Course Descriptions
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Courses in Theatre Arts
THEA 101 - Theatre Appreciation (AR)
An introduction to the history and literature of the theatre, as well as the arts of playwriting, acting, directing and theatrical design. Offered annually.
THEA 102 - Fundamentals of Acting (AR)
An examination of the basic concepts, vocabulary and techniques of acting for non-Theatre Arts majors. Offered annually.
THEA 105Y/106Y - Theatre Laboratory I and II
Laboratory experience in the practical application of stagecraft to scenery construction, costume construction, stage lighting and theatre management. Grades are credit/no credit. Offered every seven weeks.
THEA 110 - Stagecraft (.5)
A survey of the basic principles of stagecraft and their practical application to scenery, properties and stage equipment. Offered each fall.
THEA 112 - Costume Technology (.5)
An introduction to the basic costume studio skill, including use of various sewing machines and other specialized studio equipment as well as an introduction to basic pattern drafting and cutting skills. For theatre majors and minor only. Offered annually.
THEA 114 - Lighting and Sound Technology (.5 or 1 unit)
An introduction to the basic technology used in theatrical lighting and sound including stage lighting fixtures, lighting consoles, electrical systems, sound equipment, sound consoles and sound programs. Students registered for full unit enrollment do additional work to gain proficiency on lighting and sound equipment control softwares. For theatre majors and minors only. Offered annually.
THEA 141 - Introduction to Theatre Studies
An introductory seminar for first year theatre majors in the BA program, examining the practice and analysis of theatre performance, design and literature from a liberal arts perspective. Designed to model the basic historical, practical and theoretical models of theatre studies as a discipline. Offered each fall.
THEA 180 - Acting I
An introduction to the fundamental vocabulary, skills and concepts of acting. Students will be asked to explore the actor's process through a series of exercises that develop listening, concentration and imagination. Designed for Theatre Arts majors only, this course serves as a foundation for all subsequent performance courses. Offered each fall.
THEA 181 - Acting II
A process oriented course focused on scene study from contemporary plays. Course also introduces beginning text analysis for actors. For Theatre Arts majors only. Prerequisite: THEA 180. Offered each spring.
THEA 184 - Voice/Speech I (.5)
Introduction to breathing and sounding techniques fundamental to developing a free voice. Also includes study of human anatomy and vocal hygiene. For Theatre Arts majors only. Offered in first seven weeks each fall term.
THEA 185 - Movement for the Actor I
An exploration of a variety of movement principles applicable to the stage actor. Emphasis is placed on increasing body strength, endurance and flexibility. Primary focus of the course is in using the principles of Rudolf Laban's work with "Effort/Shape." For Theatre Arts majors only. Offered each spring.
THEA 188 - Performance I
An introduction to techniques and approaches in acting, voice/speech and movement. Acting work includes sensory and emotional awareness, observation, concentration and basic scene study techniques. Voice/speech work includes anatomy and kinesthetics of breath and voice, basic vocal warm-ups and diction drills. Movement work includes neutral body, physical conditioning and moving through time and space with energy. Required for Theatre Arts majors pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree. Offered annually.
THEA 211 - Stage Makeup (.5)
Through demonstration, practical application and experimentation the student will evolve a personal approach to makeup for the stage. A seven-week lecture and laboratory course. Offered each fall.
THEA 212 - Greek Drama and Society (LIT, W)
In this course we will survey works by three great ancient Greek tragic playwrights: Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides. We will examine the structure, style and significance of the ancient plays in context, as well as modern adaptations and interpretations. Students will have an opportunity to perform a staged reading of select scenes. Offered alternate years, spring.
THEA 214 - Greek and Roman Comedy (LIT, W)
In this course we will survey works by four great ancient comic playwrights of Greece and Rom: Aristophanes, Menander, Plautus and Terence. We will examine the structure, style and significance of the ancient plays and the modern adaptations and interpretations. Offered in alternate years, spring.
