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Theatre

Faculty

*Year of initial appointment at Binghamton

Bielenberg, John E., Professor, PhD, 1970, Ohio State University: Scene design, technical production, playwriting. (1966)*

Boros, Don, Associate Professor and Director of MA Program, PhD, 1970, Florida State University: Directing, acting, theory of acting and directing, contemporary performance techniques. (1978)

Busch, RhaeAnn, Associate Professor, MA, 1976, Teachers College at Columbia University: Dance. (1976)

Guido, Donald W., Adjunct Lecturer, BA, 1975, State University College at Oswego: Technical production. (1982)

Jackson, Allan S., Associate Professor Emeritus and Director of Theatre Collection, PhD, 1962, Ohio State University: Theatre history, publishing and research, computers and theatre. (1964)

Kremer, Thomas, Associate Professor, MA, 1974, University of Connecticut: Directing, acting. (1981)

Lesser, Eugene, Professor, MFA, 1968, New York University School of the Arts: Acting, directing. (1988)

Peters, Susan J., Adjunct Assistant Professor, MM, 1972, State University of New York at Binghamton: Musical theatre. (1969)

Short, L. Annette, Adjunct Lecturer, BA, 1969, University of Montevallo: Costuming. (1985)

Vestal, John Eloy, Professor and Chair, MA, 1970, University of Washington: Lighting designer/technical director, lighting and technical consultant. (1973)

Weiss, Fred R., Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Program, MA, 1976, San Francisco State University: Dance, acting, directing. (1983)

Wellwarth, George E., Professor, PhD, 1957, University of Chicago: Comparative drama,
avant garde drama, dramatic criticism. (1970)

Wolfe, Barbara, Adjunct Lecturer, MFA, 1986, New York University: Costume design and construction. (1989)

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Undergraduate
Programs

Theatre Major

Students majoring in theatre are required to take a minimum of 11 theatre courses as follows:

THEA 203. Technical Production
THEA 213. Technical Production Lab (2 credits)
THEA 304. History of the Theatre
THEA 306. Theory and Criticism of Drama
THEA 309. Performance and Modern Culture
THEA 207. Actor Training I: Basic Processes
or THEA 208. Actor Training I: Basic Processes
(by Audition)
or THEA 225. Dance Technique I: Ballet
or THEA 226. Dance Technique I: Jazz
or THEA 227. Dance Technique I: Modern

One upper-level design/technical course chosen from the following courses:

THEA 341. Stage Lighting
or THEA 344. Sound in the Theatre
or THEA 440. Stage Design Workshop

Plus two electives of four credits each numbered 300 or above from departmental offerings, exclusive of THEA 391 and 491.

The equivalent of 2 and 1/2 4-credit courses in technical theatre practica (10 credits total) is required. Six of the 10 technical credits must be earned by working in the scene shop (THEP 270, 370 or 470) and costume shop (THEP 273, 373, or 473) with a minimum of two credit hours in each. (Therefore, this requirement can be satisfied by earning three credit hours in each shop or four credits in one and two credits in the other. It is also possible to earn two of the six credits by hanging and focusing lights (THEP 272, 372, or 472). The remaining four credits may be in any assignment that qualifies for technical practicum. Performance practica are granted for participation in performance assignments, and may be used to fulfill the elective requirements.

Note: performance practica are numbered THEP 260-266, THEP 360-366, and THEP 460-466. Technical practica are numbered THEP 270-276, 370-376, and 470-476.

Courses Required Outside the Department of Theatre

Courses required outside the Department of Theatre vary by area of emphasis as follows:

Acting/Directing Emphasis
MUS 101. Introduction to Music
or MUS 120. Music Theory for Non-majors
ENG 245. Shakespeare
or ENG 420. Topics in Drama
or ENG 422. Contemporary Drama
or CLAS 212. Greek Drama in Translation

Dance Emphasis
MUS 101. Introduction to Music
MUS 120. Music Theory for Non-majors

Design/Technical Emphasis
ARTS 171. Drawing I

Because of the broad flexibility of advanced course patterns, students are able to choose the theatre subjects which best suit their interests and talents. There are advanced course sequences for performance in acting, dance, and directing. For technical theatre there is a sequence in scene design and lighting. In addition, there are supplemental courses covering other aspects of the field such as playwriting, computers, musical theatre, sound, MIDI, costumes, drama, and theatre history.

