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Theatre and Dance :: THTR

Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts, theatreTheatre :: THTR

P Prerequisite :: C Co-requisite :: R Recommended
I Fall Semester :: II Spring Semester :: S Summer Session/s


  • THTR-A 190 Art, Aesthetics, and Creativity (3 cr.) Explores artistic disciplines and associated forms, materials, and practices. Develops students' making, looking, and listening skills. Through the creative process students will explore relationship to other individuals and cultures, and will review the implications of their learning for their personal, academic, and professional pursuits.. I, II, S
  • THTR-A 399 Art, Aesthetics, and Creativity (3 cr.) Explores, in an interdisciplinary way, culture, cultural artifacts, and the role of art in the formation and expression of a particular culture. An historical perspective on the intellectual tradition reveals both change and deeper continuities in the social and spiritual values underlying the making of art. Issues of practice of the craft receives greater emphasis at this level. Variable topics course. Meets general-education common core II-D requirement. II, S
  • THTR-D 110 Social Dance (2 cr.) An introduction to the most commonly encountered social dances. To provide the beginning student with increased confidence on the dance floor in social situations. Emphasis on body placement and alignment, coordination and imagination. Special emphasis placed on the cultural aspects of the development of the dances.
  • THTR-D 111 Introduction to Latin Dance (2 cr.) This course will introduce and develop competence in the basic steps of salsa merengue, bachata and cha cha to develop a solid repertoire of dance movements.  Stretches and exercises will help the student develop greater body awareness and agility as well as learning a social dance form that will help them maintain a healthy lifestyle for life. I, II, S
  • THTR-D 115 Modern Dance I (2 cr.) Modern Dance technique for beginners. This course will emphasize body alignment, movement dynamics, spatial awareness, emotional intension of various movements and an understanding of kinesthetic concepts. Also, Laban's theory of effort/shape will be studied and applied to movements.
  • THTR-D 120 Ballet I (2 cr.) Beginning ballet technique with emphasis on body alignment while developing body awareness, flexibility, strength, coordination and imagination.
  • THTR-D 130 Flamenco I (2 cr.) The basic elements of Spanish Flamenco dance; footwork, arm movements and turns to six, eight and twelve count rhythms will be covered. Emphasis on body placement and alignment, as well as coordination and imagination will also be included.
  • THTR-D 135 African Dance 1 (2 cr.) An introductory course of authentic West African Dance which requires no prior dance experience. Participants will explore traditions from the countries of Guinea and Senegal and the significant relationship dance and music has in those societies. Students will experience traditional dances that celebrate rites of passage, harvest, courtship and healing. Repeatable for up to 4 credits.
  • THTR-D 140 Jazz Dance I (2 cr.) Beginning jazz dance techniques with emphasis on body placement, basic steps, rhythmic qualities, movement isolations, and improvisations characteristic of the jazz idiom.
  • THTR-D 150 Middle Eastern Dance I (2 cr.) Beginning Middle Eastern Dance technique with emphasis on body placement and alignment and development of body awareness, flexibility, coordination and imagination.
  • THTR-D 170 Tap I (2 cr.) The basic elements of Tap dance: the footwork, arm movements and combinations.  Short choreographed segments and a routine will be included. I, II Can repeat twice for credit.
  • THTR-D 205 Choreography (3 cr.) P: Four credit hours of dance technique classes. This course will teach students to acquire, analyze and apply the basic elements that are essential for a practical theory of choreography.  Students will learn to create choreography for solos and group pieces performed on stage and in other spaces.
  • THTR-D 215 Modern Dance II (2 cr.) Modern dance technique that applies the principles of Modern Dance I and also progresses to a higher level of proficiency. Dance sequences will comprise more contrasting movement dynamics with spatial complexity. Laban's theory will be further explored as efforts are combined to create new movements.
  • THTR-D 220 Ballet II (2 cr.) P: THTR-D 100 or permission of instructor. Continued work in ballet emphasizing improvement in strength and flexibility. Previous skills will be applied in learning of new jumps, turns, poses and adagio.
  • THTR-D 230 Flamenco Dance II (2 cr.) A continuation of Flamenco Dance I emphasizing a greater degree of complexity in the footwork, arm movements, turns, steps, and castanet work. Also, articulation, as well as speed of rhythmic footwork, Palmas and castanet playing will be expected.
  • THTR-D 240 Jazz Dance II (3 cr.) A continuation of Jazz Dance Technique I. This course will progress to a higher level of skill concerning the application of balance, coordination, and strength to movement patterns. Complex jazz dance combinations will be executed with an understanding of movement qualities such as lyrical and percussive.
