Course Descriptions

THEA 0104 INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE (3)
This course is an historical survey of the origins, nature, evolutions, and development of theatre and its related arts.  Students learn the theory and practice of the theatre arts, including playwriting, acting, directing, set and lighting design, theatre architecture, costuming and makeup, technical production, and theatre management.  Students acquire tools with which to experience, analyze, and appreciate good theatre and the wisdom it can offer, whether as audience members or as part of theatre productions. (formerly ENGL 0104)

THEA 0120 PERFORMANCE STUDIES (3)
A topics course.  The topic will depend upon the playwright and the play chosen for study and production. Performance Studies consists of a theatre ensemble performing dramatic works. It encompasses the process of script study and performance for an ensemble cast. The scripts will cover various genres, periods of theatre history, and acting styles. The format will include stage and radio productions as well as readers’ theatre and children’s theatre. The ensemble will perform both on and off campus. Enrollment by audition; open to all students who qualify. May be taken four times for credit. (formerly ENGL 0120)

THEA 0121 ACTING STYLES: TECHNIQUES, THEORY AND PRACTICE (3)
Students gain a basic understanding of theatre as a performing art through a study of acting styles and periods in an historical and cultural context.  Students also apply the theory and technique in a practical format.  Acting Styles focuses on three major periods from a choice ranging from classical to contemporary.  Approaches to teaching and learning include lecture, discussion, collaborative projects, character analysis through script study, theatre exercises and guest speakers.  Students attend campus and area theatrical productions, write critical reviews, and perform scenes. (formerly ENGL 0121)

THEA 0151 INTRODUCTION TO PERFORMANCE (3)
This course provides a perspective on and appreciation of theatre by studying the historical origins, development, and evolution of performance throughout the ages and across cultures.  The course is designed for students of varying disciplines and offers a unique lens through which to view performance in theatre and in life. Students learn about the nature of performance and some of the significant theories and figures in the history of performance, and are introduced to various performance concepts, principles, and techniques, as well as different approaches to actor training. Students learn about and work on the performer’s instrument: the body, the voice, and the imagination.  Many practical exercises are employed, which may include areas such as storytelling, dramatic structure, sensory work, movement, improvisation, psychophysical action, mask work, stage combat, etc. Students also will supply their knowledge and training to create performance pieces. (formerly ENGL 0151)

THEA 0152 SCENOGRAPHY (3)
This course provides a perspective on and an appreciation of theatre by studying the historical development, continuum, and evolution of the values, methods, and theories of the practitioners of the New Stagecraft, the collaborative relationship between the director and the designer, and the basic principles of visual and aural theatrical design.  The course will expose students to the significant theories and movements that have shaped the visual style of the American stage; will familiarize students with theatre’s significant figures, techniques, conventions, styles, and terminology; will promote productive dialogue among student directors, actors, designers, writers, and technicians; and will impart a greater appreciation of the performing arts. (formerly ENGL 0152)

THEA 0250 ORAL INTERPRETATION (3)
Geared towards aiding those students interested in broadcasting, acting, or teaching careers. In an informal group setting, the student will pursue the heightening and sharing of his/her sensitivities in relation to a wide choice of written materials including drama, children's literature, documentaries, fiction, editorials, scripts, and poetry. At the same time, the course will concentrate on using and developing the full range of the voice as the vehicle to communicate the student's sensitivities and interpretations. Counts as a 0300-level elective for the literature and literature/secondary education concentrations. (formerly ENGL 0250)

THEA 0251 THEATRE MANAGEMENT (3)
The course addresses the organization and business practices of theatrical companies and of theatre production. The course will acquaint students with the roles of the producer and the managing director. The requirements and responsibilities of both commercial and non-profit theatrical production will be addressed, as well as the roles and functions of various management personnel. The course will include such topics as fund raising, subscription sales, publicity and promotion, community relations, agents, unions, stage management, and long- and short-term planning. (formerly ENGL 0251)

THEA 0252 ACTING I (3)
An introductory course in the art and craft of the actor designed to make the student aware of personal outer and inner resources and to provide the student with work habits and tools to approach the actor's task with understanding. (formerly ENGL 0252)

THEA 0255 DIRECTING I (3)
A study of the process of play direction and practice in the staging of scenes from the most common styles of plays.  (formerly ENGL 0255)

