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t h e a t r e
Intended for freshmen in the College of Arts and Sciences. Seeks to introduce
freshmen to the liberal arts in general, as well as to familiarize them with
their major; help them develop the academic skills necessary to succeed (e.g.,
analytical ability and critical thinking); provide grounding in the culture and
values of the University community; and help them develop interpersonal
skillsin short, to familiarize students with all skills needed to become a
successful university student.
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THE 1100
Introduction to Theatre Arts
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4 QH |
Focuses on theatre in performance by examining the work of theatre artists
(actors, designers, directors, and playwrights). Introduces students to the
dynamics of performance and to the reading of play texts, and provides a brief
overview of the development of Western theatre. (Core Category II)
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THE 1106
Theatre History 1Beginnings to Renaissance
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4 QH |
Explores the history of the theatre and its development in the West, focusing
on Greece, Rome, Medieval Europe, Golden Age Spain, and Elizabethan and Stuart
England. (Can be taken independently of THE1107.) (Core Category II)
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THE 1107
Theatre History 2Renaissance to Naturalism
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4 QH |
Focuses on the development of theatre in the Italian Renaissance; the spread of
Italianate forms throughout Europe during the seventeenth and eighteenth
centuries; the rise of Romanticism in Germany and its spread; and the rise of
realism and naturalism in France, Scandinavia, and throughout Europe. (Can be
taken independently of THE1106.)
Traces the development of the American musical from The Black Crook to the
present. Considers the role of musical theatre as both entertainment and
serious art form through an examination of script, score, dance, and design.
Includes works by composers and lyricists such as Rodgers and Hammerstein,
Lerner and Loewe, Cole Porter, Bock and Harnick, Leonard Bernstein, and Stephen
Sondheim.
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THE 1112
Dramatic Theory and Criticism
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4 QH |
Examines the major theoretical statements about Western theatre from Greece to
present day. Devotes a significant portion of the course to twentieth-century
critical strategies. (Core Category V)
Overviews several great practitioners of theatre. In particular, stresses how
society influenced the thought and craft of playwrights, actors, directors,
designers, and theorists. Pays careful attention to how the play's ideas are
translated into performance. Uses video, discussion, and live performance, when
possible, as integral elements in the course. (Core Category III)
Traces the historical development of theatre in America, as well as its role as
a social institution, economic enterprise, and art form.
Surveys the history of African-American theatre artists in America from the
time of Ira Aldridge to the present day. Also examines the works of black
playwrights from the Harlem Renaissance to the present, with an emphasis on the
period beginning with Baraka's Dutchman.
Examines the current state of commercial, regional, and other noncommercial
theatre in the United States, using readings, lectures, reports, and weekly
visits to theatre productions in the area. Explores through lectures the
background of these types of theatre in twentieth-century American and European
theatre.
Surveys theatrical comedy from the ancient Greeks to the present. Examines the
comic playwright, the comic director, and the comedic actor. Discusses theories
and techniques of laughter, as well as the psychological and sociological
benefits derived from laughter. Includes reading playscripts by Aristophanes,
Molire, Shakespeare, Shaw, and Simon, as well as viewing and listening to tapes
of Chaplin, the Marx Brothers, and others. Examines comedy devices through
lectures, films, records, and attending live performances.
Offers students the opportunity to develop a series of dramatic dialogues that
culminate in the writing of a one-act play. Uses a workshop format.
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THE 1149
Script Analysis for the Stage
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4 QH |
Aids the theatre practitioner in developing the skills necessary for analyzing
scripts in preparation for production. Focuses on dramatic theory and structure
and theatrical techniques that enables an actor, director, designer, or
playwright to uncover the problems of translating theory into practice. Prereq.
Theatre major or minor.
Focuses on fundamental techniques of stage use, the actor and the stage
environment, and improvisations for strengthening imagination and increasing
freedom of expression. (Core Category II)
Focuses on vocal exercises that enable the actor to better connect with the
voice through freeing the physical and emotional self. Emphasizes centering,
physicalization, breath support, articulation, resonance, projection, and
relaxation. Includes selected monologues and/or scenes for classroom analysis.
