A broad and comprehensive view of theatre and how it communicates.

The Broadway Musical is a unique, influential and popular art form that has come into being only in the last half of the 20th century. Students in this course will discover the range of the Broadway Musical from 1940 to the present and will develop a deeper understanding of the components which make the musical function as a unique art form. They will study the place of female characters and performers in the genre. And they will become familiar with the ways that the musical has both reflected, hindered and advanced the place of women, heteronormativity and queer consciousness in the larger US and world society. Students will deepen their enjoyment of the musical by developing a deeper understanding of how the musical developed, how it interacts with society now and what makes this powerful art form unique.

Exploration of the elements of a realistic acting technique using games, improvisations and exercises, culminating in two-character scenes later in the semester.

An introduction to the techniques of the backstage world. Areas of study include scenic and property construction, scenic painting, stage lighting, theatre safety, and special effects. This course is an introduction to theatrical design and technical production techniques.

Reading and analyzing play texts from theatrical and literary perspectives. Offered once every year.

Exploration of the process of characterization with emphasis on techniques of physical transformation and psychological realism. Prerequisite: THTR 205.

Principles of writing for the stage. Emphasis on dramatic structure, character development, plot management, dialogue and critical analysis. (also listed as ENWR 325)

The History of European Performance is a research and response-based course designed to show the cultural import of performance in each country we visit, and to explore the impact of performance on a viewer. We will look at dance, music, or theatre in each of the countries we visit. There may be reading, discussion, and on-location opportunities at performance venues, historic sites, and museums. Students will learn how to critically analyze a production. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the effects of cultural performance on the viewer and/or the doer via a research paper. Note that some work must be completed prior to departure, some must be completed while abroad, and some must be completed upon your return.

Development of techniques based on understanding and integration of body/mind. Areas of study include body image, body awareness, alignment, relaxation, voice production, and vocal work on literature.

The study and analysis of literature through performance. Students will gain experience in the epic, lyric, and dramatic modes of solo performance in addition to a beginning exploration of ensemble work in a performance study (also listed as COMM 360).

This course will give an overview of the history of fashion from prehistoric times to the present day. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to identify appropriate vocabulary terms for garments and their components, silhouettes, how clothing affected manner and style, how social history effected clothing, popular colors, common fibers, prominent designers, and strong primary sources for each period covered. We will discuss the elements of design, and fashion history as a basis for costuming film, theatre, and television. Projects include seeking out primary sources, drawing costume and fashion designs, and composing written, critical analyses of professional costume and fashion designs. Students will also complete two short-answer exams to assess their ability to recall and articulate what information has been presented in the course lectures.

Rehearsal and performance of a faculty-directed production. Participation as an assistant director, stage manager, crew member, or actor in a 5-7 week rehearsal/performance period. Prerequisite: Audition, permission of the instructor. May be repeated for up to a maximum of 9 hours of credit.

An examination of the texts and movements which comprise contem­porary drama in ­today’s multicultural world, as written by contemporary American women playwrights.

A study of the development of theatrical art, including the physical theatre, production practices and cultural contexts, from the beginnings in primitive rituals through contemporary time.

Fashion Ethics investigates fashion and beauty industry issues, in comparison with a code of ethics or set of guidelines, utilized to determine if practices adhere to prescribed values and standards. While many ethics issues will be discussed in this course, particular care is taken in dealing with environmental concerns and global human rights.

This course will teach basic costume and fashion technology, will examine the main differences in construction for clothing versus costumes, and will let students participate in a truncated version of the garment construction process. The students in the course will research and understand women's contributions to the field of design and technology, and how women, historically, have been an integral part of the manufacturing process.

Students will gain an understanding of the process of applying practical makeup and will learn age, trauma, weight, and corrective techniques. Students will learn to style wigs and their own hair for a number of periods commonly associated with theatrical productions. This course offers equal focus on research, design, concept writing, and technique.

A technique to equip the contemporary actor to deal more comfortably with the textual and stylistic problems of acting in period plays. Prerequisite: THTR 205 and THTR 305.

The principles and practice of producing for the commercial stock, resident college, and community theatre. Areas of study may include theatrical unions, stage management, and grant writing.

An in-depth introduction to scenic design for the stage from concept to rendering. Students analyze plays for design considerations. Then develop scenic design concepts and learn to communicate design ideas.

The theory and practice of costume design, including design projects. Students explore the process of design from script to research, creating paperwork, and finally rendering visual designs.

A student will investigate what it means to be a professional in artistic or visual fields, and prepare to set themself apart when entering the job market. For every assignment, students will gear the work to be reflective of their desired field. Soft skills will be learned via lectures on netiquette, the art of the thank you note, virtual and in-person networking, and etiquette for business meals and outings. Professional paperwork will be created, including general resumes, cover letters, appeals to unions and associations, graduate school packets, digital portfolios, and LinkedIn profiles. Finally, adulting habits will be introduced, via workshops on budgeting and basic tax terms for artists. Repeatable once.

Emphasis on techniques and styles of directing for the stage. Readings, exercises, and directing project.

Principles of dramatic writing focusing on the full-length form. Experiments with a variety of techniques of composition including improvisation, historical research and oral history.

Planning and execution of a large-scale project. Majors select, analyze, design, direct and produce a one-act play during their senior year of study. This serves as the “capstone” senior comprehensive in Theatre.

Seminars in theatre. Various topics.

Research for the advanced student. Permission of the instructor. May be repeated.

Practical off-campus experience in theatre-related field at an approved site. Jointly supervised by a faculty member and a representative from the sponsoring organization. Graded S/U