Course Descriptions

THE 104 - Voice and Movement for the Actor

1. Demonstrate improvement in the following physical and vocal impediments: fear, tension, faulty habitual diction patterns, and inhibitions.
2. Develop an inventory of physical and vocal warm-ups.
3. Demonstrate an inventory of vocal and physical problem areas.
4. Perform basic stage movement practices.
5. Utilize voice and gesture as a direct extension of emotion.
6. Demonstrate skills in developing dialects.
7. Practice skills in physical phrasing and gesture.

1. Personalized Vocal Inventory Based on Early Class Presentation
2. Vocal and Physical Relaxation Exercises
3. Breathing Exercises
4. Resonance Exercises
5. Articulation Exercises
6. Psychological Gesture
7. Formal Movement Techniques for Realism
8. Stage Combat and Safety Procedures
9. Psychological Posture Profiles and Accompanying Gesture
10. Character Tempos and Rhythms
11. Introduction to International Phonetic Alphabet
12. Introduction to Rehearsal Pantomime (Use of Space)
13. Reading Assignments
14. Viewing and Critiquing of Two Performances
15. Review of Vocal and Physical Warm-Ups
16. Review of IPA
17. Introduction to Dialects: Use of Various Texts
18. Introduction to Pronunciation Dictionaries
19. Application of at Least One Dialect
20. Physical Gesture and Movement to Define Character
21. Application of Images to Free the Voice

THE 105 - Theater Appreciation [SUN# THE 1100]

1. Describe the nature of theater as an art form and relate it to other fine arts.
2. Identify and define different genre of dramatic literature.
3. Identify the role and responsibilities of the major individuals who collaborate to produce theatre.
4. Demonstrate in writing the ability to make critical judgment about a live theatre experience.
5. Articulate the academic and professional preparation required for employment in this discipline.
6. Provide a rough outline of the following phases of theatre history and literature: Ancient Egypt, Classical Greek and Roman, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Elizabethan, Modern and Contemporary American.
7. Explain who William Shakespeare was and what his contributions to theatre history.
8. Read and analyze selected plays referenced above for themes, plot, genre distinctions, denouement, character development, dramatic structure, and production challenges.

1. Setting the Stage for Understanding and Appreciating Theatre Arts
   1. Why study theatre arts?
   2. Where the magic happens: “the seeing place”
   3. Making critical judgment about the art
   4. Historical beginnings
   5. Choosing a season
   6. Royalties
2. The Artists: A Collaborative Effort
   1. The playwrights
      1. Past
      2. Present
   2. Directors
      1. Play directors
      2. Choreographers
      3. Musical directors
      4. Actors
      5. The acting process
      6. Professional affiliations
   3. Designers
      1. Scenic elements
      2. Lighting
      3. Costumes
      4. Properties
   4. Pre-performance activities: bringing it all together
      1. Auditions: casting the play
      2. Taping the floor
      3. Rehearsal schedules
      4. Marketing
3. In Production: Getting to Opening Night and Beyond
   1. Managing the play production process
      1. Stage managers
      2. House managers
      3. Box office managers
   2. Performance
      1. Audience etiquette
      2. Actor responsibilities
      3. Manager responsibilities
   3. Post-performance
      1. Strikes
      2. Post mortems
   4. Theatre arts academic degrees
      1. Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
      2. Master of Arts (M.A.)
      3. Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
      4. Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)
      5. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
   5. The future of theatre artsa

THE 110 - Movement and Dance for Actors

1. Demonstrate the fundamentals of dance technique and basic movement sequences independently and in small groups.
2. Demonstrate improvement in dance technique in at least three styles.
3. Observe, reflect, and articulate dance rehearsals and/or a performance.
4. Develop observation and analysis skills to identify Western dance styles (ballet, jazz, modern, tap) and performance traditions from other cultures. 

1. Physical Routine/Relaxation Exercises
2. Physical Warm-Up Exercises
3. Basic Vocabulary for Movement
4. The Use of Movement in Developing Acting Skills
5. Improvisation for Scenes and Text Analysis
6. Execution of Basic Dance and Movement for Musical Theater
7. History of Dance and Movement for Musical Theater
   1. History and development of dance and movement
   2. Influence of diverse cultures on dance in the United States
8. Exercises to Develop an Understanding and Ability to Execute
   1. Rhythm
   2. Tempo
   3. Gesture
   4. Energy

THE 111 - Stagecraft

1. Apply technical theater terminology to different stage surroundings.
2. Demonstrate the correct use of hand and power tools.
3. Apply the principles of stage construction.
4. Research period styles in costumes and properties.
5. Discuss color theory as it applies to technical theater.
6. Use hand and power tools safely to construct scenery and props.
7. Discuss various construction techniques.
8. Discuss and operate basic stage lighting equipment.
9. Perform scenic painting techniques.
10. Operate other stage equipment safely (i.e. pinrail, wagons, special effects).

