B.A. in theatre arts degree course descriptions

major required courses for acting concentration (33 credits)

THEA 1201 (3 credits)
Development of the Theatre I
Understanding theatre as live performance through informal lectures, discussion and experimentations with old and new ideas with staging and production. The student will explore the use of the stage and function of music, movement, the actor’s art and the director’s art based on scripts from the Greeks through Shakespeare. Theatre projects and theatre trips.
Fall, Spring

THEA 1202 (3 credits)
Development of the Theatre II
Since the time of Shakespeare, “modern theatre” has blossomed and flourished all over the globe. Through lectures, play readings, class discussions, viewings of both stage productions and films of stage productions, the international trends that led to modern drama will be explored, including The Golden Age of Spain, German Romanticism, the Poetic Realism of Chekhov, Asian Theatre, the American Musical and Avant Garde Theatre.
Fall, Spring

THEA 1203 (3 credits)
Basic Acting I
A course in the fundamentals of Acting Training, which will emphasize truthful human behavior and creativity on the stage. Techniques to be covered will include the use of objectives, subtext, improvisation and rehearsal techniques.
Spring

SPCH 1204 (3 credits)
Voice for the Actor
This class will develop the vocal instrument of the actor. Students will be given special techniques for relaxing the body, deepening the breath and developing resonance, projection and articulation. This will provide students with the tools to possess a voice with the energy, range and clarity required for the stage.

SPCH 2004 (3 credits)
Speech and Diction
This class will use physical and vocal exercises to help students speak clearly and expressively. Emphasis will be placed on breath support, resonance and articulation. The International Phonetic Alphabet will be used to help accent reduction.
Prereq for Theater Majors: THEA 1204

THEA 2005 (3 credits)
Directing I
A study of the basic theories and techniques of Directing a play. Composition, Picturization, and Staging will be studied, as well as Script Analysis, Casting, and working with actors.
Spring

THEA 2209 (3 credits)
Stagecraft I
This course has been structured to stress basic design concepts that are then translated into the construction of sets for all plays presented by the department.
Fall, Spring

THEA 2255 (3 credits)
Playwriting & Dramatic Structure
Through writing and revising a play, students discover and explore the dramatic form. Emphasis is placed on the nature and development of conflict and strategies for resolution.

THEA 3351 (1 credit)
Performance & Production I
Designed as a hands-on theatre experience for students who participate in mainstage production. This course will cover all experiential aspects of production—audition, pre-production, rehearsal and performance.

THEA 3352 (1 credit)
Performance & Production II
Designed as a hands-on theatre experience for students who participate in mainstage productions, this course will cover all aspects of production—auditions, live-production, rehearsal & performance. Second production.

THEA 3353 (1 credit)
Performance & Production III
Designed as a hands-on theatre experience for students who participate in mainstage productions, this course will cover all aspects of production—audition, pre-production, rehearsal and performance. Third production.

THEA 3358 (3 credits)
Acting Shakespeare
An examination of Shakespeare’s verse structure, analysis of the texts and an exploration of character and common themes in Shakespeare’s plays. The class will include presentation of monologs and scenes and will incorporate the viewing of films and visits to professional productions.
Prereq: THEA 1203

THEA 4405 (3 credits)
Senior Seminar: The Working Actor
A course specially designed for final semester Theater Majors to prepare them for the professional world. The class will focus on audition technique and will invite casting directors, theatrical agents and other professionals to participate.
Available to Senior Theater Arts Majors only.

major electives (12 credits)
Students should choose four from among the following courses:

THEA 1005 (1 credit)
Make Up for the Stage

THEA 1205 (3 credits)
Voice for the Actor II
This class, a continuation of Voice for the Actor 1, will use physical and vocal exercises to help the student speak clearly and expressively. Emphasis will be placed on articulation and breath support. Work with the Internatinal Phonetic Alphabet will continue to be used to analyze dialects for performance.
Prereq: THEA 1204

THEA 1320 (3 credits)
Beginning Dance
Introduction to movement, applying basic ballet, jazz and modern dance techniques with emphasis on individual physical awareness and style.
Fall, Spring

THEA 2204 (3 credits)
Basic Acting II
A continuation and development of the techniques of Basic Acting I, with a particular emphasis on Scene Study, Monologues, and Auditioning Skills.
Prereq: THEA 1203
Fall, Spring

THEA 2339 (3 credits)
Musical Theatre Workshop
A course designed to offer instructional training in singing for the musical theater. Emphasis will be placed on vocal training, rhythm and presentation and each student will be helped to choose material suitable for his/her vocal range.

THEA 2505 (3 credits)
Dance II
A continuation of Dance I, this course will implement intermediate levels of ballet, modern and jazz techniques. Various dance forms will be studied including traditional, Broadway and contemporary hip hop. Students will improve their technique, co-ordination, flexibility and muscular development.

DAN 2506 (1 credit)
Movement for the Actor
The basic elements of movement will be explored to help actors develop individual expression. The course will focus on co-ordination, grace and improvement of dexterity. Students will work towards creating a physical vocabulary as a basis for developing character.

THEA 3316 (1 credit)
Stage Combat
Techniques of personal combat used in theatrical staging of effective fights, falls, slaps, punches and duels. Included will be introductory practice in both unarmed and armed combat for the stage.

THEA 3336 (3 credits)
Acting for Film and Television
This course is designed to instruct the student in the basic techniques of characterization and movement within the confines of the camera lens. Students will re-create scenes from established films, which will be taped using professional techniques, e.g., master shot, two shot and close-up.
Fall, Spring

THEA 3337 (3 credits)
A Night at the Theater
Field trips to the varied and rich theatrical fare in the metropolitan area, including Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theater. Discussions explore various aspects of the plays and production. Students are responsible for purchase of tickets and transportation.

THEA 3339 (3 credits)
London Theater Experience
A 10 day visit to London during Spring Break to see plays and attend theater related classes at either the National Theater of Great Britain or the Globe Theater. This will be preceded by class study of plays involved and followed by written analysis on return to Madison.
Course fee: approximately $1700
For further details, contact instructor

THEA 3342 (3 credits)
Scene Study
The semester’s work will involve intense character study, analysis and performance. Student and instructor will choose the play and the character and will follow the “through action” to its end. Prerequisites: THEA 3336–Acting for Film and Television or permission of the instructor.

THEA 4420 (3 credits)
Advanced Acting
This is an intensive course for Seniors who plan to pursue acting as a career betond college. Course work will include sense memory, emotional recall, personalization, characterization and theater as ritual.
Prereq: THEA 2204 and permission of instructor

cognate requirements (3 credits)
Choose one of the following courses offered at Wroxton

ENGL 3421 (3 credits)
Not of an Age…for All Time
An exploration of the ways in which plays of the 16th and 17th centuries reach out to us today. Particular reference will be made to plays being presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon. (Offered at Wroxton College, England)
Fall

ENGL 3422 (3 credits)
The Play’s the Thing
An examination of the relationship between text and performance. The course will focus on plays in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s season at Stratford-upon-Avon. (Offered at Wroxton College, England)
Fall

ENGL 3424 (3 credits)
To Hold the Mirror Up to Nature
The course will trace how actors, directors and designers work on a text, with particular reference to productions staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company. The potential for a variety of interpretations will be explored further through analysis of film and television productions of the plays. (Offered at Wroxton College, England)
Spring

ENGL 3456 (3 credits)
20th-Century Drama
The course will consider how shifting cultural, social and political ideas have been reflected in the style and content of dramatic literature of the period. The theater’s social awareness over the century and close textual analysis will be supplemented by close critical study of plays in performance. (Offered at Wroxton College, England)
Fall

major required courses for musical theater concentration (36 credits)

THEA 1201 (3 credits)
Development of the Theatre I
Understanding theatre as live performance through informal lectures, discussion and experimentations with old and new ideas with staging and production. The student will explore the use of the stage and function of music, movement, the actor’s art and the director’s art based on scripts from the Greeks through Shakespeare. Theatre projects and theatre trips.
Fall, Spring
OR
THEA 1202 (3 credits)
Development of the Theatre II
Since the time of Shakespeare, “modern theatre” has blossomed and flourished all over the globe. Through lectures, play readings, class discussions, viewings of both stage productions and films of stage productions, the international trends that led to modern drama will be explored, including The Golden Age of Spain, German Romanticism, the Poetic Realism of Chekhov, Asian Theatre, the American Musical and Avant Garde Theatre.
Fall, Spring

THEA 1203 (3 credits)
Basic Acting I
A course in the fundamentals of Acting Training, which will emphasize truthful human behavior and creativity on the stage. Techniques to be covered will include the use of objectives, subtext, improvisation and rehearsal techniques.
Spring

THEA 2204 (3 credits)
Basic Acting II
A continuation and development of the techniques of Basic Acting I, with a particular emphasis on Scene Study, Monologues, and Auditioning Skills.
Prereq: THEA 1203
Fall, Spring

SPCH 1204 (3 credits)
Voice for the Actor
This class will develop the vocal instrument of the actor. Students will be given special techniques for relaxing the body, deepening the breath and developing resonance, projection and articulation. This will provide students with the tools to possess a voice with the energy, range and clarity required for the stage.

THEA 2339 (3 credits)
Musical Theatre Workshop
A course designed to offer instructional training in singing for the musical theater. Emphasis will be placed on vocal training, rhythm and presentation and each student will be helped to choose material suitable for his/her vocal range.

THEA 2340 (3 credits)
Advanced Musical Theater Workshop
A performance workshop for advanced theater majors and singers. The class will focus on improving singing and acting skills in the performance of songs and audition techniques.
Prereq: By permission of the instructor

THEA 2209 (3 credits)
Stagecraft I
This course has been structured to stress basic design concepts that are then translated into the construction of sets for all plays presented by the department.
Fall, Spring

THEA 1320 (3 credits)
Beginning Dance
Introduction to movement, applying basic ballet, jazz and modern dance techniques with emphasis on individual physical awareness and style.
Fall, Spring

THEA 2505 (3 credits)
Dance II
A continuation of Dance I, this course will implement intermediate levels of ballet, modern and jazz techniques. Various dance forms will be studied including traditional, Broadway and contemporary hip hop. Students will improve their technique, co-ordination, flexibility and muscular development.

THEA 3344 (3 credits)
History of the American Musical

MUS 2221 (3 credits)
Fundamentals of Music Theory

THEA 4405 (3 credits)
Senior Seminar

major electives (9 credits)
Students should choose four from among the following courses:

SPCH 1205 (3 credits)
Speech and Diction 1

MUS 1376 (2 credits)
Private Vocal Lessons (2 semesters of a 1 credit course)

MUS 1020 (2 credits)
Chorus (2 semesters of a 1 credit course)

THEA 1005 (1 credit)
Make Up for the Stage

THEA 4420 (3 credits)
Advanced Acting
This is an intensive course for Seniors who plan to pursue acting as a career betond college. Course work will include sense memory, emotional recall, personalization, characterization and theater as ritual.
Prereq: THEA 2204 and permission of instructor

THEA 3351 (1 credit)
Performance & Production I
Designed as a hands-on theatre experience for students who participate in mainstage production. This course will cover all experiential aspects of production—audition, pre-production, rehearsal and performance.

THEA 3352 (1 credit)
Performance & Production II
Designed as a hands-on theatre experience for students who participate in mainstage productions, this course will cover all aspects of production—auditions, live-production, rehearsal & performance. Second production.

THEA 3353 (1 credit)
Performance & Production III
Designed as a hands-on theatre experience for students who participate in mainstage productions, this course will cover all aspects of production—audition, pre-production, rehearsal and performance. Third production.

cognate requirement
Choose one of the following courses offered at Wroxton

ENGL 3421 (3 credits)
Not of an Age…for All Time
An exploration of the ways in which plays of the 16th and 17th centuries reach out to us today. Particular reference will be made to plays being presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon. (Offered at Wroxton College, England)
Fall

ENGL 3422 (3 credits)
The Play’s the Thing
An examination of the relationship between text and performance. The course will focus on plays in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s season at Stratford-upon-Avon. (Offered at Wroxton College, England)
Fall

ENGL 3424 (3 credits)
To Hold the Mirror Up to Nature
The course will trace how actors, directors and designers work on a text, with particular reference to productions staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company. The potential for a variety of interpretations will be explored further through analysis of film and television productions of the plays. (Offered at Wroxton College, England)
Spring

ENGL 3456 (3 credits)
20th-Century Drama
The course will consider how shifting cultural, social and political ideas have been reflected in the style and content of dramatic literature of the period. The theater’s social awareness over the century and close textual analysis will be supplemented by close critical study of plays in performance. (Offered at Wroxton College, England)
Fall

major required courses for design and technical concentration (30 credits)

THEA 1201 (3 credits)
Development of the Theatre I
Understanding theatre as live performance through informal lectures, discussion and experimentations with old and new ideas with staging and production. The student will explore the use of the stage and function of music, movement, the actor’s art and the director’s art based on scripts from the Greeks through Shakespeare. Theatre projects and theatre trips.
Fall, Spring

THEA 1202 (3 credits)
Development of the Theatre II
Since the time of Shakespeare, “modern theatre” has blossomed and flourished all over the globe. Through lectures, play readings, class discussions, viewings of both stage productions and films of stage productions, the international trends that led to modern drama will be explored, including The Golden Age of Spain, German Romanticism, the Poetic Realism of Chekhov, Asian Theatre, the American Musical and Avant Garde Theatre.
Fall, Spring

THEA 2005 (3 credits)
Directing I
A study of the basic theories and techniques of Directing a play. Composition, Picturization, and Staging will be studied, as well as Script Analysis, Casting, and working with actors.
Spring

THEA 2209 (3 credits)
Stagecraft I
This course has been structured to stress basic design concepts that are then translated into the construction of sets for all plays presented by the department.
Fall, Spring

THEA 2215 (3 credits)
Set Design 1
The principles and techniques of designing scenery for the theater. Students will learn rendering, drafting and model making and create an original design from script to completed model Participation in campus productions required.

THEA 2310 (3 credits)
Stage Management
A course to train students in the duties and responsibilities of running rehearsals and performances from the preparation of the prompt book to maintaining the artistic intentions of the Director, calling cues and keeping records and rehearsal reports. Students will be able to oversee all aspects of backstage production.

THEA 3110 (3 credits)
Stagecraft II
This course has been designed to incorporate advanced design and construction concepts and techniques. This work will be done in conjunction with problems presented by all department productions.
Spring

THEA 3112 (3 credits)
Lighting for the Stage
Lighting design in theory and practice from basic electricity to the art of using lighting to support the theatrical designs of the play. Subjects covered will include instrumentation, circuitry, light plots, color, angles and control. Participation in campus productions is required.

THEA 3313 (3 credits)
Scene Painting I
The basic techniques of painting 2-Dimesional and 3-Dimesnional scenery for the stage. Dry brushing, rag-rolling, splattering, spraying and slumbing are taught along with a variety of other faux techniques.

THEA 3351 (1 credit)
Performance & Production I
Designed as a hands-on theatre experience for students who participate in mainstage production. This course will cover all experiential aspects of production—audition, pre-production, rehearsal and performance.

THEA 3352 (1 credit)
Performance & Production II
Designed as a hands-on theatre experience for students who participate in mainstage productions, this course will cover all aspects of production—auditions, live-production, rehearsal & performance. Second production.

THEA 3353 (1 credit)
Performance & Production III
Designed as a hands-on theatre experience for students who participate in mainstage productions, this course will cover all aspects of production—audition, pre-production, rehearsal and performance. Third production.

major electives (15 credits)
Students should choose four from among the following courses:

ART 1201 (3 credits)
Drawing 1
An introduction to, and an exploration of, a selected variety of drawing materials and tech- niques. Emphasis will be placed on the comprehension of the creative possibilities of pencils, charcoal and conte crayon. The course will explore the drawn line as the description of contour, light, darkness and space,as well as the techniques of gesture drawing, shading, texture and heightened drawing on stained paper and other drawing surfaces

ART 1313 (3 credits)
Raster Imaging and Effects
Using the industry-leading software in 2-D digital image creation and editing, i.e., Adobe Photoshop, ths course will ground students in the fundamentals of pixel-based imagess, including how they are acquired, created, developed, and used in different areas of computer graphics. Students will learn various raster based possibilities for creative image making while practicing production-oriented values.

ART 2236 (3 credits)
Introduction to Color
Basic theory of color perception and its relevance to the visual arts. Diverse color relationships and contrasts are studied with the use of color aid, and studio experiments are supplemented by theoretical investigation. Projects based on differing types of color contrasts, for example, contrasts of hue, value saturation, temperature and simultaneous contrast. All criticism and instruction are on an individual basis.

THEA 4415 (3 credits)
Building the Scenic Model
The basic techniques and materials for creating scale models for the theatre, film and animation. Students learn to work in scale and use a variety of materials and painting techniques to create 3-dimensional models of theatrical sets and environments.

THEA 4416 (3 credits)
Rendering and Drafting
Problems in creating 2-Dimensional color renderings in perspective. Water color, acrylic and marker techniques are taught along with advanced elements of drafting 2-D and 3-D scenery. Focus is on line xxsights, elevations and construction drawings.

Students with a directing or playwriting concentration should choose a selection from above plus one or two of the following courses:

directing

THEA 3309 (3 credits)
Advanced Directing
For those seriously interested in developing in depth as directors. Preparation of scenes will ultimately lead to performances of staged. One-act plays.
Prerequisite: THEA 2005–Directing I or permission of the instructor

THEA 3331 (3 credits)
Shakespeare on the Stage
Analysis and presentation of the staging and production of Shakespeare’s plays. Full use of tape, film and practical stage work.
Spring, Even Years

THEA 4403 (3 credits)
Producing for the Theater
A practical course in theater producing. Students will be involved in general management practice for actual theater productions including marketing and publicizing student shows, managing box office and front of house.

THEA 4800 (1–3 credits)
Independent Study in Directing
Independent study with a specific faculty member after consultation with the department chairperson/school director.

playwriting

THEA 3301 (3 credits)
Advanced Playwriting and Dramatic Structure
Seminar conducted as workshop. For those seriously interested in developing as writers for theatre. Work submitted biweekly toward completion of a full-length play.
Prerequisite: THEA 2202–Playwriting and Dramatic Structure II or permission of instructor

THEA 4800 (1–3 credits)
Independent Study in Playwriting
Independent study with a specific faculty member after consultation with the department chairperson/school director.

theory and literature

ENGL 3456 (3 credits)
20th Century Drama
The course will consider how shifting cultural, social and political ideas have been reflected in the style and content of dramatic literature of the period. The theatre’s social awareness over the century and close textual analysis will be supplemented by close critical study of plays in performance.
Fall
Offered at Wroxton College, England