400

Students will investigate the deep structures of dramatic literature through the lens of their chosen emphases (e.g., directing, acting, design, history, theology, scholarship) in order to realize these texts’ potential for live performance. For purposes of this course, participants will become dramaturgs, the most recent creative addition to the American theater.

An in-depth examination of theatre’s artistic, literary and technological advances during the Renaissance period in Western Europe, with an emphasis on the works of Elizabethan and Jacobean playwrights.

This course provides student with an in depth study of the dramatic literature of Western Civilization's early works.  Looking at the antecedents in Egypt and tribal Greece before moving into the masterpieces of Greece's golden age that have influenced two millennia of theatre, the works of the Hellenistic age and the drama of the Roman empire.

This course covers an in depth study of American Dramatic Literature from its foundations in Colonial America up through Modern American plays. Students will look at the works of O’Neill, Williams, Odets, Miller, Shepard and Mamet as well as the influence and impact of African American and Native American performance on American drama.

An advanced course designed to help the student integrate skills learned in previous acting classes, including vocal and physical work, and to develop new skills. The course uses material from Shakespeare as the acting texts for the course and addresses work on classical texts, acting style, and period context for his plays.

This course prepares the student for the rigors of graduate school auditions.  The course focuses on building the audition portfolio from selection of contrasting pieces to obtaining professional head shots and developing an effective resume.  It will also prepare students for the entire audition process.

Study of the aesthetics and techniques involved in the  written dramatic form for stage. Emphasis upon writing, workshop critiques and discussion of student's plays.

Study of the aesthetics and techniques involved in the written dramatic form for video and film production.  Emphasis upon writing, workshop critiques and discussion of student's screenplays.

This course is designed to prepare the student for the entire professional auditioning process. It focuses on selection and performance of monologues, prepared auditions, cold readings, commercial and film auditions. It also covers creating appropriate resumes, getting the best head shots, and the details of getting a theatrical agent and working in union and non-union situations.

Surveys the history of fashionable dress from Ancient Egypt through the nineteenth century. Besides chronicling the changing styles, the class will explore the meaning of fashion in the broadest social context as it relates to the arts, theatre design and its function in society. The course will use an interdisciplinary approach examining fashion through a variety of research and sources.

This course focuses on the theories and practice of stage, production, and artistic management.  Topics include rehearsal management, budgeting, schedule work, costing, unions and season selection as they apply to both the educational, community and professional theatre.

Advanced course in study in lighting design that includes designing for thrust, arena, musicals, and dance.  Work with projections, automated equipment and CADD.  Sound work includes computer editing and cueing for theatrical production.

A course in stage design where students will be introduced to the more advanced practices of stage design, model building, and drafting. Students will apply learned theories and skills to several projects and written presentations.

This course introduces students to the history and style approaches to major decorative design periods from the Greeks to Moderns.  Students will apply style history to Scenic Art and Decorative Art projects that include mural painting, scrim painting, upholstery and fabric crafts.

Students will participate in advanced discussions and projects in textiles, color palettes, silhouettes, and costume fashion research. These concepts will be implemented in formal costume design projects utilizing a variety of dramatic styles.

This course is designed to encourage students to master construction techniques through building their own designs.  Pattern drafting, tailoring, and fabric manipulation will be emphasized.  Students will be expected to provide fabrics and notions for most projects. (Sewing skills required.)

Course introduces students to the diverse issues involved in managing a theatre company.  It begins with a history of the issues leading up to the regional theatre movement and includes an examination of the manager's role, budgeting, marketing, fundraising, the role of a board of directors, as well as an understanding of the modern context/trends/needs of artists which management supports.

Individualized programs which focus on a specialized area in theatre. These are available only when developed through a contractual agreement between the student and a supervising faculty member.

Credit arranged.

Credit arranged.

Credit arranged.

Qualified students are assigned to the management office or production team of a local theatre production company or closely affiliated arts organization for work experience. Placement is arranged through the faculty member assigned as program director.

Capstone course is required for all Senior Theater majors.  Each student, in consultation with faculty mentor, designates a specific project to act as the culmination of their degree program.  Projects are in the areas of performance, directing, design, and advanced construction.  Documentation of the project includes a self evaluation and a public presentation to students and theater faculty. (Grade of "IP" is allowed.)

Research, study, or original work under the direction of a faculty mentor, leading to a scholarly thesis document with a public presentation of results. Requires approval of thesis director, department chair, dean, and the director of the honors program, when appropriate.