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Theatre Arts

UW-PARKSIDE 2019-21 CATALOG
RITA/CART 285 • 262-595-2581

College:
Arts and Humanities

Degree and Programs Offered:
Bachelor of Arts
Major - Theatre Arts
Minor - Theatre Arts

Professional Accreditations or Memberships:
Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), Alliance for Wisconsin Theatre Education (AWTE), Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD), Wisconsin High Education Theatre Council (WHETC), Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE) and United Scenic Artists (USA)

Student Organizations/Clubs:
Drama Club

Department Overview

Program Mission Statement
The Theatre Arts Department at the University of Wisconsin - Parkside endeavors to provide students with the tools necessary to function as developing artists and self-realized individuals, combining theatrical training with a strong liberal arts curriculum. A comprehensive combination of classroom training, company engagement, and realized production work allows for a well-rounded collegiate learning experience with an emphasis on collaboration and the creative process. We seek to develop and present enriching theatrical experiences which have relevance and value for the diverse communities that we serve, providing cultural enrichment and a means of better understanding and appreciating human societies and the world.

Courses in speech studies also reside within the Theatre Arts Department but are not a part of the theatre arts major or minor. Speech courses are listed at the end of the theatre arts section. For more information about speech courses, please contact the director, Bonnie Peterson at petersob@uwp.edu.

The Program of Study

The UW-Parkside theatre arts curriculum is the systematic study of all aspects of the theatrical arts, including history and criticism, dramatic literature, performance, directing, design, and technical production. The purpose is to present a comprehensive view of the evolution of theatre to its present form, melding theory with practical applications and creative problem solving. We are dedicated to the preparation of our students for future graduate studies and/or entry-level access to the theatrical profession or related career field after graduation.

Students may choose to either major or minor in theatre arts at UW-Parkside or take selected general education courses in the field. Our comprehensive B.A. degree allows students to graduate with a traditional liberal arts theatre degree or the option of pursuing professional training degrees (comparable to B.F.A. programs at similar institutions) in the areas of acting, design and technology, and direction and management.

Students seeking a major in theatre arts at UW-Parkside will have the benefit of a knowledgeable and professionally active faculty and staff with years of experience in all aspects of the theatre. The department is also affiliated with various professional theaters, allowing opportunities for our students to experience a professional atmosphere within a liberal arts context. Theatre students are encouraged to participate in professional theatre internship and apprenticeship opportunities as a part of their training program and degree completion. Most theatre students also work at professional theatres during the summer months, further developing their skills, experience, and connections to theatre professionals.

Our Diversity Initiative

UW-Parkside’s commitment to diversity is reflected in a curriculum that prepares students to live in a pluralistic society, with respect for race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religion.

The UW-Parkside Theatre Arts Department fully embraces the university’s multicultural mission and vision, and strives to provide academic and production opportunities that reflect the full diversity of ideas and individuals that exist in our greater community and culture. We endeavor to create a diverse department of students and staff, allowing us to better reflect the demographics of our community in the theatrical works which we produce. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all aspects of our academic and production programming. Except in plays where race or gender is an issue, casting is decided on the basis of ability.

Program Entry Requirements:

All students who wish to major in theatre arts at UW-Parkside must participate in program entry interviews and/or auditions and be accepted to the program by a committee of theatre faculty and staff. Prospective students in good academic standing (minimum 2.75 GPA, minimum 21 ACT, upper 50 percent of graduating class) who are seeking entry into the theatre arts program must contact the department to schedule an interview and/or audition time. For complete details about the audition process and requirements, visit https://www.uwp.edu/learn/departments/theatrearts/ and contact a department representative regarding program entry auditions.

Transfer students from other two-year and four-year institutions are welcomed into our program. Entrance into the theatre arts program later than the freshman year can prolong the length of time required to complete the degree. We are committed to assisting transfer students in completing our program in a reasonable period of time.

Once accepted as a major, students are expected to maintain a minimum 2.5 overall GPA, a minimum 2.75 GPA in the theatre arts major, and meet all departmental policies and expectations, which are outlined in the student handbook.

