Academic Catalog

Theatre (THEA)

THEA 110 Introduction to Stagecrafts3 cr

Provides a foundation in the practice of technical theatre, preparation for work in scenery, lighting, and costumes. Class projects are designed to reinforce specific technical skills discussed and demonstrated in class. Additionally, the required lab time outside of class provides hands-on experience.

THEA 120 Introduction to Acting3 cr

Introduces the basic concepts, theories, and methodologies of the practice and history of acting. Explores socio-cultural perspectives and key pioneering practitioners from across the globe. Includes hands on exploration of an actor's creative development, as well as an exploration of the different ways actors work. For anyone interested in the craft of acting.

Attributes: Core Creative Arts (CCA)  
THEA 200 Introduction to Theatre3 cr

Surveys historical development of world theatre emphasizing western dramatic tradition. Introduces a broad range of theatrical literature and theory within its historical context. Includes class discussions and writing assignments, as well as viewing of live theatre, panel discussions, and critical response sessions.

Attributes: Core Creative Arts (CCA)  
THEA 210 Drawing for Theatre3 cr

Familiarizes students with the basic materials and techniques of graphic presentation in scenic, costume, and lighting design for the theatre. Students will be introduced to the basic vocabulary of drawing, rendering and drafting techniques used as communication tools for theatre design and production. Focuses on technical drafting skills, perspective, and drawing the figure.

THEA 220 Beginning Acting3 cr

Sets foundation for the integrated voice, movement and acting training sequence. Draws from diverse sources to develop the actor's instrument and its potential for stage performance. Beginning with non-verbal exploration and movement study, students progress to character exercises with text. Designed to increase body awareness, expand flexibility and control, reinforce acting vocabulary and theory, and promote understanding of the demands of creating dynamic characters for stage performance.

Prerequisite: THEA 120  
THEA 230 Stagecraft II: Scene Construction3 cr

Provides the student with the basic knowledge of stage construction. Familiarizes students with the methods, materials, equipment, concepts and processes involved in the construction of scenery for the theatre. The emphasis of this course will be on the physical process that results in the production of scenery through construction techniques. Hands-on experience will be gained by completing lab hours in the scene shop; assisting in the construction and installation of theatre program season.

Prerequisite: THEA 110  
THEA 240 Stagecraft II: Costume Construction3 cr

Provides basic knowledge of costume construction. Familiarizes students with the methods, materials, equipment, concepts and processes involved in the construction of costumes for theatre production. Emphasis of this course will be on the physical process that results in the production of costumes through construction techniques. Hands-on experience will be gained by completing lab hours in the costume shop; assisting in the construction and installation of theatre program season.

Prerequisite: THEA 110  
THEA 250 Fundamentals of Theatre Design3 cr

Explores the creative process and the principles and tools of design as they apply to theatrical production. Emphasis will be on script analysis, graphic techniques, and research for and of design. Introduces the student to the vocabulary, fundamental elements and principles of design and how they apply to the theatre experience of scenery, costume and lighting design to include discussion, appreciation and evaluation of theatrical design.

THEA 260 Intermediate Acting3 cr

Continues the integrated voice, movement and acting training sequence from Beginning Acting emphasizing character building. Students explore the acting instrument in greater depth. Movement study connects the voice to the body and then progresses to play analysis from the actor's point of view, followed by more formal text work. The goal of the course is to gain greater flexibility and control over the instrument and expand understanding of the demands of creating dynamic characters for stage performance.

Prerequisite: THEA 220  
THEA 271 Play Analysis3 cr

Introduces the basic principles, techniques and challenges of analyzing plays for theatrical production. Focuses on the process of reading and analyzing plays while developing basic vocabulary of dramatic styles. Develops basic knowledge of principles of dramatic structure through readings from a diverse range of theatre texts from the western canon. Goal is to discover what the playwright has dramatized and how best to realize it on stage clearly, imaginatively and powerfully.

Prerequisite: THEA 200  
THEA 280 Stagecrafts II: (Topic)3 cr

Builds on the foundational skills learned in Introduction to Stage Crafts. Familiarizes students with methods, materials, equipment, concepts and processes resulting in the creation of some aspect of theatre production. Hands-on experience will be gained by completing lab hours in a production shop; assisting in creation of Theatre Program productions. Rotating topics may include: Stage Electrics, Stage Properties, Introduction to Sound. Student may repeat enrollment for credit, but may not repeat topics.

