B.A. in Theatre

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 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.

Practical and theoretical work of the director as artist, leader, and collaborator. Focus placed on directing modern realistic plays to hone skills in text analysis, communication, organization, and style. Students rehearse projects outside of regularly scheduled class hours.

Studio-based examination of the practical and aesthetic considerations of scenic and lighting design as it applies to theatrical performance and other live events. Course contains both traditional lecture and hands-on design work including drafting, sketching, composition and the spectator/event relationship. Lab required.

Examines the duties and responsibilities of a production stage manager. Emphasis is placed on students’ honing their organizational and communication skills with all members of a production team. Working with and adapting to Actors’ Equity Association equity regulations are included. Students are expected to create a prompt book as well as participate in departmental productions. Instructor approval 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.