Course Descriptions

101 Theatre Fundamentals
An introduction to the collaborative art of theatre and dramatic literature through lectures, discussion of basic artistic components involved in the theatrical process, and attending live theatre. (1) Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.

103 Theatre Lab Laboratory work designed to give the student experience in mounting a play on the stage. May be repeated for credit. (1/4). Lecture: None; Laboratory: Approximately 40 hours/term. Prerequisite: Permission.

111 Voice and Diction An overview of the use of voice in the theatre. (1) Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.

112 Acting I The practical application of the fundamental principles of acting, including voice, movement, analysis, and scene work. (1) Lecture: 4.5 hrs/wk.   

125 Stagecraft Techniques and principles of scenery construction and other elements of technical production. (1) Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 50 hrs/term.

150 Play Analysis A study of methods used by actors, playwrights, directors, and designers to critically examine a play for production purposes. (1) Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.

170 Make-up for the Stage Lectures on and practical experience with the techniques used in stage make-up. Covers the materials and techniques for traditional stage make-up application, 3-D special effects, and prosthetics. (1) Lecture-Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk. Prerequisite: Permission.

199 Special Topics in Theatre and Drama Lab experience in such production activities as audition techniques, stage combat, movement for the stage, and stage makeup. (1/4). May be repeated for credit. Lecture/Laboratory: hours vary. Prerequisite: Permission.

203 Intermediate Theatre Lab Enrollment in THEA 203 will be reserved for students whose role/job is more substantial requiring additional commitment of time, engagement, and responsibilities.  The type of jobs which qualify for THEA 203 may include: an assistant to a designer, a stage manager/assistant for a director, or an especially demanding acting role.  (1/2) Lecture-None; Laboratory: Approximately 60 hours/term. Prerequisite: Successful completion of four graded THEA 103 or permission, with departmental approval.

212 Acting II Continuation of the practical application of the fundamental principles of acting, introduced in Acting I, including voice, movement, analysis, and scene work.  (1) Lecture: 4.5 hrs/wk. Prerequisite: THEA 112 or permission.

225 Scene Design Techniques and principles for designing scenery for the stage. Model building is central to project work as is basic drafting. Thumbnail and perspective sketching are incorporated in this class. (Extra materials required.) (1) Lecture: 3 hrs/wk. Prerequisites: THEA 125 or permission.

231 Playwriting A practical introduction to the techniques of dramatic writing. Readings and possible studio productions of students' work. (1) Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.   

240 Theatre History I A study of the history and literature of theatre from its primitive origins to ca. 1700. It covers major developments in production conventions and dramatic literature, with attention given to theatre's connections to society. (1) Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.   

241 Theatre History II A study of the history and literature of theatre from ca. 1700 to present. It covers major developments in production conventions and dramatic literature, with attention given to theatre's connections to society. (1) Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.   

275 Costume Construction Techniques and principles of costume construction.  Introduction to the materials, tools, and sewing techniques used for constructing basic stage costumes through project-based instruction. (1) Lecture: 3 hrs/wk; Laboratory: 50hrs/term. Prerequisite: THEA 101 or permission.  

299 Special Topics in Theatre and Drama Selected studies in specialized design, performance, or dramaturgical activities. May be repeated for credit. (1/2). Lecture/Laboratory: hours vary.   

303 Advanced Theatre Lab THEA 303 will be reserved for the exceptional student whose work onstage or behind the scenes has clearly proven they are ready for a leadership role on a production.  The type of jobs which qualify for THEA 303 may include: working alongside faculty as a primary designer, supervising other in the scene shop or costume shop, taking full responsibility for the stage manager duties, or, taking on a major acting role which requires their attendance at most-if not all-rehearsals in a full-length play.  (1) Lecture: None; Laboratory: Approximately 80 hrs/term. Prerequisite: THEA 203 or permission, with departmental approval.   

312 Acting III Advanced application of the principles of acting covered in THEA 112 & 212, with an emphasis on in-depth work leading to mature interpretation and performance. Lecture: 4.5 hrs/wk. Prerequisite: THEA 212.   

325 Lighting Design Lighting theory and basic electrical principles for stage applications, including drafting of light plots and the development of instrument schedules, cue sheets, etc. Students will use the computerized lighting system to gain experience in cue writing and data entry. (Extra materials required.) (1) Lecture: 3 hrs/wk. Prerequisites: THEA 125 or permission. (THEA 225 recommended)

330 Modern Drama Traces major modern movements in theatrical theory and dramatic literature beginning in the mid-19th century with particular emphasis on the first half of the 20th century. (1) Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.   

332 Shakespeare Analysis of selected plays with oral interpretation. (1) (Cross-listed as ENGL 332) Lecture: 3 hrs/wk. Film-Laboratory: 2-3 hrs/wk. Prerequisites: ENGL 240 and one other 200-level ENGL literature course; or by permission.   

342 Performance Theory A course for advanced students focusing on theatrical, dramatic, and performance theory in the 20th century in relation to actual stage practice. (1) Lecture: 3 hrs/wk. Prerequisites: THEA 101 and three additional units of THEA coursework (excluding THEA 103, 203, 303), or by permission.  

375 Costume Design for Stage A study of techniques and principles for designing costumes for the stage through the analysis of scripts and characters, research, thumbnail drawings and final drawn and/or painted renderings.  (Extra Material required.)  (1) Lecture: 3hrs/wk. Prerequisites: THEA 101 or permission.  

399 Special Topics Advanced studies in specialized design, performance, or dramaturgical activities. (1) May be repeated for credit. Lecture-Laboratory: hours vary.   

405, 406, 407 Independent Study and Research A program of advanced intensive study and experience in theatre under the guidance of the departmental staff. The student must submit a written proposal to the Department before the beginning of Examination Week of the term prior to the term in which the work is to be done. See departmental guidelines. (1/2, 1, 1/2) Lecture-Laboratory: hours vary Prerequisites: Departmental approval of proposal and four graded one-quarter units of Theatre Lab.

416 Internship Practical experience working in or with an artistic organization as participant-observer, leading to the preparation of a report which describes and evaluates that organization's activities. The student must submit a written proposal to the department before the beginning of Examination Week of the term prior to the term in which the work is to be done. See departmental guidelines. (1) Lecture-Laboratory: hours vary. Prerequisite: Departmental permission.

450 Play Direction The principles, problems, and techniques of directing plays. (1) Lecture: 4.5 hrs/wk. Prerequisites: THEA 101, 112, 225 or 325 or 375, 240 or 241.  (THEA 212 recommended), or permission.

495, 496, 497 Honors Project A program of independent study culminating in a paper, artistic creation, or performance. Prerequisites: To qualify for consideration to receive honors in the major, a student in his/her senior year or in the summer prior to the senior year, must work under the guidance of his/her committee. A written proposal and application must be approved by the committee and department. A minimum GPA of 3.4 in the major is required. 495 Honors Project is prerequisite for 497 Honors Project. (1/2, 1, 1/2)