Theatre Newsletter | October 2021
The spring semester may seem extremely far off in the future, especially when midterms haven't even reached us yet, but this month the Spring 2022 classes will be announced and students all over campus will start planning out their course loads for the next semester. Registration for Spring 2022 begins in early November; visit the Registration page to see when you can register.
The St. Ambrose Theatre Department in particular tends to use the spring semester to offer specialty classes in addition to their core requirements. These specialty opportunities enable students to broaden their theatre skillset and this year will be no different because the class THTR 206 Movement for Actors, taught by Professor Dan Rairdin-Hale '04, will be offered.
"This class explores how we move our bodies to tell stories and develop character," Rairdin-Hale said. And while this is the main focus, students will also learn how to generate original material. This course is also famous for learning mask-work and red-nose clown techniques, which sets it apart from any other theatre class.
Students who are interested in taking this course should consider signing up for it next semester since this specialty course is not offered every year. Plus, Theatre Department faculty are debating on keeping this elective class in the rotation for years to come. This possible change in classes is due to the discontinued theatre major program.
Get Registered for Spring!
Bi-annual courses are generally offered in the spring for students to broaden their theatre skillset. For example, THTR 206 Movement for Actors, will be taught by Professor Dan Rairdin-Hale '04.
Students who sign up for this class will be extremely lucky to learn several different body awareness and expressive techniques from Rairdin-Hale since he himself is known to excel in the realm of physical acting. In turn, Rairdin-Hale is ecstatic to be teaching this class again.
"So much of the course is about the students in the class and what they personally contribute," explained Rairdin-Hale when he was asked why he enjoys teaching this class. "Each time I teach it, it's new and exciting and different!"
As mentioned before, this class will be an elective so it would be a great addition to any theatre major or minor, and even just as an adjunct to a well-rounded liberal arts education. It will also be very accessible to students regardless of their class since there are no prerequisites.
Those interested in expanding their physicality horizons should look out for THTR 206 Movement for Actors when class lists are released in November. This three credit course will no doubt be filled with plenty of bold, lively, and exceptional teaching moments.
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