NOTE: Courses listed below are displaying descriptions of permanent classes from the
current semester. Special Topics Courses and Classes Recommended for First Year Students are listed further down the page.
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THEA 101 - Intro To Musical Theater
This course is an introduction to musical theatre in which you will learn about
theatre artists’ work with music, lyrics, book, direction, choreography, acting,
and design. You will: attend lectures; explore musical scripts/librettos and videos
of musicals; study a textbook; complete creative projects, open-book quizzes, and
exams; and attend live performances. Ultimately, the course will help you to better
appreciate, analyze, and respond to musical theatre by increasing your understanding
of what goes into the making of it. 4 credits. COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR
STUDENTS. OFFERED EVERY OTHER SEMESTER.
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 102 - Introduction To Theater
This course is an introduction to theatre in which you will learn about the
work of playwrights, directors, actors, and designers, as well as about theatre
history, styles, and forms. You will: attend lectures; explore play scripts
and videos of plays; study a textbook; complete creative projects, open-book
quizzes, and exams; and attend live performances. Ultimately, the course
will help you to better appreciate, analyze, and respond to theatre by increasing
your understanding of what goes into the making of it. 4 credits. COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS. OFFERED EVERY SEMESTER.
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 119 - Musical Theatre Singing
This semester will provide an opportunity for you to develop your unique expressive
skills through singing! Each class will be a journey exploring techniques used for
healthy vocal production through the discussion and study of postural alignment, breathing,
tone production, diction, phrasing, text communication and interpretation. Offered
regularly. 2 credits.
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 203 - Theory of Technical Production
Lectures and discussions on technical elements that make a theater production.
Classes delve into introductory material on designers and their functions; scenic
and costume construction techniques; stage rigging, hardware and material; sound;
stage procedures and safety. Simple drafting projects and the ability to read floor
plans and stage elevations are stressed.
This class has as a co-requisite THEP 216. To sign up for THEA 203 and THEP 216 you
must be free for all times and dates (all rehearsals and performances) for 1 of the
shows listed below. If you are not able to do a show, you may be asked to drop the
class.
THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS.
Prerequisite: None
Co-requisite: THEP 216
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 204 - History of the Theatre
Content and approach examine primary aspects of theatrical performance from the
time of the ancient Greeks to approximately 1870. Traces the development of theater
architecture, theatrical design concepts, theater technology, acting styles and playwriting.
Concentration is on Western theater, but attention is given to non-Western forms when
possible and/or appropriate. . Required for major. Lectures augmented by audio and
visual elements. THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS. Students that
have taken THEA 304 will not receive credit for THEA 204. Required for majors. 4 credits.
Offered Fall semester
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 207 - Actor Trng I - Basic Processes
In this introductory course you will learn methods to embody the art of acting
for live performances. Special attention is given to truthful doing and self-awareness,
reducing self-consciousness. You'll learn communication techniques and develop
physical and vocal presence. The course includes regular warm-ups, theatre exercises,
improvisations, script analysis, and culminates in the performance of a final scene.
You'll engage with contemporary dramatic texts from a diverse group of playwrights and see
live theatrical performances. This class or THEA208 is a requirement for Theatre Majors
with an Acting/Directing emphasis. Notes: THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR
STUDENTS. Offered in Fall and Spring. 4 credits.
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 208 - Acting I
This course is the advanced section of THEA 207, Acting 1. It is intended for students
who have had previous acting experience. Special attention is given to truthful doing,
self-awareness and embodying the art of acting. The course includes regular warm-ups,
theatre exercises, improvisations, script analysis, and culminates in the performance
of a final scene. You'll engage with contemporary dramatic texts from a
diverse group of playwrights and see live theatrical performances. This class or THEA207
is a requirement for Theatre Majors with an Acting/Directing emphasis. SPECIAL PREREQUISITES:
Admission by instructor's permission. Interview/Auditions held prior to the first
day of classes. THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS.  Offered
in Fall. 4 credits
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 219 - Broadway for Beginners
Are you curious about performing in musicals, but not sure where to begin? Then this class is for you!
Learn the foundations of various aspects of musical theatre performance (singing,
dancing, and acting) and bring songs from the musical theatre canon to life. There
is no audition requirement for this course; students with no experience are especially
encouraged to take this class! Offered regularly. 4 credits.
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 222 - Beginning Dance
If you’ve wondered about dance, but haven’t taken the plunge, then
Beginning Dance is for you. In a nurturing, mutuallyâ€accepting environment, we will
explore the fundamentals of dance technique including weightâ€sharing, partnering,
memorization, line and breath, balance, poise, musicality resulting in a performance
of introductory level choreography. This class can be a stepping stone to more advanced
classes in Modern, Jazz, Ballet and other styles. Participants will perform daily
stretches and calisthenics that will leave them stronger, more flexible, and with
better endurance. On the first day of class, students will be assessed based on a
provided dance exercise and placed in the appropriate class (scheduled at the same
time) to best advance their learning. Offered regularly. 4 credits.
