Department of Theatre Arts

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 technical and artistic skills and engage in critical thinking that reflects the historical foundations of the discipline as well as more current advances in theatrical training. Through traditional classroom instruction and production experience, students will enhance their skills of observation, analysis, development, performance, and artistry in order to better prepare themselves 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) preparing for graduate work leading to a master of arts or a master of fine arts degree in theatre, or (c) preparing for a career in professional and/or non-commercial fields of theatre.

Students in the theatre arts program who wish to pursue a bachelor of arts degree may major in theatre, theatre (NYC), theatre performance or theatre technology. Students may also pursue a bachelor of fine arts degree in performing arts.

Theatre Arts

Students in the general theatre major will complete 26 hours in theatre, consisting of TH 121, 212, 311, 312, 336, 341, and 421; one course from TH 221, 222 or 223; TH 391/392 (at least three credits). An additional 12 elective hours must be completed from theatre courses (excluding TH 391 and 392) to total 38 hours in the major.

Students in the theatre (NYC) major have the opportunity to spend a semester in New York City at The King's College. Students will complete 26 hours in theatre, consisting of TH 121, 212, 311, 312, 336, 341, and 421; one course from TH 221, 222 or 223; TH 391/392 (at least three credits). An additional 12 elective hours must be completed from theatre courses (excluding TH 391 and 392) to total 38 hours in the major. Students may substitute up to 12 approved credit hours from The King's College in place of required courses in the major.

Students in the theatre performance major will complete 51 hours, including TH 121, 212, 224, 241, 311, 312, 316, 336, 341, 361, 365, 421, 431, 441, 451, and 485; one course from TH 221, 222 or 223; TH 391/392 (at least three credits).

Students in the theatre technology major will complete 48-49 hours, including TH 121, 212, 311, 312, 336, 341, 350, 421, 451, and 485; one course from AR 141 or 142; two courses from TH 221, 222, or 223; one course from DM 160, DM 231, MU 265, TH 224, or TH 231; two courses from TH 320CO, 320LI, 320SC, or 320SO; and TH 391/392 (at least three credits with two being TH 391).

Performing Arts

Students in the performing arts major will complete 65-66 hours, including TH 121, 212, 224, 241, 271,316, 336, 361, 373, 421, 441, 451, and 485; DM 231 and 434; one course from DM 250, TH 221, TH 222, or TH 223; one course from DM 338, TH 311, TH 312, MU 341, or MU 342; four hours from TH 392, TH P30, MU 395, DM 395FDN, DM 395RADIO, or DM 395FILM; and 12 hours from DM 155, DM 160, DM 330, DM 361, MU 110, MU 111, MU 112, MU 113, MU 320, MU 338, MU 344, MU A10 (up to three times), TH 101, TH 331MT, TH 341, TH 365, or TH 431.

Minors

A minor in theatre arts requires 22 hours in theatre, including TH 121 and 212; one course from TH 221, 222, or 223; TH 311 or 312; TH 391/392 (at least three credits); and eight additional hours to total 22 in theatre.

A minor in production technology requires the completion of 22-24 hours, including TH 121; two courses from 221, 222, 223; one course from MU 265 or DM 160; three credit hours from DM 395FDN, DM 395FILM, DM 395RADIO, or TH 391/392; and nine credit hours from DM 120, DM 155, DM 251, DM 281, TH 224, TH 231, TH 320CO, TH 320LI, TH 320SC, TH 320SO, TH 350, or TH 421.

Courses in Theatre Arts

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TH 101 Fundamentals of Tap
(1 credit - Spring Odd Years)

This dance intensive course will introduce students to the fundamentals of tap dancing. Students will master basic tap techniques and learn a few short routines. Tap shoes (not provided) are required for this course and should be acquired prior to the first day of class.

TH 115 Introduction to Theatre
(2 credits - Fall, Spring)

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.

TH 121 Careers in Performing Arts
(2 credits - Fall)

An overview of the potential careers in the performing arts, including actor, director, dramaturge, stage manager, arts administrator, and producer. This course will also provide students with practical information about life skills pertinent to self-employed artists, such as budgeting, taxes, and insurance.

TH 153 Creative Dramatics
(2 credits - Spring)

This course explores human creative expression through role play, scene study, improvisation and acting exercises. The course introduces basic terminology and physical activities that lead to a foundational understanding of theatre arts and performance skills. The course is intended for students who might suffer from stage fright or want to increase confidence in public speaking/performing. The course will also serve both the theatre major and non-major who have an interest in developing skills in basic acting/performing.
This is a concurrent course offered at local area high schools. May be counted as an elective in the theatre majors or as a creative studio arts course in the core curriculum.

