Theatre, BA

Practicum in theater open to all students with emphasis on technique and procedures with experience gained in play productions. Linked with THEA 1342 - Costume Technology. 

Practicum in theater open to all students with emphasis on technique and procedures with experience gained in play productions. Linked with THEA 1330 - Theatre Stagecraft.

Survey of theatre including its history, dramatic works, stage techniques, production procedures, and relation to other art forms. Participation in productions may be required. 

Study and application of the methods and components of theatrical production which may include one or more of the following: theater facilities, scenery construction and painting, properties, lighting, and sound.

A practical exploration of basic stage makeup techniques. The student will also investigate the relationships of character to makeup and begin to understand the work needed to design makeup for a production.

The development of basic skills and techniques of acting, including sensory awareness, ensemble performing, character analysis, and script analysis. Emphasis on the mechanics of voice, body, emotion, and analysis as tools for the actor.

A continuation of Acting I with emphasis on characterization and working with extended realism. The student will study the theories of Constantin Stanislavski.

Prerequisite: THEA 1351.

A BEGINNING OVERVIEW OF THE VOCABULARY AND BASIC SEWING METHODS OF THEATRICAL COSTUMING.

Practicum in theater open to all students with emphasis on technique and procedures with experience gained in play productions.

Practicum in theater open to all students with emphasis on technique and procedures with experience gained in play productions.

Principles, practices, and exercises in awareness, relaxation, freedom, flexibility, and expressiveness in the actor's vocal instrument.

Students will learn the principles, techniques, and processes of dramatic structure found in written scripts as seen through the perception of the stage director, actor, and designer. A written intensive analysis of each script studied during the semester will be required. Focus will be on the theories of Aristotle and Eugene Scribe's "Well Made Play Formula".

Prerequisite: THEA 1330 and 1371.

Practicum in theater open to all students with emphasis on technique and procedures with experience gained in play productions.

Practicum in theater open to all students with emphasis on technique and procedures with experience gained in play productions.

A basic course in the development of the student portfolio for the areas of design and technology with emphasis in the theatrical job market or graduate school.

Students will gain insights into the physical skills, practices, exercises, and staging techniques developed and used by actors and directors in theatrical performance, with an emphasis on relaxation, freedom, expressiveness, spatial relationships, and composition.

Prerequisite: THEA 1351 and 1352.

Theories and practices incorporating the techniques of creative drama in the elementary, middle, and high school classroom. Especially recommended for elementary education, recreation, and the social sciences.

Theories and practices of incorporating theatre activities in the public schools. Especially recommended to students of elementary and secondary education, recreation and the social sciences.

An overview of the nature and function of theatre in our contemporary society with discussion of representative plays and playwrights, theatrical styles, and avant-garde theatre. Students will explore multicultural, political, and experimental themes, attend theatrical productions, and meet with actors, designers, and directors to discuss contemporary practices.

Stage combat is a unique form of acting and movement; integral to the training of the professional actor and an extremely marketable skill. This course is an introduction to the stage fight discipline. It is important as actors that we develop a keen sense of duality in performance; a seemingly impromptu, theatrically engaging moment of violence built upon a foundation of safe, consistent physical dialogue. In this way, we can enhance the physical lives of all the characters we play; especially those engaged in acts of violence. This course explores many fundamental acting techniques in a new light including responsibility to a partner, listening and responding, projection, articulation, spatial awareness and above all intent. May be repeated for credit.

This course will prepare students to coach High School speech events as extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.  The class will focus primarily on Texas University Interscholastic Leagues (UIL competitions) but will also cover events sponsored by the Texas Forensics Association (TFA) and the National Forensics League (NFL).  Areas covered will include oral interpretation, extemporaneous speaking, and debate.

Provides the student with the information and skills needed for auditioning in both professional and educational theatre.

Prerequisite: THEA 1351 and 1352.

This course is a survey of stage management and theatre administration. Topics to be studied include stage management, production management, professional unions, publicity/marketing, box office and house management.

Prerequisite: THEA 1371, 1330 and 2355.

Historical investigation of the nature and function of theatre from primitive rituals through the Renaissance periods with discussions of representative plays/playwrights, theatrical styles and stage design.

Prerequisite: THEA 2355.

Historical investigation of theatre from the Restoration era to the present. Focus on the nature and function as well as the critical analysis of theatre and design, various movements, and influential people.

Prerequisite: THEA 2355.

Builds upon the student's practical lab experience and understanding of theatrical design begun in costume construction and theatre stagecraft. Students will explore the creative process of theatre production as it pertains to lighting, set, sound, props, and costume design projects.

Prerequisite: THEA 1371 and 1330.

Specific training for actors in period plays. Emphasis on training the actor for the Classical, Renaissance, Shakespearean, and Modern Periods.

Prerequisite: THEA 1351 and 1352.

Advance study in the analysis and performance of heightened text as written by William Shakespeare. Coursework includes in-depth application of Elizabeth theatre practices and how these practices may be adapted for 21st century actors, directors, and audiences.

A survey and research-oriented course which studies the major impact of the visual, artistic, historical, and social period movements. The course will focus on the approach that the actor, designer, director, and playwright take in developing the understanding of the environment of a play's location and time period.

Examination of the uses of the various materials used and the development of the techniques employed in the creation and presentation of theatrical renderings and models.

Practical examination and practice in theatrical drafting conventions with an emphasis on the development of hand drafting techniques and CAD (computer-aided design).

