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THeatre Arts (THA) 

College of Liberal Studies
School of Arts and Communication
Department Chair: William T. Clow
153 Arts Center, 608-785-6706
e-mail: clow.will@uwlax.edu 
www.uwlax.edu/theatre  

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

Theatre Arts Major (All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 39 credits, Students enrolling in this major must complete the theatre arts major core requirements and one area of emphasis. 

Theatre Arts Major Core Requirements — 21 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. This emphasis requires an audition.  

— 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). Students enrolling in this minor must select an area of emphasis —21-22 credits. 12 credits must be 300 level or above; music theatre emphasis exempt.  

—    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; audition required)  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. 

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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.  

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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.

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