Perform in English and Hoike in Hawaiian Language. Sit in English and Noho in Hawaiian Language. Release in English and Hookuu in Hawaiian Language. Dance in English and Haa in Hawaiian Language. Hide in English and Pee in Hawaiian Language. Memorize in English and Hoopaanaau in Hawaiian Language. Touch in English and Hoopa in Hawaiian Language. Sing in English and Mele in Hawaiian Language. Appear in English and Oili in Hawaiian Language. Dive in English and Luu in Hawaiian Language. Crawl in English and Kolo in Hawaiian Language. Dance in English and Hula in Hawaiian Language. Balance in English and Kaulike in Hawaiian Language. Bellow in English and Kuo in Hawaiian Language. Breathe in English and Hanu in Hawaiian Language. Extend in English and Hoonui in Hawaiian Language. Embrace in English and Puliki in Hawaiian Language. Flinch in English and Kuemi in Hawaiian Language. Sit in English and Noho in Hawaiian Language. Release in English and Hookuu in Hawaiian Language. Dance in English and Haa in Hawaiian Language.
Hide in English and Pee in Hawaiian Language. Memorize in English and Hoopaanaau in Hawaiian Language. Touch in English and Hoopa in Hawaiian Language. Sing in English and Mele in Hawaiian Language. Appear in English and Oili in Hawaiian Language. Dive in English and Luu in Hawaiian Language. Crawl in English and Kolo in Hawaiian Language. Dance in English and Hula in Hawaiian Language. Balance in English and Kaulike in Hawaiian Language. Bellow in English and Kuo in Hawaiian Language. Breathe in English and Hanu in Hawaiian Language. Extend in English and Hoonui in Hawaiian Language. Embrace in English and Puliki in Hawaiian Language. Flinch in English and Kuemi in Hawaiian Language.

Post-Baccalaureate Study in Dance and Theatre

Advanced Theatre and Dance Study at UHM

Add new skills, learn new techniques, polish existing ones, and invigorate your sense of exploration. Connect with other creative artists at UH Manoa and in the community.

PBU Program

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, you can now take individual classes in the UHM Department of Theatre + Dance via the Post-Baccalaureate Unclassified (PBU) Program, without seeking a specific degree. Classes can usually be transferred later into a degree program.

Application deadline July 15 for fall and December 15 for spring.

Info on how to enroll: http://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/content/applying-as-a-pbu-student

Admission to all classes pending approval by instructor. Faculty emails here.

Catalog links: THEA and DNCE

See UHM Spring 2023 Class Availability  for meeting times, days, delivery method, available space in the class, and other information. See catalog for descriptions of 100 and 200-level classes and for full listings of prerequisites.

Theatre and Dance

Upper Division Class Descriptions

See online course listing for course modalities (online, hybrid, synchronous, asynchronous, etc.)
Please contact the instructor for more information.

For Spring 2023 classes, please see this link.

Special notes on unique Fall 2022 topics are included in some descriptions below.

DNCE 303 Japanese Dance, 1cr, TTH 4:30-6:20pm, MB118

Howard Asao 

Performance and techniques at the introductory level. DA

DNCE 305 Korean Dance, 1cr, M 4:30-6:20pm, MB116

Mary Jo Freshley

Performance and techniques at the introductory level. DA

DNCE 306 Okinawan Dance, 1cr, W 2:00-3:50, MB116

Yukie Shiroma

Performance and techniques at the introductory level. DA

DNCE 307 Philippine Dance, 1cr, W 5:30-6:50, MB116 

TBA

Performance and techniques at the introductory level. DA

THEA 311 World Theatre I: Script Analysis

Lurana O’Malley, 3cr, MWF 10:30-11:20am, KT Lab

Script analysis methods for world drama. Required of all majors. Pre: one of 101, 221, 222, 240; or consent.

DNCE 312-1 Hula/Chant Ensemble I, 2cr, TTH 1:30-2:45, MB118

Noenoelani Lewis

Ancient style. Pre: upper division standing or consent. A-F only. DA

DNCE 321 Intermediate Ballet Technique, 3cr, MWF 11-12:20pm, DB studio 

TBA

Intermediate ballet technique. DA

THEA 322 Acting II: Advanced Scene Study,  3 cr. MWF 12:30-1:20, KT LAB 

TBA

Further exploration of character development and dramatic action through textual analysis. Repeatable one time with consent. Pre: 221 or 222 or consent.

THEA 323, Acting for Film/TV, 3 cr. Tues 1:30-4:15pm LAB

Beginning acting techniques for film and TV production.  

DNCE 331 High Intermediate Contemporary Dance Technique, 3cr, MWF 12:30-1:50pm, DB studio 

Kara Jhalak Miller

Intermediate contemporary dance technique. DA

THEA 343B Topics in Theatre Production: Entertainment Electrics, 3 cr. WF 1:30-2:45, KT SS

Chris Patrinos

Workshop in principles, techniques, and application of contemporary theatre production practices. (B) entertainment electrics—this semester will focus on lighting, special effects, and projections

THEA 336 Introduction to the Performing Arts of Southeast Asia  –  3cr.  asynch / online 

Kirstin Pauka

​​Intro to performing arts traditions in Southeast Asia (dance, puppetry, ritual, music, spoken drama)  Regions covered: Cambodia, Burma, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam.

