THEATRE 101. (3)
INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE. This is a general survey lecture course which aims to familiarize students with the history and practice of western theatre. Plays are studied chronologically from the Greeks to contemporary playwrights. Geographical coverage includes theatre of the world from Asia to South America. Students also participate in handson theatrical activities, ranging from playwriting to staging scenes. No previous theatrical experience is expected. Prerequisite: none. Offered: each semester.
THEATRE 201. (3)
ASIAN THEATRE. This lecture course introduces students to the rich traditional theatre of various Asian countries, including India, China, and Japan. Historical and cultural analysis provides the context for detailed study of dramatic theory and scripts in translation. Students also are exposed to the different performance techniques through practical workshop sessions and video presentations. Students participate in hands-on theatrical activities, ranging from playwriting to staging scenes. No previous theatrical experience is expected. Prerequisite: none. Offered: spring semester of even-numbered years.
THEATRE 210. (3)
AMERICA AND THE MUSICAL. This course examines both the broad sweep of and key events in American history as portrayed in a cherished American art form: the musical. Beginning with the Declaration of Independence (as chronicled in “1776”) ranging all the way to the difficulties of modern-day urban living (“Rent”) there is a musical for almost every significant event or decade in American history. Examining a musical (through watching a recorded performance or a live performance if/when available) serves as a springboard for presentations and discussions on the period in history reflected in the piece.
THEATRE 220. (3)
ACTING. This studio course introduces students to acting, including basic proficiency in movement and vocal techniques. Students develop an approach to character and an understanding of theatre through extensive play-reading, scene work, and in-depth script analysis. The course also hones memorization, oral proficiency, and presentation skills. Prerequisite: none. Offered: each semester.
THEATRE 230. (3)
THE NOH TRAINING PROJECT. This course will develop the fundamental skills of performing noh theatre. Japan’s 650-year old theatre form employs aspects of performance including acting, singing (utai), dancing (shimai), and playing musical instruments. Students will have daily group and individual lessons under the guidance of Theatre Nohgaku performers.Theatre Nohgaku is the premier performance troupe that specializes in performing noh in Japanese and English and features a global membership. The Noh Training Project is the educational branch of Theatre Nohgaku with over a 30-year history. Weekly viewings of noh videos, reading of noh plays and group discussions will complement students’ formal training. Writing tasks will include response papers and analysis of plays read. Prerequisite: None. Offered: Summer Term
THEATRE 260. (3)
TOPICS IN THEATRE THEORY AND LITERATURE. This lecture course explores a specific aspect of theatre with an emphasis on theory or history. The course may concentrate on a particular playwright (e.g., Shakespeare), a genre (e.g., the Comedy), or a topic interwoven with the discipline (e.g., Political Theatre). The course may examine its subjects through in-class reports, discussion, and exercises, as well as through papers and performances. Offered: each fall.
THEATRE 261. (3)
TOPICS IN THEATRE PRACTICE. This studio course explores a specific aspect of theatre with an emphasis on performance or craft. The course may concentrate on a particular playwright (e.g., Shakespeare), a genre (e.g., the Comedy), or a topic interwoven with the discipline (e.g., Political Theatre). The course may examine its subjects through in-class reports, discussion, and exercises, as well as through papers and performances. Offered: each fall.
THEATRE 321. (3)
DIRECTING. This studio course immerses students in the comprehensive approach to theatre required of the director. Through extensive readings, script analysis, character-delineation techniques, organizational exercises, time-management drills, and communication-strengthening approaches, students develop the skills necessary to mount a production. The semester culminates in the presentation of a one-act play festival which is open to the public. Prerequisite: Theatre 101 or Theatre 220. The course is normally offered every spring semester.
THEATRE 401. (3)
THEATRE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY. This studio course focuses on the history and evolution of design and technology from the Renaissance to the present. Students work in conjunction with the department’s theatre productions to create a working knowledge in such areas as set and light design and stage craft. Each student also devises his own set designs for prominent plays from the history of theatre. Prerequisite: Theatre 101 or consent of the instructor. Offered: spring semester of odd numbered years.
THEATRE 498. (1)
PRE-THESIS STUDY. Each Theatre major must take this course the semester before taking Theatre 499 (Senior Thesis) to craft the thesis project proposal and to strengthen the skills required for the thesis. The student chooses and works with the thesis advisor to develop a plan for the upcoming semester that includes the wording of the thesis proposal and efforts sufficient to convince the advisor that he is prepared to undertake the thesis project.
THEATRE 499. (3)
SENIOR THESIS. This course involves the student in a project designed specifically to reflect his interest in the arts. In consultation with the faculty of the Fine Arts Department, and under the guidance of the appropriate member of that department, the project is undertaken in the student’s senior year, and must include appropriate documentation. Prerequisites: Theatre 498 and senior status.
PERFORMANCE STUDIES IN THEATRE
Theatre performance study courses can be identified by their numbers, which fall between 250 and 253 and between 350 and 353. All performance courses have the following in common: They are offered every semester; the classroom experience culminates in public performance(s); attendance is a necessary part of fulfilling the course requirements; students study the material for performance in the context of its period(s) and its critical reception, with attention to the terms and special considerations necessary for its appreciation; each student submits written work upon an aspect of performance or the material used in performance; grading is based on attendance and class participation, quality and effort in performance, and the written work; in each course 1 hour of academic credit can be earned.
THEATRE 250, 251, 252, 253, 350, 351, 352, 353. (1)
THEATRE PRODUCTION. This course provides intensely close script analysis leading towards the staging of a fully realized play, open to the public. Students may be involved in any of several aspects of production, such as acting, directing, stage managing, designing, or dramaturgy. Because of the special nature of this course, it is possible to register for it late without penalty through the fourth full week of the semester. Special rules apply to courses in Performance Studies (see above).
updated 7/25/2025