THEA 219 - Stage Management
An introduction to the basic theories and principles of stage management for theatrical productions. Special attention will be given to script analysis for production planning, group discussions, lectures and practical projects. Prerequisite: THEA 110. Offered every other spring.
THEA 220 - Fundamentals of Theatrical Design
An introduction to visual communication and aesthetic theory as it applies to design for the stage. Explores theatre design as a means of communication, artistic expression and organization of information. Lectures, demonstrations, research, discussions and design projects in sets, lighting and costumes complement studio work. Prerequisites: THEA 110 and THEA 112. Offered each fall.
THEA 221 - Visual Concepts
An advanced study of aesthetic theory and the collaborative process. Explores the complex relationship between designer, director, text and audience with special emphasis on the dynamic between designers and directors. Features critiques, research, group discussions, lectures, demonstrations and project work. Prerequisite: THEA 220 recommended. Offered in alternate years.
THEA 225 - Drawing for the Theatre
An introduction to drawing from the human form designed for Theatre Arts majors. Students will be introduced to the art of drawing as an exercise through observation, technique and media exploration. Discussion, drawing from human models, critiques and demonstrations will complement studio work. May be repeated for credit. Offered each fall.
THEA 241 - Introduction to Dramatic Literature (AR, W)
An introduction to the key theories and theorists of theatrical history. Provides an understanding of the fundamentals of dramatic analysis and exposes the student to a variety of theatrical genres and modes of dramatic expression. Offered annually.
THEA 276 - Dance Appreciation (AR, W)
An examination of the last fifty years of concert dance in the United States. Through readings and viewings of performances on video, students will become familiar with various choreographers, be able to offer critical analysis of selected works and hypothesize future trends in dance performance. Offered occasionally.
THEA 280 - Acting III
A continuation of the process from Acting II including elements of style and advanced text analysis. For BFA Acting and Music Theatre students only. Prerequisite: THEA 181. Offered each fall.
THEA 284 - Voice/Speech II (.5)
Continuing development of breath and voice with application of techniques to speaking poetry. Also covered are approaches to breath, voice, and character work for actor's preparation outside of rehearsal. Prerequisite: THEA 184. Offered in second seven weeks each fall term.
THEA 288 - Performance II
A continuation of Performance I, this course allows students to continue to develop the ability to integrate acting, voice/speech and movement. Focus is placed on scene study and dramatic action. A unit on auditioning techniques will be included in the course. Prerequisite: THEA 188 or consent of instructor. Offered annually.
THEA 290 - Practicum
Practical work for theatre arts majors. Students will assume production responsibilities in one of the following areas: performance, assistant directing, design, stage management, scenic craftwork and costuming. A contract outlining specific assignments must be filed with the Director of the School of Theatre Arts. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Consent of the Director of the School. Offered each semester.
THEA 310 - Technical Drawing
Introduction to the artistic and technical aspects of theatrical drawing and drafting as utilized to communicate spatial design for the stage. Project work, exploration of craft techniques and drawing media, emphasis on hand drawing techniques and Vectorwors software are featured. Prerequisite: THEA 220 or DTE 201. Offered in alternate years, spring semester.
THEA 311 - Rendering
Introduction to rendering processes and concepts for theatrical design. Explores various styles of scenic and costume drawing and painting as artistic expression, communication and organizational information. Study of selected historical and contemporary modes of rendering. Experimentation with many painting and drawing media. Project work, research and demonstrations complement studio work. Prerequisite: THEA 220 recommended. Offered in alternate years.
THEA 312 - Properties for the Theatre
Introduction to many materials, media, methods and shop tools utilized for project development. Formal presentation skills will be developed through assignments. Craft skills, material selection and tool use will be developed through project work. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: THEA 110 or consent of instructor. Offered every other spring.