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 223 - Dance Technique I: Tap
Basic tap technique, terminology and rhythm. Covers beginner level skills and tap
history. Offers physical exercise, along with an introduction to the art of tap dancing.
For majors and non-majors. Meets two times per week. Experience helpful but not necessary.
2 credits. Offered in Fall and Spring. Repeatable.
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 225 - Dance Technique I: Ballet
An introductory level course based on the practical and theoretical principles
of Classical Ballet. The student will learn about body alignment, barre and center
work as well as the history of both Classical and Contemporary Ballet. This course
is for beginners in dance as well as students who are looking to refine and perfect
their technique. For majors and non-majors. Meets four times per week. Prerequisites:
None THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS. Repeatable, 4 credits.
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 226 - Dance Technique I: Jazz
First level of jazz dance that introduces students to jazz technique. The course
will cover various jazz styles including, concert, night club, television and film,
in addition to Broadway. This is a strenuous and physically demanding class. It will explore the dance styles of Bob Fosse, Jack Cole, Lester Horton,
Luigi, Fred Benjamin, Frank Hatchett, and other famous styles of jazz throughout history.
Class will include coverage of the origins of Jazz dance and is particularly suited
to the student studying musical theatre. THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR
STUDENTS.
For majors and non-majors. Meets four times per week. Repeatable.
4 credits
Offered Fall and Spring semester
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 227 - Dance Technique I: Modern
Modern Dance originated as a technique that centered around innovation, artistic
expression and self-discovery, attracting diverse artists and choreographers for over
a century since its inception as a dance form. Our introductory class concentrates
on fundamentals of Modern Dance, its revolutionary movement philosophy, spectacular
choreographic vocabulary, and profound cultural impact. Through learning technique
elements, dance phrases, and movement combinations students will learn about Modern
Dance development and its contribution to world dance culture through the works of
artists like Martha Graham, Jose Limon, Merce Cunningham, Alvin Ailey, and Paul Taylor.
This course is designed as an introductory dance course for both Theatre majors and
welcomes interested non-majors. There are scheduled quizzes, writing and/or movement
assignments and a final project. THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS.
Repeatable. Meets four times per week. 4 credits
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 229 - Beginning African Dance
Dance is one of the oldest art forms in Africa. It reflects the culture of people
in many contexts. This course introduces students to authentic African dance traditions
from Ghana. It explores the meaning, values and various contexts in which dance is
performed among Ghanaian societies. Beginning with basic timeline and dance steps,
students will understand various movements, gestures and expressions as a significant
means of communicating ideas and enforcing social bonds. Students will also learn
songs that accompany the dances to deepen their understanding and interrelatedness
of holistic African and Ghanaian music and dance cultures. 4 credits. Offered most
fall and spring semesters.
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 240 - Principles of Design 2D/3D
An introduction to the fundamental principles of two-dimensional and three-dimensional
composition, employing those practices as stand-alone exercises, then expanding those
practices as related specifically to theatrical design. Design theory, color theory,
and basic rendering techniques are included. Alignment to text, music, and/or thematic
structures are prioritized. Focus is given to overall production design, including
how set, projections/media, lighting, sound and costume design are realized through
the collaborative process in the creation of a live theatrical production. This class will focus on the development of foundational
skills employed in the creation of a theatrical production. These primary design skills
support
performing arts and entertainment-related projects beyond a theatre setting where
the ability to collaborate with other members of a creative team is necessary. Offered
every two years, typically in fall. 4 credits.
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 242 - Foundational Drawing in Design
An introduction to the principles and practices related to drawing by hand. This
studio-style course will focus on the foundational drawing skills needed for future
design classes for theatre and other entertainment related media with a focus on exploring
form through observation using line, shading, tone, and texture in graphite only.
Offered fall only. 2 credits.
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 243 - Intro to Costume Technology
An introduction to the principles and practices of technology to build and sew
clothing/costumes. This in class course will focus on skills needed for costume construction
in theatre and other entertainment related media, such as cos-play, with a focus on
machine and hand sewing in the costume shop. No prior sewing knowledge is required.
Learn the basics skills with us to inspire your future creativity! Offered fall only. 4 credits.
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 257 - Intro to Stage Management
This introductory course highlights the essential role of the Stage Manager as
the main communication hub and navigator for a theatrical production. Offers an overview
of the organizing principles in paperwork, organizing rehearsal spaces, staging, and
communication skills, which aid in accomplishing this successfully. You will learn
how productions happen from the first production meeting through to closing night
on different scales, from academic theater up to Broadway. This course places a strong
emphasis on using the skillsets and varied experience you already possess to make
you a stronger leader. THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS. 4 credits.
