Theater Courses

View specific requirements for a Major in Theater, a Minor in Theater, or a degree in Theater Arts Education.

THEA 200 Theater Practice: 1-3 credit hours
Applied on-campus work in a theater production or other theater activity. A maximum of two hours applicable toward a theater major or minor. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEA 209 Field Experience: 1-3 credit hours
Experiential learning in an off-campus professional setting, for theater majors and minors. The student contracts with a faculty member in regard to goals, performance expectations, supervision, evaluation and course subtitle. The 209 level is intended for first year and sophomore students. Upper level students should enroll in 409. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEA 225 Intro to Theater: 3 credit hours
This course will introduce students to the basic elements of theater. It will include script analysis of selected plays, acting improvisation techniques, scene performance studies, design and production work. A theater lab will be required.

THEA 235 The Power of Story: 3 credit hours
An introduction to performance studies as a mode of inquiry. Concentration on the methods of communicating narrative texts for various audiences. Course activities/assignments will explore the power and role of story in contemporary culture by analyzing and participating in various storytelling methods. Attention will be paid to the development of listening skills and the elements of vocal expression. Prerequisite: Comm 202 or Thea 225.

THEA 245 Aesthetics: 3 credit hours
The study of aesthetics focuses on the philosophy of art, the nature of creativity, the work created, the problem of form and style, expression in art, society and ethics and arts and religion. The course includes lectures, primary reading materials and papers.

THEA 320 The Expressive Voice: 3 credit hours
Effective development of vocal skills to communicate expressive meaning. A study of the formation of speech sounds and techniques. Exercises in eliminating vocal problems and developing clear enunciation, diction and phrasing skills. Prerequisite: Comm 202 or Comm 290 or Thea 225.

THEA 332 Design for the Theater: 3 credit hours
Principles, methods and aesthetics of theater production: design, stagecraft, lighting, costume, sound and make-up. Lab work on current productions. Prerequisite: Thea 225 or Art 107 or consent of instructor.

THEA 334 Acting: 3 credit hours
Fundamental acting skills: movement, voice and character development. An emphasis on Stanislavski's theory of acting and realistic scene work. Scene studies from selected scripts. Prerequisite: Comm 202 or Thea 225 or consent of instructor.

THEA 338 Directing: 3 credit hours
Principles of interpretation, analysis, design, composition and stage movement. The director's craft: play selection, auditions, rehearsals, and production. Lab session under faculty supervision. Prerequisite: Thea 334 or consent of instructor.

THEA 350 Playwriting: 1-3 credit hours
Students will examine the theory and practice of playwriting. Every class member will write a one-act play as the course requirement. Class will meet regularly as a seminar. Prerequisite: Engl 110 or consent of instructor.

THEA 355 Arts in London : 4 credit hours
A May term class that encompasses theater, art and music study and experiences in London, England . Class activities include morning lectures, visits to art galleries, attending music and theater performances, and day trips to Coventry , Stratford-upon-Avon, Salisbury and other locations. Daily writing assignments and a major project required. Offered in alternate years. Extra cost.

THEA 387 History of Theater: 3 credit hours
A study of the forms and conventions of all phases of theater (writing, performance, design, analysis) from classical Greece to the contemporary age. Emphasis on trends in performance. Includes the reading of selected plays.

THEA 388 Themes in Drama: 3 credit hours
A concentrated study of selected themes in drama. Focus on scripts that examine justice, peace, and historical or religious issues. Emphasis on methods of dramatic analysis. Themes might include a major playwright, advanced acting, musical theater, creative drama, improvisational acting, religious drama or theater and multiculturalism. Prerequisite: Thea 225 or Thea 235 or consent of instructor.

THEA 409 Internship: 1-3 credit hours
An off-campus internship in a professional setting for theater majors and minors. The student contracts with a faculty member in regard to goals, performance expectations, supervision, evaluation and course subtitle. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

THEA 410 Senior Seminar: 3 credit hours
A consideration of ethical and professional issues in contemporary communication and theater. Information interviews with practitioners in communication and theater. Writing of resumes. Creation of a portfolio. Required of all theater majors.

THEA 412 Special Project: 1-3 credit hours
Students may conduct research of particular interest or pursue specialized applied projects in theater under faculty supervision. Can be used as credit for senior theater recital. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.