Theatre Arts Major
The major in theatre arts is designed for theatre students who wish to develop their talent and relate it to broader knowledge.
At Marquette, the program in theatre arts offers intensive training in performance and/or production within a liberal arts foundation. Theatre arts students may select a minor from within the Diederich College of Communication such as advertising, digital media, public relations or communication studies. Students may also select a minor from the College of Business Administration (i.e. marketing) or the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences where they often elect a minor such as English, foreign language, psychology or political science.
Theatre arts majors have also found it beneficial to double major in any of the areas listed above, thereby obtaining a broad range of connections between the performing arts and other disciplines.
Requirements for a Major: A total of 41 credits of course work must be completed for the major in theatre arts:
Required Courses
| Complete a total of 3 credits of: | 3 | |
| Performing Arts Practicum | ||
| Additional requirements: | ||
| THAR 1100 | Acting 1: Fundamental Technique | 3 |
| THAR 1300 | Stagecraft | 3 |
| THAR 1310 | Stagecraft Practicum | 0.5 |
| THAR 1320 | Basic Costume Technology | 3 |
| THAR 1330 | Basic Costume Technology Practicum | 0.5 |
| THAR 2140 | Voice and Movement for Stage | 3 |
| THAR 2400 | Aspects of Theatrical Design | 3 |
| THAR 2600 | Play Analysis 1 | 3 |
| THAR 3953 | Career and Preparation Studies Seminar | 1 |
| THAR 4200 | History of Theatre | 3 |
| THAR 4210 | Contemporary Theatre | 3 |
| THAR 4240 | History of Period Styles | 3 |
| 9 hours of Theatre Arts electives | 9 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 41 | |
The following courses are also required but do not count as hours in the major. Please choose two from the following three courses:
| ENGL 2720 | Introduction to Literature: Drama | 3 |
| ENGL 4630 | Shakespeare's Major Plays | 3 |
| ENGL 4760 | British Drama | 3 |
In addition to the required sequence, the following courses are strongly recommended for those students who wish to concentrate in a specific discipline within the performing arts:
Performance
| PEAR 2964 | Performing Arts Practicum (required) | 0.5 |
| THAR 1100 | Acting 1: Fundamental Technique (required) | 3 |
| THAR 1120 | Acting 2: Characterization | 3 |
| THAR 1300 | Stagecraft (required) | 3 |
| THAR 1320 | Basic Costume Technology (required) | 3 |
| THAR 1340 | Make-Up | 3 |
| THAR 2100 | Acting 3: Advanced Scene Study | 3 |
| THAR 2140 | Voice and Movement for Stage (required) | 3 |
| THAR 2160 | Voice and Speech 1 | 3 |
| THAR 2500 | Play Direction | 3 |
| THAR 2600 | Play Analysis 1 (required) | 3 |
| THAR 3100 | Acting 4: Shakespeare | 3 |
| THAR 3953 | Career and Preparation Studies Seminar (required) | 1 |
| THAR 4100 | Acting 5: Professional Auditions and Career Preparation | 3 |
| THAR 4200 | History of Theatre (required) | 3 |
| DANC 2500 | Composition and Choreography | 3 |
| DANC 3100 | Theatre Dance | 3 |
| THAR 2140 | Voice and Movement for Stage (required) | 3 |
| or THAR 2160 | Voice and Speech 1 | |
Directing
| PEAR 2964 | Performing Arts Practicum (required) | 0.5 |
| THAR 1100 | Acting 1: Fundamental Technique (required) | 3 |
| THAR 1120 | Acting 2: Characterization | 3 |
