THEATRE ARTS (THA)

THEATRE ARTS
(THA)

College of Liberal Studies

School of Arts and Communication

Department Chair: William Clow

153 Arts Center, 608-785-6706

Associate Professors: Anderson, J., Benson, Clow, Stoffregen; Assistant Professors: Cherne, Leonard-Anderson.

Theatre Arts Major

(All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs). Students enrolling in this major must complete the theatre arts major core requirements and one area of emphasis.

Theatre Arts Major Core Requirements

—39 credits, including THA 220, 230, 250, 251, 350, 351, and 490. THA 260 required first semester freshman year. THA 360 required every semester after first semester freshman year.

— Design/Technical Emphasis

18 credits — THA 240 plus 15 credits from the following: THA 231, 232, 241, 290, 330, 331, 340, 341, 342, 420, 421, 440, 450, 470, 471, 472, 481, and 482.

— General Emphasis

18 credits — 9 credits required from the performance area, and 9 credits required from the design/technical area: THA 221, 222, 231, 232, 240, 241, 290, 320, 321, 330, 331, 340, 341, 342, 420, 421, 440, 450, 470, 471, 472, 481, and 482.

— Management Emphasis

18 credits — THA 290 and 472 plus 12 credits from the following: THA 331, 340, 341, 342, 420, 421, 440, 450, 470, 471, 481, and 482.

— Music Theatre Emphasis

15 credits — THA 221, 222, 310, 421, 482. Students enrolling in this major must enroll as a Music Minor: Music Theatre Emphasis.

— Performance Emphasis

18 credits — THA 222, 320, and 321 plus 9 credits from the following: THA 221, 231, 232, 240, 241, 290, 330, 331, 340, 341, 342, 420, 421, 440, 450, 470, 471, 472, 481, and 482.

Theatre Arts Minor

(All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs). —21-22 credits. 12 credits must be 300 level or above; music theatre emphasis exempt. Students enrolling in this minor must select an area of emphasis.

— Design/Technical Emphasis

21 credits — THA 230, 240, 231, 232, and 360 plus 6 credits from the following: THA 241, 330, 331, 340, 341, 342, 420, 421, 440, 450, 470, 471, 472, 481, and 482.

— General Emphasis

21 credits — THA 220, 230, 360 plus 6 credits from the following: THA 250, 251, 350, and 351, and 6 credits from THA 221, 222, 231, 232, 241, 290, 320, 321, 330, 331, 340, 341, 342, 420, 421, 440, 450, 470, 471, 472, 481, and 482.

— Management Emphasis

21 credits — THA 290, 360, and 472 plus 12 credits from the following: THA 331, 340, 341, 342, 420, 421, 440, 450, 470, 471, 481, and 482.

— Music Theatre Emphasis

(open to music major: music theatre emphasis students only)

22 credits — THA 220, 221, 222, 320; MUS 308; Dance: four credits in ESS 100 - Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern; three credits in Music Theatre Practicum, THA 360.

— Performance Emphasis

21 credits — THA 220, 221, 222, 320, 321, and 360 plus 3 credits from the following: THA 420, 421, 450, 470, 471, 481, and 482.

+ 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.

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 Sem. II.

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 Sem. I, 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 Sem. I.

THA 230 Cr. 3

Fundamentals of Theatrical Production

Theory and practice of the production elements comprising the theatre arts: scene design and stage craft, lighting design and technology, and costume and make-up design, and script analysis as each contributes to the realization of a play. Offered Sem. I.

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. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: THA 230. Offered Sem. II, even-numbered years.

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 230 for theatre majors and minors. Offered Sem. II, even-numbered years.

THA 240 Cr. 3

Theories and Techniques

of Theatrical Design

A study of the elements and principles of design and their application to the theatre stage. An application of the techniques used by the designer in the creative process of interpreting a play script and translating it into visual form. Prerequisite: THA 230. Offered Sem. I, 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 Sem. I, 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 Sem. I, 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 Sem. II, 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.

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 Sem. II, 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. Prerequisite: THA 220 or 222, MUS 235, 236, 237 238. Offered every fourth semester.

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 Sem. I.

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. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: THA 220, 320. Offered Sem. II.

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 Sem. I, 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. Prerequisite: THA 230, 231. Offered Sem. II, odd-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. Prerequisite: THA 230, 231, 240. Offered Sem. II, 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. Prerequisite: THA 230, 231, 240. Offered Sem.II, 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 230. Offered Sem. I, even-number 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 Sem. I, 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 Sem. II.

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.

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. Prerequisite: THA 220, 230 and six credits from THA 250, 251, 350, 351. Offered Sem. I, 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. Prerequisite: THA 321 and/or 420. Repeatable for credit — no maximum. Offered Sem. II, even-numbered years

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 230. Offered Sem. II, 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. Prerequisite: consent of department faculty, 15 credits in theatre, and junior standing. Note: three to six credit hours may count toward a theatre arts major in the College of Liberal Studies. Three credits maximum on graduate level.

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.

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 Sem. I, 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 Sem. II, 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.

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. Prerequisite: consent of department faculty, junior standing. Repeatable for credit — no maximum.

THA 490 Cr. 3

Senior Project

Research and production of senior project in directing, acting, design, technical direction or dramaturgy involving significant research and activity under an assigned faculty member. This is considered the capstone course for theatre arts majors. Student is responsible for submitting a proposal for approval one semester before registration. Prerequisite: consent of department faculty and senior standing.