Performing Arts Programs | Cedar Crest College

Dance Major/Minor

For information, contact the Director of Dance, Associate Professor Sarah Carlson, , 610-437-4471

Program Description

The Dance Program at Cedar Crest College is grounded in the Liberal Arts and seeks interdisciplinary integration by pairing movement practices with theoretical investigation. Dance is a form of specialized knowledge that enables creative expression.

It is also, however, a mode of problem solving, analyzing and developing insights. It is a way of thinking, understanding and knowing. As such, dance majors are encouraged to explore, challenge and embrace the range of possibilities within the moving body.

The study of technique is paired with an understanding of dance history, anatomy and compositional theory. A holistic approach to the arts is encouraged, one that nurtures both body and mind in a collaborative, inquisitive environment. Pairing majoring in dance with another academic major is not only possible but encouraged in order to reap the rewards of connections across disciplines.

The Dance Program offers multiple opportunities to both choreograph and perform. Motivated students can choreograph or audition to perform in Student Dance Works, a concert each fall featuring original student choreography. Students can also audition to be cast in Spring Dances, an annual concert showcasing works by faculty and guest artists.

Terpsichore, a student run dance club offers multiple opportunities for involvement and offerings including performance trips, masterclasses and fundraisers. The Dance Program culminates in an individually designed Senior Capstone Project, which displays self-initiative through creative projects in either research or performance.

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Dance Major is to develop leaders, innovators and creative artists prepared for professional work or future study. By emphasizing how dance connects with other disciplines within a Liberal Arts Education, students are empowered to integrate their artistic endeavors with other academic disciplines. The Dance Major fosters creative discovery by combining studio practice & stage performance with the study of dance history, composition and practical application culminating in a Senior Capstone project.

Program Requirements

All dance majors are obliged to abide by the written Performing Arts Departmental Policies. A grade of C-or better is required in all courses taken for application toward all major requirements in the performing arts. At least 15 credits of course work in the major must be taken at Cedar Crest College.

Dance Major

Total number of credits required: 36

Requirements

DNC 102 Introduction to Dance 3 credits
DNC 125 Dance Encounters ( 6 x 1) 6 credits
DNC 226 Dance Improvisation 3 credits
DNC 235 Dance in the Western World 3 credits
DNC 252 Dance Works 3 credits
DNC 253 Spring Dances 3 credits
DNC 154 Dance Outreach ( 3 credits)
DNC 320 Dance Composition 3 credits
PER 100 Portfolio Workshop (2 x 1) 2credits
PER 350 1 Independent Research. 1 credit
PER 351 Junior Year Prospectus 1 credit
PER 352 Senior Thesis Project 1 credit
PER 353 Senior Thesis Project 1 credits
THS 105 Public Speaking 3 credits ( or fulfilled in 2^nd major)

Fulfillment of LAC Requirements:

The Information Literacy requirement for Dance majors is fulfilled through:
PER 100 Portfolio Workshop

The Technology requirement for Dance majors is fulfilled through:
PER 100 Portfolio Workshop; PER 351 Junior Year Prospectus, 352-353 Senior Seminar

Oral Presentation requirement for Dance majors is fulfilled through:
THS 105 Public Speaking; PER 351 Junior Year Prospectus 352-353 Senior Thesis Project

Student Learning Outcomes for the Dance Major

Student Learning Outcomes are articulated on all departmental course syllabi and are reinforced through production work (DNC 252 and 254) and through regular traditional classroom instruction. Technical and compositional work is the lab component of the entire dance program. All courses essentially support production in some way. Experiential and practical training activities are grounded in the Student Learning Outcomes.