Emphasizes using the body as an expressive instrument for realism. Develops
concentration, control, and stamina through exercise, relaxation,
improvisation, manipulation of energy flow, rhythms, and imagination. Prereq.
Theatre major or permission of department chair.
Focuses on purposes and techniques of theatrical direction related to script
analysis, production style, pictorial composition, rhythmic evolution, and
empathic responses. Prereq. THE1150, THE1212, and permission of department
chair.
The initial technical theatre course required of all majors, covering the basic
skills necessary in scene construction and stage lighting.
Covers the basic steps in stage management, stage makeup, and costume
construction. Required of all majors.
Covers the basic skills needed for scenery, lighting, and costume design.
Required for production concentration. Prereq. THE1206 and THE1207.
Exposes the student to the basic graphics language needed to translate a
designer's ideas into technical drawings used for construction through work on
supervised classroom projects. Prereq. THE1206.
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THE 1210
Scenic Design for the Stage
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4 QH |
Introduces the theory and practice of theatrical design and the role of the
designer in the production process. Through project work, examines the use of
the graphics toolsline, form, balance, color, rhythm, et ceterain the
development of the design idea. Emphasizes understanding and utilizing spatial
relationships, visually expressing conceptual themes, and understanding the
various uses, problems, and practical considerations of proscenium, thrust, and
arena staging. Prereq. Permission of instructor.
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THE 1212
Introduction to Theatrical Design
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4 QH |
Introduces the visual effects of modern theatrical production and the creative
processes by which these come into being, through a basic survey of the three
major design disciplines, their supporting technology, and their working
interrelationship. Addresses the questions of how artistic concepts are
developed and related, how they are communicated to other artists and an
audience, and how one develops the critical processes necessary to evaluate
these concepts.
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THE 1213
Scene Design 2: Principles
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4 QH |
Focuses on the development and expression of conceptual statements from
specific dramatic texts through a series of exercises involving script analysis
and introductory work in rendering and model construction. Examines texts
selected from works of distinct historical and stylistic periods. Studies the
heritage of twentieth-century theatrical design through the work of artists
such as Appia, Craig, Jones, Urban, and Oenslager. Emphasizes the development
of such stylistic treatments as realism, expressionism, symbolism, and
constructivist and environmental design. Prereq. THE1210.
Traces the history of scene painting and ornament from classical to
contemporary times. Focuses on studio organization, color, color theory,
equipment, tools, materials, and costs involved with painting stage scenery.
Incorporates projects and exercises in the use of different media, matching
colors, painting of textures, light and shade, and the use of stencils and
physical textures. Includes lab sessions involving painting stage scenery for
University productions. Prereq. THE1206 or permission of instructor.
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THE 1226
Lighting Design for the Stage
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4 QH |
Examines basic principles and practices of stage lighting, including the
qualities and functions of light, lighting instruments and controls, basic
electricity, color in light, and analysis of the script in terms of light
requirements. Expects students to develop light plots and schedules for various
kinds of stage productions. Includes lab work on lighting crews for University
productions. Prereq. THE1209 or permission of department chair.
Presents the beginning designer with an opportunity to investigate costume
design theory and to foster perceptual development. Through lectures and
projects, gives students an opportunity to explore both the abstract and
historical aspects of costume design as well as textual analysis and its
conceptual implications. (Does not require prior art or design education.)
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THE 1265
Pattern Drafting and Costume Construction
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4 QH |
Develops the skills and techniques necessary for the patterning, cutting, and
construction of costumes for the stage. Covers flat pattern drafting, draping,
and finishing techniques.
Focuses on the principles of, the reasons for, and the materials used in makeup
for the theatre, television, and films. Includes the practical application of
types and styles of makeupstraight, old-age, character, and corrective. Prereq.
Permission of instructor.
Focuses on problems of financing, promoting, and programming for profit and
nonprofit professional theatre.
Focuses on developing the actor's sense of truth and emotional freedom.
Emphasizes creating, developing, and sustaining character and developing
ensemble. Includes monologues and scenes performed for classroom analysis.
Prereq. THE1150 and permission of department chair.
