Theatre

Courses

THEATR 1060 Theatre Workshop: 1-2 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 1900 and Consent of Instructor. Course provides practical application of technical theatre practices through 45 hours of lab work within the areas of scenery, lighting, properties, and sound in conjunction with departmental productions. Personal safety equipment and basic tools will be required. Course may be repeated for up to 8 credit hours.

THEATR 1070 Introduction to Cinema: 3 semester hours

Same as MEDIA ST 1070. This course provides an overview of American cinema from the early beginnings of D.W. Griffith and his contemporaries to the present day. The course will discuss both the Hollywood studio system and today's independent movement. Genre, film theory, criticism, and aesthetics are also covered.

THEATR 1210 Fundamentals of Acting: 3 semester hours

Course develops personal communication and presentational skills through vocal, physical, and emotional exercises designed for the beginning actor. Course emphasizes relaxation, concentration, improvisation, script analysis, characterization and scene work exercises to develop elementary performance skills.

THEATR 1600 Voice Ad Diction/Vocal Performance: 3 semester hours

This course promotes development of clear, distinct enunciation and correct pronunciation for mass media communication, public address, theatre, and oral interpretation. It also includes development of oral-presentational and self promotional skills for voice acting/voice-over in contemporary theatre and media.

THEATR 1800 Introduction to Theatre (MOTR THEA 100A): 3 semester hours

A study of Theatre as an art form, emphasizing the audience's appreciation of the art of the playwright, actor, director, designers, and technicians. Major periods, genres, and dramatic forms from classical to modern to the avant garde as well as performance art will be covered. Students will attend performances and learn about how theatre functions as an art and an industry in today's world. Attendance at several live theatrical (theatre, play, musical, opera, and dance) performances, will be required.

THEATR 1850 Introduction to Non-Western Theatre: 3 semester hours

Survey of theatre forms of the non-European world in which primary attention is concentrated on analysis of traditional dance drama and puppet theatres of East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Similiar forms of European theatre will be included for comparative purposes. Focus on the development of world theatre from a visual point of view, from earliest storytelling rituals through international stage development to contemporary theatrical forms, with a view to understanding the global perspective. Course will survey visual media and writings on dance and theatre traditions found around the non-Western World. (Satisfies the Cultural Diversity requirement).

THEATR 1900 Introduction to Theatre Technology: 3 semester hours

Introductory course covering the basic theories and techniques of theatre technology including stage equipment and safety, scenery, lighting, costuming, properties, sound and box office. Course includes practical application through a minimum of 25 hours of lab work in conjunction with a departmental production.

THEATR 1910 Introduction to Theatrical Design: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 1900 or consent of instructor. Introductory course covering the elements and principles of design in the areas of scenery, lighting, and costumes. Course will include various creative projects in two and three dimensions. Some graphic materials will be required.

THEATR 2020 Acting for the Camera: 3 semester hours

An acting course that prepares the actor for work in front of a camera. Working with broadcast quality cameras, students will learn the art of language and expression. Students will learn the art and skill of communicating to an audience. Students also acquire the skills for working with other actors on camera, close-ups, working with props, continuity and hitting your mark.

THEATR 2195 Practicum in Performance Studies: 1-3 semester hours

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Provides practical experience in acting, directing, or dramaturgy through rehearsal and performance in conjunction with department productions, or other approved independent study projects. Laboratory time will be scheduled and may include evening and weekend rehearsals and performances. Course may be repeated for up to 8 credit hours.

THEATR 2196 Practicum in Scenery/Lighting/Sound in Theatre Production: 1-3 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 1900 and Consent of instructor. Course provides practical experience in scenery, lighting, sound, and properties implementation and/or running crew work in conjunction with departmental productions or other approved independent study projects. Running crew work will involve evening, weekend and daytime hours according to assignment. Credit hours are determined based on the scope of the project. Course may be repeated for up to 6 credit hours.

THEATR 2197 Practicum in Costume: 1-3 semester hours

Practicum in costume construction, cutting, draping, millinery, fabric dyeing/painting, distressing, crafts including wardrobe and makeup running crews, in conjunction with the theatre and dance department productions, or other approved independent study projects. In addition to daytime lab hours, occasional weekend and/or evening laboratory time will be required. Appropriate clothing, personal safety and sewing equipment will be required. Course may be repeated for up to 8 credit hours.

