Theatre Arts (THAR)


THAR 1100  Acting 1: Fundamental Technique  (3 credits)  
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.
Prerequisite: THAR major or THAR minor; or cons. of instr.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2023 Fall Term, 2022 Fall Term, 2021 Fall Term, 2020 Fall Term  
THAR 1120  Acting 2: Advanced Fundamentals  (3 credits)  
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.
Prerequisite: THAR 1100.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2024 Spring Term, 2023 Spring Term, 2022 Spring Term, 2021 Spring Term  
THAR 1340  Make-Up for Stage and Screen  (3 credits)  
The fundamental techniques of make-up for stage and screen applications through use a variety of materials and exercises.
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2023 Fall Term, 2022 Fall Term, 2021 Fall Term, 2019 Fall Term  
THAR 1900  Basic Production 1  (4 credits)  
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.
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2023 Fall Term  
THAR 1910  Basic Production 2  (4 credits)  
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.
Prerequisite: THAR 1900, or cons. of instr.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2024 Spring Term  
THAR 1931  Topics in Theatre Arts 1  (1-3 credits)  
Various introductory level production, design, performance or direction topics in theatre arts to be announced in the Schedule of Classes.
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2022 Fall Term  
THAR 2020  Theatre Appreciation  (3 credits)  
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.
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Marquette Core Curriculum: Engage Social Systms & Values 1  
Last four terms offered: 2024 Summer Term, 2024 Spring Term, 2023 Fall Term, 2023 Summer Term  
THAR 2140  Voice and Movement for Stage  (3 credits)  
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.
Prerequisite: THAR 1100 or cons. of instr.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2023 Fall Term, 2021 Fall Term, 2020 Fall Term, 2019 Fall Term  
THAR 2150  Acting for Non-Theatre Majors  (3 credits)  
Developing individual skills through the use of theatre games, improvisation, and scene study. Development of critical knowledge of and appreciation for the theatrical performer.
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2024 Spring Term, 2023 Spring Term, 2022 Spring Term, 2021 Spring Term  
THAR 2180  Acting for Camera  (3 credits)  
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.
Prerequisite: THAR 1100 or cons. of instr.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2023 Spring Term, 2022 Spring Term, 2020 Spring Term, 2018 Spring Term  
THAR 2320  Digital Design Techniques  (3 credits)  
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.
Prerequisite: THAR 1900; or cons. of instr.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2020 Spring Term, 2018 Spring Term, 2016 Spring Term, 2014 Spring Term  
THAR 2400  Aspects of Theatrical Design  (3 credits)  
Collaborative communication techniques for theatre artists. The exploration of the designer/director/performer relationship through development of visual and three-dimensional communication skills.
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2024 Spring Term, 2023 Spring Term, 2022 Spring Term, 2021 Spring Term  
THAR 2410  Design 1: Beginning Scenic, Costume and Lighting Design  (3 credits)  
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.
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
THAR 2600  Play Analysis 1  (3 credits)  
Analyzes tragedy and comedy. Emphasis on performance, drama theory, and historical context of plays.
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2023 Fall Term, 2022 Fall Term, 2021 Fall Term, 2020 Fall Term  
THAR 2931  Topics in Theatre Arts 2  (1-3 credits)  
Various intermediate level production, design, performance or direction topics in theatre arts to be announced in the Schedule of Classes.
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
THAR 2964  Theatre Arts Practicum  (1 credits)  
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.
Prerequisite: THAR 1900.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2024 Spring Term, 2023 Fall Term, 2023 Spring Term, 2022 Fall Term  
THAR 3000  Advanced Acting: Character  (3 credits)  
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.
Prerequisite: THAR 1100 or cons. of instr.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2023 Spring Term, 2020 Fall Term, 2019 Fall Term, 2018 Fall Term  
THAR 3100  Advanced Acting: Styles  (3 credits)  
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.”
Prerequisite: THAR 1100 or cons. of instr.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2024 Spring Term, 2022 Spring Term, 2020 Spring Term, 2019 Spring Term  
THAR 3140  Stage Combat: Unarmed  (4 credits)  
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.
Prerequisite: THAR 1100 or cons. of instr.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
THAR 3160  Stage Combat: Swordplay  (4 credits)  
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.
Prerequisite: THAR 1100 or cons. of instr.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
THAR 3410  Design 2: Intermediate Scenic, Costume and Lighting Design  (3 credits)  
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.
Prerequisite: THAR 2410 or cons. of instr.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
THAR 3500  Directing for Stage and Screen  (3 credits)  
The principles of directing as a creative and interpretive art on the stage and for the camera.
Prerequisite: THAR 1100 or DGMD 2205; or cons. of instr.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2023 Fall Term, 2023 Spring Term, 2019 Fall Term, 2018 Fall Term  
THAR 3620  Multicultural Playwrights  (3 credits)  
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.
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Marquette Core Curriculum: Engage Social Systms & Values 2, HUM Individuals & Communities  
Last four terms offered: 2022 Fall Term, 2021 Fall Term, 2020 Fall Term, 2019 Fall Term  
THAR 3931  Topics in Theatre Arts 3  (1-3 credits)  
Various specialized production, design, performance or direction topics in theatre arts to be announced in the Schedule of Classes.
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2024 Spring Term  
THAR 3953  Career and Preparation Studies Seminar  (1 credits)  
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.
Prerequisite: THAR major, Jr. or Sr. stndg.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2023 Fall Term, 2022 Fall Term, 2021 Fall Term, 2020 Fall Term  
THAR 4100  Acting 5: Professional Auditions and Career Preparation  (3 credits)  
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.
