(THR) Theatre
THR 101 - Introduction to Theatre (3 credits)
Beginning study of the theatre as an art form, examines how a dramatic text is transformed into a stage production. Students read and analyze plays to understand theatre production practices -- historical as well as current -- and dramatic theory. Requires attending current theatre productions. 3 lecture hours
course outline
THR 102 - Stagecraft (3 credits)
Introduction to the skills and practice of technical theatre. Studies include elementary carpentry and set construction, scene painting, shop procedures, lighting, cost efficiency, and safety. Students work on college theatre productions. 2 lecture/2 laboratory hours
THR 103 - Play Production (3 credits)
Prerequisites: THR 101, THR 102 or permission of instructor
Examines the artistic, technical, managerial, design and financial elements of a theatre production, offering an overall view of how a play is produced. Students develop and discuss the production design concept of a play and assume technical or managerial responsibilities for college productions. Spring offering. 2 lecture/2 laboratory hours
course outline
THR 104 - Fundamentals of Acting (3 credits)
Introductory course for both actors and non-actors, examines the history and theory of acting with emphasis on Stanislavski and 20th century methods. Students participate in breathing, relaxation, and centering exercises, theatre games, and improvisational work to develop basic acting skills. Study includes the fundamentals of text analysis, group rehearsal dynamics, and verbal evaluation of other acting work. The class concludes with a public performance. 2 lecture/2 laboratory hours
course outline
THR 105 - Acting II: Principles of Characterization (3 credits)
Prerequisite: THR 104
Continuation of the skills developed in THR 104. Focuses on the actor's movement and voice skills to support character work. Students use masks and improvisation to broaden basic acting technique. Requires attendance at dance, chorus, and theatre productions. 2 lecture/2 studio hours
course outline
THR 107 - Playwriting I: Developing the Idea (3 credits)
Prerequisite: ENG 101 or divisional permission
Introduces several dramatic strategies used to develop an idea into a story structured for the stage. Students are exposed to a variety of exercises and "sense memory" prompts to facilitate writing and to learn from the works of master playwrights through reading assignments and discussions. 2 lecture/2 laboratory hours
course outline
THR 205 - British Theatre Seminar (3 credits)
Opportunity to attend current British theatre productions and discuss the important styles, trends, and artists associated with contemporary British theatre. The class spends seven to 10 days in London. Occasional offering
THR 207 - Scene Study I (3 credits)
Combines literary and theatrical skills. Students analyze scenes from plays, screenplays, and non-dramatic literature to discover how theatre artists use character, setting, circumstance, and dialogue when transforming text into performance. The interaction of writers, actors, and directors in developing and presenting scenes in performance is also observed. The class concludes with a public performance. 3 lecture hours
course outline
THR 210 - Theatre History: Classical to Elizabethan (3 credits)
A study of the evolution of theatre from classical Greek and Roman traditions through the Elizabethan period. Emphasis on the play in performance reflecting the changing physical theatre, as well as the social, political, and artistic currents of each period. 3 lecture hours
course outline
THR 212 - Central Voices in World Drama (3 credits)
Prerequisite: ENG 102 or divisional permission
Introduces students to important dramatic texts and examines them beyond the page as blueprints for performance. Emphasizes playwriting conventions, elements, styles, trends, and movements to chart changing dramaturgy and production practices in the world. Some playwrights include Christopher Marlowe, Henry David Hwang, Tennessee Williams, Bertolt Brecht, Amiri Baraka, Arthur Miller, Caryl Churchill, and Wole Soyinka. 3 lecture hours
course outline
THR 217 - Theatre Workshop (3 credits)
Prerequisites: THR 104 and THR 105 and/or permission of instructor
A practical study of theatrical production by intensive script study and supervised technical projects which culminates in performances for a live audience. Students apply techniques they have learned in prior acting and technical classes to the research, rehearsal and performance of a role in a fully realized theatrical production. 1 lecture/5 laboratory hours
course outline
