If indeed “all the world’s a stage,” the Theatre major offers many ways to successfully “make an entrance.” The major includes the skills necessary to produce excellent theatre (acting, directing, design, management) along with experiences relevant to life long learning (creativity, working in a collaborative environment, achieving self-expression, increasing self-confidence). Theatre is both a profession and an art and, whether it is graduate study or using theatre in other endeavors (including teaching, public relations, media, law), Theatre majors will offer creative solutions to life’s challenges.

THEA    274         Theatre History (must be taken twice, for a total of 6 semester hours)

THEA    278         Theatre Repertory Company

THEA    376         Design and Technology  (must be taken twice, for a total of 6 semester hours)

THEA    377         Principles of Directing

One of the following two courses:

THEA    277         Children’s Theatre

THEA    279         Creative Dramatics

Two of the following three courses:

THEA    370         Voice, Movement and Modern Styles

THEA    371         Period Styles in Acting—Greek to Restoration

THEA    372         Auditioning, Improvisation and Career Management

One of the following two courses:

THEA    490         Independent Study

THEA    497         Internship

Nine semester hours of additional course work from outside THEA to be approved by the Director of Theatre.

A passing evaluation on the THEA Senior Portfolio.

Students seeking teacher certification in drama should confer as early as possible with Prof. Wallace of the Communication and Theatre department and Prof. Craig Vivian, chair of the Education department, to ensure that their program will meet state standards. Other requirements for certification are described on pages 57–64. (Note: Secondary certification in a “primary teaching field” requires a minimum of 32 semester hours.) A second teaching field in a related area of study is recommended.

THEA    274         Theatre History

THEA    278         Theatre Repertory Company    

THEA    376         Theatre Performance

THEA    377         Principles of Directing

One of the following three courses:

THEA    370         Voice, Movement and Modern Styles  

THEA    371         Period Styles in Acting—Greek to Restoration

THEA    372         Auditioning, Improvisation and Career Management

THEA 117G. Acting: Workshop                                                              1 sem hr

Staff-supervised participation in acting. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.

THEA 118G. Technical Theatre: Workshop                                           1 sem hr

Staff-supervised participation in technical theatre. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.

THEA 171G. Introduction to Theatre and Cinema Appreciation            3 sem hrs

A course designed to give the beginning student a critical platform on which to base his or her own evaluation of plays and films. Selected reading of play scripts, film scenarios, and general criticism is supplemented by planned viewing experiences in both art forms. Offered each semester.

THEA 173G. Introduction to Technical Theatre                                    3 sem hrs

A study of the basic elements of technical theatre, including stagecraft, lighting, sound and costumes, as well as experience running an actual production. Includes laboratory. Offered each semester.

THEA 175G. Beginning Acting                                                             3 sem hrs

An introduction to the art and history of stage acting combined with practical exercises and performances of short scenes. Offered each year.

THEA 217. Acting and Directing: Advanced Workshop                        2 sem hrs

Continuation of THEA 117 with advanced work and/or a position of responsibility in Theatre. Primarily for junior and senior majors. Prerequisite: THEA 117 and permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.

THEA 218. Technical Theatre: Advanced Workshop                            2 sem hrs

Continuation of THEA 118 with advanced work and/or a position of responsibility in technical theatre. Primarily for junior and senior majors. Prerequisites: THEA 118 and permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.   

THEA 274G. Theatre History                                                               3 sem hrs

A survey of theatre emphasizing the evolution of dramatic literature, production elements, theatre architecture, and audience composition. Each year’s offering will concentrate on a particular movement, genre, or form. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

THEA 277. Children’s Theatre in Performance                                    3 sem hrs

A study of the history, development, structures, and techniques of Children’s Theatre as a performance art. The course will cover readings of the history of the theatrical style, current companies and practices, practical exercises in analysis and structure, as well as a study of the Children’s Theatre performance style. The course will culminate in the performance of scenes or short plays.

THEA 278. Theatre Rep Company                                                       4 sem hrs

Under supervision of Theatre faculty, students involved in Rep Company take on the full preparation of a play (acting, design, promotion, etc.). Students will make production decisions and assume leadership roles in the preparation of the show. Open to sophomore, junior and senior Theatre majors and minors, or by permission of the instructor. May be repeated once
for credit.

THEA 279. Creative Dramatics                                                             3 sem hrs

A study of the development of Creative Dramatics as a performance, educational, social, and political tool. The course covers readings on Play and Drama as a therapeutic and developmental tool, practical exercises in the use of theatre and drama as a teaching tool, and direct application of Creative Dramatics in an educational setting. Students will have hands on opportunities to apply their studies to an actual classroom setting.

THEA 297. Special Topics: Theatre                                                     3 sem hrs

THEA 370. Voice, Movement and Modern Styles                                 3 sem hrs

A study of performance techniques and modern movement based acting styles. Includes readings on performance theory, laboratory exercise, improvisation, scene study, character development, personal reflection and the attendance of productions. Techniques will be applied to modern acting styles, and the course will lead to the creation and performance of scenes and mono-logues. Prerequisite: THEA 175 or permission of the instructor. Offered once every third year.

THEA 371. Period Styles in Acting—Greek to Restoration                   3 sem hrs

A study of western acting techniques ranging from Greek to Restoration. Includes readings on performance history and theory, laboratory exercise, improvisation, scene study, character development, personal reflection and the attendance of productions. The course will lead to the creation and performance of scenes and monologues. Prerequisite: THEA 175 or permission of the instructor. Offered once every third year.

THEA 372. Auditioning, Improvisation and Career Management         3 sem hrs

A hybrid course that offers a study in audition techniques, improvisational acting skills, and techniques to developing and managing a career in professional theatre. Includes readings, laboratory exercise, improvisation, scene study, cold-reading techniques, creation of audition monologues, character development, personal reflection and the attendance of productions. Prerequisite: THEA 175 or permission of the instructor. Offered once every third year.

THEA 376. Theatre Performance                                                         3 sem hrs

A study of the basic elements of design and technology. Combines readings in design theory with practice in drafting, plotting, rendering. Each offering will concentrate on a particular design style (lighting, costume, scenery, etc.). Prerequisite: THEA 173 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

THEA 377. Principles of Stage Directing                                              3 sem hrs

A study of the practical and theoretical elements of directing for the serious student of performance. Readings in theory and production organization are combined with practical exercises in analysis, pictorial composition, movement, and lead to the actual production of a short play. Prerequisites: Junior standing, some theatre experience and THEA 171, 173 or 376, and 175. Offered each year.

THEA 397. Seminar: Theatre                                                               3 sem hrs

A seminar centered on a problem or topic as announced before each offering. Designed for juniors and seniors. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.

THEA 490. Independent Study                                                        1–6 sem hrs

A faculty directed program of individual study consisting of reading, research, or creative performance. Prerequisite: prior approval of the department. May be repeated for credit.

THEA 497. Internship in Theatre                                              3–9 sem hrs

An experience designed to allow the student to use in the field concepts and ideas developed during major study and to help prepare the student for employment. Prerequisites: Junior standing and prior approval of the department. May be repeated for credit.