Requirements
The Theatre Arts major is a diverse and balanced program that encourages many kind of theatre artists: dancers who act, directors who design, actors who play music, and stage technicians who sing. The program combines the liberal arts core curriculum with the required 45 credits of Theatre Arts classes and 39 credits of electives. Theatre Arts majors may opt to use their electives to double major in another field or follow a course sequence in the following concentrations: Acting & Directing, Design & Technology, and Dance.
Recommended Course Sequence
First Semester |
|
|
ENG-101 Composition |
4 |
|
FYF-101 First-Year Foundations |
3 |
|
THE-121 Stagecraft |
3 |
|
THE-132 Voice & Diction I (OPO) |
3 |
|
THE-190 Theatre Laboratory |
1 |
|
Total Credits |
14 |
Second Semester |
|
|
Distribution Requirement |
3 |
|
THE-100 Approach To Theatre |
3 |
|
THE-216 Design for the Theatre |
3 |
|
ENG-120 Intro to Literature and Culture |
3 |
|
THE-131 Acting I |
3 |
|
THE-190 Theatre Laboratory |
1 |
|
Total Credits |
16 |
Third Semester |
|
|
Distribution Requirements |
6 |
|
Elective |
3 |
|
THE-190 Theatre Laboratory |
1 |
|
THE-232 Acting II |
3 |
|
Total Credits |
13 |
Fourth Semester |
|
|
Distribution Requirements |
9 |
|
Elective |
3 |
|
THE-214 Script Analysis |
3 |
|
THE-190 Theatre Laboratory |
1 |
|
Total Credits |
16 |
Fifth Semester |
|
|
Distribution Requirement |
3 |
|
Electives |
9 |
|
THE-190 Theatre Laboratory |
1 |
|
THE-211 Theatre History I |
3 |
|
Total Credits |
16 |
Sixth Semester |
|
|
Distribution Requirement |
3 |
|
Electives |
6 |
|
THE-190 Theatre Laboratory |
1 |
|
THE-311 Theatre History II |
3 |
|
THE-234 Directing I |
3 |
|
Total Credits |
16 |
Seventh Semester |
|
|
Electives |
9 |
|
THE-190 Theatre Laboratory |
1 |
|
Theatre Elective |
3 |
|
THE-393 Senior Capstone |
1 |
|
Total Credits |
14 |
Eighth Semester |
|
|
Electives |
9 |
|
Theatre Elective |
3 |
|
THE-190 Theatre Laboratory |
1 |
|
THE-331 Acting III or |
|
|
THE-226 Scenic Painting |
3 |
|
Total Credits |
16 |
Theatre Arts majors may use their elective credits to earn a concentration in Acting & Directing, Design & Tech, or Dance.
Theatre Arts
THE-100. Approach to Theatre
Attention will be directed to the importance of the dramatic imagination in reading and viewing plays, with the objective of developing a critical appreciation of the theatre. Lecture, discussion, demonstration, films, college, and professional theatre performances.
THE-121. Stagecraft I
An exploration of the many physical facets of theatrical production by introducing the student to the process of translating the concept of a design into physical actuality and of adapting a production to the requirements of a stage. Class and workshop.
THE-131. Acting I
Basic acting techniques. Creating a variety of characters for the stage through the use of vocal interpretation, physical movement, improvisation, and theatre games.
THE-132. Voice and Diction I
Applied course introducing voice and speech training that combines practical vocal exercises with a method of analyzing and correcting speech problems. The expectation of the course is improvement in the voice and speech work of the individual student, as well as increased body awareness.
THE-190. Theatre Laboratory
The production aspect of theatre including rehearsals, performances, scene shop, costume
shop, lighting shop, propshop, stage management and box office. Required of Theatre
Arts and Musical Theatre majors every semester.
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THE-191. -291-391-491 Department Practicum in Theatre Production
Credits can be awarded for a major contribution to Theatre Program productions. Approval required from the Director of Theatre.
