Chair and Professor-March. Professors-Coulson, Hannon, Hargett, Maganza, Pascoe, Peeler, Sodders. Assistant Professor-Simone. Lecturers-Bishop, Gardner, Hovis, Jennings.
The Department of Theatre provides classroom instruction in all phases of live theatre performance. That instruction is reinforced by students' participation in every area of theatrical production and performance. All theatre majors take a twenty-two hour core curriculum in the discipline, and then specialize in acting, design/technical, directing, musical theatre, or certification to teach in the public schools. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.
Theatre majors must possess a 2.5 grade point average to be eligible for casting in a major production and for admission into the Pre-Professional programs. Students who are admitted to Pre-Professional programs must maintain a 2.5 grade point average to remain in the program. Students who fail to do so will be advised into another program.
Graduates of the theatre work as teachers, actors, designers, writers, producers, directors, and production workers in film, television, and in theatre. Many have gone on or to advanced degrees, preparing to teach at the college or university level.
For more information call 512-245-2147 or visit the Speech and Drama Center,120.
Students pursuing a BA may elect to major or minor in theatre. A major in this discipline requires completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours, with six additional hours strongly recommended. At least twelve semester hours must be at the 3000/4000 level. Students must declare an official minor. See the section of this catalog dealing with minors. The BA degree requires sophomore proficiency in a foreign language and completion of two semesters of the same laboratory science. Since the General Studies program requires 18 hours of writing intensive coursework, electives and minors should be selected with care. See section of catalog stating requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree.
All theatre majors are required to
participate in theatre production activities each semester, and BA
students must enroll in Theatre 2111 a minimum of two semesters.
Freshman
Year Hours TH
1354 3 TH
1358 3 TH
1364 3 TH
1365 3 TH
2111 1 13 Sophomore
Year Hours TH
2111 1 TH
2338 3 TH
Elective 3 7 Junior
Year Hours TH
3320 3 TH
3321 3 TH 3344,
3346 or 4345 3 9 Senior
Year Hours TH
4364 3 TH
Elective 3 6
The BFA contains two options: (1) a special emphasis curriculum leading to a pre-professional degree and (2) an education curriculum leading to secondary certification in Theatre.
Notes:
1. A minimum of 60 semester hours in Theatre, of which 36 are required. At least 30 semester hours must be advanced.2. Students will be admitted to this option at the end of the sophomore year after passing an admissions interview/audition with the Bachelor of Fine Arts Review Committee. Students will be expected to maintain high artistic and academic standards. For specific admission requirements and procedures, students should contact the Department of Theatre before March 15.
3. Bachelor of Fine Arts Theatre students choose their career path in consultation with the Bachelor of Fine Arts review Committee.
4. All Theatre majors are required to participate in theatre production activities each semester. Bachelor of Fine Arts students with an acting or directing specialization will enroll for Theatre 2111 a minimum of two semesters, and musical theatre and technical/design specializations will enroll a minimum of one semester.
5. Students desiring certification within the pre-professional option will complete additional work including 18 hours of education courses and Reading 3324 (see your academic adviser).
6. General Studies requirements must be met.
Freshman
Year Hours TH
1340 3 TH
1354 3 TH
1355 3 TH
1364 3 TH
1365 3 TH
2111 1 16 Sophomore
Year Hours TH
1358 3 TH
2111 1 TH
2338 3 TH
2354 3 TH 3344,
3346 or 4345 3 13 Junior
Year Hours TH
3320 3 TH
3321 3 TH
3342 3 TH
3343 3 TH
3365 3 TH
3390 3 TH
4390 3 21 Senior
Year Hours TH
3367 3 TH
4360(Voice) 3 TH
4361 3 TH
4364 3 TH
4391 3 TH
4392 3 TH
4393 3 21
Freshman
Year Hours TH
1340 3 TH
1354 3 TH
1355 3 TH
1364 3 TH
1365 3 TH
2111 1 16 Sophomore
Year Hours TH
1358 3 TH
2111 1 TH
2338 3 TH
2354 3 TH 3344,
3346 or 4345 3 13 Junior
Year Hours TH
3320 3 TH
3321 3 TH
3342 3 TH
(Advanced) 6 15 Senior
Year Hours TH
3367 3 TH
4357 3 TH
4360(Voice) 3 TH
4363 3 TH
4364 3 TH
4365 3 TH
(Advanced) 3 21
1. Non-specified advanced TH classes are chosen in consultation with adviser, from 3343, 3346, 4338 (Rpt), 4345 (Rpt), 4347, 4355, 4356 , or 4357(Rpt.)2. Technical/Design students are also required to take 6-9 hours from Art, Technology, and/or Physics, chosen in consultation with adviser.
