CHAIR: JAMES R.
MILLER
The performing arts require the collaborative efforts of
many talented individuals. Every dramatic, musical, or dance
performance by a talented artist on stage or screen requires
years of training and practice. Just as important to each
performance are the individuals who work behind the scenes
to make it happen. The stage make-up artists, costume designers,
sound technicians, scene designers, and directors all play
vital roles in any theatrical effort. The Department of Theatre
and Dance provides an opportunity for every individual who
is interested in the performing arts to explore their talents
and find their niche.
Theatre Program
PROGRAM COORDINATOR: JAMES
R. MILLER
NAVIGATION: Theatre Major
| Theatre Minor | Musical
Theatre Major | Theatre Major
with Secondary Teacher Certificate | Course
Descriptions
FACULTY: Fisher,
Hanssen, Hasekoester,
McIntyre, Soare
Theatre reflects the human condition in the study of a
wide range of behavior, relationships, periods of history,
social configurations and aesthetic styles. Involvement in
this collaborative art form finds students growing in theatre
skills and techniques, better understanding themselves, solving
problems, working within a group and meeting production deadlines.
A theatre major first studies each area of the theatre
to gain substantial knowledge of acting, technical theatre,
costuming, lighting and scenic design, stage makeup, history,
criticism, and directing. From that background, a person
can specialize in one of these areas with additional course
work in theatre, and in such fields as music, dance, art,
industrial education, radio and television, or teacher education.
Bachelor of Fine Arts degree programs are available in musical
theatre, acting and directing, design and technical theatre,
and secondary education.
Students have the opportunity to act in shows every semester.
As they develop expertise in areas of their primary interest,
advanced students are chosen to stage manage, to design lights,
sets, costumes, sound, makeup, and to direct for major productions.
Productions are staged in either the large, 396-seat proscenium
theatre or the 90-seat thrust theatre. The theatres themselves,
and the scene and costume shops are equipped with excellent
technical equipment. Guest directors and professional workshops
provide students additional contacts with other people in
professional theatre. The proximity to Houston also allows
students exposure to many venues of professional theatre,
opera, dance, film and other forms of entertainment.
Graduates of the theatre program are well prepared for
rewarding careers in professional or educational theatre
or for graduate school.
Scholarships are available through the theatre program
for theatre and musical theatre majors. Performance, technical
and design auditions are held each spring for freshman and
transfer students entering in the fall. Continuing scholarships
are available for application toward the end of each semester.
Contact the Department or visit the website for further information.
Student assistantships are available for advanced theatre
students who work in scenery, properties, costuming, lighting
and management.
Required Courses for Major
All theatre majors are required to register for THR114
or 314, theatre workshop, for 6 semesters. Musical theatre
majors with a theatre emphasis are required to register for
4 semester hours of production crew. Musical theatre majors
with a dance or music emphasis are required to register for
2 hours of production crew. These semester hours do not reduce
the requirements for 3-hour courses necessary for the major.
A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Acting
and Directing consists of the following requirements: 66
hours of theatre, 114 for two semesters, 314 for four semesters,
160, 161, 162, 164, 230, 231, 232, 265, 268, 337, 360, 369,
370, one design course from 334, 430, 461, 470 or 471, 463,
466, 467, 9 hours of advanced theatre electives, 6 hours
of art, 3 hours of music and 6 hours of dance, plus a 42
hour core and 9 additional hours of English. A minor is not
required in this degree program.
There are variations in this degree that allow a focus
in Design and Technical Theatre. The design and technical
theatre emphasis would eliminate the requirements of THR
232, 369, 370, and add all design classes: THR 334, 430,
460, along with 6 hours of advanced theatre electives, and
3 additional hours of art.
Curriculum:
Major In Theatre, Acting & Directing Emphasis
BACHELOR OF ARTS |
|
|
|
|
First Year |
Credit |
Second Year |
Credit |
THR 114 (2 semesters) |
2 |
THR 314 (2 semesters) |
2 |
THR 160, 161, 162, 164, 230 |
15 |
THR 231, 232, 265, 268 |
12 |
ENG 164, 165 |
6 |
Component Area 4 (Literature) |
3 |
HIS 163, 164 |
6 |
MTH 164 or 170 |
3 |
DNC 126 |
2 |
ENG (Literature, Adv.) |
3 |
KIN 215 |
1 |
CS 133 |
3 |
|
32 |
POL 261, POL (200-level) |
6 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
|
Third Year |
Credit |
Fourth Year |
Credit |
THR 314 (2 semesters) |
2 |
THR 460, 463, 466, 467, |
12 |
THR 337, 360, 369 |
9 |
THR electives from 431, 432,
433, 462, 468, 469, 487, 489, 492 |
9 |
THR 334, 430, 461 (any two) |
6 |
ART 6 hrs. from 163, 164,
260, or 370 |
6 |
Component Area 5 |
3 |
ENG (Literature, Adv.) |
6 |
Component Area 3 (Natural
Science, from two departments) |
8 |
|
33 |
Music 165, 166 or 265 |
3 |
|
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theatre is available
with an emphasis in theatre, music, or dance. The theatre
emphasis requires 48 hours of theatre, 16 to 27 hours of
dance and 24 hours of music. The dance emphasis requires
30 to 48 hours of dance, 31 hours of theatre, and 24 hours
of music. The music emphasis requires 40 hours of music,
31 hours of theatre, and 19 to 27 hours of dance.
