Theatre Studies Courses

100 The Wonder of Dance (SPST 114). 4.
This course is an introduction to many aspects of dance. Students develop an awareness and appreciation for dance as art and expression through an exploration of history, contemporary trends, social themes, personalities, sample dance class experiences, and choreographic projects. Fulfills arts and diversity in the U.S. requirements.
101 Modern Dance I (SPST 112). 2.
An introduction to the art of modern dance, designed for students with little or no dance or modern experience. This dance form, with its philosophy based in the expression of personal and contemporary social concerns, will explore various movement techniques including those of Martha Graham, Erick Hawkins, Doris Humphrey, and Jose Limon.
102 Jazz Dance (SPST 111). 2.
This is an introduction to the art of jazz dance, designed as a continuing study of the technique introduced in 101 and 103. The emphasis of the course is on style, and the acquisition of an explosive performance quality; technical studies will include isolations, turns, placement and strengthening. Prerequisite is THEA 101 or 103.
103 Beginning Ballet (SPST 110). 2.
This is a beginning-level course for students with little or no dance or ballet experience. Students will explore the beauty and power of this art through the study of technique at the barre, learning the French terminology, the critical viewing of live concerts, and performing in a semester-end showing.
110 Play Production. 4.
Explores methods of backstage theater craft through hands-on work. Focuses on the elements of lighting, sound, props, sewing, drawing, construction, and painting; students work individually and in collaborative teams to create projects in each of these using basic play analysis. Required laboratory time supports a departmental production. Fulfills arts requirement.
111 Backstage Production. 4.
Practical behind-the-scenes work on a department mainstage production. Students engage in planning, construction, rigging, set-up, and strike. Requires participation in scenery, lighting, and/or properties. Examines the contributions of technical theatre to the continuing deep impact of live performance in the age of "virtual reality" and computer-generated video and films. Fulfills arts requirement.
120 Public Presentation (GST 115). 4.
Introduction to the skills required for effective speaking within a public context. Includes basic instruction in Power Point digital presentations. Focus on research, organization, ethical communication, physical presence, and vocal delivery. Requires four speeches (introductory, informative, persuasive, and commemorative) and several observation exercises.
122 Voice and Diction. 2.
Development of the expressive potential of human sound (voice) and speech (diction). Vocal work focuses on breath support and control, grounding, resonance, and the role of the voice in the creation and communication of meaning; speech work includes exercises in articulation, use of heightened text, and possible work with dialects and accents.
125 Fundamentals of Acting. 4.
Explores the challenges facing actors of realistic drama: living truthfully within a play's specific imaginary world. Focuses on the ability to discern, define, and embody given circumstances, dramatic action, and character. Special emphasis on goals, obstacles, tactics, and expectations. Fulfills arts requirement.
128 Alexander Techniques (MUS 136). 1.
130 Theatre and Culture I. 4.
Study of Western theatre from the Greeks through the English Renaissance. Examines play texts and theatre architecture as primary source documents that reflect the artistic, philosophical, political, and social contexts of a particular cultural moment in history. Fulfills arts requirement.
131 Theatre and Culture II. 4.
Study of Western theatre from the late Renaissance through the present. Examines play and theatre architecture as primary source documents that reflect the artistic, philosophical, political, and social contexts of a particular cultural moment in history. Fulfills arts requirement.
151 The Birth of the Avant-Garde (ENGL 151). 4.
Traces the evolution of literary and performance styles from realism/naturalism to the avant-garde movements at the turn of 20th-century Europe: symbolism, futurism, dadaism, surrealism, and expressionism. Links each style to social forces, music, art, important people, ideas, and watershed events. Fulfills historical perspectives requirement.
152 America and Its Musicals: 1900-1975. 4.

Traces development of the American musical theatre from 1900 to 1975 with a primary focus on the years of significant transformation that begin in 1940. Studies the art from sociological, political, cultural, economic, artistic and historic perspectives. Analyzes individual artists and productions that have influenced and been influenced by the evolving American national identity. Fulfills historical perspectives requirement.