THEA 313 - Costume Crafts
Introduction to the artistic and technical aspects of creating costume accessories and properties for the stage. Explores period and contemporary accessories. Special attention given to fabrication and construction. Lectures, demonstrations of fabrication techniques and research assignments complement studio work. Prerequisite: THEA 112 or consent of instructor. Offered alternate years, spring semester.
THEA 314 - Lighting Dynamics
An exploration of the applications of advanced technology for modern stage lighting. Topics include data and networking structures; console programming; workflow strategies; lighting software, graphics and documentation; photometrics; intelligent fixtures; projection and digital media. Students will learn to use technology effectively in the service of aesthetic considerations of design. Prerequisite: THEA 114 or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. Offered alternate years.
THEA 317 - Costume Construction
Project work in the construction of costumes for the stage, including pattern drafting, draping and the translation of the costume rendering into reality. Prerequisite: THEA 112 or consent of instructor. Offered in alternate years.
THEA 318 - Scene Painting (AR)
An exploration of the preparation and painting of scenery for the stage. Project work includes layout, textural applications, figurative and tromp l'oeil methods for translating scale elevations or scenic models into reality. Prerequisite: THEA 110 or consent of instructor. Offered in alternate years.
THEA 319 - Special Materials and Techniques
A continuation of scene painting and properties fabrication. The course will explore in detail special construction techniques, unique materials or applications, complex shop tools and detailed painting and surface finishing processes. Project work, research and demonstrations complement studio work. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. Offered occasionally.
THEA 341 - Playwriting (W, AR)
Instruction in the basic principles of the art of playwriting. Using a workshop format, each student will be required to write and rewrite one or more plays. May be repeated for credit if the subject matter is not duplicated. Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor. Offered occasionally.
THEA 342 - Screenwriting (W, AR)
Instruction in the basic principles of the art of screenwriting. Using a workshop format, each student will be required to write and rewrite one or more screenplays. May be repeated for credit if the subject matter is not duplicated. Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor. Offered occasionally.
THEA 355 - Fundamentals of Play Direction
An introduction to the theories and techniques of theatrical direction. Prerequisite: Junior standing in the School of Theatre Arts. Offered annually.
THEA 360 - Travel Seminar (AR, G)
An on-site study of national and international centers of theatrical activity. Open to all University students.May be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Offered occasionally during May Term.
THEA 370 - Special Topics in Theatre
A group of courses varying in content and approach which are not otherwise offered as part of the regular Theatre Arts curriculum. May be repeated for credit if the subject matter is not duplicated. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Offered occasionally.
THEA 371 - Theatre History I (CHC, W)
A comprehensive survey-survey-seminar about world theatre history tracing theatre in the ancient world to 1650, exploring theatrical architecture, conventions, theory and literature as they interact with cultural movements. This class requires significant dramaturgical and written projects alongside a heavy reading load. Prerequisite: Junior standing in the School of Theatre Arts. Offered each fall.
THEA 372 - Theatre History II (CHC)
A comprehensive survey-seminar about world theatre history tracing theatre 1650 to present, exploring theatrical architecture, conventions theory and literature as they interact with cultural movements. This class requires significant dramaturgical and written projects alongside a heavy reading load. Prerequisite: Junior standing in the School of Theatre Arts. Offered each spring.
THEA 376 - History of Western Dance (AR)
Covers the evolution of western dance with concentration on ballet and American modern dance. Special attention is given to historical figures who made a large contribution to the development and art of dance. Offered in alternate years.
THEA 377 - History of Decor (AR, G)
An exploration of the decorative history of human experience as expressed through domestic crafts, ornamentation, architectural styles and furniture. Offered in alternate years.
THEA 378 - Costume History (AR)
A comprehensive survey of Western costume from Mesopotamia to the 20th century. Explores the study of dress from a sociocultural and historical context. Special attention will be given to the evolution of silhouette and the attitudes expressed by each period regarding personal adornment. Slide lectures, group discussions and pictorial research complement class work. Offered every other fall.
