Department of Theatre Arts

Michael Burnett, David Shamburger

The Department of Theatre Arts seeks to develop effective and creative communicators in order to challenge others to thoughtful examination of ideas, cultures and values. Students majoring in theatre arts will develop skills and thinking that reflect the historical foundations of the discipline as well as recent advances. Through both traditional, classroom instruction and performance and production experience, students will enhance their skills of observation, analysis, development
and performance in order to better prepare them for their careers and lives. A major in theatre serves the purpose of (a) providing more intensive study in the discipline within the student’s liberal arts education, (b) preparation for advanced training leading to a career in the professional theatre, (c) preparation for graduate work leading to a master of arts or a master of fine arts degree in theatre or (d) preparation for work in a non-commercial field of theatre such as community theatre.

Students in the theatre arts program who wish to pursue a bachelor of arts degree may major in theatre, theatre performance or theatre design and technology. A bachelor of science degree with a major in theatre education is offered for students wishing to obtain licensing in theatre in middle and high schools (grades 5-12).

Students in the theatre major will complete 24 hours in theatre, consisting of TH 212, 224, 311, 312, 331RT, 341, and 393; one course from TH 221, 222 or 223; TH 391/392 (at least two semesters). An additional 12 elective hours must be completed from theatre courses (excluding TH 391, 392 and 393) to total 36 hours in the major.

Students in the theatre performance major will complete 48 hours, including TH 212, 224, 241, 311, 312, 331RT, 341, 345, 361, 365, 393, 431, 441, 442, 446 and 485; one course from TH 221, 222 or 223; TH 391/392 (at least two semesters).

Students in the theatre design and technology major will complete 48 hours, including TH 212, 224, 225, 231, 311, 312, 331RT, 341, 345, 393, and 485; AR 141 or 142; two courses from TH 221, 222 or 223; two courses from TH 321, 322 or 323; TH 391/392 (at least two semesters); and one course from TH 396, 397, 398, or 399.

Students who wish to pursue a bachelor of science degree in the theatre education major will complete 48 hours in theatre, including TH 212, 224, 225, 231, 241, 253, 311, 312, 331RT, 341, 361, 391/392 (at least three semesters), 393, 431 and 446; two courses from TH 221, 222 or 223; and one course from TH 321, 322, 323 or 345. An additional 36 hours in education must be completed, including PY 111; ED 212, 236, 296, 311, 320, 395, 410THE, 440 and 460; and SE 234 to total 81 hours in the major.

A minor in theatre arts requires 22 hours in theatre, including TH 212, 221 or 222, 391/392 (at least three semesters), 393, 311 or 312, and additional hours to total
22 in theatre.

Any student majoring in theatre arts may elect to add a concentration in film studies by completing 16 hours in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities Film Studies Program in Hollywood.

Courses in Theatre Arts

TH 115 Introduction to Theatre                     (2)

This course in theatre appreciation provides an introduction to the audience experience in theatre, including an emphasis on the history and traditions of theatre and the role of the theatre in our contemporary social context. Consideration is given to the important contributions of actor, designer, director and playwright. Attendance at theatrical productions required.

Fall, Spring

TH 212 Beginning Acting                              (3)

An introduction to the art of acting and to a variety of staging techniques. Topics will include improvisation, scene study and acting styles.

Fall

TH 221 Stage Construction                           (3)

An introduction to the techniques, materials, equipment and procedures employed in scenic construction and rigging. Studio experience in drafting, construction, painting, rigging and shifting scenery and properties. Emphasis on developing technical solutions to production problems. Includes laboratory experience.

Fall Even Years

TH 222 Stage Lighting/CAD                          (3)

An introduction to the theory, techniques, equipment and procedures employed in lighting production. Studio experience in creating and executing drafted plots through Computer Assisted Drafting (CAD) and specifications for lighting designs. Emphasis on developing technical solutions to production problems. Includes laboratory experience.

Fall Odd Years

TH 223 Costume Construction                      (3)

An introduction to the techniques, materials and processes employed in costuming for the theatre. Exploration of the principles and elements of costume construction through studio experience in pattern drafting, draping, cutting and sewing. Includes laboratory experience.