161 Masterpieces of the Cinema. 4.
Exploration of film as an art form that visually represents ideas under the influence of a single person, group of creative people, or society and culture. Introduces basic film terminology and analytical techniques used for contemplation of a film and its basic components. Fulfills arts requirement.
170 Visual Composition in Film. 4.
Exploration of the basic principles and elements of design through the medium of film. Emphasis on the craft and techniques involved in creating a visual plan. Includes viewing of films, creation of storyboards and sketches, and short video exercises. As a final project, students work in small groups to fully produce their own short film. Fulfills arts requirement.
171 Introduction to Theatrical Design. 4.
Introduction to the principles and techniques of theatrical design. Develops the basic core of knowledge needed to create informed designs that manifest a "world" in which the performance of a playscript can take place. Includes units on scenery, costumes, lights, and sound. Fulfills arts requirement.
175 Stage Make-up. 2-4.
Develops an understanding of the principles and processes of stage make-up design and application. Exercises explore the relation between textual delineations of character, the actor playing the role, and production concept; make-up application projects include straight, corrective, age, fantasy, and prosthetics.
190 Mainstage Actor. 1-4.
Academic credit for work on a department production. CR/NC.
195 Mainstage Tech. 1-4.
Academic credit for work on a department production. CR/NC.
201 Modern Dance II (SPST 113). 2.
This course is intended for students who have already experienced dance, with a continuation of concepts and technique from 101, 102, and 103. In addition to the critical viewing of works, this course emphasizes the expansion of one's classical movement vocabulary and the discovery of one's own performance quality. Prerequisite is THEA 101 and 102, or permission of the instructor.
204 Choreography (SPST 115). 4.
This course is a formal introduction to the art of dance composition. It is designed for students that have had previous dance experiences in technique, the creative process leading to performance and the critical viewing of works; for students working toward a concentration in dance, it is preferred that this be the final course completed. Prerequisite: any combination of two dance courses. Fulfills arts requirement.
222 Acting for the Camera. 4.
Develops a Meisner-based approach to acting as it applies specifically to film and television. Assignments include memorized scenes, character research, reading screenplays and texts, and exploration of the creative life in front of the camera. In-class videotaping and critique of all projects.
226 Stage Combat. 2.
A specialized form of actor movement work geared toward the development of physical and spatial awareness, grounding, centering, economy of effort, extension of line, focus, timing, action/reaction and moment-by-moment acting work. Focus on safe and dramatically effective techniques of staged violence as well as learning to become a good partner. Emphasis on rapier and dagger.
243 Plays and Meaning (ENGL 243). 4.
Develops the interpretive skills needed by contemporary practitioners working in a theatre that responds to and addresses issues of oppression and social justice. Students learn how to find a personal sense of a play's meaning and identify its relation to our own social/cultural context. Prerequisites: ENGL 102 and Historical Perspectives. Fulfills humanities and social justice/environmental responsibility requirements.
244 Playwriting Workshop (ENGL 210). 4.
Twelve weekly scenes read and critiqued in class and a one-act play as a final project. Exploration of various elements of playwriting such as conflict, manipulation of chronology, life studies, character exposition and development, "found" language, passive participation in and transcription of actual events.
262 Gay and Lesbian Cinema. 4.
Study of the impact cinematic representation has on attitudes towards gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered Americans. Engages students in conceptual analysis of films and mass media using theories of representation, authenticity, and identity construction. Fulfills arts and diversity in the U.S. requirements.

265 Artistry in Film. 4.
Study of the major aesthetic elements in film and video production—light, space, time-motion, and sound. Develops the knowledge and skill to select and apply those aesthetic elements in order to help translate significant ideas into significant visual messages quickly and effectively. Fulfills arts requirement.
271 Set Design. 4.
Develops an understanding of the principles and processes of set design for the stage. Explores how this design area echoes and utilizes other art forms and functions in relation to theatre production as a whole; emphasis on spatial aesthetics, critical analysis, creative interpretation, research for design, conceptual collaboration, and the oral, written, and graphic communication of the design idea. Fulfills arts requirement.
272 Digital Sound Design. 4.
Exploration of sound design in theatre with a focus on the role of sound in shaping perception during performance, the relation of design to overall interpretation, and the use of digital editing systems to create or re-create audio palettes and a production score. Other topics include the changing role of the audio engineer, sound reinforcement systems, and audio operation during live events. Fulfills arts requirement.