NOTES FOR THEATRE MAJORS

The Department of Theatre views senior thesis as a reward for excellence in the student's area of specialization. Students should discuss thesis availability with their advisors.
Pass/fail grading is not acceptable for courses taken to satisfy the 11-course theatre major.
Students are urged to declare their theatre major at an early date. This will enable the student to plan carefully his or her course of study with the director of undergraduate studies.

Theatre Minor

A minor in theatre consists of four non-practica theatre courses (16 credits), plus eight credits of practica. One of the non-practica courses must be chosen from the following:
THEA 203, Technical Production, and THEA 213, Technical Production Lab
or THEA 304, History of the Theatre
or THEA 306, Theory and Criticism of Drama
The other three non-practica courses may be chosen from any non-practica theatre courses for which the student is eligible.
To satisfy the practica requirement, the student must earn four credits of technical practica. The remaining four credits of practica can be satisfied by earning any additional four credits of technical or performance practica.

Pass/fail grading option is not acceptable for courses taken to satisfy the six-course theatre minor.

NOTE: Performance practica are numbered THEP 260-266, THEP 360-366, and THEP 460-466. Technical practica are numbered THEP 270-276, 370-376, and 470-476.

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Course Offerings/
Undergraduate


NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, all undergraduate courses carry 4 credits and are offered every year.

THEA 101. INTRODUCTION TO MUSICAL THEATRE /fall semester
History of American musical theatre from 18th century ballad opera and 19th century minstrelsy, melodrama, spectacle, extravaganza, burlesque and vaudeville, to contemporary musical revues and plays. Emphasis on production values and interaction of composer, lyricist, librettist, director, choreographer, music director, and lighting, set, and sound designers from 1957 to present.

THEA 102. INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE /spring semester
Introduction to dramatic and theatrical art through study of fourteen plays in performance. Seven live, seven filmed. Intended principally for non-majors.

THEA 203. TECHNICAL PRODUCTION
An overview of the technical elements of theatre production. Emphasis on scenic construction, drafting, and rigging. All aspects are introduced: Costume design and construction, scenic design, stage lighting design and mechanics, sound design and mechanics, props, and stage management. Lecture, discussion. Corequisite: THEA 213.

THEA 207. ACTOR TRAINING I: BASIC PROCESSES
Stage orientation, energizers and relaxers for body and voice, concentration of attention, improvisation, sensory work, and immediacy; the actor's task; objective, obstacles, tactics, scene study. May be taken concurrently with THEA 310.

THEA 208. ACTOR TRAINING I: BASIC PROCESSES (by Audition)
For students who have had performance experience and/or training. Prerequisite: entrance audition; may be taken concurrently with THEA 310.

THEA 213. TECHNICAL PRODUCTION LABORATORY /2 credits
Laboratory section of THEA 203. Incorporates practical application of lecture material. Requires participation in department production technical crew. Corequisite: THEA 203.

THEA 225. DANCE TECHNIQUE I: BALLET
Beginning ballet training.

THEA 226. DANCE TECHNIQUE I: JAZZ
Beginning jazz training.

THEA 227. DANCE TECHNIQUE I: MODERN
Theory and technique movement with instruction in disciplined styles of dance. Practical introduction to dance terminology. Repeatable by audition.

THEA 286-289. SPECIAL TOPICS-INTRODUCTORY
Specific subjects in theatre and dance history, theory, or studio. Theatre faculty and guest artists in specialized areas of expertise. Individual sections have specific titles. May be repeated for credit if specific topics are different.

