Departments & Programs

Theatre and Drama

Course Descriptions

  • THTR–T 100 Introduction to Theatre (3 cr.) A & H Exploration of theatre as collaborative art. Investigation of the dynamics and creativity of theatre production through plays, theatrical space, and cultural context, with particular attention to the roles and interaction of the audience, playwrights, directors, actors, designers, producers, and critics.
  • THTR–T 101 Script Analysis for the Theatre (3 cr.) Close analysis and study of both traditional and nontraditional play texts in terms of structure, genre, style, character, themes, language, dramatic action, and dramatic event. Plays are examined from the point of view of the actor, director, designer, producer, critic, scholar, and audience. Required of all theatre majors; should be taken in the freshman year.
  • THTR–T 120 Acting I: Fundamentals of Acting (3 cr.) A & H Introduction to theories and methodology through sensory awareness, physical and vocal exercises, improvisations, and scene study. Credit given for only one of T120 or T121.
  • THTR–T 121 Acting I for Majors: Introduction to Acting (3 cr.) P: Major in theatre and drama or departmental approval. A & H An accelerated-level course. Supplementary theories and methodology to expand the introduction to sensory awareness, physical and vocal exercises, improvisation, and scene study. Credit given for only one of T120 or T121.
  • THTR–T 125 Introduction to Theatrical Production (3 cr.) Introduction to the methods, practices, and materials used in theatrical design and production. Focuses on stagecraft and theatrical design with introductions to lighting and costuming and an emphasis on scenic design.
  • THTR–T 130 Stage Makeup Design (1 cr.) Introduction to basic theories and skills in stage makeup. Survey covers corrective, period, basic prosthetics, and other effects used in performance.
  • THTR–T 202 Musical Theatre Dance Technique (2 cr.) P: Permission of instructor. Blending ballet and jazz technique to strengthen musical theatre dance performance, the course will focus on specific problems that occur in musical theatre dance, including breathing for singing and dancing, character revelation, dramatic action in dancing, ensemble dancing, and selected styles.
  • THTR–T 203 IU Broadway Cabaret (0–1 cr.) P: Permission of instructor. Touring performance ensemble dedicated to the American Songbook and musical theatre literature.
  • THTR–T 220 Acting II: Scene Study (3 cr.) P: T120 or T121; recommendation of T120 or T121 instructor or audition. P or C: T101. Techniques for expressing physical, intellectual, and emotional objectives. Study, creation, and performance from varied dramas.
  • THTR–T 229 Stage Management I (3 cr.) P: T100, T101, and T125. Explores the role and function of the stage manager in theatrical production. Provides the basic skills to begin work in the field of stage management. Emphasis on organization, documentation, and dissemination of information.
  • THTR–T 230 Costume Design and Technology I (3 cr.) P: T101. Introduction to theories, methodology, and skills for costume design for the theatre, with laboratory component in basic costume technology skills and wardrobe.
  • THTR–T 291 Design and Technology Projects in Theatre and Drama (1–3 cr.) P: Approval of instructor. Creation and development of individual student-related projects in design and technology culminating in a portfolio presentation. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
  • THTR–T 300 Musical Theatre Workshop (3 cr.) P: Audition and permission of instructor; T101, T120 or T121, and T220. Focus on synthesizing acting, singing, and dancing into one performance technique. Emphasis will vary according to needs of students. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credit hours.
  • THTR–T 301 Musical Theatre Dance Styles I (3 cr.) P: Permission of instructor. Dance styles of the 1920s through the 1950s are explored and performed, including the works of choreographers Fred Astaire, Hermes Pan, Agnes DeMille, Jerome Robbins, and Gower Champion.
  • THTR–T 302 Musical Theatre Dance Styles II (3 cr.) P: Permission of instructor. A continuation of T301. Dance styles of the 1950s to the present are explored and performed, including the works of choreographers Bob Fosse, Michael Bennett, Bob Avian, and Susan Stroman.
  • THTR–T 305 Voice for Musical Theatre (2 cr.) P: B.F.A. major or permission of instructor. Private study of vocal performance focusing on the development of the vocal instrument for musical theatre repertoire. May be repeated for a maximum of 16 credit hours.
  • THTR–T 306 Musical Theatre Workshop for non-B.F.A. Students (3 cr.) P: T120 or T121; audition; and consent of instructor. The workshop explores performance techniques for musical theatre focusing on synthesizing acting, singing, and dancing into dramatic action and character revelation. Not open to B.F.A. Musical Theatre majors.
  • THTR–T 319 Acting III: Advanced Scene Study (3 cr.) P: T101; T220; T325; T410; T220 instructor recommendation or audition. Emphasis on acting skills, breadth of imagination, and depth of performance in a broad variety of styles. Credit given for only one of T319 or T420.
  • THTR–T 323 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.
