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Course Descriptions — Theatre

THE1200 Introduction to Theatre (3 semester hours)
Definition and examples of the elements or theatrical production provide half of this course's foundation. This includes the roles of producers, directors, designers, actors and others in the theatrical industry. How the theatre works is linked to why the theatre works to round out the students' foundation. Theories exploring why theatre exists, how it could be practiced and its purpose to a society are surveyed. As often as possible, the words and examples of actual practitioners and their cultural contexts are used as the basis of discussion. All this combines to develop critical ability in the context of being an audience member.   

No prerequisites.
Meets General Education "Aesthetic and Philosophical Expression" group B requirement.

THE1300 Acting I (3 semester hours)  
Begins the process of developing the self as a honed communication tool, through stage acting technique. Comfortable naturalism on stage is the aim, as students explore their personal awareness, as well as their awareness of others and their surroundings. Basic tools of the body, imagination and rationale are developed. Appreciation of not only acting technique, but also the work needed in production values to support the script and acting are part of study. Students work with exercises, improvisation and contentless scenes, leading to a final scripted scene.   
No prerequisites.

THE1500 Stagecraft I (3 semester hours)
An introduction to the terminology and techniques used in technical theatre. Course examines two-dimensional and three-dimensional scenery, the physical theater, stage and scene shop equipment, project organization and process, technical theater graphics, materials, and theatrical construction techniques. Students in this course will be actively involved in Theatre Department productions.  
No prerequisites.

THE/ENG2220 Drama Literature (4 semester hours)
A study of the art of dramatic writing that examines representative world theatre texts, along with their cultural and historic contexts. Organized around genre forms (e.g., verse, five-act, three-act, one-person, non-realism), students analyze the form and its context, do playwriting exercises in the form, and study the masters of the form and their themes/motivations. Part performance analysis skill, part creative writing, part scholarly examination, this course is a unique context for studying and experiencing the vibrancy of theatrical forms, their cultural genesis or relevance, and for broadening skills in creative writing and understanding ancient and modern dramatic texts.
Prerequisites: ENG1020 or THE1200.
Meets General Education "Aesthetic and Philosophical Expression" Group B requirement.

THE2300 Acting II (3 semester hours)
Builds upon the skills developed in Acting I to attain more depth in performance of realistic drama, including skills required to perform and audition with monologs. Acting skills are expanded to approach nonrealism scripts. Scene structure, acting vocabulary (including classic and modern methods) and developing character (mentally, physically, verbally) are central. Assignments are in duo and group scenes, monologs and exercises. Other skills, such as cold readings, improvisation as an acting tool, and specific acting methods may be incorporated.
Prerequisite: THE1300.

THE2500 Stagecraft II (3 semester hours)
In this class students will explore advanced construction techniques and practices such as welding, ornamental carpentry, and furniture construction. Special emphasis will be placed on creative approaches and problem solving. Students will demonstrate their knowledge through individual and group projects. Students in this course will be actively involved in Theatre Department productions. Prerequisite: THE1500.
 
THE3100 Playwriting (3 semester hours)
Building on the writing theory and exercises of Drama Literature, this course focuses the student on developing writing style and ability in standard forms of playwriting, e.g. sketch, ten-minute play, one-act, full-length. Research methods, both of classic examples and of background for plays written, is developed. Material is presented and developed in workshop format and active participation is imperative, both providing material in timely fashion and constructively critiquing colleagues' work.
Prerequisite: THE/ENG2220 or consent of instructor.

THE3250 Shakespeare in Performance (3 semester hours)
"In Performance" courses function on the assumption that a style or playwright's work cannot be fully understood by literary study alone, but must be experienced in performance. Linking plays to their historical time, and using interdisciplinary studies, students approach acting Shakespeare's work by examining Elizabethan society, literary influences, theatre technology, as well as performance history and notable theories on Shakespeare. Techniques and exercises of Cicely Berry and other notable practitioners provide the basis.
Prerequisite: THE2300.

THE3260 Studies in Performance Style (3 semester hours)
"In Performance" courses function on the assumption that a style or playwright's work cannot be fully understood by literary study alone, but must be experienced in performance. Linking plays to their historical time, and using interdisciplinary studies, students approach acting work of a specific time period, genre or playwright by examining it in context of society, literary influences, theatre technology, as well as performance history and notable theories on performance. Techniques and exercises from notable practitioners provide the basis. Studies In Performance Styles may include in-depth analysis in areas such as Comedy; Non-Realism (Becket, Pinter, Shepard, Absurdists, etc.); Restoration; the great realists (Chekhov, Ibsen, Miller) or others. When possible, these studies will complement mainstage production material.
Prerequisite: THE2300.

THE3310 Directing (3 semester hours)
Builds technique, both mental and experiential, to develop stage productions. This includes interpreting text, analyzing premise, developing visual concepts, translating words and concepts into actions, and communicating in the different jargons of actors and designers. Students explore techniques to develop original work as well as approach established scripts. Techniques of collaboration are practiced by producing scenes/short works.
Prerequisite: THE1200 or THE1300. Completion of THE2220 is strongly recommended.
 
