College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences

Theatre and Cinema (School of Performing Arts and Cinema)

Overview

The curriculum in theatre arts is designed to provide the student with the essential approaches necessary to develop an informed understanding of literature and its practice. As such, the three basic aspects of the disciplines the theoretical, the historical, and the practical are emphasized.

A program in theatre arts leading to the B.A. is offered. In addition to fulfilling the core curriculum requirements of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences and the Curriculum for Liberal Education, majors must complete a minimum of 42 hours in theatre arts. Theatre Arts majors are also required to complete English 4165 or 4166 (Shakespeare), as well as 3 hours each in other art forms.

A minor course of study in theatre arts may be chosen with the guidance of the student's advisor.


Limited scholarship support is available.

Satisfactory Progress

Satisfactory progress toward the B.A. in Theatre Arts requires that:

1. Upon having attempted 72 semester credits (including transfer, advanced placement, advanced standing, credit by examination, freshman rule), students must have completed:

TA 2104: Fundamentals of Theatre Production	3
TA 2114: Script Analysis	3
TA 2134: Performance Lab	3
TA 2135, 2136: Design Lab	6
TA electives	3
Credits	(18)

1. Upon having attempted 96 semester credits, students must have an in-major grade point average of 2.0 or above.

Undergraduate Courses (FA)

Undergraduate Courses (TA)

2014: INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE
Appreciation and understanding of theatre through historical perspectives, comparison with other art forms, and primary acquaintance with practice and techniques of script interpretation, producing, directing, acting, and all aspects of design. (3H,3C) I,II,III,IV.

2024: INTRODUCTION TO ACTING
The course is designed to lead the non-theatre arts major to an awareness and appreciation of acting, both as a participant (actor) and as an observer (audience). Emphasis is placed on improvisation, ensemble, and scene work. (3H,3C) I,II,III,IV.

2054 (COMM 2054): INTRODUCTION TO FILM
Introduction to film as a medium for artistic communication. Sophomore standing required. Variable credit course.

2104: FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE AND PRODUCTION
Introduction to theatre vocabulary and understanding of the theatrical process, theatre aesthetics, theatrical modes of expression, basic script analysis, production analysis, theory and practice of collaboration, theatre organizations, history and operations of professional theatres. (TA majors and minors only). (3H,3C)

2114: SCRIPT ANALYSIS
Understanding of drama as an element of theatre with focus on the process of script analysis for theatrical production. (3H,3C) I,II.

2134: PERFORMANCE LAB
An introduction to the process of acting, through a variety of laboratory experiences, beginning with basic performance skills and culminating in the performance experience. Emphasis is on improvisation, terminology, physical action, script analysis, characterization, and rehearsal and performance techniques. Limited to Theatre Arts Majors. (6L,3C)

2135,2136: THEATRE DESIGN LAB
An introduction to the processes, technologies, and aesthetics of the visual design of theatrical productions. 2135: Scenography, costume, and stage lighting design are explored in history and contemporary theatre practice. 2136: A range of design problems will offer opportunity to learn various design approaches and provide practice with different media and means of design expression. (6L,3C) I,II.

2144: FOUNDATIONS OF MOVEMENT AND VOICE
An introduction to the process of acting, through a variety of laboratory experiences, beginning with basic performance skills and culminating in the performance experience. Emphasis is on various methods of performance style and analysis, theater movement and body conditioning, and vocal awareness and production. Limited to Theatre Arts Majors. Pre: 2134. (6L,3C)

2224: INTERMEDIATE PERFORMANCE INTENSIVE
This course provides the Theatre Arts major, who desires a rigorous exploration of acting, a forum for application of the techniques and skills learned. These skills will be strengthened and applied through observation of and participation in scene and monologue work. Focus will be placed on basic skills and concepts necessary to creative, truthful, and believable performance of selected scenes, including use of voice and body, imagination, relaxation, sense and emotion memory, and script analysis. Pre: 2134 or 2024, 2144. (3H,3C)

2414: STAGE AND LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY
A practical study of the technologies and specialized equipment employed in the construction, rigging and running of theatrical production; the planning and organization involved in mounting these productions; the tools, materials and techniques used to realize theatrical design and build scenery; and the fundamentals of stage lighting. (3H,3C)

2444: STAGE MAKEUP
Basic application of stage makeup with emphasis on corrective, modeling, and three-dimensional techniques. Taught alternate years. I (1H,6L,3C)

2604: INTRODUCTION TO ARTS MARKETING
An introduction to the theories and practice of marketing and building community engagement as applied to arts activities and professional not-for-profit arts organizations, through a survey of standard marketing approaches, examination of current practices in the field, and direct hands-on experience. (3H,3C)

2964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3014: THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB
Production experiences in the areas of performance, design and theatre technology, management, and writing. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credits. Instructor consent required. Variable credit course. X-grade allowed. I,II,III,IV.

3054 (COMM 3054): AMERICAN FILM GENRES
Close visual and cultural study of classic film genres. Emphasis is on the cinematic codes and narrative conventions which unify the genre and which are found in representative films. Exploration of genre films as symbols of American culture and society. Genres studied include Western, the musical, and the detective film. Pre: 2054. (3H,3C)

3104: JAPANESE THEATRE
Survey of the historical background and distinguishing characteristics of traditional Japanese theatre with special focus on production techniques of Noh, Kabuki, and the Doll Theatre. Taught alternate years. (3H,3C) II.

