Faculty
Introduction
Major in Theatre and Drama
Double Major Program
Minor in Theatre and Drama
Secondary Teacher Certification
Departmental Honors Program
Course Descriptions
Related Courses
Chairperson
Professor Jonathan R. Michaelsen
Associate Chairperson
Dale McFadden
Professors
Roger W. Herzel, Dale McFadden, Jonathan R. Michaelsen, George Pinney, Dennis J. Reardon, Robert A. Shakespeare, Ronald Wainscott
Associate Professors
Robert Bovard, Bruce Burgun, Nancy Lipschultz, Murray McGibbon, Rakesh Solomon, Fontaine Syer
Assistant Professors
Fred M. Duer, Linda Pisano
Faculty Emeriti
Leon Brauner, Winona Fletcher, Howard Jensen, Marion Bankert Michael, R. Keith Michael, Wesley Peters, Frank Silberstein
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Dale McFadden
Academic Advising Charles Railsback, Theatre Building AD230, (812) 855-4342
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The Department of Theatre and Drama (THTR) believes that theatrical productions and classroom study are of equal and complementary value. Courses in acting, directing, playwriting, dramatic literature, theatre history, design, and technology are all vital and interrelated aspects of the theatre and drama program.
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Requirements
Students must complete 31 credit hours in theatre and drama, including the following introductory courses. Students are advised to take the courses in a building progression (i.e., T100 should be taken early in the progression of study). See the academic advisor for clarification.
- T100 Introduction to Theatre (4 cr.)
T121 Acting I for Majors (3 cr.) or T120 Acting I (3 cr.)*
T225 Stagecraft I (3 cr.)
T230 Stage Costuming I (3 cr.)
T335 Stage Lighting (3 cr.)
T340 Directing I
T370-T371 History of Western Theatre and Drama I-II. (3-3 cr.)
- 6 additional credit hours in one of the following four areas of concentration:
- Theatre history and dramatic literature: T460, T461, T462, T468.
- Acting and directing: T115, T220, T300, T315, T320, T325, T410, T420, T423, T442, T443, T445.
- Design and technology: T130, T326, T425, T426, T430, T433, T434, T435, T438.
- Playwriting and screenwriting: T453, T454, T458.
- 15 of the 31 credit hours must be taken in 300- and 400-level courses.
The academic advisor will assign to the appropriate area of concentration any credits earned in theatre and drama courses T390, T399, T483, T490, and T499.
* T120 accepted as a substitute for T121 by petition. Consult advisor for further clarification.
Students must also complete the degree requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Transfer Students
Transfer students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours in theatre and drama in residence on the Bloomington campus. At least 6 credit hours must be taken in the student's area of concentration.
- Students who have taken an acting course at another school and wish to take any course of the acting curriculum beyond T120 or T121 must audition for the acting faculty before the beginning of classes in the fall semester. See an academic advisor for date and time.
- All courses transferred from another institution or campus must be evaluated through the Theatre and Drama Advising Office before they may be applied toward the theatre and drama major or minor. Transfer students must submit bulletin descriptions and course syllabi for potential transfer credits during the first semester of study.
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The requirements for a double major in the Department of Theatre and Drama are the same as for a single major.
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Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours in theatre and drama including:
- T100 or T210.
- A minimum of one course in each of these three areas:
Acting and directing: T120.
Design and technology: T225, T230, T326, or T335.
Theatre history and dramatic literature: T370, T371, T460, T461, T462, or T468.
- Two additional courses in one of the four areas of concentration listed in the major. Students are advised to take the courses in the minor in a building progression (i.e., T100 or T120 should be taken early in the progression of study).
Students are advised to plan their minor program of study in consultation with both their major and minor advisors.
- Acting: T220, T320
- Directing: T340
- Movement: T300, T410
- Oral interpretation: T115, T315
- Playwriting: T453, T454, T458
- Stagecraft: T225, T425, T435
- Scene design: T326, T426
- Costuming: T230, T430
- Lighting: T335, T438
- Stage Management: T229; T329 or T428
- Dramatic literature: T460, T461, T462, T468
- Theatre history: T370, T371
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Students seeking certification as teachers may combine their professional training in the Department of Theatre and Drama with the professional education requirements (secondary education) of the School of Education. Students should consult the bulletin of the School of Education for requirements of this combined program. For clarification, see advisors in both schools.
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Outstanding students with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.3 are eligible for admission to the honors program in theatre and drama at the end of their sophomore year. Minimum requirements for the honors degree are:
- Cumulative GPA of 3.300.
