Theatre Course Descriptions

TH 100/200/300/400 THEATRE PRACTICUM (1)
This course is a practical, experiential class and is designed to give students practical experience as a member of a theatrical production team. Students are assigned a position on one or more of the following crews: set construction, props, costume, sound, lights, set design, acting, directing, or management. A time commitment of a minimum of three hours per week (or a total of 45 hours per semester) is required. It may be repeated twice each academic year for a total of 8 hours elective credit. Six of those hours can be applied to a minor in theatre. Students in acting or directing classes make a time commitment of 3 hours per night for a six-week period, with additional time required for line and blocking rehearsals and memorization.(Fall, Spring)

TH 101 BASIC THEATRE TECHNIQUE (3)
An introduction to the principles, theories, and skills of design; emphasis on script analysis, formation of concepts, and use of design elements and principles within a collaborative process in the areas of management, scene design, set construction, sound, makeup, and costuming. The student will learn theoretical and practical knowledge of the various technical aspects of a working theatrical production. Practical laboratory work is required on the play in production. This is a general overview course that covers the visual design and production elements of theatrical production. (Fall and Spring with instructor approval)

TH 104 INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE (3)
This course is designed to introduce the undergraduate student to the practice of the artists in the theatre; to heighten awareness of the theatre as a long established fine art form; to aid the student in developing an awareness of the aesthetic and intellectual values to be obtained through the study of the art of theatre (literature, form, style, artists); to encourage students to be both more eager and discriminating theatre goers; and to experience the art form in both a passive and active way. Attendance at two live performances is required. (Fall)

TH 201 INTRODUCTION TO ACTING (3)
The class will be an introduction to the fundamental concepts of the art of acting. It will explore the physical, emotional, and analytical process of creating character. Character objectives, motivations, and actions will be studied through script and practical interpretation. Preparation of scenes for class presentation is required. (With instructor approval)

TH 209 WORLD THEATRE HISTORY (3)
This course surveys the history of European theatre from its origins to the 20th century, and that includes a unit on the classic theatre of Japan. The class will examine theatre as an institution that both reflects historical moments and participates in the forming of social values and ideas. The exploration of theatrical history will help reveal the origins of our influences and tastes in dramatic art and popular entertainment. We will explore plays within the theatrical practices of their times and as cultural artifacts with histories of their own. (Spring, odd years)

TH 301/E 301 ANALYSIS OF MODERN DRAMA/THEATRE HISTORY (3)
The cross-listed course is designed to generate a heightened sensitivity to the arts and will explore theatre's significance and influence on society through the study of the history and development of theatre and drama during modern times. The course will begin with the emergence of 19th century realism through a study of major dramatists such as Ibsen and Chekov and continue through the 21st century with Wilson et. al. (Spring, even years)

TH 401 DIRECTING THEATER (3)
Stage directing is designed to introduce a student to the process of selection, research, conception, casting, rehearsal, and staging of a play. This is a lecture-laboratory course designed to give the student theoretical knowledge and practical experience in theatre production and play directing. (With instructor approval)