Theatre (THEA)

This practicum in scenery provides 35 hours of direct, hands-on experience working on a faculty or guest production in the School of Theatre and Dance in a block-schedule format. Students will work in the scene shop and build skills in power tool usage, theatrical painting techniques and sourcing materials. Upon completion, students will be able to participate in the functions of a professional-level scenic and/or properties shop.

This practicum in lighting provides 35 hours of direct, hands-on experience working on a faculty or guest production in the School of Theatre and Dance in a block-schedule format. Students will work in the electrics shop and build skills in hanging and focusing lights, striking, cabling, and maintenance. Upon completion, students will be able to participate in the functions of a professional-level electrics shop.

This practicum in costumes provides 35 hours of direct, hands-on experience working on a faculty or guest production in the School of Theatre and Dance in a block-schedule format. Students will work in the costume shop and build skills in alterations, costume crafts, costume stock and show organization. Upon completion, students will be able to participate in the functions of a professional-level costume shop.

This practicum in management provides 35 hours of direct, hands-on experience working on event management and arts administration in the School of Theatre and Dance in a block-schedule format. Students will work with faculty advisors and build skills in stage management, company management, house management and administration. Upon completion, students will be able to participate in the office and management functions of a professional arts organization.

This practicum in performance provides students direct, hands-on experience working as an actor or performer in the School of Theatre and Dance in a block-schedule format. Eligibility requires having been cast in a faculty or guest directed production. Upon completion, students will understand the expectations and standards required of professional actors and performers.

Study of the theatre as an art form. Emphasis on introducing students to a broad spectrum of theatrical activity and opinion. Consideration of the components that comprise a theatre event including acting, directing, design, costuming, lighting and playwriting. May be used for general education credit. May not be used for major credit.

Plays are examined as texts for performance. Theories of performance and methods for the analysis of performances in and out of the theater are studied.

This practicum in sound provides 35 hours of direct, hands-on experience working on a faculty or guest production in the School of Theatre and Dance in a block-schedule format. Students will work in the sound shop and learn proper techniques for setting up, testing and operating equipment for live sound and recording. Upon completion, students will be able to participate in the functions of a professional-level sound shop.

A study of basic acting as a performance experience. Emphasis on fundamentals of performance including concentration, transitions, interaction and the structuring of action.

Introduction to issues related to Musical Theatre through music and text analysis, vocal technique, and practice of the repertoire. Topics relating to vocal and physical health, professional practice, and musical theatre resources will also be covered. May be repeated once for credit.

Theories and exercises designed to equip the student with proper speech for the stage through a fundamental understanding of phonetics and articulation.

Study of the technical aspects of stage production. Emphasis upon practical experience in the use of stage and shop facilities. Consideration of the physical theater and stage, construction, painting and rigging of scenery as applied to theatrical production.

Students in this course develop and refine movement skills for stage performance. Through a study of approaches, such as Viewpoints, Animal Work, and Laban Techniques, students develop methods of artistic expression using their body. Through movement, students discover new connections to speech and text and improve the condition, flexibility, and responsiveness of their physical instrument. Students also develop the means for making effective physical choices in the creation of a performance.

This course is reserved for students working on student productions through the experimental theatre program in the studio theatre, which may include positions such as cast, crew, dramaturgs, stage managers, designers and assistant designers.

This course is reserved for performance concentrators working on a studio production in a non-performance capacity, including as an assistant designer, designer, assistant technical director, electrician, head carpenter, assistant stage manager, stage manager or dramaturg, to expand student understanding of, and proficiency in, multiple areas of theatre practice. Actors, directors and playwrights are not eligible for this course.

Study of current topics and issues in theatre. Emphasis on contemporary themes of immediate concern.

This practicum in scenery provides 35 hours of direct, hands-on experience working on a faculty or guest production in the School of Theatre and Dance. Students will work in the scene shop and build skills in power tool usage, theatrical painting techniques and sourcing materials. Upon completion, students will be able to participate in the functions of a professional-level scenic and/or properties shop.