Freshman
Year Hours TH
1358 3 TH
1364 3 TH
2111 1 TH 2338 or
3344 3 10 Sophomore
Year Hours TH 2338 or
3344 3 TH
3320 3 TH
3321 3 Art,
Technology, or Physics 3 12 Junior
Year Hours TH
3390 3 TH
4390 3 TH
4391 3 TH
4338 3 TH
4345 3 TH
4357 3 Art,
Technology or Physics 3 TH
(Advanced) 3-6 24-27 Senior
Year Hours TH
3367 3 TH
4364 3 TH
4392 3 TH
4393 3 Art,
Technology, or Physics 3 TH
4365 3 TH
(Advanced) 3-6 18-21
Notes:
1. A first teaching field in theatre programs consists of a minimum of 41 semester hours, with at least 24 hours advanced.2. All theatre majors are required to participate in theatre production activities each semester, and secondary certification specializations will enroll in Theatre 2111 a minimum of two semesters.
3. General Studies and teacher education requirements must be met.
Freshman
Year Hours TH
1354 3 TH
1358 3 TH
1364 3 TH
1365 3 TH
2111 1 13 Sophomore
Year Hours TH
2338 3 TH 3344,
3346 or 4345) 3 Theatre
2111 0-1 7 Junior
Year Hours TH
3320 3 TH
3321 3 TH
4357 3 9 Senior
Year Hours TH
4310 3 TH
4320 3 TH
4364 3 TH
4365 3 12
Notes:
1. Students will be admitted to this option at the end of the sophomore year after passing an admissions interview/audition with the Bachelor of Fine Arts Review Committee. Students will be expected to maintain high artistic and academic standards. For specific admission requirements and procedures, students should contact the Department of Theatre before March 15.2. Bachelor of Fine Arts Theatre students choose their career path in consultation with the Bachelor of Fine Arts review Committee.
3. The General Studies requirement for two semesters of Physical Education should be taken in Dance.
4. General Studies requirements must be met.
Freshman
Year Hours TH
1354 3 TH
1364 3 TH
1365 3 TH
2111 1 MU
1210 2 MU
1211 2 MU
1212 2 MU
1213 2 MUSP
1108W 1 MUSP
1110W 1 MUSP 1203Y
(Twice) 4 MUSP 1121K
(Twice) 2 MUSE
1113I 1 27 Sophomore
Year Hours TH
1358 3 TH
2338 3 MUSP
2205Y(Twice) 4 MUSP
2121K(Twice) 2 MUSE
2113I 1 13 Junior
Year Hours TH
3320 3 TH
3321 3 TH
3342 3 TH 3344,
3346, or 4345 3 TH
3390 3 TH
4390 3 MUSP
3107Y(Twice) 2 MU
3207 2 22 Senior
Year Hours TH
4364 3 TH
4391 3 TH
4392 3 TH
4393 3 MUSP4109(Twice) 2 MU
3315 3 MU
3316 3 MU
4150 1 21
Courses in Theatre (TH)
1340 Voice and Diction (3-2) The human voice and the sounds of speech. The student's own voice and pronunciation will be the primary concern, using practice sessions to develop more acceptable patterns of voice and sound.
1354 Movement I. (3-0) Creative movement for the theatre. Designed to stimulate the actor's body to increase flexibility and the Kinetic response to environmental stimulus through exercise and research into the physical process.
1355 Movement II. (3-0) A continuation of Movement I and the exploration of kinesthetic response for the actor, using movement techniques in class performances and further research into the techniques of Alexander, Feldenkrais, and Laban. Prerequisite: TH 1354
1358 (DRAM 1330) Stagecraft. (3-2) The study and practice of basic techniques of scene construction, painting, and rigging. Includes laboratory work in conjunction with University Theatre productions.
1364 (DRAM 1351) Beginning Acting. (2-1) Classroom exercises designed to explore and discover the actors inner resources, and to develop the personal awareness of the student's imaginative potential. Registration by theatre majors in conjunction with 1264A; may be taken by non-majors independently.
