Course Descriptions
THA 110 Theatre Appreciation (3 credits)
A study of theatre as an art form. Emphasis on the role of the audience as collaborators in the performance and their understanding and appreciation of the elements of a theatrical production.
THA 120 Acting for Non-Majors (3 credits)
This course emphasizes the development of the actor's instrument by introducing the student to the basic imaginative, physical and vocal skills necessary for acting. It also enhances the student's understanding of the cooperative nature of acting. It prepares them to create, discuss, rehearse and perform. The student will apply these techniques in an interactive studio setting. Offered occasionally.
THA 130 Multicultural US Plays: Acting the Text
In this performance-based course, students will perform dramatic literature from multiple cultures in U.S. society. Plays will be selected from African-American, Asian-American, Native American, Hispanic-American, Lesbian/Gay/Transgendered/Bisexual and other cultures for study. Students will research cultural context, develop skills in performance, and prepare and perform scenes from the plays under study, in an effort to enhance student awareness and exchange ideas about the multi-cultural nature of the U.S. No acting experience is required.
THA 201 Dramatic Literature and Theatre Arts
From text to theatre, how does dramatic literature translate into live performance? To read plays is but one aspect of the art of drama. To create a theatrical performance from a play script is to appreciate the full artistic potential of dramatic literature. International and multicultural theater ranging from the classical to the contemporary will be the basis of explorations into the significance and beauty of the dramatic arts. An interdisciplinary approach in both content and method will be used as the dramatic literature is considered in the context of history and culture, literature and art. Offered Semester I.
THA 210 Foundations of Theatrical Art (3 credits)
This courses introduces the student to the fundamentals of theatre by exploring the theories and practices of production elements, script analysis and the specific goals, procedures and policies of the theatre arts department. Offered Sem. I.
THA 220 Acting I: Fundamentals (3 credits)
Theory and practice of the fundamentals of stage acting, including improvisational techniques, audition techniques, acting terminology and development of dramatic action. Offered Sem. II.
THA 221 Movement for the Stage (3 credits)
Theory and practice in training the actor's body to serve as a skillful and expressive means of communication. Emphasis on the student's awareness of movement as a foundation for character development. Offered Sem. I, even numbered years.
THA 222 Voice & Diction for the Stage (3 credits)
Theory and practice of the fundaments of vocal production: breathing control, articulation, projections, quality and expressiveness for the actor. Offered Sem. I, odd numbered years.
THA 231 Stagecraft (3 credits)
Theory and practice of scenic construction. A study of the stage and its equipment; the planning, building and painting of scenery and the practical aspects of stage lighting. Prerequisite: THA 210. Offered Sem. II.
THA 232 Costume Crafts (3 credits)
Theory and practice of basic costume construction. Emphasis on the construction of stage costumes and accessories, including, but not limited to, basic pattern adaptation, millinery techniques, costume jewelry techniques and mask construction. Prerequisite: THA 210 for theatre majors and minors. Offered Sem. II, even numbered years.
THA 240 Renderings for the Theatre (3 credits)
This course will focus on the study of the elements and principles of rendering and their application to theatrical design. Students will focus on application of various rendering techniques used by scenic, costume, lighting and makeup designers in the creative process of interpreting a play script and translating it into visual form. Prerequisite: THA 210. Offered Sem. I, odd numbered years.
THA 241 Stage Makeup (3 credits)
The theory and practice of the fundamentals of painted theatrical makeup, including various theatrical makeup materials and their applications. The course will rely heavily on the imagination and creative skills of the student and will include research in physical analysis, character analysis, and color theory. Each student will serve as the makeup designer for all projects in this courses. Offered Sem. I, even numbered years.
THA 250 Theatre Studies I: Origins to the Middle Ages (3 credits)
Survey of Western theatre history, dramatic literature and theory in cultural context from origins through the middle ages. Particular attention is paid to the relationship of theatre to religion and to ancient theatre as the foundation for later Western theatre. Recommended to be taken before THA 251, 350 and 351. Offered Sem. I, odd numbered years.
THA 251 Theatre Studies II: Renaissance through Mid 19th Century (3 credits)
Survey of Western theatre history, dramatic literature and theory in cultural context from the Renaissance through late 19th Century. Attention is focused on the relationship of theatre to the mergence of the early modern period, the rise of nationalism, the Enlightenment, and the growing middle class. Recommended to be taken after THA 250 and before THA 350 and 351. Offered Sem. II, even numbered years.
