Courses for Undergraduates
100 Drama Appreciation (3:3)
GE Core: GFA
Theatre as an art form: how the actor, director, and designer function. Outstanding plays of major periods demonstrate the technical and aesthetic aspects of theatrical production. Illustrated lectures, demonstrations, and classroom experiments.
120 Voice for the Actor (3:3)
Pr. Drama students only.
The study of the mechanics of the voice for dramatic literature, developing intelligible speech through the use of Standard American Sounds.
130 Fundamentals of Acting (3:3)
GE Core: GFA
For non-majors only.
Understanding and appreciation of the problems, demands, and disciplines of the actor’s art.
140 Stage Crafts: Scenery, Lighting, and Sound (3:2:3)
Introduction to technical theatre practice, backstage organization, scenery construction, stage lighting and sound. Practical experience in supervised laboratory and production program.
145 Stage Crafts: Costuming and Makeup (3:2:3)
Introduction to technical theatre practice in stage makeup and costuming. Practical experience in supervised laboratory and production program.
190 Theatre Practice—Performance (1:0:4)
May be repeated for up to two (2) credits.
Department auditions are open to all students, and credit is given to those who are cast.
191 Theatre Practice—Scenery (1:0:4)
May be repeated for credit.
Open to any student interested in participating in the scenery phase of production.
192 Theatre Practice—Costumes (1:0:4)
May be repeated for credit.
Open to any student interested in participating in the costuming phase of production.
193 Theatre Practice—Box Office/Publicity (1:0:4)
May be repeated for credit.
Open to any student interested in participating in the box office/ publicity phase of production.
194 Theatre Practice—Production (1:0:4)
May be repeated for credit.
Open to any student interested in participating in the technical phases of production.
195 Theatre Practice—Lighting (1:0:4)
May be repeated for credit.
Open to any student interested in participating in the lighting phase of production.
201 Playscript Analysis (3:3)
Pr. admission to appropriate degree program or permission of instructor
Systems for analyzing playscripts which may be adapted and employed by directors, actors,
and/or designers.
221 Dynamics in Acting: Movement I (1:0:3)
Pr. sophomore B.F.A. Acting major
May be repeated for credit.
Daily practical exercise in physical disciplines to develop concentration, imagination, and the body as the actor’s instrument.
222 Dynamics in Acting: Voice I (2:2)
Pr. THR 231 and THR 232
May be repeated for credit.
Beginning course in the voice/speech sequence in the B.F.A. Acting program. Understanding of breath, foundations of voice production, elements of speech. (Fall & Spring)
231 Acting I (3:1:4)
Introduction to the ideas of Konstantin Stanislavsky's system for modern acting. Voice and movement warm-up exercises along with beginning acting exercises that culminate in basic scene study.
232 Acting II (3:1:4)
Pr. 231
Application of basic techniques developed in 231 to elementary scene study. Introduction to the Stanislavski System. Further study in movement, voice, and improvisation.
242 Technical Production: Scenery (2:1:3)
Pr. THR 140 or permission of instructor
Further develop the theatrical construction skills and knowledge necessary for advanced construction techniques and installation of scenic units. (Fall)
244 Technical Production: Costumes (2:1:3)
Pr. THR 145 or permission of instructor
To further develop costume technology skills taught at the beginning level in THR 145. (Fall)
245 Theatre Graphics (3:2:3)
Pr. 140
Introduction to the basic materials and techniques of graphic presentation in scenic, costume, and lighting design for the theatre.
246 Technical Production: Sound and Lighting (2:1:3)
Pr. THR 140 or permission of instructor
Enhance the student's familiarity with the process and equipment used in modern theatre production. (Fall)
260 Advanced Makeup (3:2:3)
Pr. 145 or permission of instructor
Special emphasis on character analysis, physiognomy, color, three-dimensional make-up, rubber prosthesis, beard and wig make-up for theatre, film and television production.
280 The Mask in Performance (3:2:3)
Pr. 130 or 231
A cross-cultural introduction to masks throughout history, their construction, and use in performance. (Alt Years)
284 Arts Management (3:3)
Introduction to arts management for nonprofit arts organizations. Topics include management principles, marketing, fundraising, and financial planning. (Fall or Spring)
291 Applied Theatre I (1–4:0:3–12)
May be repeated for credit.
Supervised practical experience in various areas of theatre production.
305 Development of American Musical Theatre (3:3)
GE Core: GFA
Musical theatre as an art form, stressing its development and major works since 1800. Minstrelsy,
vaudeville, burlesque, operetta, and revue, but major emphasis on musical comedy. Illustrated lectures and demonstrations.
315 Creative Drama for the Classroom Teacher (2:2:1)
Pr. elementary education majors with sophomore standing, or permission of instructor
Not open to theatre majors.
Elementary school creative drama and its place in the curriculum. Emphasis on fundamentals, materials, teaching techniques, and evaluation.
320 The Actor’s Space (3:1:4)
Pr. 231 and 232
Concentrated study of kinesthetic and spatial awareness. Special emphasis on physical and vocal adjustments to the demands of different performance spaces. (Alt Years)
321 Dynamics in Acting: Movement II (1:0:3)
Pr. junior B.F.A. Acting major
May be repeated for credit.
Advanced daily practical exercise in physical disciplines to develop concentration, imagination, and the body as the actor’s instrument.