273 Computerized Lighting Design. 4.
Examination of the power of light and the ways in which it shapes audience perceptions of a staged performance. Focuses on basic elements of light, especially composition and mood, and the manner in which each supports the "ruling idea" of a play. Includes exploration of the technical dimensions of design: instrumentation, the drawing board, and computer lighting control. Fulfills arts requirement.
275 Costume Design. 4.
Develops an understanding of the principles and processes of costume design for the stage. Exercises and projects explore gesture, movement, clothing, accessories, hair, and makeup as physical manifestations of dramatic character. Fulfills arts requirement.
280 Play Direction. 4.
Explores the "choice-making" process of creative play direction. Exercises in interpretation of a playscript, actor coaching, groundplans, composition, picturization, movement, and formulation of a production "concept." Prerequisite: THEA 125. Offered every other year.
290 Internship. 1-4.
May also be offered at the 390 level. Internships in the professional theatre are strongly encouraged. May be applied to the practicum requirement where appropriate.
295 Practicum. 1-4.
Theoretical and practical work in one of the following areas: costuming, lighting, publicity, sound, box office, house management, makeup, stage management, properties management, and scene painting. All practicums include work on a mainstage production and a production book. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
320 Acting in Shakespeare. 4.
Introduces students to techniques and skills needed for the effective performance of Shakespearean drama in the contemporary theatre. Special attention given to rhetorical figures, figurative language, onomatopoeia, the music of poetic language, and scansion. Prerequisite: THEA 125 or consent of instructor.
325/425 Acting Studio. 4.
Develops the ability to be "emphatically present" with a partner in the imaginary world of a play's circumstances. Focuses on sense memory, emotional recall, substitution as means to create the actor's belief in those circumstances. Synthesizes inner technique with consciously applied physical and imaginative work. May be repeated once for credit. Offered every other year.
340 Drama of Difference (IDS 432). 4.
Study of gay and lesbian drama as expressions of a distinct culture. Examines plays as artifacts that reflect that culture's history, icons, values, and traditions; students learn to understand and value the contributions of this stigmatized group. Special focus on non-white authors. Fulfills humanities and diversity in the U.S. requirements.
341 East Asian Theatre (IDS 408). 4.
Exploration of traditional theatres of China and Japan. Examines the literary styles and theatrical conventions of Beijing opera, Bunraku, Kabuki, and Noh as living metaphors of Eastern culture. Grounded in study of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shinto. Fulfills arts and intercultural requirements.
365 Documentary Film Production. 4.
Study and practice of documentary production and post-production utilizing video and audio acquisition and editing systems as well as the development of aesthetic as well as technical capabilities through lecture and hands-on experience. Fulfills arts requirement.
371 Digital Graphic Design (CMIT 371). 4.
Introduction to the uses of computer-assisted drafting, image manipulation, and desktop publishing as applied to the creation of artistic work. Explores basic elements of graphic design: form, space, color, contrast, typography, clip art and images, and layout. Step-by-step instruction empowers students to create projects that are both functional and visually appealing. Fulfills arts requirement.
380 Directing Studio. 2-4.
Advanced study of play direction. Focuses on the conceptualization and physicalization of a "ruling idea" in a series of scenes; includes major research project and presentation. In some years the course may include conceptual preparation for a one-act play festival. Prerequisite: THEA 280.
450 Special Topics. 2-4.
May also be offered at the 250 and 350 levels. Special courses offered to meet the emerging interests and needs of students.
460 Independent Study. 1-4.
May also be offered at the 260 and 360 levels. Independent research or directed study for exceptional students with strong interest in particular areas of dramatic literature, theatre history, design, technical production, acting, directing, or performance theory.
490 Departmental Honors. 4.
495 Senior Company. 4.
A capstone thesis project growing out of the cumulative academic experience in theatre and emphasizing issues of ensemble performance, collaboration across areas of specialization, and the dynamics of forming a prototypical theater company. Projects involve group work with other seniors, but allowances for individual projects are considered on a case-by-case basis.