  • THTR–T 325 Voice and Speech (3 cr.) P: T120 or T121. R: Sophomore standing. Introduction to voice production. Emphasizes relaxation, breathing, and the production of vocal sounds; deals with vocal habits and cultural holds through exercises and vocal workouts. Introduction to phonetics and practical work with text while freeing the voice and redeveloping a passion for language.
  • THTR–T 326 Introduction to Scenic Design (3 cr.) P: T101 and T125, or permission of instructor. An entry-level studio course introducing the process of scene design, concept development, and the communication and presentation of theatrical ideas.
  • THTR–T 329 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.
  • THTR–T 335 Stage Lighting Design (3 cr.) P: Sophomore standing; T101 and T125; or permission of instructor. 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.
  • THTR–T 340 Directing I: Fundamentals of Directing (3 cr.) P: T101, T120 or T121. R: T125, T230, T335. Introduction to theories, process, and skills (text analysis, working with actors, staging, and telling a story), culminating in a final project.
  • THTR–T 347 Introduction to Sound Design for the Theatre (3 cr.) P: T101 and T125, or permission 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.
  • THTR–T 359 Theatre Production Studio (1–3 cr.) P: T101; one of T125, T229, T230, T335; and permission 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.
  • THTR–T 370 History of Theatre and Drama I (3 cr.) A & H, CSA Worldwide development of theatre and drama 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.
  • THTR–T 371 History of Theatre and Drama II (3 cr.) A & H, CSA Worldwide development of theatre and drama 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. II: ca. 1700 to present.
  • THTR–T 378 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.
  • THTR–T 390 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.
  • THTR–T 399 Reading, Research, Performance for Honors (1–12; max. 12 cr.) P: Approval of departmental honors advisor.
  • THTR–T 401 Musical Theatre Senior Showcase (1 cr.) P: Audition and permission of instructor. Introduction to business and marketing techniques for success in professional theatre. Specific instruction in the audition process culminating in performance for agents and casting directors.
  • THTR–T 404 Stage Combat (3 cr.) P: T410. Complete basic training in the safety techniques of theatrical violence, based upon the accepted practices of associations such as the Society of American Fight Directors, and utilized in theatres around the country. Emphasis placed on acting the fight, storytelling, and historical styles of combat.
  • THTR–T 410 Movement for the Theatre (3 cr.) P: T121 or T120. Introduction to fundamental principles and methods focusing on kinesthetic awareness, posture, flexibility, coordination, relaxation, and physical characterization.
  • THTR–T 411 Movement for the Theatre II (3 cr.) P: T410. The Dynamic Presence Training has foundations in Aikido, Suzuki Technique, and Slow Tempo with influences from the Alexander Technique, Biomechanics, Grotowski's Plastiques, Linklater Technique, and Mask work. Designed for holistic performer training, this course offers advanced study in observation and awareness, exploration of self, basic vocal production and resonance, and development of a more dynamic stage presence.
  • THTR–T 419 Acting IV: Acting Shakespeare (3 cr.) P: T319 or T420; T319 or T420 instructor recommendation or audition. Exploration of precepts of verse in Shakespeare. Emphasis on skills for heightened language, character development, circumstances, and performance. Continued development of the actor as a dramatic instrument. Credit given for only one of T419 or T320.
  • THTR–T 421 Acting V: Acting Style I (3 cr.) P: T419 or T320, recommendation of T419 or T320 instructor, and permission of T421 instructor. Techniques for performing comedy with an emphasis on verbal and other physical skills; introduction to period and style of plays from Aristophanes to Goldoni.
  • THTR–T 422 Acting VI: Acting Style II (3 cr.) P: T419 or T320; recommendation of T421 or T419 or T320 instructor, and permission of T422 instructor. Techniques for performing comedy with an emphasis on verbal and physical skills; introduction to period and style of plays from Sheridan to Coward.
  • THTR–T 425 Introduction to Theatrical Drafting (3 cr.) P: T125 and T326, or written permission of instructor. A studio course consisting of both traditional hand drafting techniques and digital CAD techniques as they are used in theatrical production communication.
  • THTR–T 426 Fundamentals of Scenic Design (3 cr.) P: T326 or consent of instructor. A studio course in the theory, process, and techniques of scenic design for the theatre. Topics include principles, elements, and concepts of design; script analysis; design concept development; creative research and its interpretation; and the communication and presentation of theatrical ideas.
  • THTR–T 428 Production Management (3 cr.) P: T229 or consent of instructor. Examination of the role of production manager in theatrical productions. Emphasis on budgetary and schedule planning and management. Application of human resource management theory also a significant component of the course.
  • THTR–T 430 Costume Technology II (3 cr.) P: T125 and T230, or permission of instructor. Further development of costume construction techniques for interested students who have satisfactorily completed T230. Provides a foundation of sewing, craft, fitting, and patternmaking techniques for use in developing a construction project and performing production assignments.