THEA/DNCE 353, Beginning Scene Design, 3 cr., T/H 10:30-11:50, KT 101

Michelle A. Bisbee  

Workshop introducing the basic principles and approaches of scenic design for theatre and dance, with emphasis on the creative process. Pre: a course in THEA or DNCE, production experience, or consent. (Consent required for production experience option) DA, O

DNCE 362 Visual Media for Dance, 3cr, TTH 4-5:30, DB Classroom

Kara Jhalak Miller

Introductory theory of digital technology for dance with practical applications in documentation and performance. DA 

DNCE 371 Choreography I, 3cr, TTH 10:30-11:45, DB studio

Betsy Fisher

Introduction of techniques and theories for dance-making. DA

DNCE 372 Choreography II, 3 cr, TTH 10:30-11:45, DB studio

Betsy Fisher

Intermediate techniques and theories for dance-making. Pre: 371 or consent. DA 

DNCE 403 Japanese Dance, 1 cr, TTH 4:30-6:20pm, MB118

Howard Asao

Performance and techniques at intermediate level. DA

DNCE 405 Korean Dance, 1 cr, M 4:30-6:20, MB116

Mary Jo Freshley

Performance and techniques at intermediate level. DA

DNCE 406 Okinawan Dance, 1 cr, W 2:00-3:50, MB116

Yukie Shiroma

Performance and techniques at the intermediate level. DA

DNCE 407 Philippine Dance, 1 cr, W 5:30-7:20, MB116

TBA

Performance and techniques at the intermediate level. DA

DNCE 413 Hula/Chant Ensemble III, 2 cr,  TTH 4:30-5:45, MB118

Noenoelani Lewis

Ancient style. Pre: upper division standing or consent. A-F only. DA

THEA 418, Intermediate Playwriting. 3 cr. T 2-4:30 KT 101

Hailiʻōpua Baker

Workshop in experimental writing in dramatic form; full-length plays. Pre: 318.

THEA 420C,  Intermediate Voice: Kunqu, 3cr.  

Peng Xu

Training in proper and dynamic use of the voice for the actor. (C) Asian traditions. Repeatable two times. Pre: 220 or consent.  DA We will work on the basic skills of Chinese operatic singing, including vocal technique (in speech and singing) and solo vocal performance. This course combines in-person training with rehearsals with renowned professional musicians to prepare for Workshop Performances of a new play Madame Cassia (based on a traditional Chinese play The Horse Trader’s Tale) are scheduled to be given in the Earle Ernst Laboratory Theatre December, 2022.

DNCE 421 Advanced Ballet Technique, 3 cr,  MWF 11:00-12:20, DB studio

TBA

Advanced ballet technique. DA

THEA 427 Chinese Acting Workshop: Kunqu, 3 cr,  

Peng Xu

Training in skills and techniques for selected traditional Chinese theatre forms. Emphasis on movement and vocal technique. Repeatable to six credits. Pre: 222 or consent. DA This course combines in-person training with rehearsals with renowned professional musicians to prepare for Workshop Performances of a new play Madame Cassia (based on a traditional Chinese play The Horse Trader’s Tale) are scheduled to be given in the Earle Ernst Laboratory Theatre December, 2022. 

DNCE 431 Advanced Contemporary Dance Technique, 3 cr, MWF 12:30- 1:50, DB studio 

Kara Jhalak Miller

Advanced contemporary dance technique. DA

DNCE/THEA 433 Section 1, Movement Workshop: Hula, 3 cr, TTH 9:00-10:20, DB studio

Tracie Lopes

THEA 447 Stage Management, 3 cr. M 2:00-4:30pm, KT 101

Rick Greaver  

Business, organization and management for theatre and dance productions. Pre: junior standing or consent.

DNCE 459 Topics: Tap, 1 cr. F 4:30-5:45, Lunalilo 2

Hannah Morrow

Tap Dance technique, all levels welcome. 

THEA 472 Masks, 3 cr. MW 10:30-11:45am, KT MS  NEW CLASS!

Mark Branner 

History, techniques, construction, and performance of theatrical masks. Covering traditions as varied as neutral masks, Greek tragedy, commedia dell’arte, Lecoq, and more, the course will endeavor to heighten the performer’s physical storytelling muscles.

THEA 473  Storytelling, 3 cr. M 2:00-4:30 KT MD

Jeff Gere

Storytelling development through focused activities on personal artistic practice, story content, and public performative techniques. This semester will be taught by Honoluluʻs most popular storytellers–Jeff Gere– who has been sharing stories across Hawaiʻi and throughout the world for the past thirty years. 

