Theatre and Cinema
Director, School of Performing Arts | Music | Theatre | Cinema: Susanna Rinehart, Acting Director
Faculty Chair: Susanna Rinehart
Professors: R. H. Leonard, S. Prince, P. Raun, and R. W. Ward
Associate Professors: J. Ambrosone, D. W. Johnson, G. W. Justice, P. S. Lavender, C. Rawlings, and S. C. Rinehart
Assistant Professors: C. Dye, A. Nelson, J. Stein, and N. Staley
Instructors: J. Court, K. Murphy, K. Precoda and C. Russo
Career Advisors: G. W. Justice and R. W. Ward
Academic Advisor: P. S. Lavender
Emeritus Professors: D. A. Drapeau, B. Dukore, and F. N. Proctor
Overview
The curriculum in Theatre and Cinema is designed to provide the student with the essential approaches necessary to develop an informed understanding of Theatre and Cinema 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, general majors must complete a minimum of 48 hours in theatre arts. Students who choose a degree option in Performance, Design, or Cinema, must complete a minimum of 57 hours.
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
University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the General Education (Curriculum for Liberal Education) (see "Academics") and toward the degree in Theatre Arts.
Satisfactory progress requirements toward the B.A. in Theatre Arts can be found on the major checksheet by visiting the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html.
Undergraduate Course Descriptions (CINE)
2054: INTRODUCTION TO CINEMA
Introduction to cinema as a medium for artistic
communication.
(2H,3L,3C)
2064: INTRODUCTION TO CINEMA PRODUCTION
Introductory filmmaking course. Thematic conception and
story construction, writing, producing, directing,
cinematography, sound recording, and editing.
(3H,3C)
3184: CINEMA PRODUCTION TOPICS
Rotating topics in cinema production. Designed for majors
in the Department of Theatre and Cinema who have
foundational training in areas of cinema production. May be
repeated for credit with different course content up to a
maximum of nine credit hours. (Variable credit)
Variable credit course.
Pre: 3214 or 3224.
3214: FICTION CINEMA PRODUCTION
Intermediate-level fiction film production course.
Foundational cinema production skills, dramatic
storytelling techniques, intermediate directing, team-
based ownership and responsibility, and project
management.
Pre: 2054, (2064 or 3005).
(3H,3C)
3224: DOCUMENTARY CINEMA PRODUCTION
Intermediate-level, non-fiction, film production course for
students seeking non-fiction documentary film production
skills and experience. Emphasizes the application and
advancement of foundational skills, the ethics of
documentary filmmaking, story development and project
management.
Pre: 2054, (2064 or 3005).
(3H,3C)
3444 (AFST 3444) (SOC 3444): AFRICAN AMERICAN IMAGES IN FILM
Explores race and representations of African American images
in film, from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Focuses on
the social, political, economic, and historical milieu in
which black film emerged and evolved. Examines gender
issues in filmmaking. Reviews different genres, including
race films, colorblind representations, and black
exploitation films, and the appropriation of black
representation and black images in film in the United States
and elsewhere. Includes methods of film analysis, such as
historical, master narrative structure, and archival
research.
Pre: AFST 1714.
(3H,3C)
3514: AMERICAN CINEMA GENRES
Close visual and cultural study of classic film genres with
emphasis on cinematic styles 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. Specific thematic content is variable.
Course may be repeated with different course content for
up to 9 credits.
Pre: TA 2054 or CINE 2054.
(3H,3C)
3524: THE CINEMA DIRECTOR
Close thematic and visual analysis of the films of prominent
cinema directors; emphasis on cinematic structure and
development and evolution of their work. Specific thematic
content is variable. Course may be repeated with different
course content for up to 9 credits.
Pre: TA 2054 or CINE 2054.
(3H,3C)
3534: AVANT-GARDE CINEMA
Close visual and cultural study of the avant-garde and
experimental tradition in the first half-century of American
and European cinemas; emphasis on interrelations of
cinema with avant-garde movements in other arts, including
literature, music, dance, theatre, painting, and photography
Pre: 2054.
