Focuses on basic stage technique for the beginning actor, including exploration, basic concepts and vocabulary, script analysis and the importance of action. Introduction to the foundations of the modern actor and the concepts of Constantin Stanislavski. Involves monologues, exercises and scene work.

A continuation of the work begun in THAR 1100, focuses on honesty, simplicity and what it really means to be in-the-moment.  Units include scene work, neutral mask and an introduction to the Meisner Technique.

The fundamental techniques of make-up for stage and screen applications through use a variety of materials and exercises.

Learn the basic skills of technical production for stage and screen. Skills include basic tool operation, materials usage, construction techniques, electrical theory, rigging, sound and lighting equipment operation and stage management basics.

Continue to develop the basic skills of technical production for stage and screen, building on skills learned in THAR 1900. Skills include basic tool operation, materials usage, construction techniques, electrical theory, rigging, sound and lighting equipment operation and stage management basics.

Various introductory level production, design, performance or direction topics in theatre arts to be announced in the Schedule of Classes.

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. In addition to a textbook, students are required to purchase tickets for a number of theatrical performances that the class attend. All tickets are negotiated at a group rate.

Focus is on the actor’s two most foundational tools, their voice and body. The actor’s voice is utilized through supportive breath, resonance and consonant work. Exploratory and freeing movement exercises help develop the actor’s kinesthetic physicality. Ensemble work is utilized to develop the students’ responsiveness with these tools and to expand range. Voice and movement are linked to provide greater expressiveness on stage, as well as to foster a deeper understanding of connection.

Developing individual skills through the use of theatre games, improvisation, and scene study. Development of critical knowledge of and appreciation for the theatrical performer.

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.

Use of various hardware, software packages and digital techniques to support the principles of scenic, lighting and costume design. As an introduction to the basic principles, elements, and techniques, students will learn key traditional non-digital methods in order to more fully investigate design presentation for stage and screen using digital technology.

Collaborative communication techniques for theatre artists. The exploration of the designer/director/performer relationship through development of visual and three-dimensional communication skills.

A study of rendering and mechanical drawing as it relates to design using traditional holistic design applications for stage and screen. An examination of color media and perspective as well as color, proportion, history, character and text analysis. Initial exploration of visual imagery, research and inspiration, and the creation of designs focusing on the various and wide-ranging methods used in the design process. Approaches scenic, lighting and costume design through a scenographic approach and collaboration.

Analyzes tragedy and comedy. Emphasis on performance, drama theory, and historical context of plays.

Various intermediate level production, design, performance or direction topics in theatre arts to be announced in the Schedule of Classes.

Learning through practical application of the basic elements of theatrical production. Educates and trains artists of the theatre and provides for its students a foundation of professionalism and dedication to their art within a climate of diversity, discovery and risk. Practical application of stagecraft, state properties, costumes and stage lighting by participation in acting and technical crews. Crew assignments are at the discretion of the faculty. THAR majors are expected to complete 6 terms of THAR 2964. THAR minors are expected to complete 4 terms of THAR 2964.

Emphasis is on creating a personal process through which the actor can explore various approaches to creating characters, and through creative use of self, bring a character to life on stage. Areas of study include broad physical explorations of character mask to detailed explorations of images and text. Further, the work attempts to bridge the gap between inside-out and outside-in approaches to acting.

Concentrates on advanced scene-work and style, involving the adaptation of movement, speech and mindset to a variety of genres. Units may include Shakespeare, Commedia, Comedy of Manners, Chekhov, as well as post-modernism. Literary and historical research is combined with analysis, as well as physical and vocal exploration. Overall this work attempts to apply the craft of honest acting to styles which may challenge the actor’s notion of “realism.”

An introductory course about creating the illusion of unarmed violence safely on stage. Unarmed combat is the most commonly used form of stage combat, often the most difficult and just as potentially dangerous as fighting with a weapon. Focuses on safety principles, basic combat techniques and vocabulary. Also addresses movement skills (physical awareness, balance, coordination, conditioning) and acting skills within the context of a fight. May lead to an SAFD certification test by the end of the term.

