Theatre (THTR)

Michael Riha
Chair of the Department
619 Kimpel Hall
479-575-2953

Department of Theatre Website

The Department of Theatre offers the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Theatre, a broad spectrum program in the context of a liberal arts education, and the Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree in six concentrations: Acting, Directing, Playwriting, Costume Design, Scene Design and Lighting Design. (Please see the Graduate Catalog for information regarding the M.F.A. Theatre degree.) Classes at both undergraduate and graduate levels are focused on providing a strong, professional orientation to theatre performance and technology in conjunction with appropriate research-based course work to address the required foundations in theatre history, dramatic literature and dramatic criticism.

The educational objectives of the Department of Theatre are centered on producing graduates prepared to enter the competitive world of professional play production as well as a variety of teaching and research fields. In addition a background in Theatre has proven to be a valuable asset to those wishing to pursue a wide range of corporate and industrial occupations.

The play production program is the “laboratory” for study in Theatre. To that end the department produces an average of 10 plays each year involving students in virtually all aspects of production. Auditions are open to all students on campus.

The Department of Theatre also supports course work in Dance, offering a variety of basic and advanced studio courses.

For requirements for the M.F.A. degrees in theatre, see the Graduate School Catalog.

Courses

THTR 10003. Theatre Appreciation (ACTS Equivalency = DRAM 1003). 3 Hours.

Introduction to theatre arts; playwriting, directing, acting, and design. For the general student. May not be presented towards satisfaction of the B.A. in fine arts requirement by theatre majors. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

THTR 100H3. Honors Theatre Appreciation. 3 Hours.

Introduction to theatre arts; playwriting, directing, acting, and design. For the general student. May not be presented towards satisfaction of the B.A. in fine arts requirement by theatre majors. Prerequisite: Honors candidacy. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

THTR 10103. Musical Theatre Appreciation. 3 Hours.

Includes reading, viewing, guided listening, critical thinking, creating, and writing about this quintessentially American art form and its role in society. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

THTR 101H3. Honors Musical Theatre Appreciation. 3 Hours.

Includes reading, viewing, guided listening, critical thinking, creating, and writing about this quintessentially American art form and its role in society. Prerequisite: Honors candidacy. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

THTR 12203. Introduction to Theatre. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to create an ensemble of theatre students, passionate about all areas of discipline within the theatre art form. Theatre majors get acquainted with the practical expectations of being a student in the Department of Theatre while gaining a more in-depth appreciation of theatre as a collaborative art form. Prerequisite: Theatre major or minor. (Typically offered: Fall)

THTR 13103. Stage Technology: Costumes and Makeup. 3 Hours.

Fundamentals of basic costume construction with an emphasis on techniques, materials, planning and process. Training in the basic principles of theatrical makeup application. Corequisite: Drill component. Prerequisite: Theatre major or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

THTR 13203. Stage Technology: Scenery and Lighting. 3 Hours.

Fundamentals of scenery and lighting technology with emphasis on theatre tools, equipment, and basic drafting. Training in basic principles and skills of stage carpentry, scene painting, lighting technology and rigging. Prerequisite: Theatre major or instructor consent. Corequisite: Drill component. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

THTR 14203. Script Analysis. 3 Hours.

Investigation of the dramatic forms and structures of play texts - from the classical era to the present - with special emphasis on how actors, directors, and designers encounter and realize texts in the production process. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

THTR 16803. Acting I. 3 Hours.

An introductory acting studio course, exploring the physical, vocal, analytical, and imaginative processes required for the performance of dramatic texts. Through exercises and scene study, this course builds a vocabulary and technique for acting. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

THTR 18803. Acting I for Theatre Majors. 3 Hours.

An introductory acting studio course for theatre majors, exploring the physical, vocal, analytical, and imaginative processes required for the performance of dramatic texts. Through exercises and scene study, this course builds a vocabulary and technique that serves as a foundation for theatre classes within the major. Corequisite: Theatre major or minor. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

THTR 23103. Fundamentals of Theatrical Design. 3 Hours.

