Theatre (THEA)
Theatre Undergraduate Courses
THEA 1000 THEATRE PRACTICUM (1 credit)
Lecture, discussion, and experience in theatre production concepts and techniques. One hour formal meeting each week and an average of two-four hours per week in an assigned technical production area based on your interests and skills. Required of Theatre majors and may be taken by all other students. May be repeated eight times.
THEA 1010 THEATRE APPRECIATION (3 credits)
A survey course designed to introduce students to all areas of theatre practice and study. Several major periods of theatre art and practice will be explored and, depending on the instructor, emphasis may include acting, playwriting, design and theatre technology, and or theatre literature.
Prerequisite(s): None. Not recommended for Theatre Majors
Distribution: Humanities and Fine Arts General Education course
THEA 1020 SUMMER MUSICAL THEATRE ACADEMY (0-1 credits)
Intensive supervised workshops and experiential learning opportunities involving significant contribution(s) to the summer musical theatre academy or other departmentally approved arts organizations and programs.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of Instructor
THEA 1050 FILM HISTORY AND APPRECIATION (3 credits)
A journey through one of many different possible worlds of film. Students will learn about various dimensions of filmmaking--historical development, cinematography, editing, screenwriting, and so much more. Exposure to critical perspectives on the genre(s) under consideration. Includes regular viewing of excerpts and full-length films. (Cross-listed with JMC 1050).
Distribution: Humanities and Fine Arts General Education course
THEA 1060 HISTORY OF THE BROADWAY MUSICAL (3 credits)
This course develops knowledge of America's Broadway musical tradition as an artistic and cultural phenomenon. It explores the evolving art form from its earliest ethnic expressions to the golden age of song, the classic book musical, innovations in form, and ending with the most recent embrace of inclusiveness and the diversity of our American identity.
Distribution: Humanities and Fine Arts General Education course
THEA 1070 SUPER HERO CINEMA (3 credits)
A senses-shattering survey of the cinema of superheroes! Students will study the history and evolution of the superhero genre on the big (and small) screens, reviewing selected excerpts and full-length films, recorded lectures, and curated readings. Featuring a pulse-pounding parade of profound and provocative motion pictures!
THEA 1200 SINGING TECHNIQUE FOR ACTORS (1 credit)
THEA 1200 Singing Technique for Actors provides instruction in singing technique. It is designed for non-music majors to practice the concepts of vocal health, resonance, breath support, elements of good musicianship and song interpretation. It is focused on Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM)/non-classical styles of singing and uses different criteria than the School of Music to meet more diverse musical backgrounds.
THEA 1300 ACTING I (3 credits)
The basic acting class, for majors and non-majors. Emphasis on freeing oneself as a preparation for basic character and scene work using exercises for relaxation, energy generation, concentration and group interaction. Three relationships basic to the actor are explored: to oneself, to another actor, to the ensemble.
Distribution: Humanities and Fine Arts General Education course
THEA 1500 FOUNDATIONS OF PRODUCTION DESIGN (3 credits)
An introductory course introducing students to the omnipresence and role of design in contemporary society; and to fundamental elements and principles of analysis, conceptualization, and visual interpretation, as they apply to the production design process.
THEA 1600 FOUNDATIONS OF SCENIC PRODUCTION (3 credits)
An introduction to scenic production class designed to develop the skills, knowledge, theories and materials of professional designers and craftspersons, as well as developing a working knowledge of the practices in the business of technical theatre.
THEA 1604 FOUNDATIONS OF SCENIC PRODUCTION LAB (0 credits)
Foundations of Scenic Production Lab covers topics in theatre safety, rigging, lighting and construction, to be taken concurrently with THEA 1600. Instruction and practice in industry standards is also an emphasis of the course.
Prerequisite(s): Enrolled concurrently with THEA 1600, Foundations of Scenic Production
THEA 1650 STAGE COSTUME (3 credits)
An introductory course covering foundational vocabulary, skills, materials, tools, and processes used for costume construction specifically for the theatre.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1654 to be taken concurrently.
