Theatre (THEA)

THEA 1100. Singing for Actors. 1 Hour.

This specialized voice class is designed to introduce singing technique in a group setting to Theatre majors with an acting/directing emphasis.

THEA 1115. Technical Build Crew. 1 Hour. [TCCN: DRAM 1120]

Tech Build Crew focuses on practical work that deals with construction aspects of theatrical productions. Those aspects include carpentry, theatrical rigging, lighting, sound, scenery, props, scenic painting, special effects, welding, the basics of running a show, and general theater maintenance.

THEA 1116. Costume Crew. 1 Hour. [TCCN: DRAM 1120]

Students are prepared to work with costumes for a production, dress actors and help with hair and make-up during the run of the show. Additional duties include maintaining garments, stock, and the costume and make-up areas throughout the run.

THEA 1117. Management Crew. 1 Hour. [TCCN: DRAM 1120]

Students are introduced to the logistics of theatre management. Topics may include box office training, patron service training, promotional designs, and advertisement/public relations. This is a practical crew course consisting of actual work on departmental productions.

THEA 1330. Introduction to Scenic Technology. 3 Hours. [TCCN: DRAM 1330]

Students are introduced to theatrical production. Students are provided an overview of the elements of production to include an introduction to the basic components of theatre technology, stage scenery, stage lighting, theatrical costuming, stage management, theatre management, and script analysis. This course is designed to introduce the student to all areas of theatrical production.

THEA 1331. Introduction to Lighting Technology. 3 Hours. [TCCN: DRAM 2331]

Students are introduced to theatre technology with a focus on the techniques and methods in set construction, lighting and sound technology, property construction, and theatrical production techniques.

THEA 1332. Introduction to Costume Technology. 3 Hours. [TCCN: DRAM 1342]

Students study the basic techniques of costuming, sewing, dyeing, and distressing fabrics.

THEA 1364. Beginning Acting. 3 Hours. [TCCN: DRAM 1351]

Students study basic techniques in body, voice, characterization, and play analysis as they are applied to the performance of stage tasks by the actor.

THEA 1366. Theatre Appreciation. 3 Hours. [TCCN: DRAM 1310]

Students analyze the theatrical experience for the audience with an examination of theatre’s relation to the broad contemporary scene as well as its relation to past eras. In addition, students. examine the production elements necessary to provide the theatrical experience.

THEA 2330. Stage Make Up. 3 Hours. [TCCN: DRAM 1341]

Students engage in a survey of the reasons for stage make-up and the types of make-up available. Principles of designing make-up for characters in a play. Intensive practical application.

THEA 2336. Voice I for the Actor. 3 Hours. [TCCN: DRAM 2336]

Students engage in beginning training in the release of the voice for effective communication with work on breathing, projection, placement, articulation, resonance, and quality.

THEA 2337. Voice II for the Actor. 3 Hours.

Students engage in advanced training in application of appropriate vocal techniques to produce optimum control of quality, projection, and precision in diction. Ultimately the application is in fusing technique with the actor’s interpretation of roles.
Prerequisite: THEA 2336, THEA 1364, or consent of the instructor.

THEA 2359. Hand Drafting in Theatre. 3 Hours.

Students study hand drafting techniques for the design and construction of theatrical scenery. Students learn how to utilize hand drafting tools and how to read and create design drafting packages for the theatre.

THEA 2360. Beginning Design. 3 Hours. [TCCN: DRAM 2335]

Students are introduced to the methods, concepts and materials of designing for theatre, including the basic element s of set design, properties design, lighting design, and sound design for the stage. Students are introduced to the methods of developing a design from script analysis to presentation of the completed design. Restricted to Theatre or Musical Theatre major.

THEA 2361. Computer Drafting in Theatre. 3 Hours.

Students are introduced to computer aided drafting and design for theatrical applications with a practical approach to computer drafting of floor plans, elevations, sections, light plots, and organizational diagrams using popular CAD software developed specifically for theatrical applications as well as programs like AutoCAD and Project Manager.
Prerequisite: THEA 1331 or permission of instructor.

THEA 2367. Play Analysis. 3 Hours. [TCCN: DRAM 2355]

Students examine the methodology for analyzing dramatic masterworks primarily as tools for the theatre craftsman and emphasizes the importance of this practical skill for actors, directors, designers, and playwrights. While focusing on the dramatic structure of a script in various plays, students concurrently examine the playwright's social and cultural milieu.