- 31 credit hours, to include 9 credit hours of honors course work in theatre and drama at the 300-400 level, 6 of which must be in T399-T499.
- A senior project of a creative or research nature, which may be counted as part of the T499 requirements.
Application for admission and the student’s program of courses must be approved by the department’s honors committee.
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T100 Introduction to Theatre (4 cr.) A & H Overview of theories, methodology, and skills. Emphasis on theatre as a composite art. Relationship of various components: play, playwright, actor, director, designer, audience, critic, and physical theatre.
T115 Oral Interpretation I (3 cr.) A & H Introduction to theories, methodology, and skills; oral and visual presentation of literature for audiences.
T120 Acting I: Fundamentals of Acting (3 cr.) A & H Introduction to theories, methodology, and skills: movement, voice, observation, concentration, imagination. Emphasis on improvisational exercises and basic scene study. Lecture and laboratory. Credit given for only one of T120 or T121.
T121 Acting I for Majors (3 cr.) A & H P: Major in theatre and drama or departmental approval. Accelerated performance course for majors focusing on the foundation skills of acting including movement, voice and diction, observation, concentration, imagination with emphasis on improvisational exercises, and playing an action leading to scene study. Credit given for only one of T120 or T121.
T130 Stage Makeup (1 cr.) Techniques and styles of makeup in theatre. Lecture and laboratory. Theatre majors have registration priority.
T210 Appreciation of Theatre (3 cr.) A & H Introduction to the art and history of theatre through a study of major dramatic genres, theatrical elements and techniques, and current productions. No credit given for theatre and drama major concentration.
T220 Acting II: Scene Study (3 cr.) P: T120 or T121; recommendation of instructor or audition. Continuation of work begun in T120 or T121. Textual analysis and techniques of communicating with body and voice. Study and performance of characters in scenes from modern realistic dramas. Lecture and laboratory.
T225 Stagecraft I (3 cr.) Introduction to theories, methodology, and skills: analysis of practical and aesthetic functions of stage scenery, fundamentals of scenic construction and rigging, mechanical drawing for stagecraft. Lecture and laboratory.
T229 Stage Management I (3 cr.) P: T100 and T225. Explore the role and function of the stage manager in theatrical production. Provide the basic skills to begin work in the field of stage management. Emphasis on organization, documentation, and dissemination of information.
T230 Stage Costuming I (3 cr.) Introduction to theories, methodology, and skills: materials, construction techniques, pattern drafting, wardrobe work, and decorative processes. Lecture and laboratory.
T300 Musical Theatre Workshop (3 cr.) Focuses on synthesizing acting, singing, and dancing into one performance technique. Amount of emphasis placed on each one will vary according to specific needs of the students enrolled. Admission by audition only. May be repeated for a total of 9 credit hours.
T301 Musical Theatre Dance Styles I (3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Dance styles of the 1920s through the 1950s are explored and performed, including the works of choreographers Fred Astaire, Hermes Pan, Agnes de Mille, Jerome Robbins, and Gower Champion.
T302 Musical Theatre Dance Styles II ( 3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. A continuation of T301. Dance styles of the 1950s through present day are explored and performed, including the works of choreographers Bob Fosse, Michael Bennett, Bob Avian and Susan Stroman.
T315 Oral Interpretation II (3 cr.) R: T115. Study of the oral and visual presentation of literature, with emphasis on analysis of intellectual and emotional values.
T320 Acting III: Shakespeare (3 cr.) P: T220; recommendation of T220 instructor or audition. Character analysis and use of language on stage. Study and performance of characters in scenes from Shakespeare. Lecture and laboratory.
T323 Costume and Character in London Theatre (3 cr.) P: Approval of the department. Overseas theatre studies in London. Experience theatrical character development through costume design. Survey social influences on costume and dress worn by characters through history including contemporary trends and dress. Field trips to such locations as Bath and Stratford.
T325 Voice and Speech (3 cr.) P: T121 or T120. R: Sophomore standing. Anatomy and functions of vocal mechanism; introduction to phonetics; improvement of student’s voice and diction through exercises and practical work in area of student’s special interest. Theatre majors have registration priority. I Sem., II Sem.
T326 Scene Design I (3 cr.) Introduction to process of scene design, scene designer’s responsibilities, scene problem solving, and exploration of visual materials and forms.
