2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog

College of Performing and Visual Arts

School of Theatre Arts and Dance

THEA 100 Individual Performance in Theatre

Majors only or consent of instructor. Participation in design and production assignments for School of Theatre Productions. Student must participate in a minimum of 60 hours. Repeatable, no limitations.

2

THEA 110 Performance in a Theatrical Production

Majors only or consent of instructor. Practical experience as a performer, dramaturg, or assistant director in mainstage productions. Repeatable, no limitations.

2

THEA 130 Introduction to the Theatre

For non-majors. A survey of Theatre history and its effects upon modern Theatre. The roles of the actors, directors, choreographers, technicians, designers and critics will be explored through live presentations. (LAC, gtP)

3

THEA 135 Playscript Analysis

Majors and minors only. A survey of dramatic literature through script analysis. (This course is a prerequisite for many other courses in the Theatre Department and should be taken in the first year.)

3

THEA 149 Orientation to Technology

Major and minors only or consent of instructor. Covers the practical application of scenic construction, lighting, costume construction, and stage props. Famiilarizes the student with the equipment, hardware, safety, and techniques common in each area through lecture and practical experience.

3

THEA 150 Actor's Lab

(Laboratory activity-3 contact hours=1 credit hour). A one semester hour credit will be given for participation as an actor in a student directed scene. Repeatable, no limitations.

1

THEA 155 Orientation to Design

Majors only or permission of instructor. This class is intended to serve the beginning design student by orienting them to the creative process and expression used in art and with an emphasis to the dramatic arts.  Course fee required.

3

THEA 159 Acting Theories and Practice

This course will provide an opportunity to study, from the viewpoint of an actor, the major elements of dramatic literature, playscript analysis, and historical acting methods. (LAC)

3

THEA 160 Beginning Acting

The emphasis of the course is on the primary needs of acting: emotional recall and recreation, concentration, motivation, personality and character development, physical and vocal ingredients of character and believability.

3

THEA 190 Stage Speech I

Will help to develop good speech for the stage through intelligent use and care of the speaking instrument and appreciation and control of the language, the play, and character.

2

THEA 192 Stage Speech II

Prerequisite: THEA 190. This course is designed to continue to improve the strength, freedom of vocal choice, flexibility and release of the student's natural voice/vocal mechanism. The voice student will be introduced to the vocal methods of Arthur Lessac, Patsy Rodenburg and Catherine Fitzmaurice

2

THEA 193 Stage Speech and Dialects

Prerequisite: THEA 190 or consent of instructor. This course deals with continued development of intelligent use and care of the speaking voice utilizing IPA and Linkater approaches and studies to the major stage dialects.

3

THEA 210 Drafting for the Theatre

Prerequisites: THEA 149 or consent of instructor. Majors and minors only. An introductory course to theatrical drafting rendering.

3

THEA 215 Scene Design I

Prerequisites: THEA 135, THEA 149, THEA 155, and THEA 210 or consent of instructor. This is an introductory course designed to explore scenic design through script analysis, period research, and conceptual development. Students will develop the skills necessary to clearly and effectively communicate your visual interpretation of selected scripts as a designer through drawing, rendering, and mechanical drafting exercises.

3

THEA 220 Costume Design I

Prerequisites: THEA 135, THEA 149, THEA 155 or equivalent. Design Technology, Teacher Education students, or by instructor consent. Introduction to stage costume, approach to the play, survey of dress history, research, the designer's tools, rendering, sketching, fabrics, putting a show together.

3

THEA 221 Costume History

Costume from ancient to modern times with attention for theatre design. Evolution of garments, cultural influence. Western world dress with Asian influence and world cultures noted.

3

THEA 222 Costume Technology I

Prerequisite: THEA 149 or consent of instructor. Introduction to technical skills and crafts used in costuming. Sewing, cutting from patterns, fabric modification, dyeing, painting, garment fitting and alterations are included.