Fall Even Years

TH 224 Make-up for the Stage                        (3)

An introduction to the basic principles of theatrical make-up. Emphasis is placed on design, character development, application techniques and basic care.

Spring

TH 225 Fundamentals of Design                   (2)

An introduction to the development of design processes for all areas of theatre. Students will explore methodologies and use practical skills needed to create elements of design.

Fall

TH 231 Scene Painting                                 (2)

Studio exploration of drawing and painting for the theatre. Introduction to theory and use of color, highlight and shadow and scale. Emphasis on visual analysis and development of painting techniques to produce basic textures for scenery. Prerequisites: TH 221 and 225, or consent

Spring Odd Years

TH 241 Voice and Movement                        (3)

An introduction to technique and theory as it pertains to the development and exploration of the stage-speaking voice for clear and effective communication. Focus is on release, awareness, alignment, tension/release, breath, vibration, the vocal channel and resonance. Special attention will be given to developing vocal sensitivity and power needed to meet the special demands of the actor.

Fall

TH 253 Creative Dramatics                            (2)

A study of techniques of improvisational dramatics, including, physical, social and psychological exercises. Special attention will be given to ways of expressing ideas and emotions and to the use of original dramatizations as teaching tools. Particularly useful for education and recreation majors. Identical with ED/RC 253.

Spring Even Years

TH 311 History and Literature of Theatre I     (3)

A history of theatre from Greek theatre through the eighteenth century. Representative plays and playwrights of the various eras and cultures will be studied.

Fall Odd Years

TH 312 History and Literature of Theatre II    (3)

A history of theatre from the early nineteenth century through the contemporary period. Representative plays and playwrights of the various eras and cultures will be studied.

Spring Even Years

TH 321 Scene Design                                   (3)

An introduction to the design theory, techniques, materials and processes employed in scene design. Exploration of the principles and elements of scene design through studio experience in drafting, sketching, rendering and modelmaking. Consideration of theatre styles and the development of creative methods and technical solutions to design problems. Prerequisites: TH 221 and TH 225

Fall Odd Years

TH 322 Lighting Design                                (3)

An introduction to the design theory, techniques, materials and processes employed in lighting design. Studio experience in creating storyboards, color keys, light plots and specifications. Consideration of theatre styles and the development of creative methods and technical solutions to lighting design problems. Prerequisites: TH 222 and TH 225

Fall Even Years

TH 323 Costume Design                               (3)

An introduction to the design, theory, techniques, materials and processes employed in costume design, including studio experience in creating renderings, costume plots, research and specifications. Theatre styles, creative methods and technical solutions to costume design problems will be studied. Prerequisites: TH 223 and TH 225

Spring Odd Years

TH 331 Selected Topics in Theatre               (3)

Selected topics or studies in theatre will be offered as needed and based on student interest on the following topics. May be repeated for credit in different topics.

TH 331 DL Dramatic Literature

Students study plays from each of the great periods of drama with emphasis upon analysis, criticism and the development of dramatic theory and form.

Fall Odd Years

TH 331MI Mime

Offered on Sufficient Demand

TH 331PL Playwriting

Offered on Sufficient Demand

TH 331RT Religion and Theatre

Students will study religious themes in drama and the use of theatre as a medium for exploration of religious ideas.

Spring Odd Years

TH 341 Directing I                                         (3)

A study of the procedures, practices and problems of directing dramatic productions. Emphasis is given to script analysis and theory. Each student will experience process of preparing to direct a full-length production and will gain practical experience directing in-class scenes. Prerequisites:  TH 212 or 225, or consent

Fall Odd Years

TH 345 Stage Management                           (3)

An introduction to the functions of theatrical stage management from pre-production organization through rehearsal procedures and the production in performance. Consideration of managerial responsibilities, production schedules, budgeting, supervision of facilities and personnel and communications. Emphasis on development of technical solutions to production problems. Prerequisites: TH 212 or 225

