Theatre

The basic course in theatre. The appreciation of theatre is facilitated by units in the history of theatre, acting, directing, dramatic literature, and technical theatre. Does not count toward Theatre Arts major or minor.
(Normally offered each semester.)

This is a fundamental course in the systematic analysis of dramatic texts. It is designed to equip theatre arts majors and minors with the textual expertise and vocabulary needed for academic discussion and artistic collaboration. Students will read and research a series of scripts in order to investigate the process in which a play develops from page to performance. Emphasis will also be given to how directors, designers, performers, and spectators individually and collaboratively engage with and utilize a dramatic text during each phase of the pre-rehearsal, rehearsal, and performance process.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

This course acquaints students with the history of the motion picture industry and helps them develop a set of criteria for the critical evaluation of films. Students will discuss films shown in class and consider different genres such as short story into film, novel into film, play into film, and documentaries.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

U.S. Cinema/U.S. Culture is a survey course providing a historical perspective on the culture of the U.S. through the study of its cinema from Edison's early experiments in the 1890s to the present.

An introductory course in film study that is designed to provide students with a critical perspective of the general trends in cinema as well as initiate inestigation of how identity is expressed through film and video. Students will become acquainted with the formal qualities of film, general film theory, hands-on video making and will acquire an active vocabulary of film terminology. A central goal is to help students develop a set of criteria for the critical evaluation of both professional and personal films. Throughout the semester, students will learn introductory video making vocabulary, principles and techniques and will make their own videos that communicate definitions, formations, and expressions of identity.

This introductory acting course focuses on building physical, vocal, intellectual, and intuitive foundations for actors. Through discovery exercises, students increase their awareness of the fundamentals of contemporary acting and apply these concepts to monologue and scene work.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

This intermediate acting course reinforces the fundamental skills acquired in Script Analysis and Acting I, and builds upon them in order to emphasize technique and truth in acting. Using elements from comtemporary acting theorists (Meisner, LeCoq, Alder, etc.) students investigate contemporary dramatic texts. The process focuses on freeing the performer's instrument while concentrating on the actor's intent.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1020 Script Analysis and THTRE 1300 Acting I.

A course introducing students to all technical aspects of theatre production including scenery, properties, lighting, sound, makeup, and costuming. Particular emphasis is placed on practical knowledge of scenery, property construction techniques, and the materials used. Students must participate in a laboratory theatre experience.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

The introductory course in costuming for the theatre. It presents the uses of fabrics, textures, colors, plastics, and other materials as well as developing the sewing techniques needed for the theatre.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

A study of the theory and practice of stage makeup. The final project is the supervised design and execution of makeup for a major production or lab theatre production.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

Musical Theatre Appreciation investigates musical theatre as a performing arts genre by incorporating historical explorations with listening, viewing, and performance activities in order to gain a greater appreciation for the art form. A history of musical theatre forms the basis for development of course activities. Critical and creative exploration of scenes, songs, styles, and artistic development of musical theatre comprise the course content. Each student develops and participates in individual and group projects presented for the class. This course is recommended for students who have an interest in musical theatre performance and production, as well as students who plan to be music or theatre educators.
(Normally offered even spring semesters.)

Ballet I is an introductory course in the fundamentals of ballet that underscore musical theatre dance. Students will learn vocabulary, basic ballet technique, care of the ballet dancer's body, strength and conditioning exercises, adn basic ballet combinations. This course may be repeated for credit.

Musical theatre dance techniques and combinations will be explored in this course. Exercises to promote flexibility and stamina will be incorporated into the process. Course progress will be demonstrated in a culminating performance. This class may be repeated for credit.

Musical Theatre Voice is an introductory course in the effective use of the voice for singing. Students will learn the basics of vocal health, vocal conditioning, breath support, body alignment, and tone quality. In addition students will acquire basic singing terminology and introductory music reading and piano skills.

This course focuses on development of musical theatre performance skills in the areas of singing, dancing, and acting. Topics to be investigated include techniques of musical storytelling, vocal techniques for musical theatre singing, sight-reading, fundamentals of musical theatre dance, acting a song, and truth in musical theatre acting. Each student prepares and presents a series of performance projects including a repertoire of musical theatre songs, group dance numbers, and acting presentations. This course is recommended for the student who has an interest in musical theatre plus the student who plans to be a music or theatre teacher in the secondary schools. This course may be repeated once for credit. It can count only once for the Theatre Arts minor.
(Normally offered on even fall semesters.)