(3H,3C)
3544 (ENGL 3544): LITERATURE AND CINEMA
Works of literature and the films into which they have
been transformed; emphasis on differences between media.
(3H,3C)
4084 (COMM 4084): CINEMA 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: TA 2054 or CINE 2054 or COMM 2054.
4144: CINEMA STUDIES TOPICS
This course examines critical issues in the study of cinema,
including issues of aesthetic and stylistic design, social
and cultural context, historical development, and economic,
industrial and technological factors in influencing the
medium. Specific thematic content is variable. Course
may be repeated with different course content for up
to 9 credits.
Pre: TA 2054 or CINE 2054.
(3H,3C)
4534: UNDERGROUND CINEMA AND CULTURE
Close visual and cultural study of underground cinema and
culture from the 1940s through the 1970s; emphasizes the
interrelations of cinema with countercultural movements
in other arts, including literature, music, dance, theatre,
painting, and photography; focuses on the post-war
avant-garde, the emergence of film societies, the
neorealist and new wave cinemas, challenges to
censorship laws, and the emergence of cult
and "midnight movies."
Pre: 2054.
(3H,3C)
Undergraduate Course Descriptions (FA)
2004: CREATIVITY AND THE ARTISTIC EXPERIENCE
Examine how the arts intersect with our daily lives.
Compose and create basic examples of abstraction and
20th century modernism. Trace the global influences and
roots of our current culture. Explore the science of
acoustics and its effect on performing spaces. Discuss the
process of an arts performance. Apply themes of
improvisation, creativity and how we process beauty.
Investigate emerging brain science as it relates to art,
beauty and pleasure. Identify the unique ways of knowing
embodied in the arts distinct from scientific measurements.
No prior knowledge of visual, theatrical or musical arts
needed.
(3H,3C)
Undergraduate Course Descriptions (TA)
1004 (MUS 1004): SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE
Orientation to the School of Performing Arts philosophy
and the resources of the School, the College, and the
University. Cultivate a common intellectual, analytical, and
creative conversation among first-year students. Enhance
student participation in the creative and scholarly life of
the School's programs. Foster a sense of community and
understanding across disciplines.
(1H,1L,1C)
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)
2024: INTRODUCTION TO ACTING
The course is designed to lead the non 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)
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.
(T & C 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)
2134: ACTING 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 & Cinema 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)
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 & Cinema
Majors.
Pre: 2134.
(6L,3C)
2204: CREATIVE DANCE
Study of the expressive elements of movement and dance.
Basic choreographic procedures and small group work to
design dances that emphasize particular movement concepts.
Experience in music and movement of diverse dance cultures.
Documentation of the pathways of dances in floorplans and
written reflections on the creative processes.
(3H,3C)
2224: INTERMEDIATE PERFORMANCE INTENSIVE
This course provides the Theatre & Cinema 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.
Limited to Theatre & Cinema Majors.
Pre: (2134 or 2024), 2144.
(3H,3C)
2404: INTRO APP COLLABORATIVE TECH
Introduction to principles of collaboration in applied
theatre for non-majors. Situational awareness,
intrapersonal and interpersonal awareness, audience
engagement, effective storytelling, team creativity and
conflict resolution, and communicating across
difference in public and professional settings.
(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)
2604 (MUS 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.
2974H: 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.
Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.
3024: INTERMEDIATE ACTING FOR NON-THEATRE MAJOR
Performance class in acting skills, theories, and genres.
Designed for non-theatre arts majors. Builds on fundamentals
and theory learned in Introduction to Acting. Includes body
and voice awareness, performance of specific genres, and
expanded acting theory and analysis.
Pre: 2024.
(3H,3C)
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)
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 TECHNOLOGY 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: ACTING 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, 2144.
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, 2224.
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.
(3H,3C)
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.
Pre: 2104.
(3H,3C)
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)
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.
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)
4704: PROFESSIONAL THEATRE INTERNSHIP
Internship of one semester in acting, directing, management,
design, or technical theatre or cinema 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.
4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.