1. Theater Organization
2. Theater Geography
3. Theater and Shop Safety
4. Tools and Applications
5. Hardware and Applications
6. Historic Overview of Scenery
7. Construction Design for Flats and Platforms
8. Three-Dimensional Scenery
9. Properties Research
10. Organization
11. Acquisition
12. Construction
13. Maintenance
14. Costume Design and Execution
15. Stage Rigging Systems
16. Stage  Lighting
17. Paint
18. Application of Safety Principles to Hand and Power Tool Use
19. Stage Hardware
20. Materials Handling
21. Measuring Techniques
22. Construction and Assembly Techniques
23. Finishing Techniques
24. Rigging Techniques
25. Painting Techniques

THE 113 - Stagecraft Crew

1. Perform specific crew functions in the areas of scenery construction.
2. Perform specific crew functions in the areas of assembly and painting.
3. Perform specific crew functions in the areas of stage lighting.
4. Perform specific crew functions in the areas of property acquisition.
5. Perform specific crew functions in the areas of construction.
6. Perform specific crew functions in the areas of organization.

1. Scenic Cost Estimates and Budget
2. Construction
3. Planning and Execution
4. Production Deadlines
5. Property Acquisition
6. Props Construction
7. Painting and Finishing
8. Stage Lighting
9. Scenery Shifting
10. Property Organization/Distribution/Security

THE 121 - Introduction to Theater Design

1. Analyze scripts for scenic, light, costume, and sound information.
2. Research period styles.
3. Develop appropriate scenery, light, costume and sound designs.
4. Choose design materials to plan and execute techniques appropriate for budget and stage use.

1. Costume History, Elements, and Purpose
2. Scenic Elements and Historical Context
3. Sound Elements and Historical Context
4. Lighting Elements and Historical Context
5. Design Processes and Techniques

THE 125 - Theater Production

2 Credits, 6 Contact Hours
0 lecture periods 6 lab periods

The practical application of exploratory learning within an ensemble setting. Includes the relating of ideas and possibilities to practical methods, skills and structure of Theatrical Production.

Information: Consent of instructor is required before enrolling in this course. May be taken two times for a maximum of four credit hours. If this course is repeated, see a financial aid or Veteran’s Affairs advisor to determine funding eligibility as appropriate.

1. Demonstrate the ability to transfer the chosen module and process techniques from classroom instruction to a Theater Arts production.
2. Actively participate in specific area(s) of a production and attend all required design meetings, rehearsals and performances.
3. Develop the ability to carefully plan their area of responsibility and coordinate between all production

         teams.

1. Acting
2. Directing
3. Stage Management
4. Production Design
5. House Management
6. Running Crew
7. Construction

THE 149 - Introduction to Acting I

1. Define and apply vocabulary for the physical stage and for the study, rehearsal, and acting processes.
2. Locate, follow and record in abbreviations stage blocking.
3. Analyze a character as to beats, intentions, and super objectives.
4. Demonstrate play, verbally and non-verbally, intentions not defined in the language used.
5. Write a critique of performances.
6. Demonstrate methods of finding a character within oneself.
7. Prepare and invest physical qualities to ersatz properties.
8. Relate to other people and other actors.
9. Use body and emotions in the presentation of a character.
10. Demonstrate spontaneity and intuitive responses while playing a role imposed by director or playwright.
11. Perform at an audition with decreased anxiety.
12. Modify and lose undesirable self-consciousness while performing and rehearsing.
13. Develop concentration on an action.
14. Make a commitment to oneself to the moment of acting and its preparation.

1. Theatrical Codes of Behavior
2. Understanding and Application
   1. Vocabulary of the physical stage
   2. The analysis of character
   3. The acting and rehearsal process
3. Relationship Exercise and Structured Improvisations
4. Methods for the Control of Emotions and Body Control
5. Practice in Playing Verbal and Non-Verbal Intentions
6. Emotional Recall Techniques and Exercises
7. Concentration and Centering Exercises
8. Physical Investment Exercises
9. Techniques of Physical Projection of Emotional States
10. Imagery Application Training
11. Introduction to Auditioning
12. Attending and Writing Critiques of Two (2) Productions
13. Techniques for Maintaining Spontaneity
14. Character Analysis
15. Approach to Playing a Character
16. Development, Presentation, and Evaluation of Monologues and Scenes

THE 151 - Introduction to Acting II

1. Define and apply an expanded acting vocabulary that includes status and archetype.
2. Demonstrate a masterful evaluation and execution of script analysis. 
3. Demonstrate a masterful evaluation of character breakdown, analysis, and its application to the rehearsal process.
4. Develop some of the physical and vocal characteristic of another, and play the resulting altered bodily responses and emotional colorations. 
5. Demonstrate a deepened commitment and focus during rehearsal and performance. 
6. Perform well as part of an ensemble.
7. Demonstrate the ability to use the imagination in a focused way to procure characteristics of an invented or assigned character.
8. Demonstrate an ability to deliver complex and unfamiliar language (Ibsen and Chekov) in a natural way.

