Theatre

Associate Professor Mark Hall, Chair, Division of Fine Arts

Two major programs in Theatre Studies are offered: the Major in Theatre Studies and the Major in Theatre Studies for Teacher Licensure. The theatre program stresses the intrinsic value of a broad study of theatre within the liberal arts tradition, affording the student a sound basis int he art, history, and literature of theatre. Opportunities for individual expression, development, and specialization in a specific area of interest (acting, directing, design, dramatic literature, or theatre history) may be explored through production, Senior Study, Theatre Practicum, as well as additional work done through a minor in a related field (such as, but not limited to, Music, Art, or English). The academic study of theatre serves the aspiring theatre professional and future graduate student, while the Major in Theatre for Teacher Licensure specifically prepares students to enter the teaching field.

The Major in Theatre Studies* consists of 42 hours in a broad range of theatre classes and performance opportunities that include: Theatre 101, Theatre 204 (6 credit hours), 209, 211, 221, 222, 311, 314, 315, and 351-352. The additional 5 hours may be earned from any combination of the following: Theatre 204 (up to 2 more credit hours), 343, and 349; Applied Voice (up to 2 credits); Dance (up to 2 credits); PHR 192, 194, 196, 198: Tai Chi Ch’uan I, II, III, IV; ALT 241: Alexander Technique (up to 2 credits); or English 332. Optional credit in Music or English for a major in Theatre is not available to students wishing to major or minor in those fields, respectively. It is recommended, but not mandatory, that students majoring in Theatre take American Sign Language to meet their foreign language requirement.

The Minor in Theatre Studies* requires the completion of 18 hours, including Theatre 101 and Theatre 204 (4 credit hours), with the additional credit hours earned in any combination of the following courses: Theatre 204 (up to 4 more credits), 209, 211, 221, 222, 311, 314, 315 or 349.

The Major in Theatre Studies for Teacher Licensure* consists of 42 hours in theatre classes and performance opportunities that include: Theatre 101, Theatre 206 (6 credit hours), 209, 211, 221, 222, 311, 314, 315, and 351-352. The additional 5 hours may be earned from any combination of the following: Theatre 343 or 349; Applied Voice (up to 2 credits); Dance (up to 2 credits); or English 332. Additional liberal studies requirements are Psychology 101 and Sociology 271. Students pursuing this major must complete 29 credit hours of professional courses listed under Education in this catalog.

(*Note: Students who major or minor in Theatre Studies or major in Theatre Studies for Teacher Licensure must fulfill their general education requirement in fine arts by taking Fine Arts 140 or 340 in one of the other arts disciplines, unless exempt because of a double arts major or major-minor.)

Course Descriptions

101. Introduction to Theatre
3 credit hours
An introduction to Theatre tailored to Theatre majors and minors, with particular attention given to creating a common vocabulary, emphasizing the collaborative nature of theatre, and introducing students to the techniques used when reading and analyzing dramatic literature from the theatre practitioner’s perspective.
204. Theatre Production
1 credit hour
Course credit given to any student who is cast or works in a major technical capacity for the semester’s main stage, faculty-directed production. The designated class session is used for production meetings, but the work involved includes accepting assignments necessary to mount the production. Guidelines for accountability are set by the faculty director.
209. Play Analysis
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Fine Arts 140: Theatre
A course designed to help students understand the basic nature of dramatic literature by examining prominent dramatic theory, beginning with in-depth study of Aristotle’s Poetics followed by a survey of dominant trends throughout theatre history, and to examine how playwrights have responded to current thinking in their period. Representative plays will be read and analyzed from the theatre practitioner’s point of view. The course includes some study of contemporary methodology in the art of playwriting.
211. Stagecraft
3 credit hours
An introduction to the six elements of stagecraft, which include design and execution of set, lighting, costumes and make-up, as well as theatre and stage management. Students will select two of these six areas for special concentration during the term. The course consists of both classroom study and applied stagecraft. The time and type of applied work are arranged with instructor.
221. Acting I: Physical and Vocal Preparation
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Theatre 101
An introduction to the fundamentals of stage movement and vocal production for actors, focusing on the body as the primary vehicle for creative expression. Emphasis is on acquiring skills through problem-solving exercises, improvisational games, and mask works.
222. Acting II: Creating the Character
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Theatre 221
An introduction to acting fundamentals and selected rehearsal and performance skills. Emphasis is on exploring the actor’s relationship to the dramatic text, to the stage environment, and to the elements of the actor’s instrument (body, voice, imagination).
311. Directing
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Theatre 204 (2 semesters minimum), 209 and 221
A study of the modern theatre director, directing techniques, styles and methodology. Emphasis is on current trends in directing, terminology, and practical experience in script analysis, production design, and actual direction of an extended scene or full one-act play for public performance.
314. Theatre History and Traditions
4 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the instructor
Traces the evolution of the theatre arts (stagecraft, acting and directing) with primary emphasis on the Western theatre tradition from its Greek origins to present-day. Included also is an overview of the development of dramatic art as well as exploration into other theatre traditions which may include Japanese Kabuki and Noh, African-American theatre, Latin theatre traditions, Women in theatre history, Native American drama, Indian Sanskrit drama or American musical theatre.
315. American Theatre History
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the instructor
This course examines the development of American theatre from its professional beginnings in the 18th century to the present day. We will examine representative text of popular theatre (including American musical theatre), influential examples of American dramatic literature as well as study those theatre forms which did not put a premium on the written word: minstrel shows, vaudeville, and burlesque. This course is also concerned with the production history of the constantly evolving canon of American drama.
337. Internship
7 to 15 credit hours
Prerequisites: Completion of a minimum 5 hours in Theatre coursework, or junior standing and permission of the instructor
Work in professional or semiprofessional Theatre, intensive training and/or workshops, or significant leadership in an on-campus theatrical activity (such as directing the Alpha Psi Omega annual production or supervising the Mission Players for one semester), under the supervision of a faculty member and subject to approval by the Chair of the Fine Arts Division.
343. Practicum in Theatre
2 to 6 credit hours
Prerequisites: Completion of a minimum 5 hours in theatre coursework, or junior standing and permission of the instructor
Work in professional or semiprofessional Theatre, intensive training and/or workshops, or significant leadership in an on-campus theatrical activity (such as directing the Alpha Psi Omega annual production or supervising the Mission Players for one semester), under the supervision of a faculty member and subject to approval by the Chair of the Fine Arts Division.
349. Selected Topics in Theatre
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor
Selected topics of study not included in the theatre curriculum, such as playwriting, broadcasting or children’s theatre, or possibly advanced levels of acting or directing, such as performing Shakespeare or styles of directing. Topics change as demand and interest warrants.
351-352. Senior Project
6 credit hours
Prerequisites: FRS 140, English Proficiency Exam, junior standing, and at least 12 hours in Theatre courses
The Senior Study requirement is fulfilled with this two-course sequence. The Senior Project involves individual research with the guidance of a faculty supervisor. Ordinarily taken in the spring term of the junior year and the fall term of the senior year.