Course Descriptions
Theatre courses
* Scheduling of offerings is subject to change. When not indicated otherwise, offerings are
every term.
Theatre (133)
133-110 Introduction to the Theatre GA 4 Credits
An examination of the fundamental theories and practices of theatre art. A survey of the major
styles of theatre. Forty hours of participation in technical theatre (primarily in stagecraft and
costuming are required. Offered each fall*.
Unreq: 133-100
133-120 Introduction to Acting 3 Credits
A study of basic principles and techniques of acting, including physical and vocal control and
basic approaches to characterization. Offered each fall*.
Prereq: 133-100 or 133-110 and Theatre Major/Minor or consent of instructor.
133-209 Practicum-Theatre Tour .5-2 Credits
Participation in one of the University Theatre productions designed for touring, including
Children’s Theatre and high school tours. Students involved in this activity are expected to
participate in the shifting and setting up of scenery and lights, to contribute to the care and
maintenance of costumes and to work with makeup, sound and properties in addition to their
assignments as actors or technicians. In general, 40 hours of participation per half credit of the
practicum are expected. Repeatable. Offered each fall*.
Prereq: Audition and cast in role.
133-210 Laboratory in Playwrighting/Theatre Criticism 1-2 Credits
Practical experience in writing plays, from scenario to final production, or in writing theater
criticism. Repeatable if an approved one-act play is in progress.
Prereq: Consent of instructor
133-215 Auditioning 3 Credits
This is a lecture/laboratory course which offers training in resume preparation, in preparing for
an audition, and in presenting audition material. Offered each fall*.
Prereq: 133-120 or consent of instructor
133-220 Acting: Analysis and Performance 3 Credits
A study of techniques of character analysis and development which seeks to explore and
integrate the internal and external aspects of acting in order to develop a dynamic approach to the
actor’s craft. Offered even-numbered falls*.
Prereq: 133-120 or consent of instructor.
133-230 Movement for the Actor 3 Credits
Movement for the Actor is a course designed to develop the physical performance ability of
acting students. Body alignment will be explored in relation to movement dynamic and the
search for a neutral base. A personal physical warm-up will be established for each student.
Range of performance energy will be explored as well as the development of character through
movement. Offered each spring*.
Prereq: 133-230 or consent of instructor.
133-242 Stage Make-up 2 Credits
Lecture-demonstrations and laboratory experience in the basic theories and techniques relative to
the design and application of stage make-up. Offered each fall*.
133-251 Introduction to Technical Theatre 4 Credits
Fundamentals of the technical aspects of scenery, costumes, and lighting for theatre and dance.
Examination of the mechanical principals and techniques used in scenery, costuming, and
lighting, stressing practical "hands-on" experiences. A minimum of 32 hours shop participation
is required. Offered each spring*.
Prereq: 133-100 or 133-110 or consent of instructor.
133-252 Introduction to Theatrical Design 3 Credits
An examination of the basic principles of scenic, costume and lighting design for the theatre.
Topics covered included the design process, research, elements of design and practical sketching,
drafting and rendering. Offered each fall*.
Prereq: 133-251 or consent of instructor.
133-300/500 Summer Theatre Production 1-6 Credits
This course is designed for qualified students to participate in the performance, management,
costume, and set construction, lighting, and sound operation of on-campus summer theatre
productions. Offered summers only*. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits in degree.
Prereq: Audition or interview and consent of department.
133-301 Production Practicum - Acting 2 Credits
Acting a major in a University Theatre/Dance Department production. Eligible roles are
designated by the department prior to auditions. Repeatable four times for a maximum of 8
credits in major/degree.
Prereq: Consent of the department and completion of 200-level acting practicum for at least a
half-credit.
133-302 Production Practicum - Stage Manager 2 Credits
Participation as Stage Manage in all production conferences, auditions, rehearsals and
>performances of a University Theatre affiliated production. Repeatable four times for a
maximum of 8 credits in major/degree.
Prereq: Consent of department.
133-304Production Practicum - Scenery 2 Credits
Participation as Scene Designer or Technical Director in all research, production conferences,
planning, painting, and technical rehearsals for a University Theatre-affiliated production.
Repeatable four times for a maximum of 8 credits in major/degree.
Prereq: Consent of department
133-305 Production Practicum - Lighting 2 Credits
Participation as Lighting Designer in all research, production conferences, planning, focusing,
and technical rehearsals for a University Theatre-affiliated production. Repeatable four times for
a maximum of 8 credits in major/degree.
