Course Descriptions
APPLIED LESSONS (1-3 hours)
TAP 1000. Freshman Level
TAP 2000. Sophomore Level
TAP 3000. Junior Level
TAP 4000. Senior Level
SECTION NUMBERS AND PERFORMANCE AREAS FOR ALL
TAP OFFERINGS:
01—Performance: Acting, Directing
02—Playwriting and Dramaturgy; Theatre History
03—Design: Lighting, Scenic, Costume, Properties
04—Arts Management: Stage, Front-of-House, Box Office,
Publicity/Graphics
05—Dance, Stage Combat
06-Voice
THE INTEGRATED ARTS CORE is comprised of four courses, one for each of the years of a typical undergraduate degree.
Elements of the Arts - IAC 1365 (ART, MUS & THA 1365)
This team-taught, cross-disciplinary course is designed to develop, explore, and integrate vocabularies of the arts, including architecture, dance, design, drama, literature, moving images, music, theatre, and the visual arts. Elements of the arts will be studied in terms of their unique application in specific disciplines as well as the ways in which they are shared among the disciplines. Students can expect to work outside their chosen majors and areas of specialization, to demonstrate understanding in a number of ways in various projects, and to document their experiences throughout the semester. The culmination of the semester will be the presentation of final individual and group projects.
Contexts for the Arts - IAC 2365 (ART, MUS & THA 2365)
This Integrated Arts Core component will introduce philosophical, international and aesthetic perspectives across the arts - architecture, dance, design, drama, literature, moving images, music, theatre, and the visual arts. The arts will be explored for the contexts in which they were/are made, for environments in which they are experienced today, and for changes in our perception of them over time and place. These explorations will consider socio-economic factors, belief systems, culture, race, gender, economics, and political influences. The course will utilize topic specific approaches, projects, team work, and direct investigations of cultural practices in the community. From this contact students are expected to develop a working knowledge that can be applied to their specific areas as well an understanding of how the arts interact with and influence each other. This “cultural partnership” will help students understand differences in communication styles and priorities as well as how the arts may be viewed and experienced outside our culture.
Innovations in the Arts - IAC 3365 (ART, MUS & THA 3365)
This cross-disciplinary course is a series of case studies concerning innovations in the arts from their inspiration and conception through their influences on current practice in areas such as architecture, dance, design, drama, literature, moving images, music, theatre and the visual arts. Specific topics will vary each semester. Students will conduct and present research on a variety of topics associated with the case studies and engage in a series of dialogues and exercises with guest artists from a cross-section of arts fields. For each innovation topic undertaken, students will develop an individual or group project to demonstrate understanding of the theories and principles presented in the case studies. Students can expect to work both inside and outside of their chosen majors and areas of specialization. The course will incorporate philosophical and aesthetic perspectives.
Collaborations through the Arts - IAC 4365 (ART, MUS & THA 4365)
This culminating, cross-disciplinary IAC course is designed to inform, explore, and integrate processes of collaborating in the production and/or performance of the arts, including architecture, dance, design, drama, literature, moving images, music, theatre, and the visual arts. The course is designed in three segments. First, collaboration will be studied as a process of work in our culture, including the business arena, in order for students to collect strategies and processes helpful to such work in the arts. Next, specific instances and case studies of collaborative experiences in the arts will be studied for application guidelines and idea generation. Finally, students will complete the semester with the faculty facilitator in teams and groups, with a collaborative performance or academic presentation as the final project. Students can expect to work both inside and outside of their chosen majors and areas of specialization, and to demonstrate analysis and synthesis skills in a number of ways in class activities and the final project. The course will incorporate philosophical and aesthetic perspectives.
COURSES
0040. Theatre Arts Practicum 0 hours
All full-time theatre arts majors and minors are required to attend practicum
each semester. The course meets once each week for the purpose of
conducting departmental business and assignments. All students will
receive a grade of “P” or “F” in this course.
0050. Musical Theatre 0 hours
Performance in the annual musical show.
