The Bachelor of Arts with a major in Theatre is the traditional liberal arts theatre degree that provides students broad-based theatre knowledge in each of the collaborative areas. It prepares students for graduate study, professional theatre careers, and may serve as preparation for law, ministry, or educational careers. Students interested in double majoring often select the B.A. degree.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts is traditionally pursued by those students who are planning a professional career in theatre. In addition to broad-based core coursework, students take specialized courses to prepare them for more specific careers. Majors include: Acting, Directing, Musical Theatre, Theatre Arts, and Theatre Design and Technology. The B.F.A. Theatre Studies is designed for students with interests in multiple areas of theatre study.

Department Learning Outcomes
Majors will be able to:

Think critically.
Communicate effectively.
Collaborate with a team.
Exhibit artistic growth.
Demonstrate specialized expertise.

Courses

THTRE 1020FYW Script Analysis (3 hours)

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. The content and meeting times of THTRE-1020FYW and THTRE 1030 are the same and students may not receive credit for both courses.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Archway Curriculum: First-Year Curriculum: First-Year Writing

Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: Innovation Thread

THTRE 1030 Script Analysis (3 hours)

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. The content and meeting times of THTRE 1020FYW and THTRE-1030 are the same and students may not receive credit for both courses.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Writing Instructive

Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: Innovation Thread

THTRE 1060 Introduction to Musical Theatre (2 hours)

Introduction to Musical Theatre 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 spring semester of even years)

Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Creative and Performing Arts

Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: Innovation Thread

THTRE 1300 Acting I (3 hours)

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.)

Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Creative and Performing Arts

THTRE 1310 Acting II (3 hours)

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 contemporary 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 and THTRE 1300 Acting I or instructor permission.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

THTRE 1400 Stagecraft (3 hours)

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 fall and spring semester.)

Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Creative and Performing Arts

Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: Innovation Thread

THTRE 1410 Costume Construction (3 hours)

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 and spring semester.)

Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Creative and Performing Arts

THTRE 1420 Makeup Design (3 hours)

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.)

Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: Innovation Thread

THTRE 1600 Tap 1 (1-2 hours)

Tap 1 is an introductory course in the fundamentals of tap dance that can be useful in musical theatre dance. Students will learn vocabulary, basic tap technique, care of the dancer's body, strength and conditioning exercises, and tap combinations. This course may be repeated for credit

THTRE 1610 Ballet I (0-2 hours)

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, and basic ballet combinations. This course may be repeated for credit.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

THTRE 1620 Musical Theatre Dance I (1-2 hours)

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.
(Normally offered each fall and spring semester.)

THTRE 1630 Hip Hop 1 (1-2 hours)

Hip Hop I is an introductory course in the fundamentals of hip hop that can be useful in musical theatre dance. Students will learn vocabulary, basic hip hop technique, care of the dancer's body, strength and conditioning exercises, and basic hip hop combinations. This course may be repeated for credit.

THTRE 1640 Musical Theatre Voice Lessons and Studio I (1 hour)

Weekly voice studio and bi-weekly 30-minute private instruction in musical theatre voice for first-year students. May be repeated.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
Corequisite(s): THTRE 1060 Introduction to Musical Theatre or THTRE 1650 Musical Theatre I or declared Musical Theatre major.

THTRE 1650 Musical Theatre I (3 hours)

This course focuses on development of musical theatre performance skills in the areas of singing, acting, and truthfully bringing a character to life on stage through song. Topics to be investigated include foundational acting technique, techniques of musical storytelling, vocal techniques for musical theatre singing, acting a solo song, and truth in musical theatre acting/performance. Each student prepares and presents a series of performance solo projects, beginning to build a repertoire of musical theatre songs.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1060 Introduction to Musical Theatre.
(Normally offered every spring semester.)

THTRE 1700 Practicum: Stagecraft (1 hour)

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

THTRE 1710 Practicum: Costumes (0-2 hours)

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

THTRE 1720 Practicum: Makeup (0-2 hours)

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.

THTRE 1730 Practicum: Properties (0-2 hours)

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.