This course focuses on development of musical theatre performance skills in the area of singing and acting. Topics to be investigated include techniques of musical storytelling, vocal techniques for musical theatre, singing, sight-reading, acting a song, and truth in musical theatre acting. Each student prepares and presents a series of performance projects including a repertoire of musical theatre songs.
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of THTRE 1650 Musical Theatre: I.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Students earn credit for learning costume construction and maintenance, and learning theatrical lighting by working on theatre productions under direct faculty supervision.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1400 Stagecraft and permission of the Director of Technical Theatre. Open to Language Arts Education majors only.

Students earn credit for learning costume construction and maintenance by working on theatre productions under direct faculty supervision.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

Students earn credit for learning the design and application of theatrical makeup by working on theatre productions under direct faculty supervision.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

Students earn credit for learning the construction, organization, and maintenance of stage properties by working on theatre productions under direct faculty supervision.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

Students earn credit for learning theatrical lighting by working on theatre productions under direct faculty supervision.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

Students earn credit for learning the operation of sound equipment and the practical application of sound effects by working on theatre productions under direct faculty supervision.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

Students earn credit for learning acting techniques and character portrayal while working on theatre productions under direct faculty supervision. Registration in the course does not guarantee casting.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

Students earn credit for learning musical theatre acting, singing, and dancing techniques and character portrayal while working on theatre productions under direct faculty supervision. Registration does not guarantee casting.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

Students earn credit for learning the fundamentals of production management by working under direct faculty supervision as stage manager, script supervisor, assistant to the director, designer, or choreographer.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

Students earn credit for learning about theatre promotions strategies and activities while working on theatre productions under direct faculty supervision. Public relations, house management, box office management, community outreach, fundraising, and marketing are some of the possibilities for investigation.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

Students earn credit for learning scenery construction, painting, shifting, and maintenance by working on theatre productions under direct faculty supervision.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

Playwriting 1 is a course introducing students to the principles of dramatic construction and formal devices of playwriting. Students will write individually and collaboratively in large groups, small groups, and pairs. Emphasis is given to creative writing exercises exploring monologue, dialogue, character in text, language as action, scene structure, exposition, and conflict. Students will have the opportunity to share writing in class and receive feedback in a supportive workshop environment. Students will critically reflect on what they've written and assemble a portfolio of their writing.
Students may not receive credit for both THTRE 1810FYW Playwriting I and THTRE 2810 Playwriting I.

A topical course designed to investigate relevant subject matter not included in any standard courses. The title and the content will be determined by current mutual interests of students and faculty. This course may be offered to meet a requirement for a major only by approval of the department chair.

This is a research course. The student initially meets with the department chair to select a study topic and review research methods. At this time the student will be assigned a faculty resource person to guide his or her work and assist in an advisory capacity. A copy of the student's work is filed in the archives for the department. Independent study may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing or permission of the department chair.

Supervised individual projects for students on topics selected by the student in consultation with the instructor. Special Projects may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

An on-the-job experience oriented toward the student’s major interest. The student is to secure a position in an organization that satisfies the mutual interests of the instructor, the sponsor, and the student.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

Play reading is a course that focuses on the reading, discussion, and interpretation of dramatic texts. Its aim is to provide a concentrated study of both content and form of selected texts in an effort to broaden knowledge of dramatic techniques genre, and strategies for interpretation. Dramatic texts will vary each semester with the goal that students will gain knowledge of a large quantity of plays during a four-year period. This course may be repeated for credit up to eight times for Theatre Arts majors and up to three times for Theatre Arts minors.

The Pulitizer Prizes are regarded as one of the most prestigious awards that a writer or composer can win. The Pulitzer Prize in Drama is awarded "for a distinguished play by an American author, preferably original in its source, and dealing with American life". Given the emphases on American authorship and American life, this speaking-instructive dramatic literature course examines pulitzer Prize winning plays such as Angels in America, The Kentucky Cycle, Topdog/Underdog, Disgraced and others to investigate questions about the features of a democracy and what it means to be a citizen of a democracy. The plays also serve as the basis for a series of oral presentations. The course also asks: To what extent is the representation of democratic principles and ideas a contributing factor in what plays win the Pulitzer Prize in Drama.

