Theatre and Dance

Admissions

Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Teaching

Applicants for the M.A. and M.A.T. degrees should hold a baccalaureate degree that includes a minimum of 24 semester hours in theatre, with grades indicating graduate ability. Applicants for the M.A.T. should submit satisfactory scores on the Miller Analogies Test. Applicants for the M.A. degree must submit satisfactory scores on the general section of the Graduate Record Examination and a recent writing sample. While there is no absolute minimum score required on the MAT or GRE, students with less than a 40 (MAT) or 1000 (GRE verbal and quantitative) usually find it difficult to complete the program and may need to justify their scores during the application process.

Master of Fine Arts

Applicants for the M.F.A. degree should hold a B.F.A. or B.A. degree from an accredited institution with a major in theatre. Acceptance of an M.F.A. applicant, determined by the departmental admissions committee, will be based upon academic records, letters of recommendation, interviews, and either the critical examination of appropriate portfolio materials or the audition.

Programs

The Theatre and Dance Department offers the Theatre, M.A.T. (P-12 Certification) in conjunction with the College of Education.

Courses

DANC 500  - Selected Topics in Dance  (1 Credit)  
A series of courses, each lasting one-third of a semester. Topics and required courses are announced in the class schedule for each semester.
DANC 573  - Dancer's Workshop  (1 Credit)  
Individual advanced training in movement, improvisation, flexibility, and precision in dance styles including modern and ballet.
Prerequisites: graduate standing or three credits in dance.
DANC 577  - Dance Performance  (3 Credits)  
Rehearsal, choreographic analysis, and dance performance. All components of dance production--including music, costume, lighting, and scenery--will be considered.
Cross-listed course: PEDU 577
DANC 586  - The Articulate Body  (3 Credits)  
Theoretical and experimental exploration of the major body systems and development movements to bring more articulation to the body and more awareness and physical ease in performance.
Cross-listed course: THEA 586
DANC 599  - Special Topics in Dance  (3 Credits)  
Reading and research on selected topics. Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by title. May be repeated once as topics vary.
DANC 700  - Dance Literacy Foundations  (2 Credits)  
Development of dance literacy through exploration and application of Language of Dance and other Laban concepts in artistic, pedagogical, and scholarly contexts.
DANC 702  - Dance Literacy Applications  (1 Credit)  
Continued development of dance literacy through the application of Language of Dance and other Laban concepts to artistic, pedagogical, and/or scholarly contexts that will lead to earning the Foundations 1 certificate through the Language of Dance Center, USA.
Prerequisites: B or better in DANC 700.
DANC 705  - Global Dance Forms  (1 Credit)  
Kinesthetic study of global dance forms from various cultural, historical, and aesthetic contexts.
DANC 710  - Choreography: Creative Practice and Pedagogy  (3 Credits)  
An exploration of the choreographic practice as an individual artist, collaborator, and mentor.
DANC 715  - Functional Anatomy Foundations  (1 Credit)  
Part I of a two-part course. Functional anatomy of the human body, including skeletal and muscular systems, and applications to the moving body in a dance environment.
DANC 718  - Functional Anatomy Applied Practice  (2 Credits)  
Part II of a two-part course. Functional anatomy of the human body, including skeletal and muscular systems, and applications to the moving body in a dance environment.
Prerequisites: B or better in DANC 715.
DANC 720  - Analysis of Scholarly Literature in Dance  (3 Credits)  
An investigation of current and enduring philosophical, theoretical, and practical issues relevant to dance theory, practice, and pedagogy.
DANC 725  - Arts Policy, Advocacy, and Funding  (3 Credits)  
Study in the knowledge and skills needed to analyze arts/arts education policy in the United States, participate in arts advocacy, and write successful grants to procure funding.
DANC 730  - Neuroscience for Dance Teaching and Performance  (3 Credits)  
An investigation into the neuroscience of perception, movement, and cognition as they relate to and inform dance and dance education.
DANC 735  - Histories of Dance  (3 Credits)  
An exploration of theories and practices of world dance history and traditions in their cultural and historical period contexts; and as they influence current dance pedagogy and performance.
DANC 745  - Curriculum Design for Dance  (3 Credits)  
