2023-2024 Academic Catalogs

Theatre (THE)

THE-1200  Introduction to Theatre  (4 semester hours)  

This course is designed to introduce the student to a brief history of theatre and the functions of the playwright, actor, director, producer, critic and designers. The course will help develop an appreciation and understanding of the theatrical experience.

THE-1300  Introduction to Acting  (4 semester hours)  

This course is an introduction to the study and fundamentals of acting. Through exercises in movement, voice, imagination, and game playing, the student actor will develop control over body and movement, learn techniques to reduce performance anxiety and stage fright, sharpen focus and concentration, heighten imagination, and develop skills needed to define and support the life of a character.

THE-1310  Improvisation  (4 semester hours)  

This course is an introduction to improvisational skills necessary for both traditional comedic improv and the character building and compositional tools used in acting for theatre and film.

THE-1500  Stagecraft I  (4 semester hours)  

This course is an introduction to the terminology and techniques used in technical theatre. The course examines two-dimensional and three-dimensional scenery, the physical theater, stage and scene shop equipment, project organization and process, technical theater graphics, materials, and theatrical construction techniques. Students in this course will be actively involved in AU Theatre Department productions and students will be required to schedule scene shop time outside of class.

THE-1810-9  Selected Topics in Theatre  (Variable semester hours)  

This course will address a specific area of study in Theatre not already covered by other course offerings. Prerequisites vary by topic.

THE-2210  Play Analysis  (4 semester hours)  

This course explores the relationships between dramatic text and the play in performance. Representative plays are studied in their genre, historical and social contexts. An emphasis is placed on basic structural terminology and methodology.

THE-2300  Scene Study for the Actor  (4 semester hours)  

This course focuses on acting technique for scene analysis and character development. Emphasis is placed upon expanding the actor's capabilities through scene work, monologues and character study.

THE-2310  Voice and Movement for the Actor  (4 semester hours)  

This course develops the actor for the vocal and physical demands of the stage. The actor's voice is explored through exercises in relaxation, breathing, articulation and projection. The actor's body is explored through techniques of movement in an effort to make the actor's body a more flexible and efficient instrument of expression.

THE-2400  Introduction to Musical Theatre Performance  (4 semester hours)  

An introductory course in musical theatre scene study, in which acting, singing, and movement skills are blended in the performance of songs and scenes. The course will require students to research musical theatre productions and characters, train in vocal technique and work with a collaborative pianist.

THE-2440  Musical Theatre Dance Styles I  (2 semester hours)  

This course will include study of classical ballet and jazz at the beginner level in order to prepare the musical theatre student for more advanced study. Students will be taught dance combinations from musical theatre repertoire in order to enhance technical skills while preparing for performance.

THE-2510  Design for the Stage  (4 semester hours)  

Using a variety of media, students will explore design skills, creative process and essentials of costume, lighting and scenic design. Students will explore the process of translating a script into a visual design. Topics will include designer responsibilities, research techniques, communication tools, creative problem solving, and the director/ designer relationship.

THE-2630  Latinx Theatre  (4 semester hours)  

This survey course will explore the development of Latinx theatre through an intersectional lens. Students will study the works of various Latinx theatre artists, past and present, by examining cultural history, artistic processes and political/social motivations.

THE-2810-9  Selected Topics in Theatre  (Variable semester hours)  

This course will address a specific area of study in Theatre not already covered by other course offerings. Prerequisites vary by topic.

THE-3300  Classical Acting  (4 semester hours)  

This course is advanced training for students who have taken at least one of the core 1000 and 2000 level acting courses. Special attention for this course will be placed on classical acting using works from Shakespeare.

Prerequisite(s): THE-1300 or THE-2300 or THE-2310.
THE-3310  Directing  (4 semester hours)  

This course is an introduction to the process of directing. It will begin with analysis and research, and move into the actual staging and rehearsal process. The class will also concentrate on analysis, the foundation for the entire process.

Prerequisite(s): THE-1200 or THE-1300 or THE-1500 or THE-2210 or THE-2510.
THE-3400  Musical Theatre Scene Study  (4 semester hours)  

A practical application of musical theatre scene study and historical musical theatre styles. Students will learn to critically evaluate musical theatre text and song and incorporate the two elements through the application of multiple acting and singing techniques. Students will explore a range of musical theatre styles from the 1940's through present day.

Prerequisite(s): THE-2400.
THE-3440  Musical Theatre Dance Style II  (2 semester hours)  

This course will include study of hip-hop and jazz dance technique at the beginner level in order to prepare the musical theatre student for more advanced study. Students will be taught dance combinations from musical theatre repertoire in order to enhance technical skills while preparing for performance.