T329 Stage Management II (3 cr.) P: T229. An examination of the organizational and logistical aspects of productions of musical events from the perspective of production and stage management. Examining case studies in musical theatre, ballet, modern dance, opera, and concerts, students gain insight into management strategies and develop critical thinking skills.
T335 Stage Lighting (3 cr.) P: T225. Introduction to the process of determining and implementing a lighting design. Analytical skills, concept development, design methods, lighting technology, and practical applications are covered. Lecture and laboratory.
T340 Directing I (3 cr.) P: T121 or T120. R: T100, T225, T230, T335, or consent of instructor. Introduction to theories, methodology, and skills: play analysis, working with actors, basic elements of stage composition.
T347 Introduction to Sound Design for the Theatre (3 cr.) P: T225 or consent of instructor. Within the framework of theatrical environments, this course introduces the student to acoustic principles, audio equipment used in theatrical productions, psycho-acoustical considerations, understanding sound signals and how to manipulate them, computer sound mixing systems, and sound design principles.
T359 Theatre Production Studio (1 cr.) P: One of the following courses: T225, T229, T230, T335, and consent of instructor. Intermediate, hands-on production course that teaches the theatre production process within a specific area focus. Students gain proficiency within a specific theatre production area and are engaged in a managerial role in an academic season production, including the development of production documentation. Students gain skills in communication, organization, and coordination. May be repeated in a specific area once (at a higher managerial level), and in multiple areas for a total of 3 credit hours
T370-T371 History of Western Theatre and Drama I-II (3-3 cr.) T370, A & H, CSA; T371, A & H, CSB Development of theatre and drama in Western world from beginnings to present. Study of theatre arts and culture institutions; focus on historical context for plays and performances; emphasis on research methods in theatre history. I: Beginnings to ca. 1700; II: ca. 1700 to present.
T378 Foundations for Teaching Theatre and Drama (3 cr.) P: Approval of Theatre Education Specialist. C: EDUC M303. The accumulation of a range of theatre production and teaching experiences through the building of a portfolio of experiences and resource materials.
T390 Creative Work in Summer Theatre (1-3 cr.) P: Consent of chairperson. Work in summer theatre productions. May be repeated for up to 6 credits.
T399 Reading, Research, Performance for Honors (12 cr. max.) P: Approval of departmental honors advisor.
T401 Musical Theatre Senior Showcase (3 cr.) P: audition and consent of instructor. Provides an understanding of business and marketing techniques needed for success in professional theatre, and specific instruction in the process ofauditions. Includes the creation of a student performance directed at agents and casting directors.
T410 Movement for the Theatre ( 3 cr.) P: T121 or T120. Introduction to theories, methodologies, and skills involved in developing a flexible, relaxed, controlled body for the theatre. Emphasis on relaxing body tensions, alignment, eye training, tumbling, and stage combat.
T420 Acting IV: Realism (3 cr.) P: T320; recommendation of T320 instructor or audition. Emphasis on ensemble acting and textual analysis. Study and performance of characters in scenes from Chekhov, Strindberg, Ibsen, and modern American realism. Lecture and laboratory.
T423 Acting V: Period Comedy (3 cr.) P: T420; recommendation of T420 instructor or audition. Techniques of performing period plays with emphasis on comedy of manners. Study and performance of characters in scenes from such playwrights as Molière, Congreve, Sheridan, Wilde, and Coward. Lecture and laboratory. II Sem.
T425 Stagecraft II (3 cr.) P: T225 or consent of instructor. Using theatrical drafting as a vehicle, special materials, techniques, and problems of construction are explored. Elements of basic rigging and rigging safety are also covered.
T426 Scene Design II (3 cr.) P: T326 or consent of instructor. Work in line, color, and composition using historical conventions as the basis for contemporary scenic statements. Emphasis on period style and presentational forms.
T428 Production and Events Management (3 cr.) P: T229 or consent of instructor. Discussion of the skills necessary to produce and manage theatrical productions and the application of those skills to large events.
T430 Stage Costuming II (3 cr.) P: T230 or consent of instructor. Pattern drafting, fabric selection, special construction problems. Management of costume shops and care of wardrobes.
T433 Costume Design (3 cr.) P: T230 or consent of instructor. Design and selection of costumes, with an emphasis on the relationship of costume to character and production.
T434 Historic Costume for the Stage (3 cr.) P: T230 or consent of instructor. A survey of period fashion and manners from ancient Egypt to the twentieth century; emphasis on applicability to the stage.
T435 Electronics for Theatre Technicians (3 cr.) P: T335 or consent of instructor. Introduction to electronics; lighting control and other theatre-related electrical systems and devices.
