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Theatre
The Theatre Program is committed to deepening a student’s knowledge and appreciation of the theatre by studying the theatre of the past, learning the theoretical background of the various parts of the theatre acting, directing, design, play writing, technical theatre; and regular participation in theatre productions. Students have the opportunity to participate in all phases of production work as well as to specialize in either acting/directing or design/technical theatre. The department produces a broad range of material from the classics to musicals to modern experimental theatre. Students work with the faculty as well as with guest artists each year.
The Theatre Major
The Theatre Minor
The Musical Theatre Minor
Course Descriptions
Course descriptions for the musical theatre major will be found in Theatre, Music and Dance
The Theatre Major
(46 semester hours)
Required:
ARMG 105 (4) Introduction to Arts Management
THTR 105 (3) Introduction to Technical Theatre
THTR 189 (3) Acting I
THTR 310 (3) Scenography: Fundamentals of Theatre Design
THTR 329 (2) Advanced Theatre Production
THTR 392 (3) Directing
Senior Exercise:
THTR 463 (3) Senior Project
Choose the following course twice in two different semesters:
THTR 229 (2) Production and Performance
Choose 4 courses from the following:
THTR 170 (3) Theatre on Film
THTR 245 (3) Contemporary Drama
THTR 333 (3) History and Literature of the Theatre of the Ancient World
THTR 334 (3) History and Literature of the Theatre of the Middle Ages and Renaissance
THTR 335 (3) History and Literature of the Theatre in the 17th to 19th Centuries
THTR 336 (3) History and Literature of the Theatre in the 20th and 21st Centuries
Choose 1 course from the following:
ENGL 235 (3) Shakespeare
ENGL 322 (3) Romance and Renewal: Shakespeare and Elizabethan Drama
ENGL 324 (3) Revenge and Ravishment: Shakespeare and Jacobean Drama
Choose 6 additional credit hours from the following:
DANC 223 (3) Introduction to Dance Composition I
THTR 104 (3) Introduction to the Theatre
THTR 170 (3) Theatre on Film (if not chosen for requirement above)
THTR 220 (3) Computer Applications for Theatre
THTR 230 (3) Play and Screen Writing
THTR 235 (3) Musical Theatre Literature: Stage and Screen
THTR 280 (2) Voice and Movement for Theatre
THTR 290 (3) London Theatre Tour
THTR 341 (3) Musical Theatre Techniques
THTR 389 (3) Acting II
NOTE: For the major in theatre, the P/CR/NC grading option may be exercised for courses taken at the 100- and 200-level only. Additional information about the P/CR/NC grading option is available under the Academic Regulations heading of the catalog.
The Theatre Minor
(19 semester hours)
Required:
THTR 104 (3) Introduction to the Theatre
THTR 105 (3) Introduction to Technical Theatre I
THTR 189 (3) Acting I
Choose 2 of the following courses:
THTR 333 (3) History and Literature of the Theatre of the Ancient World
THTR 334 (3) History and Literature of the Theatre of the Middle Ages and Renaissance
THTR 335 (3) History and Literature of the Theatre in the 17th to 19th Centuries
THTR 336 (3) History and Literature of the Theatre in the 20th and 21st Centuries
Choose the following course twice in two different semesters:
THTR 229 (2) Production and Performance
NOTE: For the minor in theatre, the P/CR/NC grading option may be exercised for courses taken at the 100- and 200-level only. Additional information about the P/CR/NC grading option is available under the Academic Regulations heading of the catalog.
The Musical Theatre Major
(45-46 semester hours)
Required:
DANC 107 (1) Beginning Ballet
DANC 109 (1) Beginning Jazz Dance
DANC 111 (1) Beginning Modern Dance
DANC 113 (1) Beginning Tap
MUSC 157 (3) Music Theory I: Analysis and Performance
MUSC 218 (3) Music Theory II: Composition and Analysis
THTR 189 (3) Acting I
THTR 229 (2) Production and Performance
THTR 235 (3) Musical Theatre Literature
THTR 329 (2) Advanced Theatre Production
THTR 336 (3) History and Literature of the Theatre in the 20th and 21st Centuries
THTR 341 (3) Vocal Performance Technique
Senior Exercise:
THTR 463 (3) Senior Project
Choose 1 of the following courses:
DANC 211 (1) Intermediate Modern Dance
DANC 311 (2) Advanced Modern Dance
Choose 1 of the following courses:
DANC 223 (3) Introduction to Dance Composition I
DANC 224 (3) Introduction to Dance Composition II
Choose the following course twice in two different semesters (4 credits):
MUSC 181 (2) Applied Piano
Choose the following course four times in four different semesters (8 credits):
MUSC 185 (2) Applied Voice
NOTE: At the discretion of the chair of the music department, a student may substitute MUSC 107 for one semester of MUSC 181. At the discretion of the chair of the dance department, a student may substitute DANC 211 for DANC 111 and/or may substitute DANC 207 for DANC 107.
