Theatre Arts (THE)
THE 1010 Introduction to the Theatre (3 credits)
General Education: Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing
For non-majors. Building an appreciation for theatre as an art form through understanding the creative process of the playwright, the director, the designer, and the actor. Attendance at theatre productions required.
THE 1020 Introduction to Design (3 credits)
An introduction to the concept of basic design elements and development of visual vocabulary for theatrical design. This course explores the creative collaborative process of theatrical design through a variety of hands-on projects in scenery, costumes, lighting and sound. This course is a prerequisite for THE 2010, THE 2020, and THE 2050.
THE 1030 Theatre Technology (3 credits)
Introduction to theatre production spaces, shop tools, construction materials, and stage equipment; theories and methods used in lighting and in the construction of scenery. Course includes a lab component. Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
THE 1040 Costume Technology (3 credits)
Methods of costume construction techniques; intro to sewing, crafting and costuming skills. Course includes a lab component. Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
THE 1050 Basics of Performance I (3 credits)
Intro to performance; techniques of relaxation, observation, and justification; work in improvisation, sensory exploration, image-making, and beginning textual analysis; initial monologue and scene performance. One lecture and 2 hours of lab per week.
THE 1060 Basics of Performance II (3 credits)
A continuation in the training of performance to deepen the experiential understanding and techniques of relaxation, observation, and justification; work in improvisation, sensory exploration, image-making, and beginning textual analysis, including initial monologue and scene performance. One lecture and 2 hours of lab per week.
Prereqs: 'C' or better in THE 1050 or Permission
THE 1900 Theatre Production Crew (1 credit, max 2)
Students participate as crew for departmental productions. Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
THE 2000 (s) Seminar (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
THE 2010 Scene Design I (3 credits)
Development of basic skills in visualization, period research, graphic techniques, and script interpretation in scenery.
Prereqs: THE 1020
THE 2020 Costume Design I (3 credits)
Costume design skills including script/character analysis, fabric choices, design process, period research, and drawing/painting skills.
Prereqs: THE 1020
THE 2030 (s) Workshop (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
THE 2040 (s) Special Topics (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
THE 2050 Lighting Design I (3 credits)
Basic and foundational stage lighting equipment, lighting methods, and theory for theatrical production; basic electrical maintenance, hang, focus, and programming of realized productions.
Prereqs: THE 1020
THE 2060 Theatrical Make-up (1 credit)
Practical application techniques for basic contour and old age makeup for the theatre. Limited to 20 students. 2 hours of lab per week.
Prereqs: Theatre Major or Minor
THE 2980 (s) Internship (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
THE 2990 (s) Directed Study (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
THE 3050 Intermediate Acting I (3 credits)
Exploration of Stanislavsky System “An Actor Prepares,” using contemporary text with emphasis on connection and pursuing action and imagery work. One lecture and 3 hours of lab per week.
Prereqs: 'C' or better in THE 1050 and THE 1060 and Permission
THE 3200 Theatre Management (3 credits)
Basic and foundational stage management and standard management practices relating to theatre production and business, funding, and public relations.
THE 3710 Play Analysis (3 credits)
Critical intro to plays as drama and theatre; an approach to tragic and comic genres; major dramatists of the 20th century culminating in an analysis of contemporary theatre styles.
THE 3890 (s) Performance Practicum (1-3 credits, max 9)
Practical experience in acting, directing, playwriting, dramaturgy, and other performance areas - rehearsal through performance. Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
THE 3900 Design, Technology, and Management Practicum (1 credit, max 8)
Advanced practical experience in any aspect of theatre production. Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
THE 4000 (s) Seminar (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
THE 4030 (s) Workshop (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
THE 4040 (s) Special Topics (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
THE 4050 Individual Instruction in Performance (1-16 credits, max 99)
Joint-listed with THE 5050
Credit arranged. Individualized coaching in performance. One hour of lab per week per credit.
Prereqs: Department Permission
THE 4060 Design Studio (1-16 credits, max 99)
Individual training in an area of theatre design; includes an advanced design assignment and the public presentation of a play.