Program Level Outcomes

The Theatre Arts Department at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside strives to:

  • Serve as an artistic, educational, and cultural forum that utilizes the theatrical arts as a means of exploring, considering, and discussing various diverse aspects of our culture, society, and world;
  • Offer students a comprehensive liberal arts degree in theatre arts, in addition to providing practical theatre training concentrations in the areas of acting, design and technology, and direction and management, further preparing students to be successful in their professional, civic, and personal lives;
  • Establish a collaborative “company-based” training system that provides a select number of exceptional theatre students the best possible foundational training for careers in the professional theatre or related professions;
  • Utilize and integrate new technology, methodologies, and techniques creatively and effectively into theatre courses, programs, and productions;
  • Actively utilize professionally trained staff members, guest artists, and partnerships with regional professional theatres and artists to further expand and enhance our educational programming and production opportunities;
  • Attract and retain a diverse population of students, staff, faculty, and audiences as we present theatrical programming and presentations that reflect the full diversity of our community and world;
  • Enhance our students’ and community’s understanding and appreciation of the multifaceted, diverse theatrical art form by developing and presenting a broad range of accessible, high-quality academic and artistic opportunities;
  • Remain viable, productive, and healthy through the effective and reasonable management of our human and financial resources and facilities.

Requirements for the Theatre Arts Major (50-65 credits)

All theatre arts majors must complete the core curriculum and choose one of the two options of study that are available to complete the major requirements.

Option I:  B.A. in theatre arts (generalist)
Option II: B.A. in theatre arts with professional training concentrations in one or more of the following areas: acting, design and technology, or direction and management.

  1. Theatre Arts Core Curriculum (41 credits)
    Required courses:
    THEA 010 Theatre Practicum I 1 cr
    THEA 014 Acting Practicum 1 cr
    THEA 121 Theatrical Makeup 2 cr
         
    THEA 124 Basic Acting 3 cr
    OR    
    THEA 125 Acting I 3 cr
         
    THEA 132 Stagecraft 3 cr
    THEA 133 Costumecraft 3 cr
    THEA 150 Text Analysis for the Theatre 3 cr
    THEA 160 Principles of Theatrical Design 3 cr
         
    THEA 212 Intermediate Technical Production 2 cr
    OR    
    THEA 213 Assistant Director/Assistant Stage Manager 2 cr
         
    THEA 295 Sophomore Seminar 2 cr
    THEA 310 Directing I 3 cr
    THEA 355 Theatre History and Literature to 1660 3 cr
    THEA 356 Theatre History and Literature from 1660 to 1915 3 cr
    THEA 357 Theatre History and Literature from 1915 to Today 3 cr
         
    THEA 363 Lighting and Projection Design I 3 cr
    OR    
    THEA 373 Scene Design I 3 cr
    OR    
    THEA 383 Costume Design I 3 cr
         
    THEA 495 Senior Seminar 3 cr
  2. Choose One Option (9-24 credits)
    Option I: Generalist Degree Option (9 credits)
    Requirements include the completion of the 41 credit core curriculum and 9 credits of elective courses chosen from theatre arts courses numbered 300 or above.

    Option II: Concentration Option (24 credits)
    Students have the option of choosing a concentration that includes a more comprehensive study in a chosen field within the theatre arts.  The purpose of these varied concentrations is to further prepare students for graduate school studies or entry-level work in the professional theatre after graduation. Our concentration option is similar to B.F.A. (bachelor of fine arts) degrees at similar liberal arts institutions. Students must interview or audition into the following concentrations, and usually do so at the end of their first or second year in the program. Requirements include the completion of the 41 credit core curriculum and the required courses for the concentration chosen.
     
    1. Requirements for the Concentration in Acting (24 credits)
      1. Required courses (15 credits)
        THEA 225 Acting II * 3 cr
        THEA 230 Movement for the Actor 3 cr
        THEA 228 Voice for the Actor I 3 cr
        THEA 314 Advanced Acting Practicum 3 cr
             
        THEA 325 Acting III * 3 cr
        OR    
        THEA 425 Acting IV 3 cr
      2. Elective courses (9 credits)
        THEA 250 Stage Combat I 3 cr
        THEA 251 Stage Combat II 3 cr
        THEA 315 Styles of Acting (may be repeated for credit with new topic) 3 cr
        THEA 328 Voice for the Actor II 3 cr
        THEA 426 Acting for Musical Theatre 3 cr
        MUSA 181 Applied Voice 1 cr
        * Cannot count courses fulfilling other concentration requirements."
         
    2. Requirements for the Concentration in Design & Technology (24 credits)
      1. Required courses (12 credits)
        ART 104 Introduction to Digital Art 3 cr
             
        ART 122 Introduction to Drawing 3 cr
        OR    
        ART 322 Intermediate Drawing 3 cr
        OR    
        ART 331 Life Drawing 3 cr
             
        ART 125 Survey of World Art 3 cr
             
        THEA 312 Production Design/Technology I 3 cr
        OR    
        THEA 412 Production Design/Technology II 3 cr
      2. Elective courses* (12 credits)
        Choose four courses:
        THEA 322 Makeup II 3 cr
        THEA 363 Lighting and Projection Design I * 3 cr
        THEA 373 Scenic Design I * 3 cr
        THEA 380 Scene Painting 3 cr
        THEA 383 Costume Design I * 3 cr
        THEA 390 Special Topics in Theatre Arts: 3 cr
        THEA 463 Lighting and Projection Design II 3 cr
        THEA 473 Scenic Design II 3 cr
        THEA 483 Costume Design II 3 cr
        *Cannot count THEA 363, 373, or 383 from core course requirements or fulfilling requirements in another concentration.
         
    3. Requirements for the Concentration in Direction & Management (24 credits)
      1. Required courses (12 credits)
        THEA 208 Multicultural Theatre in America 3 cr
        OR    
        THEA/ 
        WGSS 215        		 LGBTQ Representation on Stage and Screen 3 cr
             
        THEA 213 Assistant Stage Manager/ Assistant Director 3 cr
        THEA 313 Stage Manager/Studio Director 3 cr
        THEA 410 Directing II 3 cr
      2. Interdisciplinary elective courses (6 credits)
         Choose two courses:
        ART 125 Survey of World Art 3 cr
        SPCH 105 Public Speaking 3 cr
        COMM 107 Communication and the Human Condition 3 cr
        COMM 285 Introduction to Conflict Analysis and Resolution 3 cr
        LBST 102 Introduction to Humanities:  World Cultures 1500 to Present 3 cr
        LBST 103 Diversity in the United States 3 cr
      3. Theatre elective courses (6 credits)
        Choose two courses:
        THEA 225 Acting II + 3 cr
        THEA 315 Styles of Acting 3 cr
        THEA/
        ENGL 320        		 Shakespeare 3 cr
        THEA 325 Acting III + 3 cr
        THEA 345 Playwriting I 3 cr
        THEA 363 Lighting and Sound Design I *+ 3 cr
        THEA 373 Scenic Design I *+ 3 cr
        THEA 383 Costume Design I *+ 3 cr
        *Cannot count THEA 363, 373, or 383 from theatre core courses.
        + Cannot count courses fulfilling other concentration requirements.

 

Requirements for the Theatre Arts Minor (24 credits)

The basic objective of the theatre arts minor is to provide a foundation for further study, vocational or avocational, for all interested students.

Required Courses (24 credits)
THEA 010 Theatre Practicum I 2 cr
     
THEA 014 Acting Practicum 1 cr
OR    
THEA 012 Theatre Practicum II 1 cr
     
THEA 110 Theatre Appreciation 3 cr
OR    
THEA 112 Behind the Scenes 3 cr
     
THEA 124 Basic Acting 3 cr
OR    
THEA 125 Acting I 3 cr
     
THEA 132 Stagecraft 3 cr
OR    
THEA 133 Costumecraft 3 cr
     
THEA 150 Text Analysis for the Theatre 3 cr
THEA 160 Principles of Theatrical Design 3 cr
     
THEA 355 Theatre History and Literature to 1660 3 cr
OR    
THEA 356 Theatre History and Literature from 1660 to 1915 3 cr
OR    
THEA 357 Theatre History and Literature from 1915 to Today 3 cr
     
THEA363 Lighting and Sound Design I 3 cr
OR    
THEA 373 Scenic Design I 3 cr
OR    
THEA 383 Costume Design I 3 cr

 

Courses in Theatre Arts (THEA)

010

Theatre Practicum I
Prereq: Consent of instructor. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Practical experience through participation in productions sponsored by theatre arts. Focus areas include scenery, props, costumes, makeup, lighting, or sound. May be repeated in different areas for a maximum of 4 credits.  An average of five hours required per week.

 1 cr
012

Theatre Practicum II
Prereq: None. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Practical experience through participation in the creation of scenery, lighting, costumes, scene painting, or props for productions sponsored by theatre arts. May be repeated in different areas for a maximum of 6 credits.  An average of three hours required per week.

 1 cr
014

Acting Practicum
Prereq: Audition required or consent of instructor. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Provides experience as a performer in a fully-produced theatre production. Requires additional journal and written evidence of research and outside efforts in character development. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

 1-3 cr
050

Company Participation
Prereq: Theatre arts major or minor. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Required participation in theatre arts company activities, including: performance attendance, production auditions, production work days, production strikes, field trips, academic reviews, and talent reviews.  Required of all theatre arts majors and minors each semester. Field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees required.

 0 cr
110

Theatre Appreciation
Prereq: None. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Explores enjoyment and understanding of the art of theatre.  Examines the teamwork involved to create live entertainment and the impact of theatre on society from ancient history to present day.  Reviews plays and live theatrical performances. Open to all students. Requires field trip/ticket fee.

 3 cr
112

Behind the Scenes
Prereq: None.  Freq: Spring.
Explores the fundamentals of sets, lights, costumes, makeup, sound, and props for theatre and film. Includes lecture, demonstration, and lab experiences with award-winning UW-Parkside and Fireside Theatre productions. Requires attendance and critique on-campus theatrical productions. Open to all students. Requires field trip/ticket fee.

 3 cr
121

Theatrical Makeup
Prereq: None. Freq: Spring.
Basic principles and techniques of theatrical makeup. Field trips to theatrical productions; lab and additional fees required.

 2 cr
124

Basic Acting
Prereq: None. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Introduces students to basic acting and improvisation skills. Focuses on acting exercises, discussion, and how these activities can improve communication, create flexibility, and introduce the non-actor to important interpretive and interpersonal skills. Attendance at theatrical productions required.

 3 cr
125

Acting I
Prereq: Consent of instructor. Freq: Fall.
Explores foundations of acting and script analysis based on methods of Konstantin Stanislavski. Emphasizes acting through doing. Includes exercises, monologues and scene work. Not available for audit. Intended for majors/minors. Attendance at theatrical productions required.

 3 cr
132

Stagecraft
Prereq: Consent of instructor. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Introduces procedures and theories of theatrical production. Includes scenic construction, scenic painting, stage equipment, stage lighting, sound, technical personnel duties, practical applications, and work on current productions. Requires attendance and critique of theatrical productions; lab fees.

 3 cr
133

Costumecraft
Prereq: Consent of instructor. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Introduces costume theory and practical construction. Includes the use of shop equipment, shop operation, and costume production skills with practical applications through work on current productions. Requires attendance and critique of theatrical productions; lab fees.

 3 cr
142

Theatre in the City Field Trip
Prereq: Consent of instructor. Freq: Occasionally.
Provides opportunity for on-site observation of theory and practice. Consists of play attendance, guest lectures, and backstage tours. May be repeated with different topic. Additional fees required.

 1 cr
150

Text Analysis for the Theatre
Prereq: None.  Freq: Fall.
Provides performers, designers, directors, and technicians with a variety of viable approaches and critical methodologies useful in reading, researching, analyzing, interpreting, and creatively engaging with a variety of significant scripts from the classical and contemporary theatre.

 3 cr
160

Principles of Theatrical Design
Prereq: Consent of instructor. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Introduces students to the fundamental elements and principles of design and how they apply to the development and creation of production elements for the live theatre productions. Field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees required.

 3 cr
208

Multicultural Theatre in America
Prereq: None. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Examines African American, Asian American, Latino American and Native American cultures utilizing dramatic texts, live performance events and anthropological research as a means of exploring and understanding voices of diversity expressed on the American stage in the past 50 years. Requires field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees. Cross-listed with ETHN 208.

 3 cr
212

Intermediate Technical Production
Prereq: THEA 010, 132, 133 and consent of instructor. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Student serves as supervisor, crew head, or assistant designer for a production. Participation may include but is not limited to scenery, props, costume, makeup, sound or lighting. Additional written and visual research required depending on position. May be repeated in a different area for a maximum of 6 credits.

 1-3 cr
213

Assistant Stage Manager/Assistant Director
Prereq: THEA 10, THEA 132; and consent of instructor. Freq: Fall, Spring. 
Provides experience as either assistant stage manager or assistant director for a production. Requires additional written and visual research depending on position. May be repeated in a different area for a maximum of 6 credits.

 1-3 cr
214

Intermediate Acting Practicum
Prereq: Audition, THEA 014 and consent of instructor. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Participation as a performer in a faculty-directed theatre production. Requires additional journal and written evidence of research and outside efforts in character development. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

 1-3 cr
215

LGBTQ Representation on Stage and Screen
Prereq: None. Freq: Occasionally.
Examines the portrayal and representation (or lack of representation) of gender and/or the LGBTQ voice and identity in plays and film during the last century. Explores a number of facets of gender and sexual identity and portrayal through theory and criticism as well as through the plays and films themselves. Field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees required. Cross-listed with WGSS 215.

 3 cr
224

Acting for the Camera
Prereq: None. Freq: Spring (even years).
Prepares students for performance in film, video, and television. Emphasizes developing a specific approach to the special challenges of camera acting, understanding students’ unique gifts as performers, and expressing themselves effectively. Focuses on the business side of acting including audition techniques, creating resumes, and dealing with talent agencies.

 3 cr
225

Acting II
Prereq: THEA 125 and consent of instructor. Freq: Spring.
Intensification and deepening of an actor’s skills. Emphases on simplicity and in-the-moment work using monologues and scene work from Shakespeare’s plays, including introduction to the Folio Technique.  Field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees required.

 3 cr
228

Voice for the Actor I
Prereq: THEA 125 and consent of instructor. Freq: Occasionally.
An intensive studio course in the individual development and use of the voice for performance. Articulation and voice projection will be stressed.  Field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees required.

 3 cr
230

Movement for the Actor
Prereq: Consent of instructor. Freq: Spring (odd years).
Centers on the development of physical awareness and articulation as well as building an understanding for a psychophysical approach to acting. Analyzes personal body use, by studying various exercises, techniques, and theories of movement training designed to improve an actor’s awareness of impulse and expressiveness of ideas.

 3 cr
250

Stage Combat I
Prereq: THEA 125. Freq: Occasionally.
Introduces unarmed stage combat. Focus on basic combat techniques and movement skills: physical awareness, balance, coordination, and safety. Incorporates acting within choreography. Field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees required.

 3 cr
251

Stage Combat II
Prereq: THEA 125. Freq: Occasionally.
Develops high speed, moment-to-moment acting, building heightened concentration, physical agility and stamina. Introduces specific weapons training.  Field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees required.

 3 cr
260

Theatre Crafts I
Prereq:  15 credits of THEA and consent of instructor. Freq: Fall (even years).
Introduces the theories, methods, and processes of various types of costume crafts and stage props used in theatre. Includes furniture upholstery and finishing, fabric dyeing and manipulation, mask making and millinery. Field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees and materials required.

 3 cr
290

Special Topics in Theatre Arts
Prereq: None. Freq: Occasionally.
Examines selected topics in theatre arts; additional fees.

 1-4 cr
294

Professional Theatre Internship
Prereq: Consent of instructor and department chair. Freq: Fall, Spring, Summer.
This individualized program of study for freshmen and sophomores includes apprenticeships and internships at professional theatres, under the supervision of campus faculty and professional theatre staff. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

 1-6 cr
295

Sophomore Seminar
Prereq: 15 credits in THEA and consent of instructor. Freq: Fall.
Explores career objectives and focuses on the development and presentation of portfolios and audition/interview materials.

 2 cr
299

Independent Study
Prereq: Consent of instructor and department chair. Freq: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Regularly available under the supervision of theatre faculty members, this course allows individual students with 60 or fewer credits the opportunity to explore a variety of theatrical subjects and/or projects that are not regularly offered in other theatre courses.

 1-3 cr
310

Directing I
Prereq: THEA 124 or 125; sophomore or higher standing, and consent of instructor. Freq: Spring.
Examines the director’s role in theatre production. Delves into the theoretical and practical principles and techniques of directing and play analysis.  Requires field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees.

 3 cr
312

Production Design/Technology I
Prereq: THEA 212 and consent of instructor. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Provides experience as designer or lead technician for a studio production. Includes but are not limited to scenery, props, costume, makeup, sound or lighting. Requires additional written and visual research depending on position. May be repeated for a maximum of 10 credits with only 6 in one area applied toward the major.

 1-5 cr
313

Stage Manager/Studio Director
Prereq: THEA 213 and consent of instructor. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Provides experience as stage manager for a production. Requires additional written and visual research. May be repeated for a maximum of 10 credits.

 3-5 cr
314

Advanced Acting Practicum
Prereq: Audition, THEA 214 and consent of instructor. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Participation as a performer in a faculty-directed theatre production. Requires additional journal and written evidence of research and outside efforts in character development. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

 1-3 cr
315

Styles of Acting
Prereq: THEA 225 and consent of instructor. Freq: Occasionally.
An intensive investigation of a selected style of acting such as comedy, improvisation, physical acting, musical theatre performance, Shakespeare, etc. May be taken for credit each time a different topic is studied.  Field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees required.

 3 cr
317

Dramaturgy
Prereq:  Consent of Instructor. Freq:  Fall, Spring.
Student serves as dramaturg for a production. Additional written and visual research required. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

 1-3 cr
320

Shakespeare
Prereq: ENGL 167, 266; or consent of instructor; or THEA 150. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Investigates the formal conventions of Shakespeare’s work, stagecraft, the location of these works within their historical contexts, and the critical and reception histories of each play. Cross-listed with ENGL 320.

 3 cr
322

Makeup II
Prereq: THEA 121 and consent of instructor. Freq: Occasionally.
Covers intermediate principles and techniques of theatrical makeup, including airbrush and special effects.  Requires field trips to theatrical productions; lab and additional fees.

 3 cr
325

Acting III
Prereq: THEA 225 and consent of instructor. Freq: Fall.
Advanced scene study and exploration of characterization. Emphasis on physicality and adding the layers of complex action (conditioning factors, physicalization, internal obstacles, etc.). Field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees required.

 3 cr
328

Voice for the Actor II
Prereq: THEA 228 and consent of instructor. Freq: Occasionally.
The continuation of individual development and use of the voice for performance. Development of an aesthetic quality, expressive intonation, and study of the more commonly used American and foreign dialects. Field trips to additional theatrical productions; additional fees required.

 3 cr
342

Advanced Theatre in the City Field Trip
Prereq: Consent of instructor Freq: Occasionally.
Provides opportunity for on-site observation of theory and practice studied in accompanying course. Consists of play attendance, guest lectures and backstage tours. May be repeated with different topic. Additional fees required.

 1 cr
345

Playwriting I
Prereq: ENG 101 and consent of instructor. Freq: Occasionally.
Introduces writers to the process of creating monologues, scenes, plays, and/or scripts for the live stage and screen in a workshop. Field trips to additional theatrical productions; additional fees required.

 3 cr
355

Theatre History and Literature to 1660
Prereq: ENGL 101, THEA 150, or consent of instructor.  Freq: Spring (even years).
Examines key milestones in theatre history and literature from the origins of theatre to 1660. Includes primary and secondary historical sources that reveal the context for theatrical productions in a variety of cultures and periods.

 3 cr
356

Theatre History and Literature from 1660 to 1915
Prereq: ENGL 101, THEA 150, or consent of instructor. Freq: Fall (even years).
Provides a comprehensive overview of key milestones in theatre history and literature from 1660 to 1915, including a study of primary and secondary historical sources that reveal the context for theatrical productions in a variety of cultures and periods.

 3 cr
357

Theatre History and Literature from 1915 to Today
Prereq:  ENGL101, THEA 150, or consent of instructor.  Freq: Spring (odd years).
Provides a comprehensive overview of key milestones in theatre history and literature from 1915 to today, including primary and secondary historical sources that reveal the context for theatrical productions in a variety of cultures and periods.

 3 cr
360

Theatre Craft II
Prereq: THEA 132, 133, 260. Freq: Fall (odd years).
Examines the design and creation of theatrical props and costume craft for theatrical productions. Focuses on design and build techniques such as leatherwork and armor construction, molding and casting techniques, and foam based construction projects.

 3 cr
363

Lighting and Projection Design I
Prereq: THEA 132, 160; or consent of instructor. Freq: Spring (odd years).
Explores the fundamentals of the artistry, methods, and function of lighting and sound design for stage production. Focuses on terminology, safe practices, current technology, design processes and production practices. Requires field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees.

 3 cr
373

Scenic Design I
Prereq: THEA 132 and consent of instructor. Freq: Fall (odd years).
Explores Scenic Design for the theatre from concept to graphic representation, including research, analysis, sketching, CAD drafting, rendering, and model making.  Field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees required.

 3 cr
380

Scene Painting
Prereq: THEA 132 or consent of instructor. Freq: Spring (even years).
Enhances knowledge and skills in scenic artistry including the role of the scenic artist. Covers types of paint and applicators, color theory and mixing, drop creation and many scenic painting and faux finishing techniques. Requires additional fees.

 3 cr
383

Costume Design I
Prereq: THEA 133 and consent of instructor. Freq: Fall (even years).
Examines the costume design process including theory, historical research and rendering styles. Field trips to theatrical productions; lab and additional fees required.

 3 cr
385

Portfolio Development
Prereq: THEA 295, or consent of instructor. Freq: Occasionally.
Focuses on the professional development of visual performance material, resumes, websites, and portfolios. Helps the student develop and produce a professional presentation of their body of artistic work through digital and physical portfolios.

 3 cr
386

Audition Techniques
Prereq:  THEA 124 or 125; THEA 295; or consent of instructor Freq: Spring (Odd)
Focuses on the techniques actors must use when auditioning for casting directors in the professional theatre.  Includes cold readings, monologue work, resume formatting, and interview techniques.

 3 cr
390

Special Topics in Theatre Arts
Prereq: consent of instructor. Freq: Occasionally.
Selected topics in theatre will be examined. Field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees required.

 1-4 cr
410

Directing II
Prereq: THEA 310 and consent of instructor. Freq: Fall.
Builds upon the basic principles of stage direction explored in THEA 310 and provides students with the opportunity to select, research, interpret, stage, and present a wide range of scenes from a variety of theatrical genres and styles. Requires field trips to theatrical productions.

 3 cr
412

Production Design/Technology II
Prereq: THEA 312 and consent of instructor. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Provides experience as designer or lead technician for a main-stage production.  Includes but are not limited to design, scenery, props, costume, makeup, sound or lighting.  Requires additional written and visual research depending on position. May be repeated for a maximum of 10 credits with only 6 in one area applied toward the major.

 1-5 cr
425

Acting IV
Prereq: THEA 325 and consent of instructor. Freq: Spring.
Focus on elements of style through scene work, involving complex characterization, and research. Expanding the truth to accommodate classical and contemporary/post-modern styles. Field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees required.

 3 cr
426

Acting for Musical Theatre
Prereq: Consent of instructor. Freq: Fall (even years).
Provides training to approach musical text with the same analytic and practical skills as for monologues and scenes.  Equips students with the necessary skills to select appropriate songs, prepare professional materials, and execute auditions for work in the musical theatre field. Requires accompanist fees.

 3 cr
445

Playwriting II
Prereq:  THEA 345.  Freq: Occasionally.
Provides the playwright with tools and practical methodologies necessary to take their texts from page to stage or screen. Field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees required.

 3 cr
463

Lighting and Projection Design II
Prereq: THEA 363 or consent of instructor. Freq: Fall (odd years).
Explores advanced training in lighting, sound, and projection design for theatre or live entertainment.  Includes topics in automated lighting, live sound mixing, audio configurations, and projection design. Requires lab and additional fees.

 3 cr
473

Scenic Design II
Prereq: THEA 373 or consent of instructor. Freq: Occasionally
Explores advanced topics in Scenic Design for the theatre from concept to graphic representation, including research, analysis, sketching, CAD drafting, rendering, and model making, resulting in a complete scenic design packet. Requires lab fees.

 3 cr
483

Costume Design II
Prereq: THEA 383 or consent of instructor. Freq: Fall (even years).
Examines special problems in costume research theory, and projects in costume design. Field trips to theatrical productions; lab and additional fees required.

 3 cr
490

Special Topics in Theatre Arts
Prereq: Consent of instructor. Freq: Occasionally.
Selected topics in theatre arts will be examined. Field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees required.

 1-4 cr
494

Professional Theatre Internship
Prereq: Consent of instructor and department chair. Freq: Fall, Spring, Summer.
This individualized program of study for juniors and seniors includes apprenticeships and internships at professional theatres, under the supervision of campus faculty and professional theatre staff. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.

 1-12 cr
495

Senior Seminar
Prereq: Consent of instructor. Freq: Fall.
For students in their final year. Students will be required to demonstrate their ability to successfully research in the field through written, oral and visual presentations to the group. Each student will focus their approach to this critical study of the topic within their own area of concentration (design, acting, directing or dramaturgy). At the same time, students will be focusing on the development and presentation of portfolios (paper and electronic), and auditions/interview materials to prepare them for professional careers and/or graduate study. Field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees required.

 3 cr
499

Independent Study
Prereq: Consent of instructor and department chair. Freq: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Regularly available under the supervision of theatre faculty members, this course allows individual students with 60 or more credits the opportunity to explore a variety of theatrical subjects and/or projects that are not regularly offered in other theatre courses.

 1-6 cr

 

Courses in Speech Studies (SPCH)

105

Public Speaking
Prereq: None. Freq: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Introduces fundamentals of speech composition, style, and delivery. Includes practical experience in informative, persuasive, and special occasion speaking. Not available for audit.

 3 cr
290

Special Topics in Speech Studies
Prereq: Varies with topic. Freq: Occasionally.
Selected topics related to speech will be examined.

 3 cr
299

Independent Study
Prereq: SPCH 105; consent of instructor and program director. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Individual investigation of selected practices and issues related to speech studies.

 1-3 cr
305

Advanced Presentation Skills for College and Career
Prereq: SPCH 105.  Freq: Spring.
Develop advanced mastery of theory and practice of speech presentation.

 3 cr
390

Special Topics in Speech Studies
Prereq: Varies with topic. Freq: Occasionally.
Advanced selected topics related to speech studies will be examined.

 3 cr
490

Special Topics in Speech Studies
Prereq: Varies with topic. Freq: Occasionally.
Advanced selected topics related to speech studies will be examined.

 3 cr
499

Independent Study
Prereq: SPCH 105, junior standing, consent of instructor and program director. Freq: Fall, Spring.
Individual investigation of selected practices and issues related to speech studies will be explored.

 1-3 cr
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