THEA 380 - Play Workshop
This process-oriented course is designed to provide acting students with the opportunity to apply and synthesize advanced acting skills in the development of a laboratory, showcase production. Productions may be of existing texts of may be devised by the class. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: THEA 280 or 288 and consent of instructor. Offered in alternative years, spring semester.
THEA 381 - Audition Technique
This course focuses on specific skills required of the actor in the audition situation. Other issues related to entering the profession are also addressed. The course is intended for performance majors who intend to pursue a professional career in Acting or Musical Theatre. Prerequisite: THEA 280 or 288 or consent of instructor. Offered annually.
THEA 383 - Advanced Scene Study
Advanced work in analysis and preparation of scenes from a wide variety of dramatic genres and styles. Focus will be given to choosing material tailored to the needs of each student. Working with the instructor, students will be encouraged to select and work on scenes that most accurately address current developmental needs. Prerequisite: THEA 280 or 288 and consent of instructor. Offered every other spring.
THEA 384 - Voice/Speech III (.5)
Work on freeing breath and voice continues. Also covered is an experiential approach to study of English speech sounds and International Phonetic Alphabet with techniques applied to work on a monologue. Open to BFA performers only. Prerequisite: THEA 184 and THEA 284 or declared major in Music Theatre. Offered in first seven weeks each spring term.
THEA 385 - Movement for the Actor II
An exploration of the body-mind connection and how it pertains to the physical work of the actor. In addition to visiting a variety of movement principles, particular focus will be given to the area of unarmed stage combat (including falls and rolls) in scene work. Prerequisite: THEA 185. Offered each fall.
THEA 391 - Performance in Production (AR)
This experiential course is designed to give Theatre Arts students an immersion experience in a production process. Students invited to participate in this course will function as a theatre company, creating a theatrical performance in our E.Melba Johnson Kirkpatrick Laboratory season. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Offered in May Term.
THEA 392 - Seminar in Design & Technology
Study of specialized topics pertaining to the developmental theatrical design process and/or the experiential production process. Topics are tailored to each enrollment cadre in order to meet specific demands of the group and needs of individuals. May be repeated for credit. Offered each semester.
THEA 396/496 - Internship Design/Technical
Credit for participation in an off-campus supervised internship in theatre. Sample apprenticeships include work with casting agencies, production companies, professional theatres and film companies. Prerequisite: Consent of the Director of the School of Theatre Arts. Offered each semester.
THEA 421 - Costume Design
Introduction to aesthetic theory and visual communication as they apply to designing costumes for the stage. Script analysis, character development, collaborative dynamics, research techniques, rendering projects and theoretical application of production techniques complement studio work. Prerequisite: THEA 220, 221 and 311, or consent of the instructor. Offered in alternate years.
THEA 422 - Scene Design
A concentrated study of spatial design methods for the theatre. Through multiple projects, students will undertake script analysis, visual research, conceptual design development and application of studio production techniques to create unique scene design solutions. Perspective drawing, rendering, drafting, model building and formal aspects of design presentation will be utilized. Prerequisite: THEA 220, 221 and 310, or consent of the instructor. Offered in alternate years.
THEA 423 - Lighting Design
A study of lighting design principles and techniques for the theatre. Through multiple projects, students will undertake script analysis, visual research, conceptual design development and application of studio production techniques to create lighting designs. Formal aspects of design presentation will be utilized. Prerequisite: THEA 220, 221 and 310 or consent of the instructor. Offered in alternate years.
THEA 441 - Issues in Contemporary Theatre
A discussion course focusing on contemporary theatre production, theory and reception. Although international perspectives will be raised, the focus will be on American theatre practice, and occasional trips to Chicago and other venues may be required. Prerequisite: Senior standing in the School of Theatre Arts. Offered each spring.
THEA 455 - Directing Workshop
Experiential course in which advanced directors work develop and execute concept-driven theatre pieces. Prerequisite: THEA 355. Offered in alternate years, spring semester.
