Theatre

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

THEA 105: Theatre Appreciation

Class Program
Credits 3

Designed for the non-major. Studies the nature of theatre, drama, and the elements of the collaborative art of stage production, acting, and directing for greater appreciation of the theatre.

Semester Offered
Fall
Spring
Online - Fall even
Intersession

THEA 115: Acting I

Class Program
Credits 3

This course is designed to introduce the student to techniques and concepts common to the acting of all roles. Students will gain self awareness, control, and physicalization needed for stage work.

Semester Offered
Fall

THEA 125: Stagecraft

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$25 fee.

An introduction to the major technical aspects of theatre and focuses on scenic fabrication techniques, safety and use of tools, as well as working with lighting and sound equipment. Students will also be exposed to construction drawings, scale rule, and basic rigging.

Semester Offered
Fall even

THEA 211: Script Analysis

Class Program
Credits 3

This course is designed to teach students the fundamental process of script analysis for the theatre. Emphasis upon concepts of form, style, characterization, discovery, and supporting research. Includes practice in analyzing plays of various forms and styles.

Semester Offered
Spring

THEA 212: Theatre Design

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$15 fee.

Introduction to the principles and processes of designing for the stage. Application of design fundamentals specifically toward scenery, costumes, and lighting.

Semester Offered
Fall odd

THEA 215: Acting II

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$15 fee.

Introduction to the principles and processes of designing for the stage. Application of line, form, mass, harmony, and composition to scenery, costume, and lighting design.

Semester Offered
Fall

THEA 217: Costume Construction

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$65 fee.

A study of costume construction, fabrics and their properties, as well as pattern drafting, draping, and distressing. Students will be constructing garments in class and lab hours are required.

Semester Offered
As needed

THEA 225: Stage Make-up

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$80 fee.

This course teaches the theoretical and practical aspects of the art of make-up design and application for the stage.

Semester Offered
Spring odd

THEA 240: Improvisation Techniques

Class Program
Credits 1
Fees
$25 fee.

Students will be trained and exposed to different improvisational acting techniques including short and long form improvisation exercises. They are required to apply research material, performance styles, historical research, and current events into their work. Class may be repeated for a maximum of four hours at each level and may not be taken concurrently with THEA 242/442.

Semester Offered
Fall
Spring

THEA 242: Performance Improvisation

Class Program
Credits 1
Fees
$25 fee.

This is a performance class in which students will use improvisation skills in live performances. Students are required to perform multiple long form improvisation shows both on and off campus. Students must audition the first week of classes to be cast and enroll in this course. There will be 1-2 improvisation troupes cast each year. Class may be repeated for a maximum of 4 hours at each level and cannot be taken concurrently with THEA 240/440.

Semester Offered
Fall
Spring

THEA 245: Theatre Practicum

Class Program
Credits 1

Supervised experience in any area of theatre production. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 hours, but no area of theatre production may be repeated for course credit.

Semester Offered
Fall
Spring

THEA 260: Musical Theatre Ensemble

Class Program
Credits 2

A theatre performance ensemble that performs productions from a variety of theatrical styles and genres.  This group has limited membership and performs numerous times each year on campus, in the MVC area and on tour.  Auditions are required.  A full year commitment is preferred.  May be repeated for credit 4 times.

Semester Offered
Fall as needed
Spring as needed

THEA 270: Playwriting

Class Program
Credits 3

Theoretical study and practical application of techniques of playwriting. Various approaches will be explored to facilitate the student playwrights in finding their own unique writing voice.

Semester Offered
Spring odd

THEA 300: Directing I

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$50 fee.

Introduction to the principles and theories, various styles of directing, including play selection, casting, rehearsal, performance, and post production responsibilities of the director.

Prerequisites

THEA 115, THEA 211, JR/SR standing.

Semester Offered
Fall odd

THEA 315: Acting Workshop/Topics

Class Program
Credits 3

Advanced study and practice in acting. Topic areas may include, auditioning, period styles, dialects, stage combat, acting for the camera, and reader’s theatre. May be repeated if a different topic.

Prerequisites

Semester Offered
As needed

THEA 317: Technical Workshop/Topics

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$30 fee.