THEA 1654 STAGE COSTUME LAB (0 credits)
Topics in Stage Costume Lab include foundational vocabulary, skills, materials, tools, and processes used for costume construction specifically for the theatre.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1650 to be taken concurrently.
THEA 1660 STAGE MAKEUP (3 credits)
This course will introduce students to the complexities of stage makeup. Utilizing a hands on approach, the course is specially designed to facilitate active learning while exploring basic makeup procedures and complex prosthetic makeup application.
THEA 1700 SCRIPT ANALYSIS (3 credits)
This course introduces a variety of approaches for analyzing plays and other dramatic works, especially as they are employed by actors, directors, designers, dramaturgs, and other theatre artists. There will be multiple opportunities to apply these methods of analysis through class discussion and written work. Script analysis will be explored with an eye toward theatrical production, recognizing each playscript as the blueprint for a potential production. Particular attention will be paid to genre, structure, style, character, theme, language, imagery, and dramatic action. The focus will be on traditional dramatic structure, though some attention/discussion will be given to less traditional/non-linear works.
THEA 2000 THEATRE PRACTICUM II (2 credits)
Lecture, discussion, and experience in theatre production concepts and techniques. One hour formal meeting each week with Instructor, and an average of two-four Lab hours per week (or more) in an assigned technical production area based on your interests and skills. Lab hours will be established with the lab supervisor. Required of Theatre majors and may be taken by all other students. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Four semesters of THEA 1000.
THEA 2020 THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES (3 credits)
A course that introduces the theories and practices of using theatre and drama as an educational and social tool, as well as creating theatre for and with youth. Includes opportunities to create and utilize techniques in both performance and the learning environment.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1010 Theatre Appreciation or THEA 1300 Acting I or THEA 1600 Foundation: Scenic Production
THEA 2030 INTERNSHIP I (1-6 credits)
This course provides an opportunity for the student to participate in a professional theatre company and receive course credit. The course will involve practical application. Areas of study might include artistic direction, direction, dramaturgy, arts management, production management, design and technology, or performance. Assignments are made according to the individual interests and skills of the student as they match available opportunities and needs in the industry.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1000 Theatre Practicum (2 credits). Permission of instructor.
THEA 2280 DANCE FOR THE THEATRE I (1 credit)
In this course, students will explore a wide array of dance styles, each carefully selected to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the role dance plays in musical theatre.
THEA 2290 DANCE FOR THE THEATRE II (1 credit)
Dance for Theatre II will serve as an Intermediate course that will build on students' foundational dance skills and vocabulary. Students will explore a wide array of dance styles, each carefully selected to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the role dance plays in musical theatre.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 2280 or permission of instructor
THEA 2300 MOVEMENT FOR THE ACTOR (3 credits)
Discovery and training of the human body as a technical instrument and as one of the key expressive elements of any performance-oriented medium.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1300 Acting I
THEA 2400 STAGE MANAGEMENT (3 credits)
This fundamental course investigates theater-making from the point of view of a stage manager. Through the exploration of a theatre production process, students learn the artistic and organizational techniques needed to professionally stage-manage traditional and non-traditional productions. Integrated management theory allows each student to identify how their practice can be informed by theory and to begin cultivating their individual stage management style.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor
THEA 2500 DRAWING FOR THE THEATRE (3 credits)
Drawing for the Theatre is a course that introduces students to the visual language of drawing through observation, exercises and most importantly, evaluations and critiques. In addition to traditional drawing techniques, this course will cover color theory and figure drawing. The course develops insights into the mechanisms of visual perception, how the individual components of the drawing relate to the whole and compositional organization. Each student develops observational skills rooted in traditional drawing media while striving to develop critical thinking and research skills.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1500 or THEA 1510 Foundations of Production Design, THEA 1700 Script Analysis
THEA 2600 COSTUME PATTERNING AND DRAPING (3 credits)
Exploration of the creation of patterns for theatrical costumes. Techniques include flat patterning, draping and development of historical patterns. Specific attention is given to period silhouette and detail and theatrical costume production conventions.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1650 or THEA 1550 or permission of instructor.
