|
 |
|
|
Theatre Catalog Course Descriptions |
|
|
Information on the :
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Theatre Catalog Course Descriptions
|
THE 101 Introduction to
Drama
A lecture-discussion course designed to provide students with a
conception of the development of
the theatre and its literature. The course consists
of a survey of Greek, medieval, Elizabethan, French
neoclassic, and 18th, 19th and 20th-century theatre
and drama.
Cr. 3
|
THE 102 Acting
for Non-Majors
This course will introduce core students to theatre through the eyes of the performer. Students will gain
a basic understanding of theatre as a performing art
through lecture, discussion and performance of scenes.
Improvisational exercises, relaxation
techniques and character analysis strategies will be included. Students
will also attend campus and area theatrical productions
and be required to write critical reviews of the performances.
Cr. 3
|
THE 103 Contemporary Dance I
This course is designed to teach basic contemporary dance skills and vocabulary. The class is divided into two areas of study. Physical and technical development are learned through strengthening and stretching exercises. Proper body alignment is
stressed for the most efficient and injury-free movement.
Dance phrases are taught to enhance rhythmic and locomotor skills. Equal time will be devoted to improvisational skills and the study of choreographic
techniques. Students will be required to attend contemporary dance performances. Course may be repeated once for credit.
Cr. 3
|
THE
104 Costuming Lab
The course is a laboratory session that allows practical application of theory discussed in
THE 334 Costuming by teaching sewing skills and allowing students to construct costumes for a USM theatre production.
Practicum is required for
Theatre Majors and recommended for all costuming students, but need not be taken
concurrently with THE 334.
Cr 1.
|
THE
105 Practicum in Stage
Lighting
A course focusing on the practical application of contemporary stage
lighting technology and on the implementation of a lighting plot.
Prerequisite: Stagecraft or permission of instructor.
Cr 1.
|
THE 106F Stagecraft Lab
A practicum allowing the application of theory discussed in THE 135F
to the construction, painting and mounting of sets for USM theatre
productions. Practicum is required for
Theatre Majors and recommended for all Stagecraft students, but need not be taken
concurrently with THE 135F.
Cr 1.
|
THE 120 Acting: Stage
Movement
This is a Practicum course designed to introduce students to basic elements of the creative process
of acting. Students will be introduced to body
awareness, methods of relaxation and physical
flexiblity, exploration of creative process, freeing the vocal
mechanism, elementary stage combat and improvisation.
Course culminates with student presentation of a performance piece that has been developed through
improvisation. No prerequisite.
Cr. 3
|
THE 130
Musical Theatre Workshop I
A course designed to give students practical application of theatre practices in the fields of acting, design, scene construction, costuming, properties,
lighting, management, and directing. A laboratory
course. The course may be repeated for credit.
Cr 0.5.
|
THE 131
Musical Theatre Workshop II
A continuation of THE 130. Prerequisite: THE 130.
The course may be repeated for credit.
Cr 0.5.
|
THE 132
Musical Theatre Workshop III
A continuation of THE 131. Prerequisite: THE 131.
The course may be repeated for credit.
Cr 0.5.
|
THE 133
Musical Theatre Workshop IV
A continuation of THE 132. Prerequisite: THE 132.
The course may be repeated for credit.
Cr 0.5.
|
THE 134F Production
Management
A survey/lab course designed to familiarize students with the organizational procedures of the theatre production process. Major areas
of study include stage management and theatre
production management with some reference to
video and film production management. Additional
topics include the running of crews in properties and wardrobe, operation of sound
and lighting equipment, and production scheduling.
This course includes a crew requirement for a University
production.
Cr 3.
|
THE 135F Stagecraft
A lecture course in technical theatre and related topics relevant to technical
direction. Specific areas of emphasis will include: theatre/stage terminology and organization;
scene shop practices; basic methods of construction, rigging, and moving
scenery for the stage.
Cr 3.
|
THE 139 Make-up
The course will emphasize the fundamentals of design and application of theatrical make-up. Specific areas of study will include the use of
painted highlight and shadow to alter facial features and the actual application of make-up,
giving the student the opportunity to practice
realistic and abstract make-up techniques. An additional 30 hours of production work will be
required of each student providing the opportunity
to apply classroom techniques to the actual performance experience.
Cr 3.
|
THE 150H Play Analysis
Representative dramas for the stage are read, discussed and criticized using the Aristotelian
elements of plot, character, thought, diction,
music, and spectacle as analytical tools.