Entry into the musical theatre program is by audition only,
and those auditions are scheduled toward the end of every
semester. Contact the Theatre Program for information.
Curriculum: Major
In Musical Theatre, Theatre Emphasis
BACHELOR OF ARTS |
|
|
|
|
First Year |
Credit |
Second Year |
Credit |
THR 114 (2 semesters) |
2 |
THR 314 (2 semesters) |
2 |
THR 161, 162, 164 |
9 |
THR 230, 231, 268 |
9 |
THR 314 Musical Theatre Workshop
(2 semesters) |
2 |
THR 314 Musical Theatre Workshop
(2 semesters) |
2 |
DNC 126 or 233 (2 semesters) |
4-6 |
DNC 126, 233 or 234 (2 semesters) |
4-6 |
MUS 161, 265, 111X, 112X |
8 |
MUS 122, 123, 124, 125 |
8 |
VOI 101X (2 semesters) |
4 |
VOI 101X (2 semesters) |
4 |
HIS 163 |
3 |
Component Area 4 (Literature) |
3 |
ENG 164,165 |
6 |
HIS 164 |
3 |
|
38-40 |
|
35-37 |
|
|
|
|
Third Year |
Credit |
Fourth Year |
Credit |
THR 314 Musical
Theatre Workshop (2 semesters) |
2 |
THR 314 Musical
Theatre Workshop (2 semesters) |
2 |
THR 369, 370 |
6 |
THR 432, 466, 467, 471 |
12 |
DNC 232 |
3 |
DNC 333 or 433 (2 semesters) |
6 |
DNC 333 (2 semesters) |
6 |
VOI 301X (1 hour each semester) |
2 |
VOI 301X (1 hour each semester) |
2 |
Component Area 3 (Natural
Science from two different departments) |
8 |
MTH 164 or 170 |
3 |
Component Area 4 (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
POL 261, POL (200-level) |
6 |
Component Area 5 |
3 |
CS 133 or equivalent |
3 |
|
36 |
|
32-35 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Curriculum:
Major In Theatre (Secondary Teaching Certification)*
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS |
|
|
|
|
First Year |
Credit |
Second Year |
Credit |
THR 114 (2 semesters) |
2 |
THR 314 (2 semesters) |
2 |
THR 160, 161, 162, 164, 230 |
15 |
THR 231, 232, 265, 268, 369 |
15 |
ENG 164, 165 |
6 |
Component Area 4 (Literature) |
3 |
HIS 163, 164 |
6 |
CS 133 or 138 |
3 |
MTH 164 or 170 |
3 |
POL 261, POL (200-level) |
6 |
DNC 126 |
2 |
Natural Science, from two different departments) |
3 |
KIN 215 |
1-3 |
|
32 |
|
32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third Year |
Credit |
Fourth Year |
Credit |
THR 314 (2 semesters) |
2 |
THR 463, 460 or 471, 6 hrs.
electives at 400 level |
12 |
THR 337, 360, 466, 467 |
12 |
THR electives from 431, 432,
433, 462, 468, 469, 487, 489, 492 |
9 |
THR 334, 430, 461 (any two) |
6 |
SED 394, 464, 480, 496, 497 |
15 |
Component Area 4 (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
SCM 384 |
3 |
SED 374 |
3 |
Component Area 5 |
3 |
Music 165, 166 or 265 |
3 |
|
33 |
SED 383, RDG 392 |
6 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
* A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with secondary
teaching certification requires a minor in another academic
area (18-24 hrs.) beyond the courses listed above. |
Theatre Minor. A minor in
theatre usually consists of the following courses: 2 courses
from 160, 161, 162, and 164, 230, 231, 268, 460, 466 plus
3 hours of THR 114 or 314.
