Theatre Arts (THA)
College of Liberal Studies
School of Arts and Communication
Department Chair: Joseph Anderson
158 Center for the Arts, 608.785.6707
e-mail:
Anderson.jos2@uwlax.edu
Professors: Anderson, J.
Cherne;
Associate Professors: Benson,
Leonard-Anderson, Stoffregen;
Assistant Professors: Elder,
Hart, Kincman;
Academic Staff: Collyar,
Riley
Theatre Arts Majors
(All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification
programs) — 39 credits – Students enrolling in a theatre major
must complete the theatre arts major core requirements and one
area of emphasis.
Theatre Arts Major Core Requirements
21 credits – THA 210, 220, 231, 250, 251,
350, 490. THA 260 required first semester freshman year. THA 360
required every semester after first semester freshman year,
except when completing THA 490.
— Design/Technical Emphasis
18 additional credits — THA 240; 15 credits
from: THA 130, 201, 232, 241, 290, 330, 331, 340, 341, 342, 351,
420, 421, 440, 450, 470, 472, 481, 482.
— Arts Administration Emphasis
18 additional credits — THA 376, 472, ECO 110,
MKT 309, POL 416; three credits from THA 290, 450, 470, 481,
482, and ACC 221.
— General Emphasis
18 additional credits — nine credits required
from the performance area and nine credits required from the
design/technical area: THA 130, 201, 221, 222, 232, 240, 241,
290, 310, 320, 321, 330, 331, 340, 341, 342, 351, 420, 421, 422,
440, 450, 470, 471, 472, 481, 482.
— Music Theatre Emphasis
15 additional credits — THA 221, 222, 310,
421, 482. Students enrolling in this major must enroll as music
minor: music theatre emphasis. This emphasis requires an
audition.
— Performance Emphasis
18 additional credits — THA 222, 320, 321;
nine credits from: THA 130, 201, 221, 241, 290, 310, 351, 420,
421, 422, 440, 470, 471, 481, 482.
— Stage Management Emphasis
19 additional credits — THA 290, 341, 342, 390
(two enrollments), 420; three credits from THA 232, 330, 331,
340, 421, 440, 450, 470, 471, 472, 481, 482.
Theatre Arts Minor
(All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification
programs) Students enrolling in this minor must select an area
of emphasis.
—Arts Administration Emphasis
21 credits — THA 210, 220, 231, 376, 472;
minimum of three credits in THA 360 taken over at least two
productions; three credits from: THA 290, 450, 481, 482, POL
416, ECO 110, MKT 309, ACC 221.
— Design/Technical Emphasis
21 credits — THA 210, 231, 232, 240; a minimum
of three credits in THA 360 taken over at least two productions;
six credits from: THA 130, 201, 241, 330, 331, 340, 341, 342,
420, 421, 440, 450, 470, 481, 482.
— General Emphasis
21 credits — THA 210, 220; minimum of three
credits in THA 360 taken over at least two productions; six
credits from: THA 250, 251, 350, and 351; six credits from THA
130, 201, 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 290, 320, 321, 330, 331, 340,
341, 342, 420, 421, 422, 440, 450, 470, 471, 472, 481, 482.
— Stage Management Emphasis
21 credits — THA 210, 220, 231, 290,
390; a minimum of three credits in THA 360 taken over at least
two productions; six credits from: THA 232, 331, 340, 341, 342,
420, 421, 472.
— Music Theatre Emphasis
(open to music major: music theatre emphasis
students only; audition required) 22 credits — THA 220, 221,
222, 320; MUS 308; Dance: four credits in ESS 100: Music Theatre
and Tap are required. Remaining two credits may be chosen from
Ballet, Jazz and Modern; a minimum of three credits in THA 360
taken over at least two productions.
— Performance Emphasis
24 credits — THA 210, 220, 221, 222, 320, 321;
minimum of three credits in THA 360 taken over at least two
productions; three credits from: THA 130, 201, 420, 421, 422,
450, 470, 471, 481, 482.
The theatre arts department incorporates a
significant amount of writing throughout the required courses
instead of identifying particular courses as writing emphasis
courses. Students who complete the major will fulfill the
university writing emphasis requirement through this
writing-in-the-major program.
+ above a course number indicates a
General Education
course.
+
THA 110
Cr. 2
Theatre Appreciation
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. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.
+
THA 120
Cr. 3
Acting for Non-Majors
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 Spring.
+
THA 130
Cr. 3
Multicultural U.S. Plays: Acting the Text
In this performance-based course, students
will study and perform dramatic literature from multiple
cultures within 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, analyze the
plays, develop basic skills in performance, and prepare and
perform scenes from the plays under study, in order to enhance
student awareness and exchange ideas about multi-cultural nature
of the United States. No acting experience is required. Offered
Spring.
+
THA 201
Cr. 3
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 playscript 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 Fall.
THA 210
Cr. 3
Foundations of Theatrical Production
This course 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
Fall.
THA 220
Cr. 3
Acting I: Fundamentals
Theory and practice of the fundamentals of
stage acting, including improvisational techniques, audition
techniques, acting terminology and development of dramatic
action. Offered Spring.
THA 221
Cr. 3
Movement for the Stage
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 Fall,
even-numbered years.