Prerequisite(s): THE-2440.
THE-3500  Scenic Design  (4 semester hours)  

This course examines the practice of designing theatrical scenery. Building from skills learned in Design for the Stage, students will continue to explore communications tools used to develop scenic ideas for the stage. Special attention will be placed on refining visual communication, presentation skills and theatrical drafting.

Prerequisite(s): THE-2510.
THE-3520  Costume Design  (4 semester hours)  

This course will examine the practice of designing and creating theatrical costumes. Building from skills learned in Design for the Stage, students will continue to explore communications tools used to develop costume ideas for the stage. This class will also examine basic sewing, pattern creation/modification, and other processes used to create costumes for the stage.

Prerequisite(s): THE-2510.
THE-3525  Lighting Design  (4 semester hours)  

This course will examine the practice of designing and creating theatrical lighting. Building from skills learned in Design for the Stage, students will continue to explore communications tools used to develop lighting ideas for the stage. This course will also examine lighting instruments, command equipment and theatrical drafting.

Prerequisite(s): THE-2510.
THE-3550  Stage Management  (4 semester hours)  

This course will examine the practice of stage-managing in a variety of different types of theatre productions. Students will explore responsibilities and common paperwork and tools used by professional stage managers.

Prerequisite(s): THE-1300.
THE-3600  History of Theatre: Antiquity to Renaissance  (4 semester hours)  

This course will give an overview of theatre history from Antiquity through the Renaissance. The highlights of different periods of history will be explored, which will include the study of plays and their playwrights, acting styles, staging conventions, architecture and costuming.

THE-3610  History of Theatre: Restoration to Present  (4 semester hours)  

This course will give an overview of theatre history from Restoration through the Modern theatre. We will explore the highlights of different periods of history, which will include the study of plays and their playwrights, acting styles, staging conventions, architecture and costuming.

THE-3640  Musical Theatre History  (4 semester hours)  

This class is a survey of the development of musical theatre as a performing art form in America. In addition, by looking at musical theatre from multiple perspectives - historical, cultural, political, social, aesthetic - the class will explore the ways in which musicals both reflect and embody values, tastes and trends in the cultures and eras from which they spring.

THE-3810-9  Selected Topics in Theatre  (Variable semester hours)  

This course will address a specific area of study in Theatre not already covered by other course offerings. Prerequisites vary by topic.

THE-4300  Advanced Contemporary Scene Study  (4 semester hours)  

This course is advanced training for students who have taken the core 1000 and 2000 level acting courses. Special emphasis will be placed on 20th and 21st century literature and honing the individual skills needed by professional actors.

Prerequisite(s): THE-1310; THE-2300; THE-2310.
THE-4400  Advanced Musical Theatre Performance  (4 semester hours)  

A practical study of audition techniques, cabaret performance, and role research. Students will master five audition songs from various musical theatre genres. They will also write and develop their own cabaret performance which will be performed as the course final.

Prerequisite(s): THE-2400; THE-3400.
THE-4440  Musical Theatre Dance Styles III  (2 semester hours)  

An advanced study of a variety of musical theatre dance styles. Students will be taught dance combinations from musical theatre repertoire in order to enhance technical skills while preparing for performance. Students will also learn basic choreography and will be asked to choreograph and teach one dance combination.

Prerequisite(s): THE-3440.
THE-4500  Advanced Study in Design or Technical Theatre  (4 semester hours)  

This course is a continuation of training from THE-2500, THE-3500, THE-3520, THE-3525 or THE-3550. Students will be working on advanced projects in their specific area of design or technical theatre. Although not guaranteed, students may be given an assignment as part of an AU theatre or student production.

Prerequisite(s): THE-2500; THE-3500; THE-3520; THE-3525 or THE-3550.
THE-4810-9  Selected Topics in Theatre  (Variable semester hours)  

This course will address a specific area of study in Theatre not already covered by other course offerings. Prerequisites vary by topic.

THE-4900  Senior Capstone Preparation  (1 semester hours)  

This course is designed to help the graduating theatre student prepare and organize a capstone project. Special emphasis will be placed on project and skill development and advisor selection.

Prerequisite(s): THE-1300; THE-1500; THE-2210; THE-3310; THE-3600; THE-3610, permission of instructor/theatre faculty.
THE-4990  Senior Capstone Project  (3 semester hours)  

This course will serve as the culminating performance, project or written work for the theatre major. With approval and guidance from the faculty, student will develop and execute a substantial individual project that will reflect the academic and practical knowledge gained through the theatre program. This project may be realized as a theatrical performance, a design or technical project, a directorial work, a written thesis or a critical/historical document. Faculty will assist in developing specific goals and requirements for completion of the capstone project.

Prerequisite(s): THE-1300; THE-1500; THE-2210; THE-3310; THE-3600; THE-3610, permission of instructor/theatre faculty.