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 Theatre and Dance

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 Mānoa 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 – Spring 2023

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

Special notes on unique Spring 2023 topics are included in some descriptions.

 

DNCE 301 Asian Dance (Bollywood), 1-3 cr, WF 9:30-10:50am, DB classroom and DB studio

Sai Bhatawadekar

Performance and techniques at the introductory level. DA

 

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

Howard Asao 

Performance and techniques at the introductory level. DA

 

DNCE 304 Balinese Dance, 3 cr, M/W 9:30 – 10:45, DB Studio

I Made Widana

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 

Gabe Torno

Performance and techniques at the introductory level. DA

 

THEA 312 World Theatre II

Lurana O’Malley (section 1) Kirstin Pauka (section 2), 3cr, MWF 10:30-11:20am, KT Lab

Required of all majors. Pre: one of 101, 221, 222, 240; or consent.

Can count for graduate students’ history/theory requirement (with an additional assignment). 

 

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 

Intermediate ballet technique. DA

 

THEA 324 Advanced Film/TV Acting, 3cr, T 1:30-4:15,  KT SS

Loretta Chen 

Advanced acting techniques for film and TV production. Taping/filming of scenes and full-length scripts. Repeatable one time. Pre: 323 or consent. DA

 

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

Peiling Kao

Intermediate contemporary dance technique. DA

 

DNCE 341 Advanced Hip Hop, 3 cr, TTH 3-4:30pm, DB Studio

Jonathan Sypert

Hip Hop studio practice, technique, and performance at the advanced level. 

 

THEA 343B Topics in Theatre Production, Electrics, 3cr, MW 1:30-2:45pm, KT SS

Rick Greaver

Workshop in principles, techniques, and application of contemporary theatre production practices. (B) entertainment electrics: lighting, sound, special effects, projections, and related areas. Repeatable one time for different alphas, each alpha can be taken one time. Pre: any course in THEA or DNCE, or production experience; or consent. DA

 

THEA 343E  Topics in Theatre Production: Props and Crafts, 3 cr. TR 9-10:15 am, KT MD

Michelle Bisbee

Workshop in principles, techniques, and application of contemporary theatre production practices. Props and crafts: techniques to create props for theatre. Repeatable one time for different alphas, each alpha can be taken one time. Pre: any course in THEA or DNCE, or production experience; or consent. DA

 

THEA 356  Beginning Costume Design, 3 cr, MW 9-10:15, KT MD

Maile Speetjens

Basic principles and approaches to costume design for theatre and dance. Visual communication methods, creative process, historical research, and organizational practices. Repeatable one time. Pre: 240, DNCE 250, or consent. (Cross-listed as DNCE 356)

 

DNCE 360 Dance Kinesiology, 3 cr, Online Asynch 

Lorenzo Perillo

Practical information for dance students on diet and nutrition, anatomy, training and conditioning, and injury prevention. Pre: 260 or consent.

 

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

Sami L.A. Akuna

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

The Visual Media for Dance course focuses on the art of screendance. The class is an opportunity for performers, choreographers and filmmakers to explore dance as it intersects with popular and experimental forms of dance for the camera. Participants will examine various representations of the body in relation to digital media in live performance through viewing dance films and creating new video choreography. The course includes discussions, collaborative projects, and hands-on training. Participants are individually assisted while exploring the technical, practical and artistic challenges involved in producing a dance video in a supportive and collaborative interdisciplinary environment. The course culminates in the curation of a screendance installation of individual and team projects created throughout the semester. This course is offered with an oral communication focus.

 

DNCE 370 Improvisation, 3cr, TTH 10:30-11:45, DB studio

Peiling Kao

Movement studies will explore improvisation approaches, devices, elements, exercises, and implications to gain skills in and appreciation for the art of improvisation. Repeatable one time. DA

 

THEA  370 Improvisation, 3cr, TTH 10:30-11:45, DB studio

Peiling Kao

Movement studies will explore improvisation approaches, devices, elements, exercises, and implications to gain skills in and appreciation for the art of improvisation. Repeatable one time. DA

 

THEA 380 Beginning Directing, 3 cr. MW 11:30 -12:45 KT LAB WRITING FOCUS

Matthew Kelty 

Basic practical course in how to direct a play. Students will direct scenes. Emphasis on writing instruction. THEA and DNCE majors only. Pre: upper division theatre majors 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 404 Balinese Dance, 3 cr, M/W 9:30 – 10:45, DB Studio

I Made Widana

Performance and techniques at the introductory level. DA

This course is offered as an introductory practical class on traditional Balinese dance in both male and female styles. Students will learn one basic choreography in the female style and one basic choreography in the male style. Students will also learn about Balinese culture and music! Mr. Widana is a renown artist from Bali, with many years of international performance and teaching experience.