THEA 2368. Intermediate Acting. 3 Hours. [TCCN: DRAM 1352]

Students explore the techniques of freeing the body, body language, and movement in the development of characterization and actor technique.
Prerequisite: THEA 1364 or consent of instructor.

THEA 3114. Theatre Workshop. 1 Hour.

One semester hour of credit may be received per semester for work done in this practical workshop consisting of actual work on productions. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Junior or higher standing or by audition.

THEA 3115. Advance Technical Build Crew. 1 Hour.

Students focus on practical work dealing with advanced construction skills of theatrical productions. Those skills include carpentry, theatrical rigging, lighting, sound, scenery, props, scenic painting, special effects, welding, the basics of running a show, and general theater maintenance. Focus is placed on advanced logistics of being on a backstage crew to run theatrical productions.
Prerequisite: THEA 1115.

THEA 3116. Advanced Costume Crew. 1 Hour.

Students study advanced costume construction techniques. Students prepare the costumes for a production. Students learn to supervise a run crew during a show and help with hair and stage make-up with additional duties to include maintaining garments, stock, and the costume and make-up areas throughout the run.
Prerequisite: THEA 1116.

THEA 3117. Musical Theatre Workshop. 1 Hour.

This course aims to synthesize musical theatre majors’ work in music and dance. May be repeated for credit. Required of all musical theatre majors every semester.
Prerequisite: Musical Theatre Majors.

THEA 3127. Advanced Theatre Management Crew. 1 Hour.

Students are introduced to advanced concepts and logistics of theatre management. Topics may include advanced box office training, patron service training, ushering, learning new formats and software for poster and program designs, advertisement, and public relations. Additionally, students mentor students who are participating in THEA 1117. This is a practical crew consisting of advanced work on departmental productions.
Prerequisite: THEA 1117.

THEA 3331. Advanced Stage Make Up. 3 Hours.

Students engage in an investigation of and experimentation with three-dimensional makeup constructions to provide drastic alteration of the actor's face for stage, film, and television.
Prerequisite: THEA 2330 or consent of the instructor.

THEA 3332. Computer Rendering for Theatre. 3 Hours.

This is a skills-based course that gives students experience in using the computer to create visual documentation in the design process. Subject areas include set renderings, costume renderings, painters elevations, and scenic models.

THEA 3334. Stage Costume Design. 3 Hours.

Students engage in a survey of historical costume; contrast of general clothing with stage costume; and consideration of all elements involved in designing costumes for an entire production.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

THEA 3335. Costume Construction. 3 Hours.

Students explore pattern drafting, draping, and construction techniques for period and modern costumes. Knowledge of machine sewing is required. Projects may include bodices, skirts, pants, corsets, and 18th and 19th-century men’s coats.
Prerequisite: THEA 1332 and/or consent of the instructor.

THEA 3336. Scenic Design. 3 Hours.

Students study how to both design and communicate a theatrical space. The process is based on script analysis and research through model making, ground plans, and hand sketches.
Prerequisite: THEA 1330 or instructor approval.

THEA 3337. History Of Costume. 3 Hours.

Students engage in a survey of historical costumes and accessories by periods from ancient Egypt to the present day, with a contrast of general clothing with stage costumes.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor.

THEA 3360. History Of The Theatre I. 3 Hours.

Students engage in a survey of the origins of the theatre, with major concentration centered upon the development of the western theatre from the Greeks to the Neoclassic.
Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302.

THEA 3362. Lighting and Sound Design. 3 Hours.

Students investigate the use of light and sound in a theatre space. They design for the performer and the action of the play and develop lighting effects, sound effects, and special effects. Additionally, the student begins to explore the use of microphone technology.
Prerequisite: THEA 2360 and THEA 2361.

THEA 3363. Property Design for Theatre. 3 Hours.

Students concentrate on the tools and techniques used by professional designers in the design and construction of properties for theatre. Topics covered may include transforming found objects, period research, texturing, molding, casting, computer generated properties, and painting.

THEA 3364. Dramaturgy. 3 Hours.

Students study production dramaturgy: an exploration and application of the processes, research, and resources used by academic and professional theatres, combining knowledge with creativity in order to make informed production choices. ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302. ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302.
Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor.

