2021-2022 Academic Catalog

THE-Theatre

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Course Descriptions By Program

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THE100 - Introduction to Theatre

A study of the art and craft of theater from play script to play production. The course surveys theater history, literature, architecture, acting, directing and design for the student who wants to know what goes on in theater and what it means. Students can expect to participate in classroom performances.

THE101 - Voice and Speech

A practical and useful course for the performer or anyone who wants a flexible, strong, controlled voice. The focus of the course is the natural way in which the body produces vocal sounds and primarily studied for clear and articulate speech, which is free of regional qualities, affectation, imitation and annoying physical habits. An introduction to phonetics (IPA) and to voice production and control, with exercises to develop adequate quality, loudness, pitch, rate, and articulation will be utilized to achieve desired results. An Introduction to the Estill Voice Craft will be introduced to demonstrate the production of various vocal qualities.

THE120 - Entertainment Audio I

Entertainment Audio I introduces students to the foundational knowledge necessary for successful careers in theater sound design and/or audio engineering. Specific topics of focus in this course include: acoustic/psychoacoustic principles of sound, analog/digital audio cables and connectors, proper configuration of analog/digital audio equipment and sound systems, microphone design/implementations, mixing console design and operation, proper understanding of gain-staging and signal path, and signal processor function/implementations.

THE126 - Makeup

This course teaches techniques for modeling the face and body with makeup, hair and three dimensional prostheses. A full range of theatrical techniques from street and fashion to character and fantasy makeups will be explored. Qualified students will create three dimensional prosthesis from face and body casts.

THE131 - Fundamentals of Acting

An introduction to the basic tools of the actor's craft and personal discipline for the student through the use of acting exercises, sensitivity exercises, theater games and improvisation.

THE140 - Script Analysis

Students will read and analyze several plays and musical theatre scores and librettos, give regular reports, write research papers supporting their analysis, and contribute to class discussion regarding the nature and needs of various scripts. Class work will include analysis of a script’s historical, structural and biographical qualities, as well as possible production needs for performance, directing, design and technical requirements.

THE141 - Stagecraft I

Introduction to the theory and practice of stagecraft, involving basic set construction, painting, and production technologies. Practical experience for students majoring in performance media.

THE143 - Drafting & Rendering for the Theatre

This entry level drafting and rendering course prepares students for more advanced tasks and topics in future design courses. It will create a foundation of necessary skills and good practices and illustrate the ways designers communicate with directors, production staff and other stakeholders. This course incorporates both hand and digital rendering as well as computer aided drafting using VectorWorks, employing conventions typical to theatrical design work.

THE145 - Private Instruction: Estill Voice Training for Theatre Performers I

This course is designed for private instruction in the mechanics and artistry of voice utilizing the Estill Voice Model™ and the techniques/methodologies of Estill Voice Training™. Vocal goals and materials are specifically chosen to strengthen the technical and performing abilities of the individual student, whether singing or non-singing.

THE150 - Introduction to Theatrical Design

This course is an overview of all areas of theater design including scenic, lighting and costume. Students will explore a variety of theatrical styles and historical periods. Particular emphasis is placed on the design tools, including basic scale drawing, drafting, script analysis and color rendering.

THE201 - Voice and Interpretation

Methods of analysis and presentation for effective oral reading and performance of non-literature and dramatic literature, prose, and poetry will be explored.

THE203 - Musical Theatre Performance I

Building upon the skills acquired in MUS 104, Musical Theatre Performance I will begin the specific and focused study of the voice as it relates to musical theatre performance. Not only will the course provide continued focus on the voice and its use in both speaking and singing, but it will incorporate the study of selected musical theatre repertoire and its application of the Cohen method of acting. Using the Estill Voice Model™, students will study in greater depth the anatomy and physiology of the vocal mechanism, demonstrate voluntary control of vocal structures, and apply these skills and knowledge to both spoken text and sung lyrics. Likewise, students will develop a working philosophy and vocabulary that emphasizes maintaining vocal health and utilizing vocal tools to achieve artistry in musical theatre performance.

