Spring 2023 Theater Courses PDF
THTR 108 World Theater
A survey of plays from different eras and performance traditions in diverse cultures; introduces students to evaluating, discussing, and writing about theater from a global perspective. Attendance at some evening performances is required. (GM2, H) TR 11:00am-12:15pm, Landis Cinema – Buck Hall. Michael O’Neill.
THTR 206 Play Analysis and Criticism
Students in this course will learn to analyze play texts, exploring crucial elements on the page that define performance on stage across the globe and throughout history. As both a prelude to and an accompaniment for THTR 207 [Theater History], this course will focus on important plays and theater criticism relevant to those plays in a rigorous effort to expand your theater literacy and provide you the necessary intellectual foundation to create informed productions through acting, directing, design, and dramaturgy. Among the play texts we will analyze are The Oresteia, Shakuntala, Everyman, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Atsumori, A Raisin in the Sun, The Wild Duck, and Machinal. (H, V) Required for Theater Majors beginning with the Class of 2027. MW 11:00am-12:15pm, Media 1 – 248 N. 3rd St. Michael O’Neill
THTR 208 Theater and Diversity
This course examines live and streaming theater productions that address issues of gender, race, ethnicity sexuality, class, and accessibility, and explores the extensive inclusivity struggles that face those who currently work in the theater. The course also explores creative strategies that can be used to mitigate the lack of diversity often evident in classical theater. (GM1, H, V, W) TR 2:45-4:00pm, Studio Theater – 248 N. 3rd St. Mary Jo Lodge.
THTR 223 Intro to Scenography
Scenography can be broadly defined as the practice of crafting stage environments or atmospheres. In contemporary usage, it is the careful consideration, combination, and implementation of methods in stagecraft, design, and technology that affect a sense of place in performance. This course engages with the foundational elements and principles of design, exploring their application to the manifold disciplines involved in theatre making. (H, V). MWF 10:00-10:50am, Media 3 – Buck Hall. Jake Salgado
THTR 235 Musical Theater
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. While this is a performance class, there is a musical theater research track for non-singing students who wish to enroll. (H) Prerequisite: Intro to Theater – THTR 107 and/or Acting I – THTR 130 or permission of the instructor. TR 1:15-2:30pm, Studio Theater – 248 N. 3rd St. Mary Jo Lodge
THTR 270 Topics: Scenic Painting
The implementation of theatrical scenic art can be traced back to some of the earliest examples of theatre production, and includes wide-ranging disciplines, encompassing virtually the entire scope of painting and craft techniques. The specialized knowledge of the scenic painter can play a pivotal role in the generation of a staged environment. This course considers the elements and principles of design, and how they are applied to painted composition for theatrical staging. Additionally, this course will explore and exercise some of the most commonly used techniques of scenic painting employed in theatrical production. (H) No prerequisite. MW 11:00am-12:15pm, Media 3 – Buck Hall. Jake Salgado
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 prerequisites. (01) MWF 1:10-2:00pm (02) MWF 2:10-3:00pm, RISC 362. Kathy Swan-Fisher
THTR 335 Theater for Young Audiences
Students explore the practices of theater for young audiences and methodologies of theater in education through readings and research combined with a lab experience in which they either rehearse and perform or provide technical or design support for a play created for young audiences. Students develop educational materials for the production and lead post-performance workshops with area school children who attend the production. Rehearsal and performances are scheduled during class and required laboratory hours. Most performances are scheduled on weekday mornings to accommodate visiting elementary school groups. (CBLR). Prerequisite: THTR 130 or permission of instructor. TR 9:30am-12:15,pm, Studio Theater – 248 N. 3rd St. Mary Jo Lodge