Download Department of Theatre Arts

Department of Theatre Arts
Jay Duffer
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 performance or theatre design and technology.
Students in the general theatre major will complete 24 hours in theatre, consisting of TH 212, 311, 312,
331RT, 341, and 345; 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 36 hours in the
major.
Students in the theatre performance major will complete 48 hours, including TH 212, 224, 241, 311, 312,
316, 331RT, 341, 345, 361, 365, 431, 441, 442, and 485; one course from TH 221, 222 or 223; TH 391/392 (at
least three credits).
Students in the theatre design and technology major will complete 48 hours, including TH 212, 225, 231,
250, 311, 312, 331RT, 341, 345, and 485; two courses from TH 221, 222 or 223; one course from TH 224, 316
or 431; two courses from TH 320CO, 320LI, 320SC or 320SO; TH 391/392 (at least three credits); and one
course from TH 396, 397, 398, or 399.
A minor in theatre arts requires 22 hours in theatre, including TH 212; one course from 221, 222 or 223; 311
or 312; 391/392 (at least three credits); 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 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 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 Huntington North High School. May be counted as an elective in the
theatre majors or as a creative studio arts course in the core curriculum.
TH 212 Beginning Acting
(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) - Spring 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) - Fall )
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 Makeup for the Stage
(3 credits) - Spring Even Years )
An introduction to the theory, techniques, materials, equipment and procedures employed in make-up for the
theatre. Emphasis is placed on design, character development, application techniques and basic skin care.
TH 225 Fundamentals of Design
(2 credits) - Fall Odd Years )
This course provides an introduction to the art and craft of design processes for all areas of theatre. Students will
explore design techniques, theories and principles through specific exercises, paper products and installation
work.
TH 231 Scene Painting
(2 credits) - Fall Even Years )
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.
Prerequisites: TH 221 and 225, or consent
TH 241 Voice and Movement
(3 credits) - Fall )
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 physical awareness, proper body 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 vocal and physical demands of the actor.
TH 250 Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
(3 credits) - Fall Odd 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 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 Intermediate Acting
(3 credits) - Spring Even Years )
A continuation of the techniques and skills covered in Beginning Acting. Emphasis will be placed on character
transformation, in depth scene study and a more detailed exploration of objective, obstacle, subtext and the
active actor.
Prerequisites: TH 212 and 241
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.
Prerequisites: TH 223 and 225
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.
Prerequisites: TH 222 and 225
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.
Prerequisites: TH 221 and 225
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.
Prerequisites: TH 225
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 331AC Acting for the Camera
(3 credits) - Offered on Sufficient Demand )
Students will discuss concepts regarding screen acting technique and strategically apply this technique to create
on-camera performances.
Prerequisite: TH 212
TH 331MT Musical Theatre Dance
(3 credits) - Spring Even Years )
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 331RT Religion and Theatre
(3 credits) - Spring Odd Years )
Students will examine a selection of well-known plays that are topical, contemporary and relevant. Through
analysis and critique, the students will look at these works from both secular and Christian world views. Class
will include discussions of religious themes in literature and the place of the Christian artist in the secular world
of theatre.
Prerequisite: Junior standing
TH 341 Directing and Play Analysis
(3 credits) - Fall Odd Years )
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.
Prerequisite: TH 212 or 225
TH 345 Theatre Management
(3 credits) - Spring Even Years )
An introduction to the business of non-for-profit theatre as well as to the functions of theatrical stage
management from pre-production organization through rehearsal procedures 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 212 or 225 and 341
TH 361 Voice and Diction
(2 credits) - Spring Even 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 Odd 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 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 396 Advanced Design Practicum-Scenic Design
(3 credits) - Fall, Spring )
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 is emphasized.
Prerequisite: TH 320SC
TH 397 Advanced Design Practicum-Lighting Design
(3 credits) - Fall, Spring )
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 is emphasized.
Prerequisite: TH 320LI
TH 398 Advanced Design Practicum-Costume Design
(3 credits) - Fall, Spring )
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 is emphasized.
Prerequisite: TH 320CO
TH 399 Advanced Design Practicum-Sound Design
(3 credits) - Fall, Spring )
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 is emphasized.
Prerequisite: TH 320SO
TH 431 Shakespeare
(3 credits) - Spring )
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
TH 441 Advanced Acting Styles
(3 credits) - Fall Even Years )
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, 241, 316, 361
TH 442 Elizabethan Acting
(3 credits) - Spring Odd Years )
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
TH 485 Senior Project
(2 credits) - Fall, Spring )
A seminar course covering advanced topics such as resumes, portfolios, 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.
Students in the design and technology track will complete a portfolio exhibit and 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.
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