THEA 471 - American Theatre History
A study of the most significant events, plays and individuals in the American theatre from 1665 to the present. Offered occasionally.
THEA 481 - Acting Shakespeare
Advanced work in acting, focused on techniques and approaches needed for Shakespeare's plays. Classes will include textual analysis as well as scene study. Designed for BFA performers, though BA Theatre students may be admitted based on availability and audition. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: THEA 280 or 288 and consent of instructor. Offered every fall semester.
THEA 482 - Actors' Studio
An advanced performance course. Content will vary depending upon the needs of the students and the expertise of the instructor. Course may include advanced scene and character work, contemporary techniques, audition preparation and discussion of the transition into the profession. Designed for BFA performers, though BA students may be admitted based on availability and audition. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: THEA 280 or 288 and consent of instructor. Offered each fall.
THEA 483 - Acting for the Camera
Advanced work in acting, designed to introduce the student to the special demands of the camera and the unique challenges encountered when acting in film/video productions. Through selected readings, exercises and on-camera scene work, the student will develop modified acting techniques appropriate to this intensely intimate performance medium and learn to adapt to its non-sequential production format. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: THEA 280 or 288 and consent of instructor. Offered each fall.
THEA 484 - Voice/Speech IV (.5)
Work on freeing breath and voice continues. Methods for learning accents and dialects are explored and applied to work on monologues. Also covered are approaches to voice and speech work during rehearsal and performance. Open to BFA performers only. Prerequisite: THEA 384 or declared major in Music Theatre. Offered in second seven weeks each spring term.
THEA 485 - Rapier and Dagger
Advanced movement course that includes scene work. Students will learn safe and effective techniques for performance of staged violence, using the rapier and the dagger. Prerequisite: THEA 385 or consent of instructor. Offered in alternate years.
THEA 486 - Sticks and Stones
Advanced movement/acting class. Students will learn safe and effective techniques for performance of staged violence. The course will focus on use of only one weapon, most often broadsword technique. However, the course could focus on small sword, quarterstaff, sword and shield, single sword, found weaponry or any weapon currently recognized by the American Society of Fight Directors. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: THEA 385 or consent of instructor. Offered alternate years.
THEA 490 - Practicum
Advanced practical work for upper level Theatre Arts and Music Theatre majors. Students will assume major production responsibilities in one of the following areas: directing, design, assistant directing, stage managing, etc. A contract outlining specific assignments must be filed with the Director of the School of Theatre Arts. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Consent of the Director of the School. Offered each semester.
THEA 491 - Degree Project
All theatre arts students may submit a degree project proposal. For detailed information about requirements and procedures, consult the Theatre Arts Handbook. A contract outlining specific assignments must be filed with the Director of the School of Theatre Arts. May be repeated for credit. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Consent of the Director of the School. Offered each semester.
THEA 497 - Independent Study: Theatre History and Dramatic Literature
Individual, concentrated study in theatre history or dramatic literature. A student must have permission of a sponsoring faculty member and the Director of the School of Theatre Arts. May be repeated for credit if subject matter is not duplicated. Offered each semester.
THEA 498 - Independent Study: Performance
Individual, concentrated study in performance. A student must have permission of a sponsoring faculty member and the Director of the School of Theatre Arts. May be repeated for credit if subject matter is not duplicated. Offered each semester.
THEA 499 - Independent Study: Design and Technical
Individual, concentrated study in design or technical theatre. A student must have permission of a sponsoring faculty member and the Director of the School of Theatre Arts. May be repeated for credit if subject matter is not duplicated. Offered each semester.
Courses in Film
FLM 110 - Film Aesthetics (AR)
This course will closely examine film as an item of popular culture and as a serious art form with the aim of developing an understanding of the language of film drawn from its narrative content and formal structure. Special attention will be given to the thematic elements of the film and the unique ways in which the narrative mode is given cinematic realization. Offered in alternate years.
