Theatre Arts (THE)
THE 101 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 102 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 201, THE 202, THE 205.
THE 103 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 104 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 105 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 106 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 105 or Permission
THE 200 (s) Seminar (1-16 credits)
Credit arranged
THE 201 Scene Design I (3 credits)
Development of basic skills in visualization, period research, graphic techniques, and script interpretation in scenery.
Prereqs: THE 102
THE 202 Costume Design I (3 credits)
Costume design skills including script/character analysis, fabric choices, design process, period research, and drawing/painting skills.
Prereqs: THE 102
THE 203 (s) Workshop (1-16 credits)
Credit arranged
THE 204 (s) Special Topics (1-16 credits)
Credit arranged
THE 205 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 102
THE 298 (s) Internship (1-16 credits)
Credit arranged
THE 299 (s) Directed Study (1-16 credits)
Credit arranged
THE 305 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 105 and THE 106 and Permission
THE 306 Intermediate Acting II (3 credits)
Continued exploration of Stanislavsky System “Building a Character,” using modern classic texts such as Anton Chekhov with emphasis on emotional and physical rigor and discipline. One lecture and 3 hours of lab per week.
Prereqs: 'C' or better in THE 105 and THE 106 and Permission
THE 320 Theatre Management (3 credits)
Basic and foundational stage management and standard management practices relating to theatre production and business, funding, and public relations.
THE 371 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 389 (s) Performance Area Participation (1 credit, max 8)
Open to majors and nonmajors by permission. Practical experience in acting, directing, playwriting, dramaturgy, other performance areas - rehearsal through performance.
Prereqs: Permission
THE 390 (s) Theatre Practice II (1 credit, max 8)
Open to nonmajors. Advanced practical experience in all aspects of theatre production.
THE 400 (s) Seminar (1-16 credits)
Credit arranged
THE 403 (s) Workshop (1-16 credits)
Credit arranged
THE 404 (s) Special Topics (1-16 credits)
Credit arranged
THE 405 Individual Instruction in Performance (1-16 credits)
Credit arranged. Individualized coaching in performance. One hour of lab per week per credit.
THE 406 Design Studio (1-16 credits)
Credit arranged. Individual training in an area of theatre design; includes an advanced design assignment and the public presentation of a play.
THE 410 Costume Design II (3 credits, max 12)
Joint-listed with THE 510
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 202 or Permission
THE 412 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.
Coreqs: THE 411
THE 417 Movement Studio (3 credits, max 18)
Joint-listed with THE 517
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 423 Foundations of Stage Intimacy and Radical Empathy in the Theatre (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 523
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 425 BFA Acting Studio (3 credits, max arranged)
Joint-listed with THE 525
Rigorous study and practice in performance. Areas of specialization may include: Shakespeare, Devising, Commedia del’arte, Period Styles, Asian Theatre, Animals, Realism, Comedy. The course will be repeated each semester by BFA candidates. Prereq for 425: Acceptance into BFA program Prereq for 525: Acceptance into MFA program
THE 440 Playwriting (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 540
Introduce the student to the fundamental elements of playwriting, including dramatic structure and action, developing theme and characterization, understanding stagecraft and writing dialogue.
THE 445 Theatre and Film of the Holocaust (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 545
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 447 Screenwriting (3 credits)
Cross-listed with ENGL 447, JAMM 447
Joint-listed with ENGL 547, THE 547
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 452 Theatre Historiography (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 552
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.
THE 453 (s) Topics in World Theatre History (3-16 credits, max arranged)
General Education: Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing, International
Joint-listed with THE 553
The course Topics in World Theatre History 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 452 Theatre Historiography. Typically Offered: Varies.
THE 455 (s) Theatre for Social Change (3 credits, max 9)
Joint-listed with THE 555
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 456 (s) Studies in Theatre, Gender, and Sexuality (3 credits, max 9)
Joint-listed with THE 556
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 460 Professional Theatre Conference Participation (1 credit, max 12)
Joint-listed with THE 560
Professional Theatre Conference Participation. Additional work required for graduate credit.
THE 463 (s) Advanced Costume Technology Studio (3 credits, max 9)
Joint-listed with THE 563
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 104 with grade of C or higher
THE 464 Scenographic Techniques (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 564
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 201 or Permission
THE 465 Advanced Scene Design (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 565
Development of a conceptual approach to design through assorted design projects.
Prereqs: 'C' or better in THE 201 or Permission
THE 466 Scene Painting (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 566
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. (Fall only)
Prereqs: 'C' or better in THE 201 or Permission
THE 468 Theatre History I (3 credits)
General Education: Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing
A comprehensive world survey of major theatrical trends, theorists, and practitioners from Ancient Egypt to the end of the 17th century.
THE 469 Theatre History II (3 credits)
General Education: Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing
A comprehensive world survey of major theatrical trends, theorists, and practitioners from the start of the 18th century to the present.
THE 471 Directing (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 571
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 305.