TH 212 Principles of Acting I
(3 credits - Fall)

This course provides an introduction to the art and craft of acting. Students will explore basic acting techniques, theories and principles through specific exercises, monologue and scene study work.

TH 221 Stage Construction
(3 credits - Fall Even Years)

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

TH 222 Stage Lighting
(3 credits - Fall Odd Years)

An introduction to the theory, techniques, materials, equipment and procedures employed in lighting for the theatre. Studio experience in hand drafting, wiring, rigging and focusing. Emphasis on developing creative solutions to production challenges.
Includes laboratory experience.

TH 223 Costume Construction
(3 credits - Spring Even Years)

An introduction to the techniques, materials, equipment and procedures employed in costuming for the theatre. Studio experience in pattern drafting, draping, cutting and sewing. Emphasis on developing creative solutions to production challenges.
Includes laboratory experience.

TH 224 Theatrical and Special Effects Makeup
(3 credits - Fall)

An introduction to the theory, techniques, materials, equipment and procedures employed in make-up for theatre and film. Emphasis is placed on design, character development, application techniques and basic skin care.

TH 231 Scene Painting
(2 credits - Offered on Sufficient Demand)

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

TH 241 Introduction to Vocal Technique
(3 credits - Fall Even Years)

An introduction to technique and theory as it pertains to the development and exploration of the speaking voice for clear and effective communication. Focus is on physical awareness, tension/release, breath, vibration, and resonance. Special attention will be given to the anatomy of the vocal tract and an introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet.

TH 271 Television Performance
(3 credits - Spring Even Years)

Students will learn basic principles of on-camera presentation and creating an authentic character/personality. Emphasis is on commercial/industrial work, news presentation, and self-taping.
Identical with DM 271.

TH 311 History and Literature of Theatre I
(3 credits - Fall Odd Years)

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

TH 312 History and Literature of Theatre II
(3 credits - Spring Even Years)

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.

TH 316 Principles of Acting II
(3 credits - Spring Even Years)

A continuation of the techniques and skills covered in Principles of Acting I. Emphasis will be placed on character transformation, in depth scene study, and a more detailed exploration of various acting techniques.
Prerequisite: TH 212

TH 320 Design Studio Classes
(3 credits - Spring)

An intermediate course in design for non-realized productions. Emphasis is placed on the collaborative design process experienced in professional theater. Consideration of theatre styles and the development of creative methods to solve design challenges.
Repeated twice. Students choose two of the four offerings from TH 320CO, 320LI, 320SC and 320SO.

TH 320CO Costume Design
(3 credits - Spring)

Further development of design theory, techniques, materials and processes employed in costume design. Exploration of the principles and elements of costume design through studio experience in creating script breakdown and analysis, research methods, sketching, rendering, costume plots and fabric specifications.
Prerequisite: TH 223

TH 320LI Lighting Design
(3 credits - Spring)

Further development of design theory, techniques, materials and processes employed in lighting design. Exploration of the principles and elements of lighting design through studio experience in creating script breakdown and analysis, research methods, drafting, sketching, rendering, color keys and equipment specifications.
Prerequisite: TH 222

TH 320SC Scenic Design
(3 credits - Spring)

Further development of design theory, techniques, materials and processes employed in scene design. Exploration of the principles and elements of scene design through studio experience in creating script breakdown and analysis, research methods, drafting, sketching, rendering and model making.
Prerequisite: TH 221

TH 320SO Sound Design
(3 credits - Spring)

Further development of design theory, techniques, materials and processes employed in sound design. Exploration of the principles and elements of sound design through studio experience in creating script breakdown and analysis, research methods, drafting, spatial acoustics and equipment specifications.
Prerequisite: One course from TH 221, 222, or 223

TH 331 Selected Topics in Theatre
(3 credits )

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

TH 331MT Musical Theatre Dance
(3 credits - Offered on Sufficient Demand)

An introductory class into the various styles of dance within musical theatre. Basic ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance techniques will be explored as well as distinct styles of contemporary choreographers who have heavily influenced American musical theatre. Emphasis is on body awareness, physical coordination and a heightened sense of performance through dance.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing

TH 336 Christianity and the Performing Arts
(3 credits - Spring Odd Years)

Students will examine a selection of plays, music, films, and other selections from modern performing arts that are topical and relevant. Through analysis and critique, students will study these works from both secular and Christian worldviews, discussing the religious themes presented in the works as well as the intersection of Christianity and the performing arts.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing

TH 341 Theatre Directing and Script Analysis
(3 credits - Fall Odd Years)