THEA 304. HISTORY OF THE THEATRE
Historical development of playing spaces, play forms, theatre machinery, arts of acting, scenery, costume, lighting. Prerequisite to advanced theatre history courses.

THEA 306. THEORY AND CRITICISM OF DRAMA
Analysis of plays and movements which have helped to shape drama and theatrical practice.

THEA 308. INTERMEDIATE ACTING
This course is intended to serve interested students who wish to continue the study of acting in greater depth. Through scene performance, discussion, and exercises, students are exposed to progressively more challenging acting methods and styles. Three scene presentations required, with accompanying written analysis. Prerequisite: THEA 207 or 208.

THEA 309. PERFORMANCE AND MODERN CULTURE
A study of how theatre, performance art, and dance concepts and styles evolve. The course is a decade by decade study-from 1890 to 1990-of the relationship between performance and social phenomena.

THEA 310. ACTOR TRAINING II: BODY WORK
Nature and perception of body energy states; their carryover to awareness and response for professional as well as personal use. Training applies to posture, breathing, walking, running, springing, balance rhythm, relaxed energy, energetic relaxation. Body work correlated with related aspects of voice training. Prerequisite or corequisite: THEA 207 or 208.

THEA 311. ACTOR TRAINING III: VOICE WORK
Sensory development of structural, tonal, consonant vocal energies for speech and singing, personal or professional use. Training applied to voice quality, articulation, fluency, projection, variety, contrast; to artistic use of these skills for meaning and emotion; to development of aesthetic American speech standard. Prerequisite: THEA 207 or 208.

THEA 312. ACTOR TRAINING IV: BASIC CHARACTER-IZATION
AND SCENE STUDY I
Through the presentation and analysis of a series of prepared structured improvisations this class focuses on disciplining the truth of the actors behavior, paring away what is unnecessary and helping the actor achieve an unselfconscious revelation of his inner life. Exercises must be prepared outside of class. Scenes from selected dramatic works are presented during semester. Students responsible for reading all plays from which scenes are presented. Scenes must be prepared outside of class. Prerequisites: THEA 207 or 208. THEA 312 is repeatable.

THEA 318. THEATRE CLOWNING /2 credits
A study of the European theatre clown tradition drawing on past and contemporary artists. Projects developed based upon the clown's reality and presence through exercises and improvisations.

THEA 319. PHYSICAL COMEDY /2 credits
Developing a means of expression through use of stage combat techniques, tumbling, vaudeville pratfalls, and comedy of Chaplin and Fields. Preparation includes conditioning exercises, training in use of circus equipment and props, counterbalance, and levers.

THEA 321. CHILDREN'S DANCE THEATRE
Development of student choreographed works and/or performance skills suitable for presentation to preschool and elementary age children. Rehearsals begin in the fall semester and students receive credit after the performance season has been completed in the spring semester. Prerequisites: Some dance training needed, admission by audition in fall semester.

THEA 322. DANCE COMPOSITION I
Introduction to dance composition for theatre. Identification and exploration of basic elements of dance (rhythm, design, dynamics); their use in dance staging. Lecture, discussion, studio work. Prerequisite: THEA 225 or 226 or 227.

THEA 325. DANCE TECHNIQUE II: BALLET
Intermediate ballet training.

THEA 326. DANCE TECHNIQUE II: JAZZ
Intermediate jazz training.

THEA 327. DANCE TECHNIQUE II: MODERN
Continued work in theory and technique on an intermediate level. Prerequisite: Appropriate Dance Technique I Repeatable by audition.

THEA 341. STAGE LIGHTING
Basic lighting techniques for theatre. Lighting instruments, control mechanisms, color media, basic electrical techniques. Lighting techniques for various types of performance facilities. Practical training by work on productions sponsored by department. Prerequisite: THEA 203 and 213.

