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)
Brady, Anne, Assistant Professor, MFA, 1985, Brandeis University: Acting. (1998)
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, computers and theatre. (1982)
Jackson, Allan S., Associate Professor Emeritus and Director of Theatre Collection, PhD, 1962, Ohio State University: Theatre history, publishing and research. (1964)
Kohler, Michael, Assistant Professor, PhD, 1998, Johns Hopkins University: Comparative literature. (1998)
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)
Wang, Qianghua, Adjunct Lecturer, MA, 1992, Binghamton University: Technical Theatre. (1991)
Weiss, Fred R., Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Program, MA, 1976, San Francisco State University: Dance, acting, directing. (1983)
Wolfe, Barbara, Adjunct Lecturer, MFA, 1986, New York University: Costume design and construction. (1989)
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.
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
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.
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.
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. Repeatable.
THEA 226. DANCE TECHNIQUE I: JAZZ
Beginning jazz training. Repeatable.
THEA 227. DANCE TECHNIQUE I: MODERN
Theory and technique movement with instruction in disciplined styles of
dance. Practical introduction to dance terminology. Repeatable.
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
Beginning training in body development and body movement, drawing upon many movement disciplines. Development of "self-use" in the areas of breathing, posture, alignment, dynamic relaxation, and energy. Guidance in identifying and responding to body energy states that help the individual experience flexibility, emotional involvement, balance, and rhythm. Prerequisite: THEA 207 or 208 (Actor Training I).
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 CHARACTERIZATION 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 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. Repeatable.
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. Repeatable.
THEA 327. DANCE TECHNIQUE II: MODERN
Continued work in theory and technique on an intermediate level. Prerequisite: Appropriate Dance Technique I. Repeatable.
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. Prerequisites
or corequisites: THEA 312, 203, and 213. And one from THEA 304, 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.
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 one to two 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 one to two 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