THTR 107: Introduction to Theater

Through lectures, discussions, hands-on experiences, master classes with visiting theater professionals, and performances outside of class, this course introduces students to significant texts, ideas, and crafts essential to the study of theater. Projects involve acting, directing, design, and theater criticism; writing assignments familiarize students with the analytic tools and accepted vocabulary of theater scholarship. Attendance at some evening performances required. [H]
Staff, MWF 9:00 a.m.

THTR 120.01: Theater performance Practicum

Available to designated cast and crew of a faculty-directed Theater Department production. May be repeated up to four times for credit. 0.25 credits.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Theater Department Head
Prof. Lodge

THTR 120.02 theater performance Practicum

Available to designated cast and crew of a faculty-directed Theater Department production. May be repeated up to four times for credit. 0.25 credits.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Theater Department Head.
Prof. O’Neill

thtr 121: theater production practicum

Available to designated crew and staff of a faculty-directed Theater Department production. May be repeated up to four times for credit. 0.25 credits.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Theater Department Head.
Staff

ThTR 130: Acting i [Acting and Improvisation]

This workshop style course introduces students to various fundamental techniques of acting and improvisation, with special emphasis on sensory awareness, observation, concentration, body movement and vocal development. Students will build their imaginations and creative processes through performance situations involving improvisation, scene study and monologue work. Coaching sessions outside of class required.
Prof. Lodge, MW 10:00 a.m.-11:50 a.m.

Thtr 201: Public Speaking

This course introduces students to the basic skills required to research, write, and perform speeches in a myriad of situations, including academic, business, and professional settings. Students will read pertinent rhetorical theory and learn to use it as a basis for creating and critiquing speeches.
Mr. Placke, TR 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:15 p.m.

THTR 270 [Topics in Theater]: Scene Painting

The course will introduce students to scenic painting for the theater as both art and practice. Students will receive hands-on instruction in theatrical faux finishes, backdrops, and other aspects of stage painting techniques on a variety of surfaces, from canvas to flats to three-dimensional scenic elements. Along with large-scale painting, a portion of the course will be devoted to small-scale rendering techniques in watercolor and acrylic. Both group projects and creation of individual scenic pieces are required. Students also will be required to offer scenic painting support to Theater Departmental productions during the semester. While a large portion of work will be completed during class hours with the instructor, students should expect to work out of class as well on assignments and research. The department will supply most of the materials used in the course, but students will be required to purchase smaller art supplies, such as brushes, watercolors, and paper.
Prerequisite: THTR 107 or Permission of the Instructor.
Mr. Dixon, R 9:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Thtr 276 [topics in theater]: Dance as an art form

Dance is an American pop-culture staple, a form of competition, and something people do at weddings. But when is it an art form? A hybrid studio/seminar course, this class involves viewing dance, reading and writing about dance, and actual dancing. We will cover the techniques, major works, people, and history of dance as a Western art form. The class also will host several guest choreographers who will share their dances and experiences with us. Students will be required to attend some live dance performances during the semester and write about them. Finally, we will focus on identifying interdisciplinary ways to connect our study of dance with what we are re learning in other subjects. A long-form essay will be due at the conclusion of the course. No prior dance experience is required—you’ll be fine!
Mr. Munistri, TR 2:45

THTR 292 [Topics in Theater]: Stage Combat

This workshop course teaches students the basic techniques of stage combat, including grabbing, punching, kicking, slapping, and introduces them to weapon work currently used in theater, film, and television. The course is designed to improve the physical nature of individual performances and to help students discover their endless physicality as actors. Conducted as a professional workshop, the course requires discipline, commitment, and focus in class and in preparation for class. This is a physically demanding course; students are required to fall, roll, flip, and throw themselves around during each class.
Prerequisite: Permission of Theater Department Head.
Mr. Lemons, T 9:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Thtr 314: Stage Direction

This course explores the role of the director in the theatrical process, including casting, rehearsal, and organizational procedures from script analysis through performance. Special attention will be given to analyzing scripts for performance, and classes will be devoted to understanding principles of composition, picturization, movement, and blocking by applying them to practical directing situations. Readings and assignments will introduce students to issues of research, style, concept, and stage spaces. Attendance at some evening performances is required, and each student will direct a short play for public performance at the end of the course. Midterm, journal, prompt book, quizzes, and annotated bibliography required.
Prerequisite: THTR 207 or Permission of the Instructor.
Prof. O’Neill, TR 1:15

ENGL 346: Modern and Contemporary Drama

Through readings of play texts and dramatic criticism, students in this course will explore important ideas and investigate relevant theater practice during a volatile artistic era that began after World War II and continues into our own time. Plays will include A Streetcar Named Desire [Williams], Waiting for Godot [Beckett], Mother Courage and Her Children [Brecht], Travesties [Stoppard], Philadelphia, Here I Come! [Friel], Fences [Wilson], Venus [Parks], M. Butterfly [Hwang], and Long Day’s Journey Into Night [O’Neill]. Attendance at some evening performances is required, as is a field trip to see a play in New York City. Two papers of 5-7 pages each, annotated bibliography, and final examination. [W]
Prerequisite: English 205 and a literary history course (English 206, 210, 211, 212, or 213), or Permission of the Instructor.
Prof. O’Neill, TR 9:30 a.m.

THTR 373: Internship

Practical experience in a professional theater or theater organization. Written reports are required of the student, as is an evaluation of the student by the supervising agency. Although a student may take two theater internships, normally in the junior and senior years, only one may be counted toward the Theater major. Advance approval of the Theater Department Head required.

THTR 391: Independent Study

Tutorial study in theater practice, initiated by the student and pursued independently under the guidance of an instructor from whom the student has gained approval and acceptance. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: THTR 107 or THTR 221, and Permission of the Instructor.

Thtr 400: Senior Project

Under the guidance of theater faculty and normally as a capstone experience, the student will undertake an advanced project in one or more specialized areas of theater (e.g., acting, directing, design, criticism). The project will serve to assess the student’s theater education and demonstrate the student’s potential as a theater artist and/or practitioner.
Prerequisite: Advance approval of the Theater Department Head.

THTR 495: Thesis

Tutorial sessions related to the student’s investigation of the area chosen for his or her honors project. Open only to candidates for honors in theater who have been approved by the faculty of the department to pursue honors.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Theater Department Head.