Prereqs: 'C' or better in THE 2010, THE 2020, or THE 2050; or Permission
THE 4100 Costume Design II (3 credits, max 12)
Joint-listed with THE 5100
Emphasis on developing characterization, stylization, and fabric choice; explore advanced rendering techniques; continuation of portfolio development. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit. Three lectures and 1 hour of lab per week.
Prereqs: 'C' or better in THE 2020 or Permission
THE 4120 Theatre Methods Practicum (1 credit)
Implementation of theatre methods, research, curricula, and technology in the classrooms. The course will include approximately 30 hours in grade 6-12 classrooms and approximately 15 hours of associated scheduled activities. Typically Offered: Spring.
THE 4140 (s) Theatrical Properties Studio (3 credits, max 18)
Joint-listed with THE 5140
The theory and practice of properties coordinators and theatrical properties' design, construction, and maintenance. Typically Offered: Varies.
THE 4170 Movement Studio (3 credits, max 18)
Joint-listed with THE 5170
Emphasizes body awareness utilizing yoga and related techniques to increase strength and flexibility, heighten sensory awareness, generate dynamic energy, and mind/body connections. Students are encouraged to explore the creative boundaries of their body and discover the body’s effectiveness as a primary expressive tool in performance. Students earning graduate credit will be held to higher standards.
Prereqs: Acceptance into BFA/MFA program or Permission
THE 4230 (s) Intimacy Studio (3 credits, max 9)
Joint-listed with THE 5230
This is a course on the best practices and basic tools for staging intimacy. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Varies.
THE 4250 BFA Acting Studio (3 credits, max 99)
Joint-listed with THE 5250
Rigorous study and practice in performance. Areas of specialization may include Shakespeare, devising, Commedia del’arte, period styles, Asian theatre, animals, realism, and comedy. The course will be repeated each semester by BFA candidates. Must be accepted into BFA program for 4250 or MFA program for 5250.
THE 4400 Playwriting (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 5400
Introduce the student to the fundamental elements of playwriting, including dramatic structure and action, developing theme and characterization, understanding stagecraft and writing dialogue.
THE 4450 Theatre and Film of the Holocaust (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 5450
This course studies the plays and films of the Holocaust examining the unique relationship between historical fact and the artist's response to the impact of those facts on the human character. The course treats the films and dramatic literature of the Holocaust as a unique genre of "survivalist" literature of atrocity, which is as much a response to one of history's darkest periods as it is an emergence of a new artistic form. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Varies.
THE 4470 Screenwriting (3 credits)
Cross-listed with ENGL 4470, JAMM 4470
Joint-listed with ENGL 5470, THE 5470
Introduction to the study of the fundamental elements of feature film screenwriting; techniques of developing story lines and advancing a narrative in a visual way using the industry standard of a tightly structured long-form feature film. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit.
THE 4520 Theatre Historiography (3 credits)
General Education: Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing
Joint-listed with THE 5520
This course is an introduction to the work of the theatre historian and explores concepts like: periodization, historical style, research on historical context, training with primary and secondary resources, archival research, and ethnography/oral history training; as part of this training, students will explore theatre history from throughout the world from Ancient Egypt through to about 1700. Typically Offered: Varies. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
THE 4530 (s) Topics in World Theatre History (3-16 credits, max 99)
General Education: Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing, International
Joint-listed with THE 5530
This course will regularly rotate geographic/cultural foci including Latin American theatre history, African American/Black theatre history, Asian theatre history, and US theatre history. Additional course requirements for graduate credit. Recommended Preparation: THE 4520. Typically Offered: Varies. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
THE 4550 (s) Theatre for Social Change (3 credits, max 9)
Joint-listed with THE 5550
Theatre for Social Change is a variable topic course that focuses on social movements, theatre artists, and theatre companies that share a goal of changing society. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Varies.
THE 4560 (s) Studies in Theatre, Gender, and Sexuality (3 credits, max 9)
Joint-listed with THE 5560
Interdisciplinary explorations of topics such as queer theatre, feminist theatre, gender in performance, or sexuality in the theatre. Additional workload required for graduate students. Typically Offered: Varies.