This practicum in lighting provides 35 hours of direct, hands-on experience working on a faculty or guest production in the School of Theatre and Dance. Students will work in the electrics shop and build skills in hanging and focusing lights, striking, cabling, and maintenance. Upon completion, students will be able to participate in the functions of a professional-level electrics shop.

This practicum in costumes provides 35 hours of direct, hands-on experience working on a faculty or guest production in the School of Theatre and Dance. Students will work in the costume shop and build skills in alterations, costume crafts, costume stock and show organization. Upon completion, students will be able to participate in the functions of a professional-level costume shop.

This practicum in management provides 35 hours of direct, hands-on experience working on event management and arts administration in the School of Theatre and Dance. Students will work with faculty advisors and build skills in stage management, company management, house management and administration. Upon completion, students will be able to participate in the office and management functions of a professional arts organization.

This practicum in performance provides students direct, hands-on experience working as an actor or performer in the School of Theatre and Dance. Eligibility requires having been cast in a faculty or guest directed production. Upon completion, students will understand the expectations and standards required of professional actors and performers.

This course provides 35 hours of direct, hands-on experience working as a teaching artist. Students will practice observation, teaching in individual and small groups, and lesson planning and facilitation in community settings. Upon completion, students will be able to contribute to work as an arts educator in non-school settings.

This practicum in sound provides 35 hours of direct, hands-on experience working on a faculty or guest production in the School of Theatre and Dance. Students will work in the sound shop and learn proper techniques for setting up, testing and operating equipment for live sound and recording. Upon completion, students will be able to participate in the functions of a professional-level sound shop.

Study of world theatre from its Origins to the Seventeenth Century. The class explores how theatre has been created and consumed in diverse settings around the globe, with particular emphasis given to dramatic texts and performance traditions, as well as critical, literary, and performance theories. Includes study of theatre architecture and production design; political, social, intellectual, and aesthetic contexts of performances, and the theory and history of acting across time and place.

This course is a study of world theatre from the seventeenth to early twentieth century. The class explores how theatre has been created and consumed in diverse settings around the globe, with particular emphasis given to dramatic texts and performance traditions, as well as critical, literary and performance theories. Includes study of theatre architecture and production design; the political, social, intellectual and aesthetic contexts of performance; and the theory and history of acting across time and place.

This course is a study of world theatre from the early twentieth century to the present. The course explores how theatre has been created and consumed in diverse settings around the globe, with particular emphasis given to dramatic texts and performance traditions, as well as critical, literary and performance theories. Includes study of theatre architecture and production design; the political, social, intellectual and aesthetic contexts of performances; and the theory and history of acting across time and place.

An exploration of teaching drama and theatre with children and youth in K-12 school settings. Topics include: discipline-based theatre education, drama-based pedagogy, arts integration, and youth theatre workshops/programs and classrooms with a focus on community-building and social justice. This course helps students expand their skills set in lesson/workshop planning and facilitation, behavior management, as well as theatre for youth development with K-12 students.

An exploration of teaching artistry, devised theatre and applied drama/theatre with youth, directing the young performer and building educational programs in schools. With an emphasis on teaching, directing and arts administration, this course examines opportunities for learning through theatre-making and theatre performance.

An exploration of professional theatre practices in Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA), including Theatre for the Very Young (TVY) and Theatre for Teens. With an emphasis on theatre-making, this course examines historical contexts of TYA, investigates theatre companies and practitioners and identifies applications for education, outreach and engagement.

An advanced study of drama/theatre education focusing on professional practices, contemporary issues in education and pedagogy in practice. In addition to course work, students work closely with a cooperating teacher in a local school to observe and reflect, support instruction, and develop and facilitate lessons.

This course is designed to provide a working comprehension of the business dynamics involved in being a working artist: portfolio and interview preparation, how to be your own marketing director, accountant, agent, publicist, assistant and financial strategist.

Introduction to the technical aspects involved in building complete costume ensembles for the stage, screen and dance. Emphasis placed on experiencing unique problems in production situations, including specialized costume and accessory construction, ornamentation, fabric treatment, difficulties and alternatives in presenting historical clothing, and renovating and exploiting available materials.

