The Theatre Department invites students to combine theory with practice, and to deepen their original creative work with an understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the stage. The department offers an array of courses that examine the wide-ranging history, literature and aesthetics of the art form, along with a number of more practical courses that provide students with the fundamental skills and crafts of theatre.
The department offers the bachelor of arts degree to concentrators in theatre. Many students opt to combine theatre with another concentration, such as education, communications, English, history or music.
Theatre students have enjoyed successful careers in theatre, film, television, arts education and other fields that have made good use of their creative and collaborative problem-solving skills.
top
THR 101
The Creative Process
Creativity takes many forms and contributes to every field of study. Visual, narrative, spatial and performative expressions of ideas all contribute to the collaborative art of theatre. In this participatory class, students gain confidence in their individual intuitions and in the collaborative process as they explore different types of creative expression. Students build their own aesthetic framework as they practice critiquing works of art. Satisfies general studies fine arts requirement.
THR 150
Acting Studio I
This course introduces and explores the fundamental principles of acting for the stage. In a studio environment, students apply the requisite vocabulary for communicating within the performing arena through exercises and techniques that hone a thorough understanding of the process involved in creating a character - a process that utilizes body, mind and voice. Satisfies general studies fine arts requirement.
THR 201
Production Experience
Students gain practical experience by participating in the Domino Players' theatrical productions as performers, technicians, designers or stage managers. No previous experience is required; however, individual production assignments are determined by the faculty based on auditions and student competencies. Students must complete a minimum of 45 hours on the production to be eligible for credit; some assignments require more hours than the minimum. Most assignments entail evening and weekend rehearsals and performances. Graded Q/NQ. Students will receive one course unit of credit upon the completion of four productions for which they have registered for THR 201.
THR 211
Stagecraft
A survey of the various materials and construction techniques used to build stage settings. Wood working, metal working, rigging and other skills are explored. Basic construction of stock scenic units are applied to both projects and actual productions' scenery.
THR 212
Theatre Electrics
An in-depth exploration of the techniques and technologies used to create lighting effects for live events. From fog to phase controlled dimmers, from pink to pattern projection, and from cues to cable gauge, this course investigates it all.
THR 213
Audio Technology
A comprehensive consideration of audio equipment and sound reproduction techniques. Concert sound, theatrical sound design and recording engineering are all part of the scope of the course.
THR 216
Designing with Light
This course studies light as a design medium. After obtaining a clear understanding of the nature of the medium, students will turn to its application to other art forms. Architecture, painting and theatre are some of the areas that make heavy use of light to alter and augment the presentation of their respective works. Students are encouraged to explore the application of lighting to their own area of artistic endeavor to gain more fruitful and complete expression of their ideas.
THR 219
Scenography
An in-depth study of the process of creating an environment for a performance event. Text analysis, design fundamentals and interpretive skills are applied to a series of projects that will be peer reviewed.
THR/ENG 235
Major Playwrights and Theatre Topics
These courses focus on major playwrights, dramatic forms or significant intellectual issues in world drama. Satisfies general studies literature requirement.
THR 250
Acting Studio II
Advancing on the experiences of Acting Studio I, this course focuses attention on the specific process of preparing a role from an existing text. Particular emphasis is given to psycho-physical energy, vocal stamina and textual analysis. Additional objectives relating to the demands of specialized performance techniques (such as period movement, verse speaking, performance art or physical comedy) are selected each semester.
Prerequisite: THR 150
THR 283
Special Topics
Topics of interest that are not covered in other courses will occasionally be offered.
THR 288
Great Ages of Theatre I
This survey course introduces students to the history, critical theory and literature of the major eras of western theatre from 500 BC to the 19th century. The student also studies the theatre architecture and theatrical conventions of each era in order to understand how theatre arts reflect society and culture. Satisfies general studies literature requirement.
THR 289
Great Ages of Theatre II
The goal of this course is to track the development of the modern approach to theatrical production. In doing so, the student will trace the evolution of the modern designer and director. Beginning with the Romantic period, the course traces the path of dramatic literature and production through the 1960s. Satisfies general studies literature requirement.
THR 350
Directing Studio
This course examines the theoretical and practical aspects of directing for the stage. Topics include: the structural analysis of dramatic texts; the actor/director relationship; rehearsal techniques; articulation of a director's vision for a play; the director/designer relationship; visual and spatial dynamics; and the art of problem-solving. Participants direct scenes or short plays and are encouraged to create original works.
Prerequisite: THR 150
ENG 354
Shakespeare
This course examines the major Shakespearean plays. Primary emphasis is on a close reading of the plays, but the Elizabethan background and modern Shakespearean criticism are also studied.
THR 382
Internship
A practical, professional work experience at an off-campus site, under the supervision of a mentor at the worksite and a faculty member on campus.
Prerequisite: permission of the faculty
THR 388
Postmodern American Drama
This course explores the themes, theories and theatrical techniques of the contemporary American stage. Students study the works of several major American playwrights, their use of traditional and nontraditional methods of stage production and their exploration of the undercurrents inherent to contemporary American life. Also satisfies English concentration requirements.
THR 389
Postmodern British and European Drama
This course explores the themes, theories and theatrical techniques of the contemporary British and European stages. Students study the works of several major British/European playwrights, their use of traditional and nontraditional methods of stage production and their exploration of the diminishing role of nationalism inherent to the ever-changing face of contemporary Europe. Also satisfies English concentration requirements.
THR 491
Senior Seminar in Theatre
A capstone course in which students address the issues and professional opportunities of the contemporary theatre. Specific topics will vary from year to year, depending on the interests of senior students and faculty. Students will develop and present senior projects that synthesize their undergraduate experiences.
Prerequisite: Senior standing