THE 4600 Professional Theatre Conference Participation (1 credit, max 12)
Joint-listed with THE 5600
Professional Theatre Conference Participation. Additional work required for graduate credit.
THE 4630 (s) Advanced Costume Technology Studio (3 credits, max 9)
Joint-listed with THE 5630
Advanced theatrical costume construction techniques and strategies, including tailoring, costume crafts, and period undergarment construction. Materials selection and handling. May be repeated for course credit. Graduate students will have additional or more complex assignments. Typically Offered: Varies.
Prereqs: THE 1040 with grade of C or higher
THE 4640 Scenographic Techniques (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 5640
Practical survey of graphics used in design and execution of scenery for the stage, including drafting, perspective, front and rear elevations, painters elevations, and properties of design and drafting.
Prereqs: 'C' or better in THE 2010 or Permission
THE 4650 Advanced Scene Design (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 5650
Development of a conceptual approach to design through assorted design projects.
Prereqs: 'C' or better in THE 2010 or Permission
THE 4660 Scene Painting (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 5660
Introduction to the art, practice and technique of large-scale decorative painting for the stage. Development of brush and application techniques, color mixing, and layout skills. Provides instruction in the imitation of wood, marble, brick and stone, as well as sections on stenciling, faux finishing and trompe l'oiel. Typically Offered: Fall.
Prereqs: C or better in THE 2010 or Permission
THE 4710 Directing (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 5710
Preparation of a play from casting to performance. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit. Three lectures and one hour of lab per week. Recommended Preparation: THE 3050.
THE 4750 (s) Studies in Dramaturgy (3 credits, max 12)
Joint-listed with THE 5750
Explores the disciplines of dramaturgy - new play dramaturgy, dance dramaturgy, production dramaturgy, and institutional dramaturgy. Additional workload required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Varies.
THE 4830 Senior Capstone Project (1 credit)
General Education: Capstone Experience
A capstone class for graduating theatre majors that requires students to synthesize their experiences in dramatic theory, literature, theatre performance, and production. Seminar students prepare a service learning project and a personal philosophy statement that summarizes their experience and their current vision of the theatre. The class also includes a component in resume preparation and professional presentation. Typically Offered: Spring.
THE 4840 Advanced Lighting Design (3 credits, max 12)
Joint-listed with THE 5840
Advanced lighting design theories and practice through design of assorted productions in realistic drama, dance, arena, thrust, and mystical theatre. Heavy emphasis on design communication and computer drafting. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit.
Prereqs: 'C' or better in THE 2050 or Permission
THE 4850 Vectorworks (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 5850
Introduction to Vectorworks that will cover everything from the basic tools to creating 3D design concepts for the theatre. Additional work will be assigned for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Varies.
THE 4980 (s) Internship (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
THE 4990 (s) Directed Study (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
THE 5010 (s) Seminar (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
THE 5020 (s) Directed Study (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
THE 5030 (s) Workshop (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
THE 5040 (s) Special Topics (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
THE 5050 Individual Instruction in Performance (1-16 credits, max 99)
Joint-listed with THE 4050
Credit arranged. Individualized coaching in performance. One hour of lab per week per credit.
THE 5100 Costume Design II (3 credits, max 12)
Joint-listed with THE 4100
Emphasis on developing characterization, stylization, and fabric choice; explore advanced rendering techniques; continuation of portfolio development. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit. Three lectures and 1 hour of lab per week.
THE 5120 (s) MFA Directing Studio (3 credits, max 18)
Advanced individual study in directing, including work in staging, styles, and interpretation.
THE 5130 (s) MFA Design Studio (3 credits, max 18)
Advanced individual study in all areas of theatrical design with emphasis on portfolio development.
THE 5140 (s) Theatrical Properties Studio (3 credits, max 18)
Joint-listed with THE 4140
The theory and practice of properties coordinators and theatrical properties' design, construction, and maintenance. Typically Offered: Varies.
THE 5150 MFA Jury/Portfolio Review (1 credit, max 99)
Preparation and evaluation of performance monologues and design portfolios.