| THAR 1300 | Stagecraft (required) | 3 |
| THAR 2140 | Voice and Movement for Stage (required) | 3 |
| or THAR 2320 | Scenographic Techniques | |
| THAR 2400 | Aspects of Theatrical Design (required) | 3 |
| THAR 2500 | Play Direction | 3 |
| THAR 2600 | Play Analysis 1 (required) | 3 |
| THAR 3953 | Career and Preparation Studies Seminar (required) | 1 |
| THAR 4200 | History of Theatre (required) | 3 |
| THAR 4360 | Theatre Management | 3 |
| THAR 4500 | Advanced Play Direction | 3 |
Design/Technical
| PEAR 2964 | Performing Arts Practicum (required) | 0.5 |
| THAR 1100 | Acting 1: Fundamental Technique (required) | 3 |
| THAR 1300 | Stagecraft (required) | 3 |
| THAR 1320 | Basic Costume Technology (required) | 3 |
| THAR 2320 | Scenographic Techniques | 3 |
| THAR 2400 | Aspects of Theatrical Design (required) | 3 |
| THAR 2500 | Play Direction | 3 |
| THAR 2600 | Play Analysis 1 (required) | 3 |
| THAR 3953 | Career and Preparation Studies Seminar (required) | 1 |
| THAR 4200 | History of Theatre (required) | 3 |
| THAR 4360 | Theatre Management | 3 |
| THAR 4380 | Computer Applications for the Theatre | 3 |
| THAR 4400 | Costume Design | 3 |
| THAR 4420 | Lighting Design | 3 |
| THAR 4440 | Scenery Design | 3 |
Participation in Theatre Productions: All theatre arts majors and minors are required to audition for theatre productions and participate in a technical, design or management capacity. All university students are invited to audition for productions or participate in any of the various capacities. Students must have a minimum 2.000 GPA to participate in any production.
Typical Program for Theatre Arts Majors
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| CMST 1000 | 3 | COMM 1200 (UCCS (ISB)) | 3 |
| ENGL 1001 (UCCS (R)) | 3 | THAR 1120 or 2400 | 3 |
| Foreign language or UCCS (DC) | 3-4 | THAR 1320 | 3 |
| THAR 1100 | 3 | THAR 1330 | 0.5 |
| THAR 1300 | 3 | Foreign language or UCCS (DC) | 3-4 |
| THAR 1310 | 0.5 | THEO 1001 (UCCS (T)) | 3 |
| 15.5-16.5 | 15.5-16.5 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| COMM 1100 (UCCS (R)) | 3 | COMM 2100 (or UCCS (DC)) | 3 |
| COMM 2100 (or UCCS (DC)) | 3 | COMM 2500 | 3 |
| PEAR 2964 | 0.5 | ENGL 2720 (UCCS (LPA)) | 3 |
| THAR 2140 | 3 | PEAR 2964 | 0.5 |
| THAR 2600 | 3 | THAR 2400 (or elective) | 3 |
| UCCS (HCS) | 3 | UCCS (MR) or (SN) | 3 |
| UCCS (MR) or (SN) | 3 | ||
| 18.5 | 15.5 | ||
| Junior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| ENGL 4630 or 4760 | 3 | PEAR 2964 | 0.5 |
| PEAR 2964 | 0.5 | PHIL 2310 (UCCS (HNE)) | 3 |
| PHIL 1001 (UCCS (HNE)) | 3 | THAR 4210 (or elective) | 3 |
| THAR 3953 | 1 | THAR elective | 3 |
| THAR 4200 (or elective) | 3 | Minor | 3 |
| THAR 4240 (or elective) | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| UCCS (T) | 3 | ||
| 16.5 | 15.5 | ||
| Senior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| PEAR 2964 | 0.5 | PEAR 2964 | 0.5 |
| THAR 4200 (or elective) | 3 | THAR 4210 (or elective) | 3 |
| THAR 4240 (or elective) | 3 | THAR 4997 | 3 |
| Minor/electives | 12 | Minor/electives | 6-11 |
| 18.5 | 12.5-17.5 | ||
| Total credit hours: 128-135 | |||
Wisconsin Teaching Licensure in Theatre Arts (Middle Childhood/Early Adolescence)
In addition to completing all requirements as specified by the College of Education, students must also complete all requirements listed under the theatre arts major.