1365 (DRAM 1352) Intermediate Acting. (2-1) Classroom exercises designed to continue the exploration of the actor's inner resources; additional work on discovering techniques of developing a character. Registration by theatre majors in conjunction with 1264B; may be taken by non-majors independently. Prerequisite: Acting I or its equivalent.
1370 Introduction to Creative Drama. (3-0) Classroom activities designed so the student will learn creative drama theory and appreciate creative drama as both an art form and a valuable teaching tool. Through participation in these activities the student will become familiar with innovative ways to teach traditional material through non-traditional ways across the elementary school curriculum.
*2111 Theatre Activities (1-1) A course designed to provide credit for participation in theatre activities. May be repeated to a total of four credits.
2338 (DRAM 2331) Stage Lighting. (3-2) A continuation of Theatre 1358. Design and techniques in the use of lighting in the theatre. Practical experience in University productions required for one semester.
2354 (DRAM 2351) Characterization. (3-2) A studio acting course in which the student explores and develops techniques of creating a role. Prerequisite: Theatre 1365 or its equivalent.
3313 Introduction to the Fine Arts. (3-0) A study of the interrelation of theatre with art, music and dance. This course may not be repeated for credit by taking Art 3313, Dance 3313, or Music 3313.
(WI) 3320 History of the Theatre I. (3-0) A study of the theatre and its place in the social and cultural evolution from primitive civilization to 1700. Selected examples of theatre literature are studied.
(WI) 3321 History of the Theatre II. (3-0) A study of the theatre and its place in the social and cultural evolution from 1700 to the present. Selected examples of theatre literature are studied.
*3342 Television/Film Performance. (3-2) A practical laboratory course in television and film performance techniques. Including procedures and requirements for professional engagements.
3343 Stage Makeup. (3-0) A practical course in developing techniques used in applying stage makeup. Emphasis is placed on painting, and contouring the face to achieve the desired effect. Special projects include fantasy makeup and mask making.
3344 Costume Construction. (3-2) A practical approach to building costumes for the stage. Emphasis is on stitching techniques and introductory patterning. Practical experience with university productions required in laboratory.
3346 Historical Costume Research. (3-2) A study of clothing, accessories, and customs of selected theatrical periods as an approach to costuming period plays.
*3355 Playwriting. (3-2) A study of play fundamentals (structure, dialogue, and mechanics), and guidance and discussion of representative plays. Prerequisite: Instructor approval is required prior to enrollment.
3365 Acting Styles. (3-2) Studio course emphasizing historical as well as contemporary theories of acting; includes the presentation of individual acting projects. Prerequisite: Theatre 2354 or permission of the department chair.
(WI) 3367 Theory and Analysis. (3-0) A study of dramatic theory and play analysis for production, including the study of forms, styles, and methods.
3370 Child Drama. (3-0) Emphasis on creative drama as an art form and the role of facilitator. Attention is given to the beginning elements of children's theatre. Includes puppetry.
3390 BFA Pre-Professional Apprenticeship I. (2-4) Intensive work in one of the following career paths: Acting, design, and theatre technologies, costuming. Prerequisite: Formal admission into the Bachelor of Fine Arts Pre-professional Program.
*4320 Directing Theatre Activities (3-0) Designed to assist any teacher in directing theatre activities. During the course, students will direct plays or scenes May be repeated with different emphasis for additional credit.
4338 Lighting Design. (3-2) Lighting design is a continuation of the principles covered in Stage Lighting. This course will concentrate primarily on the aesthetics of stage lighting, and will cover such topics as: viewer psychological and physiological responses as they pertain to visual perception; color, script analysis; use of light in creating both static and dynamic visual compositions; development and graphic representation of a theatrical lighting design. Prerequisite: TH 2338.
4345 Costume Design. (3-2) A study of the principles and elements to relate to designing theatrical costumes. Includes experience in research as well as developing drawing and rendering techniques.
4347 Advanced Costume Construction. (3-2) An advanced course in building costumes for the stage. Advanced techniques in sewing as well as pattern design and drafting is included. Prerequisite: TH 3344.
*4355 Scene Painting (3-2). Theory and practice of scene and costume painting as developed in the Italian Renaissance and continuing into new media available today. *May be repeated with different emphasis for additional credit.