The Pulitizer Prizes are regarded as one of the most prestigious awards that a writer or composer can win. The Pulitzer Prize in Drama is awarded "for a distinguished play by an American author, preferably original in its source, and dealing with American life". Given the emphases on American authorship and American life, this speaking-instructive dramatic literature course examines pulitzer Prize winning plays such as Angels in America, The Kentucky Cycle, Topdog/Underdog, Disgraced and others to investigate questions about the features of a democracy and what it means to be a citizen of a democracy. The plays also serve as the basis for a series of oral presentations. The course also asks: To what extent is the representation of democratic principles and ideas a contributing factor in what plays win the Pulitzer Prize in Drama.

Dating from 1947, the American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards have ben presented annually to honor excellence in commercial theatre on Broadway. It is a high honor for a writer or composer to win the award for Best Play or Best Musical, and usually results in financial and career gains. This speaking instructive dramatic literature course examines this U.S. awards tradition, considering how the procedural structures incorporate elements of democratic ideals and principles. Students will read examples of Tony Award winning plays and musicals in order to consider how democratic ideals are represented in those plays and will consider whether such representation is contributing factor in what works with the awards. The plays also serve as the basis for a series of oral presentations.

Is nurturing the subversive comic impluse in expression vital to a democracy? This speaking-instructive dramatic literature coures examines the comic tradition in U.S. dramatic writing, focusing primarily on how democratic principles and ideals have been represented. One primary topic to be considered involves the ways that comic plays, whether overtly or subversively, can serve as a contributing factor to stimulate political change in a democracy. A range of plays from early national to contempory will be read and discuseed to draw conclusions about features of a democracy and what it means to be a citizen of a democracy. The plays will also serve as the basis for oral presentations.

This speaking-instructive dramatic literature course examines how definitions and concepts of family have been represented in dramatic literary works. By reading, discussing, reflecting in writing and making oral presentations about a variety of dramatic works drawn from diverse perspectives students will consider how changes in cultural and institutional environments impact defintions of family and how concepts of family are interconnected with other with other social institutions.

This speaking-instructive dramatic literature class examines how varieties of feminisms and cultural diversity have been represented in dramatic literary works. By reading, discussion, reflecting in writing and making oral presentations about a variety of dramatic works drawn from diverse perspectives students will utilize recent scholarship in gender and seuality studies to analyze how assumptions about gender and/or sexualities have contributed to inequalities, choices, biases, oppression and/or empowerment in the culture and time periods in which the plays were written and produced.

Why does censorship occur in democracies that champion freedom of expression as an ideal? What are the tipping points that trigger the impluse to ban and/or censor? Does censorship or the threat of censorship present an obstacle to full participation of writers and readers in a democracy? Students seek the answers to these and other questions in this speaking-instructive dramatic literature course by looking at example of dramatic works that have been banned or censored in democratic nations. The selected texts will also serve as the basis for a series of oral presentations and will be utilized to discuss how the deinfining features of a democracy and the meaning of what it means to be a citizen in a democracy are represented in dramatic texts, as well as the broader question of how the arts shape how a nation defines itself as a democracy.

Masterpieces of Dramatic Literature is an introductory course designed to provide a historical perspective on the literary record of human interactions with nature, the supernatural, and other humans. Utilizing dramatic texts selected from a range of cultures, genres, and time periods (including core readings from Greek or Roman classical literature, the Bible, Shakespeare, non-Western literature, literature by women, and literature by writers of color), students will devise strategies for reading, discussing, and writing about dramatic literature. These strategies will include consideration of biographical materials, cultural contexts and analysis of the functions of drama and theatre, in particular historical and geographical circumstances. Students will also be asked to consider how texts come to be valued as masterpieces, and the politics involved in such valuation.

Stage Management is an introductory course in production management. Students will be introduced to the basic guidelines and techniques for stage managing theatre productions including: communication skills, collaboration skills, rehearsal management, assembling the stage manager's cue and production book, and tech rehearsal/production run management. Students will also learn about professional stage management and Equity rules, guidelines, and membership, It is anticipated that each class member will serve as a stage manager for a university production and submit a detailed cue and production book.