THA 260 Participation in Theatre Arts Activities (1 credit)
A course for any university student who wishes to gain academic credit for participation in theatre arts. Students receive individual counsel, criticism and evaluation. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor in charge of the specific activity. Repeatable for credit--no maximum.
THA 290 Stage Management for the Arts (3 credits)
This course will provide an introduction to stage management for the arts as well as a working understanding of the job of a stage manager. Emphasis on practical theory as well as the history of stage management will be combined with critical theories of running a production. The course will culminate in preparing students to stage manage for a realized production. Offered Sem. II, odd numbered years.
THA 310 The Singer/Actor (3 credits)
This course examines the process of acting through song and verse. Its purpose is to explore a variety of theoretical and practical approaches integrating acting, vocal and stylistic techniques which support and strengthen each other. Prerequisite: THA 220 or 222, MUS 235, 236, 237, 238. Offered Sem. I, odd numbered years.
THA 320 Acting II: Characterization (3 credits)
Theory and practice of realistic acting techniques and textual analysis in the development of characterization. Monologues and scenes from realistic drama to be performed. Prerequisite: THA 220. Offered Sem. I.
THA 321 Acting III: Styles (3 credits)
Theory and practice of advanced techniques of acting with emphasis on styles of acting from Greek to the present. Monologues and scenes from various theatrical periods to be performed. Prerequisite: THA 220, 320 or permission from the instructor. Offered Sem. II.
THA 330 Scene Painting (3 credits)
Theory and practice of scene painting techniques for the theatre. By studying theories utilized by professional scenic artists, students will learn to interpret a designer's rendering or scaled elevation. Practical exercises will introduce students to the techniques necessary to reproduce the aesthetics of designer's renderings or scaled elevations as actual scenic pieces. Offered Sem. I, even numbered years.
THA 331 Theatre Technology (3 credits)
The research and application of current technology in the theatre, including the exploration of new materials and construction techniques. the course will include an introduction to Computer-Assisted Drafting and Design, the operation and maintenance of new technologies in the theatre facility, and the examination of health, safety and liability issues. Prerequisite: THA 210, 231. Offered Sem. II, even numbered years.
THA 340 Scenery Design (3 credits)
A course in the principles and practices of designing stage scenery. Emphasis is on developing the creative abilities of the designer. Prerequisite: THA 210, 231, 240. Offered Sem. II, even numbered years.
THA 341 Lighting Design (3 credits)
An introductory course in the principles and practices of deigning and executing stage lighting. Emphasis is on developing the creative abilities of the designer. Prerequisite: THA 210, 231, 240. Offered Sem. II, odd numbered years.
THA 342 Sound Design and Engineering (3 credits)
The course provides the student with a working knowledge of sound design and engineering. It emphasizes the creation of sound for theatre, the theory and technique of sound design and the set up and maintenance of sound reinforcement and sound reproduction equipment. Prerequisite: THA 210. Offered Sem. I, even numbered years.
THA 350 Theatre Studies III: Realism to the Present (3 credits)
Survey of Western theatre history, dramatic literature and theory in cultural context from the rise of realism in the late 19th Century to the present day. Particular attention is paid to realism and the explosion of styles in reaction to it, along with the study of political, environmental, feminist, multicultural and postmodern theatre and performance art. Recommended to be taken after THA 250, 251 and before THA 351. Offered Sem. I, even numbered years.
THA 351 World Theatre (3 credits)
Survey of historical and contemporary theatre in cultural context from various cultures/geographic regions around the world. These areas include India and the near east, China, Japan and the far east, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Particular attention is paid to local custom, religious practice and theatrical practice. Prerequisite: THA 110. Offered Sem. II.
THA 360 Theatre Arts Practicum (1-3 credits)
Specialized, intensive study and participation in theatre. Projects are designed in consultation with a faculty advisor in the department. Prerequisite: permission of the supervising instructor. Repeatable for credit--no maximum.