THEA 0260 SCRIPT ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATION (3)
This course will employ various disciplined, systematic approaches to analyzing and understanding a work of dramatic literature and their application to classical, modern, and contemporary plays, and it will facilitate a greater understanding and appreciation of the art and craft of dramatic writing.  The course is designed for students of varying disciplines. The course will challenge and assist students in the development of their critical, analytical, and creative abilities.  Knowledge acquired in this course will assist students in their analysis and understanding of other literary works, and will increase their appreciation of the work of the creative writer.  The course also will provide insight into how one’s interpretation of a dramatic text can be translated into concrete graphic, visual, and aural terms for a theatre audience. (formerly ENGL 0260)

THEA 0261 THEATRE HISTORY: EARLY STAGES (3)
This course is an interdisciplinary study of the development, continuum, and evolution of Western theatre in a world cultural context. The course will focus on the agendas and legacies of key figures and movements in the development of Western theatre from its origins in ritual and ceremonial dance to the community performances of the Middle Ages. The relationship of  Western theatre to Eastern examples, the development of the theatre as a physical structure, the development of various concepts of character and  dramatic action, and the changing relationship of life on the stage to life  off the stage will be examined through the study of selected dramatists,  theoreticians, directors, designers, and performers. Prerequisites: ENGL 0101 and ENGL 0102. (formerly ENGL 0261)

THEA 0262 THEATRE HISTORY: RENAISSANCE TO ROMANTICISM (3)
This course is an interdisciplinary study of the development, continuum, and evolution of Western theatre in a world cultural context. The course will focus on the agendas and legacies of key figures and movements in the development of Western theatre from the European Renaissance to the emerging world stage of the nineteenth century. The relationship of Western theatre to Eastern examples, the development of the theatre as a physical  structure, the development of various concepts of character and dramatic  action, and the changing relationship of life on the stage to life off the  stage will be examined through the study of selected dramatists,  theoreticians, directors, designers, and performers. Prerequisites: ENGL 0101 and ENGL 0102. (formerly ENGL 0262)

THEA 0263 THEATRE HISTORY: THE MODERN STAGE (3)
This course is an interdisciplinary study of the development, continuum, and evolution of Western theatre in a world cultural context. The course will focus on the agendas and legacies of key figures and movements in the development of Western theatre from the realist/naturalist movements of the nineteenth century to the world theatre of the 1940s. The relationship of  Western theatre to Eastern examples, the development of the theatre as a  physical structure, the development of various concepts of character and  dramatic action, and the changing relationship of life on the stage to life  off the stage will be examined through the study of selected dramatists,  theoreticians, directors, designers, and performers. Prerequisites: ENGL 0101 and 0102. (formerly ENGL 0263)

THEA 0330 SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE (3)
This course focuses upon selected subjects in the theatre arts of performance and design, theatre stagecraft and technology, theatre history, theatre management, or dramatic literature chosen in keeping with the instructor’s field of specialization and in response to student interest and/or emerging trends in theatre.

THEA 0343 SOUND DESIGN FOR THEATRE (3)
This course teaches students the principles, theories, technology, and craftsmanship of sound design for live theatrical production. Topics include script analysis for the designer, developing a design concept, researching period music, developing a sound score, translating characters’ internal psychological and emotional states into sound, and organizing the documentation of a design.  Emphasis is placed on digital multi-track recording and editing.  Students will be expected to plan and to implement a number of sound design projects using computer-aided sound design software.  Students also will explore basic audio theory and technology, the components of sound systems, and their applications to a live theatrical environment. (formerly ENGL 0343)

THEA 0350 DRAMATURGY (3)
This course applies aspects of script analysis, dramatic theory and criticism, and theatre history to the study of individual works of drama. Dramaturgy involves the study of the principles of dramatic composition, structure, style, and theory as they relate to a dramatic work, and research on that work’s historical setting and time of composition, on its author’s body of work, on its published criticism, and on its production history. Students will learn what makes a dramatic work theatrically viable, how to assess its strengths and weaknesses, and how to rectify its shortcomings.

