteria

  • Attendance, as explained above

  • Watching and reviewing at least one dance performance

  • Overall personal improvement

  • Classroom discipline, etiquette, participation and enthusiasm

  • Performing as part of the ensemble

Tha287M Syllbus

COURSE CODE: THEA 287M THEATRE FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS

SEMESTER: Fall 2019

TIME: Tuesdays & Thursdays 6-7:25PM

ROOM: FA241

INSTRUCTOR: Andy Horowitz

EMAIL: ahorowi@binghamton.edu, andy@galumpha.com

OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday and Thursday, 10-11AM, FA235

 

OVERVIEW

THEATRE FOR ESL SPEAKERS is an ensemble class designed to hone standard American pronunciation

and to demystify the process of auditioning and performing in Theatre Department (and other) productions.

Students will memorize, rehearse, and give in-class performances of short plays, excerpts from longer plays,

and monologues, working toward smooth, nuanced delivery, while learning to minimize foreign pronunciation

and cadence quirks.

 

Expectations for Course-related Work for a Two-Credit Class

The Faculty Senate has adopted a policy directing faculty to include in their course syllabi an explanation

of expectations for work done by students outside of class. The policy suggests that students should

expect to spend 6 hours per week in combined in-class and out-of-class work for a two-credit, spring or

fall semester course, and the policy defines one in-class hour as fifty minutes. Theatre for ESL Speakers

meets for 60 minutes*, twice a week, thus satisfying 2 hours of in-class work as defined above. Expect to

work outside of class another 4 hours per week on the memorization and rehearsal of scripted and

improvised material to be presented in class.

 

COURSE EXPECTATIONS

  • Uphold out-of-class rehearsal schedules

  • Memorize material on time

  • Understand the need for self-discipline

  • Develop personal working processes.

  • Cultivate flexibility and openness as well as the ability to express oneself with conviction and respectwithin a group/ rehearsal environment.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge

  • Proper vocal posture for the standard American dialect

  • A better-trained ear for the flow and musicality of American speech

  • Techniques for memorization

  • A body of memorized material

  • An appreciation for dramatic literature

  • An understanding of the Theatre Department audition process

  • Growth as a performer

  • The ability to take direction

  • Improved English pronunciation and cadence

  • Increased confidence as an English speaker

  • Preparedness to audition

 

Application of knowledge and skills

  • In class performances

  • Auditions for theatrical productions

  • Fluency and confidence speaking English

 

 

PROFESSIONALISM

The development and continual strengthening of trust can only happen in a supportive environment.

Participants will be mutually respectful and encouraging.

 

This course is designed to reflect professional standards as they exist in the industry. Students are expected to

demonstrate commitment and discipline to themselves and others; to follow any instruction given by staff

members whether permanent or visiting; and to refrain from any behavior that would jeopardize the success of

course work.

 

Technology &  Conduct

Cell phones, iPods, and other electronic entertainment devices are not permitted in class. Please silence cell phones before class begins and keep them out of sight. Laptops and tablets may be used for research or notetaking during specific class exercises, and for quick reference during discussions and lectures. Please respect your peers and the classroom environment by using technology appropriately in class. Per university policy, any person whose behavior is seriously damages the class’ ability to achieve its objectives will be excluded from attending class. Details on this policy, including an appeal procedure, are available in the Binghamton Bulletin.

 

To ensure the free and open discussion of ideas, students may not record audio or video of classroom lectures,

discussion and/or activities without the advance written permission of the instructor, and any such recording,

properly approved in advance, will be for the student’s own private use.

 

CLASS WORK

You are responsible for learning and demonstrating all work from class.

 

ATTENDANCE

Attendance is mandatory for all classes. I allow two absences without penalty. Any absence beyond the first two will lower the final grade by two points. For example, assuming one were in perfect standing in all other respects, a final tally of three absences would cause 100 to drop to 98; four absences woul bring the grade down to a 96. Two times late equals one absence. Any student who attends fewer than 90% o scheduled classes will fail. Leaving class early during the final ten minutes of the class will be considered a “late,” leaving before the final ten minutes will be considered an absence. Students who are ill or injured are expected to observe the class and take notes unless they are physically unable to attend.  Students more than five minutes late for a class will not be permitted to participate in the class unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.

