Associate Professor: Allen (Chairperson)

Assistant Professor: Stanley

Visiting Assistant Professor: Hardy

Part-time Instructor: Clark

Theatre is a combination of many art forms, and the theatre curriculum provides opportunities to explore all its aspects: dramatic literature, acting, directing, design, and technical theatre. The rigorous production program offers practical training to complement the comprehensive curriculum.

The Theatre Department produces a full season of faculty- and student-directed productions each year. In addition, the department also manages a children’s theatre company, The Emerald City Players. The department’s production facilities include the Mary L. Welch Theatre, an intimate thrust stage, and the Dragon's Lair Theatre, a small black box studio theatre in the Academic

Center. The department also maintains support facilities, including a scene shop, costume shop, dressing rooms, makeup room, and rehearsal areas.

The following courses satisfy the cultural diversity requirement: THEA 114, 212, 332, 333, 335, and 410. The following courses, when scheduled as W courses, count toward the writing intensive requirement: THEA 212, 332, and 333.

Major

All students majoring in Theatre must complete the core courses and the requirements for at least one of the three tracks listed below.

Core courses required of all majors:

THEA 100, 145, 232, 246, 247, 332, 333, 335, 410, and 449.

Track Requirements:

1. Acting:

THEA 148, 226, 245, and either 345 or 402; 1 credit of 160, one-half credit which must be earned serving as Assistant Stage Manager or Crew Head for a faculty-directed production, and 3 credits of 161.

2. Directing:

THEA 148, 226, 326, and either 402 or 426; 2 credits of 160, one-half credit which must be earned serving as Assistant Stage Manager for a faculty-directed production and one-half credit which must be earned as the Stage Manager for a faculty-directed production, and 2 credits

of 161.

3. Design/Tech:

THEA 149, 228, 229, 320; one from the following: 402, 427, 428, 429; and 4 credits of THEA 160 and/or 161.

Minors

Three minors are available in the Theatre Department.

• A minor in Performance consists of THEA 100, 145, 148, 226, 245, and one credit of THEA 160 and/or THEA 161.

• A minor in Technical Theatre consists of THEA 100, 149, 228, 229, 320, and one credit of THEA 160 and/or THEA 161.

• A minor in Theatre History and Literature consists of THEA 100, 332, 333, 335, 410, and one credit of THEA 160 and/or THEA 161.

100

INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE

A comprehensive introduction to the aesthetics of theatre. From the spectator’s point of view, the nature of theatre will be explored, including dramatic literature and the integral functioning of acting, directing and all production aspects. Concurrent enrollment in THEA 148 prohibited.

114

FILM ART: MOTION PICTURE MASTERPIECES

Study of selected classic experimental and narrative films from around the world as well as from Hollywood. Consideration of what makes a classic through examination of such topics as acting, writing, directing, style, and genre. Alternate years.

135-136

INTRODUCTION TO DANCE I AND II

An introduction to the techniques of basic movement and interpretation in ballet, jazz, and modern dance. Classes include improvisation and choreography. Prerequisite for THEA 136: THEA 135 or consent of instructor. One-half unit of credit each. Not open to students who have received credit for MUS 135-136 or MUS 235-236. Cross-listed as MUS 135-136.

137

HISTORY OF THE DANCE I

A survey of classical ballet from the Ballets de cour of 17th-century France to the present with emphasis on the contributions of  Petipa, Fokine, Cecchetti, and Balanchine. One-half unit of credit. Not open to students who have received credit for MUS 137. Cross-listed as MUS 137.

138

HISTORY OF THE DANCE II

A survey of the forms of dance, excluding classical ballet, as independent works of art and as they have reflected the history of civilization. One-half unit of credit. Not open to students who have received credit for MUS 138. Cross-listed as MUS 138.

145

ACTING I

An introductory study of the actor’s preparation with emphasis on developing the actor’s creative imagination through improvisation, character analysis, and scene study. Prerequisite: THEA 100. Majors may take concurrently with THEA 100.

148

PLAY PRODUCTION

Stagecraft and the various aspects of production are introduced. Through material presented and laboratory work on the Mary L. Welch Theatre productions, students will acquire experience with design, scenery, properties, costumes and lighting. Prerequisite: THEA 100. Concurrent enrollment in THEA 100 prohibited.

149

THEATRE GRAPHICS

A comprehensive course in mechanical drafting, perspective rendering, figure drawing, color theory, and scene painting as these skills relate to the study of theatrical design. Prerequisite: THEA 100 or consent of instructor.