3

THEA 225 Theatre in Film

Students will have an opportunity to enrich their appreciation of society and culture through the media of theatre and film. (LAC, gtP)

3

THEA 230 Lighting Design I

Prerequisites: THEA 135, THEA 149, THEA 210 or equivalent. An introduction to designing with light, practical applications and theatrical use. Course concentrates on the process from script analysis, concept and paperwork through actually hanging and lighting two projects.

3

THEA 232 Lighting Technology

Prerequisite: THEA 149. This class will introduce you to the work of the Master Electrician and the technology used in the theatre lighting. The first half of the semester we will examine the equipment and procedures of the Master Electrician. The second half will go through the electronics and control structures used in modern lighting control systems.

3

THEA 240 Beginning Stage Directing

Prerequisites: THEA 135, THEA 149 and THEA 160 or consent of instructor. A basic course in the principles of directing a play. The major focus is on contemporary theories and practices of stage directing.

3

THEA 241 Seminar in Theatre Arts Management

This course will enable the student to study, explore and participate in the management and administrative activities and issues faced by theatre arts administrators currently working in the field. Repeatable, may be taken four times, under different subtitles.

1 - 2

THEA 245 Sound Design

Prerequisites: THEA 135, THEA 149 or consent of instructor. Prepares the student to design, set-up, operate and repair sound reinforcement and recording equipment with emphasis on theatre specific practices. Digital audio and live performance mixing is also covered.

3

THEA 249 Scenic Technology

Prerequisites: THEA 149, THEA 210 or consent of instructor. A hands-on survey of the work of the master carpenter and technical director with a focus on construction techniques and practices used in scenic construction, rigging, problem solving, budgeting and drafting working drawings.

3

THEA 250 Stage Make Up I

Majors Only. Combining lectures and demonstrations with laboratory practicum, students will learn basic principles of make-up application for primarily stage with some discussion of the necessary adaptations for screen.

2

THEA 255 Creative Drama

Theatre Education Majors only. This class is designed for the pre-service teacher in order to increase their skill and knowledge in the area of creative drama.

3

THEA 260 Scene Study

Prerequisite: THEA 160. Acting or directing emphasis only. A step-by-step process approach to scene study. Units will be covered connecting the actor with the discovery of purpose/obstacle/relationships/given circumstances/character/orchestration and text scoring.

3

THEA 265 Theatre for Young Audiences Tour

This tour is designed to result in the production of a play for children that will tour to area schools. There will be evening rehearsals and crew in addition to class time.

3

THEA 275 Stage Movement I

(2 contact hours per week). Two-part series of courses in the preparation of actor's skills in movement. This course introduces physical training designed to improve alignment, increase body awareness, and heighten performer's focus, stamina, strength, flexibility, and ability to support psychological choices in three-dimensions.

2

THEA 276 Stage Movement II

(2 contact hours per week) Prerequisite: THEA 275. Second in a two part series of courses in the preparation of actor's skills in movement. This course deepens students' engagement with physical training designed to improve alignment, increase body awareness, and heighten performer's focus, stamina, strength, flexibility, and ability to support psychological choice in three-dimensions.

2

THEA 296 History of Theatre I

The development of Western theatre from its classical roots through the mid- 17th century, as well as African and Asian theatre from its roots to the present. Emphasis on research. (LAC, gtP)

3

THEA 297 History of Theatre II

A continuation of THEA 296, focusing on American and European theatre. Emphasis on research. (LAC, gtP)

3

THEA 300 Advanced Individual Performance in Theatre

Prerequisites: THEA 100, THEA 149 or consent of instructor. Majors and minors only. Participation in advanced level design and production assignments of School of Theatre productions. Repeatable, may be taken four times.

2

THEA 308 Theatre Workshop

Receive information about current important ideas in many fields of knowledge from authorities nationally known in their fields of specialization. Repeatable, under different subtitles.

1 - 4

THEA 311 Scenic Painting for the Theatre

Prerequisites: THEA 135, THEA 210, or equivalent. Advanced work in scenic painting techniques including moldings, texture and foam carving. Advanced color mixing and hands on projects. Repeatable, may be taken two times. Consent of Instructor.

