Theatre Courses

Introduction to Theatre (THEA 1110)

Provides an introduction to the study of theatre. Students will examine various components that comprise theatre, such as acting, directing, playwriting, dramaturgy, scenic and costume design, stagecraft, spectatorship, history, theory, and criticism.

Beginning Acting I (THEA 1220)

Provides an introduction to the theory and practice of acting. Students will learn various terms, techniques, and practices of acting and will demonstrate their understanding in class. Through exercises and improvisations, partnered scenes, and group work, students will be better able to appreciate the work of others as they learn techniques of performing.

Introduction to Costuming (THEA 1310)

Provides an introduction to basic skills generally used in creating costumes for theatre. During the semester students will be introduced to the costume shop, equipment, supplies, and processes. They will learn the process of sewing a garment and running a stage production.

Intermediate Costume (THEA 1320)

Provides students with more advanced training in cutting and sewing techniques, as well as knowledge of fabric. Trains students in building of complex clothing patterns.

Advanced Costuming and Sewing (THEA 1330)

Students who take this class will build upon previous sewing knowledge in order to construct advanced garments. They will learn techniques for building garments with alternative materials.

Theatre Practicum (THEA 1990)

This course introduces students to the various principles of play production. Students will participate within the elements of on stage or backstage categories: acting, designing, front of house, and/or production staff. Theatre Practicum provides hands-on experience(s) for all elements of theatrical productions.

Acting for Camera (THEA 2210)

Introduces students to techniques specific to performing for the camera while they continue to learn and practice skills that apply to acting for both the stage and the screen. Covers audition techniques, readings, shot size, eye-line, and industry vocabulary.

Intermediate Acting (THEA 2220)

Provides students with the opportunity to deepen physical, vocal, imaginative, and collaborative skills to which they were exposed in Beginning Acting. During the course of the semester, students will be introduced to techniques for working on script and character analysis, moment-to-moment work, physical transformation, breath work, and truthful playing of the scene.

Ensemble Improvisation (THEA 2230)

Introduces students to the structure and rules of short and long-form improvisation, allowing them to create original ensemble theatrical productions.

Beginning Screenwriting: Short Form (THEA 2258)

Provides the critical ingredients of great dramatic writing that are then adapted to a dramatic form manageable for the emerging screenwriter: the narrative short film.

Stagecraft (THEA 2310)

Students will explore basic skills for scenic designers and techniques of set construction for the stage, including building scenery, rigging, painting and properties.

Lighting for Theater (THEA 2320)

This course is a comprehensive introduction to theatre lighting. Students will explore all areas of stage lighting which include: creating a light plot, hanging, circuiting, focusing, patching, and programming a lighting console.

Voice and Movement (THEA 2420)

Students are introduced to basic techniques which aid in vocal and physical strength, variety, flexibility, and stamina, and gain understanding of harmful or limiting vocal and physical habits in stage acting.

Playwriting (THEA 2450)

This course provides students with the critical, fundamental ingredients of dramatic writing for the stage. Students will write their own plays as well as learn how to offer constructive criticism for each other’s work.

Special Topics (THEA 2996)

Presents various topics.

Internship in Theatre (THEA 2998)

Theatre Internship credit is offered to students who do a significant amount of work with a professional or local ensemble theatre company in a way that advances the student’s theatre education. Agreement must be made with the theatre company before enrolling in this course.