THEA 3000 SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE (3 credits)
This course utilizes a topical approach that explores various aspects of theatre that are outside the set Theatre curriculum. Topics and disciplines will vary from term to term. Course description will be announced in advance. It is repeatable for credit if content differs.
THEA 3010 ADVANCED PROJECTS IN THEATRE: INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3 credits)
Special projects in theatre supplementing regular courses; individual research projects; combined study and practicum.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1000 Theatre Practicum, THEA 1700 Script Analysis
THEA 3200 MUSICAL THEATRE ENSEMBLE (1 credit)
THEA 3200 Musical Theatre Ensemble is offered during spring semester and uses the study of selected musical theatre repertoire, rehearsal, individual coaching, and group exercise to provide instruction in ensemble singing, solo singing, musicianship, movement and acting. It is designed for students pursuing musical theatre study and develops the skill sets that are needed for musical theatre performance.
THEA 3210 ADVANCED SINGING TECHNIQUE FOR ACTORS (1 credit)
THEA 3210 Advanced Singing Technique for Actors provides instruction in advanced singing technique. It is designed for students to develop and practice the concepts of vocal health, resonance, breath support, elements of good musicianship and song interpretation. It is focused on CCM/non-classical styles of singing and uses different criteria than the School of Music to meet more diverse musical backgrounds. This course advances to higher levels of instruction in singing technique from the perspective of the actor and musical theatre repertoire.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1200
THEA 3230 AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE REPERTOIRE HISTORY (3 credits)
THEA 3230 American Musical Theatre Repertoire History is a lecture-based course that surveys important songwriters and significant shows from present day Broadway back in time to the 1927 Showboat. It is designed to give students from the avid musical theatre enthusiast to those pursuing career paths in musical theatre a foundation in the innovations, history, musical styles, major breakthroughs, and growth of the art form from Showboat and Oklahoma to Hamilton and Hadestown.
THEA 3260 MUSICAL THEATRE AND OPERA WORKSHOP (1 credit)
THEA 3260/MUS 3260 Musical Theatre and Opera Workshop is an ensemble offered during fall semester that integrates singing, movement and acting through rehearsal, private musical coaching and group exercise. It is designed for students in opera and musical theatre and develops the skill sets that are needed for performance. (Cross-listed with MUS 3260).
THEA 3300 ACTING II (3 credits)
Incorporating skills and awareness developed in Acting I, this class moves toward examining various tools for character development by oneself, in large group improvisations and with written scripts. Specific scene work leads to a final scene presented both for the class and for all interested persons.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1300 Acting I
THEA 3310 VOICE FOR THE ACTOR (3 credits)
This course is a comprehensive exploration of the actor's voice and speech. The student gains a detailed understanding of breath, tension and relaxation, resonance, articulation, textual interpretation, and learns to combine movement and voice, enhancing creativity in vocal expression. The focus is freeing the unique vocal potential of each student, and on training the voice for performance.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1300 Acting I. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
Distribution: Humanities and Fine Arts General Education course
THEA 3400 DIRECTING I (3 credits)
Directing I examines the development of the role of director in Western Theatre; provides practice in the directing process including script analysis, dramaturgical research, staging visual composition, collaboration with designers and performers; considers alternative approaches to directing and encourages students to begin to develop a personal directing style.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1300, THEA 1500, THEA 1600, THEA 1700, THEA 3300
THEA 3410 HUMAN DYNAMICS IN THE ARTS (3 credits)
Human Dynamics in Arts is a practical course for students who aspire to become effective leaders, managers and directors of arts-based organizations in, non-profit, education, and business sectors. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how to strengthen organizations by recognizing the complex interplay of individual motivation, personal growth, effective communication, and organizational goals. Students will learn to apply specific communication techniques that will enable them to recognize patterns of behavior that reflect underlying emotional needs critical to motivation and workplace productivity. They will use these techniques to build trust, foster positive working relationships, maximize talents, and develop more effective, productive, and dynamic organizations. Students will also gain an understanding of the importance of developing an entrepreneurial mindset critical to success in a rapidly changing workplace. They will learn to recognize opportunities, identify solutions, and develop clear, effective strategies for moving their arts organizations forward.