 

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

Gabe Torno

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

 

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

TBA

Advanced ballet technique. DA

 

THEA 428 Japanese Acting Workshop, 3 cr, TR 2:00-3:15, MB 116 

Julie Iezzi

Training in skills and techniques for selected traditional Japanese theatre forms. Emphasis on movement and vocal technique. Repeatable to six credits. Pre: 222 or consent. DA

This course will introduce performance elements of kabuki (movement, voice, music, sound effects, staging, etc.) in preparation for the Kabuki production of The Maiden Benten and the Bandits of the White Waves, to be held in spring 2024. More focused technique courses (on movement, voice, music respectively) will be held in fall 2023. This course is strongly recommended for those interested in being part of this 100th anniversary celebration of Kabuki in Hawaiʻi. 

 

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

Peiling Kao

Advanced contemporary dance technique. DA

 

THEA 432 Stage Combat, 3cr, MW 9:00-10:15 KT LAB

Rebecca Mahar

Techniques for performing unarmed and armed stage combat. Repeatable one time. Pre: one of 221, 222, 321, 322; or consent. DA 

Focus on single rapier and rapier and dagger, with techniques in unarmed and knife combat. Introduction to principles of tai chi and baguazhang as they relate to grounding, centering, and agility in the actor/combatant. No certification offered. Syllabus available for perusal; email rcmahar@hawaii.edu

 

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

Tracie Lopes

This movement workshop course enables students to develop proficiency in basic hula movements and

performance. Students will express their dance and vocal talents through hula and some chant techniques, develop an appreciation for the stories and beloved places of Hawai‘i, and learn about the performance practices and traditions of hula. Performance venues may include end of the year campus events. Pre: upper division standing or consent. 

 

DNCE 453 Dance History II, 3 cr, MW 9:30 – 10:50am, DB Seminar Room

Development of selected dance forms from 1900 to the present. Pre: upper division standing or consent. DH

 

DNCE 459 Section 1 Topics: Queer Dance, 3 cr. MW 2-3:20, DB studio

Sami L.A. Akuna

Queer Dance is prevalent in urban settings, ballroom culture, and housed within the club scenes around the world. Particularly in Gay and Lesbian Dance clubs Queer Dance thrives. Vogue, Runway, Flag, Social Dance, Performative, Pageantry, and Drag are a few of these arts forms explored in the course. The performance techniques will include a focus on a range of movement, choreography, and performances that were created by MVPFAFF – Mahu, Vakasalewalewa, Palopa, Fa’afafine, Akava’ine, Fakafifine and Fakaleiti/leiti, as well as Asian Pacific Islanders of mixed ancestry in Hawaii. Coursework includes opportunities to perform on campus and in the community. All levels welcome.

 

DNCE 459 Section 2, Topics: Tahitian Dance, 3 cr. T/TH 12 – 1:20pm, DB studio

Nalani Gauthier

Introduction to Tahitian Dance. Pre: upper division standing or consent. 

 

DNCE 459 Section 3, Topics: Tap Dance, 3 cr. F 4:30 – 5:45pm, LF2

Hannah Morrow

This course is designed to allow dancers to grow in their tap training and practice. Students will build upon their technique and knowledge through movement proficiency, musicality, and artistry. Pre: upper division standing or consent. 