A survey of Western world costume from 4000 B.C. to the present as it reflects the sociocultural and socioeconomic aspects of the times. Emphasis on the evaluation of historic costume and fashion in relation to architecture, sculpture, painting and other art forms.

The study of basic costume design techniques for performance. Emphasis on costuming in terms of the total production concept including directorial approach, setting and lighting design. Consideration of the process of costuming a production from first production meetings to opening.

Study of the history and practice of makeup for ceremonial and theatrical presentations of selected major cultures, from ancient Egypt to the present. Consideration given to makeup as a reflection of the social organization of each culture. Emphasis on makeup as an important element in the history of design aesthetics as well as a vital part of the performing arts.

Study of the process of writing plays. Consideration of plot, character, thematic material, conflict and dramatic structure. Emphasis on individual writing assignments.

Study of the fundamental theories and methods of acting. Emphasis on laboratory experience in the preparation of scenes. Consideration of various acting techniques through performance with maximum individual on-stage instruction.

Introductory course exploring the fundamentals of song analysis technique. Emphasis on solo song preparation. Basic music skills and singing ability are highly recommended. This course is designed for actors and singers who are just beginning to develop their musical theatre repertoire and their capacity to integrate singing and acting techniques.

This introductory course explores the fundamentals of song analysis technique in the preparation of musical theatre repertory for performance. Emphasis is placed on solo song preparation. Basic music skills and singing ability are highly recommended.

The preparation of musical theatre repertory for public performance. Emphasis on the application of the tools acquired in THEA 251, THEA 353, and other theatre, music, and dance skills classes. Students may participate as a performer, or as a member of the production/ artistic team.

Study of the principles, problems and techniques of play direction. Emphasis on historical and modern theories. Techniques of direction considered as applied to the stage and cinematography.

Survey of musical theatre genres, composers, lyricists, performers, directors and choreographers in America from 1750 to present. Includes practical study of the format of the libretto and musical score in relationship to the major musical theatre genres. Consideration of how music theatre developed from and reflected the cultural, social and political landscape of its time.

Study of the skills and techniques of the dramaturg, including strategies for production dramaturgy and new work dramaturgy of both theatre and dance. Emphasis on communication, adaptation, research and analysis. Consideration of best practices for the dramaturg's collaborations with directors, choreographers, playwrights, performers, designers and audience members.

Advanced study of the technical aspects of stage production. Emphasis upon contemporary scenographic techniques. Consideration of construction, decoration, rigging and touring problems in theatre production.

An introduction to the foundational techniques of scene painting, presented through a series of practical projects designed to provide students with the skills to achieve the core processes of scene painting.

An introduction to the foundational techniques of drafting for the stage, presented through a series of 8 practical drafting projects designed to provide students the skills to produce ground plans, elevations and sections in both pencil and CAD drafting environments.

Study and analysis of stage lighting. Consideration given to basic elements of electricity, electrical control and circuitry, reflection, refraction, and color. Emphasis on the lighting design and aesthetics of a theatrical production.

Study and analysis of the aural environment for theatre. Emphasis placed on sound design process and the methods and tools available to sound designers. Consideration given to the various mediums of sound design through in class projects.

Study and analysis of the visual elements of theatrical production. Emphasis on the principles and elements of design, drafting and rendering. Consideration of the aesthetics of stage design through specific applied projects.

Study of post-1968 world theatre with particular attention to English and American drama. Emphasis is placed on significant drama of the last twenty-five years with discussion of trends in theatrical production and dramatic writing in recent decades.

Supervised projects related to the study of theater. Credit given for original, individual or group programs beyond the usual course offerings in theater. A suitable completed project or report is required before credit can be awarded.

This course supports student-produced work in the studio theatre and student application of past coursework to the development of fully realized productions. This course is open to any non-cast member working on a student production through the experimental theatre program and is required for student directors, producers, playwrights, stage managers and lead designers. Students will learn advanced collaboration skills; skills necessary to initiate and plan creative processes; best practices for pre-production, stage management, and rehearsal; effective facilitation of production meetings; technical proficiencies; and the articulation of an individual artistic point of view. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credit hours.