Prerequisite: THAR 2140 and THAR 3100 and cons. of instr.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2023 Fall Term, 2022 Fall Term, 2021 Fall Term, 2020 Fall Term  
THAR 4200  History of Theatre 1  (3 credits)  
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.
Prerequisite: Soph. stndg.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2023 Fall Term, 2022 Fall Term, 2021 Fall Term, 2019 Fall Term  
THAR 4210  History of Theatre 2: Modern Theatre  (3 credits)  
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.
Prerequisite: Soph. stndg.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Marquette Core Curriculum: HUM Cgntn, Lang, Mmry/Intlgnc  
Last four terms offered: 2022 Spring Term, 2021 Spring Term, 2020 Spring Term, 2019 Spring Term  
THAR 4220  History of Clothing 1: From Ancient Greece to the Reign of Terror  (3 credits)  
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.
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Marquette Core Curriculum: HUM Expanding Our Horizons  
Last four terms offered: 2023 Spring Term, 2021 Spring Term, 2015 Fall Term, 2011 Fall Term  
THAR 4230  History of Clothing 2: From Jane Austen to Austin Powers  (3 credits)  
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.
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Marquette Core Curriculum: HUM Expanding Our Horizons  
Last four terms offered: 2024 Spring Term, 2022 Spring Term, 2017 Fall Term, 2005 Fall Term  
THAR 4320  Crafts for the Theatre  (3 credits)  
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.
Prerequisite: THAR 1320 or THAR 1910; or cons. of instr.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2006 Spring Term  
THAR 4360  Theatre Management  (3 credits)  
Study and practice of theatre administration, business practices, production management and stage management.
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2019 Fall Term, 2017 Fall Term, 2015 Fall Term, 2013 Fall Term  
THAR 4410  Design 3: Advanced Scenic, Costume and Lighting Design  (3 credits)  
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.
Prerequisite: THAR 3410 or cons. of instr.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
THAR 4600  Playwriting  (3 credits)  
Study of the structure and execution of dramatic scripts for theatre. Assignments to write and analyze scenes and one act plays.
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Marquette Core Curriculum: Writing Intensive  
Last four terms offered: 2024 Spring Term, 2023 Spring Term, 2022 Spring Term, 2021 Spring Term  
THAR 4931  Topics in Theatre Arts 4  (1-3 credits)  
Various advanced level and specialized production, design, performance or direction topics in theatre arts to be announced in the Schedule of Classes.
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
THAR 4953  Seminar in Theatre Arts  (1-3 credits)  
Specific subjects of seminars to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. Variable topics.
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2022 Fall Term, 2022 Spring Term, 2021 Spring Term, 2020 Spring Term  
THAR 4961  Independent Project in Theatre Arts  (0-3 credits)  
0 credit is SNC/UNC grade assessment; 1-3 credits is graded.
Prerequisite: Cons. of instr.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2021 Fall Term, 2021 Spring Term, 2020 Fall Term, 2020 Spring Term  
THAR 4986  Internship in Theatre Arts  (0-3 credits)  
S/U grade assessment.
Prerequisite: Cons. of dept ch.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Marquette Core Curriculum: Engage Social Systms & Values 2  
Last four terms offered: 2024 Summer Term, 2021 Fall Term, 2021 Summer Term, 2021 Spring Term  
THAR 4995  Independent Study in Theatre Arts  (1-3 credits)  
Faculty-supervised, independent study/research of a specific area or topic in Theatre Arts.
Prerequisite: Cons. of dept. ch.; cons. of artistic director.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2024 Spring Term, 2023 Spring Term, 2022 Fall Term, 2022 Spring Term  
THAR 4997  Senior Capstone  (3 credits)  
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.
Prerequisite: THAR major, Sr. stndg. or cons. of instr.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2022 Spring Term, 2021 Spring Term, 2020 Spring Term, 2019 Spring Term  
THAR 4999  Senior Thesis  (1-3 credits)  
The application of rigorous methodology in developing and writing a thesis under the direction of an adviser.
Prerequisite: Cons. of dept ch.  
Level of Study: Undergraduate  
Last four terms offered: 2021 Fall Term, 2021 Summer Term, 2021 Spring Term, 2020 Fall Term  
THAR 5200  History of Theatre 1  (3 credits)  
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.
Level of Study: Graduate  
Last four terms offered: 2012 Fall Term, 2011 Fall Term, 2010 Fall Term  
THAR 5210  History of Theatre 2: Modern Theatre  (3 credits)  
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.
Level of Study: Graduate  
Last four terms offered: 2014 Spring Term, 2013 Spring Term  
THAR 5220  History of Clothing 1: From Ancient Greece to the Reign of Terror  (3 credits)  
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.
Level of Study: Graduate  
Last four terms offered: 2011 Fall Term  
THAR 5230  History of Clothing 2: From Jane Austen to Austin Powers  (3 credits)  
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.
Level of Study: Graduate  
THAR 5320  Crafts for the Theatre  (3 credits)  
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.
Level of Study: Graduate  
THAR 5360  Theatre Management  (3 credits)  
Study and practice of theatre management and publicity. Lab requirement in production and/or stage management.
Level of Study: Graduate  
Last four terms offered: 2009 Fall Term  
THAR 5600  Playwriting  (3 credits)  
Study of the structure and execution of dramatic scripts for theatre. Assignments to write and analyze scenes and one-act plays.
Level of Study: Graduate  
Last four terms offered: 2013 Spring Term, 2011 Spring Term, 2010 Spring Term