THEA 0353 THEATRE WORKSHOP (6)
This is an intensive course for students who have acquired the basic skills of stagecraft and theatrical production, and who are interested in learning their application to the execution of theatrical designs.  It is a hands-on, experiential course in which students develop and put to practical use a number of theatre and stagecraft technology skills.  Students will build and paint scenery, hang and focus lights, collect and record sound, participate in costume construction, collect and build properties, and have the opportunity to serve on the running crews for the semester’s theatrical offerings.  Each student is required to fulfill assigned hours and to attend work calls outside of regularly scheduled class and shop hours.  Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.  (formerly ENGL 0353)

THEA 0354 COSTUME DESIGN (3)
Students will acquire an appreciation and an understanding of costume design as a unique form of artistic expression. Students will learn about style, about the designer's creative process, and how to analyze and interpret play scripts and characters from the costume designer's perspective. They will also learn about the processes of executing costume design, including the tools and techniques of costume construction. The course will provide a cultural and historical perspective, revealing how the pressures of place and time have influenced the fashions of various periods and how costume design has evolved and developed over time.  Criteria will be established to enable students to evaluate and to articulate their reactions to costume designs and to the design experience. (formerly ENGL 0354)

THEA 0355 THEATRE APPLICATIONS (3)
This course is designed to give students an intensive instructional experience in theatrical production and technology. Students will learn the day-to-day responsibilities, expectations, and problem solving techniques in a multitude of production areas.  Students will learn the techniques and processes connected with such production responsibilities as designing, stage managing, construction, and publicity and promotion. May be taken twice for credit. (formerly ENGL 0355)

THEA 0356 STAGECRAFT TECHNIQUES (3)
Construction techniques and terminology, the use and safe operation of tools, carpentry skills, reading blueprints, and scene painting techniques are included in this course which serves as preparation for THEA 0353 Theatre Workshop. (formerly ENGL 0356)

THEA 0357 ACTING II (3)
Working on a role, students apply the elements of Acting I to text, character analysis, and performance. Scenes and short works will be performed for class criticism.  Prerequisite: THEA 0252. (formerly ENGL 0357)

THEA 0358 ACTING SEMINAR (3)
A topics course. Topic will depend upon the playwright and the play chosen for production. Acting seminar is a culminating course designed to apply the skills learned in introductory acting courses. The semester will be devoted to preparing, performing, and evaluating a theatre work for the public. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisites: THEA 0252 and THEA 0357; or permission of the instructor. Enrollment by audition; open to all students who qualify.  (formerly ENGL 0358)

THEA 0359 ACTING FOR FILM & TELEVISION (3)
Students will learn how to apply the craft of acting to the demands of acting on-camera for film and television, as well as the techniques and craft required for on-camera acting. Students will be introduced to such aspects of on-camera acting as the terminology of the media, cold reading techniques necessary for auditioning, the camera shots and camera angles, the limitations of the frame, professional behavior on a set, and the actor’s responsibility. Students will engage in a number of exercises as well as monologue and scene work for the camera. Prerequisites: THEA 0252 Acting I and THEA 0357 Acting II.

THEA 0360 THEATRE PRODUCTION (6)
This is an intensive hands-on course for students interested in learning and gaining experience in standard technical craft practices for the theatre.  The class will familiarizes student particularly with the specific equipment and skills needed for the preparation and construction of costumes for a theatrical production. Students will also learn and apply fundamental construction tools, techniques and skills in other technical/craft areas of scenery lighting, sound, scene painting, makeup, and properties.   Student may also participate in the running crews for the semester’s theatrical productions.  Each student will be required to fulfill assigned hours and to attend work calls outside the regularly scheduled class and shop hours.  Prerequisite:  Permission of the instructor is required for admission to the course. (formerly ENGL 0360)

THEA 0362 RESEARCH SEMINAR IN THEATRE (3)
Advanced research in theatre, including guided individual study of an approved topic. Members of the department will assist students whose special interests coincide with their specialized areas. Prerequisite:  Permission of instructor. (formerly ENGL 0362)

THEA 0368 DIRECTING II (3)
Through directing at least one one‑act play, class criticism, and analysis, students will learn the role of director as interpreter, organizer, teacher, and stage manager. Prerequisite: THEA 0255. (Formerly ENGL 0368)

THEA 0380 PROFESSIONAL THEATRE SEMINAR (1)
Students will learn about the realities and demands of graduate school and of making a career in the worlds of professional theatre, film, and television. Topics will include but are not limited to auditioning techniques for theatre and for film and television, headshots, resumes, portfolio preparation and presentation, creating personal web sites, marketing oneself, personal wardrobe and makeup, interviewing techniques, how to research, select, apply, and prepare for graduate school, and the professional working environments of New York and Los Angeles. Required of all Theatre Arts majors. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing.