  • THTR-D 250 Middle Eastern Dance 2 (2 cr.) P: THTR-D 103 or permission of instructor. Continued exploration of Middle Eastern Dance Movement, Egyptian Style. Continued work with required isolations for performance of the techniques necessary for this dance style. Combines isolation and technique, with exploration of choreography as it applies to the discipline. Performance opportunities available.
  • THTR-D 270 Tap II (2 cr.) P: Tap I. Tap II is an extension of Tap I. Student will perfect steps learned in Tap I regarding technique, musicality and quality of sound, as well as learning new steps.
  • THTR-D 280 Dance Practicum I (1 cr.) P: Minimum sophomore standing; approval of Area Coordinator of Theatre and Dance. Dance Practicum gives credit to students working on a dance performance, music performance that includes dance, or a theatre production that includes dance. I, II Students may enroll for three semesters.
  • THTR-D 281 Dance Practicum II (1 cr.) P: Minimum sophomore standing; approval of Area Coordinator of Theatre and Dance. Dance Practicum gives credit to students working on a dance performance, music performance that includes dance, or a theatre production that includes dance. I, II Can repeat three times for credit.
  • THTR-D 282 Dance Practicum III (1 cr.) P: Minimum sophomore standing; approval of Area Coordinator of Theatre and Dance. Dance Practicum gives credit to students working on a dance performance, music performance that includes dance, or a theatre production that includes dance.
  • THTR-D 300 Dance History: An American Perspective (3 cr.) This course will trace the history of ballet, modern dance, jazz, tap, social dance, flamenco, and middle eastern dance and explain how each became embraced by American audiences.  Included will be the merging of dance forms in musical theatre and in film. II
  • THTR-T 115 Oral Interpretation 1 (3 cr.) Introduction to theories, methodology, and skills: oral and visual presentation of literature for audiences.
  • THTR-T 120 Acting I: Fundamentals of Acting (3 cr.) Introduction to theories and methodology through sensory awareness, physical and vocal exercises, improvisations, and scene study. I, II
  • THTR-T 150 Fundamentals of Play Structure and Analysis (3 cr.) Dramatic structure and methods of play analysis for actors, directors, designers, and students of dramatic literature.
  • THTR-T 190 Literary and Intellectual Traditions (3 cr.) Explores, in an interdisciplinary way, one of the great humanistic traditions of inquiry regarding one of the following themes:  idea of self, ideas of truth, ideas of beauty, ideas of community, ideas of nature, ideas of conflict. Writing intensive, discussion-focused.
  • THTR-T 220 Acting II: Scene Study (3 cr.) P: THTR-T 120. Techniques for expressing physical, intellectual, and emotional objectives.  Study, creation, and performance from varied dramas.
  • THTR-T 223 Vocal and Physical Preparation I (3 cr.) Development of the voice and body as instruments of communication in the study of acting. Provides a series of exercises to increase flexibility, limberness, balance, coordination, and creative exploration of body movement. Vocal exercises are used to free, develop, and strengthen vocal pitch, range, resonance, breath control and articulation.
  • THTR-T 224 Vocal and Physical Preparation II (3 cr.) Advanced study in the use of the voice and body as instruments of communication in the study of acting. Also includes work with stage dialects and the International Phonetic Alphabet.
  • THTR-T 225 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.
  • THTR-T 228 Design for the Theatre (3 cr.) An overview of design principles in all areas of the theatre. Emphasis on those aspects of design which are common to work in scenery, costumes, lighting and makeup.
  • THTR-T 230 Costume Technology I (3 cr.) Introduction to theories, methodology, and skills: materials, construction techniques, pattern drafting, wardrobe work, and decorative processes.
  • THTR-T 249 Drafting and Color Media (3 cr.) An introduction to basic design principles and communication techniques. This class covers design theory, introductory rendering and media techniques, an introduction to professional practices in theatre design, and basic theatrical drafting techniques. This course serves as a fundamental basis for every area of theatre design. The class is time intensive and requires a significant investment in design tools and supplies.
  • THTR-T 290 History and Design of Stage Makeup (3 cr.) Study of the history, principles and practice of stage makeup design. Through lecture/demonstrations and laboratory, students will have the opportunity to create makeup designs for characters from Dramatic Literature. Emphasis is on the creation of the entire design including the use of wigs, facial hair, prosthetics and special effects.
  • THTR-T 300 Musical Theatre Workshop (3 cr.) Focus on synthesizing acting, singing, and dancing into one performance technique. Emphasis will vary according to needs of students. May be repeated three times for credit.
