Courses

THEA 119G. Theatre Practicum 0.25 course credit

Staff-supervised participation in acting or technical theatre. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. May repeat 8 times.

THEA 171G. Intro to Theatre 1.0 course credit

A course designed to give the beginning student a critical platform on which to base his or her own evaluation of plays. Selected reading of play scripts, and general criticism is supplemented by planned viewing experiences in live and recorded theatre. Offered each year.

THEA 173G. Intro to Technical Theatre 1.0 course credit

A study of the basic elements of technical theater, including stagecraft, lighting, sound, properties, and run crew. Includes laboratory. Offered each year.

THEA 175. Principles of Acting 1.0 course credit

An introduction to the art and history of stage acting combined with practical exercises and performances of short scenes and monologues. Specifically, this course introduces students to the craft of acting in a hands-on manner, specifically emphasizing Stanislavsky’s Method and other theories supporting the performance of realistic, psychologically motivated texts. Throughout the course, we will address topics such as ensemble-building, improvisation, voice, physical movement, script/ character analysis, solo and duet acting methods, and analysis of performances and dramatic texts.

THEA 176 Acting I 1.0 course credit

An introduction to the art and craft of stage acting, with a particular focus on the Stanislavski System of acting. Through exercises in ensemble, improvisation, vocal and physical work, monologues, and scene work, students will learn the fundamental skills required of acting for the stage. Students also learn elementary script and character analysis techniques, as well as material selection and preparation. This course is intended for Theatre majors and minors, and prepares students for successful work in departmental productions and upper level courses. Prerequisite: Theatre major or minor or permission of the instructor.

THEA 250. Design Theory 1.0 course credit

The course develops an understanding of and sensitivity to the major design elements such as color, line and form. Through lectures, demonstrations, studio work and critiques, students learn traditional design elements and theories.

THEA 272. Classical Theatre History 1.0 course credit

A survey of Theatre from the ancient Greeks to the Restoration, emphasizing the evolution of dramatic literature, production elements, theatre architecture, and audience composition.

THEA 273. Modern Theatre History 1.0 course credit

A survey of Theatre from the Restoration to modern times emphasizing the evolution of dramatic literature, production elements, theatre architecture, and audience composition.

THEA 275. Dramatic Lit & Script Analysis 1.0 course credit

A study of the major theories and techniques of play analysis. Readings and analysis of numerous plays are supplemented with dramaturgical research. Cumulatively, the course and its exercises prepare students to understand a play’s textual, contextual, and creative elements.

THEA 278. Theatre Collaboration 0.5 course credit

Open to sophomore, junior and senior Theatre majors and minors, or by permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.

THEA 281. Drafting for Design 0.5 course credit

An introduction to the fundamental elements of 2-D and 3-D drafting both scenery and lighting design will be explored using the industry standard Vectorworks. Prerequisite: None.

THEA 282. Design Process & Preparation 0.5 course credit

An introduction to the common elements and principles of Scenery, Costume, and Lighting design. Prerequisite: THEA 181.

THEA 283. Theatre in Context 0.5 course credit

An academic travel course. The course includes both on-campus meetings prior to departure and on-site lectures. May include observation, performance. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEA 297. Special Topics: Theatre 0.5 to 1.0 course credit

May be repeated for credit only with a different topic.

THEA 350. Design Studio I 1.0 course credit

Students create fully realized Theatrical Designs in one area of choice (Scenery, Costumes, Lighting). Includes lecture and laboratory. prerequisites: THEA 181, THEA 182, THEA 281 or consent of instructor.

THEA 370. Voice and Movement 1.0 course credit

A study of performance techniques and modern movement based acting styles. Includes readings on performance theory, laboratory exercise, improvisation, scene study, character development, personal reflection and the attendance of productions. Techniques will be applied to modern acting styles, and the course will lead to the creation and performance of scenes and monologues. Offered every other year. Prerequisite: THEA 175 or consent of the instructor.

THEA 371. Period Styles in Acting 0.5 course credit

A study of western acting techniques ranging from Greek to Restoration. Includes readings on performance history and theory, laboratory exercise, improvisation, scene study, character development, personal reflection and the attendance of productions. The course will lead to the creation and performance of scenes and monologues. Offered every other year. Prerequisite: THEA 175 or consent of the instructor.

THEA 372. Career Management 0.5 course credit

A course in developing and managing a career in professional theatre. Prerequisite: junior status or consent of the instructor.

THEA 377. Principles of Directing 1.0 course credit

A study of the practical and theoretical elements of directing for the serious student of performance. Readings in theory and production organization are combined with practical exercises in analysis, pictorial composition, movement, and lead to the actual production of a short play. Offered every other year. Prerequisites: Junior standing, some theater experience and THEA 275, or consent of the instructor.

THEA 382. Design Studio II 1.0 course credit

A continuation of THEA 282. Students create fully realized Theatrical Designs in one area of choice (Scenery, Costumes, Lighting or Sound). Includes lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: THEA 282 or consent of instructor.

THEA 397. Seminar: Theatre 0.5 to 1.0 course credit

A seminar centered on a problem or topic as announced before each offering. Designed for Juniors and Seniors. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.

THEA 490. Independent Study 0.5 course credit

A faculty-directed program of individual study consisting of reading, research, or creative performance. May be repeated for credit.

THEA 497. Internship in Theatre Arts 0.5 course credit

An experience designed to allow the student to use in the field concepts and ideas developed during major study and to help prepare the student for employment. Prerequisites: Junior standing and prior approval of the department. May be repeated for credit.