THE211 - Lighting I

The basic theory and practice of lighting for the stage, film, and television. Practical experience for students majoring in performance media is stressed.

THE220 - Entertainment Audio II

Entertainment Audio II builds upon topics introduced in Entertainment Audio I by focusing upon digital audio integration within audio and sound design workflows. Specific topics of focus in this course include: Analog-to-Digital Conversion, Digital Audio Transmission Through Ethernet (DANTE) Integration/Operation, Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) integration/operation, Digital Mixing console integration/operation, remote digital mixing and instrument miking techniques. This course culminates with students preparing a professional sound design for a short, one-act production. Working in small groups, students will showcase their creativity in sound design and live-sound reinforcement to their classmates and department faculty.

THE221 - Theatrical Foundations: Physical Theatre and Creative Movement

This course offers an introduction to physical and experimental theater in a creative laboratory approach. The course invites students into the role as creative practitioners by physically investigating the creative elements that can be applied to all aspects of theatre making. Creating theatre in a organic and collaborative manner students will develop a more conscious and able body, and improve their capacity to transform themselves in their craft as an actor. Students will develop their skills of organic movement, physical experimentation, focused play, observation, collaboration, group trust and cohesion, and their ability to transpose experiences in the world into visual, written, vocal and physical forms. Coursework will focus on individual and collaborative movement, the interconnectedness of the body and mind, and ways the body and voice communicates intention in time and space.

THE225 - Costume Construction

Basic pattern drafting and sewing techniques applied to the construction of costumes.

THE226 - Makeup II

This course builds upon the basic techniques learned in THE 126: Stage Makeup. Students will explore advanced topics including creating prosthesis, applying bald caps and airbrushing. They will also learn about period makeup and hair styles and create and realize characters using script analysis, research and rendering.

THE231 - Intermediate Acting

The development of a personal and useful acting method to develop believable characters for the stage. The acting method is developed through intense scene work that includes character and script analysis.

THE245 - Private Instruction: Estill Voice Training for Theatre Performers II

This course is designed for private instruction in the mechanics and artistry of voice utilizing the Estill Voice Model™ and the techniques/methodologies of Estill Voice Training™. The student will build upon the foundational concepts acquired in THE 145. Vocal goals and materials are specifically chosen to further strengthen the technical and performing abilities of the individual student, whether singing or non-singing.

THE255 - Puppetry

The planning and production of puppet plays.

THE271 - Scene Design I

This course is an introduction to theatrical scenic design. Students will explore a variety of theatrical styles and historical periods. Script will be read, analyzed and designed. Digital design tools for drafting and rendering will be used.

THE272 - Properties Design for Theatre

This course will explore the tools, materials and techniques used for the creation of props for theatrical productions. The course will survey different time periods and emphasis will be placed of creating commonly needed props such as food props, weaponry and paper props. Techniques will include foam carving, carpentry, painting and 3D printing.

THE301 - Voice and Speech II:Stage Dialects

A practical and useful course for the performer who seeks to effectively, consistently, and safely produce common stage dialects other than Standard American English. This course will build upon concepts acquired in THE 101 to expand the students’ knowledge of International Phonetic Alphabet to include speech sounds utilized in dialects other than their own. The Estill Voice Model™ will be utilized for identifying a generalized vocal quality of the dialects under study that is consistent and vocally healthy in production. Application of the speech sounds and qualities to various appropriate texts will further illustrate the acquisition of the dialect under study.

THE302 - History of Theatre I

The development of theater from the Classics through the Baroque, including representative plays.

THE303 - Musical Theatre Performance II

Musical Theatre Performance II will provide continued development of skills and concepts necessary for performing vocally in musical theatre as introduced in Musical Theatre Performance I. The course will offer increased exposure and study of selected musical theatre repertoire, further application of the Cohen method of acting, and rigorous application the Estill Voice Model™ to both speaking and singing. The course will place great emphasis on using the voice to create character and achieve a higher level of artistry in performance.