THEA 0389 SCENE DESIGN (3)
The course will convey an appreciation and understanding of scenic design as a unique form of artistic expression and the artistic skills and craftsmanship necessary to a scenic designer. Students will learn how to analyze and interpret a script from the scenic designer's perspective and to translate one's concepts into concrete visual and graphic terms.  Students will acquire a working understanding of theatre history and style as they relate to scenic design. The course will stress process and methodology and will expose students to the scenic designer's creative process, touching on such areas as analysis, research, sketching, rendering, model building, and ground plan development. (formerly ENGL 0389)

THEA 0390 LIGHTING DESIGN (3)
This course teaches the science and the art of the discipline of lighting design. Students will learn the tools of the trade and how to use them to enhance a theatrical production. It will acquaint students with the lighting designer’s process and how the designer analyzes, interprets, and translates a script into a cogent design concept, and how the designer uses the tools and the latest technology of the trade to execute the design. (formerly ENLG 0390)

THEA 0398 INTERNSHIP IN THEATRE (3-12)
A practical internship program for senior Theatre Arts majors who want to gain real-world experience in on-the-job training in an area of theatre. Students will participate for a stipulated period of time under professional supervision and evaluation, and will be observed periodically by college faculty. The internship must be proposed by the student and approved by the Theatre Arts faculty. Any additional requirements of an internship — for example, journal or report writing or an oral presentation — will be determined by the faculty. Prerequisite: Permission of the Program Coordinator.

THEA 0399 INDEPENDENT STUDY (3-6)
A course by special arrangement for independent study in an area of special interest or need in theatre and/or drama.  The student will work with a faculty member qualified to supervise the independent study project.  Prerequisite:  Permission of instructor and department chair.

ENGL 0287 WORLD DRAMA (3)
This course deals mainly with discussion, interpretation and critical evaluation of selective texts from the world's drama (from the Greeks to the present) emphasizing genres and periods. Consideration also will be given to the ideas, structures, styles, and techniques of dramatic literature. Prerequisites: ENGL 0101 and ENGL 0102. (formerly ENGL 0387)

ENGL 0317 SHAKESPEARE: TRAGEDIES AND HISTORIES (3)
A study of the tragedies and histories of Shakespeare including some consideration of his sources, his use of Elizabethan ideas, and his theatre. 

ENGL 0318 SHAKESPEARE: COMEDIES AND ROMANCES (3)
A study of the comedies and romances, including some consideration of Shakespeare's sources, his use of Elizabethan ideas and his theatre.

ENGL 0321 IRISH DRAMA (3)
A course in the development of modern Irish theatre from its origins at the turn of the twentieth century to the present. The plays and artistic credos of Yeats, Shaw, Lady Gregory, Synge, O’Casey, and Behan will be studied, in addition to the representative works of other important Irish dramatists.

ENGL 0364 AMERICAN DRAMA (3)
Emphasis on the development of the dramatic form in America. Plays that are read and discussed demonstrate that there is a Native American dramatic tradition and that experimentation is one of its characteristics. The plays also reflect significant development in and through culture.

ENGL 0365 DRAMATIC THEORY AND CRITICISM (3)
An examination of the subjects of dramatic theory and criticism from both historical and practical viewpoints.  Students are acquainted with the major theoretical and critical statements about western theatre from the Greeks to the present day.  Students read historically important drama theorists and critics, and apply the ideas and principles they have learned to their own written analyses of assigned dramatic texts, video screenings, and live theatrical productions.

ENGL 0366 DRAMA OF THE WESTERN WORLD (3)
A critical evaluation of representative plays of the important periods of theatre, including outstanding plays of Greece, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Spain, Russia, England, and the United States. An attempt is made to understand in depth the influence of the times upon the plays and authors studied. Prerequisite: ENGL 0101 and ENGL 0102.

ENGL 0370 MODERN DRAMA (3)
Modern theatre is characterized by its international nature and its diversity of subject, style, and setting.  This course will chronologically examine the development of modern drama from Ibsen to the present with specific attention to crucial social, political, and scientific influences and pivotal plays.

ENGL 0371 PLAYWRITING (3)
Introduction to the craft recommended for students with some experience in both creative writing and theatrical production.