1105. Theatre Production Laboratory 1 hour
Students must sign up for theatre Production Laboratory the first four
semesters they are enrolled as a Theatre major or minor. After successful
completion of the entire four-course production laboratory sequence, the
student must enroll each semester in THA 0040. Course work includes
hands-on training with faculty members, staff, and professionals in
costuming, front-of-house operations, lighting, performances, properties,
publicity, scenery construction, and other production assignments from
THA 0040. Theater fee applies.
1106. Theatre Production Laboratory 1 hour
Students must sign up for theatre Production Laboratory the first four
semesters they are enrolled as a Theatre major or minor. After successful
completion of the entire four-course production laboratory sequence, the
student must enroll each semester in THA 0040. Course work includes
hands-on training with faculty members, staff, and professionals in
costuming, front-of-house operations, lighting, performances, properties,
publicity, scenery construction, and other production assignments from
THA 0040. Theater fee applies.
1300. Introduction to Theatre 3 hours
Prerequisite: Majors only
An introduction to the various aspects of theatre, including history, design,
tech, acting, and management. Guest speakers who are working
professionally in various areas of theatre may also present work-
shops/lectures throughout the course. Laboratory hours in related theatre
activities may be required. Theater fee applies.
1301. Acting I 3 hours
Prerequisite: Majors/minors or consent of instructor
The study of practical applications of improvisation, basic principles of
acting, and scene work from plays. Theater fee applies. Theater fee applies.
1302. Acting II 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 1301 or the equivalent
A continuation of principles established in THA 1301 with emphasis on
characterization and role preparation.
1365. Elements of the Arts (ART 1365, MUS 1365) 3 hours
This course is part of the Integrated Arts Core (IAC).
See above for course description. IAC fee applies.
2101. Theatrical Stage Performance 1 hour
Credit for performance on stage in a major University production, with
credit and grade to be contracted with the Chair of the Theatre Department
upon completion.
2102. Technical Stage Performance 1 hour
Credit for the performance of technical and stagecraft skills in the
production areas. Class credit and grade to be contracted with the. Chair of
the Theatre Department May be repeated four times for credit.
2105. Theatre Production Laboratory 1 hour
Students must sign up for theatre Production Laboratory the first four
semesters they are enrolled as a Theatre major or minor. After successful
completion of the entire four-course production laboratory sequence, the
student must enroll each semester in THA 0040. Course work includes
hands-on training with faculty members, staff, and professionals in
costuming, front-of-house operations, lighting, performances, properties,
publicity, scenery construction, and other production assignments from
THA 0040. Theater fee applies.
2106. Theatre Production Laboratory 1 hour
Students must sign up for theatre Production Laboratory the first four
semesters they are enrolled as a Theatre major or minor. After successful
completion of the entire four-course production laboratory sequence, the
student must enroll each semester in THA 0040. Course work includes
hands-on training with faculty members, staff, and professionals in
costuming, front-of-house operations, lighting, performances, properties,
publicity, scenery construction, and other production assignments from
THA 0040. Theater fee applies.
2300. Script Analysis 3 hours
Through the study of selected plays from various styles and periods in
theatre history, students learn techniques for analyzing play structure in a
manner vital for the director, designer, playwright, and performer.
Selections will vary each semester. Theater fee applies.
2303. Technical Theatre I 3 hours
A basic course studying various elements of scenery, costumes, lighting,
and properties techniques and construction. Production organization is also
explored as well as practical experience in backstage procedures. Three
hours of lecture, weekly laboratory, and one crew assignment. Theater fee
applies.
2305. Technical Theatre II 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 2303 or the equivalent
A continuation of THA 2303. Specific course content varies per semester as
the principles of scenery, lighting, production, and crew organization are
explored. Practical experience in backstage techniques. Three hours of
lecture, weekly laboratory, and one crew assignment.
2307. Theatre Voice Production 3 hours
A basic course in voice production with emphasis on speech sounds and
general American speech dialects, pronunciation and projection.
2310. Teaching the Theatre Arts 3 hours
A methods course designed to give theatre arts majors a realistic approach
to teaching in the public school system.
2313. Acting for the Camera 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 1301, 1302, or the equivalent. Theatre arts majors only
The study and practical application of acting techniques for the television
and film media with emphasis on commercials, audition techniques, and
preparation of headshots and résumés.
