Undergraduate Catalog 2016-17 
    
    May 18, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2016-17 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


 

Theater Arts

Other relevant courses may be found under Communication, Dance, and English. 

  
  • THA 1001 - Stage Production

    1 cr
    Students participate in department productions, either as actors or in a technical capacity. Evaluation is based on the hours spent on production, the quality of the performance, the seriousness of purpose and, quality of participation. This course is repeatable for credit.
    Prerequisite:

    Fee $15.
    Every semester
  
  • THA 1010 - Plays From Castleton

    3 cr
    A traveling theater appreciation course which utilizes the unique proximity of Castleton to first-class summer theater festivals. Classes are held before and after each performance to introduce the play and to share reactions. Students write substantial review/reaction papers on four productions.
    Fee is for tickets/transportation.
  
  • THA 1041 - Introduction to Theater Arts

    3 cr
    Designed to develop an understanding and appreciation of the varieties of theatrical experience.
    This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding Frame of Reference.
    Every semester
  
  • THA 1111 - Stagecraft

    3 cr
    Basic course in the physical mounting of a stage production. Scenery, lighting, properties, sound and technical effects are examined. The course includes a weekly two hour lab and may include crew work on productions.
    This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding Frame of Reference, and may be repeated once for credit.
    Fee $30.
    Every semester
  
  • THA 2011 - Survey of Theater History I

    3 cr
    An examination of the critical periods of Theater History from the Greeks through Shakespeare. Representative plays from each period will be explored, as plays are some of the best reflections of any particular culture.
    This course fulfills the World Views Frame of Reference.
    Fall
  
  • THA 2012 - Survey of Theater History II

    3 cr
    An examination of the critical periods in Theater History from French Neoclassicism to the present. Representative plays will be explored, as plays are some of the best reflections of any particular culture.
    This course fulfills the World Views Frame of Reference.
    Prerequisite: THA 2011 .
    Spring
  
  • THA 2110 - Voice and Diction

    3 cr
    In this course students will learn the skills necessary to produce a good speaking voice, correct faulty speech habits, and develop practices in public speaking.
    Spring, even years
  
  • THA 2121 - Acting I

    3 cr
    This course will emphasize principles of acting at the beginning level. Emphasis will be placed on exercises and course work related to relaxation, talking and listening, body dynamics, concentration, sensory awareness, imagination, improvisation, actions and objectives in addition to other basic concepts related to the actor's process. Performance requirements include individual and group exercises and two-character scene work.
    This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding Frame of Reference.
    Every semester
  
  • THA 2122 - Acting II

    3 cr
    Continuation of THA 2121  with concentration on character analysis. Performance requirements will include monologue and scene study experiences.
    Prerequisite: THA 2121 .
    Spring
  
  • THA 2130 - Costume Design and Construction

    3 cr
    A study of the principles and techniques of costume design for the theater. In addition to dealing with design projects and their realization, the course provides an overview of costume history with focus on the current production's period. May be repeated once for program credit.
    Lecture and workshop.
    Lab fee $30.
    Fall, odd years.
  
  • THA 2140 - Introduction to Theatrical Design

    3 cr
    This course serves as an introduction to the design and technical aspects of theatre performance. It also serves as a preparatory course for more advanced work in the specific areas of design (scenery, sound, properties, lighting, and costuming).
    Fee $30.
    Spring
  
  • THA 2160 - History of Musical Theater

    3 cr
    An examination of the Musical as a performing art from its roots to current day.  Musicals will be explored from aesthetic, cultural, political, social, and historical perspectives.
  
  • THA 2510 - Scenic Painting

    3 cr
    This class is designed to introduce students to the study and practice of scenic art and scenic painting. Students will learn the fundamental techniques of painting and texturing associated with such basic scenic design applications as wood graining, marbling, stenciling, etc.
    Fee $30
    Spring, odd years
  
  • THA 2750 - Special Topics in Theater

    3 cr
    In-depth examination of a variety of specific elements from different areas of theatre. Exact course descriptions will be provided prior to each registration period. May be taken multiple times for credit as topics change.
    Prerequisite: THA 1041 .
    Spring
  
  • THA 2900 - Independent Study

    1-3 cr
    Hours by arrangement.
    Signed contract required at time of registration.
    Prerequisite: Consent of department chair.
  
  • THA 3020 - Acting for the Camera

    3 cr
    Instruction and practice in the basics of acting for both TV and film style productions: playing to the camera, shooting out of sequences, blocking, and other production considerations.
    Prerequisite: THA 2121 .
    Alternate years.
  
  • THA 3030 - Children's Theater

    3 cr
    This course focuses on the development of scripted and non-scripted works for performance by and/or for children. Students will create productions and may work on productions in the community.
    This course fulfills the Aesthetic Understanding frame of reference.
    Spring
  
  • THA 3050 - Stage Makeup

    3 cr
    A course in the art of makeup as a design element and augmentation of characterization. Various kinds of makeup and character types will be explored. The course will culminate in character analysis, design and makeup execution for a character.
    Lab Fee $60.
    Fall, even years.
  