 

THEA 462 Drama and Theatre of Oceania,  3 cr, TR 12:00-1:15, KT 101

Haili’opua Baker

Survey of the contemporary drama and theater of Oceania that combines island and Western traditions. Includes Papua New Guinea, Hawai`i, Fiji, Samoa, Australia, New Zealand. Pre: 101 or ANTH 350, or consent. (Cross-listed as PACS 462) DH

 

THEA 465 Drama and Theatre of China, 3 cr, TR 3:00-4:15,  KT 101

Peng Xu

Yuan, southern, spoken drama; Beijing opera and the manner of their production. Pre: consent. DH

This course is intended to offer much more than a survey course on the history of traditional Chinese drama and theatre. The central idea is to use a selection of ten stories from the canon of Chinese drama and their contemporary stage presentations created by nationally or internationally acclaimed creative artists as a way to help students better understand the theatre history, performance culture, and politics of acting style in different periods from the 12th century to the present day. Lectures, readings, screenings, discussions, assignments, and in-class presentations of students’ creative works are essential components of the course. The course uses each assignment as a starting point to engage a larger topic. Literary works from earlier periods will always be linked to modern productions. 

 

THEA 475 Puppetry for Young Children. 3cr, 10:30-11:45, KT SS

Mark Branner

Methods of constructing puppets and stages with and for children 3 to 8 years of age. Use of puppets in the creative arts. Fieldwork. DA

 

This class will involve several performances for young children in various classroom settings and will also highlight the broad uses of puppetry in the education field.

 

THEA 478 Hula Kiʻi: Hawaiian Puppetry, 3 cr, F 11:00-1:20, KT LAB

Haili’opua Baker

History, techniques, construction, and performance of Hawaiian puppetry and traditional image dancing. Repeatable one time. Junior standing.

 

DNCE 495 Senior Project, 1 cr, Asynch In Person DB Studio

Peiling Kao, Kara Jhalak Miller, Lorenzo Perillo

Individual choreographic project created by BFA Dance Majors; students choreograph, perform, and oversee all technical aspects of a creative project

 

THEA 612 European Classical Theatre to 1700,  3 cr, TR 9:00-10:15, KT 101 or SAK TBD

Lurana O’Malley  

Theatre as a social and cultural institution in Europe, from Classical Greece to Restoration England. Pre: one of 311, 312, 411, 412, or consent. Draft syllabus here

No papers! Major assignment is to create a hypothetical syllabus for a theatre history course in your area of interest, e.g., acting, music, politics, religion, dance, etc. 

 

THEA 616  Script Analysis,  3 cr, MW 1:30-2:45 pm , KT 101

Markus Wessendorf

Theory and practical application of script analysis with reference to dramatic texts from various cultural traditions. Pre: consent. Required for directing and playwriting MFAs, recommended for all MFAs,

 

THEA 625 Experimental Asian Acting Styles, 3 cr.  MW 11:30-12:45, KT SS

Julie Iezzi

Integration of movement, vocal technique, and concepts of traditional Asian genres into the actor’s repertory. Exploration of application to contemporary Asian and non-Asian texts. Workshop format. Repeatable one time. THEA and DNCE majors only. Pre: consent. Required for MFA Asian Performance—Acting majors. Strongly encouraged for MFA Acting candidates. Focus is not to emulate Asian techniques, which take years to master (though there will be workshops in various forms), but rather to step back and examine, then discuss and workshop ways to respectfully incorporate inspiration from various genres and/or techniques.

 

THEA 626 (sec 1) Advanced Topics in Performance, 1 cr,  F 1:00-3:30,  KT MD

Offering a range specialty topics from a diverse group of guest professionals, this one credit course will explore headshots, resumes, reels, agents, casting directors, agent actor relationship, networking, social media, and more.

Special Guest instructors: 

February 3, 10, 17 @ 1pm – 5pm Marilyn McIntyre The Art of the Close-up (Zoom)

February 25, 26 @ 1pm – 3:30pm Aitor Basuri Comedic Presence on Stage (Live)

March 3, 17, 31 @ 1pm – 3pm Dezmond Gilla The Nuts & Bolts of Acting (Live)

(Headshots, Resumes, Clean Teeth)

April 14, 28, May 5 @ 1pm – 3pm Kimee Balmilero On Island: Acting  in Hawaii (Live)

 

(Faculty Coordinator: Mark Banner; 15 Students max) 

Readings, discussion, research, and/or performance work. Repeatable two times, up to nine credits. THEA and DNCE majors only. Pre: consent. (Cross-listed as DNCE 626)

McIntyre sessions have time conflict with THEA 626 sect. 2. This can be worked out with instructors; may require time override.