Coreqs: MFA studio courses
THE 5160 MFA Graduate Seminar (3 credits, max 99)
An in-depth, rigorous, exploration of theatrical research and collaboration pedagogy and methodologies within the larger context of the artistic, creative process. Course may be repeated.
Prereqs: Acceptance into MFA program
THE 5170 Movement Studio (3 credits, max 18)
Joint-listed with THE 4170
Emphasizes body awareness utilizing yoga and related techniques to increase strength and flexibility, heighten sensory awareness, generate dynamic energy, and mind/body connections. Students are encouraged to explore the creative boundaries of their body and discover the body’s effectiveness as a primary expressive tool in performance. Students earning graduate credit will be held to higher standards.
THE 5220 (s) Advanced Studies in Theatre (3 credits, max 18)
This course is for advanced studies in theatre history, analysis, and criticism for creative writing, performance, directing, design, and technology graduate candidates. Topics are coordinated and rotated departmentally and are beyond the departmental history and play analysis core.
THE 5230 (s) Intimacy Studio (3 credits, max 9)
Joint-listed with THE 4230
This is a course on the best practices and basic tools for staging intimacy. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Varies.
THE 5250 BFA Acting Studio (3 credits, max 99)
Joint-listed with THE 4250
Rigorous study and practice in performance. Areas of specialization may include Shakespeare, devising, Commedia del’arte, period styles, Asian theatre, animals, realism, and comedy. The course will be repeated each semester by BFA candidates. Must be accepted into BFA program for 4250 or MFA program for 5250.
THE 5260 MFA Playwriting Workshop (3 credits, max 18)
The primary goal of the MFA Playwriting Workshop is to help the writers develop their unique voice and vision; understand the role of the writer within a historical, cultural and political context; and expose them to a variety of styles and approaches to creating new work for both stage and screen. Toward that end, the Playwriting Workshop fosters a safe but challenging creative environment, in which writers are presented with assignments designed to help them identify that set of aesthetic concerns which will form the foundation of their Voice and Style as a writer. MFA candidates in Dramatic Writing enroll in this course each semester they are in the program.
THE 5270 (s) Theatre Pedagogy Lab (3 credits, max 99)
Examines current trends and advances in teaching theatre in K-12 settings as well as in higher education. Typically Offered: Spring.
THE 5350 Production Design (3 credits, max 12)
Design responsibility for a main stage production.
Prereqs: Department Permission
THE 5400 Playwriting (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 4400
Introduce the student to the fundamental elements of playwriting, including dramatic structure and action, developing theme and characterization, understanding stagecraft and writing dialogue.
THE 5450 Theatre and Film of the Holocaust (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 4450
This course studies the plays and films of the Holocaust examining the unique relationship between historical fact and the artist's response to the impact of those facts on the human character. The course treats the films and dramatic literature of the Holocaust as a unique genre of "survivalist" literature of atrocity, which is as much a response to one of history's darkest periods as it is an emergence of a new artistic form. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Varies.
THE 5470 Screenwriting (3 credits)
Cross-listed with ENGL 5470
Joint-listed with ENGL 4470, JAMM 4470
, THE 4470. Introduction to the study of the fundamental elements of feature film screenwriting; techniques of developing story lines and advancing a narrative in a visual way using the industry standard of a tightly structured long-form feature film. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit.
THE 5520 Theatre Historiography (3 credits)
General Education: Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing
Joint-listed with THE 4520
This course is an introduction to the work of the theatre historian and explores concepts like: periodization, historical style, research on historical context, training with primary and secondary resources, archival research, and ethnography/oral history training; as part of this training, students will explore theatre history from throughout the world from Ancient Egypt through to about 1700. Typically Offered: Varies. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
THE 5530 (s) Topics in World Theatre History (3-16 credits, max 99)
General Education: Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing, International
Joint-listed with THE 4530
This course will regularly rotate geographic/cultural foci including Latin American theatre history, African American/Black theatre history, Asian theatre history, and US theatre history. Additional course requirements for graduate credit. Recommended Preparation: THE 4520 Typically Offered: Varies. Cooperative: open to WSU degree-seeking students.