This course seeks to enhance students' understanding of cultural differences by focusing on film representations of different national and cultural groups. We will analyze how nationality and ethnicity affect both the production and reception of film. The course will expose students to various national and transnational values and practices through selected films. How have international cinemas coped with the pervasive influence of the "classic" Hollywood film paradigm? How have they resisted or been shaped by U.S. influence? We will read film criticism and theory of various countries focusing on the idea of national cinemas. Themes to be explored include survival, resistance to oppression, self-representation and visibility (performance of self and culture), intercultural communication, gender and power.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

This course will explore films made by artists who experiment with the formal, perceptual and narrative elements of film. Students will watch a wide range of film media that challenge conventions to gain an appreciation for the Avant-Garde and art film/video. Selected films will be analyzed within historical and aesthetic contexts of their departures from norms and conventions. One way to define Avant-Garde is breaking new ground and experimenting with the possibilities of the medium: rather than entertain or generate profit through their films, artists may shock or challenge viewers and explore the limits of genre. Students will be challenged to go beyond preconceived notions of visual pleasure to think critically and creatively about how/why a work was created and what it communicates in that context.

This is an advanced course in acting that incorporates the technique and truth in acting skills from Acting II and aims to provide an intensive study of character analysis and presentation skills. Performance texts for class activities and exercises will be drawn primarily from turn-of-the-century playwrights such as Ibsen, Shaw, and Chekhov. Attention is also to be given to the process of preparing professional auditions. This course may be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1020 Script Analysis, THTRE 1300 Acting I, and THTRE 1310 Acting II.
(Normally offered on even fall semesters.)

This is an advanced scene study course that builds upon the skills gained in Acting II and III, and trains students to handle specific acting challenges. Special attention is given to listening and connecting, and playing to win using action-based objectives. Scenes are taken from American post-war classics, the 1960s-70s avant-garde, and contemporary dramatic literature. This course may be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1020 Script Analysis, THTRE 1300 Acting I, THTRE 1310 Acting II, and THTRE 2300 Acting III or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered on odd spring semesters.)

A course designed to assist the student in improving control and use of the voice for speaking. Students participate in individualized and group exercises. The course also serves as an introduction to the variations in speech sounds, rhythms, and intonational patterns that characterize selected dialects of spoken English. Students utilize the International Phonetic Alphabet to transcribe cuttings from selected plays into the sounds of appropriate dialects and then reproduce the sounds vocally. Recordings of dialects are utilized for ear training.

In Acting for the Camera, students will learn and explore the necessary adjustments of one's acting styles, terminology, and techniques to be a successful actor on camera. This course will be divided into the various components of camera jobs (feature films, commercials, industrial film, sitcoms, one-hour episodic tv, etc.), and after learning the appropriate techniques for that particular genre, students will spend time in front of the camera working with exercises and actual commercial, film and TV, industrial scenes. Performances will then be analyzed and critiqued so that students will have an opportunity to improve their skills.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1300 Acting I.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Movement for the Actor will deal with techniques for freeing the actor's body, external character development, awareness of physical habits, the actor's physical health, and listening to body language. Physical assessment coupled with habit modification and intellectual choice of body movement will place the actor in a more "neutral" zone and allow her/him to play more varied roles on stage and off. Improvisation, exercise, music/movement, and elements of Alexander Technique will be explored. May be repeated for credit up to 6 times for Theatre Arts majors and up to 3 times for Theatre Arts minors.

This is a general introductory course in Stage Combat. Students will learn the basics in Combat Safety, Unarmed Combat, Small Sword, Rapier, Rapier and Dagger, Broadsword and Sword and Shield.

Musical theatre dance techniques and combinations will be explored in this course. Exercises to promote flexibility and stamina will be incorporated into the process. Course progress will be demonstrated in a culminating performance. This class may be repeated for credit.

A study of the theories and techniques of directing. Students will direct several short scenes.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1020 Script Analysis, THTRE 1300 Acting I, and THTRE 1400 Stagecraft.

Musical Theatre Dance II builds on the foundation of THTRE 1620 Musical Theatre Dance I. It is an intermediate-level dance class that reviews introductory knowledge and musical theatre dance skills, focuses on correcting habits, and emphasizes learning combinations expected for professional auditions, conditioning and an introduction to choreographic techniques. This course can be repeated for credit. Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1620 Musical Theatre Dance I or Permission of Instructor.

Theatre Workshop is a class in which students prepare, rehearse, and present a theatre production. The culminating project will be a theatre production. The culminating project will be a presentation of the productioon on stage as part of the NWU Theatre season. This course may be repeated for credit.

This is an introductory course in the theory and practice of scenography for the theatre. The primary goal of this class is to provide access to terms, concepts, and design principle applications for theatrical scenery, costume, and lighting design.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

An introduction to the basic tools and techniques of creating scenographic design documents and models for the theatre. Technical documents of ground plans, sections, elevations and lighting plots will be explored using CAD. Costume and set rendering will be explored using traditional and computer methods. Model making will be explored using both traditional and computer assisted methods.

