Return to Film, Theatre, and Creative Writing | Courses Index
[1] Courses in Theatre (THEA)
1300 ACTING FOR NON-MAJORS An elective course for non-majors and non-minors. Requires no previous acting experience. Through readings and classroom performance, students will experience the basic principles of acting including relaxation, concentration, improvisation, use of imagination, actions, objectives, initial monologue and scene work, and other basic terms and concepts of process work for the actor. This course does not satisfy any of the acting requirements for the Theatre major or minor.
1350 INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE This course offers an examination of theatre from the perspective of theatre artists and scholars. Students will be introduced to the collaborative creative and intellectual processes of playwriting, producing, directing, acting, design, and technology. The course will also introduce students to theatre history, dramatic literature, and critical theory, and to the relation between theatre and society. The course will also serve as an orientation to UCA Theatre.
1360 TEXT ANALYSIS FOR THE THEATRE A required course for theatre majors and an elective course for theatre minors. This is a course in text analysis for theatre practitioners, the intellectual basis upon which artistic decisions are made. Students will develop a process for analyzing play scripts for use as directors and designers in developing a concept, an approach to producing the play. Prerequisite: Declaration of a major or minor in Theatre or permission of instructor.
1370 ACTING I A required course for theatre majors and minors. An introductory acting studio course for theatre majors, exploring the physical, vocal, and imaginative processes required for performance of dramatic texts, and building a vocabulary and technique for acting through exercises and scene-work that will build a foundation for theatre classes within the major. Prerequisite: THEA 1360 and declaration of a major or minor in Theatre or permission of instructor.
2200 DANCE FOR THE THEATRE This class is designed to introduce the theatre student to the fundamentals of dance for the theatre. The class will lead students to explore various movement and dance styles appropriate to the theatre, and will help students develop strength and flexibility needed for stage performance. Prerequisites: Declaration of a Theatre major, minor or permission of the instructor.
2300 THEATRE APPRECIATION A UCA Core course that satisfies three hours of the Inquiry and Analysis requirement as a fine arts elective. Awareness and appreciation of theatre art and its place in contemporary human culture. Incorporates study of theatrical styles, history, theory, and practice using live and recorded performances. May not be credited toward a major or minor in theatre. [ACTS: DRAM1003]
2320 STAGE MAKE-UP An elective course for theatre majors and minors. Techniques and principles of makeup for the theatre. Emphasis is on character makeup and the effects of light, shade, and color on the face. Opportunities for realization of designs in UCA theatre productions. Prerequisite: Declaration of a major or minor in Theatre or permission of instructor.
2325 FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRICAL DESIGN A required course for theatre majors and minors. Introduction to critical methodology in conception, creation, and presentation of scenic, lighting, and costume design. Prerequisite: THEA 1360 and declaration of a major or minor in Theatre or permission of instructor.
2330 STAGE MANAGEMENT An elective course for the theatre major or minor. Introduces the duties of the stage manager from rehearsal to performance. Areas of instruction include responsibilities and duties of the stage manager during periods of pre-production, rehearsal, performance, and post-production. Collaboration with director, actor, and technicians, and other appropriate topics.
2331 STAGECRAFT A required course for theatre majors and an elective course for theatre minors. Basic elements of the theatrical setting leading to competency in the procedures involved in the construction, painting, and dressing of scenery, and the use of the theatre building. Prerequisite: Declaration of a major or minor in Theatre or permission of instructor.
2390 ACTING II An elective course for theatre majors and minors. An acting studio course deepening the exploration of techniques introduced in Acting I, including expanded work on characterization and script analysis through exercises, scene-work and monologue performance. Prerequisite: THEA 1370 or permission of the instructor.
3122 THEATRE PRACTICUM A required course for theatre majors and minors, offering practical experience in theatre production and performance through one or more of the following areas: acting, stage management, theatre administration, and house management. Each level may be repeated for a total of 5 hours credit each. Prerequisite: Declaration of a major or minor in Theatre or permission of instructor.
3V50 DIRECTED STUDY IN THEATRE (Variable credit: 1-3 credit hours.) Concentrated study of a topic or topics to be determined through instructor/student interaction. May be repeated for credit. May be used for honors studies with the consent of the department chair. Prerequisite: Junior standing, minimum 3.0 GPA, or consent of the instructor.