THE3510 Design for the Stage (3 semester hours)
Using a variety of media, students explore design skills, creative process and essentials of costume, lighting, and scenic design. Students will explore the process of translating a script into a visual design. Topics will include designer responsibilities, research techniques, communication tools, creative problem solving, director/designer relationship, etc.
No prerequisites.

THE3520 Costuming (3 semester hours)
This course will examine costume design, basic sewing, pattern creation/modification, and other processes use to create costumes for the stage. Students in this course will be actively involved in Theatre Department productions.
No prerequisites.

THE3600 History of Theatre: Americas & Australia (3 semester hours)
Theatrical practice dates back almost to the dawn of humanity. As the primary mass communication tool for most centuries of civilization, theatre has been used or social, political, religious and commercial means, as well as for personal and communal artistic expression. To do justice to the forms and styles of theatre which range greatly throughout the world and the ages, three courses comprise AU’s History of Theatre. These are independent courses that may be taken separately or in any sequence. Each History of Theatre course spans tribal or ritualistic dramatic forms to contemporary uses of theatre highlighting major movements, within the geographical areas specified. While geography may be shared, links are also made in origins and influences. Indigenous or unique forms are highlighted. Literature and themes may be incorporated, but development, influences, uses and impacts are more central to the course.
Aboriginal and indigenous theatre forms and/or rituals are explored. Theatre resulting from the cultural mix due to colonization, slavery and struggles for independence are examined, with emphasis on unique forms and venues (e.g., showboats, American musical theatre, religious re-enactments, carnivale). Spread of theatre across expanses of land and unique political and/or social applications are explored. Major practitioners and theorists of record are included.
No prerequisites.
Writing intensive course.

THE3610 History of Theatre: Africa, Middle East and Asia (3 semester hours)
Theatrical practice dates back almost to the dawn of humanity. As the primary mass communication tool for most centuries of civilization, theatre has been used or social, political, religious and commercial means, as well as for personal and communal artistic expression. To do justice to the forms and styles of theatre which range greatly throughout the world and the ages, three courses comprise AU’s History of Theatre. These are independent courses that may be taken separately or in any sequence. Each History of Theatre course spans tribal or ritualistic dramatic forms to contemporary uses of theatre highlighting major movements, within the geographical areas specified. While geography may be shared, links are also made in origins and influences. Indigenous or unique forms are highlighted. Literature and themes may be incorporated, but development, influences, uses and impacts are more central to the course.
Theatre genesis and development, of which many ancient forms have been retained despite colonial influences, are explored. This study provides the basis for looking at modern applications, which influence "Western" theatre in novel ways. Highly stylized forms, such as natya, Noh, Kabuki, folk dance theatre and puppet theatre, are explored, as are major practitioners of record. Effects on theatrical expressions of nomadic and/or feudal systems and severe political unrest and economic disparity, within highly regulated social systems are examined
No prerequisites.
Writing intensive course.

THE3620 History of Theatre: Europe & Russia (3 semester hours)
The foundations and evolving forms of theatre, and the highly consistent spread of ideas and forms throughout Europe and Russia (and historical territories), both popular and formal, are explored. Interdependencies within theatre exist, despite severe social, philosophical and governmental splits within the geographic area that includes the former Soviet Union. The unity and dominance of European/Russian theatrical ideas throughout the world will be explored to help understand why this is so, even in areas that have rich indigenous traditions and forms. Major practitioners in major styles (classic, medieval, renaissance, enlightenment, romanticism, modernism) are explored.
No prerequisites.
Writing intensive course.
 
THE4100 Theatre Theory and Criticism (3 semester hours)
Using primary texts of the great philosophers and theorists, ideas of the purpose of theatre are explored. Forms of theatre, from their genesis to influence, and their transformations across generations and societies provide a unique perspective on humanity. The importance of theatre as cultural expression and predictor of future trend is debated using primary research in criticism, both contemporary and retrospective. The communal nature that differentiates theatrical art from other art forms is central. Students will be researching and writing in depth analysis of established theory and criticism, culminating in development of their own theories. Viewing of performances is incorporated to develop students' ability to critique.
Prerequisites: THE/ENG2220 and at least one of the following: THE 3600, THE3610 or THE3620.
Writing intensive course.

THE4990 Senior Capstone Project (3 semester hours)
This will serve as the culminating performance, project, or written work for the theatre major. With approval and guidance from the faculty, student will develop and execute a substantial individual project that will reflect the academic and practical knowledge gained through the theatre program. This project may be realized as a theatrical performance, a design or technical project, a directorial work, a written thesis or a critical/historical document. Faculty will assist in developing specific goals and requirements for completion of the capstone project.
Prerequisites: Completion of all other theatre requirements and consent of theatre faculty.

Academic information on departmental Web sites reflects the university's most current curriculum. The print version of the catalog, which is also posted online, may differ from this information.