Academic Catalog

Theater (THEA)

THEA 1110G  Introduction to Theatre  3 Credits (3)  
This course provides an introduction to the study of theatre. Students will examine various components that comprise theatre, such as acting, directing, playwriting, dramaturgy, scenic and costume design, stagecraft, spectatorship, history, theory, and criticism.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Define and discuss basic theater terms and concepts.
  2. Discuss the fundamental elements of theatre, and the ways in which theatre differs from other art forms.
  3. Analyze and critique the elements of a live theatrical production.
  4. Identify and describe the roles of various theatre artists including actors, directors, playwrights, dramaturges, and designers.

  
THEA 1210G  Acting for Non-Majors  3 Credits (3)  
This class gives non-majors experience in the depth and craft of the actor’s art. Students will learn various terms, techniques, and practices of acting and will demonstrate their understanding in class. Through exercises and improvisations, partnered scenes, and group work, students will be better able to appreciate the work of others as they learn techniques of performing. Repeatable: up to 3 credits.
THEA 1221  Beginning Acting  3 Credits (3)  
Basic understanding of self-expression through a variety of physical exercises, improvisation, and character study, culminating in scene or monologue work. Restricted to: THTR majors

Learning Outcomes
  1. See course syllabus.

  
THEA 1222  Stage Movement  3 Credits (3)  
Physical techniques for the actor to develop kinesthetic awareness and skills in characterization, archetypes, and stage combat. Restricted to: THTR majors.

Learning Outcomes
  1. To provide fundamental training in a variety of movement techniques which can be applied to both theatrical performance and physical communication in everyday life.
  2. Observation and critical skills will be advanced through class participation and outside assignments.
  3. Class exercises are aimed at guiding participants to uncover their own creative expression, while working with efficient, healthy body alignment

  
THEA 1223  The Art of Theatre  3 Credits (3)  
This course introduces the variety and scope of theatre professions, the value and goals of the theatre major and an analysis of the art form from script to stage. Restricted to: Required for THTR majors.

Learning Outcomes
  1. See course syllabus.

  
THEA 1310  Introduction to Costuming  3 Credits (3)  
This course introduces students to basic skills generally used in creating costumes for theatre. During the semester students will be introduced to the costume shop, equipment, supplies, and processes. They will learn the process of sewing a garment and running a stage production.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate basic hand and machine sewing skills.
  2. Use basic costume craft tools and techniques.
  3. Analyze fabric selection for the stage.
  4. Draft and use patterns.
  5. Take body measurements for patterning and construct a costume from those measurements.
  6. Combine interpersonal communication skills with costume construction skills.
  7. Analyze a script for costume design purposes.
  8. Build a garment.

  
THEA 1310L  Costume Craft Lab  1 Credit (1)  
Class members will assist in construction for productions in a studio environment.

Learning Outcomes
  1. This laboratory class compliments THEA 131
  2. Introduction to Costuming.
  3. It gives the student an opportunity to put into practice the skills learned in THEA 1320 as well as be introduced to and participate in the day-to-day operations of the Costume Shop.

  
THEA 1415  Running Crew I  2 Credits (2)  
Students learn about backstage and front of house production positions and work on a technical aspect of a production in a rehearsal and performance environment.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Students will learn one, or more, of the basic technical elements of theatrical crew work.

  
THEA 2221  Intermediate Acting: Scene Study and Monologues  3 Credits (3)  
Monologues and scene work, using character and script analysis.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Students will gain further insight into the craft of acting and the techniques and skills required to present a successful stage performance.
  2. Via the presentation of varied scenes and monologues, students will be exposed to a variety of theatrical literature.
  3. Via research, students will gain knowledge of successful actors, acting techniques, and career advice.

  
THEA 2222  Intermediate Acting for Non-Majors  3 Credits (3)  
A continuation of THEA 1210 with an emphasis on monologues, scenes and characterization.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Apply fundamental techniques of voice and movement for the stage.
  2. Analyze a dramatic text and interpret a character and develop the skills necessary to score a script for character development.
  3. Perform specific choices to create and perform goal-driven characters.
  4. Demonstrate various physical and mental relaxation techniques.
  5. Identify internal and external techniques to increase actor’s emotional range.
  6. Demonstrate sensory exercises and apply this technique to scene work.
  7. Articulate and implement key terminology of modern acting techniques.
  8. Develop and articulate a basic personal artistic process.
  9. Demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively on a creative/interpretative project. 1
  10. Begin to develop professionalism and development of a critical eye through practice giving and receiving peer feedback, adherence to deadlines, memorization, flexibility and coachability.

  
THEA 2310  Stagecraft  3 Credits (3)  
Student will explore basic skills for scenic designers and techniques of set construction for the stage, including building scenery, rigging, painting and properties.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate a range of technical skills, which will qualify them to assist in the basic technical production of a play.
  2. Demonstrate and apply how to safely and competently use hand tools, power tools, electrical, and electronic stage equipment.
  3. Analyze the technical aspects of a play in performance.
  4. Read and construct scenery from ground plans, elevations, and drawings.
  5. Analyze a script from the perspective of a designer, artistic, and/ or technical director.

  
THEA 2310L  Stagecraft Laboratory  1 Credit (1)  
Class members will assist with construction for productions in a studio environment.

Learning Outcomes
  1. History of scenic design and the development of present day stage design.
  2. How to create and interpret basic scenic ground plans, elevations, and detail drawings.
  3. To construct basic scenic structures to include flats and platforms.
  4. Various techniques of scenic painting and decorating.
  5. The installations of theatre lighting instruments and sound equipment.

  
THEA 2340  Introduction to Design  3 Credits (3)  
Introduction into our visual world via the language of designers, focusing on collaboration, creative thinking and presentation skills. The varied design professions in theatre and the performing arts will be explored. Restricted to: THTR Majors.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Apply design vocabulary and descriptions when speaking about design.
  2. Identify design tools and make choices about where to use them.
  3. Apply the foundation information in understanding how design tools work.
  4. Apply correct terminology in assessing design and script analysis.
  5. Read and understand some of the design documents commonly used in the industry.

  
THEA 2415  Running Crew II  1 Credit (1)  
Students learn about backstage and front of house production positions and work on a technical aspect of a product in a rehearsal and performance environment.

Learning Outcomes
  1. To provide students with “hands on” experience participating in being a member of a running crew on a theatrical production. Students will learn one, or more, of the basic technical elements of theatrical crew work.

  
THEA 2421  Vocal Production for the Actor  3 Credits (3)  
Exploration and development of the actor's vocal instrument, including relaxation, projection, diction and articulation. Repeatable: up to 3 credits. Restricted to: THTR majors.
THEA 2993  Workshop in Theatre  0.5 Credits (0.5)  
Required for all freshman and sophomore theatre majors, this course coordinates all processes within Theatre Arts, providing a forum for discussion and feedback. Repeatable: up to 4 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. No student learning outcomes for this course.

  
THEA 2996  Topics in Theater  1-3 Credits  
Specific subjects to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. Repeatable: for a maximum of 9 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. See course syllabus.