THEA - Theatre Arts

An introductory course for first year students declared as theatre majors. Introduction to policies, procedures and academic requirements in the theatre program.

Laboratory in performance or production involving applications of theatre techniques to the various aspects of departmental productions. Majors and minors only.

Laboratory in performance of production involving applications of theatre techniques to the various aspects of departmental productions. Majors and minors only.

Students will be assigned slots to complete all three rotations of instruction. Each rotation will consist of four sessions. Sessions will cover demonstrations and hands-on repetition of fundamental skills in Scenery, Costume and Lighting. This will include power tool safety and basic use, fundamental sewing/wardrobe skills and techniques, operating the rigging system, basic sound skills and hang/focus of lighting instruments.

Areas of theatre not covered in regular curriculum such as travel courses, practical experiences in the field, etc. May be repeated for credit. Permission of instructor.

A broad introduction to the Performing Arts including an historical perspective, elements of the performer's craft and repertoire, representative contributors to each Performing Art and the role of the audience member. The Performing Arts areas include theatre, music, dance, musical theatre and opera. Attendance at five Performing Arts events is required.

Explores the process in evaluating/discovering production and performance values in a playscript.

One-semester course covering terminology and processes of stage production including stagecraft, materials, lighting, sound, properties, costumes, etc. Lecture and laboratory participation. Concurrent enrollment in THEA 101 or 102 by majors and minors strongly suggested. Written production critiques required.

Explores the responsibility of technical personnel, safety and organization of the backstage and scene shop, stage rigging, drafting for the stage, scenic materials and hardware. Practical work on department productions may be required. Lab fee required.

Provides the student with a working knowledge of hand drafting as applied to theatre. Includes but is not limited to reading and interpreting set design plans, light plots, costume pattern drafting, creation of single and multiple plate drafting packets including plan views, design and construction elevations, section views, and detail drawings. B.F.A. Theatrical Production and Design majors only. Other theatre majors by permission of instructor.

Ever been to a play, musical, opera or rock concert and wonder, “How did they do that?” This course will study the elements of design, tools and technology in the behind the scenes creation for the performing arts. This course delves into the areas of scenic, lighting, costume, and sound design and how they are implemented. The student will critique selected works as well as the works of classmate projects. Concurrent enrollment in THEA 229 CAD Lab is required and includes a $40 lab fee.

Basic techniques of acting with emphasis on improvisation, script analysis and scene study. Attendance at campus theatrical events required.

Introduction to basic craft skills of acting with emphasis on self-awareness and discovery, spontaneity, and improvisation. B.F.A Acting and Musical Theatre majors only.

Introduction to theory and practice of the basic principles of Stanislavski realism with emphasis on character exploration and analysis. B.F.A. Acting and Musical Theatre majors only.

Basic craft skills of acting with emphasis on improvisation, character study, analysis and scene work. B.A. Theatre Arts majors and minors only.

Acquisition of basic skills by the performer or director in the use of major dialects. B.F.A. Acting and Musical Theatre majors only.

Continuation of THEA 101-102.

Continuation of THEA 101-102.

This course is an introductory course designed to support the actor in freeing the physical instrument for creative use. It is designed to enhance the study of acting by placing considerable focus on how the body is used in the creation of character on stage.

Selection, application, and evaluation of stage makeup. Includes wigging and facial hair techniques. Theatre majors and minors only.

Introduces the student to the use of discipline-specific software programs and peripheral hardware used in the creation of designs and preparation of drawings used in technical production and for scenic costumes and lighting design. Includes in-depth training in Computer Aided Drafting techniques, and the study of VectorWorks software. 2-D drafting will be covered with an introduction to drawing in 3-D.

Hands-on introductory course that covers standard theatrical scenic construction methods including metal and wood tools and fabrication, rigging and safety. Shop participation required. Lab fee required.

This course is an introduction to the mechanics of stage lighting and sound. It includes basic electricity, tools, equipment, distribution and control for theatrical lighting and sound. The course will deal with the many aspects of implementing lighting and sound for a production.

Color theory, preparation of painting surfaces, and basic painting techniques as they pertain to the theatre. B.F.A. Theatrical Production and Design majors only.

Laboratory exploration of basic costume construction techniques. Majors only.

Non-credit lab allowing the B.F.A Theatrical Production and Design student access to the theatre CAD Lab. Open to B.F.A. Theatrical Production and Design majors only.

The course will present the fundamental principles of approaching the creation of a character on stage using the techniques of Stanislavski realism. B.A. Theatre Arts majors only.

Skills and techniques for role analysis and performance in realistic plays. B.F.A. Acting and Musical Theatre majors only.

Skills and techniques for role analysis and performance in realistic plays. B.F.A. Acting and Musical Theatre majors only.

A laboratory for exploration and development of scene study technique.

A laboratory for exploration and development of scene study technique.

Designed to support the actor in freeing the voice/body and imagination for creative response. Physical/vocal awareness and ability are enhanced through the exploration of relaxation, alignment, flexibility, strength, breath, sound, and resonance.