THEA 344. SOUND FOR THE THEATRE
Basic principles of electricity and electronics, acoustics,
psychoacoustics, the decibel, sound reinforcement. Operating principles and use of equipment. Sound recording and editing projects. Lecture discussion and hands-on laboratory. Prerequisites: THEA 203 and 213.

THEA 345. STAGE COMBAT I/variable credit
Fight techniques for the stage, involving falls, rolls, slaps, kicks, and punching techniques. The course will evolve into lengthy fight combinations as well as fights for specific texts. May also explore basic techniques of rapier and dagger.

THEA 351. PLAYWRITING I
Guided practice in writing for stage. Students complete a short (30-40 minutes) play script.

THEA 359. DIRECTING I
Director's art in relation to script, actors, and physical facilities for production. Each student prepares scenes for rehearsal-performance and a one-act or equivalent for public rehearsal-performance. Prerequisite or corequisite: THEA 312 and one from THEA 304 or 306 or 309.

THEA 386-389. SPECIAL TOPICS-INTERMEDIATE
Specific subjects in theatre and dance history, theory, or studio. Theatre faculty and guest artists in specialized areas of expertise. Individual sections have specific titles. May be repeated for credit if specific topics are different.

THEA 391. PRACTICUM IN COLLEGE TEACHING I/1-4 credits
Practical experience in teaching of theatre, by serving as teaching assistant to assigned instructor for particular course. May be repeated for total of no more than eight credits. Credit may not be earned in conjunction with course in which student is concurrently enrolled. Prerequisites: relevant course work, consent of instructor, and departmental approval.

THEA 412. ACTOR TRAINING V: ADVANCED CHARACTERIZATION AND SCENE STUDY II Student presents three or four scenes in class during semester; each scene then reworked based upon class discussion. Scenes must be prepared outside of class. Students responsible for reading all plays from which scenes are presented. Prerequisite: THEA 312. Repeatable.

THEA 425. DANCE TECHNIQUE III: BALLET
Advanced ballet training.

THEA 426. DANCE TECHNIQUE III: JAZZ
Advanced jazz training.

THEA 427. DANCE TECHNIQUE III: MODERN
Advanced work in theory and technique. Prerequisite: appropriate Dance Technique II. Repeatable by audition.

THEA 440. STAGE DESIGN WORKSHOP
Introduction to principles of stage design: development of basic skills required for drafting, sketching, and painting production plans. Participation in design and technical aspects of department's production program. Required for students designing productions for studio theatre program. Prerequisites: THEA 203 and 213. Repeatable.

THEA 449. THEATRE AND COMPUTERS
Computer aided design and graphics for theatre; programs for stage lighting, scene design, areas requiring paperwork; lists and records; box office operations; and word processing. Prerequisites: by consent (limited to five students.) May be repeated for credit.

THEA 459. DIRECTING II
Continuation of THEA 359. More advanced problems of style and space. Direction of one-act play will be final project. Prerequisites: THEA 359, 304, 203, and 213.

THEA 486-489. SPECIAL TOPICS-ADVANCED
Specific subjects in theatre and dance history, theory, or studio. Theatre faculty and guest artists in specialized areas of expertise. Individual sections have specific titles. May be repeated if specific topics are different. If topic is "audition," permission of instructor is required.

THEA 491. PRACTICUM IN COLLEGE TEACHING II/1-4 credits
Advanced experience in teaching theatre, by serving as teaching assistant to assigned instructor for particular course. May be repeated for total of no more than eight credits. Credit may not be earned in conjunction with course in which student is currently enrolled. Prerequisites: THEA 391, relevant course work, credit for THEA 391 for same or similar course, consent of instructor, and departmental approval. Repeatable.

THEA 497. INDEPENDENT STUDY /variable credit
Independent project in some phase of theatre activity. Project proposed by student and advisor, approved by department. Prerequisites: at least junior standing, and course work or experience appropriate to project.