Study of various methods for curriculum design in dance for implementation in a variety of artistic and educational settings.
DANC 750  - Critical Issues in Dance Pedagogy  (3 Credits)  
An investigation of critical theory in dance education scholarship, its influence on pedagogical practices in dance, and how to implement them in teaching/learning dance.
Prerequisites: B or better in DANC 745.
DANC 776  - Production Design for Dance  (3 Credits)  
Technical theatre functions, the structure and purpose of production design and stage production as it relates to the entirety of dance and theatrical performance.
DANC 790  - Research Methods in Dance  (3 Credits)  
An investigation of qualitative, quantitative, and arts-based research methodologies used in scholarly, educational, and artistic research in dance.
DANC 795  - Dance Thesis Preparation  (1 Credit)  
An opportunity to conduct research, under faculty supervision, that will contribute to a culminating thesis project.
Prerequisites: B or better in DANC 790.
DANC 799  - Thesis Project in Dance  (3 Credits)  
An opportunity to develop and present a culminating research project in dance based on disciplinary and professional interests.
Prerequisites: B or better in DANC 790.
THEA 500  - Selected Topics in Theatre  (1 Credit)  
A series of courses, each lasting one-third of a semester. Topics and prerequisites are announced in the class schedule for each semester.
THEA 510  - Rendering Techniques for the Theatre  (3 Credits)  
Rendering techniques for the communication of concepts and mood in the design process.
THEA 520  - Playwright’s Workshop  (3 Credits)  
Principles and practice of playwriting. Writing, adapting, and revising plays. May be repeated with consent of department chair.
THEA 522  - Drama in Education  (3 Credits)  
Comprehensive review of drama strategies, methods and pedagogical practices to be applied to non-drama learning contexts. Practical experience with the necessary skills, philosophies and techniques of drama in education.
THEA 526  - Children’s Theatre  (3 Credits)  
Special problems in producing plays for child audiences.
Prerequisites: THEA 170 and THEA 253.
THEA 527  - Applied Theatre Arts  (3 Credits)  
Principles and practices of theatre-making within community contexts to address local issues and to provide aesthetic strategies for creative problem solving through theatre.
THEA 529  - Theatre Management  (3 Credits)  
Problems involved in organizing, administering, and promoting the non-professional theatre.
THEA 530  - Period Styles for Wig and Hair Design  (3 Credits)  
Research and execution of period styles for wigs, hair, and facial pieces as related to theatrical and media design.
Prerequisites: THEA 230 and THEA 550.
THEA 531  - Theatre Graphics  (3 Credits)  
Specialized graphic techniques used in the preparation of a theatrical production. Practice in the execution and interpretation of working drawings, perspective sketches, color renderings, scale models, etc.
THEA 540  - Voice and Movement: Practice and Performance  (3 Credits)  
A variety of vocal and movement techniques that apply to acting and coaching with special emphasis on the physical and vocal processes in performance.
THEA 547  - Global/Contextual Issues in Theatre Education Practice and Performance  (3 Credits)  
Survey and analysis of current drama teacher practice across international contexts in relationship to global, social and educational change.
THEA 550  - History of Costume  (3 Credits)  
A survey of clothing through the ages with emphasis on the dress of the actor in significant periods of theatrical activity. From ancient times to present day.
THEA 552  - Costume Flat Patterning  (3 Credits)  
The principles of pattern making for costume construction using flat-patterning techniques.
THEA 553  - Advanced Stagecraft  (3 Credits)  
Advanced principles and practices of stagecraft.
Prerequisites: THEA 253 or equivalent.
THEA 554  - Performing Arts Safety  (3 Credits)  
Study of health and safety hazards for actors, technicians, and audience members.
THEA 555  - Scene Painting for the Stage  (3 Credits)  
Techniques of scene painting. Application of principles of painting to the stage.
THEA 556  - Stage Design  (3 Credits)  
Survey of the history and principles of scene design. Assignments will involve drawings, watercolor sketches, and scale models.
THEA 557  - Advanced Scenic Design  (3 Credits)  
Advanced procedures and techniques of scenic design.
Prerequisites: THEA 556.
THEA 558  - Costume Draping  (3 Credits)  
Costume pattern making through basic draping techniques on industry standard dress forms. Analysis of fit and design, problem solving and interaction of fabric characteristics with style features.