Focuses on further development of the actor's tools, script and character
scoring, and exercises for physical and psychological freedom. Includes
in-class scenes from works in progress. Prereq. THE1300 and permission of
instructor.
Deals with scene work from a spectrum of theatrical genres. Focuses on
developing a technique for approaching a role through research, character, and
language. Prereq. THE1301 and permission of instructor.
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THE 1316
Acting for the Camera (Television)
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4 QH |
Presents the fundamentals of camera acting, adjusting the actor's physical
responses to the mechanical eye of the camera and the delicate ear of the
microphone. Involves studio work before the television camera to explore the
genres of dramatic, commercial, and industrial acting. Prereq. THE1150.
Applies acting technique to the performance of musical material. Explores song
through text and character progression, develops a process for approaching a
song, and synthesizes movement, gesture, and emotion with melody, rhythm, and
lyrics. Involves student performances of solo, small ensemble, and large
ensemble material. Does not involve singing technique. Prereq. THE1150,
THE1300, and permission of instructor.
Requires students to research, prepare, and perform either a substantial acting
role, a design assistantship, a crew head,
a dramaturgy, or a stage-management position under the direction and guidance
of faculty. Students are expected to keep a rehearsal log and will synthesize
and evaluate the experience in a final paper. This course may be repeated for
credit up to three times for theatre majors. Fulfills the College of Arts and
Sciences experiential education requirement for theatre majors. Prereq.
Permission of department chair.
Offers advanced study in textual interpretation and its application to costume
design. Emphasizes conceptual and stylistic development through assigned
projects in the various genres of the performing arts. Prereq. THE1261 or
permission of instructor.
Allows the opportunity to acquire and explore the requisite skills for
developing working drawings and budgetary analyses for theatrical productions.
Focuses on several projects and includes the opportunity to coordinate one
substantial production. Requires that the specialized study be executed in
close supervision with the instructor. Prereq. All courses in production/design
concentration and permission of instructor.
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THE 1420
Advanced Drafting and Construction
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4 QH |
Offers specialized study in technical production techniques. Covers drafting
procedures necessary for the conversion of designer's drawings into detailed
rear elevation and construction layouts, as well as the development of section,
isometric, and oblique views. Through a series of practical and project
exercises, analyzes the various factors governing the construction and rigging
of two- and three-dimensional scenery, linear-motion, rotary-motion, and
elevating systems. Emphasizes theatrical problem-solving with regard to safety,
dependability, and economy. Prereq. THE1209.
Offers an intensive study of lighting design theory and practice. Expects
students to design numerous lighting plots, sections, instrument schedules, and
design concepts for various types of productions and spaces. Investigates and
discusses current professional techniques and practices. Prereq. THE1226.
Studies the history of the postnaturalistic theatre in Europe and the United
States. Explores the work and influence of such figures as Craig, Appia,
Meyerhold, Brecht, Artaud, Grotowski, Beck and Molina, Schechner, and Chaiken.
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THE 1511
Theatre Through the Lens of Modernism
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4 QH |
Covers seminal playwrights of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries whose
works have had a major impact on both modern drama and theatrical methods of
production. (Core Category V)
Theatre Practicum 1, 2, 3, 4
Offers lab practice in technical production; can be repeated for credit
(maximum four credits). Prereq. Departmental permission.
Practicum in Production 5, 6, 7, 8
Offers lab practice in rehearsal and performance for production; can be
repeated for credit (maximum of four credits). Prereq. Departmental permission.
Junior/Senior Honors Project
For details, contact the honors office.
Directed Study
Special Topics in Theatre Performance
Offers opportunity for in-depth examination of a subject of particular
significance to the field.
Special Topics in Theatrical Design
Offers opportunity for in-depth examination of a subject of particular
significance to the field.
Draws upon the student's approved experiential activity and integrates it with
study in the academic major. Restricted to those students who are using it to
fulfill their experiential education requirement.
Special Topics in Theatre History/Dramatic Criticism
Offers opportunity for in-depth examination of a subject of particular
significance to the field.
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THE 1899
Advanced Television Production
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4 QH |
Offers students the opportunity for in-depth examination of a subject of
particular significance to theatre/television production.
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