THTRE 1740 Practicum: Lighting (0-2 hours)

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

THTRE 1750 Practicum: Sound (0-2 hours)

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.

THTRE 1760 Practicum: Acting (0-2 hours)

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.

THTRE 1770 Practicum: Musical Theatre (0-2 hours)

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.

THTRE 1780 Practicum: Production Management (0-2 hours)

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.

THTRE 1790 Practicum: Theatre Promotion (0-2 hours)

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.

THTRE 1800 Practicum: Scenery (0-2 hours)

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.

THTRE 1810FYW Playwriting I (3 hours)

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.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

Archway Curriculum: First-Year Curriculum: First-Year Writing

Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Creative and Performing Arts

THTRE 1900 Selected Topics (1-4 hours)

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.

THTRE 1950 Independent Study (1-4 hours)

A faculty-supervised independent project for students that may include readings, research, assisting faculty in a class, dramaturgical work, academic or creative writing, etc. The student initially meets with the department chair to establish the parameters of the study. At this time the student will be assigned a faculty resource person to guide his or her work and assist in an advisory capacity. Independent Study typically will not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

THTRE 1960 Special Projects (1-15 hours)

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.

THTRE 1970 Internship (1-8 hours)

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. P/F Only.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Experiential Learning: Intensive

THTRE 2010 Dramatic Literature: Pulitzer Prize (3 hours)

The Pulitzer 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.

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Speaking Instructive

Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: Democracy Thread

THTRE 2020 Dramatic Literature: Tony Awards (3 hours)

Dating from 1947, the American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards have been 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.

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Speaking Instructive

Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: Democracy Thread

THTRE 2030 Dramatic Literature: American Comedy (3 hours)

Is nurturing the subversive comic impulse in expression vital to a democracy? This speaking-instructive dramatic literature course 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 contemporary will be read and discussed 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.

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Speaking Instructive

Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: Democracy Thread

THTRE 2050 Dramatic Literature: Gender and Sexuality (3 hours)

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 sexuality 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.
Cross listed with GEND 2050.

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Speaking Instructive

Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: Gender and Sexuality Thread

THTRE 2060 Dramatic Literature: Banned and Censored (3 hours)

Why does censorship occur in democracies that champion freedom of expression as an ideal? What are the tipping points that trigger the impulse 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 defining 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.

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Speaking Instructive

Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: Democracy Thread

THTRE 2080 Musical Theatre Literature (3 hours)

This discourse-instructive course will study the diverse and varying collection of the musicals that encompass the Broadway stage. Musicals to be studied will vary each semester and students will engage in multiple discussions on topics such as performance transitions, styles, time periods, subject matter, historical contribution, composers, and even audience appeal. Students will experience such musicals either visually or aurally and complete a variety of assignments to identify the unique characteristics and contributions of each.

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Discourse Instructive

Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: Innovation Thread

THTRE 2160 Stage Management (3 hours)

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.
(Normally offered every spring semester.)

THTRE 2300 Acting III (3 hours)

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 1300 Acting I and THTRE 1310 Acting II.
(Normally offered on even fall semesters.)

THTRE 2340 Voice for the Stage (3 hours)

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.

THTRE 2350 Introduction to Voice Over Acting (3 hours)

This is a practical application course that examines the expressive possibilities of the human voice. Students will explore range, pitch, tempo, color, rhythm, and other qualities related to voice acting and broadcasting. Students will also learn about the equipment and software needed to record, edit, and produce various projects associated with voice acting.

THTRE 2360 Acting for the Camera (3 hours)

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.)

THTRE 2410 Stage Combat (3 hours)

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.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

THTRE 2420 Movement for the Stage (3 hours)

Explores the different ways in which an actor may use the voice and body to create character, with an emphasis on full body integration. Students will learn techniques to free the natural voice, strengthen the body, and do so in a fully integrated and creative way so as to maximize expression for the stage. Students will study the works of Master Teachers, such as Alexander, Lessac, Bogart, and/or Linklater, in order to learn the foundational principles of voice and movement work. The class is intended to be a required class for performance majors.