THEATR 2210 Ensemble Acting: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 1210. A Laboratory acting course providing an "outside-in" starting point for theatrical creation and study, balancing and countering the "inside-out" approach of Stanislavsky-based actor training. Emphasis is paid to ensemble creations, physical characterization, cooperative methods and object performance. May involve practices and theories of Jerzy Grotowski, Augusto Boal, Jacques Lecoq, and/or Tadashi Suzuki.

THEATR 2214 Screenwriting: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 1070 or consent of the department. Writing fiction film narratives with particular emphasis on plot structure, theme, and character development.

THEATR 2241 Argumentation and Debate: 3 semester hours

Prerequisite: COMM 1040, or COMM 1041, or consent of instructor. Principles of argumentation and debate with practice in preparing briefs and in delivering spoken arguments in formal debate. Emphasis on analysis of issues, logical reasoning, and audience analysis.

THEATR 2244 Introduction to Directing: 3 semester hours

Prerequisite: TH DAN 2105. An overview of the analytical and creative processes that inform the director's work. Students engage in a close examination of texts, key concepts, and directorial choices in staged performances, opera, films, and video. Students will learn how to articulate responses to theatrical/film work, create and present projects, understand the history and role of the director, and unlock the imagination as an interpretive artist.

THEATR 2250 Scenic Fabrication: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 1900 or consent of instructor. A survey of the theories, terminology, and practices of professional methods and equipment of scenic and properties fabrication, painting, and rigging. Students will learn current professional techniques in wood, metal, and plastic fabrication including the operation and programming of CNC production machinery. Course includes practical application through 45 hours of lab work in conjunction with department productions. Personal safety equipment will be required.

THEATR 2271 History of American Film: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 1070 or MEDIA ST 1070; or consent of the instructor. This course explores the history of American film from the late nineteenth century to the present.

THEATR 2272 Contemporary Cinema: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 1070 or MEDIA ST 1070; or consent of instructor. This course explores the history of World Cinema from the 1940s to the present day.

THEATR 2273 Survey of Film Genres: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 1080 or MEDIA ST 1070; or consent of instructor. This course explores the historical and aesthetic significance of film varieties. Analysis of genres may include the western, horror, science fiction, musical, detective, war, romantic comedy, and other films by type.

THEATR 2274 African-American Cinema: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 1070 or MEDIA ST 1070; or equivalent. This course studies the impact of cinema and the entertainment industry on the social perceptions of African-Americans and on African-American culture. The history of African-American films from Oscar Micheaux in the 1920's through 1970's Blaxploitation to present directors and producers will be examined. African-American experiences and roles in films will also be discussed.

THEATR 2290 2D and 3D CAD for Live Performance: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 1900 or consent of instructor. Survey course covering the fundamental techniques of two- and three-dimensional computer aided drafting and rendering.

THEATR 2300 Stage Management: 3 semester hours

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Course develops fundamental stage management skills needed to supervise all operative aspects of play production from auditions through performance. These skills include: interpersonal and leadership skills, conflict resolution techniques, venue and staff management/scheduling, and technical script analysis. Course includes production experience.

THEATR 2800 History of Costumes: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 1800 or consent of instructor. Survey of the Western history of costumes through the cultural, historical, and political influences on fashion from primitive times to the present.

THEATR 2810 History of World Theatre and Drama through the Restoration: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 1800 or consent of instructor. Survey of the history of influence of different cultures, traditions, and technologies on development of theatre as a social institution. History of Theatre and drama from ancient cultures to the Restoration period. Ritual and religious drama. Study of the origins of theatre and drama from oral tradition, myth, storytelling, Shamanism and collective ritual, Greek festival drama, and cloister drama of different cultures. Rise of secular drama, the traditions of classical Greek theatre. Study of the Renaissance, and drama in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the New World.

THEATR 2820 History of World Theatre & Drama from 18th C to Contemporary Time: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 1800 or consent of instructor. History of theatre from 18th century to contemporary times. Survey of history of influence of different cultures, traditions, and technologies on the development of theatre as a social institution. Study of realism and subsequent departures from realism in theatre, drama and performance.