THEA 3365. Stage & Theatre Management. 3 Hours.

Students engage in an advanced study of theatre management with an emphasis on the organizational, technical and management responsibilities of a stage manager as well as the public relations and marketing skills needed to run a house and box office with a focus on the establishment of a collaborative atmosphere within a production team or within a theatre company.

THEA 3369. Advanced Acting: Modern Theatre. 3 Hours.

Students engage in a detailed study of action and characterization through scene study, research, and self-use, utilizing interior and exterior methods to develop a working method for each actor.
Prerequisite: THEA 1364, THEA 2368 or consent of instructor.

THEA 3370. Advanced Acting: Classical Theatre. 3 Hours.

Students engage in advanced scene study with concentration on textual analysis, structure, diction, and rhythm of the script.
Prerequisite: 9 hours of acting courses or consent of instructor.

THEA 3372. Improvisational Techniques. 3 Hours.

Students develop their use of improvisations, games, and ritual to enhance creative thinking, problem solving skills, characterization, and trust within the rehearsal process.
Prerequisite: THEA 1364 or consent of instructor.

THEA 3373. Stage Movement I for the Actor. 3 Hours.

Students learn to increase awareness and command of the body as an expressive instrument. Through specialized in-class exercises, actors increase their dynamic stage presence; develop a supple, responsive physicality; and increase awareness of kinesthetic ensemble response.

THEA 3374. The Actor & Commedia dell'Arte. 3 Hours.

This course trains actors using stock characters of commedia dell'arte, an Italian theatrical form. Specialized in-class exercises, exploration of mask work and clowning lead students to find an awareness of their own habits in characterizations. Students broaden their physical expressiveness leading to a heightened and vibrant stage presence.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

THEA 3380. Meisner Technique. 3 Hours.

Students learn the skills and tools necessary for advanced scene work using the Sanford Meisner Technique. Students are led through Meisner-based exercises, activities and scenework. Through the Meisner approach, advanced work on using personal experiences for character work, listening on-stage and making strong, creative choices are examined. These activities lead to the understanding of advanced concepts and techniques as they apply to a personalized acting process.
Prerequisite: THEA 1364, THEA 2368, and THEA 3369.

THEA 3395. Acting In Major Roles. 3 Hours.

This course allows credit for performing a major role in Theatre Program productions, involving research, rehearsal and performance during the nine-month academic year. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Junior or higher standing or by audition.

THEA 3396. Realized Performance or Production. 3 Hours.

Students prepare and significantly contribute to a Theatre and Musical Theatre Departmental production in ways that may include designing, directing, stage managing, performing a significant role, or contributing to a major aspect of the production process. Students demonstrate proficiency through research, rehearsal, and the performance or presentation of this work.
Prerequisite: By audition or assignment.

THEA 4092. Independent Study. 1-3 Hours.

THEA 4093. Theatre Internship. 1-3 Hours.

This course is a practical application of skills and knowledge learned in the classroom for students who have completed appropriate courses and achieved an acceptable GPA. Internships may be arranged with an approved theatre. Entrance into this course requires permission of the department chair. Variable Credit (1-3).
Prerequisite: Theatre or Musical Theatre majors only.

THEA 4094. Special Topics. 1-3 Hours.

THEA 4190. Senior Showcase. 1 Hour.

An extension of THEA 3117 Musical Theatre Workshop, the Senior Showcase is a research, collaboration, and preparation class for participating senior musical theatre majors.
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

THEA 4325. Stage Movement II for the Actor. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to lead the student toward an advanced awareness of the body as an expressive instrument. Students employ advanced kinesthetic ensemble responses as they begin to foster original work, coalescing all facets of advanced theatre movement to form the beginning of new work.
Prerequisite: THEA 3373.

THEA 4326. Stage Combat. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on specific stage combat disciplines with compulsory techniques. Students learn hand-to-hand combat, rapier and dagger, and other forms of violence found on stage and film. Each stage combat technique is taught for safety, theatrical commitment, and believability within a dramatic context.
Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission from the instructor.

THEA 4330. Advanced Scenic Design. 3 Hours.

Advanced design. Students are involved in creating scenic, lighting, and sound design projects. The course may include extensive sketching, rendering, computer drafting, and model building.
Prerequisite: THEA 1330, junior standing or consent of the instructor.