THTRE 2500 Directing I (3 hours)

A study of the theories and techniques of directing. Students will direct several short scenes.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1020FYW Script Analysis or THTRE 1030 Script Analysis.
(Normally offered each fall and spring semester.)

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Experiential Learning: Exploratory

THTRE 2600 Tap 2 (1-2 hours)

Tap 2 builds on the foundation of Tap 1. It is an intermediate level tap class that reviews tap dance techniques, specifically in musical theatre. Students will be given more challenging vocabulary, learn to implement and execute these steps, begin recognize terms steps theatre choreography combinations. This course may repeated for credit. Prerequisite: THTRE-1600 or prerequisite waiver from the instructor.

THTRE 2610 Ballet 2 (1-2 hours)

Ballet 2 is a continuation of Ballet 1. It explores foundational and intermediate ballet technique, specifically related to musical theatre. Students will be introduced to more ballet vocabulary, learn to implement and execute these steps, and become more adept in recognizing these steps in musical theatre choreography and combinations. This course may be repeated for credit. Prerequsite: THTRE-1610 or prerequisite waiver from the instructor.

THTRE 2620 Musical Theatre Dance II (1-2 hours)

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.
(Normally offered each fall and spring semester.)

THTRE 2640 Musical Theatre Voice Lessons and Studio II (1 hour)

Weekly voice studio and private weekly 30-minute instruction in musical theatre voice for second-year students. May be repeated.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1640 Musical Theatre Voice Lessons and Studio I or permission of instructor.
Corequisite(s): THTRE 2650 Musical Theatre II or declared Musical Theatre major.

THTRE 2650 Musical Theatre II (3 hours)

This course builds on the acting and musical techniques introduced in Musical Theatre I, Acting II, Music Theory and Musicianship I and II, and Musical Theatre Voice II. It focuses on continuing to develop musical theatre performance skills in the areas of acting and singing while beginning to work with a partner and/or small ensemble groups. Topics to be investigated include vocal techniques for musical theatre singing, truth in musical theatre acting and storytelling, and working with and off of a partner in musical theatre performance. Students will prepare scenes/songs with their partner(s) and continue to build their musical theatre solo repertoire.

Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1650 Musical Theatre I or permission of instructor.

THTRE 2670 Musical Theatre Theory and Musicianship I (4 hours)

Equips theatre students with a broad range of musical competencies for interpreting music in the musical theatre genre, including fundamental notation and basic score analysis including melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic components. Students will develop skills in sight-singing, ear-training and informed listening to prepare for a career in musical theatre.

THTRE 2700 Introduction to Theatrical Design (3 hours)

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.)

THTRE 2710 Theatrical Design Techniques (3 hours)

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.

THTRE 2720 Scenery and Properties Design (3 hours)

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 1020FYW Script Analysis or THTRE 1030 Script Analysis and THTRE 1400 Introduction to Technical Theatre or instructor permission.
(Normally offered on even fall semesters.)

THTRE 2730 Costume Design (3 hours)

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 1020FYW Script Analysis or THTRE 1030 Script Analysis or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered on even spring semesters.)

Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: Innovation Thread

THTRE 2740 Advanced Make-Up Design (3 hours)

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 1020FYW Script Analysis or THTRE 1030 Script Analysis and THTRE 1420 Makeup Design or instructor permission.

THTRE 2750 Lighting and Sound Design (3 hours)

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 1020FYW Script Analysis or THTRE 1030 Script Analysis and THTRE 1400 Introduction to Technical Theatre or instructor permission.
(Normally offered on odd fall semesters.)

THTRE 2810 Playwriting I (3 hours)

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Writing Instructive

Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Creative and Performing Arts

THTRE 2900 Selected Topics (1-5 hours)

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.

THTRE 2950 Independent Study (1-4 hours)

A faculty-supervised independent project for students that may include readings, research, assisting faculty in a class, dramaturgical work, academic or creative writing, etc. The student initially meets with the department chair to establish the parameters of the study. At this time the student will be assigned a faculty resource person to guide his or her work and assist in an advisory capacity. Independent Study
typically will not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

THTRE 2960 Special Projects (1-15 hours)

THTRE 2970 Internship (1-8 hours)

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Experiential Learning: Intensive

THTRE 3000 Shakespeare (4 hours)

A systematic study of the outstanding literary artist of the English language: comedies, tragedies, and historical plays.