160

TECHNICAL THEATRE PRACTICUM

161

REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM

Supervised participation in the various aspects of technical production and/or rehearsal and performance of the Theatre Department’s faculty-directed productions in the Mary L. Welch Theatre. Credit for Theatre Practicum is earned on a fractional basis. Students may register for one-half semester hour course credit per production for active participation in the designated area

of technology and performance, limited to one semester hour credit per semester and eight semester hours credit over four years. Credit may not be used to satisfy distribution requirements in Fine Arts. Students may not register for Theatre Practicum while taking THEA 148 without permission of the instructor. When scheduling, students should register for Theatre Practicum in addition to the normal four academic courses. Because students may not be cast or assigned duties in time to meet the drop/add deadline, late registration for THEA 160 and 161 (Rehearsal

and Performance) will be permitted without penalty.

201

TOURING CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Production and rehearsal techniques for performance of a children’s play. Students will construct sets, costumes, props and rehearse for touring and performing on during slated class times at area grade schools. Students may repeat this course once with a different play. Prerequisites: THEA 100 and consent of instructor.

212

MULTICULTURAL AMERICA ON SCREEN

Introduction to the art of understanding moving images to discover the cultural values of American filmmakers and their audiences. Comparison of the ways in which films and television use comedy, drama, and the documentary to examine topics having to do with values, beliefs, and cultural diversity in America.

215

SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE

Study of selected theatrical subjects, such as plays, writers, movements, or technical projects. Recent topics include stage management, sound design, stagecraft, and professional development. Prerequisite: THEA 100. With consent of instructor, may be repeated for credit if the topic is different from one previously studied.

220

VOICE AND DICTION
Introduction to the fundamental techniques of vocal production for the theatre. Emphasizes an individual program of personal vocal development. Dialects and phonetic study of the major European accents and English accents. Includes oral practice of relevant literature. Alternate years. One-half unit of credit.

226

DIRECTING I

An introductory study of the functions of the director, with emphasis on script analysis, the rehearsal process, and communicating with collaborators. Practical scene work directing student actors is a major component of the course. Prerequisite: THEA 145. Alternate years.

228

SCENE DESIGN

Development of scene design techniques through study of the practice in rendering, perspective drawing, plan drafting, sketching and model building. Beginning work in theory, techniques, and practices in scenery painting for the theatre. Prerequisites: THEA 148 and THEA 149. Alternate years.

229

LIGHTING DESIGN

The theory of stage and lighting design with emphasis on their practical application to the theatre. Prerequisites: THEA 148 and 149. Alternate years.

232

STAGE MAKEUP

Essentials in stage makeup: straight, character, special types. Effects of light on makeup are included. Recommended for performers and directors of educational, church and community theatres. Prerequisite: THEA 148. One-half unit of credit. Alternate Years.

233

ADVANCED MAKEUP

Advanced techniques in makeup design. Three-dimensional and prosthetic makeups are included, with emphasis on nonrealistic and nonhuman forms. Prerequisite: THEA 232.

One-half unit of credit. Alternate years.

235-236

INTERMEDIATE DANCE I AND II

Studies of the techniques of basic movement and interpretation in ballet, jazz, and modern dance at the intermediate level. Classes include improvisation and choreography. Prerequisite for THEA 235: THEA 136 or consent of instructor. Prerequisite for THEA 236: THEA 235 or consent of instructor. One-half unit of credit each. Not open to students who have received credit for MUS 135-136 or MUS 235-236. Cross-listed as MUS 235-236.

245

ACTING II

Exploration of contemporary realism through intensive character analysis, monologue

work, and scene study. Prerequisite: THEA 145.

246

FALL THEATRE COLLOQUIUM

A noncredit seminar in which faculty and students travel to Canada to such venues as the Shaw Festival or the Stratford Theatre Festival to view and discuss required plays, expanding their cultural and theatrical experiences. In addition, students will travel to view and discuss plays selected from community, university, and professional productions in the Williamsport vicinity.

Enrollment in one Fall Theatre Colloquium over the 4-year course of study is required for all students majoring in Theatre. Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: THEA 100 or the consent of instructor; this course may be repeated.

247

SPRING THEATRE COLLOQUIUM

A noncredit seminar in which faculty and students travel to New York City to view and discuss required plays, expanding their cultural and theatrical experiences. In addition, students will travel to view and discuss plays selected from community, university, and professional productions in the Williamsport vicinity. Enrollment in one Spring Theatre Colloquium over the 4-year course of study is required for all students majoring in Theatre. Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: THEA 100 or the consent of instructor; this course may be repeated.

315

SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE

Study of selected theatrical subjects, such as plays, writers, movements, or technical projects. Recent topics include stage management, sound design, stagecraft, and professional development. Prerequisite: THEA 100. With consent of instructor, may be repeated for credit if the topic is different from one previously studied.