2314. Film Production 3 hours
A continuation of principles established in THA 2313 with additional
emphasis on film production.
2315. Movement for Actors 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 1302 or consent of instructor
The development of the body for acting. Areas of study include
conditioning for flexibility and expression, mime, mask, movement for
character development, and other movement techniques required for
performance such as combat and period dance.
2365. Contexts for the Arts (ART 2365, MUS 2365) 3 hours
See above for course description
IAC fee applies.
3152. Theatre Internship I 1 hour
Prerequisite: Consent of theatre department chair
A practical, experimental approach to performance and production using the
internship program to provide training and experience more advanced than
that provided during the normal academic year. Each student will outline a
contract of specific requirements based upon that individual's needs, goals,
and skills and file it with the student's theatre advisor.
3252. Theatre Internship I 2 hours
Prerequisite: Consent of theatre department chair
A practical, experimental approach to performance and production using the
internship program to provide training and experience more advanced than
that provided during the normal academic year. Each student will outline a
contract of specific requirements based upon that individual's needs, goals,
and skills and file it with the student's theatre advisor.
3302. Directing 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 1301, 2300, 2303, 3310
The study of play interpretation, casting, rehearsal procedure, staging, and
the role of the director.
3303. Scene Painting and Design (ART 3303) 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 2303 or ART 1301 or 1311
The study and practice of stage painting and design techniques. One 3-hour lab required. Theater fee applies.
3304. Acting III 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 1302 or consent of instructor
Scene work with concentration upon the individual needs of the performer.
3305. Acting IV 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 2300, 3304, or consent of instructor
Scene and monologue work with a concentration on acting in plays with
heightened language.
3306. Scene Design 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 2303
The study of the basic concepts and elements of design. Methods include
script study, visualization, and execution in drafting, sketching, and rendering.
3307. Playwriting I (ENG 3307) 3 hours
Prerequisite: ENG 1301, 1302, or the equivalent
The study of the techniques of dramaturgy with practical application in the
writing of drama.
3310. Theatre/Stage Management 3 hours
Study of the techniques and skills involved in stage management. Three
hours of lecture and practical application in University theatre productions.
3311. Theatrical Costume Design 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 2303
Survey of historical styles and trends with emphasis on silhouettes, motifs,
and accessories. Practical application with basic costume design and
construction techniques. Theater fee applies.
3312. Theatrical Makeup 3 hours
Study of the design and application of makeup for the stage. Areas explored
include theory, color, materials, character analysis, aging, fantasy, and
three-dimensional makeup. Three hours of lecture/demonstration and one
crew assignment. This course may not be used to satisfy the general
education fine arts requirement. Theater fee applies.
3313. Acting Styles: Shakespeare 3 hours
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Advanced exercise and scene study dealing with the techniques of
approaching both Shakespeare's verse and prose.
3314. Acting Styles: Auditioning 3 hours
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Preparatory steps for interviews, auditions, selection of material, proper
dress, demeanor and media; résumé writing; and various class projects in
both legitimate and musical theatre.
3315. Acting Styles: Musical Theatre 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 1301, 1302, 2300, or consent of instructor
Scene and monologue work with a concentration on performing, acting,
and singing in musical theatre genre.
3316. Acting Styles: Comedy/Improvisation 3 hours
Prerequisite: 1301, 1302, 2300, or consent of instructor
Advanced exercise and scene work with a concentration on the creative
technique and performance style of acting extemporaneously. The student
will work in a variety of situations using improvisation as a rehearsal
technique and performance style for comedy and drama.
3317. Acting Styles: Periods and Styles 3 hours
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
An advanced acting course for students who wish to study acting style and
techniques related to specific periods of world theatre from the Greeks to
Ibsen. An in-depth treatment of characterization and interpretation with a
special emphasis on the language and movement of the period.
3321. Stage Lighting 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 2303 or consent of instructor
The mechanics, control, and art of lighting for the stage. Studies include the
nature of light, color, instrumentation, dimmers, and basic lighting design.
Practical application with University theatre productions.