THEA 498. SENIOR HONORS
Students with at least 3.0 average during first five semesters of work may petition during sixth semester to do a special project for senior honor credit. With approval, course is taken during seventh or eighth semester (not during same semester as senior thesis). Prerequisites: recommendation of advisor, appropriate course work, and departmental approval.

THEA 499. SENIOR THESIS
Independent reading, research, and/or practice in field of specialization leading to thesis, either theoretical or practical. Students, in consultation with adviser, must submit three different proposals in order of preference to director of undergraduate program one semester (10th week) prior to registering for thesis. Prerequisites: recommendation of emphasis area faculty and departmental approval.

Theatre Practica

Practica courses, as follows: THEP 260-6, 360-6, 460-6 and THEP 270-6, 370-6, 470-6 are offered with normal credit or P/F as department regulations require. Prerequisite: departmental consent. Repeatable. On certain assignments, even a single absence is grounds for failure.

THEP 260. PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM-ACTING/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for guided acting performance each half semester.

THEP 261. PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM-DANCE/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for guided dance performance each half semester.

THEP 262. PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM-THEATRE MUSIC /1-4 credits
Multiple sections for guided rehearsal and/or pit performance each half semester.

THEP 264. PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM-ARTS MANAGEMENT/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for guided arts management each half semester.

THEP 265. PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM-ASSISTANT DIRECTING/1-4 credits
Multiple sections of variable credit for guided directing each half semester.

THEP 266. PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM-STAGE MANAGEMENT/1 or 2 credits
Multiple section of 1 to 4 credits for guided stage management each half semester. This course must be signed up for simultaneously with THEP 276 in equal amounts of credit.

THEP 270. TECHNICAL PRACTICUM-SCENERY CONSTRUCTION /1-4 credits
Multiple sections for beginning level guided scenery construction each half semester.

THEP 271. TECHNICAL PRACTICUM-STAGE CREW/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for beginning level guided stage crew duties each half semester.

THEP 272. TECHNICAL PRACTICUM-LIGHTING/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for beginning level guided lighting duties each half semester.

THEP 273. TECHNICAL PRACTICUM-COSTUMES/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for beginning level guided costume duties each half semester.

THEP 274. TECHNICAL PRACTICUM-SOUND/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for beginning level guided sound duties each half semester.

THEP 275. TECHNICAL PRACTICUM-PROPERTIES/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for beginning level guided property duties each half semester.

THEP 276. TECHNICAL PRACTICUM-STAGE MANAGEMENT/1 or 2 credits
Multiple section of 1 to 4 credits for guided stage management each half semester. This course must be signed up for simultaneously with THEP 266 in equal amounts of credit.

THEP 360. INTERMEDIATE PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM-ACTING/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for intermediate-level guided acting performance each half semester.

THEP 361. INTERMEDIATE PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM-DANCE/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for intermediate-level guided dance performance each half semester.

THEP 362. INTERMEDIATE PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM-THEATRE MUSIC/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for intermediate-level guided rehearsal and/or pit performance each half semester.

THEP 364. INTERMEDIATE PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM-ARTS
MANAGEMENT/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for intermediate-level guided arts management each half semester.

THEP 365. INTERMEDIATE PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM-DIRECTING/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for intermediate-level guided directing each half semester. Prerequisites: THEA 103 and 113.

THEP 366. INTERMEDIATE PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM-STAGE
MANAGEMENT/1 or 2 credits
Multiple section of 1 to 4 credits for guided stage management each half semester. This course must be signed up for simultaneously with THEP 376 in equal amounts of credit.

THEP 370. INTERMEDIATE TECHNICAL PRACTICUM-SCENERY
CONSTRUCTION/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for intermediate-level guided scenery construction each half semester.

THEP 371. INTERMEDIATE TECHNICAL PRACTICUM-STAGE CREW /1-4 credits
Multiple sections for intermediate-level guided stage crew duties each half semester.

THEP 372. INTERMEDIATE TECHNICAL PRACTICUM-LIGHTING/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for intermediate-level guided lighting duties each half semester.

