Course Descriptions
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE | 105 | THEATRE HISTORY I | 3 (2-2) |
The elements of theatre are examined from the ancient Greeks through the 19th century with the objectives of understanding the development of theatre production, architecture, design, technology, acting styles, and playwriting. Concepts from lecture material are put to practical use in laboratory exercises where students stage scenes from historical plays.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE | 106 | SCRIPT ANALYSIS & PRODUCTION | 3 (2-2) |
This course offers students techniques on how to read a script and analyze it for themes, structure, style and meaning, so that a play can go from the printed page to a fully realized theatrical production. Topics include the selection of plays, casting, writing, directing, producing, acting, costuming, and scene design, including the application of these techniques to various media and special-purpose presentations.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE | 109 | ACTING I | 3 (2-2) |
This is a basic course in performance technique, designed to develop students' awareness of and capabilities in the acting process and to foster an understanding of theatre as a valuable area of human endeavor. The course will introduce basic communication skills, including physical and vocal presence in front of an audience and will develop acting skill through the use of regular warm-ups, improvisational, imaginative and ensemble-building theatre exercises as well as beginning scene study.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE | 110 | HOW TO AUDITION | 1 (1-1) |
This course develops the basic skills needed to complete a successful audition. Topics covered include professional pictures and resumes, finding an agent or manager, interviews, acting auditions, singing auditions, and dance auditions. Pre- or Co-requisite: THE 109
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE | 111 | THEATRE PRODUCTION & TECH I | 1 (1-1) |
Students learn about and work on theatrical production at the beginning level. Shop and studio work is complemented by lectures and demonstrations on the technical components of a theatre production. Topics covered include: designers and their functions; scenic and costume construction techniques; stage rigging, hardware and material; sound; lighting; stage procedures and safety. Simple drafting projects and the ability to read floor plans and stage elevations are stressed.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE | 112 | THEATRE PRODUCTION & TECH II | 1 (1-1) |
Students learn about and work on theatrical production at an intermediate level. Shop and studio work is complemented by lectures and demonstrations on the technical components of a theatre production. Topics covered include: designers and their functions; scenic and costume construction techniques; stage rigging, hardware and material; sound; lighting; stage procedures and safety. Simple drafting projects and the ability to read floor plans and stage elevations are stressed. Prerequisite: THE 111
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE | 120 | PERFORMING SKLLS FOR CLASSROOM | 3 (3-0) |
This theatre course empowers the education student with various theatrical performance skills to captivate students and creatively convey information. Lessons involve the use of physical and vocal animation and enthusiasm, humor, imaginative use of space, storytelling, role-playing, props, suspense and surprise. Note: This course is intended for students preparing to be teachers.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE | 161 | THEATRE PRACTICUM I | 3 (2-4) |
This course will enable the students to put theory into practice by experiencing first hand the creation of a live performance of a professional play from start to finish. This includes securing the rights to a play, pre-production meetings, casting, acting, stage managing and creating sets, lights, costumes, sound, props, multimedia, makeup, publicity and programs. The course will culminate in a series of public performances.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE | 201 | PLAY DIRECTING | 3 (2-2) |
Students will experience first-hand the theater director's role including their relation to the play, script, character analysis, the elements of drama, use of dialogue, dramatic devices, blocking and staging, casting, rehearsals and production. Also explored will be the director's relationship to the producer, as well as the technical aspects of the production -- lights, set, sound, costumes, props and multi-media. Prerequisite: THE 105.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE | 205 | THEATRE HISTORY II | 3 (2-2) |
The elements of theatre are examined from the 19th century to the present with the objectives of understanding the development of theatre production, architecture, design, technology, acting styles, and playwriting within a global context. Concepts from lecture material are put to practical use in laboratory exercises where students stage material from modern and contemporary plays and practitioners.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE | 209 | ACTING II | 3 (2-2) |
This course further develops the basic skills of acting that were introduced in Acting I. These skills include the development of imagination, emotional recall, sense memory, listening, body control, voice, improvisation, stage movement, textual analysis, creation of character, action and objective, rehearsal, and especially Scene Study, including the application of these skills to various media. Prerequisite: THE 109
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE | 211 | THEATRE PRODUCTION & TECH III | 1 (1-1) |
Students learn about and work on theatrical production at an advanced level. Shop and studio work is complemented by lectures and demonstrations on the technical components of a theatre production. Topics covered include: designers and their functions; scenic and costume construction techniques; stage rigging, hardware and material; sound; lighting; stage procedures; and safety. Simple drafting projects and the ability to read floor plans and stage elevations are stressed. Prerequisite: THE 112
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE | 212 | THEATRE PRODUCTION & TECH IV | 1 (1-1) |
Students learn about and work on theatrical production at a supervisory level. Shop and studio work is complemented by lectures and demonstrations on the technical components of a theatre production. Topics covered include: designers and their functions; scenic and costume construction techniques; stage rigging, hardware and material; sound; lighting; stage procedures; and safety. Simple drafting projects and the ability to read floor plans and stage elevations are stressed. Prerequisite: THE 211
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE | 220 | ACTING FOR THE CAMERA | 3 (2-2) |
This course provides an opportunity to study the practical approaches to acting in front of the camera. It is a study in contemporary performance with a basic and essential knowledge of on-camera acting for film and television, as well as voice-over recording. There is also opportunity for self-directed learning with group performances in the television studio and audio production suites, as well as performing in student-directed television projects. The course places an emphasis on on-camera acting/performing techniques. Prerequisite: THE 109 or COM 101
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE | 261 | THEATRE PRACTICUM II | 3 (2-4) |
This course is an opportunity for the advanced student to take a leadership role in the creation of a live performance of a professional play from start to finish. This might include pre-production work, casting, acting, stage managing, and creating sets, lights, costumes, sound, props, multi-media, makeup, publicity and programs. The course will culminate in a series of public performances. Prerequisite: THE 161.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE | 271 | SPECIAL STUDY PROJECT I | 1 (1-0) |
A special learning experience designed by one or more students with the cooperation and approval of a faculty member. Proposed study plans require departmental approval. Projects may be based on reading, research, travel, work experience, or other activities that advance the student's knowledge and competence in oral communication, theatre or related subjects. The student's time commitment to the project will be approximately 35-50 hours.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE | 272 | SPECIAL STUDY PROJECT II | 2 (2-0) |
Similar to THE 271, except that student's time commitment to the project will be approximately 70-90 hours.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE | 273 | SPECIAL STUDY PROJECT III | 3 (3-0) |
Similar to THE 271, except that student's time commitment to the project will be approximately 105-135 hours.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE | 280 | KCACTF PRACTICUM I | 1 (1-1) |
This travel course is for students who wish to travel to and participate in the Region I (NY & New England) Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. During the festival, students will participate in practical workshops, internships, auditions, competitions, and design expos, experience exceptional college theatre productions, and attend a large regional career and transfer fair. Throughout the festival students will work alongside peers from other colleges, and with top theatre professionals from across the country. Note: Students are responsible for associated course fees and travel expenses. Prerequisites: THE 105 or THE 106 or THE 109 or THE 161 AND permission of the department
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE | 281 | KCACTF PRACTICUM II | 1 (1-1) |
This travel course is for students who wish to travel to and participate in the Region I (NY & New England) Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. During the festival, students will participate in practical workshops, internships, auditions, competitions, and design expos, experience exceptional college theatre productions, and attend a large regional career and transfer fair. Throughout the festival students will work alongside peers from other colleges, and with top theatre professionals from across the country. Note: Students are responsible for associated course fees and travel expenses. Prerequisites: THE 280 AND permission of the department