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Course Descriptions
THEA 233 — Stagecraft (3)
Technical instruction in the various backstage aspects of play production is given. The construction of scenery and props is included in this course. 2 lecture hours and 1 laboratory period. Lab fee.
THEA 239 — Lighting (3)
A study of the basic theoretical and technical problems of theatrical stage lighting. Included is a working knowledge of lighting instruments, control systems and design plans. Lab fee. Offered alternate years.
THEA 241 — Acting I (3)
Acting is studied as an art of self-expression and communication. Improvisation and class- room exercises give students a foundation in acting techniques for the modern realistic theatre. The student is taught to use the voice and body as instruments of self-expression and communication in performance.
THEA 242 — Acting II (3)
A continuing study and practice of Acting I. Dialog is now added to synchronize the full expressive value of human visual and vocal communication. The focus is centered on the techniques of interpreting fictional characters and presenting them with improved and more advanced methods.
THEA 243 — Acting for Non-Actors (3)
This course serves as an in-depth introduction to the craft of acting specifically for the non-actor. Class work will lead to an experience that will deepen the students’ understanding of basic creative techniques and will help the student transfer skills learned to everyday life. Acting is studies as an art of self-expression and communication and will enhance the students’ understanding of the creative process and the role of imagination in it. All students will be introduced to beginning acting techniques to develop, define and practice the artistic expression with interest and technical proficiency. Students will learn to use the voice and body as instruments of self-expression and communication in performance and will develop mental, physical, and vocal flexibility through acting with words, acting without words, ensemble work, characterization and experimentation. Offered alternate years.
THEA 247 — Dance (3)
This introductory course in the art of dance incorporates lecture/demonstration and dance exercises designed to explore the movement dynamics appropriate in a theatrical production. Special emphasis will be given to the diverse styles of theatrical dance such as waltz, jazz, tap, Latin, etc. This course will also explore various period style of dance as well as the technique of famous Broadway choreographers of America. Offered alternate years.
THEA 248 — Jazz Dance (3)
This introductory course in jazz dance incorporates lecture/ demonstration and dance exercises designed to explore the proper technique appropriate for a jazz dance presentation. Special emphasis will be given to the different styles of jazz dance from swing, to theatrical, to modern day hip-hop. This course is designed for the beginner through the inter-mediate level. Offered alternate years.
THEA 249 — Speech for the Theatre (3)
The applied study of the principles of voice projection. Emphasis is given to the manipulation of the vocal mechanism for enhanced control, flexibility and effectiveness, as it directly relates to usage for the actor. Offered alternate years.
THEA 285 — Production Lab for Freshmen & Sophomores (1)
Theatre majors and minors will be assigned various tasks in departmental productions. The theatre faculty will guide the students into a professional approach and evaluate them on their success. 1 credit per semester.
THEA 337 — Scene Painting (3)
Studio instruction in developing natural objects and ornamental detail on a flat surface through the analysis of form, light, and shadow. Lab fee. Offered alternate years.
THEA 341 — Acting III (3)
This course provides advanced study in the projection of theatrical truth and characterization, utilizing various non-realistic styles and genres. Study includes scene work from Shakespeare, Comedy of Manners, Farce and Theatre of the Absurd, among others. Offered alternate years.
THEA 342 — Improvisational Acting Techniques (3)
This course is an introduction to improvisational acting techniques leading to self-discovery of the student’s potential in imagination, creativity and spontaneity. Students will learn the foundation of improvisation to help the actor to convey artistically the communicable truth of his/her discovery. The actor is encouraged to experiment with creative improvising: a spontaneous means to an artistically disciplined end. Based on the work of such individuals as Jacques LeCoq, Jerzy Grotowski, Viola Spolin, Joseph Chaikin, Stephen Wangh and Keith Johnstone, we will encourage spontaneity and originality by catching the subconscious unaware and thereby free the “petrified imagination” by stimulating creativity, imagination, concentration and observation. We will learn that improvisation is not just a style of acting technique, it is a dynamic principle operating in many different spheres, an independent and transformative way of “being” and “doing.” This course will help equip the actor with the tools to be self-sufficient and to think from the heart without transition. Offered alternate years.
THEA 345 — Play Analysis (3)
The study of the structures and meanings of plays approached from the working viewpoint of the director, actor and designer. Classical and contemporary plays are analyzed for their production values. Offered alternate years.
THEA 361 — Scene Design I (3)
Lectures and practical work in scene design. Floor plans, elevations, and model sets are made for various periods and styles. Prerequisite: THEA 233. Lab fee. Offered alternate years.
THEA 365 — Movement (3)
This theatrical technique course (with lecture and discussion) is a dance movement practicum. It will consist largely in two parts; the acquisition and development of theatrical staging (movement) and dance techniques, through drills and exercises and the appreciation of the movement techniques used by renown movement instructors Vsevolod Meyerhold and Michael Chekov. Offered alternate years.
THEA 381 — History of the Theatre I (3)
The evolution of theatrical presentation is investigated from its primitive beginnings through the Renaissance period. Social, political and religious factors of each period are studied. Offered alternate years.
THEA 471 — Directing I (3)
Lectures and practical work in directing a play from its form as a script to its final production. Students must direct a one-act play. Prerequisite: THEA 241. Offered alternate years.
THEA 472 — Directing II (3)
Practical work in directing scenes and one-act plays. Prerequisites: THEA 345, 471. Offered alternate years. May be taken as an Independent Study.
THEA 473 — History of Costume (3)
The study of the modes of dress from the Egyptian, Greek, and Roman periods through
the 19th century. The course also contains projects dealing with the designing of costumes for various periods. Lab fee. Offered alternate years.
THEA 483 — Contemporary Theatre (3)
Amateur, educational and professional theatre companies are studied for their business, artistic, spectator and participant values. Styles of present day plays and production techniques are evaluated. Prerequisite: THEA 361 or 471. Offered alternate years.
THEA 485 — Production Lab for Juniors & Seniors (1)
Theatre majors will be assigned various tasks in departmental productions. The theatre faculty will guide the students into a professional approach and evaluate them on their success. 1 credit per semester.
THEA 487 — TV Drama (3)
Student experiences and develops the performance techniques required in acting for the camera. Studio experience culminates in the production of a video shoot, either in the studio or on location. Additional time may be required for the final video shoot. Offered alternate years.
THEA 491 — Special Topics in Theatre (3)
This course, available to all students, is characterized by its flexible subject matter and approach. It is designed to offer an opportunity for students to pursue specialized areas of theatre research and/or production. Lab fee may be required.
THEA 497 — Independent Study (3-6)
A self-designed and departmentally approved research and/or creative task, to further aid the student in their knowledge and experience in a particular area of the Art of Theatre. The student may choose either further advanced work in an area of special interest, or write a one-act play and stage it. The scope of the task will determine the number of credits. The student will choose a member of the theatre faculty as a mentor.
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