Fall 2025 Theater courses

As long as humans have existed, so too have the arts. Whether it be through dance, chants, puppets, or other forms, every culture has used theatrical elements to tell stories and perform rituals. In this course, we will go back in time and travel the globe, recreating and reimagining world theater traditions.
MW 1:15–2:30 PM, Studio Theater (123) – 248 N. 3rd St.  Courtney Ryan | Old CCS: H, GM2. New: GP, HAH.  

This studio course will introduce students to various fundamental techniques of acting, with special emphasis on sensory awareness, observation, concentration, body movement and vocal development. Students will develop their imaginations and creative processes through performance situations and monologue work. 

F 1:15-4:00 PM, Studio Theater (123) – 248 N. 3rd St.  Melissa Livingston | Old CCS: H. New: HAA.  

Illustration is the act of using applied skills in composition to translate concepts into aesthetic communication. Fundamental techniques in illustration, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, etc. are deeply rooted in classical artistic tradition, and have seen centuries of evolution throughout the development of their application. Today, this evolution has progressed rapidly from the physical world into the digital one. This development has generated a diverse array of platforms that provide an artist with a wealth of new tools, through which skills in composition may be applied. This course will engage with some of the most commonly used platforms in digital design and explore their applications to composition generation in theatrical settings and beyond.

MW 11:40 AM–12:55 PM, Media 3 (102) – Buck Hall.  Jake Salgado   | Old CCS: H, V, W. New: HAA.

Arts management exists at the intersection of business and the arts. In this course, students will examine the structure of arts organizations and the people who staff them and will explore how arts organizations fit within the broader cultural, political, and economic world.  Students will learn how arts administrators create programming, engage audiences, and support artists throughout the creative process in an industry that contributes billions to the economy. 

MWF 9:30-10:20 AM, Media 3 (102) – Buck Hall.  Alexander Owens

This broad-based examination of Musical Theater combines an exploration of the history and literature of this uniquely American art form with a practical introduction to performance techniques used in the field.  Students will study the structure, terminology, practitioners, organization and history of the musical while exploring repertoire through the preparation and performance of scenes and songs from musicals.  (Note that there is a non-performance track for students who do not wish to perform.) 
TR 1:15-2:30 PM, Studio Theater (123 )- 248 N. 3rd St.  Mary Jo Lodge | Old CCS: H. New: HAH.

Certain phrases continue to ring in our ears long after their speakers have passed into history. This course will focus on the arts of persuasion, teaching you effective speaking strategies for life and for professions, including: analyzing effective speeches; writing and delivering persuasive rhetoric; building authority; mastering argument techniques; assessing journalistic, political, and cultural ethics used over history by candidates, lawyers, newscasters, spin-doctors, and commentators.  
(01) TR 2:45-4:00 PM,  Studio Theater (123) – 248 N. 3rd St.  Melissa Livingston.
(02) T 7:00-9:50 PM, Pardee 120. Staff
Old CCS: H, V, W.  New: HAH, W.

This course, which utilizes community-based learning, combines wide ranging study of theater for young audiences’ practices and theater in education methodologies with a lab in which students will prepare and perform a production for children. Also, students will develop educational materials for and implement post-show drama workshops with area young people who attend the productions. Note that the lab times allow for rehearsal and performance of a TYA production.  Class projects will include rehearsals of performance projects both inside and outside of class, attendance at a variety of performances and research and analytical papers and presentations.

(CBLR). TR 9:30 AM-12:15 PM, Studio Theater (123) – 248 N. 3rd St.  Mary Jo Lodge