Principles and practices of theatre design including the elements of design and the fundamental principles of art and their application to the areas of set, costume, and lighting design. This course studies the designer's role in the theatre, design process, and aesthetics. Emphasis on the basic principles of two-dimensional art and graphic forms through the use of various media. (Typically offered: Fall)

THTR 24601. Alexander Technique Lessons. 1 Hour.

Students will become aware of habitual patterns of tension and how these patterns interfere with performance, learning, and overall health. The Technique offers practical skills for improving coordination and for re-gaining a sense of ease of movement in all activities. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring) May be repeated for up to 2 hours of degree credit.

THTR 24703. Voice and Speech for the Actor. 3 Hours.

Develops the student's free, natural voice for use on stage and in front of the camera. Topics address physical awareness, breath awareness, touch of sound, gathering vibrations, channel of sound, spine awareness, resonators, rib awareness, and articulation. Prerequisite: (THTR 12203 or THTR 10003), THTR 14203, and (THTR 16803 or THTR 18803). (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

THTR 24803. Stage Movement. 3 Hours.

An introduction to the Psycho-physical approach to acting and actor training developed by Michael Chekhov. Prerequisite: (THTR 10003 or THTR 12203), THTR 14203 and (THTR 16803 or THTR 18803). (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

THTR 26803. Acting II. 3 Hours.

An acting studio course deepening the exploration of techniques introduced in Acting I, including expanded work on characterization and script analysis through exercises, scene-work and monologue performance. Prerequisite: THTR 16803 or THTR 18803. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

THTR 30001. Production Practicum. 1 Hour.

Credit for participation in technical assignments related to mainstage or faculty-directed productions: one (1) credit hour per production. Assignments shall be determined by the faculty. Credit will be awarded only after completion of assignments and only with faculty approval. Pre- or corequisite: Current standing as a THTR Major or Minor or with instructor permission. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring) May be repeated for up to 2 hours of degree credit.

THTR 30101. Performance Practicum. 1 Hour.

Credit for performance in faculty directed productions; one credit hour per production. Assignments shall be determined by the faculty. Credit will be awarded only after satisfactory completion of assignment and with faculty approval. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring) May be repeated for up to 2 hours of degree credit.

THTR 32103. Costume Design. 3 Hours.

Learn the art and practice of costume design for theatrical productions. Emphasis will be placed on the elements and principles of design as it relates to character development. Additional emphasis will be placed on script analysis, research methods, fabric selection, collaboration, and rendering techniques. Prerequisite: THTR 23103. (Typically offered: Fall Odd Years)

THTR 34603. Introduction to the Alexander Technique. 3 Hours.

The Alexander Technique helps us to become aware of habits of tension and how these patterns interfere with performance, learning, and overall health. The technique offers a systematic process of re-learning how to move with more ease and coordination in all activities. (Typically offered: Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

THTR 35103. Drafting for the Theatre. 3 Hours.

Covers basic technical drawing and graphic skills necessary to communicate design ideas to fellow artisans. Both production and design-oriented drafting will be explored using both hand drafting and computer techniques. Prerequisite: THTR 13203 or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Fall Even Years)

THTR 36503. Directing I. 3 Hours.

Basic principles and techniques of play direction, including play analysis, audition and rehearsal organization, staging and collaborating with actors. Pre- or Corequisite: Theatre major and junior or senior standing, or instructor consent. Prerequisite: (THTR 12203 or THTR 10003 or THTR 100H3), THTR 13103, THTR 13203, THTR 14203, and (THTR 16803 or THTR 18803). (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

THTR 36603. Acting: Scene Study. 3 Hours.

