Faculty Directory
David Dalton headshot
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David Norris Dalton

Associate Professor
Unit: College of Arts and Sciences
Department: Department of Drama
Office location and address
205 Drama Bldg.
109 Culbreth Rd
Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
Biography

David Dalton is a director and adaptor of classic texts with an emphasis on comedy. He recently directed Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson for the UVa Department of Drama and Almost, Maine for the Heritage Theatre Festival. His work has been seen in professional theaters and colleges throughout the northeast including The Duke on 42nd Street, The Bushwick Starr, Incubator Arts Project, PS 122, Connecticut Repertory Theatre, and Walnut Street Theatre Studio in Philadelphia. David adapted and directed a pro-wrestling-inspired take on Wagner’s Ring Cycle operas, which was selected a New York Times Critics’ Pick. He also adapted and directed Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore for a production that was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival of a Musical. David has a research interest in plays from the Spanish Golden Age, and he adapted and directed Lope de Vega’s Dog in the Manger to critical acclaim in New York. Prior to joining the UVA Department of Drama, he taught at Barnard College and was a guest artist at Brandeis University. He is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and has a M.F.A. in Directing from Columbia University.

Recent courses as listed in the Student Information System (SIS) Course Catalog:
CASS 1010: College Art Scholars Seminar
Credits: 1
CASS 1010 is a required seminar class for first-year Art Scholars. Faculty from Music, Studio Art, Drama, and Dance, second through fourth-year Art Scholars, and others will share aspects of their personal research, thoughts about Arts at the University, practical applications of an Art Major after college, etc. Our cohort will also visit the Science Scholar cohort at least once during the semester to exchange ideas. Requisite: Instructor Permission
DRAM 1020: Speaking in Public
Credits: 3
For non-majors. Acquire and practice voice and speech techniques to build oral communication skills, confidence and enjoyment in public speaking, presentation or performance.
COLA 1500: College Advising Seminars
Credits: 1
COLA courses are 1-credit seminars capped at 18 first-year students, all of whom are assigned to the instructor as advisees. They are topically focused on an area identified by the faculty member; they also include a significant advising component centered on undergraduate issues (e.g., choosing a major, study abroad opportunities, undergraduate research, etc.). For detailed descriptions see http://college.as.virginia.edu/COLA
DRAM 2430: Production Laboratory: Acting
Credits: 1–3
Application of acting skills in production laboratory. May be repeated up to four credits. Prerequisite: Instructor permission
DRAM 3410: Acting II
Credits: 3
Exercises and scene work emphasizing the development of the actor's vocal and physical resources as a means of creating and communicating character, emotion, and relationships. Prerequisite: DRAM 2020 and instructor permission
DRAM 3430: Improvisation
Credits: 3
A workshop that explores several dimensions of theatrical self-expression through improvised exercises and situations. This course will employ lecture, discussion and performance activities to raise awareness and proficiency in improvisational techniques through dramatic interaction involving imagination and creativity. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
DRAM 3651: Directing I
Credits: 3
Encourages the development of the director's analytical and rehearsal skills in translating text, actors, and space into valid and effective scenes; drawn from plays in the mode of psychological realism. Prerequisite: Dram 2020 required, and Dram 2010 preferred; Instructor permission
DRAM 4593: Special Topics in Performance
Credits: 1–3
A directed study in acting or performance offered to upper-level students. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
DRAM 4651: Directing II
Credits: 3
Continues the work of DRAM 3651 with special attention to the director's organization, scheduling, and efficient use of resources. Students direct a one-act play. Prerequisite: DRAM 3651 and instructor permission.
DRAM 4993: Independent Study
Credits: 1–3
Independent study conducted under the supervision of a specific instructor(s).
DRAM 7070: Script Analysis
Credits: 3
A survey of dramatic literature, classical to contemporary, with an eye toward reading scripts for the stage. Analysis of representative playscripts to discover how structure and language support conceptual and stylistic choices in production.