University Theatre

DNCE 1540    Modern Dance 1    1 s.h.

The theory and practice of modern dance technique at the beginning level. No previous dance experience is expected. Coursework includes body mechanics, axial and locomotor movement, and improvisation.

DNCE 1550    Conditioning and Wellness for the Performing Artist    1 s.h.

A supplement to the study of dance technique and performance, this course will help students increase their strength, flexibility, and stamina. Coursework will include various somatic systems such as Pilates and Yoga and wellness issues such as nutrition, physical and mental health, and injury prevention and treatment.

DNCE 1570    Jazz Dance 1    1 s.h.

The theory and practice of jazz dance technique at the beginning level. No previous dance experience is expected. Coursework includes body mechanics, rhythmic fundamentals, and movement exercises relating to various pop, street, and musical theatre styles.

DNCE 1571    Tap Dance 1    1 s.h.

The theory and practice of tap dance technique at the beginning level. No previous dance experience is expected. Coursework includes vocabulary and movement exercises in both Buck and Wing and Rhythm styles.

DNCE 1572    Ballet 1    1 s.h.

The theory and practice of ballet technique at the beginning level. No previous dance experience is expected. Coursework includes fundamentals of vocabulary, placement, and execution at the barre, center, and across the floor.

DNCE 1575    Hip Hop Dance    1 s.h.

An introduction to hip hop dance and its relationship to other aspects of hip hop culture, music, and media. Coursework includes street styles, breaking, and various regional forms.

DNCE 2641    Modern Dance 2    2 s.h.

The theory and practice of modern dance technique at the intermediate level. Increased technical and artistic accomplishment is expected. Course may be repeated twice for up to six hours credit.
Prereq.: DNCE 1540 or permission of the instructor.

DNCE 2667    Musical Comedy    1 s.h.

This course will supplement the dance technique track specifically in support of the study of musical theatre. Students will practice various social, world, and theatrical dance forms, learn selections from iconic choreography, experience mock dance auditions, and explore the skill of dance composition in musical theatre repertory.
Prereq.: One course in either ballet or jazz dance.

DNCE 2670    Jazz Dance 2    2 s.h.

The theory and practice of Jazz dance technique at the intermediate level. Course may be repeated twice for up to six hours credit.
Prereq.: DNCE 1570 or permission of the instructor.

DNCE 2671    Tap Dance 2    2 s.h.

The theory and practice of tap dance technique at the intermediate level. Course may be repeated twice for up to six hours credit.
Prereq.: DNCE 1571 or permission of the instructor.

DNCE 2673    Ballet 2    2 s.h.

The theory and practice of ballet technique at the intermediate level. Increased technical and artistic accomplishment is expected. Course may be repeated twice for up to six hours credit.
Prereq.: DNCE 1572 or permission of the instructor.

DNCE 2698    Survey of Dance    3 s.h.

The role of dance in culture and history, tracing the evolution of various folk, social, and concert forms. Structural and stylistic elements important for the appreciation of movement and dance.
Gen Ed: Arts and Humanities.

DNCE 3751    Modern Dance 3    2 s.h.

The theory and practice of modern dance technique at the advanced level. Increased technical and artistic accomplishment is expected. Course may be repeated twice for up to six hours credit.
Prereq.: DNCE 2641 or permission of the instructor.

DNCE 3770    Jazz Dance 3    2 s.h.

The theory and practice of Jazz dance technique at the advanced level. Course may be repeated twice for up to six hours credit.
Prereq.: DNCE 2670 or permission of the instructor.

DNCE 3771    Tap Dance 3    2 s.h.

The theory and practice of tap dance technique at the advanced level. Increased physical dexterity and rhythmic nuance are expected. Course may be repeated twice for up to six hours credit.
Prereq.: DNCE 2671 or permission of the instructor.

DNCE 3781    Ballet 3    2 s.h.

The theory and practice of ballet technique at the advanced level. Increased technical and artistic accomplishment is expected. Course may be repeated twice for up to six hours credit.
Prereq.: DNCE 2673 or consent of the instructor.

DNCE 3791    Dance Participation    1 s.h.

Involvement with the Dance Ensemble rehearsal process and performance. Must be taken at least four times during the time a student is a dance major. Course may be repeated up to seven times. By audition only.
Coreq.: With any dance technique course or permission of the instructor.

DNCE 4851    Modern Dance 4    2 s.h.

The theory and practice of modern dance technique at the pre-professional level. A high level of technical achievement, artistry, and professionalism is expected. Pre-professional level courses will include composition and pedagogy. Course may be repeated for credit.
Prereq.: DNCE 3751 or permission of the instructor.

DNCE 4881    Ballet 4    2 s.h.

The theory and practice of ballet technique at the pre-professional level. A high level of technical achievement, artistry, and professionalism is expected. Pre-professional level courses will include composition and pedagogy. Course may be repeated for credit.
Prereq.: DNCE 3781 or permission of instructor.

DNCE 4893    Independent Study in Dance    1-3 s.h.

Independent work in dance practice, pedagogy, composition, or theory under faculty guidance. Intended to allow the student to broaden their experience and expertise in an artistic or academic area of dance beyond the published coursework. May substitute for DNCE 3765 OR 4865 in the dance major, should the student propose an appropriate topic and demonstrate equivalent relevance and rigor.
Prereq.: Permission of the instructor.