This course is a study of the theory and practice of scenery and properties design. The student will do several designs for scenic and property elements. One of these designs will be actualized in the laboratory theatre of a major production. This course may be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1020 Script Analysis and THTRE 1400 Stagecraft.
(Normally offered on even fall semesters.)

A study of both the history of costume and the techniques of designing costumes. It includes supervised work not only on the design but actual construction of costumes for the theatre. This course may be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1020 Script Analysis or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered on even spring semesters.)

Advanced Make-up Design builds the basic techniques and skill acquired in Make-up Design class regarding use of highlight and shadow as a means to sculpt the face for various characters. Students in the advanced class design and complete a sequence of projects incorporating prosthetics and three-dimensional materials, latex and liquids, facial hair, and wigs.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1020 Script Analysis and THTRE 1420 Makeup Design.

This course is a study of the theory and practice of lighting and sound design. The student will do several projects and designs for lights and sound. One of these designs will be actualized in the laboratory theatre or a major production. This course may be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1020 Script Analysis and THTRE 1400 Stagecraft.
(Normally offered on odd fall semesters.)

Playwriting 1 is a course introducing students to the principles of dramatic construction and formal devices of playwriting. Students will write individually and collaboratively in large groups, small groups, and pairs. Emphasis is given to creative writing exercises exploring monologue, dialogue, character in text, language as action, scene structure, exposition, and conflict. Students will have the opportunity to share writing in class and receive feedback in a supportive workshop environment. Students will critically reflect on what they've written and assemble a portfolio of their writing.
Students may not receive credit for both THTRE 1810FYW Playwriting I and THTRE 2810 Playwriting I.

A topical course designed to investigate any relevant subject matter not included in any of the standard courses. The title, content, and credit will be determined by current mutual interests of students and faculty. Selected topic acting styles courses such as Acting for Musical Theatre, Acting Shakespeare, Acting Chekhov, Acting Coward and Wilde, and Acting Brecht will be offered regularly. Other selected topics courses such as Mask Making, Rendering, Stage Management, Directing for Musical Theatre, Arts Management, and Children's Theatre will be offered based on student interest and demand and faculty expertise.
Prerequisite(s): To be determined by the instructor.

This is a research course. The student initially meets with the department chair to select a study topic and review research methods. At this time the student will be assigned a faculty resource person to guide his or her work and assist in an advisory capacity. A copy of the student's work is filed in the archives for the department. Independent study may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing or permission of the department chair.

Supervised individual projects for students on topics selected by the student in consultation with the instructor. Special Projects may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

An on-the-job experience oriented toward the student’s major interest. The student is to secure a position in an organization that satisfies the mutual interests of the instructor, the sponsor, and the student.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

See ENG 3000 Shakespeare.

Theatre Management provides an in depth look at all the aspects of starting and running a non-profit theatre from the ground up. The first part provides a survey of the field of arts administration and introduces nonprofit governance including incorporation, mission development, and roles and responsibilities of boards of directors. The second part examines the relationship between the arts and law, including contracts, license fees, copyrights, intellectual property, and royalties. The third part of the course provides the students with audience development techniques and fundraising models. Finally each student will be introduced to practical experience picking a season, timelines, establishing a budget, and getting the word out to the public in today's world.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered spring semesters.)

The student completes the design for the scenery, lights, costumes, and/or makeup for a full-length play that is produced by the department. The area or areas of design are selected by the student and instructor. This course may be repeated up to four times for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

History of Period Style is a class for theatre performers, directors, designers and generalists, who wish to have a basis of knowledge about the major historical periods in Western Civilization that are the setting for the majority of plays in the western canon. This course will be an overview of the most important innovations in architecture, art, costume, furniture and decorative arts, and music for each period, as they influence theatrical production.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or permission of the instructor.

See EDUC 3240 Methods for Teaching Communication and Theatre Arts in 7-12.

See ENG 3260 Greek Drama.

This is an advanced scene study course that builds upon the skills gained in Acting II and III, and trains students to handle specific acting challenges. Special attention is given to listening and connecting, and playing to win using action-based objectives. Scenes are taken from American post-war classics, the 1960s-70s avant-garde, and contemporary dramatic literature. This course may be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1020 Script Analysis, THTRE 1300 Acting I, THTRE 1310 Acting II, and THTRE 2300 Acting III or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered on odd spring semesters.)