3

THEA 312 More Techniques in Scene Painting

Prerequisites: THEA 135, THEA 210 or equivalent. This class is intended to be a further exploration of advanced techniques in Scenic Painting. It is not necessary for the student to have taken Scenic Painting I to excel in this class. Separate techniques which were not investigated in the first class will be covered in the class. Students will learn about unusual materials like sodium silicate, analine dyes, and bronzing powders. Topics range from translucent drops, airbrushing, and the rendering of convincing drapery and foliage.  Repeatable, may be taken two times.

3

THEA 315 Scene Design II

Prerequisite: THEA 215. Scene Design II is an advanced course designed to expand skills developed in Scene Design I. This course will further enhance the student's abilities to artistically conceptualize multiple genres of theatre through extensive script analysis and research. Students will further expand rendering and mechanical drafting skills to better enhance your communication with directors and other members of the design team. Students will acquire skills to professionally present a portfolio ready design work conceptually to your peers and other design faculty.

3

THEA 320 Costume Design II

Prerequisite: THEA 220 or consent of instructor. Introduction to designing costumes for the stage. Emphasis on the historical, conventional and visual tools and media available to the designer for translating verbal script to visual and tactile form.

3

THEA 323 Digital Media

Prerequisite: THEA 210 or consent of instructor. Students will examine applications of theatrical design techniques through digital media. This will consist of a studio-based overview of 3D rendering, pre-visualization, and use of digital imagery.

3

THEA 324 Masterpieces in Theatrical Production

Prerequisites: THEA 296, THEA 297 recommended. A survey of important plays that have had major impact on the evolution of the modern theatre through thematic concerns, social reflection, revolutionary genre, and production styles.

2

THEA 326 Theory and Practice

Majors only. This online course gives students a firm foundation in dramatic theory and how it relates to the production of performance with an eye toward how performance relates to the production of culture.

3

THEA 332 Lighting Design II

Prerequisites: THEA 210, THEA 230 or equivalent. Required laboratory arranged. Advanced work in stage lighting design with an emphasis on the artistic applications of lighting in plays, operas, musicals and tour shows.

3

THEA 335 Advanced Voice Production

Prerequisites: THEA 190. Majors only. Acting emphasis only. Advanced study of the natural resources of the human voice and body as artistic resources for the performer. Designed to explore processes and products of vocal craft work.

2

THEA 339 Advanced Scenic Technology

Prerequisites: THEA 149, THEA 210, THEA 249. This course is to focus on more specific topics within scenic technical theatre. The subject material will be a more focused look at budgeting, technical drafting, rigging, and scenic building practices. The class will give the student a good working knowledge of advanced scenic practices and allow the student to be a more independent member of a scenic shop.

3

THEA 340 Workshop in Directing I

(2 lecture; 2 laboratory) Prerequisite: THEA 240. Basic directing techniques as applied to period styles. Focus on research for the director and application of period styles in scene work.

3

THEA 341 Workshop in Directing II

Prerequisite: THEA 240. Basic directing techniques as applied to modern styles. Focus on various anti-realistic styles and their application to modern eclectic Theatre. Practical application in scene work.

3

THEA 345 Advanced Sound Design

Prerequisite:  THEA 245.  This course will continue the student's exploration of the art of Sound Design.  Students will analyze sound for emotional impact, determine qualities of sound that impart these effects, and discover how these ideas can be transferred to the stage.  Course fee required.

3

THEA 350 Summer Theatre

Acceptance by Theatre Arts staff required. Eight weeks of eight-hour daily rehearsals for summer productions. Repeatable, maximum of 40 credits.

10

THEA 360 Advanced Acting Styles I

Prerequisite: THEA 260 or consent of instructor. Acting Emphasis only. Focus on modern drama from early realism through contemporary eclectic styles in this advanced acting laboratory. Repeatable, maximum of six credits.

3

THEA 361 Advanced Acting Styles II

Prerequisite: THEA 260 or consent of instructor. For acting emphasis only. Concentration on period styles including Greek, Elizabethan, Commedia dell'Arte, English Restoration and French Neoclassic in this advanced acting laboratory. Repeatable, maximum of six credits

3

THEA 362 Acting for the Camera

Prerequisite: THEA 160, THEA 260 Acting and Musical Theatre majors only. In this course students will experience the craft of acting for the camera. Topics will include: the difference between stage and film acting, technical demands of film acting, script analysis, and on-set behavior.