Wisconsin Teaching Licensure in Theatre Arts (Early Adolescence/Adolescence)
In addition to completing all requirements as specified by the College of Education as well as those listed under the theatre arts major, students seeking Wisconsin teaching licensure in speech communication at the early adolescence/adolescence level must also complete THAR 2500 and THAR 4360. Both courses will count as electives in the theatre arts major.
Theatre Arts Minor
Required Courses
| Complete a total of 2 credits of: | 2 | |
| Performing Arts Practicum | ||
| Additional requirements: | ||
| THAR 1100 | Acting 1: Fundamental Technique | 3 |
| THAR 1300 | Stagecraft | 3 |
| THAR 1310 | Stagecraft Practicum | 0.5 |
| THAR 1320 | Basic Costume Technology | 3 |
| THAR 1330 | Basic Costume Technology Practicum | 0.5 |
| THAR 2600 | Play Analysis 1 | 3 |
| THAR 4200 | History of Theatre | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
Courses
THAR 1020. Theatre Appreciation. 3 cr. hrs.
Introduces the student to the experience of theatre and seeks to give an understanding of theatrical history and practices, and a deepening appreciation of theatre as an art.
THAR 1100. Acting 1: Fundamental Technique. 3 cr. hrs.
Basic stage technique for the beginning actor, including blocking, use of the setting, and analysis and illustration of units. Introduction to the terminology of the modern actor and the concepts of Constantin Stanislavsky. Lab required. Prereq: THAR major or THAR minor; or cons. of instr.
THAR 1120. Acting 2: Characterization. 3 cr. hrs.
A continuation of the work begun in THAR 1100; refinement of the script analysis and research for the actor as well as exploration of the physical self in creating and developing a character for the stage through scene and monologues. Prereq: THAR 1100.
THAR 1150. Acting for Non-Theatre Majors. 3 cr. hrs.
Developing individual skills through the use of theatre games, improvisation, and scene study. Development of critical knowledge of and appreciation for the theatrical performer.
THAR 1300. Stagecraft. 3 cr. hrs.
The basic techniques of stagecrafts including construction of scenery and props, painting and rigging, lighting and running of shows. Prereq: THAR 1310 must be taken concurrently.
THAR 1310. Stagecraft Practicum. 0.5 cr. hrs.
Stagecraft practicum provides hands-on training of basic techniques of stagecraft in construction of scenery and props, painting and rigging, lighting and running of shows. S/U grade assessment. Prereq: Must be concurrently enrolled in THAR 1300.
THAR 1320. Basic Costume Technology. 3 cr. hrs.
Primary costuming techniques. Emphasis on obtaining a working knowledge of skills necessary to construct theatrical costumes. Includes hand and machine sewing as well as some costume crafts. Students apply skills to mainstage productions. Prereq: THAR 1330 must be taken concurrently.
THAR 1330. Basic Costume Technology Practicum. 0.5 cr. hrs.
Basic Costume Technology Practicum provides hands-on training for primary costuming techniques including hand and machine sewing. S/U grade assessment. Prereq: Must be concurrently enrolled in THAR 1320.
THAR 1340. Make-Up. 3 cr. hrs.
The fundamental techniques of stage makeup through using a variety of materials and exercises.
THAR 2100. Acting 3: Advanced Scene Study. 3 cr. hrs.
The application of acting fundamentals to text work through study and performance of scenes from realistic drama. Emphasis is on creating a personal process through which the actor can come to understand the character and, through creative use of self, bring that character to a full life of the stage. Areas of study include research and text analysis, developing a vocabulary of method related terminology, and familiarity with a variety of rehearsal techniques as tools to clarifying the objectives, obstacles, and actions of the character within the context of a play. Prereq: THAR 1120.
THAR 2140. Voice and Movement for Stage. 3 cr. hrs.
Study of the foundational aspects of voice production through movement; linking of the actor's vocal, physical and emotional resources through text and sound. Movement exercises to free, develop and strengthen the voice; study and practice of relaxation, projection and resonance, breath control, variety and vibration. Prereq: THAR 1100.