Dialects is a course that focuses on the mastery of vocal techniques required for utilizing stage dialects in performance. The course will offer a practical approach to learning dialects that will be believable and accurate. We will explore a process for creating a dialect role, from pre-production script analysis and dialect acquisition, through the rehearsal period and run of the texts. Each student will prepare and present a series of oral and written dialect projects culminating in an oral examination.

Advanced Voice is a course that focuses on the mastery and reinforcement of vocal techniques learned in THTRE 2340 Voice I. Students will review the International Phonetic Alphabet and utilize principles in the transcription of more advanced texts, including classical texts. In addition students will learn advanced vocal techniques as well as strategies for sustained vocal health. Each student will prepare and present a series of oral and written vocal technique projects culminating in an oral examination.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 2340 Voice I or permission of the instructor.

Playing Shakespeare is an intermediate level acting class focusing on the technique necessary to perform classical texts. We will focus on expanding the abilities of the actor's instrument. Truthfulness will be the ultimate goal balanced by the requirements of the text. Students will be introduced to the guidelines and techniques for acting dramatic verse. Students learn period movement and style appropriate for the Elizabethan and Jacobean era. Students also explore the use of voice, speech, tone, rhythm and pitch as part of character revelation. Playing Shakespeare may be repeated once for credit.

This advanced acting course reinforces the fundamental skills acquired in previous Acting class and builds upon them in order to develop techniques for performance auditions. Specifically, the choice and preparation of material will be discovered.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1300 Acting I, THTRE 1310 Acting II, and THTRE 2300 Acting III or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Participants in Period Acting Styles will prepare and present a full-length play to be rehearsed during the semester and presented as part of the NWU University Theatre season. Starting with a series of vocal and physical exercises, students will explore the script. Students will conduct research on the time period, cultural context and language . Students will also do an in-depth character analysis and collaborate on all aspects of the production process. Period Acting Styles may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or permission of the instructor.

Students will direct under supervision a one-act play or (with instructor's permission) a full-length play. This course may be repeated.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1020 Script Analysis, THTRE 1300 Acting I, THTRE 1400 Stagecraft, THTRE 1310 Acting II, and THTRE 2500 Directing I.

THTRE 3510 Directing III is a directing practicum in which students apply theory and techniques to the task of directing a play of a one hour's length or, with instructor's permission, a full-length play. The class also continues to introduce students to more advanced directing theory and technique. All students are expected to actively participate in a series of exercises that emphasize the development of critical thinking, research, communication and organizational skills associated with effective stage direction. This course may be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 2500 Directing I and THTRE 3500 Directing II and/or permission of the instructor or department chair.
(Normally offered every semester.)

See SPAN 3610 Hispanic Film.

Musical Theatre Dance III builds on the foundational knowledge and skills of THTRE 1620 Musical Theatre Dance I and THTRE 2620 Musical Theatre Dance Ii. This course explores more advanced techniques, conditioning and choreography. The course will often be an intensive "master class" experience offered by a guest artist. The schedule will be determined and may include evenings and weekends over a short duration of the guest artist's residence. This course can be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1620 Musical Theatre Dance I and THTRE 2620 Musical Theatre Dance Ii or Permission of Instructor.

This advanced course focuses on development of musical theatre performance skills in the area scene study as it applies to musical theatre. Topics to be investigated include techniques of musical storytelling, vocal techniques for musical theatre, singing, sight-reading, acting a song, and truth in musical theatre acting. Each student prepares and presents a series of performance projects including a repertoire of musical theatre songs. The major thrust of the class will be musical theatre scene work.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1650 Musical Theatre: I and THTRE 1660 Musical Theatre II.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

This course focuses on development of musical theatre performance skills. Topics to be investigated include techniques of musical storytelling, vocal techniques for musical theatre, singing, sight-reading, acting a song, and truth in musical theatre acting. Each student prepares and presents a series of performance projects including a repertoire of musical theatre songs. The major thrust of this class will focus on musical theatre literature as it pertains to the performer. Material will be selected from Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas to contemporary literature. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1650 Musical Theatre: I, THTRE 1660 Musical Theatre II, and THTRE 3650 Musical Theatre III.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Theatre Workshop is a class in which students prepare, rehearse, and present a theatre production. The culminating project will be a theatre production. The culminating project will be a presentation of the productioon on stage as part of the NWU Theatre season. This course may be repeated for credit.