3105,3106: HISTORY OF DRAMA AND THEATRE
History of drama and theatre from primitive ritual to the present day and its relationship to the social, economic, and political forces from age to age. 3105: primitive, Greek, Roman, Medieval, Renaissance, and Asian. 3106: Restoration, eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries. Junior standing required. Pre: 2114. (3H,3C) I,II.

3114: SCENOGRAPHY TOPICS
Rotating topics in scenography and related specific design applications. Designed for theatre arts majors who have foundational training in areas of theatre design. May be repeated for credit. (Variable credit) Variable credit course. Pre: 2136.

3124: COSTUME DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY TOPICS
Rotating topics of costume design and costume technology. Designed for advanced theatre arts majors who have foundational training in all areas if theatre design. May be repeated for credit. (Variable credit) Variable credit course. Pre: 2136.

3134: LIGHTING TOPICS
Rotating topics in lighting design and technology. Designed for advanced theatre arts majors who have foundational training in all areas of theatre arts. May be repeated for credit. (Variable credit) Variable credit course. Pre: 2136, 2414.

3144: THEATRE DESIGN TOPICS
Rotating topics in design and theatre technology. Designed for advanced theatre arts majors who have foundational training in all areas if theatre technology and design. May be repeated for unlimited number of credit hours. (Variable credit) Variable credit course. Pre: 2414, 2136.

3154: PERFORMANCE TOPICS
Rotating topics in performance skills and theories. Designed For advanced theatre arts majors who have foundational training in acting, voice and movement. May be repeated for credit. (Variable credit) Variable credit course. Pre: 2224, 2144.

3164: VOICE AND SPEECH TOPICS
Rotating topics in voice and speech skills, and theories and practice in performance. Designed for advanced theatre arts majors who have foundational training in acting, voice and movement. May be repeated for credit. (Variable credit) Variable credit course. Pre: 2224.

3174: MOVEMENT TOPICS
Rotating topics in theatre movement, dance for the theatre and theories of physical expression in the performing arts. Designed for advanced theatre arts majors who have foundational training in acting voice and movement. May be repeated for credit. (Variable credit) Variable credit course. Pre: 2144.

3194 (COMM 3194): DIGITAL CINEMA PRODUCTION
Basic production techniques, aesthetics, and technology of digital cinema production. Variable credit course. Pre: 2054.

3315-3316 (ENGL 3315-3316): PLAYWRITING
A workshop course in the craft and art of playwriting which emphasizes the development of craft and the nurturing of vision and art. 3315: primary focus is on the writing of original scripts with additional attention paid to the work of influential playwrights and critics. 3316: primary focus is on the creative process of developing a play with the collaborative influences of a director, actors, designers, and other theatre professionals. Consent of instructor required. Pre: ENGL 1106 or ENGL 1204H or COMM 1016 for 3315; 3315 for 3316. (3H,3C)

3604: ARTS MANAGEMENT
The development of the not-for-profit arts organization, structures and characteristics of boards of directors, artistic missions and goals, funding, volunteer support, and fiscal control. Junior standing required. Taught alternate years. (3H,3C) II.

3624: STAGE MANAGEMENT
The systems, procedures, forms, and duties of the stage manager in the professional, academic, and community theatre are explored in relationship to the production process and other theatre artists. Taught alternate years. Pre: 2014. (3H,3C) II.

3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.

4014: CONTEMPORARY THEATRE SEMINAR
Issues and concerns in contemporary theatre; production philosophies and approaches, employment opportunities, career options, and preparation of portfolio and resume materials. Junior standing required. (3H,3C) II.

4084 (COMM 4084): FILM HISTORY
Aesthetic, economic, social and technological history of world cinema; film theory as it relates to the history of cinema. Junior standing required. Variable credit course. Pre: 2054.

4294 (COMM 4294): WRITE/DIRECT DIGITAL CINEMA
Advanced course in digital cinema production exploring the practice of writing, producing, and directing dramatic motion pictures. Variable credit course.

4304: THEATRE OUTREACH
Participation in theatre projects or activities that focus on community and social issues. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Junior standing and instructor consent required. Variable credit course. I,II.

4315-4316: DIRECTING
Script analysis, theories, techniques, and practical applications of theatrical direction. 4315: Theories and aesthetics of directing, functions of the director, script analysis, basic principles and techniques of staging. 4316: Rehearsal techniques, style determination realism, and non-realism. Senior standing required. (3H,3C) I,II.

4344 (COMM 4344): ADVANCED TOPICS IN FILM
Selected topics in advanced film studies; emphasis on critical analysis and application. May be repeated up to a maximum of 6 credit hours with different content. Variable credit course. Pre: 2054.

4354 (COMM 4354): THE FILM DIRECTOR
Close thematic and visual analysis of the films of a single director. Directorial style assessed in terms of recurring visual and thematic patterns. Development and evolution of the director's style, and comparison with filmmakers whose work lacks a unifying "signature". Pre: 2054. (3H,3C)

4394 (COMM 4394): ADVANCE CINEMA PRODUCTION
Advanced cinema course in motion picture lighting, editing theories and digital post-production techniques. Variable credit course. Pre: 3194.

4704: PROFESSIONAL THEATRE INTERNSHIP
Internship of one semester in acting, directing, management, design, or technical theatre with a professional equity company for selected advanced students; classroom, workshop, and production experiences. Minimum 9 credits, maximum 15 credits. Audition and consent. Variable credit course. I,II,III,IV.

4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

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