THEA 559  - Introductory Methods for K-12 Theatre Certification  (3 Credits)  
Developmental approaches to drama instruction in K-12 classroom settings.
THEA 561  - History of the Theatre I  (3 Credits)  
A survey of plays, playwrights, actors, production, and the physical development of theatres from the time of the Greeks to 1660; reading of representative plays required.
THEA 562  - History of the Theatre II  (3 Credits)  
A survey of plays, playwrights, actors, production, and the physical development of theatres from 1660 to the present; reading of representative plays required.
THEA 563  - History of Modern Theatre  (3 Credits)  
History of Western Theatre since the early 20th century. Students will be introduced to major figures, plays, and movements and explore influences from the broader culture on theatrical expression.
THEA 565  - African American Theatre  (3 Credits)  
The major movements, figures, plays, and critical strategies that have marked the development of African American theatre in the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.
Cross-listed course: AFAM 565, ENGL 565
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Diversity and Social Advocacy, GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences
THEA 567  - Dramatic Theory I  (3 Credits)  
A survey of the major works of dramatic theory and criticism, with emphasis on theories of theatrical performance. from Aristotle through 18th-century neo-classicism.
THEA 568  - Dramatic Theory II  (3 Credits)  
A survey of the major works of dramatic theory and criticism, with emphasis on theories of theatrical performance from the 18th century to the present.
THEA 569  - Dramaturgy  (3 Credits)  
A study of dramatic structure as it relates to theatrical production. Emphasis on script reading and analysis. Production and new-works dramaturgy will be covered.
THEA 570  - Advanced Acting I  (3 Credits)  
Theory and practice in the development of a role and an understanding of the psychology of the audience-actor relationship.
Prerequisites: B or better in THEA 240 and THEA 372 and THEA 370.
THEA 571  - Advanced Acting II  (3 Credits)  
Technique of performing play scripts with heightened language and styles other than naturalism/realism. Some examples of genres that may be taught are Classical Greek, Elizabethan, absurdist.
Prerequisites: B or better in THEA 240 and THEA 372 and THEA 370.
THEA 572  - Advanced Makeup for Theatre and Film  (3 Credits)  
Makeup design for specific character types, prosthetics and three-dimensional makeup effects. Special attention to the process of sculpting and modeling for makeup prosthetics.
Prerequisites: THEA 230.
THEA 575  - Rehearsal and Performance  (3 Credits)  
An intensive laboratory course in theatrical and media performances.
THEA 576  - Rehearsal and Performance  (3 Credits)  
An intensive laboratory course in repertory theatre.
THEA 577  - Special Topics in Physical Theatre  (3 Credits)  
Research and performance training in selected topics related to physical theatre. Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by title. May be repeated as topics vary.
THEA 578  - Play Direction I  (3 Credits)  
A study of the principles, procedures and practice of stage direction, with the selection, analysis, casting, and rehearsal of a one-act play to be presented in the laboratory theatre.
Prerequisites: THEA 270, THEA 280, and 6 hours from 300 level or above.
THEA 579  - Play Direction II  (3 Credits)  
A continuation of THEA 578.
Prerequisites: THEA 578.
THEA 581  - Film as Performance  (3 Credits)  
Study and analysis of film production, performance, and aesthetics.
THEA 582  - Costume Design  (3 Credits)  
Theory and practice in the design of theatre costumes.
THEA 583  - Advanced Practice in Sound Design  (3 Credits)  
Advanced study in sound, production and design. Emphasis will be on mounting designs and refining design skills for Theatre, Music, and Media Arts students.
THEA 585  - Design for Communications Media Production  (3 Credits)  
The study and application of techniques in theatrical stagecraft, design, lighting, costuming, and makeup applicable to specialized fields of communication media.
Prerequisites: THEA 253, THEA 351.
THEA 586  - The Articulate Body  (3 Credits)  
Theoretical and experimental exploration of the major body systems and developmental movements to bring more articulation to the body and more awareness and physical ease in performance.
Cross-listed course: DANC 586
THEA 587  - Film and Television Acting  (3 Credits)  
Theory and practice of film and television acting.
Prerequisites: THEA 170.
THEA 588  - Stage Light Design I  (3 Credits)  
The interrelationship of stage lighting and other production elements. Design techniques, equipment, and script analysis. Laboratory work on department productions. Restricted to theatre majors or those having special permission of instructor.
THEA 589  - Adv. Stage Lighting Des. II  (3 Credits)  
Stage lighting equipment and design techniques. Laboratory work on departmental productions.
THEA 590  - Advanced Acting for the Camera  (3 Credits)  
This course explores a range of techniques that actors need for a successful career acting on camera, such as script analysis, building a reel, collaboration on set, and creating original content. It also provides knowledge about filmmaking that will help the actor better fit into the industry.
Prerequisites: D or better in THEA 390.
THEA 599  - Special Topics in Theatre  (3 Credits)  
Reading and research on selected topics. Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by title. May be repeated once as topics vary.
THEA 701  - Research Methodology  (1 Credit)  
Introduction to research methods, sources, and practices for graduate work in theatre and theatre studies. Concentration on preparing for paper writing and thesis production.
THEA 710  - Graduate Design Studio  (3 Credits)  
The collaborative process between directors and theatrical designers.
THEA 720  - Dramatic Literature for Youth  (3 Credits)  
This course is designed to expand pre-service theatre teachers’ exposure to the canon of plays written for young audiences and actors. Students will gain insight into issues surrounding creating plays for young audiences.
THEA 721  - M.F.A. Practicum, Technical Direction  (1-6 Credits)  
A studio workshop for advanced study of theatre arts and crafts.
Prerequisites: admission into MFA program.
THEA 721A  - M.F.A. Practicum, Technical Direction  (1-6 Credits)  
A studio workshop for advanced study of theatre arts and crafts.
Prerequisites: admission into MFA program.
THEA 721B  - M.F.A. Practicum, Management  (1-6 Credits)  
A studio workshop for advanced study of theatre arts and crafts.
Prerequisites: admission into MFA program.
THEA 721C  - M.F.A. Practicum, Costuming  (1-6 Credits)  
A studio workshop for advanced study of theatre arts and crafts.
Prerequisites: admission into MFA program.
THEA 721D  - M.F.A. Practicum, Lighting  (1-6 Credits)  
A studio workshop for advanced study of theatre arts and crafts.
Prerequisites: admission into MFA program.
THEA 721E  - M.F.A. Practicum, Acting  (1-6 Credits)  
A studio workshop for advanced study of theatre arts and crafts.
Prerequisites: admission into MFA program.
THEA 721F  - M.F.A. Practicum, Scenery and Properties  (1-6 Credits)  
A studio workshop for advanced study of theatre arts and crafts.
Prerequisites: admission into MFA program.
THEA 721G  - M.F.A. Practicum, Directing  (1-6 Credits)  
A studio workshop for advanced study of theatre arts and crafts.
Prerequisites: admission into MFA program.
THEA 730  - Stage Management  (3 Credits)  
The aim of this course is to train graduate students in the requirements of stage management production meetings, assisting the director, and running the show. Professional, community, and academic theatre will be covered.
THEA 731  - Technical Drawing for the Theatre  (3 Credits)  
Advanced training in the technique and practice of technical drawing for the theatre.
THEA 741  - Advanced Voice Lab  (1-3 Credits)  
Advanced training in vocal skills needed by actors. (A) Techniques of Berry and Linklater, (B) Technique of Skinner. May be repeated for a total of 15 hours.
THEA 741A  - Advanced Voice Lab  (1-3 Credits)  
Advanced training in vocal skills needed by actors. Techniques of Berry and Linklater . Note: May be repeated for a total of 15 hours.
THEA 741B  - Advanced Voice Lab  (1-6 Credits)  
Advanced training in vocal skills needed by actors. (A) Techniques of Berry and Linklater, (B) Technique of Skinner. Note: May be repeated for a total of 15 hours.
THEA 752  - Advanced Costume Construction  (3 Credits)  
Advanced procedures and techniques of drafting, draping, pattern making, and wig making. Fabrics, their selection and modification for stage use.
THEA 754  - Theatrical Rigging and Mechanics  (3 Credits)  
Traditional and modern techniques for solving problems from actual theatrical productions.
Prerequisites: THEA 553.
THEA 755  - Advanced Scene Painting for the Stage  (3 Credits)  
Advanced techniques in scene painting. Application of principles of painting to the stage.
THEA 756  - Advanced Costume Design  (3 Credits)  
Advanced procedures and techniques of costume design: includes color theory, fabric potentiality, theatrical use of line, mass, and color.
THEA 757  - Problems in Theatre Practice I  (3 Credits)  
Analysis of selected problems in theatrical design, technical execution, or performance techniques. May be repeated once for credit.
