Course Descriptions

THR 102 - Introduction to Musical Theatre

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Define the evolution of the American musical from the 19th century to the present.
2. Identify the roles played by the various migrating groups to America in shaping the art form.
3. Recognize and define the roles of the composer, lyricist, and book writer.
4. Recognize and define the contribution made to the production by the director, choreographer, stage designer, costume designer, sound designer, etc.
5. Explain how musical theater reflects the culture and period in which it occurs.

THR 111 - Introduction to Acting

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Use their voice and body (actor’s tools) for effective performance skills.
2. Practice Stanislavsky’s elements i.e. concentration, observation, imagination, etc.
3. Demonstrate the elements of a dramatic scene.
4. Explore the language and stories of Shakespeare.
5. Define the history of the acting profession and the “business” of acting.
6. Define the different skills needed for film vs. stage acting.

THR 112 - Acting II

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Be proficient in the skills of relaxation/concentration/observation/improvisation/imagination.
2. Practice voice and movement exercises to help develop their physical “instrument.”
3. Analyze and write about the elements of dramatic material such as character, objectives, physical and emotional circumstances and actions.
4. Identify and write about acting theory as it developed over time including the methods, directors, actors and teachers involved.
5. Perform, recite and interpret the heightened language of Shakespeare.
6. Create a life for a character from dramatic literature.
7. Discuss and write about the development and history of the acting profession.
8. Employ a basic knowledge of the “business” of acting.

THR 114 - Oral Interpretation

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Acquire the performance skills necessary to share a believable, honest and clear interpretation of a literary work with an audience.
2. Analyze and understand the meaning of selected works of literature.
3. Apply their own life experience to performance of texts.
4. Evaluate and critique the oral interpretative skills of others.
5. Use constructive collaborative skills as a result of the team spirit needed to work with a group or partner on an interpretative project.

THR 140 - Announcing for Radio/TV

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Formulate techniques of effective on-camera presentation, including posture, dress and presence.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of phonetic spellings and pronunciations.
3. Utilize voice skills for on-camera/microphone work and differentiate between the two.
4. Demonstrate various announcing styles.
5. Define and utilize equipment commonly used by announcers.
6. Acquire necessary skills to read and perform from scripts prepared by other writers.
7. Explain FCC rules that effect announcers.

THR 151 - Stagecraft I

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Assist in designing a model and set for a full-fledged theater production.
2. Practice with hand tools commonly found in theater scene shops.
3. Aid in constructing scenery from working drawings.
4. Choose the appropriate materials and hardware for scenic construction.
5. Identify the basic types of theater spaces and their differences in staging.
6. Express a basic knowledge of theatrical technology.
7. Define the roles and responsibilities of individuals involved in theatrical production.
8. Be somewhat proficient in one or more of the technical aspects of a theater production in costumes, props, scene design, lighting or sound.

THR 152 - Stagecraft II

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Assist in designing a model and set for a full-fledged theater production.
2. Practice with hand tools commonly found in theater scene shops.
3. Aid in constructing scenery from working drawings.
4. Study the skills needed to properly fulfill the position of stage manager, house manager, prop master, costume master, etc.
5. Identify the basic types of theater spaces and their differences in staging.
6. Express a basic knowledge of theatrical technology.
7. Define the roles and responsibilities of individuals involved in theatrical production.
8. Be somewhat proficient in one or more of the technical aspects of a theater production in costumes, props, scene design, lighting or sound.

THR 201 - Children’s Theater

 

Credits: 3
Hours
3 Class Hours
Course Profile
Learning Outcomes of the Course:

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Practice acting techniques particular to performing for children.
2. Strengthen their voice and body skills as performers.
3. Articulate the characters, period, author and other aspects of selected dramatic material.
4. Adapt dramatic material to the needs and skill levels of different age groups.
5. Evaluate children’s theater plays in order to analyze the dramatic text in action.

THR 216 - Special Topics in Theater

The Learning Outcomes will differ depending on the topic, skill or creative process that is taught.