The Musical Theatre Minor
(20-21 semester hours)
Required:
DANC 111 (1) Beginning Modern Dance
MUSC 107 (3) Rudiments of Music I
MUSC 138 (1) Opera Workshop
MUSC 185 (2) Applied Voice
THTR 189 (3) Acting I
THTR 229 (2) Production and Performance
THTR 235 (3) Musical Theatre Literature: Stage and Screen
THTR 341 (3) Musical Theatre Techniques
Choose both:
DANC 107 (1) Beginning Ballet
DANC 109 (1) Beginning Jazz
OR
Choose:
DANC 223 (3) Introduction to Dance Composition I
NOTES: At the discretion of the chair of the music department, some students whose major is music may substitute MUSC 181 for MUSC 107. For the minor in musical theatre, the P/CR/NC grading option may be exercised for courses taken at the 100- and 200-level only. Additional information about the P/CR/NC grading option is available under the Academic Regulations heading of the catalog.
Teacher Licensure in Theatre
Students seeking licensure (6-12) in theatre must satisfy all requirements for the major in theatre, and select one of the following courses as well: THTR 280 or THTR 341. See additional professional requirements listed under the
Department of Education.
THTR 102
Public Speaking
CR:
3.0 An introduction to informative, argumentative, and persuasive modes of address: traditional rhetorical principles of organization, audience analysis, and effective delivery will be applied in class. III.O
THTR 104
Introduction to the Theatre
CR:
3.0 Introduction to the basic principles of theatre. Different specialties will be explored such as acting, directing, scenic and lighting design, stage management and publicity. Historical periods will be defined, and representative plays will be read. V.6a
THTR 105
Technical Theatre
CR:
3.0 Introduction to the technical theatre: lighting, sound, set construction, scene painting, and backstage management. A thorough training in scene shop functions and technical support, emphasizing practical skills. Three hours of lecture and discussion and three hours of laboratory per week.
THTR 170
Theatre on Film
CR:
3.0 Students will read the scripts and see the film adaptations of a variety of plays originally written for the stage. The course will cover both classic and modern drama. May be counted toward the minor in film studies. Three hours lecture/ discussion and two hours lab per week. Offered alternate years. V.6a
THTR 189
Acting I
CR:
3.0 Theatrical presentation as a critical approach to dramatic literature. Reading, discussion, and performance to develop the student’s powers of expression. III.O, V.6b
THTR 202
Business and Professional Speaking
CR:
3.0 Communication concepts and skills for use in business and professional environments. Topics covered include: problem solving, dealing with resistance to change, audience analysis, interviewing, asking questions, responding to public questions, dealing with the news media, and organization of material. III.O
THTR 205
Advanced Technical Theatre
CR:
3.0 Prerequisite: THTR 105. Advanced studies in the technical applications of properties, costumes, scene painting, lighting, model making, and stage management. From the organization to final product, how to bring ideas to life on the stage. Practical projects and research included.
THTR 220
Computer Applications for Technical Theatre
CR:
3.0 Prerequisite: THTR 105. An introduction to the basics of Computer Assisted Drafting (CAD), computer modeling and rendering, lighting simulation, graphic arts, sound design and editing and scanning and printing. Emphasis on establishing a foundation for further individual study and practice.
THTR 229
Production and Performance
CR:
2.0 Ensemble participation in technical production and play performance: acting, stage design and construction, stage management, make-up, publicity, and backstage crew work. May be repeated for credit. V.6b
THTR 230
Play and Screen Writing
CR:
3.0 An introductory course in writing scripts designed for production. Students will learn dramatic structure, dialogue writing, and characterization by writing several drafts of original short plays and screen plays. Offered alternate years. III.W, V.6b
THTR 235
Musical Theatre Literature: Stage and Screen
CR:
3.0 Students will study the history, literature, and music of musical theatre on the stage as well as in film from its orgin through contemporary times. Primary sources, scripts, and screenplays will be analyzed for form, content, and style. Offered alternate years. III.W, V.6a
THTR 245
Contemporary Drama
CR:
3.0 Representative plays from the contemporary theatre will be read and discussed. All plays in this course have had their original production within the last eight years. Students will learn how to analyze scripts and make judgments on their quality. Offered every third year. V.2, V.6a
THTR 258
Debate and Argumentation
CR:
3.0 The principles and techniques in argumentative speaking and debate. Students will have the opportunity to study and analyze debate propositions, prepare arguments, research and select evidence, and practice rebuttal and refutation. Offered alternate years. III.O.