University Theatre: Auditions for productions are
open to all students. The Theatre operates in conjunction
with theatre workshop for which one hour of credit per semester
may be received.
THEATRE COURSE
DESCRIPTIONS
THR 114 THEATRE WORKSHOP. One
semester hour of credit may be received per semester for
work done in this practical workshop consisting of actual
work on productions. Required of theatre and musical theatre
majors. May be repeated for credit. Credit 1.
THR 160 TECHNICAL THEATRE: Stage
Scenery. [DRAM 1330] An introduction to technical practices
in set construction, scenic painting, and the building of
stage properties. Credit 3.
THR 161 TECHNICAL THEATRE: Stage
Lighting. A study of the basic techniques of theatre lighting
and computer drafting for lighting design. Credit 3.
THR 162 TECHNICAL THEATRE: Stage
Costuming. [DRAM 1342] A study of the basic techniques of
costuming, sewing, dyeing, and distressing fabrics. Credit
3.
THR 164 ACTING I. [DRAM 1351]
A study of basic techniques in body, voice, and characterization
as they are applied to the performance of stage tasks by
the actor. Credit 3.
THR 166 THEATRE APPRECIATION.
[DRAM 1310] An analysis of the theatrical experience for
the audience. Examination of theatres relation to the
broad contemporary scene and its relation to past eras. Examination
of the production elements necessary to provide the theatrical
experience. Credit 3.
THR 230 STAGE MAKE-UP. [DRAM
1341] A survey of the reasons for stage make-up and the types
of make-up available. Principles of designing make-up for
characters in a play. Intensive practical application. Credit
3.
THR 231 THEATRE SPEECH I. [DRAM
2336] Beginning training in the release of the voice for
effective communication. Work on breathing, projection, placement,
articulation, resonance, and quality. Credit 3.
THR 232 THEATRE SPEECH II. Advanced
training in application of appropriate vocal techniques to
produce optimum control of quality, projection, and precision
in diction. Ultimately the application is in fusing technique
with the actors interpretation of roles. Prerequisites:
SCM 162 or THR 231, 164, or consent of the instructor. Credit
3.
THR 265 STAGE AND THEATRE MANAGEMENT.
Study of theatre management with emphasis on organizational
and technical responsibilities of the stage manager as well
as the public relations responsibility of the production
team and the theatre manager. Credit 3.
THR 268 ACTING II. A concentration
on the techniques of freeing the body, body language, and
movement in the development of characterization and actor
technique. Prerequisite: THR 164 or consent of instructor.
Credit 3.
THR 314.01 THEATRE WORKSHOP.
One semester hour of credit may be received per semester
for work done in this practical workshop consisting of actual
work on productions. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. May
be repeated for credit. Credit 1.
THR 314.02 THEATRE WORKSHOP.
Rehearsal and performance. May be repeated for credit. Credit
1.
THR 314.03 THEATRE WORKSHOP.
Scene work in directing class. May be repeated for credit.
Credit 1.
THR 314.04 MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP.
Freshman and sophomore levels. May be repeated for credit.
Credit 1.
THR 314.05 MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP.
Junior and senior levels. May be repeated for credit. Credit
1.
THR 330 ADVANCED STAGE MAKEUP. Investigation
of and experimentation with three-dimensional makeup constructions
to provide drastic alteration of the actors face for
stage, film, and television. Prerequisite: THR 230 or consent
of the instructor. Credit 3.
THR 334 STAGE COSTUME DESIGN.
A survey of historical costume; contrast of general clothing
with stage costume; and consideration of all elements involved
in designing costumes for an entire production. Prerequisite:
sophomore standing. Credit 3.
THR 335 COSTUME CONSTRUCTION.
Pattern drafting and construction techniques for period costumes.
Projects may include bodices, skirts, corsets, panniers,
bustles, crinolines, and 18th and 19th century mens
coats. Prerequisites: THR 334 or 337 or consent of the instructor.
Credit 3.
THR 337 HISTORY OF COSTUME.
A survey of historical costumes and accessories by periods
from ancient Egypt to the present day; contrast of general
clothing with stage costumes. Writing Enhanced Course. Prerequisite:
sophomore standing or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
THR 360 HISTORY OF THE THEATRE I.
A survey of the origins of the theatre, with major concentration
centered upon the development of the western theatre from
the Greeks to the NeoClassic. Credit 3.
