Theatre Course Descriptions

Course DescriptionsElements of Theatre I (TH 100) 
Orientation and instruction in all aspects of a major university production, including acting, directing, design, construction, stage and house management. Course includes classroom lectures and participation in dramatic production of campus plays. Laboratory periods by arrangement. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of 6 semester hours.(Fall, Spring)

Stage Make-Up (TH 110)
Study and practice in the techniques and materials of make-up and the relation of make-up to stage and television production. (Fall, odd-numbered years) 

Voice and Diction (TH 200)
Practice in the development of a good speaking voice, with individual help in the correction of faulty speech habits. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

Theatre Appreciation (TH 210)
A comprehensive study of the theatre as an art form, including the history, technical, and production components of theatrical theory and practice. Appreciation of theatre by the playgoer.(Fall, Spring, Summer)

Acting I (TH 220)
A study of beginning acting techniques.(Fall)

Theatrical Design (TH 250)
Class provides an overview and rudimentary study of the general areas of theatre design. The course includes the study of rendering and drawing of design elements as well as the materials and construction techniques required to implement designs in major productions. (Fall, Even-Numbered Years)

Elements of Theatre II (TH 301)
This hands-on course provides advanced instruction in all aspects of a major university production, including acting, directing, design, construction, stage- and housemanagement. Course includes tutorial/evaluation sessions with the faculty and/or director and participation in dramatic production of campus plays. Laboratory periods made by arrangement. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of 6 semester hours. (Spring, Fall)

Script Analysis (TH 310W)
Introduction to script analysis methods and research methods from the differing perspectives of acting, directing, design and management. Prerequisites: TH 220 and TH 250 (Fall, even-numbered years)

Movement for the Stage (TH 320)

This class is designed for theatre practitioners wishing to develop greater physical awareness and a more focused understanding of physical movement in time and space. A majority of the class will focus on the movement philosophy/technique known as viewpoints and composition. Viewpoints is a philosophy translated into a technique for (1) training actors; (2) building ensemble and (3) creating movement for the stage. In addition to viewpoints and composition students will be introduced to the Alexander Technique, stage combat, hip-hop dance, yoga, and intense physical endurance training. (Spring, even-numbered years)

Acting for the Camera and Digital Media (TH 335)
This class focuses on performance techniques used in acting for the camera and other digital media. This new and exciting course meets the needs of acting in the digital age. Specifically designed for the modern actor this course focuses on acting for the screen, whether it be film, TV or YouTube, and the skills that go into making those performances. Students will participate in a variety of projects including acting techniques for commercial work, film and TV acting, improvisation, and acting for radio and audio books. (Spring, even-numbered years)

Scene Design (TH 340)
Basic principles of design including the study of styles, techniques, and methods of design. (Spring, Odd-Numbered Years) 

Lighting Design (TH 350)
The study of lighting hardware and methods of lighting different events. (Fall, Odd-Numbered Years)

Costume Design (TH 360)
Study of costuming as an essential element of all theatre activity. The class will provide a study of styles, techniques, and methods of performance. (Spring, Even-Numbered Years)

Directing I (TH 370)
The nature of stage direction; a study of basic directorial concepts and their application to short scenes and plays. Prerequisites: Acting I and Theatrical Design; or permission of the instructor.(Fall)

Stage Management (TH 380)
This class focuses on the role and function of the stage manager in theatrical production through both theoretical study and practical class application. Emphasis on organization, documentation, communication practices, and the operation of live performance. (Fall, even-numbered years)

Acting II (TH 400)
Continuation of Acting I. May include field trip. Prerequisite: Acting I.(Spring, Odd-Numbered Years)

Dramatic Literature and Criticism I (TH 402)
An intensive study of the works of major playwrights and critical theorists of western theatre from Greece through the Romantic period. Extensive reading of both dramatic and critical literature will be required. (Fall, Odd-Numbered Years)

Dramatic Literature & Criticism II (TH 405)
An intensive study of the works of major playwrights and critical theorists of western theatre from the 19th and 20th centuries. Extensive reading of both dramatic and critical literature will be required. (Spring, Even-Numbered Years)

Portfolio Preparation (TH 420)
Issues faced by graduates upon entering graduate school or the professional world. Topics include preparation of the professional portfolio, current market trends and long-term professional prospects. Should be completed by all departmental majors in the last semester prior to graduation. (Offered on sufficient demand)

History of the Theatre I (TH 430) The development of the theatre from its beginnings through the Renaissance. (Fall, Even-Numbered Years)

History of the Theatre II (TH 440)
A continuation of History of Theatre I; the development of theatre from the Elizabethan period to the present. Recommended in sequence. (Spring, Odd-Numbered Years)

Arts Management (TH 460)
Study of theatre management. Emphases will include box office management, marketing strategies, funding challenges, promotion, and public relations activities specific to arts organizations. (Spring, Odd-Numbered Years)

Directing II (TH 470)
A continuation of Directing I. The class focus is on more advanced directing practices, covering the theories and techniques of traditional and non-traditional approaches to directing. Students will be required to produce a student directed one-act play in this course. Prerequisite: Directing I or permission of the instructor. (Spring, Even-Numbered Years)

Topics in Theatre (TH 480)
A detailed study of a particular topic of special interest. Topics will vary but will be listed in the schedule of classes and on the students’ transcripts. May include a field trip. May be repeated one time. recent topics included: Acting Seminar, Scene Painting and Rendering, Acting Shakespeare, and Acting for the Camera. (Semesters Vary)

Advanced Performance Project (TH 495)This class is designed to create opportunities for the senior level student to receive credit for advanced research/thesis projects and associated theatrical productions presented on campus.  Working with professors, students will establish special research projects in acting, directing, design, or any other designated production responsibility.  Course includes tutorial/evaluation sessions with the faculty and/or director and participation in dramatic production of campus plays.  This class is offered as an independent study.  (Fall, Spring)

Independent Study/Internship (TH 499)
Independent study and research under department supervision or special field experience under departmental determination and evaluation. Requires written permission of the department chair prior to registration. (Fall, Spring, Summer)