The student will demonstrate knowledge of the historical development of different dance genres, specific movement styles and identify different cultural movement styles and cultural influence on movement.
The student will utilize proper dance terminology, demonstrate solid skills of movement retention, execution of movement and reversal of movement and apply kinesthetic and anatomical awareness of movement
The student will demonstrate the ability to recognize their personal movement style and demonstrate basic teaching skills of multiple dance genres.
The student will demonstrate an awareness of the effects of political and societal influences on dance and the future of dance in education. The student will communicate the relationship between original work or research and defend the impact of their creative contributions.

Dance Minor

Program Requirements 18 credits

At least 12 credits of course work in the minor must be taken at Cedar Crest College.

DNC 102 Introduction to Dance 3 credits
DNC 235 Dance in the Western World 3 credits
DNC 226,, 254, 320,(select 2) 6 credits
DNC 125 Dance Encounters. 3 credits

It is also a mode of problem solving, analyzing and developing insights. It is a way of thinking, understanding and knowing. As such, dance majors are encouraged to explore, challenge and embrace the range of possibilities within the moving body.

The study of technique is paired with an understanding of dance history, anatomy and compositional theory. A holistic approach to the arts is encouraged, one that nurtures both body and mind in a collaborative, inquisitive environment. Pairing a major in dance with another academic major is not only possible but encouraged in order to reap the rewards of connections across disciplines.

Student Learning Outcomes for the Dance Minor

The student will demonstrate knowledge of the historical development of different dance genres, specific movement styles and identify different cultural movement styles and cultural influence on movement.
The student will utilize proper dance terminology, demonstrate solid skills of movement retention, execution of movement and reversal of movement and apply kinesthetic and anatomical awareness of movement.
The student will demonstrate the ability to recognize their personal movement style and demonstrate basic teaching skills of multiple dance genres.
The student will demonstrate an awareness of the effects of political and societal influences on dance and the future of dance in education. The student will communicate the relationship between original work, or research and defend the impact of their creative contributions.

Performing Arts Administration Concentration

For information contact Associate Professor Kevin Gallagher, , 610-437-4471

Program Description

The performing arts administration concentration is an interdisciplinary program. By combining a specific array of courses from business and the performing arts, students prepare for leadership careers in arts planning and management. Students will, through course work, close mentorship with faculty and arts internships, develop a knowledge base and the skills to navigate the administrative aspects of non-profit and for-profit arts organizations. The concentration is taken in conjunction with the theatre or dance major.

Required Courses – 21 credits

ECO 100 Business as a Social Process 3 credits
MRK 230 Principles of Marketing 3 credits
ACC 101 Accounting 3 credits
SPC 270 Internship in one non-profit arts business venue (junior/senior year or summer) (minimum 3 credits)

Additionally complete 3 courses from the following list:

ECO 102 Principles of Economics: Micro 3 credits
MRK 240 Public Relations and Crisis Management 3 credits
BUA 220 Human Resources Management 3 credits
BUA 221 Business Law 3 credits
BUA 354 Industry Strategy and Innovation 3 credits
BUA 329 Organizational Behavior 3 credits
BUA 350 Organizational Leadership 3 credits

Theatre – Major/Minor

For information, contact Department Chair and Professor Roxanne Amico, , 610-437-4471 ext. 3619

Program Description

The theatre major at Cedar Crest College enhances and supports the Cedar Crest College mission by providing multiple perspectives and experiences for understanding theatre as a discipline of study. Emphasis is placed on how theatre connects with other disciplines within a liberal arts education. The theatre major provides all students with a global framework for the exploration of creativity and individual artistic and intellectual expression. The theatre major at Cedar Crest College capitalizes on all that our college has to offer, educating strong, well-rounded students who are well versed in both academic and experiential creativity, creating our future leaders. The theatre program is heavily grounded in production work and practical experience. An intensely interdisciplinary focus is cultivated with particular emphasis placed on elevating the role of women through play selection and meaningful theatrical material that can be shared with a wide audience on and off campus. Fully equipped scene and costume shops support three major productions annually as well as numerous senior productions and dance concerts. Major productions are staged in the 225 seat Samuels Theatre with student shows mounted in the 70 seat Little Theatre. Students majoring in theatre are expected to participate in all productions each term in some capacity either on cast or stage crew, in the box office, scene shop, and costume construction crews or through stage management. Campus employment complements the work in the department as students can receive hands-on training in theatre through their campus job 8-10 hrs a week. While not required, theatre majors also may choose to complete the arts administration concentration.