  • THTR–T 432 Studies in Stage Management (3 cr.) P: Permission of instructor. An examination of the stage management requirement and regulations for non-standard production styles. Each year the topic varies and may include spectacle, theme park, festival, or other large scale entertainment. On site observation and experience is a key portion and requirement of the course. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 9 credit hours.
  • THTR–T 433 Costume Design II (3 cr.) P: Permission of instructor. Intensive study of costume design in mainstream theatre. Projects in collaborative aesthetics in design and practical application rendering techniques and visual communication. No laboratory/technology component.
  • THTR–T 434 Historic Costumes for the Stage (3 cr.) P: Permission of instructor. Survey of historical costume in western civilization, ancient Mesopotamian cultures through the twentieth century. Taught from sociohistorical perspective and applied to performance theory.
  • THTR–T 435 Electronics for Theatre (3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Fundamentals of electricity and electronics as applied to theatre. Investigation of current technology for theatrical performance, including power distribution, control systems, and creative applications for lighting, sound, special effects, and mechanized scenery.
  • THTR–T 437 Scene Painting I (3 cr.) P: Permission of instructor. A studio course introducing techniques and equipment of theatrical scenic painting.
  • THTR–T 438 Advanced Stage Lighting Design (3 cr.) P: T335. Stage lighting design—concept development, presentation, and implementation are emphasized, along with advanced lighting techniques and approaches. A practicum will be assigned.
  • THTR–T 439 CAD for Theatre (2 cr.) Building a working knowledge of current computer-aided design and drafting programs, students work to develop personal styles within the boundaries of accepted standards of drafting techniques. Projects focus on controlling appropriate software to develop useful theatre production graphics.
  • THTR–T 442 Directing II: Advanced Directing (3 cr.) P: T340 or permission of instructor. Theory and practice from play selection to performance. Emphasis on rehearsal and performance of varied dramatic material.
  • THTR–T 443 Directing III: Directing Style (3 cr.) P: T442. Emphasis on analysis, interpretation, rehearsal, and presentation of plays from a range of styles and periods.
  • THTR–T 445 Voice and Dialects (3 cr.) P: T325. Investigation of dialects as a distinctive form of pronunciation, language, structure, and vocabulary identified with a geographical area or social class as it applies to the requirements of theatrical clarity and dramatic interpretation. Working with varied texts using points of resonance, vocal focus, and rhythm to unlock the actors’ expressive tools.
  • THTR–T 447 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.
  • THTR–T 448 Voice in Performance (3 cr.) P: T325 and permission of instructor. A voice class for the performing artist employing the techniques of artists such as Patsy Rodenburg, Cicely Berry, and Kirsten Linklater. Exploration of the life and muscularity of varied texts. Opening the voice to match the music of what one is saying while learning to identify and respect the writer's intentions through voice and language.
  • THTR–T 451 Stage Rigging I (2 cr.) P: T125 or permission of instructor. Survey of structural engineering terminology and methods as applicable to common rigging practice in the theatre and entertainment industry.
  • THTR–T 452 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.
  • THTR–T 453 Playwriting I (3 cr.) P: T101 or permission of instructor. Introduction to principles of dramatic structure. Conferences and peer evaluations. Focus is on the creation and revision of a one-act play.
  • THTR–T 454 Playwriting II (3 cr.) P: T453 or permission of instructor. Consideration of dramaturgical antecedents and practical and theoretical problems. Creation of a full-length play. Prior playwriting experience helpful, but not required.
  • THTR–T 458 Screenwriting (3 cr.) Structural analyses of cinematic models, culminating in the creation of an original full-length narrative screenplay.
  • THTR–T 460 Development of Dramatic Art I (3 cr.) A & H, CSA 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.
  • THTR–T 461 Development of Dramatic Art II (3 cr.) 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.  II: Late Renaissance to Modern Drama.
  • THTR–T 462 Development of Dramatic Art III (3 cr.) 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. III: Modern and Contemporary Drama.
  • THTR–T 464 ProTools for Theatre and Music (3 cr.) P: One course from T347, T447, or MUS A100. An introduction to the recording software ProTools for use in theatre sound design and music production.
  • THTR–T 468 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.
  • THTR–T 478 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.
  • THTR–T 483 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.
  • THTR–T 490 Independent Study in Theatre and Drama (1–6 cr.) P: 12 credit hours in theatre and drama, departmental grade point average of 3.000 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.
  • THTR–T 491 Working in the Profession (3 cr.) P: T319. Preparation for a professional theatre career. Topics include auditions, managers, unions, finances, regional theatre, professional courtesy, and realities of the work environment.
  • THTR–T 499 Reading, Research, Performance for Honors (1–12 cr.) P: Approval of departmental honors advisor.