Prerequisite: English proficiency.
Cr 3.
|
THE 170F Public Speaking
An introductory course in the art of public discourse. Primarily a lecture-performance course, students will learn the basics of informative, persuasive, and argumentative speaking, as well as the processes of problem-solving and informative discussion.
Cr 3.
|
THE 175F Oral Interpretation
A course in the assimilation and analysis of literary material (poetry, prose, drama) with emphasis on the techniques used in reading
written material aloud to an audience. Designed
to stimulate an understanding and responsiveness to literature and to develop the ability to convey to others, through oral reading,
an appreciation of that literature.
Cr 3.
|
THE 220 Acting: Scene
Study
This is a practicum course designed to introduce students to basic skills of stage
movement and characterization through the use of scene work. The course evolves from
simple storytelling through monologues to scenes. The emphasis is on internal preparation
through developing a role as well as on external techniques for projecting that role.
Prerequisites: THE 120 and 121 or permission of instructor.
Cr 3.
|
THE
221 Acting: Stage
Voice
This course emphasizes the development of the actor's
voice, providing a progression of exercises to free and strengthen the voice
as a tool of creative expression. The elements of vocal projection,
range, diction, placement, and characterization will be explored.
Prerequisite: THE 120.
Cr. 3
|
THE 224 Acting for the Camera
This course will give students practical experience acting in videotaped dramatic scenes, industrial role playing, commercials, and narration.
The course will emphasize the difference between stage and video/film acting techniques.
Cr 3.
|
THE 226 Professional Audition
and Marketing Techniques
This course will give students practical experience in and information related to seeking employment as an actor.
The audition section will include simulations of stage and related film and video situations. The marketing section will provide strategies in the professional
actor's most time-consuming endeavor: looking
for work.
Cr 3.
|
THE 230 Designing for the
Performer
This course offers the student an opportunity to explore the process of creating an environment
for the performer, incorporating elements of scenic,
costume, lighting, and audio design. Coursework includes the presentation of multimedia design
projects, supplemented by a practicum as an assistant designer for one major Theatre Department
play or media arts production.
Cr 3.
|
THE 235 Theatrical Drafting
A lecture/discussion/lab course in basic theatrical drafting/graphic practices relating
to theatrical construction and design techniques. Concurrent enrollment in THE 236 Stagecraft Lab required.
Prerequisite: THE 135F or instructor consent.
Cr 3.
|
THE 236 Design
Practicum
A course focusing on the practical application of topics relevant to THE 230, THE 235, THE 330, THE 331, THE 332, and THE 430.
Concurrent enrollment in one of the above courses
required.
Cr 1.
|
THE 250 Playwriting
A lecture-practicum course designed to acquaint the student with playwriting principles. Emphasis
is placed on the one-act play form. Students will be required to complete a series of creative
exercises culminating with writing of a one-act play.
Prerequisite: THE 150H.
Cr 3.
|
THE 271 Creative Dramatics
Study of problems in introducing young people to theatre as a total art form. Course to include
the development of children's plays through improvisation as well as traditional children's
literature. Work with children in various community settings will provide practical experience for the student.
Cr 3.
|
THE 275 Readers
Theatre
This course teaches the process involved in arranging literature and other materials for performance or for use as a teaching
tool. Elements of scripting, directing, and acting for simple staged,
chamber, and story theatre will be analyzed.
Cr 3.
|
THE
303 Musical Theatre Performance
This course will provide students with the opportunity to combine the skills of singing, acting, and dance as demanded by the art of musical theatre, In addition to vocal coaching, acting exercises, and choreography, students will be exposed to a variety of musical theatre genres and will be performing throughout the semester. The class will culminate with a public performance.
Prerequisites: THE 203 and THE 220.
Cr 4.
|
THE 321 Acting:
Advanced Scene Study: Playwright Focus
This is a practicum for advanced actors, providing an in-depth scene study focusing on one or more playwrights. Emphasis will be given to preparation for auditions.
Prerequisite: THE 220.
Cr 3.
|
THE
322 Acting:
Contemporary Methods
This course will
introduce a variety of acting techniques developed by the master artists,
beginning with an overview of the Stanislavski system and advancing to the
work of Lee Strasburg, Sanford Meisner, Uta Hagen, Augusto Boal, and
others. These techniques will be applied to exercises, scenes, and
monologues performed throughout the semester.
Prerequisite: THE 220 or permission of instructor.
