Theatre Arts (THEA)

THEA 110. Introduction to Theatre Arts. 3 Credits.

Basic orientation and historical perspective to theatre arts. Study of the roles of playwright, director, actor, designer, producer, and audience members in current theatre practice. Course will include attendance at area performances. Course includes 16 hours of experiential work in scene/costume shop or on a production. F,S.

THEA 120. Voice and Movement I. 3 Credits.

Development of the student's physical and vocal awareness. Emphasis on freeing the actor and identifying personal habitual response patterns. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. F, odd years.

THEA 125. Introduction to Theatrical Design. 3 Credits.

This course serves as an introduction to theatrical design. It will explore principles and elements of design through set, costume, lighting, and sound design. S.

THEA 161. Acting I. 3 Credits.

Basic principles of acting with emphasis on movement; basic character development through improvisation and script. F,S.

THEA 201. Theatre Practicum. 1 Credit.

Participation in theatre pre-performance and performance capacities, both technical and acting, under faculty direction. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to 12.00 credits. F,S.

THEA 204. Musical Theatre Acting I. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the unique style of performance techniques for musical theatre including voice and movement work, acting, and staging. Prerequisite: THEA 161. S, even years.

THEA 210. Selected Topics in Theatre. 1-3 Credits.

Topics of special interest to faculty and students, such as Stage Management, and others. Repeatable up to 9 credits. Repeatable to 9.00 credits. On demand.

THEA 220. Voice and Movement II. 3 Credits.

A sequential continuation of Theatre 120: Voice and Movement I with focus on freeing the channel for sound, improving range, and articulation. Emphasis in movement will be on posture and introducing somatic techniques. Prerequisite: THEA 120 or consent of instructor. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. S, even years.

THEA 225. Makeup for the Stage. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the basic techniques of makeup for the stage design and application. F, odd years.

THEA 230. Text Analysis. 3 Credits.

An analysis of the dramatic text from the standpoint of production and performance. S, odd years.

THEA 242. Tap Dance. 3 Credits.

This class is designed to introduce the student to the basic principles of tap dance. Warm-up, exercises, and combinations in tap technique will provide opportunities for the student to develop an efficient use of weight, alignment, articulation of footwork, coordination, and musicality. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. S, odd years.

THEA 245. Dance Fundamentals. 3 Credits.

An introduction to dance fundamentals through the enjoyment of synchronized movement and music. This course is designed to introduce basic dance terminology and technique, movement patterns across the floor, physical activity, and choreography. Emphasis will be placed on workout activities appropriate for conditioning and strengthening the body for dance, as well as improving flexibility through various warm-ups. Repeatable to 12.00 credits. F.

THEA 260. Costume Craft. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the basic principles, theory, and techniques of costume construction. This hands-on class will reach from basic to advanced skills. S, odd years.

THEA 270. Stagecraft. 3 Credits.

This course is intended to teach the basic functions, aesthetics, history, methods and materials of scenery, properties, lighting and sound. Practical experience, shop procedures are tied to hands-on experience in departmental productions. F.

THEA 271. Acting II. 3 Credits.

A detailed look at scene study and character development. Emphasis will be placed on scoring a scene and detailed character development, analysis and application. Prerequisite: THEA 161 or consent of instructor. F, odd years.

THEA 300. Play Direction I. 3 Credits.

Principles and techniques of directing for the theatre. Student laboratory directing experiences. Prerequisite: THEA 161 and THEA 230. F, odd years.

THEA 326. Lighting for Stage. 3 Credits.

The principles, mechanics and design of stage and lighting; its relationship to set, makeup and costume design; plus laboratory participation in University productions. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. S, odd years.

THEA 330. Contemporary Theatre. 3 Credits.

Readings in contemporary dramatic literature. Strong emphasis on written and verbal analysis of current dramatic techniques beyond realism. S, even years.

THEA 335. Stage Management. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the procedures, responsibilities, and best practices for stage management. F, even years.

THEA 339. Fundamentals of Theatrical Design. 3 Credits.

Exploration of needs for putting together a successful theatrical production. Topics include conceptual work, drafting, model-making and rendering, and scenic painting. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. S, odd years.

THEA 344. Musical Theatre Dance Style. 3 Credits.

