BFA in Acting

Architecture, technological innovation, literary genre, performance style, and artistic collaboration. Introduces basic principles of dramatic and performance criticism with a focus on writing about the drama.

Training in the skills and techniques of technical theatre (including set construction, scene painting, lighting, and sound) through reading, lecture, and hands-on experience.

Intensive study in a variety of techniques and exercises developed by Constantine Stanislavski (and variations developed by prominent instructors who succeeded him) in order to prepare the student for the creative and practical demands of stage acting. In this first of a two-course sequence, emphasis is placed on exercise work focusing on concentration and public solitude, imagination, improvisation, observation, scoring physical actions, beat analysis, definition of and pursuit of objective, and the defining and playing of an action. It is recommended the student take THEU 101 before taking this course.

Students gain hands-on experience by working on a technical crew assigned to Regent Theatre production. Crew assignments may be drawn from a variety of production opportunities in the areas of scenery, costume, makeup, sound, light and props. Pass/No Pass. Majors must register for this course a minimum of six (6) credit hours. Minors must register for THEU 181 for a minimum of three (3) credits. Repeatable up to nine (9) credit hours.

Theory and practice of training the actor to expressively communicate with the body. Special emphasis is placed on non-verbal communication and raising the student’s awareness of movement as a foundation for developing a character. Lab required.

Affords the student the opportunity to gain expertise in designing and applying a variety of stage make-ups including: corrective, fantasy, animal, special effects, and old age. The course includes the introduction of latex prosthetic pieces. Students are required to purchase a personal makeup kit. Prerequisite: THEU 101 or instructor approval.

An intensive study of acting in the realist tradition designed to prepare the student for the creative and practical demands of stage acting. Prerequisite: THEU 101 or THEU 132.

The fundamental theory and practice of healthy and articulate vocal production: controlling breath, phonation, resonation, enunciation, projection, vocal quality and proper Standard American English. The intent of the course is to produce a vocally expressive actor.

Provides an overview of modern improvisation techniques as taught by Viola Spolin, The Second City, The Groundlings, and The Improv Olympics. These core skills are useful to the performer, the director, and the teacher. Special emphasis is placed on techniques used to build an ensemble, the use of improvisation as a tool to boost creativity, and the spiritual parallels between faith and this unique art form. It is recommended the student take THEU 101 and THEU 232 before taking this course.

Performance laboratory for aesthetic guidelines, safety principles, and practical techniques used in the staging of armed and unarmed sequences of staged combat.

Provides tools for students to analyze plays as theatre literature from the perspective of performance such as structural approaches, historical/biographical approaches, a study of genres, psychoanalytic approaches, and moral/philosophical approaches to include Judeo-Christian core values. Prerequisite: THEU 101.

Management laboratory introducing organizational structures and management principles appropriate for educational, professional, community and church-related theatre programs with an emphasis on not-for-profit organizations. Includes focused training in professional auditioning.

Explores the techniques and methods of screen acting for single-camera productions (although multiple-camera productions are also addressed). Students prepare and perform scenes for presentation in class, participate in classroom exercises and discussions, and perform as on-camera talent for student productions. Instructor approval required.

Advanced study and application of vocal skills introduced in THEU 234. International Phonetic Alphabet applied to major performance dialects such as Received British Pronunciation, Cockney, Irish, and American Southern. Prerequisite: THEU 234.

Intensive examination of a selected area of study in the field of theatre. Topics vary and are announced in advance. This course may be repeated for credit. Lecture, seminar, and/or team study. Instructor approval may be required.

Historical examination of significant developments in world theatre and drama from its origins through the European Renaissance. Prerequisite: THEU 101 or instructor approval.

Historical examination of significant developments in world theatre and drama from the 18th century through the 20th century. Prerequisite: THEU 101 or instructor approval.

A performance lab that provides the advanced student an opportunity to research, explore, and generate performances within specific periods, styles, or genres. Provides students with both theoretical and practical experience in performance. Examples of offerings include (but are not limited to) Contemporary Drama, Shakespeare, Comedy of Manners, Commedia dell' Arte; Non-traditional styles such as Absurdism, Expressionism, Symbolism, Auditioning and other topics as well. This course may be repeated for credit. Students having completed THEU 322 may be allowed to direct scenes. Prerequisite: THEU 232.

Builds on the foundation created in Screen Acting 1. Students will apply on-campus acting technique to scenes from varying genres while applying advanced acting problems. Additionally, students will perform different styles of commercials. Prerequisite: THEU 330.

Trains student-actors in the optimal environment physical state for speaking and moving in performance. Using a psycho-physical approach, students will develop proper alignment, diaphragmatic breath, economy of movement, and freedom from muscular-tension limitations.

Capstone workshop guiding senior Theatre majors in the development of professional portfolios highlighting skills and accomplishments suitable for professional auditions or graduate school interviews. Outcomes include polished performance selections, written materials, headshots, websites and new media platforms. Coaching in presentation techniques for a range of venues. Prerequisite: Senior standing.