THE 101 Introduction to Theatre: Drama and Analysis (3 cr)

Examination of drama and theatre production as modes of human expression focusing on script analysis and relating style to historical and contemporary production values.

THE 123 Acting for the Non-Major (3 cr)

Introduction to the art of acting for the non-theatre major. Focuses on developing basic acting skills through improvisation, research, collaboration, script interpretation, group exercises and possible scene work; includes study of dramatic analysis, contextual work, and acting theory. Credit cannot be applied to the major degree in theatre.

THE 191 Experiencing Theatre (3 cr)

Introduction to all aspects of the theatre art, in a hybrid format meeting once a week in a large group. This course will help students appreciate the theatre as future audience members by engaging them in a hands-on look at how theatre is made. Students will both watch live theatre and develop theatrical concepts in small groups. Credit cannot be applied to the theatre major or minor.

THE 257 Stagecraft and Theatre Technologies (3 cr)

An introduction to the technologies involved in the conception and creation of visual environments that help tell theatrical stories. Topics include scenic construction, lighting instrumentation and control, and digital and traditional exploration of graphic representation of theatrical environments.

The Department of Theatre currently offers two thematic sequences for those who want to enhance their studies with coursework in theatre arts.

Modern Theatre and Drama (T01)

This sequence offers a systematic study of the influences, backgrounds, playwrights, and theatre artists that have brought about contemporary theatre production practice, style, and dramaturgy. The eclecticism of 20th Century theatre reflects the shifting realities of science, culture, politics, and aesthetics in a way that mirrors our attempts to understand ourselves and our world. The objective is to reach an integrative knowledge of the connectedness of art and society to understand how in creating an image of our lives, in forging new realities, in exploring new forms and styles, theatre artists have helped define our response to the world and our experience.

Sequence Requirements:

One foundation course

THE 101 Introduction to Theatre: Drama and Analysis (MPF)(3)

or THE 191 Experiencing Theatre (MPF)(3)

plus TWO of the following

THE 393 Topics in Intercultural Perspectives and Global Theatre and Performance (3)

THE 394 Topics in Dramatic Literature and Cultural Performance (3)

THE 395 The Musical in American Culture (3)

Theatre Design and Technology (T03)

Explores and develops skills, processes, and critical aesthetic thinking as applied to the design, creation, and implementation of the technical elements of theatrical production, including scenery, costumes, and lighting. Analysis of dramatic texts, collaboration, creativity, and problem solving skills are developed as students learn to design and create visual worlds that help tell stories. The concepts may be applied to the larger field of entertainment design including film, television, gaming, merchandising, or any field in which a story can be enhanced through visual means.

Sequence Requirements

THE 257 Theatre Technologies (3) MPF IIA, V

or CCA 111 Creativity, Innovation and Design Thinking (3) MPF V

Plus ONE additional course in Technical Theatre:

THE 253 Costume Fundamentals (3)

THE 257 Theatre Technologies (3) MPF IIA, V

THE 258 Scene Painting Fundamentals (3)

THE 342 Stage Management (3)

THE 450 Special Topics in Design, Technology and Management (3)

Plus ONE course in the Theatre Design (3)

THE 451 Scene Design (3)

THE 453 Costume Design (3)

THE 454 Lighting Design (3)

To register for any of the thematic sequences in theatre, contact Marly Wooster.

THE 481: Integrating Performance, Theory and Practice (3) (MPC)

In this capstone, students build an original creative performance from source material based on a particular topic, theme or method. Students will create an artistic product and explore ways to design, produce, write and perform as a collaborative team. Students will then assess their work within the larger contexts of art-making, community engagement or performance. Creative products resulting from this class may include

• an exhibit or installation,
• fashion show,
• evening of scenes,
• collaboratively devised performance,
• autobiographical solo performance,
• site specific performance,
• documentary performance,
• production dramaturgy or other formats.

Students will learn to think like an artist and to think across disciplines. They will conduct research to better understand contexts, to understand how to apply a method, and to understand how research provides creative inspiration.

The capstone is typically offered in the spring semester and is open to any major.