 

GEN ED DESIGNATION

This course satisfies the A (Aesthetics) Gen Ed requirement

A - Aesthetics - A courses enhance students’ understanding of the creative process and the role of imagination and aesthetic judgment in at least one principal form of artistic expression.

 

GRADING CRITERIA

Letter Grades are based on Attendance, Participation, Attitude, Motivation, Discipline, and Technical

Growth. A’s are not given just for attendance or excellence, but on individual effort and growth in class.

 

ATTENDANCE: See Above

IN-CLASS PARTICIPATION: 20%

UPHOLDING OUT-OF-CLASS REHEARSALS 20%

MEMORIZING BY DEADLINE 10%

SPOKEN ENGLISH IMPROVEMENT: 20%

PERFORMANCES AND PRESENTATIONS: 30%

 

GRADING SCALE

A: 93-100

A-: 90-92

B+: 87-89

B: 83-86

B-: 80-82

C+: 77-79

C: 73-76

C-: 70-72

D: 60-69

F: 0-59

 

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Plagiarism, copying of assignments, cheating, and other breaches of academic integrity will not be tolerated.

Violations of the University-wide policy on academic integrity will result in automatic failure of the assignment

and possible failure of the course. Binghamton University’s Academic Honesty Code and infraction procedures

are available in the Bulletin, http://bulletin.binghamton.edu.

 

If you are experiencing undue personal or academic stress at any time during the semester or need to talk with

someone about a personal problem or situation, I encourage you to seek support as soon as possible.

 

1. Dean of Students Office: 607-777-2804

2. Decker Student Health Services Center: 607-777-2221

3. University Police: On campus emergency, 911

4. University Counseling Center: 607-777-2772

5. Interpersonal Violence Prevention: 607-777-3062

6. Harpur Advising: 607-777-6305.

7. Office of International Student & Scholar Services: 607-777-2510

Thea387Y Syllabus

Theatre 387Y 01 Collaborative Choreography

Spring 2014

Monday and Wednesday, 10:50-1:00 PM, FA 91

Instructor: Andy Horowitz

Office: FA 235, andy@galumpha.com, ahorowi@binghamton.edu tel. 73073

Office Hours, Monday-Thursday, 8:15-10:00 AM

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Collaborative Choreography is an exercise in group creation that will result in a public dance performance. Participants will play choreographic games resulting in movement vignettes created by the entire ensemble.  These vignettes will be combined, lengthened, rearranged and edited until the ensemble is satisfied that they comprise a viable public performance.  A public performance venue and dates will be set.  The ensemble will design and create costumes, lighting, music, set pieces and anything else that may come up during rehearsals to serve any choreographic end.  Participants will practice weight-sharing, trust and choreographic exercises in order to overcome emotional and physical resistance, ultimately reaching a level of shared inspiration, fluidity, allegiance to and belief in the positive creative synergy of the group as a whole.  The process is inherently collaborative and demands enormous mutual trust that will develop and grow through a nurturing, mutually supportive classroom environment.

 

Learning Objectives

To create a performance through a collaborative, leaderless process

To perform the completed work for the general public

To augment to performance with lighting, costumes, music, set pieces, special effects, or anything else that the group may come up with to serve any choreographic end

To develop an understanding of body alignment, breath, and musicality

To grow as a performer

To trust oneself and others

To gain strength, stretch, endurance and technique

 

Attendance Policy

I allow two absences.  Any absence beyond the first two will lower the final grade by one increment.  For example, assuming the student were in good standing in all other respects, a final tally of three absences would cause an A to drop to an A-; four absences would bring the grade down to a B+.  Up to two absences can be made up and nullified by attending other dance classes on or off campus.  (Such classes cannot be ones for which you are already getting academic credit.) Thus it is possible to miss as many as four classes and still get an A.  Bring a note from the dance teacher proving you were there. Two times late equals one absence.

 

Seeing a Dance Performance

You are required to be in the audience of at least one dance concert, on or off campus, during the Spring 2014 semester.  You will hand in a written review of the concert along with a ticket stub or other proof that you were there.  The deadline for submission of your review is the last day of classes.

