SHSU Undergraduate Catalogue 2002 - 2004 SHSU Student
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DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE AND DANCE

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 theatre’s 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 actor’s 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 actor’s 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 men’s 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 student’s area of specialization. Prerequisite: permission of the Program Coordinator. May be repeated for credit. Credit 3.