DNCE 4898    Senior Project    3 s.h.

Capstone experience expected of all students in the major. Significant demonstration of practical or scholarly ability in Dance choreography and/or pedagogy.
Prereq.: Senior standing.

THTR 1512    Survey of Broadway: 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 1585    Acting 1: Fundamentals    3 s.h.

The fundamental theories and techniques of acting. Through a combination of classroom exercises, laboratory performances, readings and written assignments, will learn the fundamentals of Stanislavsky’s acting theory. This course will include a holistic approach to acting whereby the students will develop their physical and vocal instruments, their emotional intelligence, their ability to research and analyze the actor’s text, and to reawaken their creative intuition. One hour lecture/three hours lab.

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 2601    Singing Styles    1 s.h.

Students designated BFA in Musical Theatre will audition for all main stage musicals, as well as audition for participation in all other vocal/singing opportunities within the department. This course serves as the training, support, workshop, and lab for these activities. Students will train in multiple singing styles to achieve higher marketability as versatile performers. Must be taken once during the time each student is in residence as a musical theatre major but may be taken multiple times. Open to minors and non-majors by audition.

THTR 2607    Introduction to 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. One hour lecture/three hours lab.
Prereq.: Sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.

THTR 2640    Theatre History    3 s.h.

Survey of the history of the Western theatre and dramatic literature from its earliest recorded beginnings through the early Realism movement. Course examines the place of theatre in society and its potential as a cultural force.

THTR 2661    Introduction to Stage Management    3 s.h.

Introduction to Stage Management will focus on the skills and mechanics necessary to contribute to the production process as a stage manager with a focus on organization, leadership and communication.
Prereq.: THTR 1559.

THTR 2667    Acting 2: Character Creation & Scene Work    3 s.h.

This course builds upon Acting I: Fundamentals. Students explore their developing understanding of the processes and discipline in creating works of dramatic art. The unique dynamics and discovery potential of acting both personally and collaboratively is experienced through recognized acting techniques (i.e. Stanislavsky, Alexander, Hagen, Spolin), methodologies (i.e. The Method, Linklater), and practices (i.e. Lessac). 1 hr lecture/3 hrs lab.
Prereq.: THTR 1585.

THTR 2672    Bodyvoice for Actors    3 s.h.

This course will engage organic-sensory learning of the voice and human body movement through a multimodal approach, imparting deep structure knowledge and skills both dynamic and specific (One hour lecture/three hours lab).

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    3 s.h.

Preparation for careers in the theatre industry through lecture and discussion addressing business concerns for the theatre professional. Course content covers contracts, taxes, marketing and social media, resumes, e-portfolios, auditioning/interviewing, representation, unions, and general industry legal considerations.
Prereq.: Junior standing as theatre major.

THTR 3707    Topics in Puppetry    3 s.h.

Studio/ lecture course designed to provide students with an opportunity to further explore the work of the puppeteer as story-teller and creative artist. Students will receive training in design, manipulation, script writing/adaptation, and puppet performance. Students will develop understanding and skills through lecture, demonstration, laboratory exercise and independent work conducted outside of class. Students will also be involved in group project work leading to a public performance. Course can be taken multiple times if the topic is different. (One hour lecture/three hours lab).
Prereq.: Junior standing or permission of instructor.

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. (One hour lecture, three hours lab).
Prereq.: THTR 1585 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.: 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 3771    Introduction to Dialects    3 s.h.

Introduction to vocal expression as an actor by way of speech and accent/dialect. Content will address vocal heritage of a character in an acting role, speech sounds, patterns, and physiology. Identification of sound symbols of the International Phonetic Alphabet will form a bridge to vocal transformation into character accents. Whole-body exercises will be used to cultivate organic and physical relationship to speaking. Speaking with intention, meaning, and feeling will be explored through the vocal dynamics of volume, pitch, rhythm and resonance (One hour lecture/three hours Lab).
Prereq.: THTR 2667 or permission of instructor.

THTR 3772    Acting 3: Advanced Character Study & Repertoire Acquisition    3 s.h.

This course builds upon all prior courses in acting. Students concretize and habituate an analytical approach to their broadening knowledge of character development, while applying learned skills experienced through recognized acting techniques (i.e. Stanislavsky, Alexander, Hagen, Spolin), methodologies (i.e. The Method, Linklater), and practices (i.e. Lessac). One hour lecture/three hours lab .
Prereq.: THTR 2667 or permission of instructor.

THTR 3774    Musical Theatre Studio    3 s.h.

Performance-based training and 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 (1893-present). One hour lecture/three hours lab.
Prereq.: Prerequisite: THTR 2667 and MTVC 1501 or other evidence of vocal training; and junior standing or permission of the instructor.

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

An exploration of the theory and technique of film and video performance, and the special demands they make upon an actor. (One hour lecture, three hours lab).
Prereq.: THTR 1585 and THTR 2667 and junior standing, or consent of instructor.

THTR 4880    Shakespeare and Period Styles    3 s.h.

Experimentation and experience with classical dramatic literature, analysis and performance with a focus on Shakespeare. Students will develop their performance skills through text analysis, scene study, vocal work, and acting exercises. In addition to the work of Shakespeare, period material may draw from Greek, Commedia, Neoclassical and Restoration. 1 hour lecture/3 hours lab.
Prereq.: THTR 2667 and THTR 3768 or permission of the 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 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.