Prerequisite: THEA 110  
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits  
THEA 290 Stage Makeup3 cr

Introduces students to basic makeup vocabulary, materials and techniques. Students will work toward a proficiency in the principles and skills of makeup application including basic corrective/straight makeup, old age, and character makeup in order to communicate aspects of a character to an audience certain information.

THEA 310 Design for Theatre (Topic)3 cr

Studies the process of designing for theatre through play analysis, research, color theory, composition, and the examination of design elements and principles for stage. Design concepts are demonstrated through rendering techniques, drafting or modeling to communicate ideas, cultivating a design aesthetic. Rotating topics may include: Costume Design, Scene Design, Lighting Design and Sound Design. Students may repeat enrollment for credit, but may not repeat topics.

Prerequisite: THEA 200, THEA 250  
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits  
THEA 360 Advanced Acting (Topic)3 cr

Builds on the foundational skills and concepts acquired from the integrated voice, movement and acting sequence. Students will choose further study to inform their individual development as actors. Topics are offered on a rotating basis and focus on a specialized aspect of acting technique while incorporating advanced research and dramatic analysis. Topics include Shakespeare, Musical Theatre, Realism/Naturalism, and Experimental/Alternative. Students may repeat enrollment for credit, but not topics.

Prerequisite: THEA 120, THEA 220  
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits  
THEA 370 Collaboration3 cr

Develops practical studio in theatrical collaboration designed for both performance and production students. Develops skills in collaboration across artistic disciplines, offering effective strategies for communication as students create and perform short projects. Offers direct, real-world experience in theatrical collaboration and leadership, allowing the individual to test skills, talents and creative ideas in an environment conducive to both individual and collective artistic growth.

Prerequisite: THEA 200, THEA 250, THEA 271  
THEA 372 Theatre Practicum1 cr

Provides practical experience on performance and production related activities for Theatre Program productions during semester. Students may repeat this course for credit.

Prerequisite: By audition or interview only  
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits  
THEA 379 Topics in Theatre Production3 cr

Studies in depth a specific aspect of theatre production. Designed to provide advanced experience in materials and techniques used in theatre. Topics are offered on a rotating basis and focus on a specialized aspect of production technique. Topics may include: Historical Patterning, Computer-Aided Drafting, Advanced Lighting Technology, Stage Management. Students may repeat enrollment for credit but may not repeat topics.

Prerequisite: THEA 110, THEA 230 or THEA 240  
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits  
THEA 380 Audition Technique3 cr

Introduces the specific techniques and skills necessary to audition for the professional stage with confidence and artistic honesty. This course will focus on the development of audition material from a wide range of styles and genres as well as mastery of cold reading techniques, and practical preparation for the professional world and the business of acting. For the student contemplating a professional theatre career.

Prerequisite: Junior/senior status, Theatre Concentration, THEA 220  
THEA 381 Theatre History I: Beginnings to 17th Century3 cr

Traces the evolution of Western theatre in its social/political context from ancient Greece through the Renaissance. Theatre architecture, styles of staging, and works of dramatic literature are studied in relation to the social and intellectual history of each major era.

Prerequisite: THEA 200  
THEA 383 Theatre History II: 18th Century to Present3 cr

Traces the evolution of Western theatre in its social/political context from the 18th century to the Post-Modern Period. Theatre architecture, styles of staging, and works of dramatic literature will be studied in relation to the social and intellectual history of each major era or artist style.

Prerequisite: THEA 200  
THEA 470 Directing3 cr

Explores the fundamentals of direction for the stage, including analysis, composition and staging. Begins with play analysis from a director's point of view, followed by exploration of stage composition, then progresses to staging and working with actors. The various exercises culminate in the direction of a short play for public performance. The goal is to increase understanding of the many roles and responsibilities required of the theatre director as artist and collaborator.

THEA 479 Topics in Theatre Performance3 cr

Studies in depth a specific aspect of theatre performance. Provides advanced work in analysis, interpretation and research. Primarily for majors in their junior or senior year. Includes topics such as: Accents and Dialects for the Stage, Advanced Directing, Clowning and Comedian, Collaborative Theatre Ensemble, Contact Improvisation, Hip Hop Theatre, Improvisation, Mask Performance, Melodrama, Period Dance for Stage, Physical Comedy, Puppetry, Spoken Word, and Stage Combat.

Prerequisite: Instructor approval  
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits