Theatre programs

Examines the historical development, organization and structure of the mass media in contemporary society, as well as related issues and problems. Suggests Christian perspectives on use of and participation in the mass media.(4 credits)

An introduction to the use of performance as a means of interpreting, analyzing and celebrating literature, and as a tool for experiencing cultural diversity and enacting social change. By providing training in the principles and techniques of performing various genres of literature before an audience, this course seeks to expand students' understanding of the relationships between text and performer, performer and audience, and written and oral forms of literature. Assignments include solo and group performances from poetry, narrative fiction and oral history.(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

A practical course which introduces students to the organization, skills and materials necessary for mounting a stage production.(2 credits)

This course provides both written and oral advanced training in the art of negotiation, mediation and debate to better prepare students for future environments in which good and ethical use of argumentation (both written and verbal) are needed. Students learn to use critical-thinking on a very high level and will understand that the best argumentation acknowledges different points of view, avoids personal prejudices and carefully evaluates the evidence and assumptions used in argumentation. Students will prepare cases, learn note taking and listening and argue with a partner in parliamentary style debates. Prerequisites: Theatre/Speech 111 and English 184 or ACT English score of 30 or above. (2 credits)

Beginning directors review the guiding principles of theatrical art and then apply these to script selection, development of a prompt script, and the complete rehearsal process. Each student prepares a short play for public performance.Prerequisites: THE113 and215 or permission of instructor.(4 credits)

William Shakespeare never attended college, yet he saw the world sharply in his mind's eye. He wrote piercingly about kings and college students, warriors and witches, goblins and gravediggers, his 1,000 characters have never been off the stage in 400 years. In this course we read eight plays which fathom the range of human experience and take the English language to the height of expressive beauty. Prerequisite: ENG220 (4 credits)

A study of major theories of the analysis and evaluation of art. (4 credits)

An introduction to the concepts of design necessary to approach, create and critically evaluate a theatrical performance environment. Study of the processes of script analysis, design research and communication. Breakdown of aspects and elements that define the most commonly held principles of scenery, costume, lighting and sound design.(2 credits)

A study of the form and techniques of ballet.(1 credit)

A study of the form and techniques of jazz dance. Emphasis will be on the integration of modern musical performance.(1 credit)

A study of the theoretical framework of the craft of acting.(4 credits)

A study of methods and approaches to costume design for the theatre.Prerequisite: THE130.(2 credits, alternate years, consult department)

A performance group emphasizing preparation of scripts for presentation in worship services and worship-related settings.(1/2 credit)

The study of the story of worship as well as story within worship. An application of the principles and practices of dramatic art to worship planning and leadership, and also a study of plays within the context of Christian corporate worship. (4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

Students perform scenes from classical, modern and contemporary literature. Emphasis is placed on script analysis.Prerequisite: THE215.(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

An opportunity to apply the basic skills, technology and artistic principles of lighting design to script response, visual research and creative exploration. The capstone experience of the course will be for students to design lighting for a mounted one-act play.Prerequisites: THE130 and 227.(2 credits, alternate years, consult department)

A study of the development of the history and theory of theatre from its origins through the neoclassical period.(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

A study of the development of the history and theory of the theatre from the English Restoration through the postmodern era.(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

Specific subject matter of this course will vary from semester to semester, but will focus on the study of dramatic literature from one genre or one playwright or one geographical area or one theme/value.Prerequisite: THE113.(2 credits)

This continuation of the study of playwriting focuses on the challenges of the long form. The course includes the processes of writing according to classic structural principles, rewriting, formatting and submitting plays for publication.Prerequisite: THE206 or permission of instructor.(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

This course will focus on various issues of theatre and speech that are not covered in current course offerings. Possible topics might include: auditioning, stage management, musical theatre, contemporary theatre since 1967, specific genres (comedy, tragedy, theatre of the absurd, Greek, etc.), theatre as social criticism, ethnic theatre, theatre as historical documentary.(2-4 credits, alternate years, consult department)