Prerequisite(s): First Year Writing, ENG 2000 Introduction to Textual Studies or THTRE-1020 and Junior standing.
(Normally offered spring of odd-numbered years.)

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Writing Instructive

THTRE 3160 Theatre Management (3 hours)

This speaking-instructive course 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. This course may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered spring semesters.)

Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: Innovation Thread

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Speaking Instructive

THTRE 3180 Advanced Production Design (1-3 hours)

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.

THTRE 3190 History of Period Style (3 hours)

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.

THTRE 3240 Methods for Teaching Communication and Theatre Arts in Middle and Secondary Schools (3 hours)

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

THTRE 3300 Acting IV (3 hours)

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 1020FYW Script Analysis or THTRE 1030 Script Analysis, THTRE 1300 Acting I, THTRE 1310 Acting II, and THTRE 2300 Acting III or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

THTRE 3330 Dialects (3 hours)

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.

THTRE 3350 Playing Shakespeare (3 hours)

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.

THTRE 3500 Directing II (3 hours)

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 2500 Directing I.
(Normally offered each fall and spring semester.)

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Experiential Learning: Intensive

THTRE 3510 Directing III (3 hours)

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.)

THTRE 3600 Tap 3 (1-2 hours)

Tap 3 builds on the foundation of Tap 2. It is an intermediate/advanced level tap class that reviews tap dance techniques, specifically tap dance in musical theatre. Students will be given more challenging tap vocabulary, learn to implement and execute these steps, and begin to recognize these terms and steps in musical theatre choreography and combinations. Introduction to improv within tap dance will be incorporated. This course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: THTRE-2600 or prerequisite waiver from the instructor.

THTRE 3620 Musical Theatre Dance III (1-2 hours)

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.

THTRE 3640 Musical Theatre Voice Lessons and Studio III (1 hour)

Weekly voice studio and bi-weekly 30-minute private instruction in musical theatre voice for third-year students. May be repeated.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1640 Musical Theatre Voice Lessons and Studio I and THTRE-2460 or permission of instructor.
Corequisite(s): THTRE 3650 Musical Theatre III or declared Musical Theatre major.

THTRE 3650 Musical Theatre III (3 hours)

This advanced course focuses on development of musical theatre performance skills in the various styles of musical theatre literature. Topics to be investigated include building on fundamental acting techniques and their utilization in musical theatre styles, musical storytelling, vocal techniques for musical theatre, and truth in musical theatre acting as they relate to specific styles which may include Gilbert and Sullivan, Jazz Standards, Golden Age, Post-Golden Age, Pop/Rock, Sondheim, Musical Theatre comedy, Pop/Rock Opera, and Cabaret songs. Each student prepares and presents a series of performance projects, each of different style or genre. Two major focuses of this course will be on musical theatre literature as it pertains to the performer, and more quickly and deeply developing repertoire.

Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1650 Musical Theatre I, THTRE 2650 Musical Theatre II.

THTRE 3660 Musical Theatre IV (3 hours)

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 2650 Musical Theatre II, and THTRE 3650 Musical Theatre III.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

THTRE 3670 Musical Theatre Theory and Musicianship II (3 hours)

Equips theatre students with the broad range of musical competencies for interpreting music in the musical theatre genre, including lead sheet and roman numeral score analysis, melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic components of musical structure and form, modulation, stylistic figures and complex chord identification and creation. Students will compose music and develop an intermediate skill level of sight-singing, ear training and informed listening. Students will further develop their written communication skills by writing about music analysis.

Prerequisite(s): THTRE 2670 Musical Theatre Theory and Musicianship I.

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Writing Instructive

THTRE 3680 Musical Theatre History (3 hours)

Survey of musical theatre history and musical theatre music and dramatic literature 1800 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 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, articulate differences between musical theatre styles and explore the diverse cultures that created and continue to form the art form. Designed to familiarize students with the tenets and challenges of historical inquiry and question the role art plays in a democracy. THTRE 3680 Musical Theatre History is a required course for the BFA in Musical Theatre.

Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1650 Musical Theatre I

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Speaking Instructive

Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Global

Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: Democracy Thread

THTRE 3700 Production Design I (3 hours)

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 1020FYW Script Analysis or THTRE 1030 Script Analysis, THTRE 2700 Introduction to Theatrical Design, and THTRE 2710 Scenographic Techniques or permission of the instructor.

THTRE 3710 Production Design II (3 hours)

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 Production Design I.

THTRE 3740 Costume Design II (3 hours)

This course builds upon the theories and practices of costume design learned in THTRE 2730 Costume Design. The course involves 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 2730 Costume Design or permission of the instructor.

(Normally offered spring semester of even years)

THTRE 3800 World Theatre History I (3 hours)

An integral factor in the study of the history of theatre is the impact that governments, democratic or otherwise, have on the development and sustenance of the arts. World Theatre History I is a Writing-Instructive course that covers early theatre through the Renaissance, so will investigate principles and ideals of Athenian democracy associated with Classical Greece, republican Rome, and the Italian republics of the early Renaissance, as well as more authoritarian forms of rule in early civilizations in India, China, Japan, and Meso-America. Key questions will include: In what ways are artistic freedoms and practices linked to structures of governance? How has theatre over time been a force for political change? Why does theatre flourish in some democracies (and in some authoritarian governments) and not in others?
Prerequisite(s): POLSC 1010 United States Government and Politics/POLSC 1010FYW United States Government and Politics or HIST 1020 United States Society and Culture Since 1877 or PHIL 2400 Social-Political Philosophy or THTRE 1010 Theatre Appreciation or THTRE 1020FYW Script Analysis or THTRE 1030 Script Analysis.
(Normally offered on even fall semesters.)

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Writing Instructive

Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Global

Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: Democracy Thread

THTRE 3810 World Theatre History II (3 hours)

An integral factor in the study of the history of theatre is the impact that governments, democratic or otherwise, have on the development and sustenance of the arts. World Theatre History II is a Writing-Instructive and Diversity-Global Instructive course that covers the span from late 17th C through present day, so will investigate the Age of Reason and the movement toward representative democracy as well as contemporary developments. One focus will be on the theatre histories of selected Latin American and African countries. Key questions will include: In what ways are artistic freedoms and practices linked to structures of governance? How has theatre over time been a force for political change? Why does theatre flourish in some democracies (and in some authoritarian governments) and not in others? How are principles/ideals of democracy represented in dramatic literatures and theatrical endeavors at specific historical moments?
Prerequisite(s): POLSC 1010 United States Government and Politics/POLSC 1010FYW United States Government and Politics or HIST 1020 United States Society and Culture Since 1877 or PHIL 2400 Social-Political Philosophy or THTRE 1010 Theatre Appreciation or THTRE 1020FYW Script Analysis or THTRE 1030 Script Analysis.
(Normally offered on odd fall semesters.)

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Writing Instructive

Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Global

Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: Democracy Thread

THTRE 3840 Playwriting II (3 hours)

A Writing-Instructive course building upon the principles of dramatic construction and devices of playwriting learned in THTRE 1810FYW Playwriting I or THTRE 2810 Playwriting I. Emphasis is given to creative writing exercises, the writing and revision of longer works, and the writing of a research essay. Students will have the opportunity to share writing in class and receive feedback in a supportive workshop environment. Students will assemble a portfolio of their writing, including at least one one-act play, their playwriting research essay, their guided reflections and other work as determined by professor/student conferencing.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1810FYW/THTRE 2810 Playwriting I or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Writing Instructive

THTRE 3850 Playwriting III (3 hours)

An intermediate course building upon the principles of dramatic construction and devices of playwriting learned in THTRE 1810FYW/THTRE 2810 Playwriting I and THTRE 3840 Playwriting II. Emphasis is given to creative writing exercises and the writing and revision of longer works. Each student will, in addition, engage in the processes of literary adaptation and writing for children's theatre. Students will have the opportunity to share writing in class and receive feedback in a supportive workshop environment. Students will assemble a portfolio that will include their adaption, their children's theatre project, their midterm and final projects, their guided reflections and other work as determined by professor/student conferencing. Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1810FYW/THTRE 2810 Playwriting I and THTRE 3840 Playwriting II or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