THAR 2160. Voice and Speech 1. 3 cr. hrs.
Continued work on vocal relaxation and production with an added concentration on removing regionalism and substandard sounds and acquiring clear, unaffected vibrant speech for the stage. Prereq: THAR 2140.
THAR 2180. Acting for Camera. 3 cr. hrs.
Basic Film/TV technique for the beginning camera actor, including: blocking, use of set/location, and analysis and illustration of scripts. Introduction to terminology and basic technical skills in camera/microphone usage and performance recording. Prereq: THAR 2100 or cons. of instr.
THAR 2320. Scenographic Techniques. 3 cr. hrs.
A study of rendering and mechanical drawing as it relates to theatrical design. An exploration of color media and perspective. Prereq: THAR 1300; or cons. of instr.
THAR 2400. Aspects of Theatrical Design. 3 cr. hrs.
Collaborative communication techniques for theatre artists. The exploration of the designer/director/performer relationship through development of visual and three-dimensional communication skills. Prereq: Soph. stndg. and THAR 1300; or cons. of instr.
THAR 2500. Play Direction. 3 cr. hrs.
The principles of play direction as a creative and interpretative art on the stage. Prereq: THAR 1100 and cons. of instr.
THAR 2600. Play Analysis 1. 3 cr. hrs.
Analyzes tragedy and comedy. Emphasis on performance, drama theory, and historical context of plays.
THAR 3100. Acting 4: Shakespeare. 3 cr. hrs.
Concentrates on the skills needed to perform Shakespearean texts through monologue and scene work. Emphasis on understanding and connecting with the material and then developing the language skills necessary to convey that knowledge to an audience. Exploration of Shakespeare as a product of the Elizabethan world, as well as its universality in modern production. Prereq: THAR 2140 and THAR 2100; or cons. of instr.
THAR 3953. Career and Preparation Studies Seminar. 1 cr. hr.
Emphasis will be on dissemination of information that will prepare the student for pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. Topics include: Professional internships and jobs in the entertainment industry, career planning including graduate school, internships, entry level jobs in performance, design, technical theatre, literary management, stage management, theatre management, portfolios for design and technical theatre, resume and photos for performance, professional unions, equity contracts and organizations. S/U grade assessment. Prereq: THAR major, Jr. or Sr. stndg.
THAR 4100. Acting 5: Professional Auditions and Career Preparation. 3 cr. hrs.
Designed to prepare the student for professional auditions. Emphasis is placed on presentation, appropriate material selection, analysis and arrangement of material, and developing a repertoire of audition pieces. In addition to prepared monologues the student will develop skills for other audition situations including improvisation, interviews, cold readings, and callbacks. Prereq: THAR 2140 and THAR 3100 and cons. of instr.
THAR 4200. History of Theatre. 3 cr. hrs.
A chronological survey of theatre history, dramatic literature and theory from its origins to the beginnings of realism. Particular emphasis paid to major periods of theatrical achievement, studying conjectural and documented styles in acting, design and production methods. Prereq: Soph. stndg.
THAR 4210. Contemporary Theatre. 3 cr. hrs.
A survey of 20th century theatre practice from modernism through postmodernism and beyond. Attention given to theatre movements outside of mainstream venues such as experimental theatre, surrealism and expressionism, epic theatre, the absurd movement, applied theatre and multi-media presentations and performance art. Prereq: Soph. stndg.
THAR 4220. History of Clothing 1. 3 cr. hrs.
The study of clothing from historical perspectives. Clothing examined within sociological, artistic, and economic context. Clothing regarded as essential to Western culture, studied for a better understanding of peoples in different cultures and epochs.
THAR 4230. History of Clothing 2. 3 cr. hrs.
The study of clothing from historical perspectives. Clothing examined within sociological, artistic, and economic context. Clothing regarded as essential to Western culture, studied for a better understanding of peoples in different cultures and epochs.