THE 376 Economics of Art and Entertainment (3 credits)
Students in this course will make or evaluate decisions and policy issues pertaining to the arts and better understand the unique status the arts hold in the American economy. Focus will be on the definition, use and development of leisure, economic impact of the entertainment industries as compared to other industries, and how and why government is involved in the arts industry. Offered Semester II, odd numbered years.
THA 420/520 Directing (3 credits)
Theory and practice of directing for the stage. Emphasis on analysis, preparation and presentation of dramatic scenes. Prerequisite: THA 220, 230 and six credits from THA 250, 251, 350, 351. Offered Sem. I, even numbered years.
THA 421/521 Performance Studio (3 credits)
This is an advanced performance studio that provides an opportunity for students to research, explore and create performance within a specific style or genre. The course will provide directing and/or acting students with both theoretical and practical experiences in the art of theatre performance and will occasionally feature a guest artist. Examples of offerings include improvisation, traditional (comedy of manners, commedia dell'arte) and non-traditional styles (absurdism, post-modernism, expressionism), auditioning and others. Prerequisite: THA 321 and/or THA 420. Repeatable for credit--no maximum. Offered Sem. II, even numbered years.
THA 422 Acting IV: Audition Techniques (3 credits)
This upper level acting course works specifically on the art and technique of auditioning. It will further develop and expand the range and skills of the performance student by exploring the audition process. Students will learn basic stage and camera audition techniques, develop an extensive repertoire of audition monologues and research career opportunities. It prepares the students for a variety of audition styles and situations. Prerequisite: THA 22, 320, 321. Offered Sem. I.
THA 440/540 Costume Design/History (3 credits)
A course in the principles and practices of designing stage costumes. Emphasis on the creative capabilities of the designer with a working knowledge of historical periods used in stage costuming. Prerequisite: THA 230. Offered Sem. II, odd numbered years.
THA 450/550 Internship in Theatre Arts (3-15 credits)
An academically relevant work experience focusing on career development through professional contexts. students pursue practical applications of course work in community or professional theatre or related areas. A written project relating the internship experience to the academic preparation will be required. Credit depends on the demands and complexity and the duration of the work the student performs. Evaluation is a joint effort of the cooperating firm or group, the department supervisor, and the Cooperative Education Internship liaison. Prerequisite: consent of department faculty, 15 credits in theatre, and junior standing. Note: three to six credit hours may count toward a theatre arts major in the College of Liberal Studies. Three credits maximum on graduate level.
THA 470/570 Symposium in Theatre Arts (1-3 credits)
Study in a selected area of theatre arts. Varying topics will be offered at intervals, with a specific title assigned to each. For current content and credit assignment, consult the instructor or department chair. Repeatable for credit--no maximum.
THA 471/571 Playwriting (3 credits)
A study of the fundamentals of playwriting, with emphasis on creating stage-worthy plots, characters, dialogue and spectacle, and finding venues for having play produced. Course will culminate in the writing of a one-act or full-length play. Offered Sem. I, odd numbered years.
THA 472/572 Theatre Management (3 credits)
The principles and methods involved in the operation of the non-commercial theatre: organization, play selection, building an audience, publicity, advertising, graphic reproduction, ticket sales, box office routines, house management, touring and business records. Prerequisite: THA 110, with the exception of theatre arts majors and minors. Offered Sem. II, even numbered years.
THA 481/581 Independent Study (1-3 credits)
Directed individual study under an assigned faculty member. Student is responsible for submitting study proposal for approval before registration. Prerequisite: consent of instructor and junior standing. Repeatable for credit--no maximum.
THA 482/582 Special Topics in Theatre Arts (1-3 credits)
Workshops, directed individual readings, or projects involving significant content and/or activities not available through regular offerings within the Department of Theatre Arts. Student is responsible for submitting a project proposal for approval before registration. Prerequisite: consent of department faculty and junior standing. Repeatable for credit--no maximum.
THA 490 Capstone In Theatre (3 credits)
The capstone project is an independent project that reflects the student's knowledge and abilities in theatre arts. It should integrate knowledge from coursework with practical experience in theatre production, and may focus on research, design, technical theatre, performance, directing, management or other areas within theatre arts. The project should involve significant research, preparation and presentation. The project may involve work in production or in more traditional research. The student is responsible for developing and submitting a proposal for approval one semester in advance, under advisement of a faculty member in Theatre Arts. Prerequisite: Consent of department faculty and senior standing.