Prerequisite(s): CMST 1110 and Junior Standing
THEA 3420 GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP IN THE ARTS (3 credits)
This course is about artistic excellence married to ethical practices and responsible world citizenship. Students will analyze and evaluate how to use art to address community issues and discover a road map that allows for authentic, consistent, and sustainable commitment to the community and its needs.
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1160 and Junior Standing
THEA 3500 COLLABORATIVE DESIGN STUDIES (3 credits)
Collaborative Design Studies explores the integration and process of theatrical production including scenery, lighting, costume, projection and sound. It chronicles their individual and collective impact on storytelling. While developing the skills of the Scenographer, students will work collaboratively as they foster their individual artistic design talents, and recognize the impact of design on society through storytelling.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1500/THEA 1510, THEA 1600/THEA 1630, THEA 1700
THEA 3660 STAGE AND TV LIGHTING (3 credits)
Characteristics and control of light and color and their application to the theatre and television; elementary electricity; lens systems; reflectors; lamps; control systems; automation. (Cross-listed with THEA 8665).
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1630 or permission of instructor.
THEA 3700 THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE: 1960-PRESENT (3 credits)
This course offers a brief survey of European and world theatre from the emergence of post-modernism to the present time. It also focuses especially on theatre for social change, community development, and the community-based theatre movement. It will include a service-learning component with one or more regional social-service or similar agencies.
THEA 3710 THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE:MODERN / 1800-1960 (3 credits)
This course is a survey of both western European and world theatre from the emergence of modernism to 1980, about the time of the emergence of post-modernism.
THEA 3720 THEATRE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE (3 credits)
This service-learning course will combine both research and practice in theatre that involves social change. Students will study the history of such theatre, with special focus on developments in the 20th century. All research will be accompanied by several community-based projects whereby students will create theatre with specific populations (schools, community centers, health centers, senior homes, etc.).
THEA 4000 SUMMER THEATRE WORKSHOP (3 credits)
Intensive supervised workshop experience involving significant overall contribution(s) to the summer theatre program.
THEA 4020 ADVANCED PROJECTS IN THEATRE (1-3 credits)
Completion of a undergraduate project relevant to the student's major area of study under the supervision of an advisor. The project must demonstrate competency in writing and research/creative activity as it pertains to appropriate aspects of theatre.
Prerequisite(s): 9 hours of theatre in the general area to be studied and permission of the instructor.
THEA 4030 INTERNSHIP II (1-6 credits)
This course provides an opportunity for the student to participate in a professional theatre company and receive course credit. The course will involve practical application. Areas of study might include artistic direction, direction, dramaturgy, arts management, production management, design and technology, or performance. Assignments are made according to the individual interests and skills of the student as they match available opportunities and needs in the industry.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1000 Practicum, THEA 2000 Practicum II or Permission of Instructor
THEA 4050 SHAKESPEARE ON FILM: THE ART OF INTERPRETATION (3 credits)
Study how Shakespeare's plays are interpreted for performance. Explore how production shapes our understanding of the text. Understand how the change of medium from page to stage to screen reveals meaning in unique ways. Experience a dynamic way of making the most extraordinary plays your own. Classes will feature readings, lecture, class discussion, and film screenings of different cinematic interpretations of several of Shakespeare's plays. Previous study of Shakespeare is helpful but not required.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or permission of instructor.
