Major in Theatre - Acting and Directing | Major in Theatre - Theatre Design and Technology | Major in Musical Theatre, Theatre Emphasis | Major in Theatre - Secondary Teaching Certification | Theatre Minor | Course Descriptions
Chair: Penelope Hasekoester (936) 294-1330
Faculty: Gregg Buck, Donald Childs, Ron Destro, Kristina Hanssen, Maureen McIntyre, Thomas Prior, Thomas Soare
Website: www.shsu.edu/~drm_www/
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 coursework in theatre, and in such fields as music, dance, art, 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 interests, advanced students are chosen to stage manage, to design lights, sets,
costumes, sound, makeup, and to direct major productions. Productions are staged in either the
large, 396-seat proscenium theatre or the 90-seat thrust theatre. The theatres themselves, as
well as 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.
The Theatre and Musical Theatre programs at Sam Houston State University:
The program also holds memberships and participates in:
Graduates of the theatre program are well prepared for rewarding careers in professional or educational theatre or for graduate school.
There is no minor required for a BFA in Theatre.
The Sam Houston State University Department of Theatre and Dance has a professional apprenticeship program with Theatre Under The Stars, Houston. This apprenticeship allows Sam Houston State University students to work with the Humphrey’s School of Musical Theatre and to work with Theatre Under The Stars in a performance as well as an arts administration capacity. In addition a new internship has been developed with STAGES Repertory Theatre in Houston.
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.
All theatre majors are required to register for THR 114 or 314, theatre workshop, for 4 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: THR114 for two semesters, 314 for two semesters, 160, 161, 162, 164, 230, 231, 232, 268, 337, 360, 365, 369, 370, 372, and 433, one design course from 334, 430 or 461; 460 or 471, 463, 466, 467, 3 hours of advanced theatre electives, 6 hours of art or music, and 6 hours of dance, and 6 additional hours of English. A minor is not required in this degree program.
Major in Theatre, Acting and Directing Emphasis
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, 268, 365 | 12 |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | Component Area 4 (Literature) | 3 |
| HIS 163, 164 | 6 | MTH 164 or 170 | 3 |
| DNC 126 | 2 | Component Area 4 (Cultural Studies) | 3 |
| KIN 215 | 1 | POL 261, POL (200-level) | 6 |
| 32 | 29 | ||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| THR 337, 360, 369, 372 | 12 | THR 433, 460, 463, 466, 467 | 15 |
| THR 334, 430, 461 (any two) | 3 | THR electives from 431, 432, 462, 468, 469, 487, 489, 492 | 6 |
| Component Area 3 (Natural Science) | 8 | ART 163, 164, 260, or 370 | 3 |
| Component Area 5 | 3 | ENG (Literature, Adv.) | 6 |
| Music or Art | 3 | 30 | |
| 29 | |||
Note: Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement.
Major in Theatre – Design and Technology
Bachelor of Fine Arts
A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Design and Technology consists of THR 114 for two semesters, 314 for two semesters, 160, 161, 162, 164, 230, 231 or 268, 260, 261, 331, 334, 337, 360, 362, 460 or 471, 463, 465, and 466, 9 hours of advanced theatre electives, 9 hours of art, an additional 3 hours of English. No music is required.
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| THR 114 (2 semesters) | 2 | THR 314 | 2 |
| THR 160, 161, 162, 164, 230 | 15 | THR 231, 268 | 6 |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | THR 260, 261 | 6 |
| HIS 163, 164 | 6 | ART 163 | 3 |
| DNC 126 | 2 | Component Level 4 | 6 |
| KIN 215 | 1 | CS 133 | 3 |
| 32 | POL 261, POL 200 Level | 6 | |
| 33 | |||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| THR 331, 334, 337 | 9 | THR 463 | 3 |
| THR 360, 460, or 471 | 6 | THR 362, 465 | 6 |
| Component Area 5 | 3 | THR 466 | 3 |
| Component Area 3 | 8 | THR Electives from 330, 335 365, 395, 461, 475, 430, 492 | 12 |
| ART 260 | 3 | ART 370 | 3 |
| ENG(Literature, Advanced) | 3 | 27 | |
| 27 | |||
Major in Musical Theatre, Theatre Emphasis
Bachelor of Fine Arts
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.
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| THR 114 (2 semesters) | 2 | THR 314 (2 semesters) | 2 |
| THR 160, 161, or 162 | 6 | THR 230, 231, 268 | 9 |
| THR 164 | 3 | THR 317* Musical Theatre Workshop (2 semesters) | 2 |
| THR 317* Musical Theatre Workshop (2 semesters) | 2 | DNC 126, 233 or 234 (2 semesters) | 4-6 |
| DNC 126 or 233 (2 semesters) | 4-6 | MUS 122, 123, 124, 125 | 8 |
| MUS 161, 111X, 112X | 5 | VOI 101X (2 semesters) | 4 |
| VOI 101X (2 hours each semester) | 4 | Component Area 4 (Literature) | 3 |
| HIS 163 | 3 | HIS 164 | 3 |
| ENG 164,165 | 6 | 35-37 | |
| 35-38 | |||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| THR 317* Musical Theatre Workshop (2 semesters) | 2 | THR 317* 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 (2 hour each semester) | 2 |
| VOI 301X (2 hour each semester) | 4 | Component Area 3 (Natural Science) | 8 |
| MTH 164 or 170 | 3 | Component Area 4 (Cultural Studies) | 3 |
| POL 261, POL (200-level) | 6 | Component Area 5 | 3 |
| 30 | 38 | ||
* Repeated for credit every semester.