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Theatre Major is to develop leaders, innovators and creative artists prepared for professional work or future study. By emphasizing how theatre connects with other disciplines within in a Liberal Arts Education, students are empowered to integrate their artistic endeavors with other academic disciplines.

Total number of credits required by program: 36 credits

Program Requirements

Auditions or applications are required for all production responsibilities. All theatre majors are obliged to abide by the written Performing Arts Departmental Policies. A grade of C- or better is required in all courses taken for application toward all major requirements in the performing arts. At least 12 credits of course work in the major must be taken at Cedar Crest College.

Theatre Major

Course Requirements

36 Credits

THS 100 Introduction to Theatre 3 credits
THS 105 Public Speaking 3 credits
THS 150 Stagecraft 3 credits
THS 201 Acting and Directing Workshop( 6 x 1 6 credits
THS 231 Western Theatre 400BCE to 1660 CE 3 credits
THS 232 Western Theatre 1660-the present 3 credits
THS 240 Design for the Stage 3 credits
ENG/THS 245 World Drama 3 credits
THS 250 Production 3 credits
THS 251 Practicum: Stage Management 3 credits
PER 100 Portfolio Workshop (2 x 1) ( 2 semesters) 2 credits
PER 350 Independent Research 1 credit
PER 351 Junior Year Prospectus 1 credit
PER 352 Senior Thesis Project 1 credit
PER 353 Senior Thesis Project 1 credit

Plus one elective from the following:
THS 230 Playwriting 3 credits
THS 241 or 242 Design for the Stage 3 credits

Fulfillment of LAC Requirements

The Information Literacy requirement for Theatre majors is fulfilled through:
PER 100 Portfolio Workshop

The Technology requirement for Theatre majors is fulfilled through:
PER 100 Portfolio Workshop

Oral Presentation requirement for Theatre majors is fulfilled through:
THS 105 Public Speaking; PER 351 Junior Year Prospectus 352-353 Senior Thesis Project

Student Learning Outcomes are articulated on all departmental course syllabi and are reinforced through production work (THS 250, THS 251,) and regular traditional classroom instruction. Production work is essentially the lab component of the entire theatre program. All courses essentially support production in some way. All hands-on efforts and practical production activities are grounded in the Student Learning Outcomes.

Student Learning Outcomes for the Theatre Major

Students will demonstrate an applied knowledge of a specific theatre production area.
Students will demonstrate knowledge of the process of artistic decision making in theatre through scholarly writing and oral presentation.
Students will demonstrate leadership through performance related assignments.
Students will communicate and defend the relationship between their original work or research and art and society.

Theatre Minor

Program Requirements

All theatre minors are obliged to abide by the written Performing Arts Departmental Policies. A grade of C-or better is required in all courses taken for application toward all minor requirements in the performing arts. At least 9 credits of course work in the minor must be taken at Cedar Crest College.

Course Requirements

THS 100 Introduction to Theatre 3 credits
THS 201 Acting and Directing Workshop (1 x 3) 3 credits
THS 231 Western Theatre 400 BCE to 1660-CE 3 credits
THS 232 Western Theatre 1660- present3 credits
THS 150 Stagecraft 3 credits
THS 240 3 credits

Total number of credits required by minor: 18

Student Learning Outcomes for the Theatre Minor

Students will demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of theatre production and history
Students will demonstrate through scholarly writing and orally how artistic decisions in theatre are made through research and analysis
Students explain how theatre is viewed in the context of societal norms
Students will explain the impact of creative contributions to a wider community