THEATR 3060 Advanced Theatre Workshop: 1-2 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 1060, THEATR 1900 and Consent of instructor. Practical application of technical theatre practices through 45 hours of lab work within the areas of scenery, lighting, properties, and sound in conjunction with departmental productions. Personal safety equipment and basic tools will be required. Course may be repeated for up to 8 credit hours.

THEATR 3070 International Cinema: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 1070 or MEDIA ST 1070. This course promotes an understanding of the art and history of international cinema cinema and helps students to better understand film and filmmakers' intentions as well as the culture in which the film was produced. Films from Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and Australia will be examined. The artistic, technical, historical and social significance of these films, as well as their impact upon American cinema, will also be studied.

THEATR 3195 Advanced Practicum in Performance Studies: 1-3 semester hours

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Course provides advanced practical experience in acting, directing, or dramaturgy through rehearsal and performance in conjunction with department productions, or other approved independent study projects. Laboratory time will be scheduled and may include evening and weekend rehearsals and performances. Course may be repeated for up to 8 credit hours.

THEATR 3196 Advanced Theatre Practicum: Scenery/Lighting/Sound in Theatre Production: 1-3 semester hours

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Course provides advanced practical experience in scenery, lighting, sound, and properties implementation and/or running crew work in conjunction with departmental productions, or other approved independent study projects. Running crew work may involve evening and weekend assigned times. Additional daytime hours will vary according to assignment. Credit hours are determined based on the scope of the project. Course may be repeated for up to 6 credit hours.

THEATR 3197 Advanced Practicum in Costume: 1-3 semester hours

This course provides advanced practical experience in costume construction, cutting, draping, millinery, fabric dyeing/ painting, distressing, crafts including wardrobe and makeup running crews, in conjunction with the theatre and dance department productions, or other approved independent study projects. In addition to daytime Lab hours, occasional weekend and/or evening laboratory time may be required. Appropriate clothing and personal safety equipment will be required. Personal equipment will be required. Course may be repeated for up to 8 credit hours.

THEATR 3240 Movement For Musical Theatre: 3 semester hours

Prerequisite: THEATR 2240 or consent of instructor. Specialized training in movement and dance techniques for musical theatre.

THEATR 3250 Costume Crafts: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 2260 or consent of the instructor. Develop the skills and techniques needed to execute crafts used in costume design including millinery, mask making, fabric painting and dyeing, wig manipulation, armor, and other craft work. Course may be repeated for up to 6 credit hours.

THEATR 3252 Costume Design II: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 2252 and THEATR 2260, or consent of instructor. Content of course includes study of theories, styles, visualization of ideas, and techniques of costume design; discussion of principles of design, script analysis, the collaborative roles of designers in the theatrical production; research, and exploration of character representation; study of the human figure, drawing, and rendering techniques.

THEATR 3254 Costume Production and Construction Techniques: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: TH DAN 1900, TH DAN 2260 or consent of instructor. Study of theory and application of pattern making, fitting, construction techniques for costumes and undergarments to achieve authentic-appearing costumes using contemporary methods. Provides practical experience in costume construction, as well as wardrobe and makeup. Participation in running crews, in conjunction with the theatre and dance department productions, or other approved independent study projects may be required. Personal equipment will be required. Weekend and evenings may be required. Appropriate clothing and personal safety equipment required. Course may be repeated for up to 8 credit hours.

THEATR 3257 Makeup for Theatrical Productions: 2 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 1800, THEATR 1910, or consent of instructor. The art of makeup and its relation to production. Overview of European history and tradition of makeup. Theory, history and the practice of makeup traditions for theatre, dance and performance will be included.

THEATR 3260 Design for Stage and Screen: 3 semester hours

Same as MEDIA ST 3260. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. This course surveys the professional theories and practices used in the field of design for stage and screen. It emphasizes a digital design process and collaboration.

THEATR 3261 Lighting for Stage and Screen: 3 semester hours

Same as MEDIA ST 3261. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. This course surveys the theories and techniques used in digital lighting design and production for the stage and screen. It emphasizes professional practices and applications of lighting for both stage and screen.