THTRE 3860 Advanced Dance Techniques (1-2 hours)

Advanced Dance Technique is a course that focuses on jazz, ballet, and musical theatre technique for advanced/intermediate and advanced dancers. This is an intensive "master-class" style course that builds on the foundations and techniques explored in Musical Dance III, and focuses primarily on the building and maintaining of proper technique, conditioning, cultivating of stamina necessary for a musical theatre performer, and increasing of skills in picking up combinations quickly and frequently. This course can be repeated multiple times for credit. Prerequisite: THTRE-1620 THTRE-2620 THTRE-3620 or permission of the instructor.

THTRE 3900 Selected Topics (1-4 hours)

THTRE 3950 Independent Study (1-4 hours)

THTRE 3960 Special Projects (1-15 hours)

THTRE 3970 Internship (1-8 hours)

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. P/F Only.

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Experiential Learning: Intensive

THTRE 4450 Auditioning (3 hours)

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.)

THTRE 4500 Directing IV (3 hours)

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.)

THTRE 4640 Musical Theatre Voice Lessons and Studio IV (1 hour)

Weekly voice studio and bi-weekly 30-minute private instruction in musical theatre voice for fourth-year students. May be repeated.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1640 Musical Theatre Voice Lessons and Studio I, THTRE 2640 Musical Theatre Voice Lessons and Studio II, and THTRE 3640 Musical Theatre Voice Lessons and Studio III or permission of instructor.

THTRE 4700 Production Design III (3 hours)

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 Production Design II.

THTRE 4710 Production Design IV (3 hours)

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 Production Design III and instructor permission.

THTRE 4850 Playwriting IV (3 hours)

An intermediate course building upon the principles of dramatic construction and devices
of playwriting learned in THTRE 1810FYW/THTRE 2810 Playwriting I, THTRE 3840 Playwriting II, and
THTRE 3850 Playwriting III. Emphasis is given to more advanced creative writing exercises and
the writing and revision of a full length play. Students will also investigate documentary
theatre writing. Students will have the opportunity to share writing in class and receive
feedback in a supportive workshop environment. Students will assemble a portfolio that will
include their midterm and final projects, their guided reflections and other work as determined
by professor/student conferencing.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1810FYW/THTRE 2810 Playwriting I, THTRE 3840 Playwriting II, and THTRE 3850 Playwriting III, or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

THTRE 4890 Senior Showcase (1 hours)

Students will be preparing and rehearsing for the industry senior showcase. This showcase helps introduce NWU seniors to agents, casting directors, managers, and other industry professionals. This is a final step in preparation for the industry and a springboard for performance majors' professional careers. In this course, students will work on finding material, workshopping material, and preparing for industry interviews. This course will be audition based. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Senior Standing and THTRE-3300 or THTRE-3650 or permission of the instructor by prerequisite waiver.

THTRE 4900 Selected Topics (1-5 hours)

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.

THTRE 4910 Directed Readings (1-6 hours)

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

THTRE 4950 Independent Study (1-12 hours)

THTRE 4960 Special Projects (1-15 hours)

THTRE 4970 Internship (1-8 hours)

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.
P/F only.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Experiential Learning: Intensive

THTRE 4980 Senior Seminar (0-4 hours)

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.

THTRE 4990 Senior Capstone (1-3 hours)

Senior Capstone is a culmination of a graduating theatre student's academic and artistic experience of theatre at the undergraduate level. Research, analytical and reflective writing, and professional presentation skills compromise the primary components of this course, which focuses on the integration, synthesis and application of cumulative knowledge and prepares students for the transition from their undergraduate education into their future profession. Senior Capstone should be taken during the student's last year in residence at Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Prerequisite(s): Theatre major with senior standing or permission of the instructor.

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Writing Instructive

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Speaking Instructive

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Theatre

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