THEA - Theatre Arts

A foundational course for first-year students in the Department of Theatre and Dance. Content will include a survey of Departmental policies and procedures, academic requirements, and an introduction to campus resources and processes.

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

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 will introduce students to a range of vocal and physical techniques for creative expression in performance. Through a series of exercises, trainings, and performance exercises, students will have the opportunity to reduce habitual tensions finding maximum affect with minimum effort, connect their movement and voice to imagery and text, and increase physical and vocal range, power, flexibility, and articulation. The class will cover techniques drawn from a wide variety of voice and movement pedagogies including Linklater, Viewpoints, Pilates and others.

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.

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 acting technique both in conjunction with Directing I and in an external lab setting.

A laboratory for exploration and development of acting technique both in conjunction with Directing I and in an external lab setting.

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.

THEA 270 Theatre for Social Change (TSC) is an introductory course on practices and theories of Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed, Community-based Theatre and Theatre for Development. Eminently practical, we will explore and apply principles and techniques of six participatory theatre modalities: 1. Games for non-actors 2. Image theatre 3. Newspaper theatre 4. Invisible theatre 5. Forum theatre 6. Breaking the Oppression/Cop in the head In addition, we will survey the principles and practices of Community-Based Theatre and Theatre for Development models.

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.

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.

The beginning of the professional theater in the western world can be traced directly from the Italian Renaissance form of physical theater known as the commedia dell'Arte. No study of actor training would be complete without a thorough examination of the commedia, underlying principles, and contemporary developments and applications of the form. Actors will develop a heightened sensibility and understanding of movement and character through direct practice with the various masks and techniques of original and contemporary physical theatre forms

The course will present the fundamental principles of approaching the creation of a character on stage using the techniques of Stanislavski realism.

Fredonia Young Company is an educational tour company devoted to bringing theatre shows to the schools that belong to Chautauqua School District. Composed entirely of BA students, FYC serves as a training ground for actors, designers, stage managers, dramaturgs, and directors, as well as the capstone experience to seniors who wish so. THEA 371 is a theoretical-practical course dedicated to the conceptualization, design, and basic blocking of the production. The production process culminates with a theatre tour in schools every spring semester.

Practical course devoted to finalizing the staging phase initiated in THEA 371 FYC I and tour the show in four schools in the Dunkirk/Fredonia area. THEA 498 Senior Project students who have been admitted into the company may choose to use it as their senior project. The show will be performed in local elementary schools, and Envision: Senior Showcase" in the months of March /April."

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.

Theoretical and practical course in which we will discuss the fundamental principles of directing. Following the performance process from the proto performance to the aftermath, the goal of the class is to learn, step by step, how to transpose the dramatic writing of the text into scenic writing. Since the same dramatic text may produce an infinite number of readings, the crucial task of a director is to determine and concretize a unique way of staging the script. In this class we will exercise and develop the necessary skills, strategies, and methodologies to conceive a strong director's concept, which will be implemented in THEA 442 Directing II.

Theoretical and practical course in which we will discuss and apply the fundamental principles of directing you were introduced to in the THEA 441 course.Topics include the director's function and responsibilities including play selection, auditioning/casting, staging techniques, and script analysis using the motivational unit as a basis of approach. Emphasis will be placed on preparation and presentation of the one-act play chosen in THEA 441, which will be presented in the context of Envision Showcase.

This class introduces the craft of playwriting to undergraduate students.  The course will culminate in a 10-minute play written by the students.

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 continuation/culmination of the THEA 133 Intro to Acting (technique and craft),and THEA 370 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).

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 an aspect of theatre that is of particular interest to the student. Criteria for Independent Study will be developed on a case-by-case basis between the student and their chosen faculty mentor. Completed Independent Study proposal form required for registration. May be repeated for credit.

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.