An advanced acting studio building on techniques introduced in Acting I and II. Intensive work on script analysis, emotional preparation, awakening the imagination, characterization, partner work and playing action. Prerequisite: THTR 26803. (Typically offered: Spring)

THTR 36703. Acting: Auditioning. 3 Hours.

An advanced acting course, focusing on theatrical monologues and developing the actor's confidence and ability in theatre auditioning. In simulated auditions, students develop and explore contrasting monologues, including contemporary and classical pieces, comedy, and drama. Students practice slating techniques, cold and prepared callbacks, musical auditions, video submissions, and resume preparation. Prerequisite: THTR 26803. (Typically offered: Fall)

THTR 36803. Stage Management. 3 Hours.

The study of the principles of stage management as practiced in academic and professional theatre. The course develops the core management skills of communication and organization through classroom exercises. The course also provides opportunities for stage management in University productions. Prerequisite: THTR 13103 and THTR 13203. (Typically offered: Spring)

THTR 37303. Lighting Design. 3 Hours.

The study of the art and practice of stage lighting design through demonstration and projects. The course includes lighting technology, history, electricity, fixtures, consoles and control systems. Emphasis is placed on collaboration and storytelling with light. Prerequisite: THTR 23103. (Typically offered: Fall Even Years)

THTR 39003. Makeup Design. 3 Hours.

Learn the principles, techniques, materials, and tools used in makeup design for theatrical productions. Character analysis, character development, as well as period styles will be the basis for all makeup applications. Specialized make up includes an introduction to prosthetics, scars, and wounds. Prerequisite: THTR 23103. (Typically offered: Irregular)

THTR 392H3. Honors Colloquium. 3 Hours.

Treats a special topic or issue, offered as part of the honors program. Prerequisite: Honors candidacy (not restricted to candidacy in THTR). (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for degree credit.

THTR 399HV. Honors Thesis. 1-6 Hour.

The Honor student will complete a thesis. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 12 hours of degree credit.

THTR 40603. Playwriting. 3 Hours.

A beginning workshop in the fundamentals of playwriting designed for students interested in exploring how their personal stories translate and get expressed theatrically. Exercises in dialogue, character development, conflict, and dramatic structure will culminate in the completion of an original one-act play. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or greater. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

THTR 41203. Rendering for the Theatre. 3 Hours.

Develops the vocabulary of visual communication for theatre using a variety of media and techniques. Investigation of traditional as well as digital drawing and painting methods and materials used by theatrical designers. Prerequisite: THTR 23103. (Typically offered: Spring Odd Years)

THTR 41401. Singing for Musical Theatre. 1 Hour.

Private study of the singing voice focusing on musical theatre vocal technique and repertoire. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 2 hours of degree credit.

THTR 41503. Musical Theatre Performance. 3 Hours.

Principles and techniques of performing a singing role for the theatre. Examines the relationship between score and text. (Typically offered: Fall Even Years)

THTR 42303. History of the Theatre I. 3 Hours.

A survey of dramatic literature, theatre practices and cultural contexts for dramatic presentation from classical Greece through the 19th century. The research component of this course fulfills the Fulbright Writing Requirement. Prerequisite: THTR 12203 or THTR 10003 or THTR 100H3. (Typically offered: Fall)

THTR 43303. History of the Theatre II. 3 Hours.

A survey of dramatic literature from the rise of realism to the present, designed to examine historical context, theatrical convention, modes of storytelling and questions of diversity and inclusion in the theatrical cannon. Prerequisite: THTR 12203 or THTR 10003 or THTR 100H3. (Typically offered: Spring)

THTR 44603. African American Theatre History -- 1950 to Present. 3 Hours.

A chronological examination of African-American theatre history from 1950 to the present through the study of African-American plays and political/social conditions. Upon completion of this course the student should be familiar with the major works of African-American theatre and have a deeper understanding of American History. (Typically offered: Irregular)

THTR 44803. Acting: Meisner I. 3 Hours.

