This is an archived copy of the 2019-2020 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.ysu.edu.

THTR 1512    The American Musical    3 s.h.

Learn how musicals and American history both dovetail and intersect to give a reflection of who we are as Americans. In this course, students will reclaim knowledge of 20th-century American history, centered around New York City, circa 1900 to the present. Through lenses of cultural trends, government, economy, identity, and technology, the art forms that developed into the American musical will be surveyed, while discovering how the genre itself, is affected by society.
Gen Ed: Arts and Humanities.

THTR 1559    Production Design for Stage and Screen    3 s.h.

An introduction to design for theatrical and film production, and the creative processes used by designers to make choices. Topics include script analysis, director and designer communication, and the integration of design elements into a unified production.

THTR 1560    Introduction to Theatre    3 s.h.

The theory, history, cultural role, and physical characteristics of the theatre as an institution in human society.
Gen Ed: Arts and Humanities.

THTR 1561    Stagecraft    3 s.h.

The technical elements of play production, with emphasis on stage mechanics, set construction, and scene painting.

THTR 1563    Costume Construction and Craft    3 s.h.

Introduction to stage costuming through the study and application of costume construction techniques and costume crafts, the use of appropriate equipment, and costume maintenance through various projects involving the special techniques used for stage costuming.

THTR 1590    History of Motion Pictures    3 s.h.

The history of the motion picture from its beginnings to the present, with emphasis on the milestones of film as a performing art. Viewing of significant films from various periods and countries.
Gen Ed: Arts and Humanities.

THTR 2600    Theatre Participation    1 s.h.

Expected involvement in the main stage productions of the department. Students will audition for all main stage productions, or accept a significant assignment in stage management, costume, scenery, lighting or other technical elements of production. Must be taken once each semester during the time that a student is in residence as a theatre major, for a minimum of 3, or its equivalent. Course may be repeated up to three times.
Prereq.: a declared major in theatre, and faculty permission.

THTR 2607    Puppetry    3 s.h.

An overview of the history of puppets in world drama, combined with practical exercises in making inanimate objects come to "life" for the purpose of creating works of theater. Includes puppet construction and performance.
Prereq.: Sophomore standing.

THTR 2661    Stage Management    1 s.h.

Basic principles and techniques of stage management including job functions and responsibilities, production organization, problem solving and specialized paperwork. Stage management of a production and one hour lecture per week. Stage management of a production is a requirement of the class. Grade: Traditional/PR.
Prereq.: THTR 1559.

THTR 2662    Practicum in Theatre and Dance    1 s.h.

Practical application of theatre or dance skills through participation in special programming of the department, or specified studio/laboratory activities. Expected participation should amount to a minimum of thirty hours per semester. May be repeated for a maximum of 5 s.h. CROSS LISTED WITH DNCE 2662.
Prereq.: THTR 1561 or THTR 1559 or special permission.

THTR 2664    Musical Theatre Studio    3 s.h.

Performance-based training, coaching, lecture, and media merge to clarify the styles and techniques of musical theatre. This course explores the many musical theatre genres, as well as the historic and stylistic differences therein. Students study, analyze, coach, and rehearse music from the MT canon. This studio course is presented in two time periods— representing one semester each: Early Musical Comedy through Classic Musical Theatre (1893-1965) and Musical Theatre: 1965-present. The time period alternates each spring. Prereq. or.
Coreq.: THTR 2668 and VOIC 1501T or other evidence of vocal training; and sophomore standing.

THTR 2667    Acting 2: Voice for the Actor    3 s.h.

Technical elements of voice for the stage. Physical exercises designed to improve stage speech, vocal projection, articulation and clarity. Application of principles and skills to a variety of texts from a performer's perspective.
Prereq.: THTR 2668.

THTR 2668    Acting 1: Fundamentals    3 s.h.

The fundamental theories and techniques of acting. Major emphasis on theatre acting, but consideration is given to radio and television acting.
Prereq.: THTR 1559 or permission of instructor.

THTR 2670    Oral Interpretation    3 s.h.

The development of skills necessary for the oral interpretation of various types of literature: prose, poetry, and drama. The thorough analysis of each work and communication of the work to an audience.

THTR 2690    The Art of Motion Pictures    3 s.h.

Analysis of the structure of the motion picture, the development of the script, the function of editing, the approach to acting in film production, and the problems faced by a director in film production. Criteria of artistic film making. Examples from motion pictures are screened and discussed.
Prereq.: Sophomore standing.
Gen Ed: Arts and Humanities.

THTR 3700    Theatre Participation 2    1 s.h.

Expected involvement in the main stage productions of the department. Students will audition for all main stage productions, or accept a significant assignment in stage management, costume, scenery, lighting or other technical elements of production. Must be taken once each semester during the time that a student is in residence as a theatre major for a minimum of 4, or it's equivalent. Course may be repeated up to four times.
Prereq.: a declared major in theater and faculty permission.

THTR 3701    Professional Preparation    2 s.h.

This course covers topics vital to preparation for the business of professional theatre. Contracts, taxes, marketing, resumes, e-portfolios, interviewing, job hunting and legal considerations are among several topics to be discussed.
Prereq.: THTR 1560, THTR 1561, or THTR 2668 and junior standing as theatre major.

THTR 3761    Stage Makeup    3 s.h.

Design and application of makeup for the stage including techniques for character and age makeup, making and applying facial hair, and other specialized makeup procedures.
Prereq.: THTR 1559 or permission of instructor.

THTR 3762    Directing 1    3 s.h.

An intensive study of the process of directing plays. Whenever possible, students direct the equivalent of a one-act play for public presentation. Lab hours by arrangement.
Prereq.: THTR 1559 and THTR 3768 or concurrently or permission of instructor.

