This page is a copy of the course listings in the undergraduate catalogue (pdf).
THEATRE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
THEA 101 INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE ARTS (3) This course provides an introduction to all areas of theatre including acting, directing, design, and history, focusing on the role of the audience and performer and emphasizing the collaborative nature of theatre. The course includes lecture, discussion, and a scene project and is recommended for students who have had little participatory experience in theatre.
THEA 102 INTRODUCTION TO TECHNICAL THEATRE AND DESIGN (3) This course offers an introduction to the theatre organization, the theatre facility and its equipment, and to the basic design and visual environments of the stage. A study of materials, equipment, and techniques used in the construction of scenery is included.
THEA 120 INTRODUCTION TO DANCE (3) This beginning course in dance for the musical theatre stage focuses on basic foundations and techniques in ballet and jazz. Syntheses of these styles will be placed into basic musical theatre choreography.
THEA 123 VOICE AND DICTION (3) This course includes physical and vocal exercises, as well as the organization, preparation and execution of a variety of oral presentations. A persuasive speech is the culminating project. This is not a course for the identification and correction of chronic vocal problems, dialect reduction, or for the practice of English as a second language.
THEA 131 FUNDAMENTALS OF ACTING (3) This course presents concepts and exercises that set an actor in motion physically, verbally, and emotionally, leading to character development and scene study. This is an active, participatory course focusing on physical and vocal exercises, improvisation, and performance projects.
THEA 202 TECHNICAL THEATRE I (3) A study of materials, equipment, and techniques used in the construction and finishing of scenery, this course also includes principles of drafting, lighting, sound, and special effects.
THEA 211 DRAMATIC LITERATURE: CLASSICAL GREECE TO RENAISSANCE (3) This course is a study of the great literary works of the theatre during the major periods of the Greek, Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance eras.
THEA 212 DRAMATIC LITERATURE: SEVENTEENTH CENTURY TO PRESENT (3) This course is a study of the great literary works of the theatre during the major periods of the late seventeenth century to the present.
THEA 232 SCRIPT AND CHARACTER ANALYSIS (3) Prerequisite: THEA 131 or consent of instructor. This course provides a variety of methods for analyzing plays, scenes, and characters. Course work includes oral reports and performance projects.
THEA 250 STAGE MAKEUP (3) Prerequisite: Theatre major or consent of instructor. This course is an exploration of the techniques of stage makeup including traditional, corrective, old age, facial hair, prosthetics, and fantasy characters. It includes color theory, facial anatomy, and character analysis. Learning activities involve lectures, demonstrations, and studio participation. Students must purchase a make-up kit.
THEA 275 MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE (3) Prerequisite: THEA 131 or consent of instructor. An overview of the musical theatre genre, including the study and practice of singing, dancing, acting, style, interpretation, and audition techniques.
THEA 301-302 HISTORY OF THE THEATRE I, II (3, 3) A history of performance and production in the great theatre epochs.
THEA 311 DIRECTING (3) Prerequisite: THEA 232 and consent of instructor. This study of the director's function in staging and producing plays for schools, churches, and community organizations includes script interpretation and analysis, production organization, composition, and communication with actors. The final project involves the direction of a one-act play, from casting through rehearsal and performance.
THEA 315 ADVANCED ACTING (3) Prerequisite: THEA 232 or consent of instructor. This course is a continuation of THEA 232 and includes a study of advanced performance techniques and theatrical career preparation.
THEA 330 TECHNICAL THEATRE II (3) Prerequisite: THEA 202, or consent of instructor. An overview of drawing and drafting for the theatre. This will include practical and theoretical practices used in all areas of design. The design-technical emphasis focuses on the development of the skills and artistic abilities required
THEA 331 SCENE DESIGN (3) Prerequisite: THEA 202 or consent of instructor. This course is an introduction to the theory, esthetics, and practice of scenery design for the theatre. It includes the study of line and form for visual presentation in ground plans, elevations, and three dimensional models. Learning activities include lecture, discussion, individual projects, and CAD applications.
THEA 333 LIGHTING DESIGN (3) Prerequisite: THEA 202 or consent of instructor. This course is an introduction to the theory, esthetics, and practice of lighting design for the theatre and includes study of lighting instruments, electricity, and control systems. Learning activities include lecture, discussion, individual projects, and CAD applications.
THEA 340 THEATRE MANAGEMENT (3) Prerequisite: THEA 131 or THEA 202. This course is an introduction to the economic and managerial aspects of American theatre, specifically professional resident theatre and non-professional educational and community theatre. Topics include the physical theatre plant, finances, public relations, audience development, box office procedures, and house management.
THEA 350 ADVANCED STAGE MAKEUP (3) Prerequisite: THEA 250 or consent the instructor.The study of advanced stage makeup techniques to include but not limited to prosthetics, beards and mustaches, hair and wigs, and nonrealistic makeup.
THEA 377 STUDY ABROAD IN THEATRE (3) This course allows students the opportunity to explore theatre in the international community. Students will read plays, examine playwrights, and gain knowledge of the theatrical heritages and current trends generating from particular countries. During excursions, students will be immersed in theatrical performance by participation in workshops, academies, and other experiential activities. Students will have multiple opportunities to observe and examine theatrical performances.
THEA 390 THEATRE PRACTICUM (.5 or 1) Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor, academic advisor and school dean. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory credit only. May be repeated for credit. Specific assigned production responsibilities broaden a student's knowledge and practice in theatre. A maximum of eight hours of practicum credit is allowed over a student's career at the College.
THEA 397 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN THEATRE (1-3) Prerequisites: Approval of faculty sponsor and school dean; junior or senior standing. This course provides students the opportunity to pursue individual study of topics not covered in other available courses. The area for investigation is developed in consultation with a faculty sponsor and credit is dependent on the nature of the work. May be repeated for no more than six credits.
THEA 398 SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE (1-3) [credit depends on topic] Prerequisite: A background of work in the discipline or prior consent of instructor. This course will focus on an aspect of the discipline not otherwise covered by the regularly offered courses. The topic will vary according to professor and term; consequently, more than one may be taken by a student during his/her matriculation.
THEA 399 INTERNSHIP IN THEATRE (1-12) Prerequisites: Juniors or seniors with a 2.25 minimum QPA; approval of written proposal by internship coordinator, and supervising faculty prior to registration. This planned work experience for academic credit allows the student to explore the world of work as it relates to the student's theatre and career goals. (See "Internships.")
THEA 410 SENIOR PROJECT (3) Prerequisites: Senior theatre majors only, consent of instructor, academic advisor and school dean. In this capstone course, the student will complete a theatre production project demonstrating proficiency in the field. The project is designed to employ the principles stressed in upper-level theatre courses and will include research, documentation, and practical application. The body of work must be completed under faculty supervision.