THEA 110 – Introduction to Stage Crafts (3 credits)
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. Prerequisite: None
THEA 120 – Introduction to Performance (3 credits)
Introduces the fundamentals of stage performance. Improvisation, relaxation, and character exercises build awareness of skills necessary for successful live performance. Presents basic acting vocabulary/theory. Develops confidence performing in front of others. Includes readings, plays in context, viewing of live theatre, and short writing assignments. Fosters more informed observers of performance experience. Course attributes: CCA Prerequisite: None
THEA 200 – Introduction to Theatre (3 credits)
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. Course attributes: CCA Prerequisite: None
THEA 210 - Drawing for Theatre (3 credits)
Familiarizes students with basic materials and techniques of graphic presentations and scenic, costume, and lighting design for 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. Prerequisite: None
THEA 220 – Beginning Acting (3 credits)
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 Construction (3 credits)
Provides the student with 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 the 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 Construction (3 credits)
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. The emphasis of the 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 Design (3 credits)
Explores the creative process and principles of tool 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. Prerequisite: None
THEA 260 – Intermediate Acting (3 credits)
Continues the integrated voice, movement & acting training sequence from Beginning
Acting, emphasizing on character building. Students explore the acting instrument
in greater depth. Movement study connects the voice to the body & 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 & control over the instrument & expand understanding of the demands of
creating dynamic characters for stage performance. Prerequisite: THEA 220
THEA 271 – Play Analysis (3 credits)
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 — Stagecraft II: Topics
Builds on the foundational skills learned in Intro to Stage Crafts. Familiarizes students
with methods, materials, equipment, concepts & 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, Intro to Sound. Students may repeat enrollment
for credit, but may not repeat topics. Prerequisite: THEA 110
THEA 290 - Stage Makeup (3 credits)
Introduces students to basic make-up 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. Prerequisite: None
THEA 310 — Design for Theatre (topic) (3 credits)
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
THEA 360 – Advanced Acting (topic) (3 credits)
Builds on the foundational skills & concepts acquired from the integrated voice, movement
& acting sequence. Students will choose further study to inform their individual development
as actors. Topics are offered on a rotating basis & focus on a specialized aspect
of acting technique while incorporating advanced research & 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
THEA 370 – Collaboration (3 credits)
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 Practicum (1 credit)
Provides a setting for the practical application of theatre skills. Involves participation
in Theatre Program Season. Course may be repeated. Prerequisite: By audition or interview only
THEA 379 – Topics in Theatre Production (3 credits)
Studies in depth a specific aspect of theatre production. Designed to provide advanced work in materials, techniques and design. 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, or Stage Management. Students may repeat enrollment for credit, but may not repeat topics. Prerequisite: THEA 110, THEA 230 or THEA 240
THEA 380 — Audition Technique (3 credits)
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 Century (3 credits)
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 Present (3 credits)
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 – Directing (3 credits)
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. Prerequisite:THEA 120, THEA 200, THEA 271, THEA 250, THEA 370
THEA 479 – Topics in Theatre Performance (3 credits)
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 Commedia, Collaborative Theatre Ensemble, Contact Improvisation, Hip Hop Theatre, Improvisation, Mask Performance, Melodrama, Period Dance for Stage, Physical Comedy, Puppetry, Spoken Word, Stage Combat, etc. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval
