Theatre Course Descriptions

1113# INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE.

Gives students a broad based survey of theatre arts; instills an appreciation of theatre; explores professional aspects of the theatre.

1123 PROFESSIONAL THEATRE TRAINING WORKSHOP.

Designed for the beginning professional theatre trainee in total repertory instruction ranging from acting classes, technical theatre, lecture and laboratory instruction. Students participate in all productions in a repertory situation. (Summer Term Only)

1133 INTRODUCTION TO TECHNICAL THEATRE.

This course will introduce the student to a basic understanding of principles of scenic design, lighting design, and other technical aspects of the theatre.

(Prerequisite: THTR 1113 or permission of instructor)

1143# THEATRE APPRECIATION: FROM MASKS TO MUSICAL.

In this course theatrical performance will be examined and compared in various forms, including script, taped performance, commercial films, and live performances by theatre groups in the region. This course will develop appreciation and awareness of the effect that theatre artists and technicians have on drama and develop aesthetic standards for evaluation of theatrical presentations. (Previously listed as Theatre in Live Performance)

1152 DANCE: BALLET I.

This course is an introduction to basic ballet technique with a strong emphasis on vocabulary.

The class will consist of combining steps resulting in specific combinations.

Performing, composing and interpreting will be required.

References will also be made to facilitate the teaching of ballet technique.

The curriculum will accommodate the beginning student to the advanced student and those students interested in becoming instructors of ballet.

1162 DANCE: TAP I.

This course is an introduction to basic tap technique with a strong emphasis on vocabulary.

The class will consist of combining steps resulting in specific rhythmic construction. Performing, composing and interpreting will be required. References will also be made to facilitate the teaching of tap technique.

The curriculum will accommodate the beginning student to the advanced student and those students interested in becoming instructors in tap.

1183# FILM APPRECIATION.

In this course students will explore basic and cultural trends through a close study of a variety of important films throughout the medium’s history.

The course will establish critical criteria for evaluating films and expose students to the basic technical elements of the film artist’s process

1213# INTRODUCTION TO ACTING.

This beginning course introduces the beginning student to acting. It begins by developing concentration, characterization, physical agility, and creativity through the use of improvisation, pantomime, monologues and directing.

1221 IMPROVISATION CHILDREN’S THEATRE.

Extensive study and practice of the improvisational theatre medium. Using children’s stories as the script and adapting them to modern terminology and action, the craft becomes centered on fast and creative thinking and action within a group performance. (Prerequisite: permission of instructor; may be repeated up to four hours credit)

1232 ACTING IMPROVISATION.

To provide the beginning and advanced actor the opportunity to experiment with the playfulness that leads to creativity.

1312# CHARACTER ANALYSIS.

This course, reflecting the disciplines of theatre, history, psychology and art, includes research into the psychological and sociological motivations of characters as well as a survey of historical periods in dramatic literature from Greece to the present time. Approximately ten (10) representative plays reflecting ten (10) genres or periods are selectively chosen, studied, and presented in an acting format as well as in written analysis with the inclusion of costume and scenic demands represented. By the end of the term the student should have a broad general knowledge of period styles as well as an overview of character analysis.

(Prerequisites: THTR 1113 and 1213 or permission of instructor)

1510 MUSICAL THEATRE VOICE I.

Individual instruction in voice, keyboard and orchestral instruments. (May be repeated for credit)

1552 STAGE MAKEUP.

In this course, the student will understand the basic techniques of stage makeup and develop a basic understanding through hands on training with a variety of makeup types.

1660 THEATRE PRACTICUM.

This course allows the student work in all areas of theatre practicum during an instructed work call. It may be in set building, painting, costumes, props, publicity and or box office for a certain number of hours each week so that a practical knowledge of the working theatre may be obtained. (Repeatable up to a maximum of four credit hours.)

2122 INTRODUCTION TO COSTUMING.

In this course, the student will learn the uses of fabrics, building of patterns, basic construction techniques and apply these techniques to specific historic periods or styles of dress.

(Prerequisite: THTR 1113 or permission of instructor)

2183# FILM GENRES.

Students will explore various film genres (the western, the gangster movie, film noir, etc.) and film theories (auteurism and viewer identification theory) and will acquire a critical vocabulary appropriate to the art form.

2233# FUNDAMENTALS OF ORAL INTERPRETATION.

Focuses on the ability to transfer the author’s meaning from the printed page to the audience’s mind. Units on poetry, prose, and dramatic literature are included. (Same as COMM 2233)

2513# HISTORY OF THEATRE TO 1700.

This course will be a chronological study of major periods from beginnings of theatrical expression to 1700 as it relates to theatre.

2613# HISTORY OF THEATRE: 1700 TO PRESENT.

This course will be a chronological study of major periods from 1700 to the present time as it relates to theatre.

2753 FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATER DESIGN.

Students will execute class projects in costume, scenery, lighting, makeup, sound, properties and special effects.

(Prerequisite: THTR 1133 or permission of instructor)

3013 MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE I.

The practical application of acting, singing, and movement techniques to various styles of period and contemporary musical theatre works. (Prerequisites: THTR 1113, 1213, 1312, MUS1213, or permission of instructor.)

3023# HISTORY OF MUSICAL THEATRE.

This course will be a chronological study of major periods from nineteenth century English music halls to the present time as it relates to musical theatre.

It will include, but not be limited to, operettas, cabarets, follies, and traditional musicals.

(Prerequisites: THTR 1113,1213.)

3033 MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE II.

Advanced application of acting, singing, and movement techniques to the various styles of period an contemporary music theatre works.

Includes staging and choreography of scenes, culminating in a live performance.

(Prerequisite: THTR1113, 1213, 1312, MUS 1213 or permission of instructor)

3043 MUSICAL THEATRE AUDITION.

Course emphasizes creating a resume, types of interviews, obtaining an agent, personal appearance, and dress as well as work on audition material, ranging from musicals to stock productions.

(Prerequisite:THTR 1113, 1213, 1312, MUS 1213, or permission of instructor.)

3183# FILM AND CULTURE.

Students will explore the principles of film appreciation and analysis through lecture, readings, and viewing of films and film excerpts from the American experience in the medium. Students will also examine advanced film analysis, including the principles of montage, camera movement, lighting, sound, directing, acting and how these have been influenced by American artists and the Hollywood industry.

3333 STAGE MANAGEMENT.

This course will examine the different responsibilities and problems of a stage manager’s job for commercial, community and educational theatre. Stage management will contain both lecture and hands on training.

(Prerequisites: THTR 1113 and 1133, or permission of instructor)

3343 INTRODUCTION TO COSTUME DESIGN.

In this course, the student studies historic periods and styles of dress as the basics for costume design, learning to apply basic design techniques in forming a total design concept. (Prerequisites: THTR1113 or permission of instructor.)

3423 SCENE DESIGN.

The class will examine the advantages, problems and practices for designing scenery for the thrust, proscenium and arena stages. The student will practice the fundamental aspects of drafting for the stage as well as the study of the use of advanced stagecraft techniques.

(Prerequisites: THTR 1113 and 1133, or permission of instructor)

3432 DIRECTING.

This course provides intensive study of text with repeating exercises to illustrate; projects given in which blocking plans are selected with and without live actors; critiques both written and oral; and final project of direction and prompt book for a ten minute scene. (Prerequisites: THTR 1113, 1213, 1133, and 3423, or permission of instructor)

3453 LIGHTING DESIGN.

This class is designed to help the student understand the variety of different types of lighting equipment and control boards available today; to help him understand the basic elements of lighting design as it applies to stage composition, color and other aspects related to a specific show; to give the student practical experience working with a lighting design; and to enable the student to do a basic lighting design for a specific show. (Prerequisites: THTR 1113 and 1133; or permission of instructor)

3510 MUSICAL THEATRE VOICE II.

Individual instruction in voice, keyboard and orchestral instruments. (May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credit hours)

3783 THEATRE PUBLICITY & PROMOTION.

This course introduces the student to the all important areas of publicity and promotion by the task of developing a publicity schedule of stories, pictures, radio and perhaps video tapes, manning the box office, working with special sales with various groups, writing stories, taking or facilitating taking and dispersal of pictures and stories to many newspapers, radio stations, etc. The student will also work with reservations and house management.

(Prerequisite: THTR 1113 or permission of instructor)

3883 CHILDREN’S THEATRE & CREATIVE DRAMA.

A beginning study of children’s theatre forms improvisation, theatre games, creative dramatics with performance skills and communication in mind.

3942 ACTING WORKSHOP: AUDITION.

To provide the student with the practical solutions to the problems of auditioning.

(Prerequisites: THTR 1113, 1213, and 1312, or permission of instructor)

3963# ACTING WORKSHOP: PERIOD STYLES.

This course includes a survey of acting styles for the theatre from Greece to contemporary America as reflected through theory and criticism, architecture, costume, furniture, and acting.

At least eight major characters from representative plays are studied and presented.

(Prerequisite: THTR 1113, 1312 or permission of instructor.)

4013 MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP.

Students will explore contemporary music theatre production through research, rehearsal and performance for the public of a smaller musical theatre work. (Prerequsite: THTR 1133, 1552, 3013 and/or permission of instructor.)

4222 STAGE DIALECTS.

This course gives the actor and/or director practical understanding of several dialects common to stage use such as: British, Cockney, Southern, Southwestern, Massachusetts, New Jersey, German, French, Spanish.

(Prerequisites: COMM 1003 and 1213, or permission of instructor)

4232 ADVANCED PERFORMANCE.

This course allows the advanced actor a chance for a recital which will include monologues, scenes, pantomimes, songs, and dances from several periods or styles. The thrust will be to show the best of his craft in public performance.

4313 THEATRE ADMINISTRATION & MANAGEMENT.

The course will examine several principles and practices of theatre management for commercial, university, community and educational theatre.

(Prerequisite: THTR 1113 or permission of instructor)

4332 ADVANCED LIGHTING DESIGN.

A course for the advanced lighting design student. The student will put into application the principles of lighting design in a practical project.

(Prerequisite: THTR 3453 or permission of instructor)

4342 DESIGN INTERNSHIP.

A course for the advanced design student. Students will design a show from start to finish for an actual performance. (Prerequisites: THTR 3423 and 3453, or permission of instructor)

4382 ADVANCED SCENE DESIGN.

A course for the advanced design student in a further study of contemporary designers, culminating in a class project. (Prerequisite: THTR 3423 or permission of instructor)

4412 DIRECTING WORKSHOP.

This course trains the student to explore the productional planning process, see to its execution, and realize a full product in the form of a one act play. (Prerequisite: THTR 3432 or permission of instructor)

4422 DIRECTING INTERNSHIP.

In this course, the directing student gets practical experience in directing a full length play, including selection, casting, blocking, interpretation and post production analysis. (Prerequisite: THTR 3432, 4412, and permission of instructor)

4430 CHORVETTES.

Open to all university students by audition.

A group of student entertainers specializing in popular music. (May be repeated and taken for one or two hours credit)

4572 ADVANCED COSTUME DESIGN.

A course for the advanced costume design student in a further study of a special design period culminating in a project. (Prerequisites: THTR 3343 or permission of instructor)

4673# THEORY AND CRITICISM OF DRAMATIC LITERATURE.

This course will acquaint the student with a representative dramatic literature as it reflects the critical theories of the time.

4683 CHILDREN’S THEATRE WORKSHOP.

A practicum oriented study of children’s theatre forms as they apply to working with children in workshop and production. (Summer Term Only)

4752 ACTING WORKSHOP: THE METHOD.

An intensive study of the various elements of sense and emotional memory in the Stanislovsky system of acting as they relate to various monologues and scenes selected for audition and/or study.

(Prerequisite: THTR 1113, 1213 and 1312or permission of instructor.)

4772 PATTERN DELEVOPMENT.

The student will learn flat patterning, draping, cutting, advanced construction techniques and fitting for period and contemporary stage costumes.

(Prerequisites: THTR2122 or permission of instructor.)

4803 CREATIVE EXPRESSION IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

This course will provide elementary teachers with skills and games to promote oral activities, creative dramatics, movement, and dance in elementary age children.

4960 DIRECTED READING.

Subject named in title listing. (Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

4970 SPECIAL STUDIES.

Subject named in title listing. (Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

4980 SEMINAR.

Subject named in title listing. (Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

4990 RESEARCH.

Subject named in title listing. (Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

5113 PRODUCING THE HIGH SCHOOL PLAY.

A comprehensive study of theatrical productions in high schools dealing exclusively with live theatre. Descriptions of various branches of the profession and how they are currently structured, and a study of principles to strengthen theatre practice both economically and artistically.

5223 CLASSICAL THEATRE.

An aggregate study of place of performance, style of acting, conventions of setting, movement in costume, occupations, manners, dance, and music from Greek through Restoration theatre.

5960 DIRECTED READINGS.

Subject named in title listing. (Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

5970 SPECIAL STUDIES.

Subject named in title listing. (Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

5980 SEMINAR.

Subject named in title listing. (Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

5990 RESEARCH.

Subject named in title listing. (Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

# Liberal Arts and Sciences Course