 

DNCE/THEA 626 (sec 2) Adv. Topics in Performance, 2 cr, W 3:00-4:15 and F 3:30-4:45.  KT SS

Jill Togawa

Alexander Technique(AT), recommended for all MFA Acting 

In this class we will: explore how we inhabit our self as our instrument for expression, how we diminish ourselves through the ways we donʻt fully use our voice, our body, our spirit; observe ourselves and each other, through every day movements, group and individual activities; work on improving our ability to stop and pause, which can enhance everything we do; spend time at the edge of too much and too little effort, becoming more comfortable in that place. Practical application in performance, direction and individual and partner scene work.

 

Repeatable two times, up to nine credits. THEA and DNCE majors only. Pre: consent. (Cross-listed as DNCE 626)

 

THEA 650  Prof. Advancement  in Design, 1 cr. F 10:00-11:30 KT SS

Michelle A. Bisbee, Maile Speetjens

Directed study designed to help MFA candidates in Design acquire the tools helpful in obtaining future employment. Portfolios, resumes, and related application tools will be developed along with other necessary skills. Must be a current MFA candidate in theatre. Repeatable six times. Theatre majors and graduate students only.

 

DNCE 659 Special Topics Seminar in Dance: Gender, Race, and the Performance of the Body, 3 cr. TH, 4:30-7pm, DB Classroom 

Crystal Kwok

What are different ways in which the body performs? How do ideas of performance inform us of racial, gender, and cultural structures that define us? By examining the processes of performance, we deepen our understanding of the world around us.

 

THEA 652/653 Intermediate/Advanced Scene Design  3cr, TH 10:30-11:50, KT MD or KT 101 TBD

Michelle Bisbee

Workshop in advanced techniques and skills of scenic design; research, presentation, rendering, drafting, and model making. Pre: 353 

 

THEA 654 Advanced Topics in Costume Construction, 3 cr, Th 10:30-11:15, KT Costume shop

Maile Speetjens

Advanced costume production techniques for entertainment design. Topics may include corsetry, draping, patterning, tailoring, dye work, fabric modification, millinery, leatherwork, and crafts. Topics presented within the context of both current entertainment industry and traditional practices. Repeatable three times for different topics. Pre: 354 (with a minimum grade of B) or consent. This semester will focus on corsetry. 

 

THEA 658 Business of the Arts , 3 cr, T 1:30-4:15 pm, KT MD

Mark Branner

Seminar offering overview and foundation for launching or advancing enterprises in the arts. A focus on the processes and method for creating economically successful grants and project development applications. Pre: consent. (Cross-listed as DNCE 658)

 

This course will offer a “team forum”  to develop, launch, and advance your employment and grant prospects in performance making, education, and more. We will work on online portfolios, CVs, scholarship/grant applications, and more. Now, more than ever, the state of art in our country requires the artist to be entrepreneurial. So…this class.

 

DNCE 673 Advanced Dance, Technology, and Live Performance, 3 cr, M 4pm – 6:30pm KTSS

Kara Jhalak Miller

Advanced Dance, Technology, and Live Performance focuses on dance and the moving body as it intersects with forms of new media. The course includes lectures/discussions, screenings, and interdisciplinary collaborative projects. Projects emphasize hands-on experience and creative production. Working individually and in teams, students are responsible for completing innovative interactive dance and media projects for live and digital performances, installations, and screendance. Opportunities for performance and presentation of class projects on campus and in the community are part of the coursework. Pre: 362 or consent. 

 

DNCE 679 Directed Choreography, 1 cr, Asynch In Person DB Studio

Peiling Kao, Kara Jhalak Miller, Lorenzo Perillo

Choreography for selected performance settings under the direction of a faculty advisor.

 

THEA 680 Directing Multicultural Theatre 3 cr, M 3:00-5:15 PM  tentative space: Sakamaki D101

Kirstin Pauka

Directing multicultural/intercultural theatre; development of new performance styles based on the study of diverse theatre traditions from around the world; directing of scenes and one-act plays. 

Pre: graduate theatre major and one Asian theatre course, or consent. Highly recommended for Directing MFAs. 

(Note: Current course name in BANNER  is still “Directing Asian Theatre”, change to new title is pending approval).