Prereq: Consent of department
130-306 Production Practicum - Costumes 2 Credits
Participation as Costume Designer and/or Costume Cutter/Technician in all production
conferences, design meetings, pre-construction and construction work, and dress rehearsals of a
University Theatre-affiliated production. Repeatable four times for a maximum of 8 credits in
major/degree.
Prereq: Consent of department
133-308 Production Practicum - Sound 2 Credits
Participation as Senior Sound Designer in all production conferences, recording, engineering,
rehearsals and performances of a University Theatre-affiliated production. Repeatable four times
for a maximum of 8 credits in major/degree.
Prereq: Consent of department
133-309 Production Practicum - Theatre Management 2 Credits
Participation as Ticket Office, Front of House or Promotions/Publicity Manager for a minimum
of three consecutive productions of the Theatre/Dance Department in a single semester.
Repeatable four times for a maximum of 8 credits in major/degree.
Prereq: Consent of department.
133-312 Production Practicum - Directing 2 Credits
Participation as a Director of a production approved by the department with responsibilities to
include pre-production research and script preparation, supervision of production conferences
and rehearsals, and presentation of a public production. Repeatable four times for a maximum of
8 credits in major/degree.
Prereq: 133-332 and 133-433 and consent of department.
133-320 Acting: Problems of Style 3 Credits
Theories and techniques of character analysis and of acting in several theatrical periods, e.g.,
Classical, Elizabethan and Restoration. Offered odd-numbered falls*.
Prereq: 133-120 or consent of instructor.
133-325/525 Improvisational Drama 3 Credits
A study of the techniques of non-scripted drama, including theatre games, improvised scenes,
creative drama and story dramatization. Implications and uses of non-scripted drama for
education and performance are explored through lectures, demonstrations and group
participation. Offered even-numbered springs*.
133-328/528 Vocal Production and Stage Speech 3 Credits
A study of vocal production and vocal techniques for the actor. Emphasis on the fundamentals
of freeing the actor’s voice: breathing, relaxation, resonance, articulation, variety and projection.
Offered each spring*.
Prereq: 133-120 or consent of instructor
133-322 Directing I 3 Credits
Study and application of techniques useful in selection, interpretation and staging the play.
Offered every fall*.
Prereq: 133-120 and 133-251 or consent of instructor
133-343/543 Theatrical Costuming 3 Credits
A lecture/laboratory course to study and practice the basic principles of theatrical costuming,
including the process of costuming a play and the fundamentals of pattern making and costume
construction. Construction of a costume is required. Offered odd-numbered springs*.
Prereq: 133-251 or consent of instructor
133-345/545 Costume History 3 Credits
Study of the clothing and costume accessories of the major historical periods, with an emphasis
on western costume history and on its application to modern stage design. Offered odd-
numbered falls*.
Prereq: 133-110 or consent of instructor
133-346/546 - 680-346/546 Survey of Modern Drama 3 Credits
A study of the trends and developments in the modern theatre from the Romantics and early
Realists to the Theatre of the Absurd, with emphasis on literary history and staging problems.
May be team taught with English faculty.
Unreq: 680-346/546
133-354 Technical Direction 3 Credits
Advanced study and practice of the principles of scenery construction, scene painting, technical
drafting, planning and budgeting. A minimum of 50 hours of participation is required. Offered
even-numbered springs*.
Prereq: 133-251 or consent of instructor
133-361 Performing Arts Operations and Management 2 Credits
A study of the duties and required skills of managers of performing arts organizations, including
house management, facility management, box office management, and strategic planning, as well
as an overview of human resource management, audience development, marketing and legal
procedures.
Prereq: 133-100 or 133-110 or consent of instructor. Unreq: 100-361
133-362 Non-Profit Arts Management 2 Credits
A study of the duties and required skills of managers of various non-profit arts organizations.
Areas of study will include structure of arts organizations, planning, programming, staffing,
budgeting and marketing, with emphasis on fundraising, board development, and volunteer
management. Assignments and projects will be geared toward students’ specific needs and
interests.
Unreq: 411-362
133-363 Applied Studies in Arts Management 2 Credits
A study of the duties and skills of marketing managers of both commercial and non-profit arts-
related businesses, as well as the individual artist in the marketplace. Topics include marketing
research, planning a marketing budget, promotions, media relations, advertising, corporate and
media sponsorship, and audience development. Students will develop a comprehensive
marketing plan for an organization or individual artist of their choice.
Coreq: 261-311. Unreq: 100-363
133-364 Issues in Arts Management 2 Credits
A study of topics, trends, and career options in the field of arts administration. Working
professionals will explore with students issues they face in their occupations. A variety of topics
will include the role of arts in society, leadership, public and private support and control of the
arts, ethical issues, marketing challenges, computer technology and future trends in the field.