An introductory design studio course focusing on scenery, costume, and lighting design for the theatre. Students will design the visual world of a number of dramas, comedies, or musicals creating standard designer communication documents including sketches, renderings, and drafting. The course also emphasizes script analysis and visual research in the design process. Students will assemble a portfolio documenting their designs.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1020 Script Analysis, THTRE 2700 Approaching Scenography, and THTRE 2710 Scenographic Techniques or permission of th e instructor.

An intermediate design studio course focusing on scenery, costume and lighting design for the theatre. Students will design the visual world of a number of moderate size dramas, comedies or musicals from contemporary and historical periods, creating standard designer communication documents including sketches, renderings and drafting. The course also emphasizes script analysis and visual research in the design process. Students will assemble a portfolio documenting their designs.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 3700 Scenography I.

Students earn credit for learning the design and application of theatrical makeup by working on theatre productions under direct faculty supervision.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

This course will examine representations of masculinity, femininity, and androgyny in primarily U.S. film. Students will learn to recognize and evaluate elements of film art. Using variety of film theories, we will analyze Hollywood and independent movie images of men and women for the messages conveyed about gender roles and expectations.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Students earn credit for learning theatrical lighting by working on theatre productions under direct faculty supervision.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

Students earn credit for learning the operation of sound equipment and the practical application of sound effects by working on theatre productions under direct faculty supervision.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

Students earn credit for learning acting techniques and character portrayal while working on theatre productions under direct faculty supervision. Registration in the course does not guarantee casting.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

Students earn credit for learning musical theatre acting, singing, and dancing techniques and character portrayal while working on theatre productions under direct faculty supervision. Registration does not guarantee casting.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

Students earn credit for learning the fundamentals of production management by working under direct faculty supervision as stage manager, script supervisor, assistant to the director, designer, or choreographer.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

Students earn credit for learning about theatre promotions strategies and activities while working on theatre productions under direct faculty supervision. Public relations, house management, box office management, community outreach, fundraising, and marketing are some of the possibilities for investigation.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

A survey of theatre arts from ancient Greece through the 19th century. It includes sections on classic, medieval, Renaissance, Restoration, 18th century, and 19th century drama and theatre practice.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1010 Theatre Appreciation or THTRE 1020 Script Analysis.
(Normally offered on even fall semesters.)

A survey of theatre arts from the advent of realism to contemporary theatre. Special emphasis will be given to nonrealistic theatre movements and their influence on playwriting, directing, acting, and design.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1010 Theatre Appreciation or THTRE 1020 Script Analysis.
(Normally offered on odd fall semesters.)

U.S. Theatre/U.S. Culture is a survey course providing a historical perspective on the culture of the U.S. through the study of its theatre from the colonial period to the present. This course can be used to satisfy a core requirement for the BFA and BA degrees in Theatre.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 3800 World Theatre History I or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered odd spring semesters.)

A topical course designed to investigate relevant subject matter not included in any standard courses. The title and the content will be determined by current mutual interests of students and faculty. This course may be offered to meet a requirement for a major only by approval of the department chair.

This is a research course. The student initially meets with the department chair to select a study topic and review research methods. At this time the student will be assigned a faculty resource person to guide his or her work and assist in an advisory capacity. A copy of the student's work is filed in the archives for the department. Independent study may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing or permission of the department chair.

Supervised individual projects for students on topics selected by the student in consultation with the instructor. Special Projects may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

On-the-job training for theatre arts majors and minor wishing to explore career options prior to their senior year or for students not majoring or minoring in theatre arts who desire experience in theater arts-related organizations and positions. Students will arrange for their positions according to department guidelines, and each internship will be designed to the satisfaction of the sponsor, faculty coordinator, and student.

This is an advanced acting course that builds upon the skills gained in previous acting and directing classes. It trains students to handle specific acting challenges presented to them from the instructor from a director's perspective. Recommended for students completing the B.F.A. degree in theatre with an emphasis in acting.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1020 Script Analysis, THTRE 1300 Acting I, THTRE 1310 Acting II, and THTRE 2300 Acting III.
(Normally offered each spring semester. )

This advanced acting course reinforces the fundamental skills acquired in previous Acting class and builds upon them in order to develop techniques for performance auditions. Specifically, the choice and preparation of material will be discovered.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1300 Acting I, THTRE 1310 Acting II, and THTRE 2300 Acting III or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

A performance of dramatic literature offered in a recital setting.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.
(Normally offered each semester.)