FLM 320 - Film Theory (LIT)
This course explores a variety of theories of and critical approaches to film, including modernism and realism, genre theory, queer theory and feminist criticism. Through reading of critical articles, viewing of films and in-class discussion, students will learn how to apply theoretical framework to films across time periods and styles. Prerequisite: FLM 110 and one additional cinema class or 200-300 level English literature class. Offered in alternate years.
FLM 330 - Videography
This course is designed for students interested in developing skills in digital videography. Through lecture and hands-on, mentored, technical training, students will study camera basics, the art of shot-making, editing, color grading, special effects, audio capture and engineering. Through the production of various video projects, students will work to bridge the gap between technical proficiency and creative expression. Prerequisite: FLM 110. Offered each spring semester.
FLM 431 - Directed Study in Video Production
Advanced practical work for upper level students on the Film minor. Students will assume major production responsibilities for THEA 483 Acting for the Camera, including video-taping, lighting and audio capture of actors' in-class exercises, monologues, scenes; writing, producing, directing and shooting a short motion picture; and post-production on all recording media, including editing, titling, color correction, special effects and audio engineering. Attendance at all THEA 483 class meetings is required. Prerequisites: FLM 330 and consent of the THEA 483 instructor. Offered each fall semester.
FLM 432 - Independent Study
Individual, concentrated study in Film for advanced studetns of the Film minor. Students will be ordered around a single, major project, such as an original motion picture or a scholarly paper, which may be eligible for research honors. A contract outlining project details must be filed with the Director of the School of Theatre Arts. Students must have permission of a sponsoring faculty member and the Director of the School. Prerequisites: FLM 320 and 330. Offered each semester.
Courses in Music Theatre
MUTH 32, 32X - Music Theatre Pit Orchestra (.25, 0)
This instrumental ensemble course runs in conjunction with the School of Theatre Arts' musical productions, including the rehearsal and performance run of the musical. May be repeated for credit. May be taken for credit or no credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Offered each semester.
MUTH 132 - Jazz Dance I (.25) (PE)
An introduction to the fundamentals of jazz dance technique. The course will build the student's jazz vocabulary and technical skill in properly executing the vocabulary. Students will be drilled in proper body alignment and proper body conditioning for jazz dance, and ability to perform simple jazz combinations. May be repeated for credit. Offered annually.
MUTH 133 - Tap Dance I (.25) (PE)
An introduction to the fundamentals of tap dance technique. The course will build the student's tap vocabulary and technical skill in properly executing that vocabulary. Students will be drilled in proper body alignment and proper body conditioning for tap dance, and ability to perform simple tap combinations. May be repeated for credit. Offered annually.
MUTH 134 - Ballet I (.25) (PE)
Beginning ballet: An introduction to the fundamentals of ballet technique. The course will build the student's ballet vocabulary and technical skill in properly executing that vocabulary. Students will be drilled in how to learn, master and perform simple ballet combinations. May be repeated for credit. Offered each semester.
MUTH 135 - Modern I (.25) (PE)
An introduction to the fundamentals of modern dance. The course will build the student's basic modern dance vocabulary and technical skills in properly executing that vocabulary. Students will be drilled in proper body alignment and proper body conditioning for modern dance, and ability to perform simple modern dance combinations. May be repeated for credit. Offered annually.
MUTH 160 - Music Theory for Musical Theatre I (.5)
Basic key concepts in music theory, including melody, rhythm, harmony and form using excerpts from musical theatre literature. The course includes related aural and sight singing instruction and integrates keyboard skills with written work in a laboratory setting. Offered every fall.
MUTH 160X - Musical Theatre Basic Keyboard I (0)
Basic keyboard reinforcement of theoretical concepts from MUTH 160 with special attention to the development of sufficient keyboard technique to handle simple vocal accompaniments.
