Theatre Arts Courses

NOTE: Complete undergraduate and graduate catalogs can be found here.

THTR 102 (3)
Public Speaking
An introduction to informative, argumentative and persuasive modes of address: traditional rhetorical principles of organization, audience analysis and effective delivery will be applied in class. IIIO

THTR 104 (3)
Introduction to the Theatre
Introduction to the basic principles of theatre. Different specialties will be explored such as acting, directing, scenic and lighting design, stage management and publicity. Historical periods will be defined and representative plays will be read. V6a

THTR 105 (3)
Technical Theatre
Introduction to the technical theatre: lighting, sound, set construction, scene painting and backstage management. A thorough training in scene shop functions and technical support, emphasizing practical skills. Three hours of lecture and discussion and three hours of laboratory per week.

THTR 152 (3)
Interpersonal Communication
This course will increase communication knowledge and skills between two or more people. Topics covered include: face-to- face verbal and non-verbal communication, listening and feedback perception, self-disclosure, relationships, attitudes, overcoming barriers, coping with conflict, assertiveness, interviewing skills and learning to communicate more effectively. Offered alternate years. IIIO

THTR 170 (3)
Theatre on Film
Students will read the scripts and see the film adaptations of a variety of plays originally written for the stage. The course will cover both classic and modern drama. This course may be counted toward the minor in film studies. Three hours lecture/discussion and two hours lab per week. Offered alternate years. V6a

THTR 189 (3)
Acting I
Theatrical presentation as a critical approach to dramatic literature. Reading, discussion, and performance to develop the student's powers of expression. IIIO, V6

THTR 202 (3)
Business and Professional Speaking
Communication concepts and skills for use in business and professional environments. Topics covered include: problem solving, dealing with resistance to change, audience analysis, interviewing, asking questions, responding to public questions, dealing with the news media and organization of material. IIIO

THTR 205 (3)
Advanced Technical Theatre
Advanced studies in the technical applications of properties, costumes, scene painting, lighting, model making and stage management. From the organization to the final product, how to bring ideas to life on the stage. Practical projects and research included.

THTR 220 (3)
Computer Applications for Technical Theatre
An introduction to the basics of Computer Assisted Design (CAD), computer modeling and rendering, lighting simulation, graphic arts, sound design and editing and scanning and printing. Emphasis on establishing a foundation for further individual study and practice.

THTR 229 (2)
Production and Performance
Ensemble participation in technical production and play performance: acting, stage design and construction, stage management, make-up, publicity and backstage crew work. May be repeated for credit. V6b

THTR 230 (3)
Play and Screen Writing
An introductory course in writing scripts designed for production. Students will learn dramatic structure, dialogue writing and characterization by writing several drafts of original short plays and screenplays. Offered alternate years. IIIW, V6

THTR 235 (3)
Musical Theatre Literature
The history, literature and music of musical theatre through the 20th century, including how material is developed from novels, plays and other sources. Students will listen to, read and watch performances of classic musicals and learn the major figures who have contributed to the genre. Offered alternate years. IIIW, V6

THTR 245 (3)
Contemporary Drama
Representative plays from the contemporary theatre will be read and discussed. All plays in this course have had their original production within the last eight years. Students will learn how to analyze scripts and make judgments on their quality. Offered every third year. V2, V6

THTR 258 (3)
Debate and Argumentation
The principles and techniques in argumentative speaking and debate. Students will have the opportunity to study and analyze debate propositions, prepare arguments, research and select evidence and practice rebuttal and refutation. Offered alternate years. IIIO

THTR 261 (1)
Directed Study
Topics in dramatic literature, history of the theatre or stage production pursued by individual students under supervision.

THTR 280 (3)
Voice and Movement for Theatre
Intensive work in the fundamentals of movement and voice for stage and camera. Includes breathing and centering techniques, posture, improvement of resonance, articulation and projection and presentation of character through movement. Offered alternate years. IIIO

THTR 290 (3)
London Theatre Tour
Students will spend three weeks in London, attending 12 plays and touring museums, art galleries, the Old Globe Project, theatres and arts complexes and participating in a weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon. Students will learn critical appreciatioin of theatre through written essays and discussions. This course will be offered during the summer, and carries an extra cost. Offered alternate years. V6a

THTR 310 (3)
Scenography
An introduction to the concepts and practice in all areas of scenography, including scenic design, lighting design, sound design, property design and costume design. Offered alternate years.

THTR 329 (2)
Advanced Theatre Production
Students enrolled in this class will be assigned major acting roles or supervisory positions such as stage manager, assistant director or crew head in the mainstage theatre production. May be repeated for credit.

THTR 333 (3)
History and Literature of the Theatre of the Ancient World
The history of theatre in ancient Greece, Rome, India, China and Japan, including the major genres and playwrights, staging, design, and production arrangements. Representative plays will be read and discussed from each period. Offered alternate years. V2, V6

THTR 334 (3)
History and Literature of the Theatre of the Middle Ages and Renaissance
The history of theatre in the Middle Ages, Elizabethan and Jacobean England and the Spanish Golden Age. It includes the major genres and playwrights, staging, design, and production arrangements. Representative plays will be read and discussed from each period. Offered alternate years. V1, V

THTR 335 (3)
History and Literature of the Theatre in the 17th to 19th Centuries
The history of theatre in Renaissance Italy, 17th-century France, Restoration England, early America, and 18th- and 19th-century Europe. It includes the major genres and playwrights, staging, design, and production arrangements. Representative plays will be read and discussed for each period. Offered alternate years. V2, V6

THTR 336 (3)
History and Literature of the Theatre in the 20th and 21st Centuries
This course includes the major genres and playwrights, staging, design, and production arrangements of the 20th and 21st centuries. Representative plays will be read and discussed in each genre and style. Offered alternate years. V1, V

THTR 341 (3)
Musical Theatre Techniques
Movement, voice and acting techniques as used in the performance of musical theatre. Offered alternate years.

THTR 350 (3)
Group and Organizational Communication
Modern theory and methodology in group communication including: entering the group, task groups, style of leadership, bargaining, decision making, group size and structure, improving information flow and organizational change. Offered alternate years.

THTR 361 (1)
Special Study
Selected topics pursued by individual students or small groups of students under supervision of a member of the department.

THTR 377 (1)
Internship

THTR 389 (3)
Acting II
An advanced course in acting which concentrates on Stanislavskian techniques such as textual analysis, using emotional memory and creating the illusion of the first time. Both class exercises and scene work are utilized. Offered alternate years.

THTR 392 (3)
Directing
Studies in approaches to directing for the stage and camera with practical applications to one-act plays and short films directed by students. Offered alternate years.

THTR 461 (1)
Independent Study
Special topics in dramatic literature, history of the theatre, or stage production pursued by individual students under supervision.

THTR 463 (3)
Senior Project
An independent project for the senior theatre major in acting, directing or design, This course may not be taken on a P/CR/NC grading option.

THTR 470 (3)
Junior Honors Research

THTR 472 (3)
Senior Honors Thesis