THE-198. -298-398-498 Topics
A study of topics of special interest not extensively treated in regularly offered courses.
THE-211. Theatre History I
A survey of the historical development and background of theatrical art from ancient times through the seventeenth century.
THE-214. Script Analysis
An approach to dramatic literature for the theatre artist to read, interpret, and analyze dramatic texts for production and performance values.
THE-216. Design for the Theatre
This class will explore through lecture and practical exercises the skills and concepts needed to produce scenic, lighting, and costume designs for the theatre.
THE-217. Autocad for the Stage
This class will develop familiarity with using AutoCAD as a tool for generating drawings for the stage. Offered every other year.
THE-219. Sound Design
This class develops the knowledge base and skills necessary to execute the Sound Design of a live theatrical performance. Topics include a basic working knowledge of sound equipment, sound itself, and industry-standard show control software. Offered every other year.
THE-220. Stagecraft II
Advanced exploration of the many physical facets of theatrical production in order to refine the process of translating the concept of a design into physical actuality and of adapting a production to the requirements of a stage. Class and workshop.
THE-222. Lighting Design
An introduction to designing lighting for theatre. Emphasis on the development of visual skills, idea development (script and image), and notation. Production work is required.
THE-224. Rendering for the Theatre
An introduction to drawing skills, rendering and visual communication for theatre.
THE-225. Historic Scenic Styles
A survey of art through design projects for the theatre.
THE-226. Scenic Painting
An introduction to scene painting techniques, methods, approaches and applications used by the scenic artist.
THE-227. Costume Design
An introduction to the basic elements of Costume Design including: Line, Mass, Form, Balance, Hue, and Chroma. Class projects provide an opportunity for the student to render costume sketches, analyze plays, research costume history, and construct basic pattern shapes. Offered every other year.
THE-228. Stage Makeup
This course offers students the opportunity to learn and apply the fundamental principles of standard, character and special effects stage makeup. Offered every other year.
THE-230. Stage Management
An introduction to the art of stage managing a live theatre performance. Offered every other year.
THE-232. Acting II
An introduction to the major theories, aims, and styles of acting through performing various roles and monologues in selected dramatic scenes.
THE-233. Voice and Diction II
Applied course that continues the refinement of vocal expressiveness and interpretation exploring colloquial and complex texts for purposes of oral communication of the written texts.
THE-234. Directing I
An introduction to the principles of directing, including play selection, composition, casting, blocking, and rehearsing. Class and workshop.
THE-311. Theatre History II
A survey of the historical development and background of theatrical art from the eighteenth century to the present.
THE-321. Scenic Design
Introduces through practical exercises concept development and skills needed to produce scenic designs for the theatre.
THE-331. Acting III
Attention to special problems in acting in terms of classical style. Continued self-discovery through improvisation, kinesthetic awareness, and other basic acting techniques learned in THE-232 are expanded upon.
THE-334. Directing II
A study of special problems in directing. Students will prepare a prompt book, critique productions, and direct a one-act play.
THE-394. The Business of Theatre/Auditions
Discussion of information and preparation to navigate the theatrical and entertainment industries.
THE-395. -396 Independent Research
Independent study and research for advanced students in theatre under the direction of a faculty member. A research paper at a more substantial level beyond a term paper is required.
THE-399. Cooperative Education
Professional cooperative education placement in a private or public organization related to the student’s academic objectives and career goals. In addition to their work experience, students are required to submit weekly reaction papers and an academic project to a Faculty Coordinator in the student’s discipline. (See the Cooperative Education section of this bulletin for placement procedures.)
THE-431. Acting IV
Scene study, analysis, and development of acting theories for a sophisticated preparation of audition material and rehearsal technique for the working actor.
THE-493. Senior Capstone
Individual performance project intended to inspire students to take on responsibility for self-governance and, through effort, create a meaningful expression of their aesthetic.