A course for students preparing for careers in theatre. Projects will include resume and portfolio preparation, auditioning, and interviewing techniques, introduction to internships, apprenticeships, and graduate study.

THTRE 4500 Directing IV is a directing practicum in which students apply theory and techniques to the task of directing, under supervision, a full length play. The class also continues to introduce students to more advanced directing theories and techniques. All students are expected to actively participate in a series of exercises that emphasize the development of critical thinking, research, communication and organization skills associated with effective stage direction. This course may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 2500 Directing I, THTRE 3500 Directing II, and THTRE 3510 Directing III and/or permission of the instructor or department chair.
(Normally offered every semester.)

See SPAN 4610 Hispanic Film.

An advanced design studio course focusing on scenery, costume and lighting design for the theatre. Students will design the visual world of a number of multi-act dramas, comedies or musicals from contemporary and historical periods, creating standard designer communication documents including sketches, renderings, a scale model and drafting. Additionally, students will work collaboratively with an advanced student director to design one or more elements of a realized production. The course emphasizes script analysis, visual research in the design process and designer/director communication. Students will assemble a portfolio documenting their designs.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 3710 Scenography II.

A capstone design studio course focusing on scenery, costume and lighting design for the theatre. Students will design the entire visual world of a multi-act drama, comedy or musical from contemporary or historical periods, approved by the instructor, creating standard designer communication documents including sketches, renderings, a finished model and drafting. Additionally, students will work collaborately with a faculty director to design one or more elements of realized production. The course emphasizes script analysis, visual research in the design process and designer/director communication. Students will assemble a portfolio documenting their designs.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 4700 Scenograpy III and instructor permission.

Contemporary Theatre is a course designed to
situate the study and practice of theatre within
contemporary cultural contexts.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or permission of
the instructor.

THTRE 4810 Musical Theatre History is a survey of musical theatre history and musical theatre music and dramatic literature from its earliest documented beginnings up to the present day. As the course is designed primarily for musical theatre majors, primary emphasis will be given to musical theatre history in the United States. Students will consider examples of classical, medieval and early modern musical entertainment, followed by units covering continental operetta of the 18th C, early 19th C, late 19th C (including Gilbert & Sullivan), each decade in the 20th C, as well as contemporary developments. Students will also critically analyze the specific elements of musical theatre: integration of song and book, character and voice, ensemble, orchestra, narration and technology. Musical Theatre History is designed to familiarize students with the tenets and challenges of historical inquiry as they can be applied to the study of musical theatre. The course also seeks to build appreciation for a broad range of musical theatre styles. THTRE 4810 Musical Theatre History is a required course for the B.F.A. in Musical Theatre.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 3800 World Theatre History I or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered even spring semester.)

An advanced topical course designed to investigate any relevant subject matter not included in any of the standard courses. The title, content and credit will be determined by current mutual interests of students and faculty.

An opportunity for students, under the supervision of a faculty member, to pursue scientific literature not covered in other coursework.

A departmental research project. Either a proposition or a conclusion is to be defended orally by the student before persons in the department. Independent Study may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Approval of the department chair.

Supervised individual projects for students on topics selected by the student in consultation with the instructor. Special Projects may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

On-the-job training for theatre arts majors and minors in theatre-related organizations. Students will arrange for their positions according to departmental guidelines, and each internship will be designed to the satisfaction of the sponsor, faculty coordinator, and student. Students may repeat the course and earn a maximum of 6 hours credit.
Pass/Fail only.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

A research seminar in which students conducting their research to satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement meet regularly to share insights, progress, and problems encountered along the way.

The senior theatre project is done under the immediate supervision of a theatre faculty or teaching-staff member in one of these areas: costumes, scenery, lights, properties, makeup, acting, stage management, or directing. The student and the diretor of the theatre must first determine the feasibility of the proposed project for a full-length play (i.e., at least 90 minutes playing time) and select a theatre faculty/teaching-staff member supervisor. This planning process must be completed no later than May 1 of the junior year. The student will be responsible for doing the research, designing the project and seeing it to completion. The supervisor will serve as a consultant throughout the project, will grade the project, and will arrange for the student to present a description of his or her accomplishment to interested persons. See the director of the theatre for further guidelines and procedures.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.