THEP 373. INTERMEDIATE TECHNICAL PRACTICUM-COSTUMES /1-4 credits
Multiple sections for intermediate-level guided costume duties each half semester.

THEP 374. INTERMEDIATE TECHNICAL PRACTICUM-SOUND/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for intermediate-level guided sound duties each half semester.

THEP 375. INTERMEDIATE TECHNICAL PRACTICUM-PROPERTIES/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for intermediate-level guided property duties each half semester.

THEP 376. INTERMEDIATE TECHNICAL PRACTICUM-STAGE MANAGEMENT/1 or 2 credits
Multiple section of 1 to 4 credits for guided stage management each half semester. This course must be signed up for simultaneously with THEP 366 in equal amounts of credit.

THEP 460. ADVANCED PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM-ACTING/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for advanced guided acting performance each half semester.

THEP 461. ADVANCED PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM-DANCE/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for advanced guided dance performance each half semester.

THEP 462. ADVANCED PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM- THEATRE MUSIC/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for advanced guided rehearsal and/or pit performance each half semester.

THEP 464. ADVANCED PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM-ARTS MANAGEMENT/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for advanced guided arts management each half semester.

THEP 465. ADVANCED PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM-DIRECTING/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for advanced guided directing each half semester. Prerequisites: THEA 103 and 113.

THEP 466. ADVANCED PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM-STAGE
MANAGEMENT/1 or 2 credits
Multiple section of 1 to 4 credits for guided stage management each half semester. This course must be signed up for simultaneously with THEP 476 in equal amounts of credit.

THEP 470. ADVANCED TECHNICAL PRACTICUM-SCENERY
CONSTRUCTION/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for advanced level guided scenery construction duties each half semester.

THEP 471. ADVANCED TECHNICAL PRACTICUM-STAGE CREW/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for advanced level guided stage crew duties each half semester.

THEP 472. ADVANCED TECHNICAL PRACTICUM-LIGHTING/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for advanced level guided lighting duties each half semester.

THEP 473. ADVANCED TECHNICAL PRACTICUM-COSTUMES/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for advanced level guided costume duties each half semester.

THEP 474. ADVANCED TECHNICAL PRACTICUM-SOUND/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for advanced level guided sound duties each half semester.

THEP 475. ADVANCED TECHNICAL PRACTICUM-PROPERTIES/1-4 credits
Multiple sections for advanced level guided property duties each half semester.

THEP 476. ADVANCED TECHNICAL PRACTICUM-STAGE
MANAGEMENT/1 or 2 credits
Multiple section of 1 to 4 credits for guided stage management each half semester. This course must be signed up for simultaneously with THEP 466 in equal amounts of credit.

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Graduate Programs

Master of Arts Program

The Theatre Department offers graduate studies leading to the master of arts degree. The student receives instruction and training in the arts of the theatre as well as theatre history, literature, and dramatic and performance theory. The program provides a broad-based, comprehensive body of knowledge regarding theatre and drama at an advanced level. Its appeal is especially to students who wish to teach or to undertake an intensive pedagogical experience en route to the MFA or PhD. For public school teachers and technical theatre artists, the MA may be a terminal degree. The program is a careful amalgam of theory and practice; however, with attentive counseling, students are encouraged to place the weight of their studies in a sub-specialization of history, theory, acting/directing, or some aspect of technology, or design.

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate specialization in theatre is not required; however, students lacking a suitable background in theatre studies are required to complete satisfactorily undergraduate courses beyond course requirements for the MA degree. Deficiencies to be made up are determined by the department. The Graduate Record Examination is required.
Students with a bachelor's degree in theatre should have completed one undergraduate course each in technical theatre, theatre history, and dramatic literature.