  • THA 3120 - Lighting Design

    3 cr
    Explores the practical and artistic elements of lighting the stage. The fundamentals of instrumentation and control are explained. Also included will be systems of nomenclature and computer aided drafting techniques for the development of lighting plots. Emphasis will be on practical experience in developing the student's sense of lighting aesthetics.
    Lab fee $30.
    Fall, odd years
  
  • THA 3123 - Acting III

    3 cr
    An advanced acting studio which deals with acting styles and advanced audition techniques. The course will culminate in acting juries.
    Prerequisite: THA 2121  and THA 2122 .
    Fall, Odd years
  
  • THA 3124 - Acting IV

    3 cr
    An advanced acting studio that deals with acting theorists and their practices through scene study, analysis, and performance.
    Prerequisite: THA 3123 .
    Spring Even years
  
  • THA 3211 - Directing I

    3 cr
    An introductory directing course which deals primarily with script analysis and research methods in preparation for the directing of major productions for the theater.
    Prerequisite: THA 1111 , THA 2121 , and/or the consent of the instructor.
    Fall, even years
  
  • THA 3212 - Directing II

    3 cr
    An intermediate directing course which deals with script analysis and research methods in preparation for the directing of major productions for the theater. The course is designed as a lab application with numerous directing projects assigned.
    Prerequisite: THA 3211 .
    Spring, odd years
  
  • THA 3220 - Computer Aided Design for Theatre

    3 cr
    Students will learn the use of computer aided design software specifically as it applies to theatre design; starting with basic two-dimensional shapes and working up to fully rendered three-dimensional models.
    Fee $30
    Fall, odd years
  
  • THA 3310 - Dramatic Theory and Criticism

    3 cr
    This course examines the work of major playwrights and critical theories of western theater from the Ancient Greeks to the present. The class will rely heavily on extensive reading of dramatic literature and the theories and criticisms that followed as well as informed group discussions of the required reading.
    Fall
  
  • THA 3331 - Scene Design

    3 cr
    An examination of the elements of design as they relate to the translation and reinforcement of the dramatic image of a play script into the visual environment of a production. Includes development, completion and critical analysis of original projects.
    Lecture and workshop.
    Lab fee $30.
    Spring, odd years
  
  • THA 3810 - Internship in Theater

    1-12 cr
    Credit to be arranged. The student assumes a position of responsibility in a professional theater or related facility or organization under the supervision of an on-site professional and a faculty member. Permission of department. Registration by permission of department chair only.
    Signed contract required at time of registration.
  
  • THA 4020 - Stage Management

    3 cr
    Students study the function and role of the theatrical stage manager. Tools such as rehearsal and performance reports, a stage manager’s book, and stage management kit will be employed.
    Prerequisite: THA 1041  and THA 2140 .
    Fee $30.
    Spring, odd years
  
  • THA 4030 - Portfolio Preparation

    1 cr


     

    In this course students will produce a portfolio for professional review.  Resumes, cover letters, headshots, various portfolio presentation methods as well as interview and audition techniques will be addressed and prepared.
    Senior standing.
    Prerequisite: Permission of department.
    Spring

  
  • THA 4332 - Advanced Design for the Theater

    3 cr
    An in-depth examination of a single area of design for the theater as it relates to the translation and reinforcement of the dramatic image of a play script into the visual environment of a production. Includes the development, completion and critical analysis of several original projects in either scenic, lighting, or costume design. It is expected that several of the student projects will be realized.
    Prerequisite: THA 3331  and THA 2140  or consent of instructor.
    Lab fee $30.
  
  • THA 4410 - Theater in Education

    3 cr
    Explores the range and possibilities of theater as a pedagogical method. Emphasizes the use of theater as a developmental teaching tool, and as a means of reinforcing other areas of K-12 school curriculum. Students may be required to work directly with children in a classroom or extra-curricular setting.
    This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding Frame of Reference.
    Fall
  
  • THA 4720 - Senior Project in Theater

    3 cr
    The student selects a project, in consultation with his or her advisor, for public presentation. A proposal of the project, from concept to planning and realization, is a requirement for the course. The department strongly recommends students engage in collaborative projects, such as a fully realized state production.
    Prerequisite: Senior standing or consent of instructor. As needed by seniors.
  
  • THA 4810 - Internship in Theater

    1-12 cr
    The student assumes a position of responsibility in a professional theater or related facility or organization under the supervision of an on-site professional and a faculty member.
    Signed contract required at time of registration.
    Prerequisite: Permission of department.
  
  • THA 4910 - Independent Study

    1-3 cr
    Permission only.
    Signed contract required at time of registration.