THE 472 Directing II (3 credits)
Staging and interpretation of a play; developing a production concept; coaching actors. Three lectures and one hour of lab per week. Recommended Preparation: Upper-division acting course at 300/400-level.
Prereqs: Permission.
THE 475 (s) Studies in Dramaturgy (3 credits, max 12)
Joint-listed with THE 575
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 483 Senior Capstone Project (1 credit)
General Education: Senior 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.
THE 484 Advanced Lighting Design (3 credits, max 12)
Joint-listed with THE 584
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 205 or Permission
THE 485 Vectorworks (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 585
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 498 (s) Internship (1-16 credits)
Credit arranged
THE 499 (s) Directed Study (1-16 credits)
Credit arranged
THE 501 (s) Seminar (1-16 credits)
Credit arranged
THE 502 (s) Directed Study (1-16 credits)
Credit arranged
THE 503 (s) Workshop (1-16 credits)
Credit arranged
THE 504 (s) Special Topics (1-16 credits)
Credit arranged
THE 505 Individual Instruction in Performance (1-16 credits, max arranged)
Joint-listed with THE 405
Credit arranged. Individualized coaching in performance. One hour of lab per week per credit.
THE 510 Costume Design II (3 credits, max 12)
Joint-listed with THE 410
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 202 or Permission
THE 512 (s) MFA Directing Studio (3 credits, max 18)
Advanced individual study in directing, including work in staging, styles, and interpretation.
THE 513 (s) MFA Design Studio (3 credits, max 18)
Advanced individual study in all areas of theatrical design with emphasis on portfolio development.
THE 515 MFA Jury/Portfolio Review (1 credit, max arranged)
Preparation and evaluation of performance monologues and design portfolios.
Coreqs: MFA studio courses
THE 517 Movement Studio (3 credits, max 18)
Joint-listed with THE 417
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 522 (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 523 Foundations of Stage Intimacy and Radical Empathy in the Theatre (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 423
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 525 MFA Acting Studio (3 credits, max arranged)
Joint-listed with THE 425
Rigorous study and practice in performance. Areas of specialization may include: Shakespeare, Devising, Commedia del’arte, Period Styles, Asian Theatre, Animals, Realism, Comedy. The course will be repeated each semester by BFA candidates. Prereq for 425: Acceptance into BFA program Prereq for 525: Acceptance into MFA program
THE 526 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 527 (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 535 Production Design (3 credits, max 12)
Design responsibility for a main stage production.
Prereqs: Department Permission
THE 545 Theatre and Film of the Holocaust (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 445
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 547 Screenwriting (3 credits)
Cross-listed with ENGL 547
Joint-listed with ENGL 447, JAMM 447
, THE 447. 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 552 Theatre Historiography (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 452
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.
THE 553 (s) Topics in World Theatre History (3-16 credits, max arranged)
General Education: Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing, International
Joint-listed with THE 453
The course Topics in World Theatre History 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 452 Theatre Historiography. Typically Offered: Varies.
THE 554 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 555 (s) Theatre for Social Change (3 credits, max 9)
Joint-listed with THE 455
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 556 (s) Studies in Theatre, Gender, and Sexuality (3 credits, max 9)
Joint-listed with THE 456
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 560 Professional Theatre Conference Participation (1 credit, max 12)
Joint-listed with THE 460
Professional Theatre Conference Participation. Additional work required for graduate credit.
THE 563 (s) Advanced Costume Technology Studio (3 credits, max 9)
Joint-listed with THE 463
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 564 Scenographic Techniques (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 464
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 201 or Permission
THE 565 Advanced Scene Design (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 465
Development of a conceptual approach to design through assorted design projects.
Prereqs: 'C' or better in THE 201 or Permission
THE 566 Scene Painting (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 466
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. (Fall only)
Prereqs: 'C' or better in THE 201 or Permission
THE 571 Directing (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 471
Preparation of a play from casting to performance. Additional projects/assignments required for graduate credit. Three lecture and one hour of lab per week. Recommended Preparation: THE 305
THE 575 (s) Studies in Dramaturgy (3 credits, max 12)
Joint-listed with THE 475
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 584 Advanced Lighting Design (3 credits, max 12)
Joint-listed with THE 584
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 205 or Permission
THE 585 Vectorworks (3 credits)
Joint-listed with THE 485
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 595 Professional Off-Campus Studio (3 credits, max 18)
This is a studio course designed for professional off-campus graduate students only. The course is composed of one-on-one mentoring for off-campus projects.
Prereqs: Permission
THE 596 MFA Exit Project (3 credits)
Culminating creative project for MFA candidates.
Prereqs: Department Permission
THE 597 (s) Practicum (1-16 credits)
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 598 (s) Internship (1-16 credits)
Credit arranged
THE 599 (s) Non-thesis Master's Research (1-16 credits)
Credit arranged. Research not directly related to a thesis or dissertation.
Prereqs: Permission