THTR 261
Directed Study
CR:
3.0 Prerequisites: One THTR course and permission of the instructor. The study of introductory level material by an individual student or by a small group of students under the immediate supervision of a faculty member.
THTR 280
Voice and Movement for Theatre
CR:
3.0 Intensive work in the fundamentals of movement and voice for stage and camera. Includes breathing and centering techniques, posture, improvement of resonance, articulation and projection and presentation of character through movement. Offered alternate years. III.O
THTR 290
London Theatre Tour
CR:
3.0 Students will spend three weeks in London, attending 12 plays, as well as museums, art galleries, the Old Globe Project, tours of several theatres and arts complexes and a weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon. Students will learn critical appreciation of theatre through written essays and discussion. This course will be offered during the summer, and carries an extra cost of approximately $3,200. Offered alternate years. V.6a
THTR 310
Scenography: Fundamentals of Theatrical Design
CR:
3.0 Prerequisite: THTR 105. An introduction to the concepts and practice in all areas of scenography, including scenic design, lighting design, sound design, property design, costume design. Offered alternate years.
THTR 329
Advanced Theatre Production
CR:
2.0 Prerequisites: 4 credits in THTR 229 and junior standing. Students enrolled in this class will be assigned major acting roles, or supervisory positions such as stage manager, assistant director, or crew head in the mainstage theatre production. May be repeated for credit.
THTR 333
History and Literature of the Theatre of the Ancient World
CR:
3.0 Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. The history of the theatre in ancient Greece, Rome, India, China, and Japan, including the major genres and playwrights, staging, design, and production arrangements. Representative plays will be read and discussed from each period. Offered alternate years. V.2, V.6a
THTR 334
History and Literature of the Theatre of the Middle Ages and Renaissance
CR:
3.0 Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. The history of theatre in the Middle Ages, Elizabethan and Jacobean England, and the Spanish Golden Age. It includes the major genres and playwrights, staging, design, and production arrangements. Representative plays will be read and discussed from each period. Offered alternate years. V.1, V.2
THTR 335
History and Literature of the Theatre in the 17th to 19th Centuries
CR:
3.0 Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. The history of theatre in renaissance Italy, 17th-century France, Restoration England, early America, and 18th- and 19th-century Europe. It includes the major genres and playwrights, staging, design, and production arrangements. Representative plays will be read and discussed from each period. Offered alternate years. V.2, V.6a
THTR 336
History and Literature of the Theatre in the 20th and 21st Centuries
CR:
3.0 Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. This course includes the major genres and playwrights, staging, design, and production arrangements of the 20th and 21st centuries. Representative plays will be read and discussed in each genre and style. Offered alternate years. V.1, V.2
THTR 341
Vocal Performance Technique
CR:
3.0 Prerequisite: THTR 189, MUSC 185, or DANC 111. This course is structured to allow student growth in all areas of vocal performance. Students will study and perform selections from musical theatre, classical art song, and opera as fits their specific interest. Instruction will be given in character development, stage development, and audition technique. Offered alternate years.
THTR 361
Special Study
CR:
1.0 Prerequisites: 100-level THTR course and permission of the instructor. The study of an intermediate level topic by an individual student or by a small group of students under the immediate supervision of a faculty member.
THTR 377
Internship
CR:
1.0 Prerequisites: Three credits in THTR and permission of the instructor, department chair, and dean. This course is graded P/CR/NC only.
THTR 389
Acting II
CR:
3.0 Prerequisite: THTR 189. An advanced course in acting which concentrates on Stanislavskian techniques such as textual analysis, using emotional memory, and creating the illusion of the first time. Both class exercises and scene work are utilized. Offered alternate years.
THTR 392
Directing
CR:
3.0 Prerequisite: THTR 189. Studies in approaches to directing for the stage and camera with practical application to one-act plays and short films directed by the students. Offered alternate years.
THTR 461
Independent Study
CR:
1.0 Prerequisites: One 100-level THTR course, one 200- level THTR course, and permission of the instructor. Pursuit of an upper level research project determined in advance by the student in consultation with a faculty member who will act as the sponsor.
THTR 463
Senior Project
CR:
3.0 An independent project for the senior theatre major in acting, directing, or design. This course may not be taken on a P/CR/NC grading option.