3305 SCENIC PAINTING FOR THEATRE An elective course for Theatre majors and minors. Students will explore problems involving composition, scaling, and color using tools, materials, and techniques of theatrical scenic painting. Studio.
3306 PROP MAKING AND SCENIC SCULPTING A specialized course designed for students majoring or minoring in Theatre. This elective delves into the art of producing three-dimensional artifacts vital to theatrical presentations, encompassing props and scenic elements. Participants will engage in an in-depth study of diverse materials and honing craftsmanship techniques essential for crafting a wide array of projects frequently utilized in theatrical productions.
3310 COSTUME DESIGN A required or elective course for theatre majors, and an elective course for theatre minors. Applied theory and principles of design, specifically related to stage costume design. Emphasis is on the communicative and collaborative nature of costume design within the process of theatrical production. Prerequisite: THEA 1360 and THEA 2325; or FILM 1310 (for non-majors/minors in Theatre); or consent of instructor.
3311 COSTUME TECHNOLOGY An elective course for theatre majors and minors. This course looks at the practical aspects of Costume Techniques and Construction by using different methods of sewing, utilizing tools in the costume shop such as various sewing machines and industrial irons, as well as how to read a theatrical pattern. This class will teach students a vast vocabulary needed to communicate with other theatrical costume makers. Prerequisite: THEA 2331
3320 DIGITAL DESIGN An elective course for theatre majors and minors. The study of digital design for the theatre artist. Through lecture and lab work, students learn to use diverse software applications to develop an understanding of theatrical drafting and rendering techniques and standards for use in professional theatre. Prerequisite: THEA 2325 or by consent of instructor.
3324 THEATRE HISTORY I A required course for theatre majors and an elective for theatre minors. The first part of a two semester series offering an historical and critical survey of theatre and drama from origins to 1700. The course includes study of architecture, theatrical conventions, design styles, acting styles, dramatic literature, and noted theatrical artists. The course will also cover major arguments in dramatic theory. Prerequisite: THEA 1360, declaration of a theatre major or minor, or consent of instructor. [UD UCA Core: I]
3325 THEATRE HISTORY II A required course for theatre majors and an elective for theatre minors. The second part of a two semester series offering an historical and critical survey of theatre and drama from 1700 to the present. The course includes study of architecture, theatrical conventions, design styles, acting styles, dramatic literature, and noted theatrical artists. The course will also cover major arguments in dramatic theory. Prerequisite: THEA 1360, declaration of a theatre major or minor, or consent of instructor. [UD UCA Core: D, C]
3326 PERIOD DÉCOR AND SCENIC STYLES An elective course for Theatre majors and minors. This course examines the history of architecture design, motifs, and forms and décor in the world, with a focus on western styles, as well as its aesthetic, cultural, political, and economic influences from Antiquity to the turn of the century and the end of the 1900s. Emphasis on the relations between research and design for the stage.
3332 STAGE LIGHTING A required or elective course for theatre majors and an elective course for theatre minors. Stage lighting design and its role in theatre, film, and TV production is examined, including types of instruments, lamps, color media, control devices, and history. Laboratory work in UCA theatre productions is offered. Prerequisites: THEA 1360 and THEA 2325; or FILM 1310 (for non-majors/minors in Theatre); or consent of instructor.
3390 ACTING III: PERFORMANCE STYLES An elective course for theatre majors and minors. An advanced acting studio building on techniques introduced in Acting I and II. Intensive work on script analysis, emotional preparation, awakening the imagination, characterization, partner work and playing action. Specific focus is on non-realistic performance styles. Prerequisite: THEA 1370 and THEA 2390; or consent of the instructor.
3391 ACTING III: SHAKESPEARE An elective course for theatre majors and minors. An acting studio course exploring the performance of Shakespearean texts, with focus on scansion, verse and prose, poetry, characterization, and voice and articulation. Prerequisite: THEA 1370 and THEA 2390; or consent of the instructor.