T438 Lighting Design (3 cr.) P: T335 or consent of instructor. Stage lighting design concept development and implementation. Advanced lighting techniques and approaches.
T439 Computer-Aided Drafting for the Theatrical Designer and Artisan (2 cr.) Focuses on building and working knowledge of current computer-aided design and drafting programs. Students work on developing personal styles within the boundaries of proper drafting techniques developed by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology Drafting Standards Board. Projects focus students on the ability to control appropriate software to develop useful theatre production graphics.
T442 Directing II: Script Analysis (3 cr.) P: T340 or consent of instructor. Problems and functions of director from selection of script through performance. Emphasis on script analysis. Lecture and practical projects. II Sem.
T443 Directing III: Style (3 cr.) P: T340. Directing scripts from various periods and in different styles. Lecture and practical projects. II Sem.
T445 Voice and Dialects (3 cr.) P: T325. Vocal work that focuses on combining imagery and imagination with the development of vocal technique through exercises in breathing, producing sound and resonance; the mastery of four of the most common dialects used in the American theatre.
T447 Sound Design I (3 cr.) P: T347 or consent of instructor. Focuses on theatrical design concept development and implementation. Students are exposed to various design challenges and processes for sound design in a range of production styles and approaches.
T451 Stage Rigging I (2 cr.) P: T225 or consent of instructor. Survey of structural engineering terminology and methods as applicable to common rigging practice in the theatre and entertainment industry.
T452 Stage Rigging II (2 cr.) P: T451. Hands-on course designed to familiarize students with the operation and maintenance of typical rigging equipment. Class work includes counterweight system operations, pin-rail operations, rope and knot basics, wire-rope basics, chain hoist basics, and arena-type rigging basics.
T453 Playwriting I (3 cr.) Introduction to principles of dramatic structure. Conferences and peer evaluations. Focus is on the creation and revision of a one-act play.
T454 Playwriting II (3 cr.) Consideration of dramaturgical antecedents and practical and theoretical problems. Creation of a full-length play. Prior playwriting experience helpful, but not required.
T458 Screenwriting (3 cr.) Structural analyses of cinematic models, culminating in the creation of an original full-length narrative screenplay.
T460-T461-T462 Development of Dramatic Art I-II-III (3-3-3 cr.) T460, A & H, CSA; T461-T462, A & H, CSB Dramatic art in the Western world from beginnings to the present. Study of dramatic genres, plays in productions, and theatrical approaches to plays of the past. I: Classical to Early Renaissance Drama; II: Late Renaissance to Modern Drama; III: Modern and Contemporary Drama.
T468 Non–Western Theatre and Drama (3 cr.) A & H, CSA Dramatic literature and theatre in one or more of the following areas: China, Japan, Korea, India, or southeast Asia.
T478 Methods and Materials for Teaching High School Theatre and Drama (3 cr.) P: T378. Methods, techniques, content, and materials applicable to the teaching of theatre and drama in secondary, middle and junior high schools.
T483 Topics in Theatre and Drama (1-3 cr.) Studies in special topics not ordinarily covered in other departmental courses. May be repeated once for credit if topic differs.
T490 Independent Study in Theatre and Drama (1-6 cr.) P: 12 credit hours in theatre and drama, departmental grade point average of 3.0 or above, consent of instructor. Readings, performances, experiments, and reports in area of student’s special interest. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
T499 Reading, Research, Performance for Honors (12 cr. max.) P: Approval of depar
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In addition to the 31 credit hours of required courses that must be taken in the Department of Theatre and Drama, a student may include one or more of the following related courses as part of the major:
African American and African Diaspora Studies
A384 Blacks in American Drama and Theatre, 1945-present (3 cr.) A & H, CSA
A385 Seminar in Black Theatre (3 cr.) A & H, CSA
Comparative Literature
C311 Drama (3 cr.) A & H
Education
M478 Methods of Teaching High School Speech (3 cr.)
English
L203 Introduction to Drama (3 cr.) A & H
L220 Introduction to Shakespeare (3 cr.) A & H
L308 Elizabethan and Seventeenth-Century Drama (3 cr.) A & H
L313 Early Plays of Shakespeare (3 cr.) A & H
L314 Late Plays of Shakespeare (3 cr.) A & H
L363 American Drama (3 cr.) A & H
L365 Modern Drama: Continental (3 cr.) A & H
L366 Modern Drama: English, Irish, American, and Post-Colonial (3 cr.) A & H
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