Cr 3.
|
THE 325
Directing
This course is designed to train students in theatrical organization and rehearsed techniques.
It encompasses composition, picturization, movement,
and rhythm. Some practicum is involved.
Prerequisite: THE 150H, THE 220, and THE 230.
Cr 3.
|
THE 331 Scene Design
Lecture and practicum in stage scenic design. Emphasis on the visual art and drafting of designs.
Prerequisites: THE 135F, and THE 150H or permission of instructor.
Cr 3.
|
THE
334 Costuming
The course will consist of an introduction to costuming, the techniques and basic materials
used in design and construction of an effective
production. Costume design will be studied in terms of defining basic elements of line, color,
and texture; fulfilling script requirements and
analyzing characters; and coordinating with other designers. Sewing skills and rendering
techniques will be introduced. The lecture portion
of the course will be supplemented by actual construction and mounting of a University theatre production. THE 232 Lab required for Theatre Majors. Prerequisite: sophomore status or THE 101G.
Cr 3.
|
THE 335 Stage Lighting
Introduction to stage lighting design, elements of electricity, color, light sources, instrumentation
and control systems. Students will participate in lighting projects in practicum.
Prerequisites: THE 135F, THE
150H.
Cr 3.
|
THE 336 Arts Management
Investigation of educational and professional theatre management roles, including: managing director; business
manager; box office manager; publicity director; house manager. Practicum required.
Cr 3.
|
THE 337 Sound Design
An introduction to the art and techniques of sound
design. The class examines the creation of audio for a production
environment, with emphasis on industry-standard recording techniques
communication tools, script and delivery systems. Prerequisite:
THE 150 and THE 230 or permission of the instructor.
Cr 3.
|
THE 350 Advanced Playwriting
A course for those who have taken THE 250 or have already written several plays. Emphasis will be placed
on writing a full length play for possible production by the University. A better-than-average competence in writing dialogue is imperative.
Prerequisite: THE 250 or permission of the instructor.
Cr 3.
|
THE 351 Dramatic Literature
and Theatre History I:
Origins to 15th Century
A study of the development of theatre and drama from its origins through the medieval period, covering ancient Greek, Roman, and Oriental theatre and drama.
Representative authors include Sophocles, Euripedes,
Plautus, Seneca, the Wakefield Master, and Chikamatsu.
Critics include Aristotle and Horace. Prerequisite: THE 150H for majors, ENG lOOC or ENG
lOlC for non-majors.
Cr 3.
|
THE 352 Dramatic Literature
and Theatre History II:
Renaissance to 1800
A study of theatre and drama from the Renaissance, Neo-classical and Restoration
periods to 1800. Representative authors include
Machiavelli, de Vega, Shakespeare, Johnson, Racine, Moliere, and Goldoni. Critics include
Castevetro, Chapelain, Dryden, Johnson and
Diderot. Prerequisite: THE 150H for majors, ENG lOOC
or ENG lOlC for non-majors.
Cr 3.
|
THE 353G Dramatic Literature
and Theatre History III:
Romantic to World War II
A study of theatre and drama from Romantic period to World War II, covering early realist and anti-realist theatre. Representative authors include
Goethe, Hugo, Ibsen, Chekhov, Pirandello, Shaw and O'Neill. Critics include Wagner, Zola,
Bergson, Brunetiere, and Nietzsche. Prerequisite: THE 150H for majors, ENG lOOC or ENG lOlC for non-majors.
Cr 3.
|
THE 354 Dramatic Literature
and Theatre History IV:
Absurdists to Post-Modernism
A study of theatre and drama from the post-war Absurdist and Brechtian Epic theatres to the
present day. Representative authors include Brecht, Beckett, Genet, Williams, Miller,
Shepard, Stoppard, and Shaffer. Critics include
Artaud, Brecht, Esslin, Schechner, and Eco.
Prerequisite: THE 150H for majors, ENG lOOC or ENG lOlC for non-majors.
Cr 3.
|
THE 355 Journalistic Drama
Criticism
This course will provide the student with a comprehensive analysis of the role of the writing critic in professional, community, educational, and amateur theatre. Stress will be placed upon development of a workable writing style.
A minimum of five plays will be seen from which reviews will be generated.
Prerequisite: THE 225 or by permission.
Cr 3.
|
THE 372 Speaking to the
Camera
This is an advanced public speaking and performance course introducing the student to the most common types of video presentations.
Student performances of scripted speeches will be videotaped and evaluated based on content, delivery, and style.