Major in Theatre
Secondary Teaching Certificate
Bachelor of Fine Arts
A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with secondary teaching certification requires a minor in another academic area (18-24 hrs.) beyond the courses listed below.
| 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, 268, 369, 365 | 15 |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | Component Area 4 (Literature) | 3 |
| HIS 163, 164 | 6 | POL 261, POL (200-level) | 6 |
| MTH 164 or 170 | 3 | Component Area 3 (Natural Science) | 8 |
| DNC 126 | 2 | 34 | |
| KIN 215 | 1 | ||
| 35 | |||
| 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 | SED 394, 464, 480, 496, 497 | 15 |
| THR 334, 430, 461 (any two) | 6 | SCM 384 | 3 |
| Component Area 4 (Cultural Studies) | 3 | Component Area 5 | 3 |
| SED 374 | 3 | 33 | |
| SED 383, RDG 392 | 6 | ||
| 32 |
Theatre Minor. A minor in theatre usually consists of the following courses: 2 courses from 160, 161 or 162; 164, 230, 231, 268, 460 and 466, plus 3 hours of THR 114 or 314.
University Theatre:Auditions for productions are open to all SHSU students. The Theatre operates in conjunction with theatre workshop for which one hour of credit per semester may be received.
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 Introduction to Production. Introduction to theatrical production. An overview of the elements of production to include an introduction to the basic components of theatre technology, stage scenery, stage lighting, theatrical costuming, stage management, theatre management, and script analysis. This course is designed to introduce the student to all areas of theatrical production. Credit 3.
THR 161 Technical Production. Introduction to theatre technology. A focus on the techniques and methods in set construction, lighting and sound technology, property construction, and theatrical production techniques. 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, characterization, and play analysis 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: COM 162 or THR 231, 164, or consent of the instructor. Credit 3.
THR 260 Beginning Design. Introduction to the methods, concepts and materials of designing for theatre, including the basic element s of set design, properties design, lighting design, and sound design for the stage. Students will be introduced to the methods of developing a design from script analysis to presentation of the completed design. Prerequisites: THR 161 or permission of instructor. Credit 3.
THR 261 Computer Drafting for Theatre. Introduction to computer aided drafting and design for theatrical applications. Practical approach to computer drafting of floor plans, elevations, sections, light plots, and organizational diagrams using popular CAD software developed specifically for theatrical applications as well as programs like AutoCAD and Project Manager. Prerequisites: THR 161 or permission of instructor. 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.A 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.B Theatre Workshop. Rehearsal and performance in minor roles. May be repeated for credit. Credit 1.
THR 314.C Theatre Workshop. Scene work in directing class. May be repeated for credit. Credit 1.
THR 317A Musical Theatre Workshop. Junior and Senior levels to synthesize musical theatre majors’ work in music, theatre and dance. May be repeated for credit. Credit 1.
THR 317B Musical Theatre Workshop. Freshmen and sophomore levels, to synthesize musical theatre majors’ work in music, theatre, and dance. 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 331 Scenography IV: Intermediate Scenery and Property Design. Investigation and experimentation with three dimensional spatial concepts and the interaction of the performer with the performance space. Designing for the performer and the action of the play with the practical development of spaces, furniture, and props for the stage. Prerequisites: THR 260 and 261. 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. 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. Writing Enhanced. Credit 3.
THR 362 Intermediate Lighting, Sound, and Effects Design. Investigation and experimentation with lighting the performer in space. Designing for the performer and the action of the play, with the practical development of lighting effects, sound effects and special effects. Prerequisites: THR 260 and 261. Credit 3.
THR 365 Stage and Theatre Management. Advanced study of theatre management with an emphasis on the organizational, technical and management responsibilities of a stage manager as well as the public relations and marketing skills needed to run a house and box office. Included will be a focus on the establishment of a collaborative atmosphere within a production team or within a theatre company.
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 372 Improvisational Techniques. This course is designed to develop students’ use of improvisations, games, and ritual to enhance creative thinking, problem solving skills, characterization, and trust within the rehearsal process. Prerequisite: THR 164 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
THR 395 Acting in Major Roles. This course allows credit for performing a major role in Theatre Program productions, involving research, rehearsal and performance during the nine-month academic year. May be repeated for credit. Credit 3.
THR 430 Advanced Scenery, Lighting and Sound Design. Advanced design. Students will be involved in creating scenic, lighting, and sound design projects. The course will include extensive sketching, rendering, computer drafting, and model building. 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 with the goal of work in those industries; 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. Writing Enhanced. Credit 3.
THR 433 Period Acting Styles. Acting styles, manners, customs, and movement characteristics of Greek, Elizabethan, Jacobean and Restoration periods as well as twentieth century nonrealistic play styles will be studied through acting scenes from plays of those times. Prerequisite: THR 164. Credit 3.
THR 460 History of the Theatre II. 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. 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. 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. Credit 3.
THR 465 Portfolio Development. Students will develop individualized projects in scenery, costume, lighting, sound, or technical production. 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 ground plans and scene study through a wide variety of theatrical styles and direction of scenes. Writing Enhanced. 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. 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. 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. Writing Enhanced. 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 areas beyond the limits of current course offerings. The particular study, however, will be within the student’s areas of specialization. Prerequisite: permission of the Program Coordinator. May be repeated for credit. Credit 3.