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. [H]. Required for Theater Minors. Michael O’Neill. TR 1:15-2:30PM, Kirby 104.
THTR 130 Acting I
This workshop style course will introduce students to various fundamental techniques of acting and improvisation, with special emphasis on sensory awareness, observation, concentration, body movement and vocal development. Students will develop their imaginations and creative processes through performance situations involving improvisation, scene study and monologue work. [H]. No pre-requisites. Second semester seniors must have permission of the instructor to take the course. Mary Jo Lodge. MW 1:10-3:00PM, 248 N. 3rd St.-Studio Theater (Rm. 123).
THTR 207 Theater History
Re-creation and recreation have always been fundamental human needs, and we will be studying how theatrical techniques, texts, and theories change from culture to culture and era to era, at times normative, at times reflective. Beginning with the Abydos Passion Play of ancient Egypt, we will explore historical contexts, gender and class issues, public/ private binaries, theatrical genres, cultural conventions, styles, and architectures from their ancient origins through colonial and post-colonial confrontations, to the recombinant style of today’s performances. [H]. Required for Theater Majors. Suzanne Westfall. TR 9:30-10:45AM, 248 N. 3rd St.-Media 2 (Rm. 121).
THTR 209 Theatre and Environment
Recently the theater industry, and the entertainment industry at large, has reacted energetically to crises in environmental studies, ecological issues of climate change, renewable and non-renewable resources, pollution, environmental justice, and our relationship to other species. This course considers the live events / entertainment industry, and its relationship with the environment of our time. Here we will examine how the entertainment industry generates and utilizes environments, investigate the impact of ecology on entertainment both in production and reception, and explore how the industry is adapting or failing to adapt to the need for sustainability. Ultimately these explorations will allow us to observe and assess the philosophies and practices that are implemented to produce the varied content that we all consume. No prerequisites. [GM2, V, W, H]. No pre-requisites. Jake Salgado. MWF 10:00-10:50AM, Buck Hall-Media 3 (Rm. 102).
THTR 221 Basic Stagecraft: Tech Theater
An introduction to the history, theory, and practice of technical theater, focusing upon stage management, construction, painting, rigging, and electrical practices. Laboratory sessions in the theater shop and backstage assignments ensure hands-on exposure to topics discussed in class. [H]. No pre-requisites. Alex Owens. MWF 9:00-9:50AM, 248 N. 3rd St.-Media 1 (Rm. 102).
THTR 280 Speaking Power
Intending to be a lawyer? Public Relations in your future? Need to master the arts of persuasion? Feeling unconfident while speaking in public? Planning on any career in business that requires speaking with authority? You’ll need to become proficient at rhetorical technique. This course will focus on effective speaking strategies for life and for professions, including: analyzing effective speeches; writing and delivering persuasive rhetoric; building confidence and authority; mastering argument techniques; fostering “presence” for public performances; and channeling anxiety to build focus. (H, V, W) No pre-requisites. Kathleen Swann-Fisher. MWF 1:10-2:00PM (01), 2:10-3:00PM (02), Pardee 112.
THTR 370 Topics: Renaissance Performance
This course will focus on performance in the 16th and 17th centuries, considering the traditions and acting techniques during the Age of Shakespeare (including speaking verse, stage movement, character study); Commedia dell’arte (including lazzi, mask work, and improvisational scenarios), and Restoration Comedy of Manners (including period style, fashion, movement, and verbal wit play). Through readings, acting exercises, scene study, and discussions we will explore the heart of theatrical culture in what we call the Renaissance. Suzanne Westfall. TR 11:00AM-12:15PM, 248 N. 3rd St.-Studio Theater (Rm. 123).