Theatre (THEA)

The course is primarily concerned with the functionings, purposes, and methods of theatre. Its structure, components, workings, and the contributions of the collaborative artists who make it happen are examined. Attendance at plays on and off-campus and an occasional field trip are required. C21:AE,HU.

Curriculum: AE,HU

This is an introduction course to acting for students whose career goals may be directed toward other fields, and for non-theatre majors who would like to learn the basics of acting. The course focuses on a basic approach to stage acting, emphasizing believability within the context of a play/stage environment. The course will provide the student with a general theatre and acting vocabulary. There will be extensive work in class on exercises that will aid in developing student-performed monologues and scenes. C21:AE,HU,OC.

Curriculum: AE,HU,SA

The craft of theatre directly investigates the aesthetics of human behavior, expression and storytelling, as dance and movement are an essential piece in understanding the human puzzle. This course will illuminate the physical body’s capacity for aesthetic expression through introduction to the history of dance and its cultural importance, observation, analysis, and active participation. Dance training will include learning and performing choreography as well as participating fully and courageously in spontaneous improvisation, kinesthetic exploration, and theatrical exercises that investigate the intersections of thought, emotion, spirit, and body.

This course is designed to focus on basic theatre improvisational skills. These skills include trust, active listening, ensemble-building, beginning character development, storytelling, physical theatre techniques, and object/environment work. Students are expected to participate in discussions, class activities, exercises, and performances. This course does not grade on "talent" but on the willingness to fully participate in all class activities. C21:AE,HU.

This course is designed for students with an interest in creating and examining socially engaged theatre practices and performance techniques. In this course, the student will investigate and examine ways in which theatre has inspired political action, and reflect upon ideas surrounding both social oppression and social change within a theatrical framework. C21:AE,DI,HU,OC.

Curriculum: AE,DI,HU,SA

The course provides the student with the fundamental vocabulary of the actor, with attention to the essential conventions of 20th century American acting technique in general and a focus on a condensed form of the Stanislavaski acting approach. Scene work and various training exercises are required. This course is taught in conjunction with THEA 215. C21:AE,DI,HU,OC.

Curriculum: AE,DI,HU,SA

This course builds upon and refines the techniques established in the Acting I course, strengthening Stanislavski-based skills and expanding into exploring the actor's relationship to the physical and psychological senses. Through the execution of monologues, scenes, and ensemble-driven work, using both contemporary and classical material, while working on both realistic and non-traditional stylized approaches of theatre and acting, this course explores sources of imagination and inspiration for the actor.

This course explores the fundamentals of stage direction. Studio exercises will help develop directing skills in the areas of composition, interpretation of form and content, and effective communication with actors and artistic team. Scene and monologue work with acting students in class is part of the structure for this course. This course is taught in conjunction with THEA 211. C21:AE,DI,HU,OC.

Curriculum: AE,DI,HU,SA

The course is a lab for Introduction to Directing, THEA 215. The student will direct a production, chosen with the consultation and approval of the instructor. A tutorial format is employed. Offered as needed.

This course will introduce students to structural, practical, and analytical methods towards serious investigation of dramatic texts. Students will be acquainted with a wide array of forms of analysis including: biographical and historical, psychological, archetypal and mythological, moral, and philosophical. They will also be able to identify cultural movements within theatre and literature, including: realism, naturalism, surrealism, magical realism, expressionism, avant-garde, and post-modernism.

Curriculum: EL

This course demonstrates the basic technology of theatre. Students learn the vocabulary of equipment, the properties of scenic materials, the use of lighting instruments and technology, and the professional standards in design and technology. A hands-on laboratory component is part of the course, as are occasional field trips to neighboring professional theatres. Attendance at plays on and off-campus is also required.

This course introduces the process and techniques of design and drafting of scenic and lighting projects for the theatre, utilizing Computer Assisted Design (CAD) programs. A hands-on laboratory component is part of the course. Attendance at plays on and off-campus is also required.

These courses focus on areas not already covered by current Theater courses. Special topics courses are generally not offered more than once.

Participation in the production activities of the theatre program in areas including performance, construction and crew work, stage management, design areas, and other related support and service activities.

This course is required for theatre majors. It provides the theatre major currently in junior standing (or admitted by special permission) with a course to help prepare for the capstone process. The Junior Seminar is designed to engage directly with the research skills required to build a successful culminating project.

An exploration of the visual, mechanical, intellectual, and cooperative skills necessary to function as a scenic designer in the theatre. In this course we will practice methods of analyzing, researching, and visually expressing dramatic works. Course work will concentrate on the active process of scenic design with an emphasis on creativity and communication of scenic ideas.

An exploration of the visual, mechanical, intellectual, and cooperative skills necessary to function as a lighting designer in the theatre. In this course we will practice methods of analyzing, researching, and visually expressing dramatic works. Course work will concentrate on the active process of lighting design with an emphasis on creativity and communication of visual lighting ideas.

Exploration of theatrical production focusing on the duties and responsibilities of stage managers.

The course will focus on architecture, writing, acting, directing, staging, and theatrical design, as well as the relationship between theatre and the culture from which it springs. Offered alternate years.

The course is similar in scope and intent to THEA 341, with the exception that the focus is on developments since 1800. Offered alternate years.

This seminar will provide a topical approach to the study of theatre theory and criticism, from Aristotle to modern movements. As scholars in the study of theatre, theory provides us with many ways to illuminate the practice of theatre, in textual analysis, embodied performance, and through design. In this course, the student will become familiar with some basic theories that have shaped the ever-evolving theatrical event through which they will begin to develop their own unique critical awareness.

Advanced study of both traditional and contemporary topics in theatre. Taught by departmental staff to meet the needs of advanced students with special interests in theatre. Offered as needed. C21:EL.

Curriculum: EL

Advanced study of both traditional and contemporary topics in theatre. Taught by departmental staff to meet the needs of advanced students with special interests in theatre. Offered as needed. C21:EL.

Curriculum: EL

Senior students majoring in theatre will complete one of the following projects: (l) write a major paper on some aspect of the history or theory of theatre, (2) have the primary directorial, acting or design responsibility for a production, or (3) write an original play of suitable length. C21:CS,EL.

Curriculum: CS,EL

Students may intern with a local professional theatre, either in an administrative capacity or in a practical capacity (assistant stage manager, lights, props, etc.). Students must meet the requirements for internships as outlined elsewhere in this catalog. Application required; see Internship Program. Offered as needed.