Theater (THR)

A study of the basic theories and elements of theater arts, including the dramatic construction of scripts, performance techniques, and the administration of theater management are the focus in this course. Students learn through examination of theater concepts what makes theater work from page to the stage to the audience.

This course is a basic study of film as a dramatic art form. The emphasis is on the history, development, and critique of films. In this course, students view films and/or film clips for discussion and analysis of the film's content, structure, and historical/cultural aspects.

In this course, students study the creative arts with emphasis on the playwright, director, actor and designer and their collective contributions to contemporary American theater are studied in this course. Students attend plays at professional theaters. Students must attend a minimum of six live performances during the semester.

A practical approach to the art of acting, with special emphasis on the development of the actor's instrument, including voice, body, the senses, creativity, and interpretation. The experiential course combines individual and group exercises and assignments.

This course is a practical introduction to acting on camera and understanding basic concepts, work procedure, and basic acting technique are emphasized. The course is helpful for actors, directors, and curious students about technique and process in mediated performance. 

The focus of this course is on the theories and exercises on the fundamentals of voice and diction for theatre. Emphasis is placed on relaxation and preparation, proper breathing techniques, correct vowel formation, knowledge of different resonators, power of projection, word association, and linking one's voice to character development.

This course builds an understanding of the technique and application of improvisational practice. Students will learn through physical and vocal exercises, theater games, and improvised scene work with the goals of promoting concentration and creativity to free the actor's imagination. Students develop an ability to  interact and react, work moment-to -moment to create characters and scenes, and gain a heightened awareness of improvised work, as well as in scripted theater performances. 

This course is an exploration of the basic techniques, styles, concepts and composition of theatrical dance and movement. Emphasis is placed on movement expression of emotion, intentions, gestures, and physical characterization. Music and theatrical texts used provide the foundation for course activities.

This course is an introduction to  the basic principles and technique sof modern dance and its relationship to human culture. Class work will introduce students to  technical concepts involved in training the body to be an articulate expressive instrument. The course examines the basic elements of dance including stretch, strength, coordination, building confidence, body awareness, cardiovascular, and dance vocabulary, explores basic elements of composition and improvisation, and facilitates creative group presentations as a path to  understanding dance as a form of historical cultural expression.

A survey of the various components of stagecraft and production techniques is the focus of this course. Students explore the underpinnings of theatrical productions and practice skills required in set, lighting, costumes, makeup, and sound design. Lectures are combined with studio activities.

This course comprehensively examines sound design and technology for stage; emphasizing sound reinforcement, stage equipment, sound technology, sound space design, and techniques for collaboration.

In this course, students explore theater and studio lighting with an emphasis on the elements of electricity, optics, stage lighting design, color in light, stage lighting instruments, design technology, and intensity controls. Students gain practical hands-on experience in designing, installing, and realizing lighting design concepts.

In this course, students investigate costume techniques based on historical, contemporary, and fantastical designs and apply the principles of costume design and construction to productions for the theater.

This course explores the principles of contemporary scenic design for the theatre. Students examine the principles, practices, technology, and current techniques of scenic design for the stage.

In this course, theater students produce a play. Areas such as acting, the design and development of sets, props, costuming, make-up, lighting, sound, and theater administration and management are examined and practiced. Students explore play production through rehearsals and producing and prepare a play for performance. 

A study of the evolution of theatre as an art form from the Classical Greek theater through the Roman theater, Medieval theater, Renaissance and Elizabethan theater, to other later-17th century European theater. The study will include notable works of each era.

A study of the evolution of theatre as an art form from the Neo-classic and other 18th-century theater, though the 19th-century theater and the birth of realism, early-realism through the mid-20th century global theater, and contemporary global theater from the mid-20th century to present-day. The study will include notable works of each era.

A continuation of THR 1110 intensifying the development of the fundamental tools of the actor. Students will gain knowledge of advanced techniques of script analysis and character development.

This course is a combination of theory and practice. In this course, students examine the history of musical theater and apply the concepts and terminology of musical theater performance. Musical Theater Training I is a performance-oriented course. Students participate in musical theater projects that incorporate singing, acting, and movement.

This is an advanced musical theater course and an extension of Musical Theater Training I. In this course, students further examine the history of musical theater, musical theater styles and advanced musical theater methodologies. Musical Theater Training II is a performance-oriented course. Students participate in musical theater projects that incorporate singing, acting, and movement.

This course is a study of the basic methods and techniques of directing plays with special emphasis on script analysis, creative concept development, and methods of rehearsing and working with actors. Students are required to direct short play scenes.

In this course, students develop the skills and operations essential for a stage manager and the theater production process. Organization, leadership, and communication skills in the context of mounting a theater production are emphasized.

In this course, students develop the skills and operations essential for a  stage manager and the theater production process. Organization, leadership, and communication skills in the context of mounting a theater production are emphasized.

This course introduces the craft of playwriting, including basic techniques of dialogue, character development, conflict, and structure. Students will apply an understanding of different theatrical genres to their writing, learn to consider elements such as lighting, sound, movement, blocking, props, set design, etc., in creating a play, and utilize different revision strategies for their work. 

Script Writing is a workshop course in which students explore the craft of writing scripts. Instruction in the techniques of writing for both stage and screen with a focus on structuring plot and action, writing dialogue, and developing strong characters are emphasized course along with critical assessment and rewriting. Students gain an understanding of the art and craft involved in writing for theatre and film and apply a variety of artistic and technical elements  germane to  each genre.

This course is a continuation of THR 1195. Theater Practicum II further develops a  student's skills, knowledge, understanding, and techniques of theater arts in the areas of management, technical, and performance.