320

COSTUME DESIGN

The theory of costuming for the stage, elements of design, planning, production and construction of costumes for the theatre. Students will participate in the construction of costumes for faculty-directed productions. Prerequisites: THEA 148 and 149, or consent of instructor. Majors may take concurrently with THEA 145. Alternate years.

326

DIRECTING II

Continued exploration of the director’s role in the production process with emphasis on the director’s work in rehearsal. Practical application will include the direction of a one-act play with student actors in the Dragon's Lair Theatre. Prerequisite: THEA 226. Alternate years.

332

THEATRE HISTORY I

An investigation of the Western theatre as the evolution of a multidisciplinary artistic, cultural, social, economic, religious, and political phenomenon. Dramatic texts representing specific eras will be studied as historical evidence of theatre practice. Focuses on the origins of the theatre through 1700. Prerequisite: THEA 100, or consent of instructor. Alternate years.

333

THEATRE HISTORY II

An investigation of the Western theatre as the evolution of a multidisciplinary artistic, cultural, social, economic, religious, and political phenomenon. Dramatic texts representing specific eras will be studied as historical evidence of theatre practice. Focuses on the early 18th century through the theatre today. Prerequisite: THEA 332, or consent of instructor. Alternate years.

335

MODERN DRAMA

An examination of selected examples of  dramatic literature from the modern theatre, 1875 to the present. The course will focus on a single topic within this framework, such as American drama, American musical theatre, European drama, absurdist drama, epic drama, expressionistic drama, performance art, etc. Prerequisites: THEA 332 and 333, or consent of instructor. Alternate years.

337

PLAYWRITING

An investigation of the techniques of playwriting with an emphasis on creative writing, culminating in a written one-act play. Prerequisites: ENGL 106 or 107 and THEA 226, or consent of instructor. Alternate years.

345

ACTING III

Exploration of historical acting styles including Greek, commedia dell’arte, Elizabethan, comedy of manners, melodrama, and expressionism. Practical application will include character analysis, monologue work, and scene study. Prerequisite: THEA 245.

402

SHAKESPEARE ON STAGE

A study of Shakespeare’s plays in production terms. Emphasis will be on translating works from the page to the stage, with special attention to language, poetry, and acting styles as well as technical problems. Contemporary productions will be viewed. Prerequisites: THEA 332 and 333, or consent of instructor. Alternate years.

410

THEATRE AND CULTURE

Exploration of one or more historic periods in a specific locale to discover the nature of the theatre in its cultural context. Included will be a study of the art, music, literature, political and social framework of the period and locale. Prerequisites: THEA 332 and 333, or consent of instructor. Alternate years.

415

SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE

Study of selected theatrical subjects, such as plays, writers, movements, or technical projects. Recent topics include stage management, sound design, stagecraft, and professional development. Prerequisite: THEA 100. With consent of instructor, may be repeated for credit if the topic is different from one previously studied.

426

DIRECTING III

Practical application of directing in one of the department’s two performance spaces. Prerequisites: THEA 326 and consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

427

ADVANCED COSTUME DESIGN STUDIO

Practical application of costume design for the studio or main stage productions. Prerequisites: THEA 320 and consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

428

ADVANCED SCENE DESIGN STUDIO

Practical application of scene design for the studio or main stage productions. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

429

ADVANCED LIGHTING DESIGN STUDIO

Practical application of lighting design for the studio or main stage productions. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

444

ADVANCED DIRECTING STUDIO

Practical application of directing for studio or main stage productions. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and THEA 426. May be repeated for credit.

445

ADVANCED ACTING STUDIO

Practical application of acting for studio or main stage productions. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and THEA 345. May be repeated for credit.

449

SENIOR PROJECT

The practical application of one specific theatre discipline. Students have the option of demonstrating expertise in costume design, scene design, lighting design, acting, or directing for departmental productions. Other options may include but are not limited to design projects or one-person shows. Students will be required to submit a formal written proposal in the spring of their junior year which must be approved by all full-time Theatre Department faculty. This course is open to senior theatre majors only.

470 - 479

INTERNSHIP (See Index)

Students in the theatre work off campus in theatres such as the Guthrie Theatre, Minneapolis, and the Hartford Stage and the Trinity Repertory.

N80/N89

INDEPENDENT STUDIES (See Index)

Subjects for Independent Studies are chosen in conjunction with faculty members.

490-491

INDEPENDENT STUDY FOR DEPARTMENTAL HONORS (See index)

Students who qualify for Departmental Honors will produce a major independent project in research and/or theatre production.