  • THTR-T 303 Musical Theatre Workshop 2 (3 cr.) P: THTR-T 300. A continuation course based on principles learned in Musical Theatre Workshop 1 (THTR-T 300).  Skills gained include: song as monologue, intermediate-advanced musical theatre audition technique, musicalized movement skills, application of honest pursuit of action to song performance and the building of a robust musical theatre book of repertory. II
  • THTR-T 320 Acting III: Shakespeare (3 cr.) P: THTR-T 220. Character analysis and use of language on stage. Study and performance of characters in scenes from Shakespeare. Lecture and laboratory.
  • THTR-T 321 Musical Theatre History (3 cr.) P: ENG-W 131 or equivalent. A course designed to give students a socio-historical perspective on the evolution of the American Musical Theatre form, from its beginnings when opera, dance and melodrama collided with The Black Crook in 1866 to today, when the American Musical Theatre model is one of our countries most recognizable cultural exports.  Students will gain in-depth knowledge of the cannon through practical application of score reports, socio-historical discussion and research papers. I.
  • THTR-T 326 Introduction to Scenic Design (3 cr.) P: THTR-T 228. An entry-level studio course introducing the process of scene design, concept development, and the communication and presentation of theatrical ideas.
  • THTR-T 327 Period Styles (3 cr.) Chronological survey of the history of architecture, decorative, arts, and furniture and its application to theatre production.
  • THTR-T 330 Rendering (3 cr.) C: Consent of instructor. Examines methods and procedures for effective communication and realization of visual concepts by learning basic sketching and rendering techniques in a variety of media.
  • THTR-T 332 Scene Painting (3 cr.) C: Consent of instructor. Fundamental techniques of scene painting: emphasis on a variety of techniques and methods utilized in modern scenic art for the stage to create specialized effects and artistic focus applied to practical projects.
  • THTR-T 335 Stage Lighting Design (3 cr.) P: THTR-T 225. Introduction to the process of determining and implementing a lighting design. Analytical skills, concept development, design methods, lighting technology, and practical applications are covered.
  • THTR-T 339 Introduction to Costume Design (3 cr.) An introduction to costume design principles, techniques and practices. Including analysis of play scripts that focuses on the creation of character through the costume. Historical research will be emphasized. Costume rendering techniques will be introduced as well as an emphasis on the sketch as a communication tool.
  • THTR-T 340 Directing I: Fundamentals of Directing (3 cr.) P: THTR-T 120, THTR-T 150, THTR-T 225, THTR-T 228, Junior or senior standing. Introduction to theories, process and skills (text analysis, working with actors, staging, and telling a story), culminating in a final project.
  • THTR-T 341 Theatre Production I (3 cr.) P: Minimum of sophomore standing. First semester directed theatre projects for performance, technical production, and arts management in co-curricular production activities. This course provides students the opportunity to bring their understanding and accomplishment to bear in theatrical production.
  • THTR-T 342 Theatre Production II (1 cr.) P: THTR-T 341. Second semester directed theatre projects for performance, technical production, and arts management in co-curricular production activities. Students provided more advanced opportunities to bring their understanding and accomplishment to bear in theatrical production. Expectations increased from THTR-T 341.
  • THTR-T 343 Theatre Production III (1 cr.) P: THTR-T 342. Third semester of directed theatre projects for performance, technical production, and arts management work in co-curricular production activities. Students are provided advanced opportunities to bring their understanding and accomplishment to bear in theatrical production. Expectations increased from THTR-T 342.
  • THTR-T 345 Theatre for Children (3 cr.) Approaches to children's theatre; storytelling, improvisations, dramatizations of children's literature; directing and staging plays for children. Practical experience in University Theatre.
  • THTR-T 348 Digital Theatre Design (3 cr.) This course is designed to introduce students to the use of computer software to develop and create design paperwork and renderings as well as professional documentation. This course will utilize software currently used in the theatre industry with a focus on developing the skills necessary to enter the theatre design profession.
  • THTR-T 349 Theatre Practicum (1-3 cr.) P: Minimum sophomore standing; approval of area coordinator of theatre and dance. Directed projects for performance, technical production, and arts management work on co-curricular productions, and other related activities. May be repeated twice for credit.
  • THTR-T 390 Creative Work in Summer Theatre (1-3 cr.) Work in summer theatre productions. May be repeated for up to 6 credits.
  • THTR-T 392 Theatre Internship (3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Training and practice at a professional theatre or venue approved by the theatre faculty. I, II, S
  • THTR-T 400 Arts Management (3 cr.) This course introduces students in the fields at theatre, music, and fine arts to the practical business problems encountered in managing their respective public presentations and programs at the community and educational levels.