DNCE 480 Dance Repertory, 1 cr, F 2-4pm, DB studio 

Jhalak Miller

Full Cast Dance Workshop with Musicians for the Kennedy Theatre Mainstage concert “Form Within a Form: Echoes and Reverberations.” Auditions on May 6 and August 25 at 6:30pm at the DB Studio.

DNCE 490 Creative Dance, 3 cr, MW 9:30-10:50am, DB studio 

Amy Schiffner

Creative movement activities that build creativity, imagination, play, community, problem-solving, choice-making and collaboration techniques. An emphasis on teaching and facilitating creative movement experiences for others.  

DA

THEA 600 Seminar in Theatre Research, 3 cr, MWF 9:30-10:15am,  

  1. D. O’Malley

Bibliography and research methods; preparation for thesis and dissertation writing. 

Required for new graduate students in Theatre.

THEA 615  Performance Theory, 3 cr. MW 9:00-10:;15am, KT Lab

Markus Wessendorf

Introduction to key texts and concepts of performance studies (“Richard Schechner school”). Pre: consent.

THEA 620 Advanced Voice for the Actor, 3 cr. MF 12:30-1:45pm  

Christine Lamborn

Training at advanced level in speaking, vocal skills, and techniques in preparation for solo performances. Resonation, projection, enunciation, breath work, body awareness, and more will be covered throughout this course. This semester will include instruction from a guest lecturer (in NYC) via Zoom on select days. Repeatable one time. A-F only. Pre: THEA 420 or consent. 

DNCE 651 Seminar in Dance Research, 3 cr. M, 4-6:30pm, DB Classroom 

Lorenzo Perillo

Research materials and methods; preparation for thesis and scholarly research reporting. Required for graduate concentrations in dance.

THEA 654 Advanced Topics in Costume Construction, 3 cr, Th 1:30-4:15, KT MD

Hannah Schauer 

Western and Asian theatre and dance costume production techniques. This semester will focus on hair building and styling techniques for female characters, as well as costumes used for all character types in jingju and kunqu (two forms of “Chinese Opera”). Students will have an opportunity to practice the techniques and dressing skills, with culminating project work on the end of semester kunqu workshop production in the Lab Theatre.  Repeatable three times for different topics. Pre: 354 (with a minimum grade of B) or consent.

THEA 656 Adv. Costume Design, 3 cr, M/W 10:30-11:50 KT MD

Maile Speetjens

Workshop dealing with special topics in costume design and related skills. Repeatable one time with consent.

THEA 657 Seminar in Design, 3 cr., T/H 9:00-10:20, KT 101

Michelle A. Bisbee

Research, design, and discussion exploring collaborative design opportunities. Repeatable two times. Intended primarily for graduate students or undergraduates with advanced experience in directing or design.  Required for MFA Designers, but highly recommended for Directors as well, to get the sense of how design collaboration works, learn the language (verbal and visual) of design presentations.  A-F only. Pre: 445, 453, 456; or consent.

THEA 668 NEW CLASS!

Hailiʻōpua Baker

Analysis of Hawai‘i’s indigenous performance traditions, the contemporary multicultural landscape of theatre in Ko Hawai‘i Pae ‘ina, and the representation of Kanaka Maoli and settler voices on Hawai‘i’s stages.

DNCE 671 Advanced Choreography, 3 cr, TTH 1:30-2:45pm, DB studio 

Betsy Fisher

Advanced analytic and creative study. Pre: 372 or consent. 

THEA 678  Topics in Theatre for Young Audiences, 3 cr., W 3:00-5:30pm, KT SS

Alvin Chan

This “research and development” class will help to craft an immersive, site specific, audience driven adventure addressing the climate crisis for a Kennedy Theatre mainstage performance in 2023. Actors, dancers, designers are all  invited into the world of devised and immersive TYA theatre.

THEA 681 Advanced Topics in Theatre Directing 1 cr, 

Readings, discussion, research, and/or performance and scene work. Repeatable eight times.  Pre: consent.

Fall 2022 will be a faculty group-taught Directing Forum

THEA 768  3 cr., Th 1:30-4:15pm NEW CLASS!

Hailiʻōpua Baker

Exploration, analysis, and application of Kanaka Maoli and Indigenous research methodologies,

epistemologies, performance theory, methods, and praxis.

THEA 779 Seminar for Theatre for Young Audiences, 3 cr, W 12:00-2:45, KT 101

Mark Branner

Theories and methods applied in theatrical experiences with and for young audiences: creative movement/drama, puppetry, and theatre/ dance. Pre: one of 470, 474, 475, 476, 477, or DNCE 490.

This applied theatre course (Boal, Playback Theatre, community-based work, etc.) seeks to offer real world experience to the theoretical components of study, partnering with local community organizations.

 

Dept. of Theatre + Dance
1770 East-West Rd Honolulu HI 96822
Main Office: (808) 956-7677
Box Office: (808) 956-7655