Spring Even Years

TH 361 Voice and Diction                             (2)

An introduction to the study of the vocal mechanism as it relates to dramatic text. Topics include the International Phonetic Alphabet, phrasing, stress, rhythm, intensity and attention to individual speech problems pertaining to the development and exploration of the stage-speaking voice for clear and effective communication. Prerequisite:  TH 241

Spring Even Years

TH 365 Techniques of Musical Theatre                   (2)

Survey of the history and repertoire of musical theatre and a study of the knowledge and skills required of the singer, actor, director and producer of staged musical works. Identical with MU 365. Prerequisite:  Music or theatre major or consent

Spring Odd Years

TH 391 Play Production: Technical               (1)

Practical experience in technical theatre wherein students assist in the production of a play with possible emphasis on scene design, scene building, scene painting, makeup, costuming, lighting, props, sound, stage managing, house managing and play promotion. May be repeated for credit up to four times.

Fall, Spring

TH 392 Play Production: Acting                    (1)

Practical experience in acting and play analysis is provided in scheduled productions. May be repeated for credit up to four times.

Fall, Spring

TH 393 Theatre Ensemble                             (1)

Practical experience in theatre company management. Students manage a theatre ensemble, which provides educational resources to the University and community. Prerequisite:  Junior standing and consent

Fall, Spring

TH 396 Advanced Design Practicum-Scenic Design           (3)

TH 397 Advanced Design Practicum-Lighting                     (3)

TH 398 Advanced Design Practicum-Costuming                 (3)

TH 399 Advanced Design Practicum-Effects/Sound            (3)

An advanced course in design theory, techniques, materials and processes. Explorations of the principles and elements of design through studio experience in drafting, rendering, sketching and storyboarding with a practical, realized component. Consideration of theatre styles and the development of creative methods and technical solutions to design problems. Prerequisite:  TH 321, TH 322, or TH 323

Fall, Spring

TH 431 Shakespeare                                     (3)

A study of the major plays of Shakespeare and a number of minor plays. Additional reading of Shakespeare criticism. Attendance at a staged Shakespeare performance is required. Identical with EN 431. Prerequisite: EN 151 or 311 or 321

Spring

TH 441 Advanced Acting Styles                    (3)

An advanced study of principles and theories of acting as it relates to Period Styles. Laboratory experiences in character and role analysis, movement and voice exercises and in acting, including improvisation. Prerequisites: TH 212 and 241, or consent

Fall Even Years

TH 442 Elizabethan Acting                           (3)

Study of staging and performance aspects of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. The focus is on the development of a process with which to approach Elizabethan drama, emphasizing rhythm and phrasing necessary for performance. Through scene, monologue and exercise work, the actor learns the demands of heightened characterization and style. Prerequisites: TH 441 and 431 or concurrent

Spring Odd Years

TH 446 Directing II                                        (3)

Advanced study of the procedures, practices and problems of directing dramatic productions. Experience is provided in script analysis and blocking. Each student will select, cast, stage and direct a one-act play. Prerequisite:  TH 341 or consent

Spring

TH 485 Senior Project                                  (2)

A seminar course covering advanced topics such as resumes, port-folios, auditioning and interviewing techniques, as well as Christian theatre worldviews. In addition, students will complete a research project with a public presentation. Students in the performance track will produce a formal evening of scenes and monologues or direct a full length play. Students in the design and technology track will complete a portfolio exhibit or an assigned realized design. Theatre students in the BA program will select one of the above options or write a thesis on a topic of sufficient scope.

Fall, Spring

TH 490 Independent Study                         (1-4)

The study of a problem, a research paper or a project related to the theatre major on a subject of mutual interest to the student and the professor. Prerequisite: Consent

Fall, Spring

TH P30 Opera/Musical Theatre Workshop        (0,1)

An acting, singing and stage movement workshop, culminating in scenes for performance from musical theatre, operetta and opera. Must be able to read music.  Prerequisite:  C- or better in MU A06 Class Voice I or one semester of applied voice or consent

Fall, Spring

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