THEA 758  - Problems in Theatre Practice II  (3 Credits)  
Analysis of selected problems in theatrical design, technical execution, or performance techniques. May be repeated once for credit.
THEA 759  - Design Motifs  (3 Credits)  
Practical and research projects on identification, isolation, and selection of historic motifs for theatrical purposes.
THEA 760  - Graduate Text Analysis  (3 Credits)  
Analytical skills, a shared vocabulary, and techniques for interpreting the dramatic text for the purposes of staging and performance. For theatrical collaborators.
THEA 761  - Studies in Theatre History  (3 Credits)  
May be repeated as topics vary for a total of 12 hours.
THEA 763  - Graduate Acting for the Camera, Introduction  (3 Credits)  
This course will explore a wide range of techniques that actors need for acting successfully on camera, such as script analysis, scene work, audition preparation, understanding type, shooting the self tape, and what to expect on set. This class will also provide knowledge about film production that will help the actor better fit into the industry.
THEA 764  - Graduate Acting for the Camera, Advanced  (3 Credits)  
This course will explore a range of techniques that actors need for a successful career acting on camera, such as script analysis, building a reel, collaboration on set, and creating original content. It will also provide knowledge about filmmaking that will help the actor better fit into the industry.
Prerequisites: C or better in THEA 763.
THEA 765  - Staging in the Non-Traditional Theatre  (3 Credits)  
THEA 770  - Problems in Acting, Rehearsal, and Performance  (3 Credits)  
THEA 771  - Problems in Acting, Rehearsal, and Performance  (3 Credits)  
THEA 773  - Performing in Period Plays I  (3 Credits)  
A synthesis of literary, critical, historical, and acting problems of selected period pieces with public performance providing the laboratory for testing alternative solutions. Registration by audition only.
THEA 774  - Performing in Period Plays II  (3 Credits)  
A synthesis of literary, critical, historical, and acting problems of selected period pieces with public performance providing the laboratory for testing alternative solutions. Registration by audition only.
THEA 775  - Advanced Methods in Drama Education  (3 Credits)  
Focus on dispositions and experiences applicable to developing comprehensive theatre arts programs in K-12 schools.
Prerequisites: THEA 559.
THEA 777  - Advanced Movement and Dance  (1-3 Credits)  
Advanced training in movement skills needed by actors. May be repeated for a total of 15 hours.
THEA 778  - Directoral Workshop I  (3 Credits)  
Principles and practice of directing for the stage. The advanced study of the director's role in patterning the auditory stimuli for arena and proscenium theatres.
THEA 779  - Directoral Workshop II  (3 Credits)  
A continuation of THEA 778.
Prerequisites: THEA 778.
THEA 782  - Professional Costume Design Practices I  (3 Credits)  
Rendering techniques, script study, color, and textile applications, prepared for presentation.
THEA 783  - Professional Costume Design Practices II  (3 Credits)  
Complex design projects, advanced rendering techniques, and translation to stage.
THEA 784  - Teaching Internship in Theatre I  (3 Credits)  
A practical teaching experience in K-12 theatre classrooms consisting of a minimum of seven and a half to ten hours per week.
THEA 785  - Teaching Internship in Theatre B  (9 Credits)  
Practical experiences in observing, teaching lessons, and applying theory and student-centered approaches in order to implement K-12 theatre classroom strategies.
Prerequisites: THEA 784 and Acceptance to the Professional Program in Education and Internship as MAT Student.
THEA 786  - Professional Scene Design Practices I  (3 Credits)  
Production-related scene design problems and projects.
Prerequisites: THEA 557.
THEA 787  - Professional Scene Design Practices II  (3 Credits)  
Responsibilities of the professional scene designer; analysis of problems and preparation of projects.
Prerequisites: THEA 786.
THEA 788  - Professional Stage Lighting Practices I  (3 Credits)  
Large scale projects, such as musical theatre, ballet and multi-set plays, prepared with appropriate professional techniques for presentation and critique.
Prerequisites: THEA 589 or equivalent.
THEA 789  - Professional Stage Lighting Practices II  (3 Credits)  
Continuation of THEA 788, to include complex stage lighting problems as well as projects involving related lighting fields.
Prerequisites: THEA 788 or equivalent.
THEA 790  - Professional Theatre Internship  (3-9 Credits)  
CL: 2020.
THEA 796  - Special Projects  (1-3 Credits)  
THEA 797  - Special Projects  (1-3 Credits)  
THEA 799  - Thesis Preparation  (1-9 Credits)