Cr 3.
|
THE 373 Effective
Public and Workplace
Presentations
This course expands upon the performance skills taught in THE
170F. It will emphasize the development of greater expertise and
performance ease in a variety of presentation styles, as well as exploring the use
of visual aids consistent with workplace and public presentations.
Students will be required to attend and critique community-based public speeches, as well as to analyze the work of their peers. Prerequisite: THE 170F or permission of instructor.
Cr 3.
|
THE 375 Performance Arts
This theory and practice course allows students to experiment with the aesthetic interpretation of texts, focusing on extra-textual elements of presentation (such as sound, visual symbols, images,
spatial relations, hand-held light) in the staging of poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and drama. Theoretical and practical reading accompany
in-class exercises and black-box performances that strengthen skills in acting, directing, oral interpretation, forensics, play analysis, and design. Students elect a directing or a performance
emphasis.
Cr 3.
|
THE
420 Acting: Styles
This course will examine the styles of acting found in the classical (Greek and Roman), Elizabethan, and eighteenth- and nineteenth-century dramas.
Prerequisite: THE 220.
Cr 3.
|
THE 421 Topics in Acting and
Performance
An intensive study of a particular acting or performance technique chosen at the discretion of the instructor in accordance with his or her expertise and interests. May be repeated as topics vary, for a maximum of 9 credits.
Prerequisite: THE 221 or permission of instructor.
Cr 3.
|
THE 430 Topics in Design
A seminar in advanced design practices and a continuation of THE 330 and/or 332. The course will stress improving design and presentation skills by developing and presenting design projects. The design project will involve theatrical
drafting, perspective sketching, rendering and model-making techniques as required in the areas of specialty. Students will be required to work in 2 of the 3 areas of theatrical design: costume design, lighting design, or scenery design.
In addition, historical styles will be surveyed in a lecture/discussion format. This discussion will include the impact of social and political attitudes as well as physical style and how these aspects
may be applied to contemporary design.
Prerequisite: any two of the following: THE 330, 331,or 332.
Cr 3.
|
THE
434 Advanced Costuming
This course will continue the study of costume design begun in THE
334. The focus of class work
and projects will be on specific problems encountered in costuming for the theatre.
Lecture material and design assignments will
be drawn principally from the twentieth century,
though other time periods may occasionally be used. Students will work to improve rendering techniques as well as analytical skills.
Concurrent enrollment in Theatre Workshop will provide a laboratory component to classroom study.
Prerequisite: THE 231G or permission of the instructor.
Cr 3.
|
THE 451 Topics in Dramatic
Literature and Theatre History
An intensive study of a particular playwright, group, movement, or historical period chosen at
the discretion of the instructor in accordance
with his/her expertise and interests. May be repeated
as topics vary for a maximum of 9 credits. Prerequisite: THE 150H for majors, ENG lOOC for non-majors.
Cr 3.
|
THE 490 Independent Study
Students should contact the Department regarding information for independent study.
|
THE 491 Project I
Investigation of special topics, or execution of special projects that fall within
the purview of theatre. Students may select an interior intradepartmental committee of three
professors to approve, assist, and oversee the
project. Prerequisites: junior and senior standing;
precise definition of project and unanimous permission of committee. Students must obtain
rules for this course from the department chairman.
Credit hours arranged.
|
THE 492 Theatre Internship
Students will assume a full one-semester internship with a professional theatre or Reader's Theatre Company. Students will be involved in management, acting, directing, or technical theatre as a member of the company. Each student will be assigned a faculty advisor who will make a biweekly evaluation of ongoing work. Participants will be required to keep a diary and/or portfolio to be reviewed by the faculty of the Theatre Department at the conclusion of the internship. All creative work done by the student will be evaluated by the advisor and at least one other, or if possible, all members of the department.
Prerequisite: permission of the Theatre Department.
Cr 3-15.
|
THE 493
International Tour
Students in this course will rehearse an original or scripted production which will be performed at USM and then transported to England for presentation at King
Alfred's College in Winchester.
Cr 3-15.
|
THE 494 Theatre Institute:
Michael Chekhov
This course provides an intensive overview of the acting
techniques created by Michael Chekhov. Areas of focus will
include characterization, scene study, stage movement
and voice, and teaching methods. The course will conclude
with a works-in-progress performance. Offered during the
summers only. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credits.
Cr. 3.
|
Since August, 2000,
Guests have visited this
site !
|