  • THTR-T 405 Stage Management (3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Discussion, research and projects into the responsibilities, duties and roles of a theatrical stage manager. Work to include studies in script analysis for stage management, communication rehearsal and performance procedures, performance skills, and style and concept approach to theatre.
  • THTR-D 420 Acting IV: Realism (3 cr.) P: THTR-T 220, THTR-T 223, THTR-T 224, THTR-T 320, or consent of instructor. Emphasis on ensemble acting and textual analysis. Study and performance of characters in scenes from Chekhov, Strindberg, Ibsen, and modern American realism.
  • THTR-T 423 Acting V: Period Comedy (3 cr.) P: THTR-T 223, THTR-T 224, THTR-T 420 or consent of instructor. Techniques of performing period plays with emphasis on comedy of manners. Study and performance of characters in scenes from such playwrights as Moliere, Congreve, Sheridan, Wilde, and Coward.
  • THTR-T 424 Stagecraft 2 (3 cr.) P: THTR-T 225. History of stagecraft; stagecraft mechanics and perspective drawing.
  • THTR-T 425 Introduction to Theatrical Drafting (3 cr.) P: THTR-T 225 or consent 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: HTR-T 326. Work in line, color, and composition using historical conventions as the basis for contemporary scenic statements. Emphasis on period style and presentational forms.
  • THTR-T 427 Design Studio (3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Promotion of the collaborative process through the sharing of ideas, observations and solutions across disciplinary design/technical boundaries. Development of designer process while working on a portfolio of work structured for each individual students. I, II, S
  • THTR-T 430 Costume Technology II (3 cr.) P: THTR-T 230. Further development of 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 431 On-Camera Techniques (3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Principles and techniques of various performance methods involved in acting on the camera. Work to include directed exercises and scenes.
  • THTR-T 433 Costume Design II (3 cr.) P: THTR-T 228. Intensive study of costume design in mainstream theatre. Projects in collaborative aesthetics in design and practical application rendering techniques and visual communication.
  • THTR-T 434 Historic Costumes for Stage (3 cr.) Survey of historical costume in western civilization, ancient Mesopotamian cultures through, the Twentieth Century. Taught from socio-historical perspective and applied to performance theory.
  • THTR-T 438 Advanced Stage Lighting Design (3 cr.) P: THTR-T 228, THTR-T 335. Stage lighting design-concept development, presentation, and implementation are emphasized, along with advanced lighting techniques and approaches. A practicum will be assigned.
  • THTR-T 442 Directing II: Advanced Directing (3 cr.) P: THTR-T 340. Theory and practice from play selection to performance. Emphasis on rehearsal and performance of varied dramatic material.
  • THTR-T 453 Playwrighting 1 (3 cr.) P: Consent 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 470 History of the Theatre 1 (3 cr.) P: Junior/senior standing. Development of theatre in the Western world from its beginnings to the present.  Emphasis on theatre as cultural institution, on practice of theatre arts, and on methods of research in theatre history.  Beginnings to Circa 1700.
  • THTR-T 471 History of the Theatre 2 (3 cr.) P: Junior/senior standing. Development of theatre in the Western world from its beginnings to the present.  Emphasis on theatre as cultural institution, on practice of theatre arts, and on methods of research in theatre history.  Circa 1700 to present.
  • THTR-T 479 Problems in Performance (3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Designed to address in greater detail specific performance problems that confront the contemporary actor. Subjects to include: Speaking Shakespeare, Mamet and Pinter, The Greeks, Farce, etc.
  • THTR-T 483 Topics in Theatre and Drama (1-3 cr.) P: Junior/senior standing. Studies in special topics not ordinarily covered in other departmental courses. May be repeated once for credit if topic differs.
  • THTR-T 485 Capstone Project (1 cr.) P: Theatre major; senior standing; approval of area coordinator of theatre and dance area. Performance, directing or design project.  Projects aimed to draw together the student's talent and experiences.  This course is intended as a final assessment for Theatre Majors in the B.F.A. degree programs.
  • THTR-T 490 Independent Study in Theatre and Drama (1-6 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Readings, performances, experiments, and reports in area of student's special interest. May be repeated for up to 6 credits.
  • THTR-T 499 Profession of Theatre Design (3 cr.) This course is a portfolio and career workshop for theatre design and technology students.  Students will develop the portfolio and resume for theatre internships, apprentices, professional employment and/or graduate school applications. Students will review industry standard practices in portfolio, resume and cover letter creation. Topics covered will also include introductions to tax and business law for the artist, photography in the theatre, graduate schools for theatre, professional presentation and theatrical unions and contracts.

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