MUTH 161 - Music Theory for Musical Theatre II (.5)
Basic analysis of musical theatre songs, presenting models for the singing actor on how to use music analysis to aid performance. The course continues instruction of key concepts of music theory including scales, intervals and elementary voice-leading and basic harmonics. The course includes related aural and sight singing instruction and integrates keyboard skills with written work in a laboratory setting. Offered every spring.
MUTH 161X - Music Theatre Basic Keyboard II (0)
Basic keyboard reinforcement of theoretical concepts from MUTH 161 with special attention to the development of sufficient keyboard technique to handle simple vocal accompaniments.
MUTH 162, 163 - Freshman Applied Voice for Music Theatre (.5)
Instruction in the area of applied voice for Music Theatre students. In addition to providing instruction in vocal technique, this course introduces students to the repertoire and styles associated with the Music Theatre genre. Students will receive private instruction and will participate as a member of a repertory class. 162 offered each fall; 163 offered each spring.
MUTH 232 - Jazz Dance II (.25) (PE)
Intermediate jazz dance technique. The course will expand jazz vocabulary as well as explore more difficult styles and combinations. Students will be expected to master intermediate level rhythm, strength, stretching, stamina and body awareness suitable to the jazz idiom. Prerequisite: MUTH 135 or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. Offered annually.
MUTH 233 - Tap Dance II (.25) (PE)
Intermediate tap dance technique. The course will expand tap vocabulary as well as explore more difficult styles and combinations. Students will be expected to master intermediate level rhythm, strength, stretching, stamina and body awareness suitable to the tap idiom. Prerequisite: MUTH 133 or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. Offered annually.
MUTH 234 - Ballet II (.25) (PE)
Intermediate ballet technique. The course will expand ballet vocabulary as well as explore more difficult styles and combinations. Students will be expected to master intermediate level strength, stretching, stamina and body awareness suitable to the ballet idiom. Prerequisites: MUTH 134 or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. Offered each semester.
MUTH 235 - Modern Dance II (.25) (PE)
Intermediate modern technique. The course will expand modern dance vocabulary as well as explore more difficult styles and combinations. Students will be expected to master intermediate level strength, stretching, stamina and body awareness suitable to the modern dance idiom. Prerequisite: MUTH 135 or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. Offered each semester.
MUTH 262, 263 - Sophomore Applied Voice for Music Theatre (.5)
A continuation of applied work in Music Theatre as described under MUTH 162 and 163. 262 offered each fall; 263 offered each spring.
MUTH 331 - Broadway Dance Repertory
This seven week course will expose the students to choreography from Broadway musicals. Dances, in whole or in part, will be reconstructed/restaged. Students will be expected to become familiar with a variety of choreographers and styles. Prerequsite: Consent of instructor. Offered annually.
MUTH 332 - Jazz Dance III (.25) (PE)
Advanced jazz dance technique. The course will expand jazz dance vocabulary as well as explore more advanced styles and combinations. Students will be expected to master advanced level strength, stretching, stamina and body awareness sutable for the jazz dance idiom. Students will focus on exploring performance skills that range beyond the technique. Prerequisite: MUTH 232 or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. Offered annually.
MUTH 333 - Tap Dance III (.25) (PE)
Advanced tap dance technique. The course will expand tap dance vocabulary as well as explore more advanced styles and combinations. Students will be expected to master advanced level strength, stretching, stamina and body awareness sutable to the tap dance idiom. Students will focus on exploring performance skills that range beyond the technique. Prerequisite: MUTH 233 or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. Offered annually.
MUTH 334 - Ballet III (.25) (PE)
Advanced ballet technique. The course will expand ballet vocabulary as well as explore more advanced styles and combinations. Students will be expected to master advanced level strength, stretching, stamina and body awareness sutable to the ballet idiom. Students will focus on exploring performance skills that range beyond the technique. Prerequisite: MUTH 234 or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. Offered each semester.
