Courses in Theater
THR 101: Introduction Theatre and Drama (3)
Prerequisite:
Overview of dramatic literature, theater history, and the many aspects of theater arts: acting, directing, design, and technical theater. Read plays, prepare scenes, and view live and filmed performances. (Offered
annually.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA, FP
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THR 104: Theatre Laboratory (1)
Prerequisite:
Participation in a major stage production from rehearsal through performance as actor, designer, stage manager, carpenter, electrician, costumer, and publicist. May be repeated for credit. A maximum of six credit hours may be applied toward graduation. (Offered every semester.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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THR 105: Reader's Theatre (3)
Prerequisite:
A study of the theories and principles of oral communication through the medium of interpretive reading and an understanding of professional readers’ theater. (Offered as
needed.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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THR 221: Foundations of Acting (3)
Prerequisite:
Introduction to the fundamentals of acting including techniques for developing self-awareness, relaxation, imagination, observation and concentration as well as the use of the voice and body in characterization development. Attendance at, as well as responses to, a number of stage productions scheduled during the term are required. (Offered as needed.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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THR 222: Foundations of Acting and Directing (3)
Prerequisite:
Introduction to the fundamentals of acting and the directing process. The course includes techniques for developing self-expression and self-confidence, enhancing powers of concentration, and exploring a
systematic approach to preparing a role for performance. Additionally, the course will focus on the preparation, analysis, and rehearsal skills a director needs to achieve a successful production. Attendance at, as well
as responses to, a number of stage productions scheduled during the term are required.(Offered every odd-year spring semester.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: None.
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THR 231: Technical Direction (3)
Prerequisite:
An introduction to the elements of theatrical design and basic skills in areas of construction, lighting techniques, drafting and stag-
craft. (Offered every fall semester.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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THR 243L: Theatre Production Lab I (1)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Students gain creative experience and acquire competence through active and sustained participation in various aspects of a theatrical production under faculty supervision. Students receive credit for work as: an assistant stage manager or as an assistant to the set, light, sound or costume designer, properties master, technical director or public relations/box office manager in either a studio or a major production. This course may be retaken for credit, with faculty approval, up to four
times. (Offered every semester.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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THR 263L: Theatre Performance Lab I (1)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Students gain creative performance experience through active participation as performer in a designated role or as an assistant director in either a studio or a major production. This course may be retaken for credit, with faculty approval, up to two times. (Offered every
semester.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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THR 270: History of Theatre and Drama (3)
Prerequisite:
A study of the evolution of theatre from the ancient world to the modern day. Major playwrights of each period are discussed as reflections of the changing physical theatre, as well as the social, political, and artistic concerns of each period. Includes reading and analysis of plays in their social and theatrical contexts. Cross-listed with ENG 270. (Offered every odd-year spring semester.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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THR 273: History Theatre/Drama III: Classical Per (3)
Prerequisite:
(Offered as needed.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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THR 274: History Theatre/ Drama II: Medieval -19th (3)
Prerequisite:
(Offered as needed.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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THR 275: History Theatre/Drama III (3)
Prerequisite:
End of the 19th Century to the Present
(Offered as needed.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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THR 295: Introductory Topics in Theatre (3)
Prerequisite: to be determined by the Division of Humanities and Fine Arts
An introductory study of a specific topic within theater. Intended for freshmen and sophomores, or for students with little or no background in theater. The student may repeat the course, but not the topic. (Offered as
needed.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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THR 321: Advanced Acting (3)
Prerequisite: THR 221
Further study of acting technique of the stage. Course work includes continued exercises, improvisations, and scene study moving the elements of acting toward specific ideas of performance, defining intentions and motivation for acting. Focus is on character analysis and scene study. Out-of-class assignments may include attendance at area stage productions. (Offered as needed.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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THR 322: Advanced Acting and Directing (3)
Prerequisite: THR 222
Further study and practice of acting techniques and the directing process through exercises and the examination of production styles and concepts, analysis and staging of dramatic texts, and character analysis. Attendance at, as well as responses to, a number of stage productions scheduled during the term are required. (Offered every even-year spring beginning
spring 2008.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: None.
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THR 331: Advanced Technical Direction (3)
Prerequisite: THR 231
Advanced scenic, costume, lighting and sound design. Students develop design skills through a series of assignments as well as through class discussion, critique, and practical expertise. (Offered as needed.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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THR 343L: Theatre Production Lab II (1)
Prerequisite: THR 243L and consent of instructor
Advanced participation in various aspects of a theatrical production under faculty supervision. Students build on experience gained during Theatre Production Lab I. During this lab, students receive credit for work as a stage manager or as a set, light, sound or costume designer, properties master, technical director or public relations/box office manager of a major production. This course may be retaken for credit, with faculty approval, up to four times. (Offered every
semester.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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THR 355: Script Analysis (3)
Prerequisite:
The analysis of major theatrical genres and styles from the point of view of the theatre practitioner. The purpose of the course is to enable actors, directors, designers and critics to acquire the analytical tools necessary to decode dramatic text into a blueprint for production from their individual perspectives. The work ranges from traditional literary and structural analysis to acted excerpts, design renderings and production concepts. (Offered as needed.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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THR 361: Directing I (3)
Prerequisite:
An examination of the basic skills and techniques involved in directing for performance including the reading and selection of scripts, casting, blocking and working with the actors and designers. Students will select a short script and direct it for presentation at the end of the semester. (Offered as needed.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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THR 364: General Theater and Drama Field Period (3)
Prerequisite:
Off-campus experiential education opportunity that allows the student to apply his/her academic knowledge to a real-career setting.
(Offered as needed.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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THR 376: Special Topics in Theatre and Drama (3)
Prerequisite:
Advanced study of a specific topic within theatre and drama. Intended for juniors and seniors, or for students with an appropriate background in theatre and drama. The student may repeat the course, but not the topic. Also listed as ENG 376. (Offered every odd-year fall
semester.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: None.
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THR 399: Independent Study (1-3)
Prerequisite: consent of instructor
(Offered
every semester.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: None.
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THR 440: Advanced Theatre Practicum (3)
Prerequisite: senior standing or permission of the instructor
As the capstone activity of the Concentration in Theatre and Drama, each student will complete a major piece of work, in the area of acting, directing, technical design and direction, stage management, playwriting, theatre history, dramatic criticism, etc. This activity may take many forms, such as writing an original play (full-length) or collection of shorter plays; a thesis (research and writing in theatre history, dramatic literature, or theory); research and preparation of an individual project in acting;
research and preparation of an individual project/production in design or theatre technology, culminating in an oral presentation and submission of appropriate design materials, such as sketches, renderings, models, and
examples of drafting, a collaborative production project involving several seniors (e.g. playwright, director, one or more designers).
(Offered every semester.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: None.
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THR 461: Advanced Directing (3)
Prerequisite: THR 361 and consent of the instructor
The study and practice of the directing process through examination of production styles and concepts, analysis and staging of dramatic texts, and discussion of performance theory. Each student is expected to direct a one-act play for public performance as the culmination of the semester’s work. Extensive rehearsal time is required in addition to class meetings. (Offered as
needed.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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THR 463L: Theatre Performance Lab II (3)
Prerequisite: THR 263L and consent of the instructor
Advanced creative performance experience which builds on knowledge and skills gained during Theatre Performance Lab I. Students actively participate in a designed role or as a director in a major production. This course may be retaken for credit, with faculty approval, up to three times.
(Offered every semester.)
Gen. Ed. Attributes: LA
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