Associate Professor: Allen (Chairperson)
Assistant Professor: Stanley
Visiting Assistant Professors: Beetem, Jaffe
Part-time Instructors: Clark

The primary responsibilities of the Theatre Department are to teach appreciation, service, foundational and specialized courses; to prepare students for advanced study and training; and to sponsor worthwhile production programs in which students can practice the art and craft of theatre, and which will be a dynamic contribution to the cultural life of the College community.
Production groups sponsored by the Theatre Department are the Arena Theatre, The Arena Summer Theatre, The Emerald City Players, The Alpha Psi Omega Fraternity and the Downstage Theatre. Facilities used for performances by these groups are an intimate thrust stage (The Mary L. Welch Theatre) and a small black box studio theatre (The Downstage Theatre) in the Academic Center.

The department offers several courses to be selected for distribution requirements: THEA 100, 114, 148, 212, 332, 333, 335 (Fine Arts) THEA 333, 335 (Humanities and Literature).

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.

The major consists of the equivalent of 10 to 10.5 units. All theatre majors are required to complete the following: Thea 100, 148, 332, 333, 410 and the equivalent of 1 full unit of THEA 160 and/or 161 (6 units).

The department offers three major tracks:

Track I: Acting (4.5 Units) THEA 140, 226, 240, 232 (1/2 unit); and one from the following: 335 or 402.

Track II: Directing: (4.0 Units) Thea 140, 226, 336; and one from the following: 335 or 402.

Track III: Design/Tech (4.5 Units) Thea 228, 229, 232 (1/2 unit), 320; and one from the following: 335, 402, 425, 428, 429, 431.

Majors are urged to include courses in art, music, psychology, and English, or other areas of special interest.

Majors are urged to include THEA 440 in Track I, THEA 426 in Track II, and THEA 430 in Track III.

Three minors are available in the Theatre Department.

• A minor in Performance consists of Thea 100, 140, 226, 240, 336.
• A minor in Technical Theatre consists of Thea 100, 148, 228, 229, and 320 or 430.
• A minor in Theatre History and Literature consists of THEA 100, 332, 333, 335 and 410.

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.

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.

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.

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 or 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 from primitive times to the present. Pre- requisite: THEA 137 or consent of instructor. One-half unit of credit. Not open to students who have received credit for MUS 137 or 138.

ACTING I

An introductory study of the actor’s preparation with emphasis on developing the actor’s creative imagination through improvisations and scene study. Prerequisite: THEA 100.

PLAY PRODUCTION

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

TECHNICAL THEATRE PRACTICUM

REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM

Supervised participation in the various aspects of technical production, rehearsal and performance of the Theatre Department’s major presentations in the Arena 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.

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.

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.

DIRECTING I

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. Participation on Arena Theatre productions will be part of the class-room requirements. Prerequisite: THEA 148.

LIGHTING DESIGN

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

SUMMER THEATRE PRACTICUM

Practical application in construction, design and production problems and techniques through laboratory and plays in production. Pre- requisite: THEA 148. Offered summer only.

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.

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.

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.

ACTING II

Continued practice in character analysis. The study of acting styles is introduced with a strong emphasis on performing Shakespeare’s plays. Prerequisite: THEA 140

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 Arena Theatre productions. Prerequisite: THEA 148 or consent of instructor.

THEATRE HISTORY I

A historical survey of Western and Non-Western styles of theatre from the beginning to the present. Included is a study of the evolution of theatre architecture and performance space as well as technical developments. Alternate years.

THEATRE HISTORY II: LITERATURE

A study of the major dramatic literature that shapes the Western and non-Western theatre. Benchmark plays that are identified with specific periods and styles will be explored in depth. Prerequisite: THEA 332.

MODERN DRAMA

A study of the major dramatic literature in depth that constitutes the body of the modern theatre, from 1875 to the present. Included will be a survey of alternative theatre styles, both scripted and non-scripted. Ethnic, minority and contemporary problem plays will be surveyed as well.

DIRECTING II

Emphasis is placed on the student’s ability to function as a director in the rehearsal process. Practical experience involves the directing of two one-act plays from the contemporary theatre in the Downstage Theatre. Prerequisite: THEA 226.

PLAYWRITING

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, acting styles as well as technical problems. Contemporary productions will be viewed

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. Prerequisite: THEA 332 and 333.

ADVANCED COSTUME DESIGN STUDIO

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

DIRECTING III

Emphasis will be placed on the student’s ability to produce a major three-act play from the script to the stage for public performance. Prerequisite: THEA 336.

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.

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.

PROPERTY DESIGN

The theory of properties design for the stage, including the production of specific properties for staging use. Elements of design, fabrication, and the construction of properties employing a variety of materials and application of new theatrical technology. Prerequisites: THEA 228 and 320. Alternate years.

ADVANCED PROPERTY DESIGN STUDIO

Practical application of properties design for studio or main stage productions. Prerequisite: THEA 430 and consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

ACTING III

Preparation of monologues and two character scenes, contemporary and classical, and preparation of a professional acting audition. The student will appear in major campus productions. Prerequisite: THEA 240.

ADVANCED ACTING STUDIO

Practical application of acting for studio or main stage productions. Prerequisite: THEA 240 and consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

ADVANCED DIRECTING STUDIO

Practical application of directing for studio or main stage productions. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and THEA 336. May be repeated for credit.

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.

INDEPENDENT STUDIES (See Index)

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

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