THEA Courses
Offered by Department of Music and Performing Arts
College of Fine Arts and Humanities
- THEA 120GS - Introduction to the Theatre - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
Study of theatre as a continuing cultural tradition. Designed to explore the
role of theatre in society, and acquaint theatre majors and non-majors alike
with the basic areas of theatre practice and study. Topics covered may include
theatre history, dramatic literature, acting, playwriting, theatre technology,
and/or design.
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- THEA 135 - Introduction to Technical Theatre - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
Introduction to the skills and craft of technical theatre, focused on
developing a working knowledge of the materials, methods, techniques, tools,
supplies, and work habits basic to theatre technicians. Work on mainstage
productions will enhance the learning process.
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- THEA 210 - Playscript Analysis - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 120
Introduction to the techniques necessary to read, analyze, and understand
playscripts for direction, performance, design, or research. Includes the
exploration of dramatic structure, plot, character, imagery, and other elements
which distinguish plays from other forms of literature.
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- THEA 222 - Oral Interpretation of Literature - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
Development of expression, interpretation, and delivery skills involved in
oral presentations through performance of literature, prose, poetry, and
drama. Studies may include such topics as literary selection, articulation,
projection, and physicalization.
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- THEA 225 - Fundamentals of Acting - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
Exploration of the foundations of acting through creative "play," open
critiques, rehearsals, in-class performances, and the successful mastery of
monologues and/or short scenes. Study includes an introduction to basic acting
terminology and tools; and preparation for future classes, performances, and
auditions.
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- THEA 226 - Scene Study and Auditioning - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 225
Refinement of acting skills through the study and performance of selected
scenes. Coursework also includes the exploration of audition techniques, such
as prepared auditions, cold readings, and instant adjustments, in preparation
for professional theatre auditions.
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- THEA 235 - Creative Dramatics - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
A fun, practical approach to theatre games, improvisation, and movement
providing ample opportunities to participate in and learn to teach beginning
theatre courses at elementary and high school levels. Possibilities for work
in the community.
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- THEA 237 - Children's Theatre - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
Study of the objectives of theatre for young audiences through practical
experience in selection, direction, and production of plays by and/or for
children.
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- THEA 240 - Stage Makeup - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
Introduction to stage makeup design and application techniques. Design and
application projects are used to familiarize the student with the essential
uses of stage makeup for the actor, technician, and educator.
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- THEA 241 - Introduction to Costume Technology - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
Study and training with basic costuming equipment, materials, and
techniques. Designed to teach the basics of costume construction including:
patterning, cutting, fitting, altering, and caring for costumes. Specific
skills are applied through construction projects and work on mainstage
productions.
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- THEA 295 - University Theatre Experience - 1-3 hours
- Prereq: permission of instructor
Practical experiences in theatrical production including, but not limited
to: acting, stagecraft, scene painting, electrics, props, technical crews,
publicity, and administration. May be repeated up to 4 hours.
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- THEA 296 - Elements of Theatrical Design - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 135
Overview of theatrical design intended to acquaint students with basic
design elements and rendering techniques in relation to scenery, lighting, and
costumes for the stage. Script analysis, production design requirements, the
collaborative design process, and the universal language (principles) of
design will be explored in depth.
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- THEA 306 - Movement for the Stage - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA
225
Basic understanding of how the body, as the actor's physical instrument,
functions in a performance space. Techniques studied will prepare actors to
react with creative and impulsive movements, while developing control and
stamina through exercise, relaxation, improvisation, and imagination. In-class
and environmental movement pieces will be performed throughout the semester.
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- THEA 307 - Voice and Diction for the Stage - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA
225
Raising awareness of spoken English and its basic sound
elements through an understanding of the International Phonetic Alphabet
(IPA). Preparing for clear, articulate, and well-supported vocal freedom, both
on and off stage, through identification of vocal habits. Character voices,
dialects, pitch, vocal variety, and ear training may be covered.
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- THEA 322 - Theatre and Stage Management - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 135
Study of the principles and practices in administration and stage management
for theatre producing organizations. Areas covered may include: publicity,
season selection, personnel, and audience services; with particular emphasis
on stage management including scheduling, rehearsals, production, and
performances.
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- THEA 325 - Advanced Acting - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 225
Exploration of advanced acting principles and techniques through monologues,
ensembles, and scene work. Builds on the foundations developed in Fundamentals
of Acting and guides students in the practice of more complex scene analysis
and characterization.
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- THEA 350 - Survey of Dramatic Literature I - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 120
Examination of play scripts as a genre in world literature. The course will
follow the progression of dramatic literature from ancient times to the
beginning of the 18th Century. Readings will focus on the genres of comedy and
tragedy in the following periods: Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Medieval,
Tudor and Stuart England.
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- THEA 351 - Survey of Dramatic Literature II - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 350*
Examination of dramatic literature with primary focus on the modern and
postmodern eras of world literature. Specific emphasis will be placed on the
philosophical approaches of Realism/Naturalism and Existentialism.