This course is reserved for performance concentrators working on a studio production in a non-performance capacity, including as an assistant designer, designer, assistant technical director, electrician, head carpenter, assistant stage manager, stage manager or dramaturg, to expand student understanding of, and proficiency in, multiple areas of theatre practice. Actors, directors and playwrights are not eligible for this course. Students will learn advanced collaboration skills; skills to initiate and plan creative processes; best practices for pre-production, stage management, and rehearsal; effective facilitation of production meetings; technical proficiencies; and the articulation of an individual artistic point of view.

This course provides a context for each student to identify and foster their personal and professional goals. The course is intentionally flexible to invite students to self-select how they want to engage the course's aims and content. Students address individual interests and explore topics of their choosing through a project each student conceives, designs and undertakes, ranging, for example, from project management to grant writing to starting a business as a freelance artist. Students also explore current trends and developments in the field.

A single semester seminar for students in the honors program to be taken concurrently with THEA 499C. Students spend the semester completing their honors thesis project. The course may also include portfolio development, career preparation, practices in the professional theatre and other theatre-related topics of interest.

An advanced workshop with emphasis on developing full-length dramatic material.

Study of London theater. Consideration given to current productions of classic and contemporary works. Emphasis on production elements including acting, directing, design, writing and economic considerations.

Intensive study and practice of the Meisner Technique. Emphasis on the foundational steps of the technique to develop advanced listening, imaginative, and interactive skills as a means for fostering effective habits for creative freedom and improvisational spontaneity. Practice in fully doing, truthful personal investment, and honest availability to oneself and a partner within heightened circumstances.

Study of advanced acting technique through the analysis, discussion, and presentation of contemporary scenes. Emphasis on developing tools to improve the pursuit of an intention, partnering, and moment-to-moment work.

Advanced study of script analysis and performance technique in multiple genres exploring heightened dramatic text. Exploration will be through individual and group assignments. Emphasis on practical tools including scansion, imagery work, and the translation of text into active physical choices.

This course is a continuation of THEA 353, emphasizing more complex problems in musical theatre performance including duets, trios and musical scenes.

This is an advanced study of auditioning technique for professional musical theatre and understanding of contemporary trends in the field. Emphasis is placed on developing appropriate musical theatre audition repertory. Unions, audition formats, performance opportunities, routes to a professional career, and agents and managers will also be covered.

Study of advanced audition techniques for the stage. Emphasis on the selection, scoring, and performance of monologues. Consideration of professional issues in regard to graduate-level study or professional work in performance.

Study of the principles and techniques of dramatic performance for the camera and microphone. Emphasis on the adaptation of each student's performance and production skills to the recording and filming of narrative works. Consideration of the differing problems and potentials of stage, video and film presentations.

Advanced study in design for performance through theoretical production planning. Instruction in presentation methods necessary to communicate scenery, costume, sound and lighting designs for performance. Emphasis is placed on the collaborative interaction between the production designers and the director or choreographer towards the creation of unified design.

Enables students to apply, in the public school classrooms and the comprehensive child development programs, those skills and attitudes acquired in all components of teacher education. Under the guidance of university supervisors, students are provided activities designed to familiarize them with the classroom teacher's role.

Twentieth and twenty-first century theories of theater and performance are studied and performance traditions outside of Europe are examined.

Study and analysis of the American theatre experience as presented in the dramatic literature of the country. Emphasis on basic American themes. Consideration of plays, playwrights and performers significant to the development of American theatre.

Focus on key figures of the avant-garde and experimental theatre from the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Explores the motivations, concepts and creative techniques behind innovations in post-dramatic and devised theatre. As part of developing theoretical and historical understanding, students practice different methods of devising, collaborating and conceptualizing theatrical performance, culminating in an original presentation of student work.

An independent study for students to pursue individual research under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Department consent required to enroll.

A faculty-arranged, prepared and monitored off-campus internship program designed to provide practical experience in theatre for students preparing for careers in those areas. Department consent required to enroll.

Repeatable to a maximum of six credits. Offered fall and spring. Students enrolled for three credits are required to attend class meetings of THEA 441. Department consent required to enroll.