THE304 - World Drama

Classical to 19th-century plays (excluding Shakespeare) studied as blueprints for theatrical presentation.

THE305 - Shakespeare in the Theatre

Representative Shakespearean plays studied as theatrical presentation.

THE306 - Modern Drama

19th- and 20th-century plays studied as blueprints for theatrical presentation.

THE309 - Reader's Theatre

Advanced theory and practice of oral interpretation techniques. Focus moves from solo to group performance and the basic staging techniques of both Reader's Theatre and Chamber Theatre.

THE311 - Lighting II

Advanced theory and practice of lighting design for stage, television and film. Practical experience is stressed.

THE312 - History of Theatre II

The development of Western theater from the Baroque to the present, including representative plays.

THE320 - Fundamentals of Directing

The comprehensive study of the director's pre-production planning of a dramatic production for the stage. The directorial analysis of plays and basic fundamentals of composition, picturization, movement, and improvisation with gesture, costume and properties is studied. The in-class preparation of a complete directorial script of a one act or a cutting from a longer play may be directed as part of a public program of student-directed plays.

THE325 - Costume Design

Basic principles of costume design. Students complete various design projects for specific plays selected from a variety of historical periods.

THE327 - Stage Management

This course will examine the role of the Stage Manager as a key artist within the theatrical event. The course will provide a practical application of the essential communication, organization, planning and leadership skills necessary to manage a theatrical event. Lastly the course will review current professional stage management practices.

THE328 - Scene Painting

The practice of scenery painting for the theater. Students work with a variety of paints, texturing materials and application techniques. Particular emphasis is placed on the enlargement of existing art works to a size suitable for stage use.

THE331 - Advanced Acting

This course challenges the actor's ability to demonstrate a personal and useful acting method through a wide range of textual problems, historical and modern plays, and acting styles.

THE340 - Advanced Theatrical Design

Explore a areas of production design including scenic, costume, lighting, sound and projections in collaboration with other students using various methods of communication including rendering and model making. Survey the history of theatrical design.

THE341 - Stagecraft II

Advanced practice and principles of scenery and property construction. Practical experience with plastics, metals, drafting and advanced woodwork is stressed.

THE345 - Private Instruction: Estill Voice Training for Theatre Performers III

This course is designed for private instruction in the mechanics and artistry of voice utilizing the Estill Voice Model™ and the techniques/methodologies of Estill Voice Training™. Vocal goals and materials are specifically chosen to strengthen the technical and performing abilities of the individual student, whether singing or non-singing.

THE350 - Theatre Practicum: Performance

This variable credit course is intended to provide the student with performance experience in theatre. This includes student actors, singers, dancers, musicians or other performers

THE351 - Theatre Practicum: Dance

This variable credit course is intended to provide the student with practical experiences in Dance. The students will audition for a departmentally approved production, obtain a role(s), learn and perfect the choreography and pantomime then perform for the university or community audience. The course may be repeated for credit provided the assignment varies. The grade is based on; quality of the work, the completion of the contract specifications, and completion of the project to the satisfaction of the instructor. A grade may be assigned retroactively within the student’s next regularly enrolled semester provided an agreement is made between the student and the instructor before the assignment is undertaken.

THE352 - Theatre Practicum: Directing and Choreography

This course provides practical experience to students in the roles of director, assistant director or choreographer. They will work on the conceptualization, rehearsal process and the technical implementation of a production.

THE353 - Theatre Practicum: Design

This variable credit course is intended to provide the student with practical design experience in theatre. Students will create realized or theoretical designs in areas including but not limited to scenic, lighting, costume, sound, projection, properties, makeup or puppetry design. Students will complete a design including all requisite paperwork. They will work with faculty, staff and other students on the production team to revise work and implement feedback. Students serving as assistant designers would also register for this practicum.