THR 369 ACTING III. Detailed
study of action and characterization through scene study,
research, and self-use, utilizing interior and exterior methods
to develop a working method for each actor. Prerequisite:
THR 164, 268 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
THR 370 ACTING IV. Advanced
scene study with concentration on textual analysis, structure,
diction, and rhythm of the script. Prerequisite: 9 hours
of acting courses or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
THR 430 SCENE DESIGN. Elements
of scene design that are used to capture the mood, atmosphere,
and idea of a play. Students will be extensively involved
in sketching, perspective drawing, and creating designs to
scale. Prerequisites: THR 160, junior standing or consent
of the instructor. Credit 3.
THR 431 ACTING FOR THE CAMERA.
An intensive and practical study of the special techniques
of acting for film and television; extensive scene work in
front of the camera. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.
Credit 3.
THR 432 AUDITIONING FOR THE COMMERCIAL
THEATRE. The preparation of audition materials which
suit the variety of demands in the commercial world of theatre,
musical theatre, cinema, and television. Prerequisite: consent
of the instructor. Credit 3.
THR 433 PERIOD ACTING STYLES.
Scripts, manners, customs, and movement characteristics of
Greek, Elizabethan, Jacobean and Restoration periods and
twentieth century non-realistic play styles will be studied
through acting scenes from plays of those times. Prerequisite:
THR 164. Credit 3.
THR 460 HISTORY OF THE THEATRE III.
A Survey of changing styles in theatre, from the Romantic
revolution through the Realistic movement to the innovations
of the twentieth century theatre. Writing Enhanced Course.
Credit 3.
THR 461 STAGE LIGHTING. The study
of lighting design as an art; the history of stage lighting
and a study of contemporary stage lighting techniques, practices,
and equipment. Students will design lighting for a show of
their own choosing. Prerequisite: THR 161 and basic computer
literacy or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
THR 462 PLAYWRITING. A study
of the elements of playwriting through writing exercises
designed to enhance the understanding of structure, style,
character and dialogue. Writing Enhanced Course. Prerequisite:
junior standing or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
THR 463 DRAMATIC THEORY AND CRITICISM.
A study of the principles of various styles and periods of
dramaturgy, involving a history of criticism from Aristotle
to the present. Representative plays will be analyzed for
theme, structure, characterization and dialogue with a view
to their influences on contemporary theatre. Emphasis is
placed on written student criticism and evaluation of plays.
Writing Enhanced Course. Credit 3.
THR 465 PRACTICUM IN ADVANCED THEATRE
DESIGN. A course in advanced rendering and design to
prepare the costume, scenery, or lighting design student
for the competitive marketplace. Prerequisite: two of the
following design courses: THR 334, 430, or 461; consent of
instructor. Credit 3.
THR 466:467
PLAY DIRECTING. Basic director preparation in script
analysis, communication skills, creating groundplans and
scene study through a wide variety of theatrical styles.
There is actual direction of short scenes, which increase
in length and complexity. Prerequisite: junior standing.
Credit 3 each.
THR 468 EXPERIMENTAL THEATRE PRODUCTION.
Analysis of plays that depart from the realistic genre and
examination of new production possibilities arising out of
developments in theatre technology that will complement the
experiments of the playwrights. Application of theory in
laboratory productions. Writing Enhanced Course. Credit 3.
THR 469 DIALECTS AND ACCENTS FOR
THE THEATRE. Emphasis is placed upon the regional dialects
of Great Britain and upon the accents which characterize
English as spoken by the natives of the various European
countries. Intensive practical application in rehearsing
appropriate scenes from plays. Prerequisite: THR 164 or consent
of the instructor. Credit 3.
THR 471 THE AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE.
The history of the development of musical theatre (excluding
opera) in America. Emphasis is placed on written student
criticism and evaluation of musical theatre. Writing Enhanced
Course. Credit 3.
THR 475 SCENE PAINTING. Hands-on
projects develop technical information in creating illusionistic
environments for theatrical productions. Credit 3.
THR 487 WORKSHOP IN CREATIVE DRAMATICS.
Fundamental theories and elements of creative drama, with
emphasis in developing and guiding creative drama activities
such as storytelling, improvisation, rhythmic and interpretative
movement, puppetry, theatre in education techniques and pantomime.
The course is designed for prospective teachers grades K-12.
Credit 3.
THR 489 REPERTORY THEATRE. A
unified approach to theatre, contrasted with the compartmentalized
division of labor used more frequently, allowing the self-contained
group to do all of the production work as well as the acting.
May be repeated for credit. Offered in summer terms. Credit
3.
THR 492 UNDERGRADUATE SEMINAR IN
DRAMA. A course for the undergraduate student which will
allow a student to pursue particular problems beyond the
limits of current course offerings. The problem, however,
will be within the students area of specialization.
Prerequisite: permission of the Program Coordinator. May
be repeated for credit. Credit 3.
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