THTR 3763    Scene Design    3 s.h.

The history of design in terms of stage scenery; an investigation of current trends, techniques, and media; practical execution of models and sketches by the student.
Prereq.: THTR 1559 and THTR 1561 or consent of the instructor.

THTR 3764    History of Stage Costume    3 s.h.

A survey of stage costumes based on western styles from the ancient Egyptians to the present with emphasis on periods in which the theatre flourished.
Prereq.: THTR 1559 or permission of instructor.

THTR 3765    Lighting Design    3 s.h.

A study of historical development, basic electrical theory, switch boards and lighting instruments; color theory, principles and practices in stage lighting. Lab hours to be arranged.
Prereq.: THTR 1559 and THTR 1561 or consent of instructor.

THTR 3766    Stage Combat    3 s.h.

Applied skills class specializing in armed and unarmed combat for the stage. Safety factors in stage fighting, including safe use of rapier and dagger. Performance in public required.
Prereq.: THTR 2668 or MUEN 0012 or KSS 1514 or permission of instructor.

THTR 3768    Script Analysis for Stage and Screen    3 s.h.

An introduction to various critical approaches to dramatic literature utilized by actors, directors, designers, dramaturgs, and other artists in theatre and film. Special attention is given to the text as a foundation for realized production and the author's use of dramatic structure, action, subtext, and symbolism. Prereq. or.
Coreq.: THTR 1560 or permission of instructor.

THTR 3769    Costume Design    3 s.h.

Costume design for the stage through a study of script analysis, design concepts and principles, and costume rendering techniques.
Prereq.: THTR 1559 or permission of instructor.

THTR 3791    Rehearsal and Performance    3 s.h.

Faculty-supervised study and practical demonstration of a theatre or dance performance. Credit given for significant acting or dancing roles, assistant directing, or stage management assignments in Department of Theatre and Dance programming. For students with appropriate experience. May be taken twice.
Prereq.: THTR 2668 or DNCE 1542 and faculty approval.

THTR 3792    Projects in Production    3 s.h.

Faculty-supervised study resulting in the design and/or execution of scenery, lighting, or costumes for public performance. For students with appropriate experience. May be taken twice.
Prereq.: THTR 3763 or THTR 3765 or THTR 3769 and theatre faculty committee approval.

THTR 4860    Theatre History after 1700    3 s.h.

History of the physical theatre and representative dramatic texts from 1700 to the modern era.
Prereq.: 9 s.h. of THTR coursework, 3 of which must be upper division.

THTR 4863    Acting 3: Styles    3 s.h.

A study of specific theories, techniques, and approaches to creating the various styles of acting. Emphasis on scene study featuring important historical styles of performance.
Prereq.: THTR 1559 and THTR 2668.

THTR 4866    Summer Theatre Workshop    1-3 s.h.

Participation in the summer theatre program involving all aspects of theatrical production. Positions of significant responsibility.
Prereq.: Junior standing in Theatre, or permission of instructor.

THTR 4868    Children's Theatre    3 s.h.

A study of the process of theatre production by and for elementary school children, including theory, objectives, and methods.
Prereq.: THTR 3762 or senior standing in Elementary Education with permission of instructor.

THTR 4869    Creative Dramatics    3 s.h.

Basic elements of playmaking, improvisation, story dramatization, pantomime, dialogue, and characterization. Experience with area school children provided when possible. Intended for elementary education majors and drama certification.
Prereq.: Junior standing with 9 s.h. of theatre courses (including THTR 1559 and THTR 2668) or junior standing in Elementary Education with permission of instructor.

THTR 4870    Acting 4: Acting on Camera    3 s.h.

A exploration of the theory and technique of film and video performance, and the special demands they make upon an actor.
Prereq.: THTR 2668 and THTR 2667 and junior standing, or consent of instructor.

THTR 4891    Theatre History Before 1700    3 s.h.

History of the physical theatre and representative dramatic texts from the Classical period through the Renaissance.
Prereq.: 9 s.h. of THTR coursework, 3 of which must be upper division.

THTR 4893    Independent Study in Theatre    1-3 s.h.

Independent work in theatre production under faculty/staff guidance. Intended as a continuation of individualized creative work beyond THTR 3791 or THTR 3792. Project dependent upon approval of the evaluating faculty member and the student. May be repeated with different topics for a total of 9 s.h.
Prereq.: THTR 3791 or THTR 3792.

THTR 4895    Arts in Education Internship: Theatre    1-3 s.h.

A practical application of drama/theatre in education theories and skills in a field-based lab experience in the schools. Students submit project proposals geared either to the elementary or secondary level. Proposals must be approved by a theatre faculty committee. Repeatable for a total of 6 s.h.
Prereq.: THTR 1561, THTR 1559 and THTR 3762; or THTR 1559, THTR 3761 and THTR 4868.

THTR 4898    Senior Project    3 s.h.

Capstone experience expected of all seniors in the degree programs of the department. Significant demonstration of practical or scholarly ability in one of the sub-disciplines comprising the disciplines of theatre or dance, and showing evidence of solid writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills. Grading is A,B,C,NC/PR.
Prereq.: Senior standing with the expectation of graduating by the end of the following semester.
Gen Ed: Capstone.

THTR 4899    Topics in Theatre    3 s.h.

In-depth study of selected aspects in theatre scholarship, theory or practice. May be repeated if the topic changes.
Prereq.: Junior standing or permission of instructor.

THTR 5864    Directing 2    3 s.h.

A study of specific theories, techniques, and various important styles in play directing.
Prereq.: THTR 1559 and THTR 3762.