Prerequisite: THEA 1330.

The focus of the course is on musical theatre history, exploring trends in the genre, audition techniques, characterization, staging and choreography.

is a fundamentals course in writing for the stage. The course will cover playwriting for monologues, 10 Minute Plays, and One Act Plays. Completion of Script Analysis is strongly suggested but not required. May be repeated for credit.

This class will provide a brief overview of many of the skills and tools that dramaturgs possess. We will study the history of the field and learn about currently working dramaturgs, while also covering the foundational skills of historical research, structural analysis, and theoretical application. Completion of Script Analysis is strongly suggested but not required. May be repeated for credit.

A seminar class for the graduating senior. The student will be given the opportunity to address individual weaknesses and strengths in preparation for graduate school or entering the job market.

The course is designed to provide the graduating senior an opportunity to complete a final project in the acting/directing or design/tech focus areas. The student's project will be juried by the entire faculty and include a research and production component.

Stage combat is a continuation of the skills of acting and movement; integral to the training of the professional actor and an extremely marketable skill. This course is an advanced weaponary course in the stage fight discipline. It is important as actors that we develop a keen sense of duality in performance; a seemingly impromptu, theatrically engaging moment of violence built upon a foundation of safe, consistent physical dialogue. In this way, we can enhance the physical lives of all the characters we play; especially those engaged in acts of violence. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisite: THEA 3312.

Designed to provide a forum for intensive study of a particular aspect of modern theatrical technologies. Various topics may be selected based on current industry trends, student needs and available resources.

Prerequisite: THEA 1330, 3381 and 3382.

An advanced design course where the student will examine the process of design from the standpoint of the relationship created within the design team. Through class projects, the student will participate in a design process which fosters communication of ideas, written analysis and collaboration in pursuit of a unified design in all aspects of production.

Prerequisite: THEA 3373.

A study, primarily through the medium of performance, of various types and forms of literature for children. Strongly oriented toward teaching literature in the elementary school classroom. (Credit may not be given for both this course and COMM 4323 or ENGL 4370.)

An advanced technical class geared for the student who wishes to receive training and employment as a technical director.

The study and practical application of directing principals for the beginning director. Elements of script analysis, blocking, movement, character development, tempo, and design will be investigated as part of the directing process. The student will direct a ten-minute play for public performance.

Prerequisite: THEA 1352 and 2355.

An advanced study in directing with actual experience in organization, interpretation, casting, and producing the one-act play. The student will direct a one-act play for public performance.

Prerequisite: THEA 4360.

Students will learn to identify, comprehend, and demonstrate practical knowledge of tools, machines, and techniques practiced in a costume crafts studio. They will learn to recognize the different materials, chemicals, and tools used in costume crafts. They will know what the above items are best suited for and what type of project they should be applied to. The student will gain basic crafting skills. These skills are gained by extensive hands-on experience by working on projects in the costume studio. They will gain the ability to purchase, layout, cut, and construct any specialty project in the costuming area.

Prerequisite: THEA 1371 and 2370.

A study of the theory and practice of costume design utilizing the human form as a design element for the stage. Encompasses theatre form, style, and drafting and drawing techniques. Students are required to work on University Theatre productions as part of this course.

The examination and practice of the various materials and techniques of professional scenic painting, including material mixing, faux techniques, and textural applications.

A study of the theory and practice of set design. Students will learn the fundamentals of theatre design and will apply this knowledge to projects. Projects will encompass theatre form, style, and concept utilization. Students are required to work on University Theatre productions as a part of this course.

Emphasizes the practice of various acting styles for television, video, and film. The student will receive practical experience in commercial styles, public service announcements, television and video style acting, and film scene study. (Credit may not be given for both this course and COMM 4371.)

Advanced practice and participation in set construction, lighting implementation, and stagecraft. Students will build upon skills in the areas of theatre production and design for production in the University Theatre. Class meets twice weekly with additional crew/lab work requirements as well. Students are required to work on University Theatre productions as a part of this course. May be repeated twice for credit.

is a fundamentals of improvisation course that teaches the guidelines for successful improvisation skills. The course emphasizes the basics of successful improvisation as it pertains to Theatre, Communication, and the student who wants to improve their communication skills. May be repeated for credit.

is a continuation of Improvisation course level I that instructs the student in the guidelines for advanced improvisation skills. The course teaches the skills necessary for advanced individual and group improvisation. Emphasis is on ensemble performance. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisite: THEA 4373.

A study of the theory and practice of lighting design. Practical experiences in University Theatre are included to provide exposure to the total design and implementation of lighting design. Students will become familiar with the techniques and aesthetics of lighting theatrical performances and will apply skills to create designs for projects and actual plays. Students are required to work on University Theatre productions as a part of this course.

A study of the theory and practice of designing makeup for the stage. Students will learn about aesthetics, application, and techniques of stage makeup. Students will do makeup designs as projects in the class. Students are required to work on University Theatre productions as part of this course.

An applied production experience in which students perform in a play, work back stage or on a stage crew, or learn to design a play or musical from conception to final production. Students enrolling in the course but not cast in the shows will work backstage (technical production) or in another production capacity. Enrollment is by application only, and must be approved by the instructor in advance of registration. As part of the application process the number of credit hours will be determined by the instructor. May be repeated for credit.

Study of specialized topics and themes in the areas of acting, directing, and theatre history. May be repeated when topics vary.

See College description. By application.

See College description. By application.