THE354 - Theatre Practicum: Management

This variable credit course is intended to provide the student with practical management experience in theatre. Students will take leadership roles including but not limited to stage manager, assistant stage manager, scenic charge artist, wardrobe supervisor, props coordinator, technical coordinator, technical director, assistant technical director, master carpenter, master electrician or other management position as assigned. Students will complete all the requisite paperwork, calendars, budgets, drafting, etc. and present it to advisor at the end of the process. They will learn how to collaborate with and manage their peers. They will work with faculty, staff and other students on the production team to revise work and implement feedback.

THE356 - Theatre Practicum: Technical Production

This variable credit course is intended to provide the student with practical experience in theatre. Students will serve as a production or run crew member in an assigned area including scenery, lighting, costumes, etc.

THE357 - Theatre Practicum: Tour Theatre

This variable credit course is intended to provide the student with practical experience in touring theatre. Students will participate in aspects or touring theatre in performance, directorial, technical or other roles. They will work with faculty, staff and other students on the production team to revise work and implement feedback. A grade may be assigned retroactively within the student’s next regularly enrolled semester provided an agreement is made between the student and the instructor before the assignment is undertaken.

THE372 - Creative Arts

This course is designed to meet the needs of Elementary Education majors and those students who are looking for a broad based all inclusive fine arts course. Students will have practical experiences in Art, Music and Theatre along with Arts and Education theories.

THE401 - Finding Your Voice

This course is designed for any student interested in developing versatility and strength in the creation of a character's voice. Students will develop a working philosophy and vocabulary that emphasizes maintaining vocal health and utilizing vocal tools to achieve artistry in theatrical performance. Areas of study include: tools to eliminate poor vocal qualities and habits, work with the International Phonetic Alphabet for the production of proper speech sounds, and the Estill Voice Technique for vocal strength and health.

THE402 - Estill Voice Training: Levels 1 & 2 Combined Intensive

This course will provide a focused experience for vocal performers to explore and optimize voice production for musical and theatrical performance utilizing the Estill Voice Model TM. By examining the acoustic, physiologic, and perceptual correlates of voice and by learning to enhance control of the vocal structures that influence vocal quality, the students will acquire tools offered by the Estill Voice Training™system for adding color, strength, clarity and stamina to the performing voice.

THE403 - Musical Theatre Performance III

Musical Theatre Performance III will provide continued development of skills and concepts necessary for performing vocally in musical theatre, but with advanced application of both the Cohen acting method the Estill Voice Model™. In addition to refining technique and achieving even greater artistry in performance, the course will serve as a final phase of preparation for transition into professional musical theatre.

THE404 - Cultural Studies in Theatre

Performative elements are present in every society; regardless of its complexity and sophistication. The impact of these performative elements influences a society and its people. This course will focus on a specific region of the globe and study its theatre; specifically the impact its performative elements had on the society and, subsequently, the society had on its performative elements.

THE431 - Acting in Musical Theatre

This is the final course in the acting sequence and is directed solely to the performance of musical theatre. This course combines physical and vocal acting methods utilized in previous coursework with a repertoire specific study in order to create a more well-rounded musical theatre performer. Students aspiring to careers in musical theatre require a firm understanding of the specific needs of the character within a given style of musical theatre.

THE445 - Estill Voice Training for Theatre Performers IV

This course is designed for private instruction in the mechanics and artistry of voice utilizing the Estill Voice Model™ and the techniques/methodologies of Estill Voice Training™. Vocal goals and materials are specifically chosen to strengthen the technical and performing abilities of the individual student, whether singing or non-singing. This level of study builds upon concepts gained in previous levels and challenges the student to explore more challenging material.

THE450 - Senior Thesis

This capstone course will demonstrate, in a practical manner, the students training and ability in the theatre arts to graduate schools and prospective employers. Grading is based upon research, the quality and timely completion of the assigned production duties, and a written thesis.

THE480 - Digital Performance

This capstone course for the upper-class person uses emerging technologies to convey thematic ideas within live theatrical productions. The course will provide background and framework for students to create and present original live performance pieces employing multiple forms of media. Creativity, collaboration and technical innovation will culminate in a live public performance.