1. Advanced Theatre Game and Improvisations/Presentations of “Lip Sync”
2. Introduction to Status and its Application
   1. Rehearsal
   2. Performance
3. Rehearsal Conferences
4. Scene Presentations to Contemporary Text Cast to Challenge the Actor
5. Character Creation and Presentation Based on Archetype
6. Language Plays
   1. Ibsen
   2. Chekov

THE 210 - Screen Acting

1. Explain special technical skills aspects of acting before a camera.
2. Score screen text through use of beats, tactics, obstacles and discoveries.
3. Demonstrate improvisational skills and techniques for the camera.
4. Discuss concentration, relaxation and focus skills paramount for effective screen acting.
5. Identify and exhibit the vernacular of screen acting terminology.
6. Develop and discuss an individualized process for role analysis.
7. Explain the tools and skills needed to walk on a film set and produce.

1. Special Technical Aspects of Acting Before a Camera
   1. Focus and concentration skills
   2. Effective movement
2. Performance Preparation
   1. Monologue text for video tape critique and analysis
   2. Text scoring analysis
   3. Using tapes for personal exploration and self-analysis
3. Conduct of Performance
   1. Using two camera set-up for scene video taping
   2. Applications of long/medium shot/close-up techniques
   3. Text scoring analysis
   4. Using tapes for enhanced acting development

THE 220 - Stage Lighting

1. Identify and explain use of stage lighting hardware.
2. Analyze play scripts for lighting information.
3. Apply design principles to generate a lighting design.
4. Organize hardware and equipment through proper use of stage lighting paperwork.
5. Discuss the additive theory of color mixing.
6. Draft a stage lighting plot and generate appropriate paperwork.
7. Plan and execute safe special effects.
8. Utilize appropriate safety practices to hang, color, focus and patch stage lighting equipment.
9. Repair broken equipment.
10. Demonstrate basic control board operations.

1. Historical Context
2. Electricity and Lamps
3. Fixtures
4. Dimming Equipment
5. Control Equipment
6. Color Media Use and Handling
7. Design Techniques
8. Special Effects and Set Up
9. Stage Lighting Safety Procedures
10. Care
11. Maintenance
12. Proper Use of Lighting Equipment
13. Organization of Lighting Work
14. Operation

THE 222 - Stage Lighting Crew

1. Perform specific crew functions in the area of stage lighting preparation and execution.
2. Organize and schedule crew work.
3. Interpret designer needs and translate into functioning hardware.
4. Operate control equipment to perform cueing.

THE 245 - Principles of Dramatic Structure [SUN# THE 2220]

1. Analyze the major structural elements of dramatic literature, forms, and styles.
2. Examine major themes in dramatic literature including different genres and periods.
3. Analyze character from the play script within different theatrical genres.
4. Examine dramatic literature for language and poetic elements.
5. Examine theories of dramatic criticism as they relate to cultural context of different dramatic forms.

1. Reading the Play  
2. Stage Directions
3. Characters and Personages
   1. Expectations about the character
   2. Mapping characters
   3. Developing aspects of the character
   4. Character articulation
4. Plot and Diction
   1. Plot, action, and situation
   2. Story, plot, and narration
   3. Character and scenes
5. The Actor’s Body/Stage Directions
6. The Play Within Context

THE 250 - Acting: Audition for Theater

1. Demonstrate the ability to use research tools, library skills and Internet database research sites to acquire audition materials.
2. Analyze and execute material of each audition piece in terms of structure, beats, intention, and physical score of action.
3. Demonstrate skill in auditioning to include presentation of monologues (classical and contemporary), prepared sides, cold reads, and commercial scripts.
4. Construct a proper actor’s resume and headshot.

1. Introductions, Auditioning Basics, and Resume Fundamentals
2. Presentation of Prepared Audition Scenes (Plays)
3. Library and Internet Research Skills to Find a Monologue  
4. Contemporary Monologue Basics
5. Commercial Auditioning
   1. Cold reading
   2. Acting for the camera
6. Performance of Contemporary Monologues
7. Prepared Audition Scenes
   1. Film
   2. Television
8. Shakespeare Monologue Basics
9. Basics of Auditioning for Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA) Programs
10. Performance of Classical Monologues
11. Back to Back Performance of Both Monologues (Real World Audition Model)

THE 251 - Acting: Shakespeare and Classical Literature

1. Define (and scan in the case of iambic pentameter) the text of classical verse and prose. 
2. Explain how to use Shakespeare’s lexicon for the purpose of defining words specific to a given line.
3. Demonstrate an informed execution of classical text (Shakespeare, Moliere and Restoration Comedy).
4. Demonstrate the use of physical gestures and nuances required for classical texts. 

1. Introductions and Review of Character Analysis, Scene Breakdown, Archetype, and Status
2. Introduction to Farce
   1. Moliere
   2. Behn
3. Introduction to Restoration Comedy
   1. Congreve
   2. Wycherley
4. In Class Rehearsal Conferences
5. Scene Presentations from Farce and Restoration Comedy
6. Introduction to Shakespeare
7. Presentation of a Sonnet
8. Scene Presentation from Shakespeare

THE 296 - Independent Studies in Theater