322 Dynamics in Acting: Voice II (2:2)
Pr. THR 221, 222, 231, and 232
Continuation course in the voice/speech sequence in the B.F.A. Acting program. IPA, vocal range, elements of speech, application to dramatic text. (Fall)
323 The Arts as Human Experience (3:3)
GE Core: GFA
An examination of the meaning of the arts experience, including its historical and personal significance. Includes reading and related work in art, dance, drama, and music. (Same as ART 323, DCE 323)
331 Acting III (3:1:4)
Pr. 231 and permission of acting faculty
B.F.A. Acting majors only.
Concentrated study in script and role analysis. Intensive improvisation to develop acting techniques.
332 Acting IV (3:1:6)
Pr. THR 231, 232, 331
Working in the Stanislavski system as it applies to performance for the camera rather than a live audience. Focus will include film work, episodic television, soap operas, and sitcoms. (Spring)
345 Costume and Scenic Property Crafts (3:1:3)
Pr. 140 and 145
An introduction to craft materials for costume and stage properties. Craft materials will include industrial felts, leather, flexible and rigid foams, thermoplastics, paper products, adhesives, fabric paints and fabric dyes. (Alt Years)
346 Costume Crafts (3:2:3)
Pr. 145 or permission of instructor
Exploration of basic design elements and fabrics relative to costuming. Laboratory projects in costume crafts.
351 Scene Design (3:2:3)
Pr. 140 or permission of instructor
Principles and practice of scene design for performance.
361 Costume Design (3:2:3)
Pr. 145 or permission of instructor
Principles and practice of costume design for performance.
370 Lighting Design (3:2:3)
Pr. 140 or 291 or permission of instructor
Principles and practice of lighting design for theatre, television and film.
380 Playwriting (3:3)
Exercises in dramaturgical techniques including adapting literature for performance. Composition of one-act plays.
381 Oral Interpretation (3:3)
Principles of interpretation: analysis and practice in the oral presentation of various forms of literature to be selected from poetry, prose, and drama.
382 Theatrical Design for Schools K–12 (3:3)
Pr. 140 and admission to appropriate degree program; or permission of instructor.
Study of design techniques and the execution of scenery, lighting, and costuming for low budget play and musical production.
390 Workshop Theatre Practice (1:0:3)
May be repeated for credit.
Supervised production work in the Workshop Theatre.
395 Special Problems (1–3)
Pr. permission of faculty supervisor is required prior to registration.
May be repeated for credit.
Guided individual study in an area of special interest to the student. (Formerly THE 333)
410 Directing I (3:3)
Pr. 201, junior standing, and admission to appropriate degree program; or permission of instructor.
Fundamental principles of directing for the theatre including adapting literature for performance.
435 Performance Styles (2:0:3)
Pr. 231, 232 or permission of instructor
Introduction to acting styles including Greek, Commedia dell’Arte, Elizabethan, Comedy of Manners, and Musical Theatre. (Fall & Spring & Summer)
482 Teaching Methods in Theatre Arts (3:3:4)
Philosophy, means, and methods for conducting classes and structuring curricular and cocurricular theatre activities. Includes internship in public schools as lab. Required for Theatre Education teacher licensure. (Fall)
483 Honors Work (3–6)
Pr. permission of instructor; 3.30 GPA in the major, 12 s.h. in the major
May be repeated for credit if the topic of study changes.
490 Advanced Theatre Practice—Performance (1:0:4)
Pr. four (4) s.h. of 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, and/or 195 and junior standing
May be repeated for up to two (2) credits.
Departmental auditions are open to all students, and credit is given to those who are cast.
491 Advanced Theatre Practice—Scenery (1:0:4)
Pr. four (4) s.h. of 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, and/or 195 and junior standing
May be repeated for credit.
Open to any student interested in participating in the scenery phase of production.
492 Advanced Theatre Practice—Costumes (1:0:4)
Pr. four (4) s.h. of 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, and/or 195 and junior standing
May be repeated for credit.
Open to any student interested in participating in the costuming phase of production.
493 Advanced Theatre Practice—Box Office/Publicity (1:0:4)
Pr. four (4) s.h. of 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, and/or 195 and junior standing
May be repeated for credit.
Open to any student interested in participating in the box office/publicity phase of production.
494 Advanced Theatre Practice—Production (1:0:4)
Pr. four (4) s.h. of 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, and/or 195 and junior standing
May be repeated for credit.
Open to any student interested in participating in the technical phases of production.
495 Advanced Theatre Practice—Lighting (1:0:4)
Pr. four (4) s.h. of 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, and/or 195 and junior standing
May be repeated for credit.
Open to any student interested in participating in the lighting phase of production.
496 Advanced Theatre Practice—Running Crew (1:0:4)
Pr. four (4) s.h. of 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, and/or 195 and junior standing
May be repeated for credit.
Open to any student interested in participating in the running crew phase of production.
497 Student Teaching in Theatre Arts (12:2:30)
Pr. grade of B- or better in THR 482; completion of all major and teacher licensure course work; and completion of 100 hours of pre-student teaching field experience in K–12 schools
Capstone experience for theatre education majors: student teaching at elementary, middle, or high school levels; classroom management; discipline; lesson design and implementation; and assessment. Includes biweekly seminars. (Spring)
498 Design and Technical Theatre Practicum (1–2:0:3–6)
Pr. junior standing, admission to the B.F.A. Design and Technical Theatre program
May be repeated for credit.
Practice in design or technical production for performance.
499 Advanced Theatre Practice—Capstone (1:0:4)
Pr. four (4) s.h. of 190/191, and senior standing
May be repeated for credit.
Senior project focusing on student’s personal interest in theatre.