4356 Advanced Theatre Drafting (3-2). A study of computer techniques and procedures used in the preparation of design and technical drawings for theatrical scenery, costumes, and lighting.
*4357 Scene Design. (3-2) A study of scene design as the total visual effect of the play, with practical assignments of execution through renderings and scaled models.
*4360 Problems in Theatre. (3-0) Designed to give supervised experience to qualified advanced students in theatre history, playwriting, directing, acting, technical, or other theatre problems. Research problems or actual production problems may be chosen.
4361 Dialects For Actors (3-2). A study of the International Phonetic Alphabet and other vocal techniques used to create vocal variations such as regional, national, and international dialects.
*4363 Directing For Film & Television. (3-2) An in-depth examination of directing theories and procedures for film and television with practical exercises. Prerequisite: TH 3342. "May be repeated with different emphasis for additional credit.
(WI) 4364 Directing I. (3-2) A study of the fundamentals of directing with practical experience provided by directing scenes.
(WI) 4365 Directing II. (3-2) A study of Directing different dramatic styles. Students will direct a one-act play during regular semesters. Prerequisite: Theatre 4364.
**4370 Children's Theatre (3-0) Continuation of Creative Dramatics, and the theory and practice related to all phases of producing plays for and with young people through junior high school age. Practical experience in a University production as required for one semester.
4390 BFA Pre-Professional Apprenticeship II (3-2). Intensive laboratory work in individual and group theatre methods for the actor, designer or technician. Each apprenticeship from BFA I to V will focus upon a specific theatrical discipline for the actor, i.e. advanced vocal work, music theatre, performing Shakespeare, performing new scripts, advanced movement techniques, and further development of internal process.
4391 BFA Pre-Professional Apprenticeship III (3-2). A continuation of laboratory work for the actor. Each apprenticeship from BFA II-V will focus on a specific theatrical discipline for the actor, i.e. advanced vocal work, music theatre, performing Shakespeare, performing new scripts, advanced movement techniques, and further development of the internal process.
4392 BFA Pre-Professional Apprenticeship IV (3-2). A continuation of laboratory work for the actor. Each apprenticeship from BFA II-V will focus on a specific theatrical discipline for the actor, i.e. advanced vocal work, music theatre, performing Shakespeare, performing new scripts, advanced movement techniques, and further development of the internal process.
4393 BFA Pre-Professional Apprenticeship V (3-2). A continuation of laboratory work for the actor. Each apprenticeship from BFA II-V will focus on a specific theatrical discipline for the actor, i.e. advanced vocal work, music theatre, performing Shakespeare, performing new scripts, advanced movement techniques, and further development of the internal process.
Courses in Speech Communication or Theatre (COMM or TH)
(The student will designate a choice of speech communication or theatre at the time of enrollment for these courses.)
1340 (DRAM 2336) Voice and Diction. (3-2) The human voice and the sounds of speech. The student's own voice and pronunciation will be the primary concern, using practice sessions to develop more acceptable patterns of voice and sounds.
*2111 (DRAM 1120, 1121, 1141, 1161, 1162, 2120, & 2121) Speech and Drama Activities. (1-1) A course designed to provide credit for participation in speech communication and theatre activities. May be repeated to a total for four credits in speech communication and four credits in theatre.
3315 Interpretive Reading. (3-0) A study of the techniques of the oral interpretation of poetry with an emphasis on performance.
4310 Speech Communication and
Theatre Curriculum Development
(3-0) Emphasizes approaches to curriculum development in Speech
Communication and Theatre. Reviews procedures and materials for
diagnosing and improving speech communication and theatre skills.
Enrollees in TH 5310 will be more specifically concerned with college
level curriculum development.
*4320 Directing Theatre Activities. (3-0) Designed to assist any teacher in directing theatre activities. During the course students will direct plays or scenes. *May be repeated with different emphasis for additional credit.
**4370 Children's Theatre. (3-0) Continuation of Creative Dramatics, and the theory and practice related to all phases of producing plays for and with young people through junior high school age. Practical experience in University production as required for one semester.
For course
descriptions, and further information about available graduate
offerings, please consult the Graduate
Catalog.
*May be repeated with
different emphasis for additional credit.
**May be repeated once for additional credit.