A study of the procedures, practices, and problems of directing theatrical productions. Emphasis is given to script analysis and modern directing methods. Each student will experience the process of preparing to direct a full-length production and will gain practical experience directing scenes.
Prerequisites: TH 121 and 212

TH 350 Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
(3 credits - Spring Even Years)

An intermediate course in drafting for the stage (scenery, lighting and sound plots). Focus is on the development and creation of industry standard drafting documents for the purpose of communicating design ideas to technical and creative collaborators.
Prerequisite: TH 221 or 222

TH 361 Accents and Dialects
(3 credits - Spring Odd Years)

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. Dialects are also explored in class through monologue and scene work.
Prerequisite: TH 241

TH 365 Techniques of Musical Theatre
(2 credits - Spring Even Years)

This course is an introduction to the skills essential for today's musical theatre performer. Topics such as song preparation, dance/movement, ensemble and duet work, musicality and acting the lyric will be covered. The semester will conclude with a public performance of music and scenes.
Identical with MU 365.
Prerequisites: Music or theatre major and sophomore standing

TH 373 Acting for Film
(3 credits - Spring Odd Years)

Students will learn and apply character and text analysis skills to create in-depth characters and perform them in narrative scenes. Special emphasis is given to multi-person and multi-camera scene work.
Identical with DM 373.

TH 391 Play Production: Technical
(1 credit - Fall, Spring)

Practical experience in technical theatre wherein students assist in the production of a play/musical with possible emphasis on scene design, scene building, scene painting, makeup, costuming, lighting, props, sound, stage management, house management or backstage crew duties.
May be repeated for credit up to three times.
Prerequisite: Consent

TH 392 Play Production: Acting
(1 credit - Fall, Spring)

Practical experience in acting and performance is provided in scheduled productions.
Student must audition and be cast in a production prior to adding the course. May be repeated for credit up to three times.
Prerequisite: Consent

TH 395 Practicum in Theatre
(1 to 3 credits - Fall, Spring)

Practicum in some aspect of theatre designed to give student practical, directed experience.
Prerequisite: Consent

TH 421 Arts Management
(3 credits - Spring Even Years)

An introduction to the business of non-profit art organizations as well as the functions of theatrical management from pre-production organization through rehearsal and performance. Topics of producing, casting, directing, managerial responsibilities, production schedules, budgeting, supervision of facilities and personnel, and effective communication are covered. Emphasis is on development of creative solutions to production challenges as the class culminates in the student-produced One-Act Festival.
Prerequisites: TH 121 and 212; TH 341 if student wishes to direct for the One-Act Festival

TH 431 Shakespeare in the Modern World
(3 credits - Spring Odd Years)

More than any other author who wrote in English, William Shakespeare has shaped our world in complicated ways. How has Romeo and Juliet shaped our ideas of romantic love? How has Hamlet influenced our ideas of our inner lives? Has Othello influenced the development of racism, or has it helped us to address the problems of racism? William Shakespeare's plays have an ongoing presence in our lives. This course will examine as many as eleven Shakespeare plays with attention give to their presence today, on stage and transformed in our culture. (Attending a play, performed professionally if possible, is a requirement for this course.)
Identical with EN 431.
Prerequisite: EN 151

TH 441 Historical Acting Styles
(3 credits - Fall Even Years)

An advanced study of principles and theories of acting as it relates to historical period styles. Special emphasis is given to Elizabethan drama and the rhythm and phrasing necessary for Shakespearean performance. Through scene, monologue, and exercise work, students learn how to meet the demands of heightened characterization and style.
Prerequisites: TH 212, 241, 316, 361

TH 451 Improvisation and Devised Theatre
(3 credits - Fall)

Devised performance is a practice of collaborative creation developed via alternative rehearsal and production processes and frequently utilizing improvisational skills. Devised work is a new piece created in response to an idea, event, or other external stimulus and often involves a plurality of viewpoints. This course focuses on developing an artist's toolkit for devising and improvisation, pulling from a variety of traditions. Students will work closely with each other to create a variety of performance pieces throughout the semester.
Prerequisite: TH 212 or 373

TH 485 Senior Showcase
(2 credits - Fall, Spring)

A seminar course covering advanced topics such as resumes, portfolios, and job searching for the performing artist. In addition, students will complete a formal showcase of their work to be performed and/or displayed to the public.
Prerequisite: Senior standing

TH 490 Independent Study
(1 to 4 credits - Fall, Spring)

The study of a challenge, 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

TH 495 Internship in Theatre
(2 to 4 credits - Fall, Spring)

A field experience in theatre which provides an opportunity for the student to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. Student maintains close cooperation with the supervisory personnel in the field.
Prerequisite: Consent

THP 30 Opera/Musical Theatre Workshop
(0 to 1 credits - Spring)

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