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- THEA 400 - Teaching Theatre - 3 hours
- Prereq: permission of instructor
Preparation of future Theatre instructors for professional work. Learning to
plan, prepare, and execute Theatre programs for high schools, continuing
studies programs, and community centers. Study will include: creating courses,
developing lesson plans, in-class teaching opportunities, organizing class
projects, identifying teaching opportunities, coordinating extracurricular
activities, and conducting self-evaluations. Will assist students in
identifying and developing individual styles of Theatre pedogogy.
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- THEA 401 - Special Topics - 3 hours
- Prereq: permission of instructor
Study in a specific area of theatre which will vary each time the course is
offered. Topics of study may include performance, history, criticism, play
development, technical theatre, as well as others.
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- THEA 413 - History of Theatre I - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 120
Survey of Theatre History covering the development of the institution of
theatre from pre-historical rituals through the Elizabethan period. Areas of
study include: theory and criticism, literature, physical theatre, and
personnel.
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- THEA 414 - History of Theatre II - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 413*
Survey of Theatre History covering periods from the Italian Renaissance
through the rise of Realism. Areas of study include: theory and criticism,
literature, physical theatre, and personnel.
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- THEA 415 - History of Theatre III - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 414*
Survey of Theatre History covering the development of modern theatre in the
late 19th and 20th Centuries. Particular emphasis is placed on
Realism/Naturalism and Postmodern Theatre. Areas of study include: theory and
criticism, literature, physical theatre, and personnel.
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- THEA 419 - Costume Design - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 241,
THEA 296*
or permission of instructor
Exploration of the elements and principles of design in relation to
theatrical costume design. Specific projects are used to develop the design
process with explicit attention to character analysis, period research, design
conceptualization, and limitations of budgets and production schedules.
Application of construction skills is enhanced through production work.
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- THEA 420 - Scene Design - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 296* or permission
of instructor
Introduction to the processes and techniques used to apply design elements and
principles in the creation of visual environments. Study and practice in
script analysis, research, design process, production styles, stage
composition, conceptualization, rendering, scenic model-making, etc. will be
used to develop and refine design skills. Application of design skills is
enhanced through production work.
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- THEA 421 - Playwriting - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
Instruction in the craft of playwriting and an organic approach to creating
new works. Students will work on original monologues and short plays as they
study the elements of drama and the technical format of writing for the stage.
Playwriting, play production, competitions, and script publication will be
covered.
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- THEA 423 - Projects in Theatre Production - 1-3 hours
- Prereq: permission of instructor
Significant projects in theatre production for advanced Theatre students.
Designed to provide students with experience in positions or roles that fully
utilize the performance and/or technical skills they have acquired. Projects
may include: stage management, directing, major roles, design, administration,
or others approved by Theatre faculty. May be repeated up to 9 hours.
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- THEA 425 - Acting Styles - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 306*
Exploration and application of various acting styles required by theatrical
texts including classic, romantic, modern, and contemporary periods.
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- THEA 426 - Career Preparation - 3 hours
- Prereq: junior or senior standing
Preparation of performance, technical, and design students for employment in
the professional Theatre world. Course will include development of resumes and
portfolios, role-playing and mock interviews/auditions, as well as examination
of unions, organizations, arts employment services, graduate schools, acting
companies, and regional theatres.
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- THEA 430 - Modern Dramatic Theory - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 120 or permission of instructor
Examination of the basic theories of theatre practice and dramatic
literature from 1870 to the present. Realism/Naturalism and 20th Century
Postmodernism will be emphasized.
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- THEA 436 - Advanced Technical Theatre - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 135
Exploration of advanced methods and materials utilized in contemporary
technical theatre. Students will become familiar with techniques in mechanical
drafting, computer-aided drafting, metalworking, wood turning, foam sculpting,
painting, and other technical areas.
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- THEA 438 - Technical Direction - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 436*
Study of the theory and practice of technical direction for the performing
arts and the role of the technical director in the collaborative production
process. Course content is focused on the development of skills and techniques
for scenery construction, stage rigging, technical drafting, budgeting time
and resources, and management.
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- THEA 447 - Lighting Design - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 296*
Examination of the mechanics, principles, and practices of lighting for the
stage. Course will include: analysis of scripts for lighting design,
application of design elements, introduction to lighting equipment and control
systems, study of color theory, development and execution of light plots, and
an overview of electricity. Hands-on training during mainstage light
hang/focus, as well as various design projects will enhance the overall
experience.
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- THEA 460 - Independent Study and Research - 1-3 hours
- Prereq: permission of instructor
Independent study or research of a theatre-related topic under the direction
of a Theatre Department faculty member. Proposals for study or research must be submitted
to the appropriate faculty advisor prior to registering for this course.
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- THEA 475 - Internship - 1-12 hours
- Prereq: permission of Theatre faculty, acceptance into a theatre internship program
Practical experience in theatre conducted in cooperation with a professional
or resident theatre company. Student work in acting, directing, stage
management, design, technical work, or administration will be monitored and
evaluated by a Theatre faculty advisor.
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- THEA 480 - Play Direction - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 120, THEA 135, THEA
225
Introduction to the fundamentals of directing for the stage through
application of basic principles and techniques to one-act and cutting
projects. Projects combine theory and practice in play selection, script
interpretation, stage movement, stage composition, interpersonal
relationships, production values, rehearsals, and ultimate performance.
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* This course is the immediate prerequisite. Other preparation is
required prior to this immediate prerequisite.