THEA 4331. Acting For The Camera. 3 Hours.

Students engage in an intensive and practical study of the special techniques of acting for film and television with the goal of work in those industries with extensive scene work in front of the camera. Must be a theatre or musical theatre major. Must be a Theatre or Musical Theatre major.
Prerequisite: THEA 1364, THEA 2368, THEA 3369 and consent of the instructor.

THEA 4332. Auditioning For Community Theatre. 3 Hours.

Students are prepared with appropriate audition materials and the knowledge to meet the variety of demands in the commercial world of theatre, musical theatre, cinema, and television.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

THEA 4360. History Of The Theatre II. 3 Hours.

Students engage in a survey of changing styles in theatre, from the Romantic revolution through the Realistic movement to the innovations of the twentieth-century theatre.
Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302.

THEA 4361. Stage Lighting. 3 Hours.

Students study lighting design as an art: the history of stage lighting and a study of contemporary stage lighting techniques, practices, and equipment. Students design lighting for a show of their own choosing.
Prerequisite: THEA 1331, THEA 3362 and basic computer literacy or consent of instructor.

THEA 4362. Playwriting. 3 Hours.

Students study the elements of playwriting through writing exercises designed to enhance the understanding of structure, style, character, and dialogue.
Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor.

THEA 4363. Dramatic Theory & Criticism. 3 Hours.

Students study the principles of various styles and periods of dramaturgy, involving a history of criticism from Aristotle to the present. Representative plays are analyzed for theme, structure, characterization, and dialogue with a view to their influences on contemporary theatre. Emphasis is placed on written student criticism and evaluation of plays.
Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302.

THEA 4365. Portfolio Development. 3 Hours.

Students develop individualized projects in scenery, costume, lighting, sound, or technical production. Credit 3 Prerequisite two of the following design courses: THEA 3334, THEA 4330, OR THEA 4361; consent of instructor.

THEA 4366. Directing I. 3 Hours.

Students engage in basic director preparation in script analysis, communication skills, creating ground plans, and scene study through a wide variety of exercises and direction of scenes.
Prerequisite: THEA 1364, THEA 2367 junior standing and/or consent of the instructor.

THEA 4367. Directing II. 3 Hours.

Student engage in basic director preparation in script analysis, communication skills, creating ground plans, and scene study through a wide variety of theatrical styles and direction of scenes.
Prerequisite: THEA 4366, junior standing and/ or consent of the instructor.

THEA 4368. Experimental Theatre Production. 3 Hours.

Students analyze plays that depart from the realistic genre and examination of new production possibilities arising out of developments in theatre technology that complement the experiments of the playwrights. Application of theory in laboratory productions.

THEA 4371. The American Musical Theatre. 3 Hours.

Students study the history of the development of musical theatre (excluding opera) in America with emphasis placed on written student criticism and evaluation of musical theatre.

THEA 4376. Scene Painting. 3 Hours.

Students focus on advanced theatre scenic painting techniques. Theatre scenery encompasses large-scale painting, faux finishes, drops, and textures. By using a variety of painting tools and materials, students produce professional-quality projects that meet theatre industry standards.
Prerequisite: THEA 1330.

THEA 4387. Workshop Childrens Creative Drama. 3 Hours.

Students study fundamental theories and elements of creative drama, with emphasis in developing and guiding creative drama activities such as storytelling, improvisation, rhythmic and interpretative movement, puppetry, theatre in education techniques, and pantomime. The course is designed for prospective teachers grades K-12.

THEA 4388. Theatre Production for Youth. 3 Hours.

Students study and practice creating and performing theatre for youth. The focus on techniques for creating professional theatre for young audiences includes performances in the community. Students are taught lesson plan development following Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards.

THEA 4389. Repertory Theatre. 3 Hours.

Students engage in a unified approach to theatre, contrasted with the compartmentalized division of labor used more frequently, allowing the self-contained group to do all of the production work as well as the acting. May be repeated for credit. Offered in summer terms.

THEA 4392. Undergraduate Seminar in Theatre. 3 Hours.

A course for the undergraduate student which allows a student to pursue particular areas beyond the limits of current course offerings. The particular study, however, will be within the student’s areas of specialization. May be repeated for credit. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Program Coordinator.