3

THEA 373 Playwriting

Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. This course will guide and assist the student playwright through the creative process of writing a one act play or screen play. Course work will include lecture, exercises, and completion of several writing assignments. Final project will be completion of a one act play or film treatment and 30 pages of dialogue.

3

THEA 375 Stage Management for the Theatre

Prerequisites: THEA 149. A class to teach the student how to work as a stage manager in the theatre and what to expect from the position. Focus is on problem solving.

3

THEA 380 Design Fundamentals for Secondary Education

Prerequisite: THEA 149. Theatre Education only. This course will include the basics of drafting; scenic, lighting and costume design; and scenic painting with a focus on research and creative exercises.

3

THEA 385 Methods of Teaching Drama

Prerequisite: EDFE 120 or EDFE 125. Learn teaching techniques, curriculum and classroom organization, testing and evaluation, procedures and materials and relationship of the subject area to the total program.

3

THEA 401 Practicum in Theatre

Qualified undergraduates must have permission of instructor, advisor and department. Supervised and specialized field work involving theory and methodology in practice. Two copies of evaluation paper required, filed with instructor/department. Repeatable, maximum of eight credits.

1 - 4

THEA 404 Summer Crew Work in Theatre

Backstage crew work on summer Little Theatre of the Rockies. If S/U grade is chosen, for a "S," a student must participate in a minimum of 30 hours for each hour of credit.

1

THEA 415 Collaborative Design Seminar

Prerequisites: THEA 135, THEA 149, THEA 160, and THEA 240. This course is developed to explore, discuss, develop, and implement all elements of theatrical design in conjunction with a director's vision as a mutual agreement with the design team. The ideals and practice of collaboration as both a verbal and visual communication is emphasized through in class collaboration. Repeatable one time.

3

THEA 422 Directed Research in Theatre

The student must submit a written proposal prior to approval of the study. Individualized investigation under the direct supervision of a faculty member. (Minimum of 37.5 clock hours required per credit hour.) Repeatable, maximum concurrent enrollment is two times.

1 - 4

THEA 433 Dramaturgy

Prerequisites: THEA 135 and THEA 240. This course teaches the basic principles of both production and new play dramaturgy. These include: read and analyze a play, accomplish and organize research for production, and communication with director and/or playwright and the public.

3

THEA 440 Directing the One-Act Play

Prerequisite: THEA 340 or THEA 341 or consent of the instructor. Produce a one-act play under instructor's supervision. Extensive promptbook and well-written self-analysis required.

3

THEA 449 Theatre Technical Seminar

Majors only. Seniors only. Advanced technical theatre class covering a variety of topics regarding professional development and employment. Topics covered include portfolios, resumes, professional and graduate school interviews, work environments, job searches, theatrical job markets, and personal growth in the field of theatrical design and technology.

3

THEA 450 Design and Technology Practicum

Prerequisites: THEA 149, THEA 300. Majors and minors only. Juniors or above. Consent of Advisor. Practicum focused on mainstage production work in the student’s emphasis area: design, technical direction or stage management. Typically done in the senior year. This project is assigned by advisor.

3

THEA 464 Audition Techniques

Prerequisite: THEA 260. Acting Emphasis only. Covers various aspects of audition techniques. Units include: selection of material, preparing and presenting auditions, resume, and picture preparations and guest instructor information.

3

THEA 465 LA Showcase Class

Audition only. Consent of Instructor. This course includes selection, staging, choreographing, rehearsing and performing the materials selected for the Los Angeles Showcase at the end of Spring Term in California.

3

THEA 492 Little Theatre of the Rockies Summer Internship

Prerequisite: THEA 149. This course is intended as a professional training ground for students in the areas of theatre outside of performance. The course will focus upon the professional aspects of theatre from conceiving to producing to closing a production. By completing this professional internship any student will acquire a solid foundation in the daily workings of a professional theatre through hands-on training.

6