THE 5540 Foundations of American Theatre (3 credits)
This course will examine the foundations of American theatre from the late 18th century through the early 20th century. The goal of the course is to provide students with a firm historical and theoretical foundation for many American plays that they will encounter as contemporary theatre artists. Special attention will be paid to movements and/or plays that established tropes that still predominate in contemporary American theatre. Typically Offered: Varies.
THE 5550 (s) Theatre for Social Change (3 credits, max 9)
Joint-listed with THE 4550
Theatre for Social Change is a variable topic course that focuses on social movements, theatre artists, and theatre companies that share a goal of changing society. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Varies.
THE 5560 (s) Studies in Theatre, Gender, and Sexuality (3 credits, max 9)
Joint-listed with THE 4560
Interdisciplinary explorations of topics such as queer theatre, feminist theatre, gender in performance, or sexuality in the theatre. Additional workload required for graduate students. Typically Offered: Varies.
THE 5600 Professional Theatre Conference Participation (1 credit, max 12)
Joint-listed with THE 4600
Professional Theatre Conference Participation. Additional work required for graduate credit.
THE 5630 (s) Advanced Costume Technology Studio (3 credits, max 9)
Joint-listed with THE 4630
Advanced theatrical costume construction techniques and strategies, including tailoring, costume crafts, and period undergarment construction. Materials selection and handling. May be repeated for course credit. Graduate students will have additional or more complex assignments. Typically Offered: Varies.
THE 5640 Scenographic Techniques (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 4640
Practical survey of graphics used in design and execution of scenery for the stage, including drafting, perspective, front and rear elevations, painters elevations, and properties of design and drafting.
THE 5650 Advanced Scene Design (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 4650
Development of a conceptual approach to design through assorted design projects.
THE 5660 Scene Painting (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 4660
Introduction to the art, practice and technique of large-scale decorative painting for the stage. Development of brush and application techniques, color mixing, and layout skills. Provides instruction in the imitation of wood, marble, brick and stone, as well as sections on stenciling, faux finishing and trompe l'oiel. Typically Offered: Fall.
THE 5710 Directing (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 4710
Preparation of a play from casting to performance. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit. Three lectures and one hour of lab per week. Recommended Preparation: THE 3050.
THE 5720 Directing II (3 credits)
Staging and interpretation of a play; developing a production concept; coaching actors. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit. Three lectures and one hour of lab per week. Recommended Preparation: Upper-division acting course at 3000/4000-level.
Prereqs: Permission
THE 5750 (s) Studies in Dramaturgy (3 credits, max 12)
Joint-listed with THE 4750
Explores the disciplines of dramaturgy - new play dramaturgy, dance dramaturgy, production dramaturgy, and institutional dramaturgy. Additional workload required for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Varies.
THE 5840 Advanced Lighting Design (3 credits, max 12)
Joint-listed with THE 4840
Advanced lighting design theories and practice through design of assorted productions in realistic drama, dance, arena, thrust, and mystical theatre. Heavy emphasis on design communication and computer drafting. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit.
THE 5850 Vectorworks (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 4850
Introduction to Vectorworks that will cover everything from the basic tools to creating 3D design concepts for the theatre. Additional work will be assigned for graduate credit. Typically Offered: Varies.
THE 5950 MFA Off-Campus Studio (3 credits, max 18)
This is a studio course designed for distance graduate students only. The course is composed of one-on-one mentoring for off-campus projects. Typically Offered: Fall, Spring and Summer.
THE 5960 MFA Exit Project (3 credits)
Culminating creative project for MFA candidates. Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.
Prereqs: Department Permission
THE 5970 (s) Practicum (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged. This course is an experiential learning course supervised by theatre faculty to provide the student with a practical application of theatrical theory.
THE 5980 (s) Internship (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged
THE 5990 (s) Non-thesis Master's Research (1-16 credits, max 99)
Credit arranged. Research not directly related to a thesis or dissertation.
Prereqs: Permission