MUTH 335 - Modern Dance III (.25) (PE)
Advanced modern dance technique. The course will expand modern dance vocabulary as well as explore more advanced styles and combinations. Students will be expected to master advanced level strength, stretching, stamina and body awareness sutable to the modern dance idiom. Students will focus on exploring performance skills that range beyond the technique. Prerequisite: MUTH 235 or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. Offered each semester.
MUTH 336 - Dance Composition (1)
An examination of the tools available to the dance choreographer for creating dance for the solo form. Areas of space, time and energy are addressed individually and in combination. Students have the opportunity to work on specific problems and to show the solutions to the class. Prerequisite: MUTH 232, 233, 234, 235 or consent of instructor. Offered in alternate years.
MUTH 337 - Choreography (1)
This course examines the theoretical and practical approaches to the art and creation of choreography. Elements of dance may also be applied in particular to the music theatre to discover and explore the problems inherent in choreography for the musical stage. Prerequisite: MUTH 332, 333, 334, 335 or consent of instructor. Offered occasionally.
MUTH 362, 363 - Junior Applied Voice for Music Theatre (.5)
A continuation of applied work in Music Theatre as described under MUTH 162. 362 offered each fall; 363 offered each spring.
MUTH 374 - Music Theatre History and Literature (AR)
This is a survey course exploring the evolution of early popular music in America and the surfacing of the Broadway standard while simultaneously investigating key figures in the development of the literature and practices of the modern musical. An emphasis is placed on the variety of ethnic music genres that combined to create the "Broadway sound" spanning the emergence of Tin Pan Alley to contemprary music theatre. Offered in alternate years.
MUTH 383 - Music Theatre Scene Study
This course is designed to address acting the song and advanced analysis and preparation of solo, duet and ensemble scenes from music theatre literature. On occasion this practice results in a final showcase of material explored during the semester. Prerequisite:MUTH 280 or consent of instructor.Offered in alternate years.
MUTH 435 - Advanced Contemporary Dance: Advanced Techniques and Strategies (.5 or 1)
This course challenges each student on their artistic journey to better understand their body: how and why they move the way they do. By deconstructing dance technique, giving special attention to acting, physical storytelling and musicality, this course is an upper level and intensive experience in dance technique. Available for variable credit: 0/5 units focusing on class work, 1.0 units focusing on class work, the broader world of contemporary dance and exploring the mechanics of the body at a deeper level. Prequisite: Consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. Offered each semester.
MUTH 462, 463 - Senior Applied Voice for Music Theatre (.5)
A continuation of applied work in Music Theatre as described under MUTH 162. 462 offered each fall; 463 offered each spring.
MUTH 483 - Music Theatre Workshop
This course is designed to investigate, encourage and promote new work by contemporary composers in an educational setting, providing the studetns of the School of Theatre Arts with an opportunity to experience the collaborative process between originator, actor, form and the professional world of music theatre. The students will workshop a single musical of a selection of chamber muscials resulting in a midterm public reading and final workshop presentation. Prerequisite: THEA 280 or consent of instructor. Offered in alternate years.
MUTH 494 - Music Theatre: Special Projects
Individual work in the areas of dance, music theatre performance, production and/or auditioning. This course is designed to provide faculty supervision in learning specialized performance techniques, in developing resume and portfolio material or in developing a senior music theatre recital. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and approval of project by music theatre faculty. Offered each semester.
Note: General education requirements are fulfilled by courses marked with the following symbols:
- AV - Analysis of Values
- AR - The Arts
- CSI - Contemporary Social Institutions
- CHC - Cultural and Historical Change
- FR - Formal Reasoning
- IT - Intellectual Traditions
- PE - Physical Education
- G - Encountering Global Diversity
- LT - Literature
- U - Encountering U.S. Diversity
- W - Writing Intensive
Jean Kerr - Associate Professor, Director of the School of Theatre Arts
Department - School Of Theatre Arts