Learning about creating the illusion of armed violence safely on stage. Students learn a style of stage sword work known as single rapier or “single sword”. Provides a basic understanding for most stage weaponry. A swordfight is a sustained, life and death threat, and on stage must contain a great amount of intensely contained energy, focus and style. Intended to learn the mechanics of swordplay and apply them at this heightened performance-level. May lead to an SAFD certification test by the end of the term.

Study the aesthetic and practical application of the holistic design process for the stage and screen. Includes research, script analysis and renderings for in class projects. Projects study the art of storytelling and various design approaches to serve the text. Includes research of historical periods to fulfill requirements of a given text. Utilizes a scenographic approach and collaboration, while encouraging students to identify and grow through specialized scenic, lighting and costume design experiences.

The principles of directing as a creative and interpretive art on the stage and for the camera.

Students explore major cultures and sub-cultures through the use of offerings from multiple playwrights of varying racial/ethnic backgrounds and alternative lifestyles and beliefs. As a means for a deeper understanding of the cultures, students explore these plays while developing script analysis skills, sharpen skills needed to effectively workshop any given script, explore the social relevance of multi-cultural playwrights and gain a deeper understanding of the power of performance theatre in bringing the larger community to awareness and empathy of variety of cultures.

Various specialized production, design, performance or direction topics in theatre arts to be announced in the Schedule of Classes.

Emphasis is on dissemination of information that 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.

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.

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 in the context of the culture in which they began, studying plays and critical writings as well as conjectural and documented styles in acting, design and production methods.

A survey of 20th century theatre practice from realism 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.

An overview of the history of clothing and fashion in Western civilization from 2900 BC through the end of the 18th century, as well as some of the socio-economic and political factors that shaped these styles. The evolution of dress as a result of artistic and cultural change, as well as changes in geographic exploration and trade are covered in a lecture/discussion format. Clothing and fashion are examined as social history and personal statements of status and power.

An overview of the history of clothing and fashion in Europe and North America from the French Revolution through the "Velvet Revolution," as well as some of the socioeconomic and political factors that shaped these styles. The evolution of dress as a result of artistic and cultural influence, as well as advances in technology are covered in a lecture/discussion format. Clothing and fashion are examined as social history ad personal statements of status and individuality.

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.

Study and practice of theatre administration, business practices, production management and stage management.

An advanced study of the aesthetic and practical application of the holistic design process for the stage and screen. Students pursue design projects focusing on one or more of the scenic, lighting and costume design areas through realized design experiences.

Study of the structure and execution of dramatic scripts for theatre. Assignments to write and analyze scenes and one act plays.

Various advanced level and specialized production, design, performance or direction topics in theatre arts to be announced in the Schedule of Classes.

Specific subjects of seminars to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. Variable topics.

0 credit is SNC/UNC grade assessment; 1-3 credits is graded.

S/U grade assessment.

Faculty-supervised, independent study/research of a specific area or topic in Theatre Arts.

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. Incorporates and synthesizes knowledge gained through course work within the Performing Arts curriculum. Senior Capstone Projects normally take place in the spring of the final year of study and are selected through an application process in the preceding term. Guidelines for the application process are available from the department chair.

The application of rigorous methodology in developing and writing a thesis under the direction of an adviser.

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 in the context of the culture in which they began, studying plays and critical writings as well as conjectural and documented styles in acting, design and production methods.

A survey of 20th century theatre practice from realism 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.

An overview of the history of clothing and fashion in Western civilization from 2900 BC through the end of the 18th century, as well as some of the socio-economic and political factors that shaped these styles. The evolution of dress as a result of artistic and cultural change, as well as changes in geographic exploration and trade are covered in a lecture/discussion format. Clothing and fashion are examined as social history and personal statements of status and power.

An overview of the history of clothing and fashion in Europe and North America from the French Revolution through the "Velvet Revolution," as well as some of the socioeconomic and political factors that shaped these styles. The evolution of dress as a result of artistic and cultural influence, as well as advances in technology are covered in a lecture/discussion format. Clothing and fashion are examined as social history ad personal statements of status and individuality.

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.

Study and practice of theatre management and publicity. Lab requirement in production and/or stage management.

Study of the structure and execution of dramatic scripts for theatre. Assignments to write and analyze scenes and one-act plays.