A continuation of THEA 242 in supporting the actor in freeing the voice/body and imagination for creative response. Exercises to reinforce basic skills and further develop the actor's physical and vocal range, power, flexibility, and articulation.

Study of the artistic elements of sound for the theatre and build upon the technical elements studied in THEA 223 Lighting and Sound Technology. Areas of study include: sound systems, electricity, recording techniques, script analysis for sound design, principles of sound design and the controllable qualities of sound. Each will be studied through class lectures, practical examples, and projects.

Continuation of THEA 201-202.

Continuation of THEA 201-202.

Explores the graphic media and drawing techniques used by the designer in preparing drawings for the theatre with a focus on freehand sketching, gridding, and drop point perspective.

Continuation of THEA 303. Explores the graphic media, drawing techniques, color theory and composition used by the designer in preparing drawing and painting for the theatre. With emphasis in graphite, water color, guache, acrylic and marker.

Continuation of THEA 304. Explores the graphic media and drawing techniques used by the designer in preparing drawings for the theatre.

Design students study the nature of the relationship between playscripts and theatrical designs through script and text analysis, literary criticism and research. Exploration of how dialogue and themes can be visualized through design. B.F.A. Theatrical Production and Design majors only.

Intensive laboratory exploration of advanced costume construction techniques. Focus on growth of stitching skills.

Design and application of special effects, 3-D prosthetics, and appliances. Majors only.

A rotation of basic costume accessory design and construction including but not limited to millinery, mask making, leather work, etc. As well as a laboratory exploration of the art and craft of dye/paint techniques for costumes. Union, acid, and fibre-reactive dyes, silk and fabric paints, and health and safety for costume artisans are covered. B.F.A. Theatrical Production and Design majors only. Theatre and Dance majors by permission.

Course covers the planning, organization and management skills needed to execute the construction of a theatrical scenic design. Lecture and computer lab participation required. Lab fee required.

Principle of Stage Lighting Design and its application to a theatrical production. Will study the what and why lighting can bring to a production through practical projects.

Chronological survey of clothing and fashion; their sociological and artistic implications from the Egyptians to the 20th century.

Principles, procedures, and development of scene design. Students must enroll in THEA 303, 304 or 305 simultaneously. B.F.A. Theatrical Production and Design majors only.

Costume design methods and concepts. Students must enroll in THEA 303, 304 or 305 simultaneously. B.F.A. Theatrical Production and Design majors only.

Continuation of THEA 327: development of more complicated sophisticated concepts. Students must enroll in THEA 303, 304 or 305 simultaneously. B.F.A. Theatrical Production and Design majors only.

Flat pattern techniques as applied to the costume cutter. Use of slopers, methodology, and interpretation of sketches are emphasized. B.F.A. Theatrical Production andDesign majors only.

A continuation/culmination of the Intro to Acting (technique and craft), Intro to Scene Study (elements of characterization, scene arc, fine tuning craft) sequence. The Introduction to Styles allows a modified departure from the Realism we have studied to heightened language and period movement (Shakespeare, Coward, Moliere), physicalization (Comedy, Restoration, Melodrama) or elements of both (Soap Opera, Slap-stick, Sit-com, Simon).

Introduction to various acting tools for creating and sustaining characters and action in elevated and poetic texts from major periods of theatre history. Emphasis on ability to approach historical periods and genres while remaining intimately connected to personal truth.

Exploration in creating theatre in a digital age. The class will focus on digital rendering but will also include some drafting, budget tracking and an artists digital presence on the web. Programs explored in the class will be Photo Shop, Corel Paint, Vectorworks and others.

This course is an introduction to the craft, process, and administration associated with the work of the theatrical properties artisan and master. Topics covered will include found properties, refurbishment, creation of new properties, consumables, budgeting, and tracking.

Study of selected areas of theatre arts not covered in regular curricular program. May be repeated for credit. Permission of instructor.

Introductory course that covers the organizational and interpersonal skills needed to stage manage live productions of theater, musical theater, or dance. Topics include the stage manager's role during casting, design process, rehearsals, technical production and performance.

An introduction to the basic techniques used in Shakespearean acting. Major emphasis is placed on approaching Shakespeare through a careful analysis of the use of language and construction of the text. Enrollment limited to B.F.A. Acting/Musical Theatre majors or permission of instructor.

Explores additional methods to increase flexibility and range in speaking with an emphasis on heightened responsiveness to imagery and rhythms, along with additional methods to increase precision and range of movement with an emphasis on physical character work. B.F.A. Acting and Musical Theatre majors only.

Explores additional methods to increase precision and range of movement with an emphasis on unarmed and armed stage combat.

This is a preliminary acting class designed to instruct students in the performance techniques, skills and illusions of unarmed stage combat.

The course will offer an introduction to the techniques of performing in, and auditioning for, musical theatre. Students will work on duet, solo, and group dance numbers, and on finding appropriate audition material. The class will focus on strengthening all aspects of the performer: singing, acting, and dancing. The class will treat musical theatre material with respect, approaching the texts as actors, as well as singers/dancers.

Development of the theatrical genre known as musical theatre. Special emphasis on musical comedy roots in 19th century America to the present.