In this course students will learn the vocabulary, styles, and techniques associated with musical theatre dance. Building upon the movement basics learned in the prerequisite courses, students will refine their dance skills and increase their knowledge base through the practice and assimilation of repertory from the classic musical theatre. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. S, even years.

THEA 345. Dance Special Topics. 3 Credits.

Dance Special Topics will explore various dance styles through practical in-class exercises and combinations. Prerequisite: THEA 245. Repeatable to 12.00 credits. S.

THEA 371. Advanced Acting: Advanced Scene Study. 3 Credits.

Advanced script analysis applied to plays that place advanced demands on the actor. Prerequisite: THEA 271 or consent of instructor. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. F, even years.

THEA 397. Cooperative Education. 1-6 Credits.

A practical work experience with an employer closely associated with the student's academic area. Arranged by mutual agreement among student, department, and employer. Repeatable to 12 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to 12.00 credits. F,S,SS.

THEA 401. Theatre Study Abroad. 3 Credits.

This course is designed in conjunction with a study abroad trip. Students will research the impact of theatre in the designated region. Locations for the study abroad trip will vary. Repeatable to 12.00 credits. On demand.

THEA 404. Musical Theatre Acting II. 3 Credits.

Appreciation of and performance techniques for musical theatre including: voice and movement work, acting, and staging. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. S, odd years.

THEA 415. Selected Problems in Theatre Arts. 1-3 Credits.

Topics of special interest to faculty and students, such as Theatre Management, Women's Issues in Drama, Polish Theatre and Drama, Improvisation, Scene Painting, and others. Repeatable up to 9 credits. Repeatable to 9.00 credits. On demand.

THEA 421. History of Period Styles for Theatrical Design. 3 Credits.

A survey of period styles focusing on developments such as clothing and architecture from the Greek period to the present. An emphasis is placed on the research process for theatrical design. S, even years.

THEA 423. History of the Theatre: Classical, Medieval and Renaissance. 3 Credits.

The theatre in performance. The origins of theatrical forms and their relationships to acting style, physical theatre and audience with the cultural environment. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. F, even years.

THEA 424. History of the Theatre: Seventeenth Century to the Present. 3 Credits.

A continuation of topics covered in THEA 423 beginning with the Seventeenth Century and continuing to the present. Prerequisite: THEA 423 or instructor consent. S, odd years.

THEA 425. Play Direction II. 3 Credits.

A continuation of THEA 300 with emphasis on contemporary theories, analysis, research, conceptualization, and implementation. Laboratory experience. Prerequisite: THEA 300 or consent of instructor. S, even years.

THEA 426. Scene Design for the Stage. 3 Credits.

The analysis, research, and conceptualization of the physical context of theatre productions. Emphasis on individual creative projects. Prerequisite: THEA 339 or instructor consent. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. S, even years.

THEA 427. Costume Design. 3 Credits.

Elements, principles, and styles of design applied to the visual creation of a dramatic character. Repeatable up to 6 credits. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. F, odd years.

THEA 450. Musical Theatre History. 3 Credits.

A survey of the history of musical theatre in performance, genre and world presence. Prerequisite: THEA 204. F, odd years.

THEA 471. Advanced Acting: Shakespeare. 3 Credits.

A detailed examination of Shakespeare in performance. Prerequisite: THEA 271. F, even years.

THEA 481. Theatre Practicum. 1-2 Credits.

Projects in all areas of theatre and interpretation in a supervisory capacity. Specific assignments in production/planning with faculty approval. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to 12.00 credits. F,S.

THEA 485. Professional Preparation. 3 Credits.

Students will explore the professional aspects of acting and production design including applying/auditioning for professional work, resumes/portfolios, website, etc. Focus will rotate each semester between performance and design. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing in Theatre Arts BA or BFA Programs. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. On demand.

THEA 488. Playwriting. 3 Credits.

The playwright's problems as revealed through practice of writing plays; experimental productions of the student's creative work whenever possible. Repeatable up to 6 hours. Prerequisite: Sufficient background in theatrical arts and creative writing and consent of instructor. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. F, odd years.

THEA 494. Senior Project. 1 Credit.

Individual work in an approved area. Prerequisite: Senior standing in the BA Theatre Arts or BFA Musical Theatre Programs. F,S.