THEATR 3263 Techniques in Scenic Finishes: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 1900, THEATR 1910, or consent of instructor. Survey of theories, materials, and professional techniques used in finishing fabricated scenery. This course will focus on traditional scenic painting, faux finishing techniques, digital graphics production and application, and design and production of digitally printed and cut drops. Course includes practical application through 45 hours of lab work in conjunction with departmental productions and class projects.

THEATR 3305 Writing for Performance: 3 semester hours

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Introduction to writing for performance, including playwriting and dramatic adaptation. Students' particular interests will determine course content: ranging from sketch comedy or adaptation of literature for the stage, to full-length comic or dramatic plays. This course is writing intensive and may require additional laboratory hours.

THEATR 3362 Storytelling: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: Junior standing or consent of instructor. This course gives an overview of the history of storytelling, types of tales, and appropriate uses for storytelling. The primary emphasis of the course is in developing storytelling skills through preparation, performances, and evaluation.

THEATR 3370 Documentary Film: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 1070 or MEDIA ST 1070. This course considers the history, theory, and criticism of nonfiction film and includes screening of representative documentary films.

THEATR 3380 Feature Film Screenwriting: 3 semester hours

This course involves a careful examination and execution of the art and craft of feature film screenwriting from concept through completion and marketing. Students will learn aspects of proper screenplay format, developing dramatic characters, theme, and plot, with emphasis on visual storytelling.

THEATR 3399 Stage Combat: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, or consent of instructor.This is a movement course designed to expand the acting student's awareness of the body as a vehicle for the communication of emotion, action, and drama on the state. It will introduce the skills and techniques necessary for the creation of safe and effective illusions of violence for the state.

THEATR 4020 Directing for the Camera: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 2020. This directing course prepares the student director to work with both the actors and the cinematographer to achieve the directorial concept. The director will work with actors and a cinematographer to produce a short-length film/video from a prepared script. The creation of shooting scripts, story boards, and a shooting schedule are covered in the course.

THEATR 4040 Special Topics in Theatre: 1-6 semester hours

Prerequisites: Junior standing, senior standing, or consent of instructor. Special topics with subject matter dealing with current issues (theoretical or applied) in the discipline of Theatre. Course may be repeated for up to 12 credit hours, provided the topic is different.

THEATR 4220 Directing for the Theatre: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 1210 or consent of instructor. A survey of the theories and practices of theatrical directing, beginning with the theories and techniques of accomplished directors. The stage director's role in performance development will be studied through script analysis, production planning, and the rehearsal process, culminating with a live performance. Final projects are laboratory scenes or a short one-act play.

THEATR 4261 Advanced Projects in Design and Technology: 1-3 semester hours

Prerequisites: THEATR 1910 and consent of instructor. Provides opportunities for supervised advanced projects in theatre design or technology in conjunction with departmental productions, or other independent study projects. Credit assigned based on scope of project. Course may be repeated for up to 6 credit hours.

THEATR 4271 Feature Film Production: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: MEDIA ST 2210 or consent of Instructor. This course will emphasize production techniques applicable to a wide variety of audio, film, and video-based media. Students will be involved in feature film production assignments on location in addition to regularly scheduled classes.

THEATR 4390 Theatre Internship: 1-3 semester hours

Prerequisites: Junior level with consent of instructor. Provides opportunites for supervised projects in conjunction with off-campus professional theatre and/or dance companies in performance, management, design or technology. Credit based on scope of assignment. Course may be repeated for up to 6 credit hours.

THEATR 4886 The Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Speech and Theatre: 3 semester hours

Same as SEC ED 4886. Prerequisites: TCH ED 3310 or TCH ED 5310; students must be within three hours of completing a major in either Communication or Theatre, with 15-18 hours completed in the other subject area. A study in the scope and sequence of the Speech and Theatre courses in the school curriculum with emphasis on the selection and organization of materials and methods of instruction and evaluation. The course prepares students for reflective teaching by relating course readings to field experience and theory to practice. To be taken prior to student teaching and concurrently with SEC ED 4989: Secondary Professional Internship. This course must be completed in residence. Not available for graduate credit.

THEATR 4900 Senior Project: 3 semester hours

The capstone experience requires seniors to produce an original research project, a representative portfolio, or an intrinsic case study, which exemplifies their undergraduate study. Students will present their work to the instructor supervising the course, as well as program related-faculty.