THAR 4240. History of Period Styles. 3 cr. hrs.
Examines the major historical periods in Western Civilization that provide context for the majority of plays in the Western canon. An overview of the most important innovations in architecture, art, costume, furniture, decorative arts, music and style for each period, as they influence theatrical production. Designed for theatre performers directors, designers, historians and generalists alike.
THAR 4320. Crafts for the Theatre. 3 cr. hrs.
A techniques course that encompasses traditional and new materials which may be used in special projects often encountered in the creation of props and costumes. Includes casting and molding, thermoplastics, mask making, foam carving, jewelry, armor, etc.
THAR 4340. Advanced Costume Technique. 3 cr. hrs.
Course covers advanced methods of costuming such as beginning pattern drafting, basic tailoring techniques, fabric modification through dyeing and painting, millinery, and costume crafts construction. Prereq: THAR 1320; or cons. of instr.
THAR 4360. Theatre Management. 3 cr. hrs.
Study and practice of Theatre Management and Publicity. Lab requirement in production and/or stage management.
THAR 4380. Computer Applications for the Theatre. 3 cr. hrs.
The study and use of various software packages to support the principles of scenic, lighting, and costume design. An introduction to the development of theatrical design presentation using digital technology. Explores the use of digital tools in drafting, modeling, and rendering skills as a means towards basic theatrical design.
THAR 4400. Costume Design. 3 cr. hrs.
Study of the aesthetic and practical application of costume design and how it relates to the theatrical production process. Includes research, script analysis and costume renderings for in class projects. Offered alternate spring terms. Prereq: THAR 2400; or cons. of instr.
THAR 4420. Lighting Design. 3 cr. hrs.
The study and practice of theatrical lighting script analysis, research and planning techniques. Culminates in a realized collaboration. Prereq: THAR 1300; or cons. of instr.
THAR 4440. Scenery Design. 3 cr. hrs.
Study of the principles and practices of designing scenery for the stage. Prereq: THAR 2400; or cons. of instr.
THAR 4500. Advanced Play Direction. 3 cr. hrs.
Study of interpretative styles of play direction, rehearsal techniques, audience analysis, and contemporary trends. Opportunity to test principles in assigned laboratory productions. Prereq: THAR 2500; or cons. of instr.
THAR 4600. Playwriting. 3 cr. hrs.
Study of the structure and execution of dramatic scripts for theatre. Assignments to write and analyze scenes and one act plays.
THAR 4953. Seminar in Theatre Arts. 1-3 cr. hrs.
Specific subjects of seminars to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. Variable topics.
THAR 4961. Independent Project in Theatre Arts. 0-3 cr. hrs.
Prereq: Cons. of instr. 0 credit will be SNC/UNC grade assessment; 1-3 credits will be graded. Prereq: Cons. of instr. 0 credit will be SNC/UNC grade assessment; 1-3 credits will be graded.
THAR 4986. Internship in Theatre Arts. 0-3 cr. hrs.
S/U grade assessment. Prereq: Cons. of dept ch.
THAR 4995. Independent Study in Theatre Arts. 1-3 cr. hrs.
Prereq: Cons. of dept. ch.; cons. of artistic director. Prereq: Cons. of dept. ch.; cons. of artistic director.
THAR 4997. Senior Capstone. 3 cr. hrs.
In order to demonstrate artistic proficiency, students go beyond what has been learned in the classroom, studio, and stage, and begin to replicate the world students will encounter upon graduation. A capstone project requires student to utilize not only their core skills but to develop new "real world" skills they will need in their profession, such as decision making, presentation, and communication skills. This project incorporates and synthesizes knowledge gained through coursework within the Performing Arts curriculum. Senior Capstone Projects normally take place in the spring of the final year of study. Prereq: THAR major and Sr. stndg.
THAR 4999. Senior Thesis. 1-3 cr. hrs.
The application of rigorous methodology in developing and writing a thesis under the direction of an adviser. Prereq: Cons. of dept ch.