 

Theatre Department Policy

Missing three weeks of class, 6 classes in the case of this Monday & Wednesday course, results in an automatic, non-negotiable failure.

 

Watching Class

I allow students who aren’t feeling well or who are injured to watch as many as four classes without penalty, assuming they arrive on time and watch the whole class, but they must sit in the front of the room, watch actively and take notes.  Cell phones and other distractions are prohibited.  After four watches, subsequent watches will count as absences.

 

Class Policy

The development and continual strengthening of mutual trust can only happen in a supportive environment.  Participants will be mutually respectful and encouraging.  Grading will be based on individual growth, attitude, attendance and participation.

 

Dress

  • Clothing that allows for full freedom of movement without encumbrance

  • Bare feet

  • No jewelry or accessories that might inhibit movement, including rolling on the floor and lifting or being lifted by others.Long hair should be tied back.

 

Grading Criteria

  • Attendance, as explained above

  • Watching and reviewing at least one dance performance

  • Overall personal improvement

  • Classroom discipline, etiquette, participation and enthusiasm

  • Performing as part of the ensemble

Thea389I Syllabus

Theatre 389I 01 Contemporary Partnering

Spring 2014

Monday and Wednesday, 10:50-1:00 PM, FA 91

Instructors: Andy Horowitz and JoEllen Kuhlman

Andy Horowitz Office: FA 235, andy@galumpha.com, 73073

Horowitz Office Hours, Monday-Thursday, 8:15-10:00 AM

JoEllen Kuhlman Office: FA 108, jmhansen@binghamton.edu, 76966

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Partnering in this class means engaging in physical contact with one or more other dancers in order to serve a choreographic end.  Partnering will include lifting other dancers off the floor, weight-sharing to create lines that would be impossible for a solo performer to achieve, helping to balance another dancer through pirouettes or any through choreographic sequence. Participants will practice weight-sharing and trust exercise in order to overcome resistance and ultimately reach a level of shared grace and fluidity.  Partnering is inherently collaborative and demands enormous mutual trust that will develop and grow through a nurturing, mutually supportive classroom environment.

 

Learning Objectives

To dance fluidly through increasingly difficult balance and weight-sharing exercises

To develop an understanding of body alignment, breath, and musicality

To grow as a performer

To trust oneself and others

To gain strength, stretch, endurance and technique

 

Attendance Policy

I allow two absences.  Any absence beyond the first two will lower the final grade by one increment.  For example, assuming the student were in good standing in all other respects, a final tally of three absences would cause an A to drop to an A-; four absences would bring the grade down to a B+.  Up to two absences can be made up and nullified by attending other dance classes on or off campus.  (Such classes cannot be ones for which you are already getting academic credit.) Thus it is possible to miss as many as four classes and still get an A.  Bring a note from the dance teacher proving you were there. Two times late equals one absence.

 

Seeing a Dance Performance

You are required to be in the audience of at least one dance concert, on or off campus, during the Spring 2014 semester.  You will hand in a written review of the concert along with a ticket stub or other proof that you were there.  The deadline for submission of your review is the last day of classes.

 

Theatre Department Policy

Missing three weeks of class, 6 classes in the case of this Monday & Wednesday course, results in an automatic, non-negotiable failure.

 

Watching Class

We allow students who aren’t feeling well or who are injured to watch as many as four classes without penalty, assuming they arrive on time and watch the whole class, but they must sit in the front of the room, watch actively and take notes.  Cell phones and other distractions are prohibited.  After four watches, subsequent watches will count as absences.

 

Class Policy

The development and continual strengthening of mutual trust can only happen in a supportive environment.  Participants will be mutually respectful and encouraging.  Grading will be based on individual growth, attitude, attendance and participation.

 

Dress

  • Clothing that allows for full freedom of movement without encumbrance

  • Bare feet

  • No jewelry or accessories that might inhibit movement, including rolling on the floor and lifting or being lifted by others.Long hair should be tied back.

 

Grading Criteria

  • Attendance, as explained above

  • Watching and reviewing at least one dance performance

  • Overall personal improvement

  • Classroom discipline, etiquette, participation and enthusiasm

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