Prereq: Junior or senior academic status or consent of instructor.
Unreq: 100-364
133-369 Multicultural Drama of the United States 3 Credits
Diversity
The course examines the theatrical forms and the dramatic literature of African-Americans,
Asian-Americans, Latinos/as, and Native Americans, and places them in the context of American
theatre and U.S. social/political history.
Prereq: 680-102 and a 200 level English course or 133-346 or 133-471 or 133-472 or 133-478.
Offered occasionally.
Unreq: 680-369
133-422 Acting for the Camera 3 Credits
A course of study and practice basic principles of on-camera performance. Through regular on-
camera assignments students learn skills necessary to work as actors in the TV and film
industries. Offered odd-numbered springs*.
Prereq: 133-120 and 133-220 or 133-320 or consent of instructor
133-433/633 Directing II 3 Credits
The study and application of contemporary directing theories and an exploration of approaches
to production styles; includes the direction of a 30-40 minute studio production. Offered even-
numbered springs*.
Prereq: 133-322 or consent of instructor
133-454 Period Décor and Scenic Styles 3 Credits
Study of the architecture, interior décor, and furnishings of the major historic periods, with an
emphasis on application to stage design. Survey of the major historic styles of scenic design
with an emphasis on application to contemporary scenic design problems. Offered even-
numbered falls*.
Prereq: 133-100 or 133-110 or consent of instructor
133-460/660 Advanced Stage Design and Technology 3 Credits
A course for the advanced student who wishes to pursue further study in scenic, costume or
lighting design, and/or technology. Each student, in consultation with the instructors, will
choose 2 projects on which to focus. The lecture/labs will consist of work on those projects and
lecture/discussion related to the projects. Require for BFA Design/Tech students. Offered each
spring. Repeatable three times for a maximum of 9 credits in major.
Prereq: 133-252
133-471/671 History of the Theatre Through 1550 A.D. 3 Credits
Traces the development of theatre from its origins to 1550 A.D., including theatre and drama in
ancient Greece, Rome, the Middle Ages, the Italian Renaissance and the Orient. The course also
examines the impact of outside forces on the various arts of the theatre. Offered even-numbered
falls*.
133-472/672 Theatre History and Drama: 1550-1830 3 Credits
Traces the development of the theatre in the West from 1550 to 1830, including Neoclassicism,
Elizabethan and Restoration theatre and the development or Romanticism. The impact of outside
forces on the various arts of the theatre will be examined. Offered odd-numbered springs*.
133-478/678 Contemporary Drama 3 Credits
Analysis of the trends and developments in the theatre of the past 30 years, including the impact
of television, motion pictures and other forces on the theatre of today. Offered even-numbered
springs*.
133-485 Theatre Critique 3 Credits
A critical study of past and present principles for evaluating the theatre arts, emphasizing
dramatic theory and criticism. Writing assignments include scholarly research, "Think" pieces
and dramatic criticism. This course satisfies the writing course required for graduation by
majors in Theatre. Offered odd-numbered springs*.
Prereq: Jr status, and 6 credits in theatre history.
133-490/690 Workshop 1-6 Credits
Repeatable. Offered on demand
133-491 Travel Study 1-3 Credits
Repeatable. Offered on demand
133-492 Field Study 1-6 Credits
A study for which data is gahtered from sources broader than the classroom or laboratory, often
involving off-campus work study experience in an area which has been selected for exploration,
such as summer tours in theatre. Offered on demand. Repeatable
133-493 Internship in Theatre Practice 1-12 Credits
In cooperation with a designated theatreicl organizaiton and with previously established
guidelines, participation in the production and/or management activities of a commercial or non-
profit theatre operation. Repeatable for a maximum of 12 credits in degree.
Prereq: At least a second-semester junior standing as a theatre major and the advance consent of
the department.
133-494 Seminar 1-6 Credits
Repeatable. Offered ondemand.
Prereeq: Junior standing and consent of department chairperson
133-496/696 Special Study 1-3 Credits
Repeatable. Offered on demand.
Prereq: Junior standing and consent of department chairperson
133-498 Independent Study 1-3 Credits
Repeatable. Offered on demand.
Prereq: Junior standing and consent of department chairperson
133-499/699 Senior Project 3 Credits
A capstone project in which the student demonstrates proficiency in directing, acting, designing,
promotion, playwriting or criticism on a major project proposed by the student and approved by
the department. Repeatable.
Prereq: Completion of at least 75% of the student’s major requirements (including at least 2
upper level courses in the student’s project area) and submission and approval of proposal by the
department.