THR - Theatre Course Descriptions
Introduces the student to a wide range of theatrical information, including the basic elements and terminology of theatre in such areas as acting, directing, and technical theatre. Dramas of representative playwrights from major periods of Western theatre are read in conjunction with the study of the theatre of the time.
Introduces students to the major periods of theatre history, from Antiquity to Renaissance. The students will explore the culture and social conditions that gave birth to the theatre of each of these major periods, and they will study significant plays, artists, productions, and production practices of these cultures. The students will also be introduced to theatre history source material and research practices.
Introduces students to the major developments of theatre history, from the English Restoration to the present day. The students will explore the cultures and social conditions that gave birth to the theatre of these periods, and they will study significant plays, artists, productions, and production practices of these cultures. The students will also be introduced to theatre history source material and research practices.
Is an introduction to the materials and tools used in the technical areas of the theatre including set building, painting, lighting, sound, costuming, makeup, stage management, house management, and publicity. Laboratory hours in which the student will work on the University productions are required.
Must be taken in conjunction with
THR 220 (1 credit).
Introduces the beginning student to the problems, theories, and techniques of acting, focusing on improvisation and scene study.
Allows students to participate in technical support or performance roles for University-sponsored dramatic productions and other theatre related projects. Drama majors are required to participate in at least two University productions during the completion of the degree, earning a maximum of 6 credit hours. Individual responsibilities and intended learning experiences are to be arranged by the instructor and the student. This course is evaluated on a pass/fail system.
Provides a detailed examination of the craft of acting focusing on scene study and performance. Beginning work on characterization is also stressed.
Instructs students to develop an approach to addressing the challenges particular to acting texts by William Shakespeare. Through reading, writing, rehearsing, performing, and participating in classroom exercises, students learn ways to analyze and perform Shakespeare's sonnets and plays.
THR 210 or permission of instructor
Is an introduction to the analysis and performance of literature. Students critically analyze various genres of literature and then share the results of that analysis through the act of performance. Vocal and physical techniques of performance, as well as approaches to literary criticism, are taught and developed.
Is a study of the programming and performance of literature by groups. Students will study the conventions of Readers Theatre and Chamber Theatre and develop their own group performance through the scripting, staging, and performance of various genres of literature.
Is an introduction to scenic, lighting, costume, prop, and sound design for the theatre.
THR 120 or permission of instructor
Allows students to gain more experience in select areas of technical theatre. The primary focus will be on practical implementation of techniques, theories, and methods to complete various exercises. Each semester, half of the course will be devoted to lighting and lighting effects. The second half of the course will be determined based on the needs of the current production and the interest of current students. Possible topics will include stage makeup, mask making, scenic painting, modeling, props construction, and costume construction.
Introduces the student to the directing process through an in-depth analysis of text and an exploration of the fundamental directing tools necessary for realizing the dramatic action of a text in production.
THR 210 or permission of instructor
Analyzes major theatrical literary works from Antiquity to the Renaissance. Students examine plays both as literature and as performance pieces, analyzing the plays' dramatic structure and content, discussing their significance to theatre history, and examining them in light of how they would have been (and still may be) realized in performance. Students are encouraged to note not only how the theatre literature of each era changes but also what ties bind this literature together.
Analyzes major theatrical literary works from the Restoration to the present day. Students examine plays both as literature and as performance pieces, analyzing the plays' dramatic structure and content, discussing their significance to theatre history, and examining them in light of how they would have been (and still can be) realized in performance. Students are encouraged to note not only how the theatre literature of each era changes but also what ties bind this literature together.
Is an introduction to the development of narrative line, character, and dialogue in an original dramatic text. By the end of the semester, the student will have completed a short play which will receive a staged reading and open critique.
ENG 332 or permission of the instructor
Requires students, through the process of directing student actors in four different scenes from major works of theatre literature, to demonstrate the ability to find and use new rehearsal methods for communicating successfully with actors, carefully analyzing scripts, and effectively transforming the scripted scene into a live performance. Three weekly laboratory hours in which the students will direct scenes from plays are required.
Challenges the student in a seminar-structured environment to examine the role of the theatre in society, tracing the purpose of theatre in society through dramatic criticism, from ancient Greece to the present day.
Senior Theatre Major status or permission of instructor
Involves a study of the psycho-physical process of creating a character. Using scenes and monologues from great drama, students will do in-depth study and analysis of the plays and characters they work on during the semester.
THR 310 or permission of instructor
Serves as a performance capstone to the drama major's work. During the course, the student will assume the role of designer-director and prepare a one-act text for presentation before the University community. The student will meet for a regular class and will direct the one-act play in a separate laboratory time.
Senior Theatre Major
Is a required course for all theatre majors who must research and write a thesis on an approved theatre-related topic. Students must consult closely with the drama faculty during each step of the research and writing process and present their findings to other theatre students at the end of the semester.