Offered yearly.
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 306 - World Dramatic Literature
This course looks at plays from around the world as literature, using a practical theatrical
lens. We will explore genre, style, conflict, plot structure, world-building, character
development, language, and form, but all in an attempt to understand how theatre
artists use these tools to bring shows to life. You will: participate in discussions; read approximately one play a week;
attend live performances; take open-book quizzes; create/watch video presentations;
and complete writing assignments with both analytic and creative elements.
Ultimately, you will deepen your understanding of theatre, as well as its role
in building empathy and cross-cultural understanding. 4 credits. Pre-requisite: Any
Theater class or permission of instructor. THIS COURSE IS OFFERED
FALL ONLY.
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 307 - Int Acting II:Meisner Technque
Students will engage in the creation, presentation and analysis of a series of
prepared structured improvisations. This sequence of exercises, and their applications,
are rooted in the core objectives, principles and teachings of Sanford Meisner, all
of which form the basis of The Meisner Technique. The class focuses on the truth of
the actor's behavior, paring away what is unnecessary, helping the actor achieve
an un-self-conscious revelation of their inner life, responding moment-to-moment off
of their partner and strengthening their imagination. Exercises are prepared outside
of class. The course includes reading and writing assignments. Prerequisite: THEA
308. Repeatable.  Offerings Vary by Semester. 4 credits.
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 308 - Intrmed Acting: Scene Study I
For students who wish to continue the study of acting in greater depth, this acting
workshop approaches scene and monologue work in an organic way based on the principles
of Stanislavski. Students will deepen their awareness of the acting techniques and
concepts originally learned in THEA 207 or 208, and learn new psychophysical methods
to explore scene work. Assignments will involve creative responses that will deepen
the actor’s investigation of presence, partner, circumstance and action. Outside
of class rehearsals & two to three scene presentations required. Repeatable. Prerequisite:
THEA 207 or 208. Offered in Fall and Spring Semesters. 4 credits.
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 310 - Actor Training: Body Work
 An introduction to movement training for the performing artist that focuses
on physical communication through physical action. Students investigate “self-useâ€
in areas of breathing, alignment, and body language in order to recognize and eliminate
unnecessary tension and habitual physical patterns, and thereby free themselves to
respond creatively. Students explore the principles of various physical theatre
techniques, as well as the foundations of movement:Â time, space, energy and
effort as they inspire movement through creative impulse. Prerequisite:Â
THEA 207 or THEA 208 or consent of instructor.  Repeatable. Offerings
Vary By Semester. 4 credits
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 319 - Voice Lessons Intermediate
This course will provide the student with private vocal (singing) instruction.
Focus will be on consistent and healthy vocal technique as it applies to the singer
of musical theatre. Restriction: By audition only. It is recommended that students
enroll in THEA 119: Musical Theatre Singing before taking THEA 319: Voice Lessons.Offered
regularly. 1 credit.
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 320 - Dance - Drama Styles in India
Various dance styles are widely practiced and celebrated as part of the cultural
heritage of India. In this course, students will be introduced to the most important
and distinct Indian classical dance styles, such as Bharatha Natyam, Kathak, Kathakali,
Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Odissi, etc. The students will learn the history and theories
behind these complex dance traditions while considering the phases of growth, decay,
and renewal of classical art forms over time. This course is appropriate for students
with no background in Indian culture and students who already have familiarity with
the region and are seeking better understanding of Asian cultural heritages. Restriction:
no freshman. Offered regularly. 4 credits.
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 323 - Dance Technique II: Tap
Intermediate/advanced tap work. Focuses on tempo and rhythm changes, speed and
clarity of sounds and varying tap-dance styles. Meets four times per week. Attendance
mandatory. Prerequisite: THEA 228 or consent of instructor. Repeatable.
2 credits
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 325 - Dance Technique II: Ballet
Level II Ballet is a continuation of level I with emphasis on placement and musicality.
Further developing the technique by the introduction of combinations in adagio, petit
allegro, and the grande allegro. Meets four times per week. Attendance mandatory.
Prerequisite: THEA 225 or permission of instructor. Repeatable.
4 credits
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 326 - Dance Technique II: Jazz
Second level of jazz to further student's technique in jazz dance. Students
will concentrate on learning the theory and practice of the Luigi Dance Technique. This class will give the students the tools to later
register for a teacher certification course in Luigi technique. Prerequisite: THEA
226 or consent of instructor. Students should have previous experience in jazz dance.
Repeatable. 4 credits.