3341. History of the Theatre I 3 hours
The study of the development of theatre from the Egyptians to the French
Neoclassicists, with emphasis on the particular periods, plays, and theatrical styles which have influenced contemporary stage productions. Theater fee applies.
3342. History of the Theatre II 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 3341 or consent of instructor
A continuation of THA 3341, involving the theatre from the French
Neoclassicists to the present. Theater fee applies.
3343. Survey of Musical Theatre (MUS 3343) 3 hours
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
A survey of major writers, composers, and production trends in both the
nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
3365. Innovations in the Arts (ART 3365, MUS 3365) 3 hours
See above for course description . IAC fee applies.
4152. Theatre Internship II 1 hour
Prerequisite: Consent of theatre department chair
A continuation of Theatre Internship I or a different assignment with the
same requirements as stated in Theatre Internship I.
4252. Theatre Internship II 2 hours
Prerequisite: Consent of theatre department chair
A continuation of Theatre Internship I or a different assignment with the
same requirements as stated in Theatre Internship I.
4301. Senior Project 3 hours
Prerequisites: Senior standing, all required Theatre courses, 2.5
cumulative GPA, consent of Theatre faculty
Each student will work independently, meeting regularly with an assigned
faculty member for assessment of progress and response to work. Specific
requirements for this course will be determined by the student and instructor and must be submitted in written form for approval by the Chair of the Department. Each Senior Project must contain a research component,
include appropriate documentation, and culminate in a public presentation
for the Department. Students desiring to take THA 4301 should turn in a
written proposal to the Department Chair at least two months prior to
registering for this course. May not be repeated for credit.
4302. Advanced Directing 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 3302 and consent of instructor
A continuation of skills from THA 3302 with emphasis on directing styles.
Laboratory assignment can be the directing of a one-act play.
4307. Playwriting II (ENG 4307) 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 3307 and consent of instructor
Conducted as a seminar, this course is an intense application of the
material from THA 3307 Playwriting I with each student producing a
completed play (one act or full length) by the end of the course.
4311. Dialects 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 1302 and 2307
The study and practice of the analytic tools which enable actors to acquire
and master dialects of English. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet
and ear training to distinguish speech sounds, students will develop a variety of dialects and apply them in performance projects.
4321. Modern Drama (ENG 4321) 3 hours
A survey of the modern drama beginning with Ibsen. This course may not
be used to satisfy the general education fine arts requirement.
4335. Shakespeare: Histories and Comedies (ENG 4335) 3 hours
Critical reading and discussion of selected comedies and histories. This
course may not be used to satisfy the general education fine arts requirement.
4336. Shakespeare: Tragedies (ENG 4336) 3 hours
Critical reading and discussion of selected tragedies. This course may not be used to satisfy the general education fine arts requirement.
4352. Theatre Internship II 3 hours
Prerequisite: Consent of theatre department chair
A continuation of Theatre Internship I or a different assignment with the
same requirements as stated in Theatre Internship I.
4356. Comic Drama (ENG 4356) 3 hours
A study of comedy from Aristophanes to the present in drama of the
Western world.
4365. Collaborations through the Arts (ART 4365, MUS 4365) 3 hours
See above for course description. IAC fee applies.
4370. Scene Design II 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 3306
Advanced studies in scene design with practical application in University
theatre productions.
4371. Costume Design II 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 3311
Advanced studies in costume design with practical application in University
theatre productions.
4372. Stage Lighting II 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 3321
Advanced studies in stage lighting with practical application in University
theatre productions.
4373. Theatrical Makeup II 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 3312
Advanced studies in theatrical makeup with practical application in
University theatre productions.
4374. Children's Theatre 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 3302
The study of techniques and skills involved to create and produce the
various types of children's theatre with practical application in University
theatre productions.
4375. Playwriting III 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 4307 and consent of instructor
Conducted as a seminar, this course is an advanced study of the skills and
techniques of playwriting, with each student creating a completed play (one
act or full-length) by the end of the course.
4376. Properties Design and Construction 3 hours
Prerequisite: THA 2303 and 2305
Study of the techniques and skills needed to analyze, research, and construct various stage properties and special effects with practical application in University theatre productions.
