Theatre

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.

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.

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.

Selected topics arranged by division faculty.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Selected topics arranged by division faculty.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Advanced study and practice in theatrical design. The topics may include: Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Costume Design, Sound Design, Projection Design, Properties Design, and Make-up Design. May be repeated if different topic.

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.

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.

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.

Selected topics arranged by division faculty.

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.

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

Individual study and research in theatre or performance studies.

Internship under supervision of College personnel and cooperating facility.

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.

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.

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.

Supervised leadership 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.

Selected topics arranged by division faculty.

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. 

Individual study and research in theatre or performance studies.

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.

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.