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 328 - Dance Technique II: Tap
Intermediate/advanced tap technique, terminology, rhythm and Tap history. Focuses
on musicality, tempo and rhythm changes, speed and clarity of sounds, and varying
tap-dance styles on stage and in other modern settings such as concerts, television,
and film. The class format will include active physical learning of dance movements
and discussion of assigned viewings/readings relating to such topics as the history,
notation, vocabulary, and the notable dancers/choreographers of tap dance. Repeatable.
Prerequisite: THEA 223 or 228 or consent of instructor. 4 credits
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 329 - Advanced African Dance
Dance is one of the oldest art forms in Africa. This course expands on intro class
in African dance traditions from Ghana. It explores the meaning, values and various
contexts in which dance is performed among Ghanaian societies. Advanced class offers
more in depth study of various movements, gestures and expressions as a significant means of communicating
ideas and enforcing social bonds, as well as learning new songs that accompany the
dances to deepen understanding of the interrelatedness of holistic African and Ghanaian
music/dance cultures. 4 credits. Prerequisite: THEA 229. Offered fall and spring semesters.
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 331 - Dances of South Asia
This class will incorporate an exploration of the fundamentals of traditional South
Asian dance with a comparative approach that enables students to develop an understanding
of cultural differences between dance styles in South Asia and the West. Students
will be introduced to various ways of presenting and performing South Asian dancing
genres, including not only traditional formats, but also in modern settings. The class
format will be divided equally between active physical learning of dance movements
and discussion of assigned readings relating to such topics as dance-related history,
costumes,
artists, and art movements; dance as a marker of relationships within and among different
cultures; and aspects of dance fusion between South Asia and the West. Offered fall
and spring. 4 credits.
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 347 - Drafting for Theatre
An introduction to the principles and practices related to drafting for the theatre
and as applied to the greater entertainment industry. This course will focus specifically
on an introduction to AutoCAD drafting software. There is an additional $40 fee associated
with this course. This course is restricted to Majors/Minors or permission of instructor.
4 credits
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 359 - Directing I
This course examines the director’s creative process in translating a dramatic
text onto the stage and ends with students directing a fully staged scene from a play
of their choice. We will explore how directors locate the deep “why†behind
their work, and how that translates into every element of production. The class will
explore how directors play and communicate with actors to collaboratively craft a
scene. Students will apply fundamental directing skills through a progression of stage
compositions, silent and neutral scenes, as well as in class scene work and rehearsals.
Outside of class rehearsals, readings and project work are required for this course.
Prerequisites: THEA 308 and 310. Repeatable. Offerings Vary by Semester. 4
credits.Â
Levels: Undergraduate
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THEA 419 - Voice Lessons Advanced
This course will provide the student with private vocal (singing) instruction.
Focus will be on consistent and healthy vocal technique as it applies to the singer
of musical theatre. This class will build on skills learned in THEA 119 and THEA 319,
expand the range of styles and the repertoire into more difficult pieces. Prerequisite:
THEA 319. By audition only. Offered regularly. 1 credit.
Levels: Undergraduate
For Special Topics courses, course numbers and class descriptions change each semester and are not displayed
in Course Scheduler.
Click here for descriptions of special topic courses.
| 287M Live Event Planning/Management |
CRN: 31755 |
| 289A Spectate, Immerse, Participate |
CRN: 31292 |
| 289G Afro-Çaribbean Dance and Movement |
CRN: 32625 |
| 386D Vocal Coaching |
CRN: 34336 |
| 387A Costume Design II |
CRN: 32666 |
| 387B Beijing Opera Makeup: Lines |
CRN: 22359 |
| 287C Beijing Opera Combat: Spear |
CRN: 22363 |
| 387D Actors For Directing |
CRN: 35069 |
| 387S Stage Management Lab (01) |
CRN: 23878 |
| 389A Dance,Power, and Identity (01) |
CRN: 33330 |
| 389C Modern 2: Lopez Dance Technique |
CRN:33412 |
| 389G Broadway Marketing and PR (01) |
CRN: 32771 |
| 389H Acting Shakespeare |
CRN: 20764 |
| 389J Dance Technique 2: Comtemporary/Lyrical |
CRN: 29686 |
| 389Q Entertainment, Communications and Relations |
CRN: 10274 |
| 389W Theate and Dance in East Asia |
CRN: 35187 |
| 486D Vocal Coaching |
CRN: 34335 |
| 487C Adv. Lighting Design Studio (01) |
CRN: 33376 |
| 487J Adv. Scenic Design Studio (01) |
CRN: 33373 |
| 487P Advanced Costume Design (01) |
CRN: 32943 |
| 489B Varieties of the Comic |
CRN: 35243 |
| 489Q Adv. Entertainment Marketing (01) |
CRN: 10275 |
First year students may choose from a variety of courses offered each semester such as intro lecture courses,
acting, dance, and design and technical theatre.
CLICK HERE FOR COURSES RECOMMENDED FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENTS