Introduction to Acting
THTR 100
M/W/F: 9:30-10:20AM | 10:35-11:25AM | 11:40AM-12:30PM
G.Przybylak, A.Farrell
A course designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of acting and performance. Fundamentals in improvisation, technique, and scene study are stressed. At the end of the course, the student will demonstrate their knowledge of acting technique by presenting a monologue from a play. This course is required for, but not limited to, students who intend to major or minor in theater.
Introduction to Stagecraft
THTR 105
T/TH: 10:00-11:15AM
H.Farr
An introduction to theater terminology and technology with an emphasis on scenic construction, lighting, stage rigging, painting, and production. A practicum in wood shop and stage construction.
Scenic Design
THTR 223
T/TH: 11:30-12:45PM
J.Davis
This course introduces scenic design techniques, approaches, and tools. Emphasis will be on developing ideas through script analysis, visual research, and analysis of the physical theater space, and finally, the communication of ideas through drafting and model building.
Costume Design
THTR 225
T/TH:10:00-11:15AM
A.Herin
This course is designed to introduce costume design techniques, approaches, and tools. Students will learn the process of costume design through application of skill and theories - from script analysis through post-production. In addition, students will participate in a survey of costume history and drawing/rendering skills will be taught. This course will culminate in a project designed to incorporate skills and techniques acquired during the semester.
Stage Makeup
THTR 226
T: 4:00-6:30PM
A.Herin
An introductory hands-on course in theatrical makeup techniques and tools. Students will study the history of stage makeup, its application, and the relationship between stage makeup and developing a character. The course will explore a variety of makeup applications from basic corrective makeup to special effects including prosthetics, crepe hair, and blood effects.
Stage Management
THTR 227
M/W: 3:20-4:35PM
M.Stevens
Designed to acquaint student with the numerous aspects of stage management.
Voice
THTR 234
T/TH: 1:00-2:01PM
To Be Announced
Development of the student's vocal instrument. Work in breath, resonance, articulation, range, and flexibility. The skills in this course practice physical, mental, and social activities that promote well-being and help reduce stress and anxiety.
Acting: Camera Technique
THTR 306
M: 12:45-3:15PM
D.Vegh
This course is an exploration of film and television acting with an emphasis on how it departs from stage work in terms of both preparation and execution. Students will have the opportunity to employ class techniques in a hands-on manner through exercises, performances of filmed scene work, and simulated on-camera auditions.
Playwriting
THTR 312
M: 3:20-6:05PM
G.Vovos
Theory and practice of dramatic writing, in the context of examples, classic and contemporary. Recommended preparation: ENGL 203 or ENGL 213 or ENGL 214 or ENGL 303 or ENGL 304. Offered as ENGL 305, THTR 312 and THTR 412.
Greek Tragedy: Plays and Performance in Ancient Athens
THTR 319
T/TH: 2:30-3:45PM
T.Wutrich
This course provides students the opportunity to read a significant number of ancient Greek tragedies in modern English translations. We read, study, and discuss selected works by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, as well as selected criticism, ancient and modern, of these plays. All semester we read the plays as literature composed for performance. We study literary elements within the plays and theatrical possibilities inherent in the texts. As we read the plays, we pay close attention to the historical context and look for what each play can tell us about myth, religion, ethics, and society in ancient Athens. Finally, we give attention to the way these tragic dramas and the theater in which they were performed have continued to inspire literature and theater for thousands of years. Lectures provide historical background on the playwrights, the plays, the mythic and historical background, and possible interpretation of the texts as literature and as performance pieces. Students discuss the plays that they read in class. The course has three examinations and a final project that includes writing an essay and staging a monologue or scene from one of the tragedies. Offered as CLSC 319, CLSC 419, THTR 319, THTR 419, WLIT 319, and WLIT 419.
Topics in Design
THTR 323
To Be Announced
A.Herin, J.Davis
This course will examine various topics relating to theatre design and technology not covered in other design courses. Students will be provided with practical and theoretical knowledge on a specific topic in order to increase their design and/or technical skills. In addition, each course offering will have its own stated objectives. This course may be repeated by students with each new topic..
American Drama
THTR 327
M/W/F: 11:40-12:30PM
R.Ullom
Designed to provide students an overview of the development of theater in the United States and to familiarize them with the work and themes of selected American playwrights. Offered as THTR 327 and THTR 427.
Play Directing I
THTR 330
T/TH: 2:30-3:45PM
D.Vegh
This course will begin a two-semester study of the art and craft of stage direction of plays. Topics covered will include history of the profession, directorial theory and practice, development of skills such as text analysis, design and concept, and general problem solving. Offered as THTR 330 and THTR 430.
Shakespeare: Histories and Tragedies
THTR 334
T/TH: 1:00-2:15PM
M.Vinter
Close reading of a selection of Shakespeare's tragedies and history plays (e.g., "Richard the Third," "Julius Caesar," "Hamlet," "King Lear"). Topics of discussion may include Renaissance drama as a social institution, the nature of tragedy, national history, gender roles, sexual politics, the state and its opponents, theatrical conventions. Assessment may include opportunities for performance. A student may not receive credit for both ENGL 324 and ENGL 324C. Recommended preparation: Academic Inquiry Seminar (AIQS) or SAGES First Seminar. Offered as ENGL 324, ENGL 324C, ENGL 424, and THTR 334.
Advanced Topics in Design/Technology
THTR 390
To Be Announced
J.Davis
This course provides an opportunity for Theater Undergraduates concentrating in design to do advanced projects in scenic, costume, sound or lighting design, building upon the skills learned in the 200-level design course. The course will better prepare students to create and execute designs for realized productions by emphasizing the tools used to communicate the design to director, other designers and the technicians who execute the design. It is offered in four sections and taught by the appropriate instructor. This course is a prerequisite for a Theater Capstone in Design.