Degree Requirements

The candidate's program is guided by an advisor in conjunction with the director of graduate studies in theatre.
The department graduate committee has established the following requirements for the Master of Arts degree in theatre:
1. Successful fulfillment of at least 32 graduate level credits in theatre, 12 of which are electives chosen in consultation with the director of graduate studies.
2. Successful fulfillment of an acceptable body of research in a thesis.
By the end of one semester, a student must either have submitted a term paper in a course, demonstrating his or her ability to organize satisfactorily and present research materials, or have accomplished a studio project demonstrating comprehension of the processes involved.

Courses

A student must take a minimum of 32 credit hours to qualify for the master of arts degree in theatre. Four specific courses (of 4 credits each) and thesis (4 credits) are required of all students. The four required courses are: Theatre Production Technology; Theories of Theatre (any section); Seminar in Dramatic Structure (any section); and Seminar in Theatre History (any section). The remaining 12 credits are elective.

Thesis

Given the department's objectives, all candidates for the master of arts in theatre are required to demonstrate a general knowledge in the field plus an ability to exhibit skills in a specialized area of theatre, culminating in an acceptable thesis. The thesis may be either production or written, although all production work must include a summary essay.

Other Requirements

The MA candidate must receive an overall grade average of at least a B. All graduate students are expected to participate in the theoretical and practical activities of the department.

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Course Offerings/
Graduate

MA in Theatre


THEA 544. THEATRE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Problems in construction and use of theatre equipment and facilities: theatre buildings and permanent stage equipment; movable scenery and nonpermanent stage equipment; sound and lighting systems. Lecture, discussion, studio work. Students engage in problem solution, examine system design, prepare projects, participate in production program of department.

THEA 564. DIRECTING
Problems of style and space. Repertory selection and rehearsal procedures. Direction of one-act play or equivalent.

THEA 569. THEORIES OF ACTING AND DIRECTING
Analysis of major treatises of principal performance theorists; pragmatic investigation of exemplary productions of noted European and American directors of past 125 years. Preparation of oral reports and formal essays.
A. Realism and Early Anti-Realist Experimentation
B. Reexamined Realism, Anti-Realist Confrontation, and Contemporary Reshaping

THEA 572. SEMINAR IN DRAMATIC THEORY AND STRUCTURE
A. Ibsen and Shaw; B. 18th and 19th Century Sentimentalism and Melodrama; C. Modern Drama.

THEA 579. SEMINAR IN THEATRE HISTORY
A. Ancient Theatre; B. Renaissance Theatre; C. 19th Century Theatre.

THEA 586. SPECIAL TOPICS/1-4 credits
A. History of Costume and Costume Accessories; B. Dance Notation; C. History and Repertoire of Theatre Music; D. Theatre Organization and Management; E. Playwriting; F. Text Exploration; G.Alternative Performance Techniques; H. Choreography; J. Computers; K. Meisner Technique; L. Movement; M. Speech.

THEA 590. PRACTICUM/1-4 credits
Practical experience in any aspect of theatre production, including performance. Students must be assigned to productions directly supervised by theatre faculty. A. Main Stage; B. Studio; C. Off-Campus.

THEA 591. TEACHING OF COLLEGE THEATRE

THEA 592. PRACTICE TEACHING AND INTERNSHIP
Training of voice and body. Assignment to courses in vocal or physical training, acting, communication, as adjunct personnel or as part of team offering instruction, with responsibility for individual section.

THEA 593. SEMINAR IN ADVANCED STUDIO
A. Scenery; B. Lighting; C. Costuming; D. Theatre Architecture; E. Acting; F. Directing; G. Mime and Circus; H. Dance; I. Rhythm and Dynamics.

THEA 597. INDEPENDENT STUDY/1-4 credits

THEA 599. THESIS/1-4 credits

THEA 700. CONTINUOUS REGISTRATION/1 credit semester
Required for maintenance of matriculated status in graduate program. No credit toward graduate degree requirements.

THEA 707. RESEARCH SKILLS/1-4 credits
Development of research skills required within graduate programs. May not be applied toward course credits for any graduate degree. Prerequisite: approval of relevant graduate program directors or department chairs.

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