THR 218 - Acting III

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Create an original, crafted performance of a character in a dramatic scene and monologue.
2. Incorporate studies in Method theory and process as it relates to acting.
3. Articulate a thorough knowledge of the history of the acting profession, its great acting teachers, plays and playwrights.
4. Prepare an analysis of a play, scene and character.
5. Interpret and perform the heightened language of Shakespeare.
6. Practice and incorporate skills in physical actions, relaxation, concentration, observation, improvisation, as well as exercises of Uta Hagen, Lee Strasberg, Jerzy Grotowski, Tadashi Suzuki, etc.

THR 219 - Periods and Styles of Acting

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Identify the historical periods and styles of acting.
2. Define and write about the playwrights, performers and directors from selected periods and their role in theater history.
3. Practice the progression of rehearsal and performance techniques for each period/style of acting.
4. Interpret, perform and practice the techniques and styles for a given period for an audience.
5. Speak and write on the aspects of any given period/style of acting.

THR 221 - History of the Theater

 

Credits: 3
Hours
3 Class Hours
Note
Good for students from all disciplines.

Course Profile
Learning Outcomes of the Course:

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Explain and write about aspects of historical periods of theater from the Greek and Roman to the contemporary.
2. Speak and write about individual playwrights and their reflection of a given period of history.
3. Articulate theater epochs in terms of the styles, movements and plays specific to each period.
4. Explain their knowledge of recorded history in general with its political, sociological and artistic movements.
5. Use critical writing skills which comply with and meet standards of writing emphasis.

THR 246 - Rehearsal and Performance for Stage

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Solve problems that naturally arise from a collaborative art such as theater in helping set priorities, tasks, deadlines, rehearsal discipline and process, etc.
2. Define the progression of rehearsal and performance techniques from play selection and first read-through all the way to set strike and post mortem.
3. Follow the necessary steps of the working “process” that brings a script alive on the stage.
4. Carry out specific skills relevant to the function fulfilled in the production such as:  acting, assistant directing or stage managing, costume management, play/period research, house management, set design, construction, lighting, sound, set decorating and props creation.
5. Speak and write on the process of rehearsal and performance for a full-fledged semi-professional theatrical production.
6. Practice one or more of the technical aspects of a theater production in costumes, props, scene design, lighting or sound.

THR 256 - Rehearsal and Performance for Stage

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Solve problems that naturally arise from a collaborative art such as theater in helping set priorities, tasks, deadlines, rehearsal discipline and process, etc.
2. Define the progression of rehearsal and performance techniques from play selection and first read-through all the way to set strike and post mortem.
3. Follow the necessary steps of the working “process” that brings a script alive on the stage.
4. Carry out specific skills relevant to the function fulfilled in the production such as:  acting, assistant directing or stage managing, costume management, play/period research, house management, set design, construction, lighting, sound, set decorating and props creation.
5. Speak and write on the process of rehearsal and performance for a full-fledged semi-professional theatrical production.
6. Practice one or more of the technical aspects of a theater production in costumes, props, scene design, lighting or sound.

THR 266 - Acting for TV, Film, and Commercials

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate skills and exercises involved in the art and craft of acting for the camera such as listening, concentration, relaxation, energy, spontaneity, character development.
2. Dissect and analyze a script with circumstances, character, events and objectives.
3. Interpret a script by using sub-text, scoring, intention, etc.
4. Analyze and critique the work of those working in the industry.
5. Speak and write intelligently on the theories and terminology used in the business of acting for the camera.

THR 299 - Independent Study: Theater

Learning outcomes are specified on an individual basis.

URS 101 - Undergraduate Research in STEM

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to organize and maintain data.
2. Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively and reach a goal.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in the specific area of study.

Learning Outcomes of the Course:  SLOs for a 3 or 4 credit offering:

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to work independently and reach a goal.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in the specific area of study.
3. Develop a hypothesis/research question based on relevant literature.