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Theater (THE)

Arts and Media


Arts & Communication Department


THE 101—Introduction to Theatre


3 cr.

(Fall/Spring)


This course explores the process of theatrical creation. Lecture-demonstrations introduce the student to contemporary and historical modes of production. Class projects focus on the collaborative work of the director, actor, designers and support staff. Attendance at theatre events is required. (GE 8)

THE 103—Acting 1: Fundamentals


3 cr.

(Fall/Spring)


Study and practice in principles and techniques of acting; developing the actor's instrument. Exercises, improvisation, scene study, monologues, and audition methods are among the areas studied. (GE 8)

THE 104—Acting 2: Text and Scene


3 cr.

(Spring)


Skills acquired in Acting 1 are further developed and applied to scene work. Students will be introduced to the American method (Meisner, Hagen) and apply it to the analysis of the text in the development of scenes performed in class. The goal of the course is to teach actors to make effective choices that are firmly grounded in text. Audition techniques will also be covered. This course requires memorization of scenes and monologues and rehearsals within and outside of class. Students will perform in every class and might appear in a performance showcase at the end of the semester.

Prerequisite:

THE 103 or permission of instructor

THE 105—Improvisation for the Theatre


3 cr.

(Fall/Spring)


This course is an examination of the theory and practice of improvisation as a performing art. Students will learn improvisational theatre games and exercises intended to develop the principles of improvisation, particularly in the tradition of Keith Johnstone. The course is intended to develop skills that supplement the techniques of scripted performance. (GE 8)

THE 107—Theatre Workshop


3 cr.

(Fall/Spring)


A workshop in stage play production. The emphasis is on the "hands on" application of stage craft techniques including stage lighting, stage carpentry, costuming, publicity and house management. Students crew for the department-sponsored play production by putting in 15 hours in addition to regularly scheduled class time. Attendance at three outside play performances is required. (GE 8)

Note:

Students may repeat the course one time, with the recommendation of the instructor, for a total of six credits

THE 109—Stage Make-Up


2 lect., 2 lab, 3 cr.

(Fall/Spring)


Beginning course in principles, techniques, and materials of theatre make-up. Students must purchase a basic stage make-up kit. Play production hours outside of class will be required. (GE 8)

THE 117—Puppetry/Object Performance Theatre


2 lect., 2 lab, 3 cr.

(Spring)


An introductory performance lab for puppetry and object theatre. The course covers world puppet history, object performance and ritual (mask, puppet, shadow, object), and exposes students to mature theatre works that incorporate puppet and object theatre as a powerful visual vocabulary in live performance art. Traditional puppetry disciplines will be explained and explored, and students will work on all facets of puppet theatre creation (writing, design, construction, scoring, manipulation, direction), culminating in a public performance showcasing their work in group projects and individual performances. Videos of performances by master puppeteers and contemporary object theatre artists will be shown to inform and inspire students. Course may be repeated once for a total of six credits. (GE 8)