THTR 102: Basic Stagecraft: Technical Theater (H)
This course will be a hands-on introduction to the world of stagecraft where we’ll explore the technology, both old and new, utilized to create magical environments for the live performing arts. You’ll examine the myriad ways technology empowers artists to engage, inspire, and move audiences with their performances and learn how and when to utilize various scenic, lighting, sound, and costume tools, techniques, and technology to build convincing and compelling landscapes for performers and audiences alike. And, even if you never plan on working in the performing arts, you’ll develop practical skills for use around your future home and hone your skills in collaboration and creativity, both highly prized by all industries. So, if you have ever been frustrated by flat pack furniture instructions, annoyed by a wobbly table at a restaurant, or been awestruck by the special effects at a Broadway musical, then you should take this course. Alex Owens. F 1:15-4:00 PM, Media 3 (102) Buck Hall.
THTR 110: World Theater l: Antiquity through the 19th Century (H, GM2)
This survey of theater history, design, performance, and texts will introduce students to evaluating, discussing, and writing about theater as a global and multicultural form. Students will analyze theatrical conventions over time and space, and will consider the influence of colonialism, racism, sexism, and ethnocentrism. This course covers World Theater from Antiquity through the 19th century. Courtney Ryan. MWF 10:35-11:25 AM, Landis Cinema (101) Buck Hall.
THTR 130: Acting l (H)
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. Melissa Livingston. TR 1:15-2:30 PM, Studio Theater (123) 248 N. 3rd St.
THTR 209: Theater & Environment (H, V, GM2, W)
We live in challenging times. We are surrounded by social and racial injustices, like unequal access to healthcare, education, and food, and environmental problems like fracking, air pollution, and—of course—climate change. This course asks two questions: 1. How might all of these problems be connected to one another? And 2. How can the arts serve to highlight these interconnected problems while still offering hope for the future? This course introduces students to environmental thinkers and artists who consider the social, racial, and cultural aspects of current environmental crises. The course engages with the environmental arts in order to analyze the works themselves, as well as the complex, environmental issues they represent. Students will analyze, evaluate, and create environmental art that speaks to their lived experience and to the experiences of others. Courtney Ryan. MWF 9:30-10:20 AM, Studio Theater (123) 248 N. 3rd St.
THTR 223: Introduction to Design (H, V)
Design in theater can be broadly defined as the practice of crafting stage settings. In practice, it is the careful consideration, combination, and implementation of methods in visual art, dramaturgy, and stagecraft that affect a sense of place in performance. This course engages with the foundational elements and principles of design, exploring their applications to the manifold disciplines involved in theater making. Jake Salgado. MW 1:15-2:30 PM, Media 3 (102) Buck Hall.
THTR 280: Speaking Power (H, V, W)
Intending to be a lawyer? Public Relations in your future? Need to master the arts of persuasion? Lacking confidence when 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. Melissa Livingston. (01) TR 2:45-4:00 PM, Studio Theater (123) 248 N. 3rd St. (02) MW 2:45-4:00 PM, Pardee 102B.
THTR 369: Theater Artists in Focus: Women & Theater (W)
This course will examine the significant contributions of women to the development of theater throughout its history, with a particular focus on women’s roles in writing and creating theater in the United States over the last century. Students will study significant female theater practitioners, as well as notable plays and musicals created, directed, designed and/or produced by women. In addition, students will explore theory, criticism, productions and interviews relating to these plays, playwrights and practitioners. Mary Jo Lodge. TR 11:00 AM-12:15 PM, Studio Theater (123) 248 N. 3rd St.