THA 222
Cr. 3
Voice and Diction for the Stage
Theory and practice of the fundamentals of
vocal production: breathing control, articulation, projection,
quality and expressiveness for the actor. Offered Fall,
odd-numbered years.
THA 231
Cr. 3
Stagecraft
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 Spring.
THA 232
Cr. 3
Costume Crafts
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 Spring, even-numbered years.
THA 240
Cr. 3
Rendering for Theatre
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 Fall, odd-numbered years.
THA 241
Cr. 3
Stage Makeup
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 course. Offered Fall, even-numbered years.
THA 250
Cr. 3
Theatre Studies I: Origins to the Middle Ages
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 Fall, odd-numbered
years.
THA 251
Cr. 3
Theatre Studies II: Renaissance through Mid
19th Century
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 emergence 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 Spring, even-numbered years.
THA 260
Cr. 1
Participation in Theatre Arts Activities
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. Offered
Fall, Spring, Summer.
THA 290
Cr. 3
Stage Management for the Arts
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 Fall odd-numbered years.
THA/MUS 310 Cr.
3
The Singer/Actor
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. Prerequisites: THA 220 or 222; MUS 235, 236, 237, 238.
(Cross-listed with MUS; may only earn credit in THA or MUS.)
Offered Fall, odd-numbered years.
THA 320
Cr. 3
Acting II: Characterization
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 Fall.
THA 321
Cr. 3
Acting III: Styles
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. Prerequisites: THA 220 and 320. Offered Spring.
THA 330
Cr. 3
Scene Painting
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 Fall, even-numbered years.
THA 331
Cr. 3
Theatre Technology
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. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisites: THA 210 and 231. Offered
Fall, even-numbered years.
THA 340
Cr. 3
Scenery Design
A course in the principles and practices of
designing stage scenery. Emphasis is on developing the creative
abilities of the designer. Prerequisites: THA 210, 231, 240.
Offered Spring, even-numbered years.
THA 341
Cr. 3
Lighting Design
An introductory course in the principles and
practices of designing and executing stage lighting. Emphasis is
on developing the creative abilities of the designer.
Prerequisites: THA 210, 231, 240. Offered Spring, odd-numbered
years.
THA 342
Cr. 3
Sound Design and Engineering
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
Fall, odd-numbered years.
THA 350
Cr. 3
Theatre Studies III: Realism to the Present
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 Fall, even-numbered years.
+
THA 351
Cr. 3
World Theatre
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 Spring, odd-numbered years.
THA 360
Cr. 1-3
Theatre Arts Practicum
Specialized, intensive study and participation
in theatre. Projects are designed in consultation with a faculty
adviser in the department. Prerequisite: permission of the
supervising instructor. Repeatable for credit — no maximum.
Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.
+
THA/ECO 376
Cr. 3
Economics of Art and Entertainment
The overall goal of this course is to enable
participants to make or evaluate selected decisions and policy
issues pertaining to the arts and to 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. (Cross-listed with ECO; may earn credit in
either THA or ECO.) Offered Spring, odd-numbered years.
THA 390
Cr. 2
Advanced Stage Management
This course will provide advanced study of the
specific skills required of a stage manager on a theatrical
production through discussion and hands-on projects designed to
improve the student's understanding and execution of leadership,
organizational and creative components of stage management.
Prerequisite: THA 290. Repeatable for credit—maximum four.
Offered Fall.
THA
420/520 Cr. 3
Directing
Theory and practice of directing for the
stage. Emphasis on analysis, preparation and presentation of
dramatic scenes. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisites: THA 210 and
220; six credits from THA 250, 251, 350, 351. Offered Fall,
even-numbered years.
THA
421/521 Cr. 3
Performance Studio
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. Prerequisites: THA 321 and/or 420. Repeatable for
credit — no maximum. Offered occasionally.
THA 422
Cr. 3
Acting IV: Audition Techniques
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. Prerequisites: THA 220, 320,
321. Offered Fall.
THA
440/540 Cr. 3
Costume Design/History
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 210. Offered Spring,
odd-numbered years.
THA
450/550 Cr. 3-15
Internship in Theatre Arts
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. Prerequisites: consent of department
faculty; 15 credits in theatre; junior standing. Three to six
credit hours may count toward a theatre arts major in the
College of Liberal Studies. Three credits maximum on graduate
level. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.
THA
470/570 Cr. 1-3
Symposium in Theatre Arts
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. Offered occasionally.
THA
471/571 Cr. 3
Playwriting
A study of the fundamentals of playwriting,
with emphasis on creating stageworthy plots, characters,
dialogue and spectacle and finding venues for having plays
produced. Course will culminate in the writing of a one-act or
full-length play. Offered Fall, odd-numbered years.
THA
472/572 Cr. 3
Theatre Management
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
Spring, even-numbered years.
THA
481/581 Cr. 1-3
Independent Study
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. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.
THA
482/582 Cr. 1-3
Special Topics in Theatre Arts
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. Prerequisites:
consent of department faculty and junior standing. Repeatable
for credit — no maximum. Offered occasionally.
THA 490
Cr. 3
Capstone Project in Theatre Arts
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 area 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.
Prerequisites: consent of department faculty and senior
standing. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.