A performance based course exploring the masks, characters, movement, scenarios, and history of the Italian commedia dell'arte.

Discussion seminar on problems and procedures of mounting theatrical productions. Includes scheduling personnel, weekly rehearsals and other pertinent current production needs. Does not apply to the required hours for major in Theatre Arts. May be repeated

The course, through scene study of musical theatre repertory, focuses on integration of song, dance and acting skills for the junior B.F.A. Musical Theatre student.

Through the study of improvisational techniques in the theatre, students will be exposed to a variety of long-form improvisation techniques designed to enhance spontaneity on the stage, develop sensory and perceptive skills, and approach character creation from a non-analytical perspective.

This course is a study of architecture, decorative arts, and stage technology throughout history as they impact design for theatre. This course will look at periods of design from ancient Greece to the early Twentieth Century.

Continuation of THEA 301-302.

Continuation of THEA 401.

This course is designed to introduce the actor to fundamental theories and practices of acting for the camera.

THEA 411, Acting for Media II, will acquaint students with intermediate-level theories and practices of acting for the camera.

This is an advanced acting class designed to instruct students in the performance techniques, skills and illusions of medieval weapons for stage combat.

This is an advanced acting course designed to instruct students in the safe and effective performance techniques, skills, and illusions of Stage Combat involving the use of Renaissance Weapons.

Seminar and laboratory experience exploring a variety of processes and techniques in depth. B.F.A. Theatrical Production and Design majors only.

Intermediate to advanced scenic construction techniques as well as an introduction to scenic automation. Topics covered include: simple engineering principles and structural analysis, pneumatic power, electric motors and control systems.

An exploration of alternative acting techniques such as non-realistic and non-western styles of acting. B.F.A. Acting/Musical Theatre majors only.

Intensive study of skills needed by actors to increase their marketability in today's theatre. Open to B.F.A. Acting and Musical Theatre majors only.

Continuation of Scene Design I with specific emphasis on artistic requirements of the production. B.F.A. Production and Design majors only.

An intensive laboratory experience exploring advanced techniques in painting, dimensional texture and surface treatments. May require practical work on productions. Will also co-supervise and mentor Scene Painting I students on some projects as part of learning how to run a paint crew. B.F.A. Theatrical Production and Design majors only

This course is an introduction to the mechanics of stage lighting and sound. It includes basic electricity, tools, equipment, distribution and control for theatrical lighting and sound. The course will deal with the many aspects of implementing lighting and sound for a production.

Advanced scene study and techniques for integrating all resources of the singing actor in musical theatre. B.F.A. Musical Theatre majors only or by permission of instructor.

A co-requisite for THEA 432, the laboratory allows for exploration, musical coaching and preparation for the Musical Theatre Styles acting class.

Application of advanced techniques in preparation for studio and major productions.

Application of advanced production techniques in a leadership position, preparing and executing Mainstage productions for the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Director's functions and responsibilities including play selection, auditioning/casting, staging techniques and script analysis using the motivational unit as a basis of approach. Emphasis on preparation and presentation of a one-act play. Majors only. Junior or senior standing in the department.

Continuation of THEA 441; emphasis on theories of directing, as well as concerns and responsibilities of the director in productions involving period styles and/or alternative forms of staging. Majors only.

A survey of theatre history from pre-Greek to the 18th century. Performance and production elements in all ages will be covered. Junior or senior standing.

A survey of theatre history from 18th century to present. Performance and production elements in all ages will be covered. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.

Performing Arts management including philosophy, management procedures, budgets, publicity/promotion, ticket office and house management procedures for educational, community and professional resident performing arts organizations. For Theatre, Dance and Music majors, Arts Administration minors, or permission of instructor.

This course explores the basic tenets of the Sanford Meisner acting technique, including repetition, activities, preparation, and scene work.

The course is designed to give the student of theatre opportunities to create original theatre in a workshop setting. The course will introduce students to various processes of creating original theatre texts, scenarios and performances through group collaboration for a variety of contexts. Permission of instructor is required.

A seminar course that discusses challenges that BA and BFA students often face after graduation and starts to prepare them for their capstone projects. Topics may include, but are not limited to: resumes, cover letters, graduate schools, portfolios, and life as an artist.

Intensive individual study of some particular aspect of theatre involving preparation of a paper or project in support of the findings. Request for enrollment must be made in the form of a written proposal prior to the end of the second week of the semester. May be repeated for credit. Permission of department required.

Approved and supervised work-training experience in professional theatre company. Permission of department required.

Development of a capstone project intended for public presentation. Students will be expected to execute a theatrical project in either performance, design, or other area in theatre as approved by faculty advisement. The project should demonstrate competence in all aspects of the student’s degree program.

Development and public presentation of a creative project as a senior recital. Senior standing; B.F.A. Acting or Theatrical Production and Design majors only.

In-depth study of various specific areas in the theatre, either literature or production. Student should have an undergraduate degree in Theatre; permission of department required.

In-depth study of various specific areas in the theatre, either literature or production. Student should have an undergraduate degree in Theatre; permission of the department required.