This course introduces students to the Sanford Meisner approach to acting. A progressive series of exercises focus on listening, concentration, imagination, working from impulse, and actively connecting to given circumstances. This class is the first in a two course sequence of Meisner study. Prerequisite: THTR 26803. (Typically offered: Fall Odd Years)

THTR 44903. Acting: Meisner II. 3 Hours.

Continuation of Beginning Meisner Technique. A progressive series of exercises focus on emotional preparation, connection to impulse, and living fully under imaginative circumstances. Prerequisite: THTR 44803. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)

THTR 46503. Scene Design. 3 Hours.

Theory and practice in the art of scenic design, including historical and contemporary styles and techniques. Prerequisite: THTR 23103. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)

THTR 46603. Sound Design and Engineering. 3 Hours.

The study and application of sound in a theatrical environment covering both technology and design aspects of sound in a live setting. Prerequisite: THTR 23103. (Typically offered: Irregular)

THTR 46803. Acting: Shakespeare. 3 Hours.

An acting studio course exploring the performance of Shakespearean texts, with focus on scansion, verse and prose, poetry, characterization and voice and articulation. Prerequisite: THTR 26803. (Typically offered: Spring Odd Years)

THTR 47003. Theatre Education: Methods of Instruction. 3 Hours.

Introduces leading theories and practices in theatre instruction for junior high and high school students. Focuses on creating, adapting, and justifying pedagogical strategies as well as the design and implementation of effective theatre curriculum. Prerequisite: CIED 30303 or SEED 40202 or instructor's consent. (Typically offered: Fall)

THTR 47103. Theatre Education: Program Design and Leadership. 3 Hours.

Introduces the skills necessary for the successful integration of theatre arts in the secondary school environment. Focuses on the promotion of theatre as a discipline, both in classes and as an co-curricular activity. Advances planning and leadership skills necessary for theatre program directors. Contains one required field experience. Prerequisite: THTR 47003. (Typically offered: Spring)

THTR 48303. Scene Painting. 3 Hours.

A studio class in painting techniques for the theatre. Exercises in color, textures, styles, and execution. Prerequisite: THTR 23103. (Typically offered: Fall Even Years)

THTR 4900V. Independent Study. 1-3 Hour.

Individually designed and conducted programs of reading and reporting under the guidance of a faculty member. Prerequisite: Instructor consent. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 3 hours of degree credit.

THTR 4910V. Special Topics. 1-3 Hour.

Classes not listed in the regular curriculum, offered on demand on the basis of student needs and changes within the profession. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for degree credit.

THTR 4920V. Internship. 1-12 Hour.

A practical, experiential approach to performance and production using the internship program to provide training and experience more advanced than that provided during the normal school year. Students will outline a contract of specific requirements based upon that individual's needs, goals, and skills. Prerequisite: Instructor consent. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 12 hours of degree credit.

THTR 4930V. Special Topics in Design and Technology. 1-3 Hour.

Topics not listed in the regular curriculum. Topics related to scenery, costumes, lighting, and sound will be offered on demand to accommodate Design & Technology focused student needs and changes within the profession. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

THTR 4940V. Special Topics in Performance. 1-3 Hour.

Topics not listed in the regular curriculum. Topics related to acting, directing, and playwriting will be offered on demand to accommodate Design & Technology focused student needs and changes within the profession. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

THTR 49503. Theatre in London. 3 Hours.

Immerses scholars in the world of theatre and culture in Britain. Students spend four weeks in London with excursions to Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford and Bath. Literature, performance, design and history are all explored through lectures, field trips and writing prompts. (Typically offered: Summer)

THTR 49901. Theatre Capstone. 1 Hour.

A culminating experience in the major, students will develop a portfolio of work encompassing their undergraduate focus in Performance or Design and Technology. The course concludes with a presentation of their body of work to a panel of Theatre Department faculty akin to a professional audition or portfolio review. (Typically offered: Fall)