Advanced study and practice in theatrical technology. The topics may include: Scene Painting, Technical Direction, Digital Audio Recording/Editing, Computer Aided Drafting, Advanced Costume Construction. May be repeated if different topic.

Prerequisites

Semester Offered
As needed

THEA 320: Stage and Theatre Management

Class Program
Credits 3

A comprehensive study of the principles, structures and responsibilities associated with the onstage management during a production setting. The course also looks at the front of house operations in terms of box office, public relations, and guest services for the professional and academic theatre.

Semester Offered
Spring even

THEA 325: Children’s Theatre Workshop

Class Program
Credits 3

Performance class which acquaints students with the preparation and development of productions for young audiences. Culminates in a semester performance. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours.

Prerequisites

Audition or Permission of instructor.

Semester Offered
Spring even

THEA 330: Survey of American Musical Theatre

Class Program
Credits 3

This course is a survey of the important works and developments in the musical theatre genre. It will seek to acquaint students with works from the 18th century to present.

Semester Offered
As needed

THEA 350: History of Theatre I

Class Program
Credits 3

Development of the theatre in the East and West from the beginning to the mid-17th century. Reading of major playwrights and representative dramatic texts of each period.

Semester Offered
Spring even

THEA 352: History of Theatre II

Class Program
Credits 3

Theatre from the mid17th century to the present. Reading of major playwrights and representative dramatic text of each period.

Semester Offered
Spring odd

THEA 376: Independent Study

Class Program
Credits 1 3

Individual study and research in theatre or performance studies.

Prerequisites

Permission of instructor and division chair. 

Semester Offered
Fall
Spring

THEA 401: Internship

Class Program
Credits 1 3

Internship under supervision of College personnel and cooperating facility.

Prerequisites

All internships must be approved and finalized in the semester prior to when they begin. Permission of instructor and division chair. 

Semester Offered
Arranged

THEA 415: Acting III

Class Program
Credits 3

Scene work and intensive focus on the process of creating a variety of characters for the different theatre genres. Advanced scene and monologue work required.

Prerequisites

Semester Offered
As needed

THEA 440: Improvisation Techniques

Class Program
Credits 1
Fees
$25 fee.

Students will be trained and exposed to different improvisational acting techniques including short and long form improvisation exercises. They are required to apply research material, performance styles, historical research, and current events into their work. Class may be repeated for a maximum of four hours at each level and may not be taken concurrently with THEA 242/442.

Semester Offered
Fall
Spring

THEA 442: Performance Improvisation

Class Program
Credits 1
Fees
$25 fee.

This is a performance class in which students will use improvisation skills in live performances. Students are required to perform multiple long form improvisation shows both on and off campus. Students must audition the first week of classes to be cast and enroll in this course. There will be 1-2 improvisation troupes cast each year. Class may be repeated for a maximum of 4 hours at each level and cannot be taken concurrently with THEA 240/440.

Semester Offered
Fall
Spring

THEA 460: Theatre Ensemble

Class Program
Credits 2

A theatre performance ensemble that performs productions from a variety of theatrical styles and genres. This group has limited membership and performs numerous times each year on campus, in the MVC area, and on tour. Auditions are required. A full year commitment is preferred. May be repeated for credit 4 times. 

 

Semester Offered
Fall as needed
Spring as needed

THEA 476: Independent Study

Class Program
Credits 1 3

Individual study and research in theatre or performance studies.

Prerequisites

Permission of instructor and division chair.

Semester Offered
Fall
Spring

THEA 490: Theatre Portfolio

Class Program
Credits 1

Students work individually with a faculty member to develop a portfolio of materials preparing them for employment in theatre and write a showcase proposal for THEA 491.

Prerequisites

Senior Standing.

Semester Offered
Fall

THEA 491: Senior Showcase

Class Program
Credits 1

Extended capstone project to demonstrate proficiency in an area of theatre; acting, directing, design, technical, or writing. The student will present a showcase of theatre work to the public, supervised by a faculty advisor, following department guidelines.

Prerequisites

Senior standing, permission of department.

Semester Offered
Fall
Spring
As needed