Offered by Department of Music and Performing Arts
College of Fine Arts and Humanities
THEA Courses
- 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.
- THEA 121GS - Completing the Look: The Art of Costuming - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
Introduction to several techniques and skills used to complete the look of a costume through the art of making masks, period
underpinnings (corsets, bustles, etc.), fabric modification, millinery (hats), and armor with a focus on developing a working
knowledge of the materials, methods, tools, and supplies used by costume technicians.
- THEA 135 - Introduction to Stage Technology - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
Foundation to the skills and craft of technical theatre including scenery, lights, and sound. A focus on developing a working
knowledge of the equipment, techniques, tools, materials, and methods basic to theatre technicians.
- THEA 188GS - General Studies Portal - 3 hours
- Prereq: freshman or sophomore standing
Students analyze critical issues confronting individuals and society in a global context as they pertain to the discipline in
which the Portal course is taught. The Portal is intended to help students succeed in their university education by being
mentored in process of thinking critically about important ideas and articulating their own conclusions. Students may take the
Portal in any discipline, irrespective of their major or minor. Satisfies the General Studies Portal course requirement.
Students may take their Portal course in any discipline. Students who transfer 24 or more hours of General Studies credit to UNK
are exempt from taking a portal course.
- THEA 210 - Playscript Analysis - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 120GS
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.
- 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.
- THEA 225 - Acting I - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
Exploration of the foundations of acting through creative "play," open critiques, and in-class exercises. Study may
include an introduction to basic Stanislavski acting terminology and techniques, beginning rehearsal techniques, and performance
analysis. Performance skills will be practiced and enhanced through the preparation of monologues and a short scene.
- THEA 226 - Acting II - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 225
Continued refinement of acting techniques through the study and final performance of selected scenes, with a focus on character
development and script analysis. Coursework will also include the development of emotional realism through work with modern
playwrights such as Ibsen, Chekov, Strindberg, and Shaw.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- THEA 295 - Theatre Practicum - 1 hour
- 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.
- THEA 296 - Elements of Theatrical Design - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 120GS
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- THEA 350 - Survey of Dramatic Literature I - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 210*
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.
- THEA 351 - Survey of Dramatic Literature II - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 210*
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.
- THEA 388GS - General Studies Capstone - 3 hours
- Prereq: open to juniors and seniors or to students within 6 hours of completion of their General Studies program
An interdisciplinary experience where students apply the knowledge, cognitive abilities, and communication skills they have
gained from General Studies in designing and completing an original project or paper. Students employ methods and interpretive
means of two or more disciplines to integrate knowledge and synthesize their results. Satisfies the General Studies capstone
course requirement. Students may take their Capstone course in any discipline.
- 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
pedagogy.
- THEA 401 - Special Topics - 1-3 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.
- THEA 413 - History of Theatre I - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 120GS
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.
- THEA 414 - History of Theatre II - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 120GS
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.
- THEA 415 - History of Theatre III - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 120GS
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.
- THEA 419 - Costume Design - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 210* and THEA 241 and 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.
- THEA 420 - Scenic Design - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 210* and 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.
- 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.
- THEA 423 - Advanced Theatre Practicum - 1 hour
- 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, mainstage designs, administration, or others approved by Theatre faculty.
- THEA 425 - Acting III - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 226*
Advanced training in specific acting styles and techniques such as Greek Drama, Shakespeare, Comedy of Manners,
Commedia dell-Arte, Theatre of the Absurd, Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed, and the Meisner Technique.
Study will include vocal and physical work.
- THEA 430 - Modern Dramatic Theory - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 120GS 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- THEA 447 - Lighting Design - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 210* and THEA 296* OR permission of instructor
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.
- 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.
- THEA 475 - Internship - 1-12 hours
- Prereq: permission of theatre faculty and 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.
- THEA 480 - Play Direction - 3 hours
- Prereq: THEA 135 and THEA 210* and 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.
* This course is the immediate prerequisite. Other preparation is required prior to this immediate prerequisite.