4122 TECHNICAL THEATRE PRACTICUM A required course for theatre majors and minors, offering practical experience in theatre production through one or more of the following areas: theatrical design, backstage running crew, and assigned production shop hours. Each level may be repeated for a total of 5 hours credit each. Prerequisite: Declaration of a major or minor in Theatre or permission of instructor.
4V23 THEATRE INTERNSHIP (Variable credit: 1-3 credit hours) An elective course for Theatre majors and minors only. Internships provide qualified students an opportunity to integrate professional experience in the theatre industry or related field with traditional academic study. Successful internships will expose students directly to professional acting, directing, design, technology, and stage management, as well as other related areas, such as casting, arts administration, development, and other industry partners. Internship opportunities should be student initiated. The number of internship hours will be determined by the number of credits taken. May be repeated for up to 3 hours of credit. Minimum GPA 2.50. Prerequisites: THEA 1350, THEA 1370, and at least Sophomore status; or permission of Chair.
4300 PROFESSIONAL ISSUES This is a required course for Theatre majors and an elective course for Theatre minors. It is designed to help prepare the student to pursue meaningful personal and professional goals following completion of the undergraduate degree. Course topics will include preparation in choosing and applying for graduate programs; preparation for professional interviews and auditions; identifying and making choices based on life goals, meaningful collaboration with others, and awareness of physical health and its impact on individual success. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status, declaration of a major or minor in Theatre or permission of the instructor. [UD UCA Core: R]
4305 ACTING FOR THE CAMERA An elective course for theatre majors and minors. Building on the actor’s knowledge of stage acting, students will be given on-camera experience in the fundamental techniques that are particular to acting for the camera. Topics covered will include listening and reacting, distance and relationship, shot size and the actor, and on-camera auditions. Prerequisites: THEA 2390 and/or permission of instructor.
4311 STAGE COMBAT An elective course for theatre majors and minors. An introductory course in the design, practice, and performance of theatrical violence. Students will explore the techniques used to create the illusion of danger and the means by which we use violence to tell stories on stage or screen. Prerequisite: THEA 1370 and THEA 2390 or consent of the instructor.
4315 TOPICS IN THEATRE PERFORMANCE An elective course for theatre majors and minors. In-depth studies in selected theories and methods of performance such as musical theatre, Elizabethan theatre, children’s theatre, and experimental theatre. May be repeated for credit up to nine hours of credit with a change of content. See semester schedules for description of content. Prerequisite: THEA 1360 and 2390.
4320 DIRECTING FOR THE STAGE This course explores the fundamentals of directing for the stage, and the role of the director in the theatrical event. Through discussion, exercises, and the preparation and presentation of dramatic pieces, students will be encouraged to develop their artistic imaginations and their own processes for manifesting their dramatic visions. Students will each direct a piece for the Festival of One-Act Plays and Scenes. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing and THEA 1360 and THEA 1370 or consent of instructor. [UD UCA Core: Z]
4321 TOPICS IN TECHNICAL THEATRE An elective course for theatre majors and minors. In-depth studies in selected theory and practice of technical theatre such as sound reinforcement and design, advanced make-up design, costume design, and scenic painting and decoration. May be repeated up to nine hours of credit with a change of content. See semester schedules for description of content. Prerequisite: THEA 2331 or consent of instructor.
4322 THEATRE WORKSHOP An elective course for theatre majors and minors. Advanced training in directorial methods and organization, performance techniques, and experimental theatre practices.
4326 HISTORY OF WESTERN FASHION An elective course for theatre majors and minors. This course examines the history and fabrication of western clothing, as well as its aesthetic, cultural, political and economic influences from Antiquity to 1990.
4340 SCENE DESIGN A required or elective course for theatre majors and an elective course for theatre minors. Theories and styles of scenic design and their application to the individual play. Prerequisites: THEA 1360, THEA 2325, and THEA 2331; or FILM 1310 (for non-majors/minors in Theatre); or consent of instructor.
4390 AUDITION TECHNIQUES An elective course for Theatre majors. Study of the processes used to prepare and present material for auditioning in theatre and film. Methods and resources to locate auditions and casting agencies will also be explored. Prerequisites: THEA 1370 and 2390.