Distribution: Humanities and Fine Arts General Education course
THEA 4310 ADVANCED ACTING: POST REALISM (3 credits)
Advanced work in the technical skills of voice, speech, movement and textual analysis needed for post-realist material.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1700, THEA 2300, THEA 1300, THEA 3300 or graduate with an undergraduate major or minor in theatre or permission of instructor.
THEA 4320 ADVANCED ACTING: GREEKS TO RESTORATION (3 credits)
The fundamental theories and practices of major styles of acting from ancient Greece to the Restoration, including interpretation of outstanding dramatic literature.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1700, THEA 2300, THEA 1300, THEA 3300 or graduate with an undergraduate major or minor in theatre or permission of instructor.
THEA 4330 ADVANCED ACTING: ENSEMBLE PLAY PRODUCTION (3 credits)
In-depth exploration of a play or playwright's work to connect acting class with performance. Special emphasis on creating a working process that allows the ensemble to emerge. The class will culminate in public performance.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1700, THEA 2300, THEA 1300, THEA 3300 or graduate with an undergraduate major or minor in theatre or permission of instructor.
THEA 4340 ADVANCED ACTING: AUDITIONING (3 credits)
An acting class designed to develop auditioning skills and material as well as cultivate a working knowledge of the business of acting.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 2310 or THEA 1300 and THEA 2320 or THEA 3300 and Junior standing. Graduate with an undergraduate major or minor in theatre or permission of the instructor.
THEA 4400 DIRECTING II (3 credits)
A practicum in play selection, analysis, casting, rehearsing and performing.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1300/THEA 2310, THEA 1500/THEA 1510, THEA 1600/THEA 1630, THEA 1700, THEA 3300/THEA 2320, THEA 3400/THEA 4430
THEA 4500 CHALLENGES IN PRODUCTION DESIGN (3 credits)
Evaluation and exploration of the world of theatrical storytelling using line, texture, contrast, theme, metaphor and symbolism. Students will work collaboratively as they foster their individual artistic talents, and recognize the impact of design on society through storytelling. (Cross-listed with THEA 8506).
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1500/THEA 1510 and THEA 1700 or permission of instructor.
THEA 4550 PERIOD STYLES IN DRESS AND DECOR (3 credits)
An historical survey course introducing students to the major periods and iconic styles and trends in western architecture, dress and interior decor of the past 2000 years; and to the social, cultural and technological influences on those trends, particularly as they relate to theatrical and production design.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1700 and THEA 3700/THEA 3770, THEA 3710/THEA 3760, THEA 4710 or THEA 4720 or by permission of instructor.
THEA 4610 SCENE DESIGN (3 credits)
Scene Design is an advanced level course intended for aspiring scene designers or those that want to learn about the specific requirements of the scene design process. The focus of this course will be the study of techniques of communicating a scenic design. Topics of class will include, script analysis, sketching, research, floor plans, wall elevations, sketch models, paint elevations, and presentations models.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1600 and THEA 1700 and Junior standing.
THEA 4780 THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE: CLASSICAL TO 1500 (3 credits)
This course is a survey of both western European and early Asian theatre and the related theatre literature in ancient Greece and Rome, India, and medieval Europe from the fifth century BCE to the beginning of the European renaissance.
Prerequisite(s): ENGL1160 and Junior standing
THEA 4790 THEATRE HISTORY AND DRAMATIC LITERATURE: 1500 TO 1800 (3 credits)
This course is a survey of primarily western European theatre and the related theatre literature from the Renaissance until the English sentimental comedy.
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1160 and Junior standing or Permission of the Instructor.
THEA 4900 ADVANCED PROJECTS - CAPSTONE (3 credits)
Demonstration of mastery in a specific area of theatre through an advanced project in acting, musical theatre, directing, design/technical theatre, playwriting, or dramaturgy. This will serve as an end of career course designed to evaluate the student's competency and knowledge of theatre practice.
Prerequisite(s): THEA 1000 Practicum, THEA 2000 Practicum, and permission of the instructor