2002-2003 Undergraduate Catalog
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705
Theater
Credit designation at right of title is expressed in (c) class hours per week, (l) lab or (d) discussion section hours per week, and (sh) semester hours of credit per semester.
THTR: Theater
Department of Theater and Dance
College of Fine Arts
THTR 101 Introduction to Theater
3c-0l-3sh
An exploration of the theater arts, examining major periods of theater history, selected works of dramatic literature, and the primary theater arts of acting, directing, design, and technical theater. Class experience includes the analysis of at least two major works of drama, attending two live productions, and viewing of selected televised plays and musicals.
3c-0l-3sh
Examines major as well as alternative systems by which dramatic texts may be analyzed, including classical plot construction, scene structure, tension and release, dramatic rhythms, and several contemporary and less conventional methods of dramatic orchestration.
THTR 116 Fundamentals of Theatrical Design
3c-0l-3sh
Introduces the fundamentals of scene, costume, lighting, and sound design for theater and dance. Focuses on creative processes used by designers to make choices. Topics include script analysis, director and designer communication, and the integration of the design elements into a unified production.
3c-0l-3sh
An exploration of the material, methods, and procedures utilized in creating a scenic environment. Through instruction and practical application, students learn the basis of scenic construction and develop competency with the basic materials and equipment used in a theatrical scene shop.
3c-0l-3sh
Instruction and practical experience in the process of building costumes for the stage. Activities include fitting, cutting, sewing, dyeing, and painting. There is also instruction in the maintenance of wardrobe, costume stock, materials, and properties.
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: Theater majors only or permission of instructor
Instruction in basic development of the vocal instrument of the actor in stage performance. An emphasis is placed upon the resonance, quality, pitch, and projection of the voice while improving the student’s ability to articulate.
3c-0l-3sh
Instruction in basic stage movement and the physicalization of character. Includes work in character development through variety in movement, introductory work in juggling, stage combat, and mime, and the assessment, awareness, and correction of individual movement problems.
3c-0l-3sh
A comprehensive survey of the history, trends, and developments of theater and drama from their beginnings through the English Renaissance.
3c-0l-3sh
A comprehensive survey of the history, trends, and developments of theater and drama from the English Restoration to the present.
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: THTR 120 or permission
An advanced exploration of materials, methods, and procedures involved in creating a scenic environment. Students also receive intensive practical experience in shop planning and supervision to include problem-solving techniques.
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: THTR 120
An introduction to lighting instruments, color media, control boards, physical laws of electricity and optics, graphics, and conventional techniques used in lighting theatrical productions.
3c-0l-3sh
Deals with practical application of straight and character makeup and may include instruction in creating beards, wigs, prosthetics, and masks.
3c-0l-3sh
The study of the primary elements of the Stanislavski system of character development. Includes text analysis and the development of physical action through a character’s subtext, as well as motivational and improvisational techniques.
var-1-3sh
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Special topics are offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics that are not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 281 are offered primarily for lower-level undergraduate students.
3c-0l-3sh
A historical survey of theatrical conventions, traditions, and production practices specifically associated with tragedy and its ensuing forms: drama and melodrama. Focuses on landmark dramatic texts, examining the changing faces of tragic masks and their implications for theatrical practice from ancient Greece to the twentieth century.
3c-0l-3sh
A historical survey of theatrical conventions, traditions, and production practices specifically associated with comedy and its related forms: farce, burlesque, etc. Focuses on landmark dramatic texts, examining the changing faces of comic masks, their conventions, and their implications for theatrical practice from ancient Greece to the twentieth century.
3c-0l-3sh
A study of the theory of criticism and of the discrete functions of critic and reviewer. Students see live performances and practice writing both reviews and criticism.
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: THTR 120
An introduction to the principles of scenic composition, analysis, concept development, and graphic communication methods used by the scenographer.
THTR 321 Stage Lighting Design
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: THTR 221
Covers the design and execution of stage lighting with emphasis on script analysis, the collaborative role of the lighting designer, lighting theory, and modern stage lighting practices. Practical applications include the conceptualization and designing of production lighting for Proscenium, Thrust, and Arena stages through class exercises.
3c-0l-3sh
Covers design and execution of stage costumes with emphasis on showing how mood and illusion can be created through the proper selection of style, color, and texture, supplemented by an overview of stage costuming.
3c-0l-3sh
Covers the basic principles and theories of designing sound for the theater. Through demonstration and practical application, covers the following principal areas: basic electronics, recording techniques and equipment, musical and effects integration, theater acoustics, designing sound, and sound reinforcement.
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: THTR 240 or permission of instructor
The study of the evolving Stanislavsky system and its American reinterpretations as applied to realism and other dramatic genres and styles. The emphasis will be on scoring of text, exploring the relationships between psychological states and physical action.
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: THTR 130/131, 240 or permission of instructor
A study and practice of advanced acting skills, with special emphasis on style and period. Possible areas of focus: Greek classical, Commedia Dell’Arte (farce), French Neoclassical, Restoration Comedy, Melodrama, High Comedy (Wilde/Coward), or Theater of the Absurd.
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: THTR 240, 340 or permission of instructor
An advanced acting studio which will prepare students to perform in Shakespeare’s plays. Provides a background overview of the Elizabethan period in addition to various methods towards approaching the movement, language, and verse forms from an actor’s point of view.
THTR 345 Touring Young People’s Theater
3c-0l-3sh
Introduces the fundamentals of young people’s theater for audiences aged five through fifteen years. Class members will select appropriate children’s literature, develop a script through improvisation, and rehearse and tour their production to the surrounding schools.
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: THTR 110 or permission of professor
A practical exploration of the craft and process of playwriting. Focuses primarily on the practical, “hands-on” experiences approximating the “developmental process” currently in use in the American theater. The student will be guided from the initial concept through synopsis, outlines, working drafts, and completion of an original one-act play and a “staged reading” of this project.
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: THTR 110, 240, or permission of instructor
An introduction to basic directing skills: casting, floor plans, blocking, rehearsal procedures, and the applications of scene and character analysis. Students will prepare short scenes for class presentation.
var-1-6sh
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Special topics courses are offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics that are not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 481 are primarily for upper-level undergraduate students.
var-1-6sh
Prerequisite: Prior approval through advisor, faculty member, department chairperson, dean, and Provost’s Office
Independent study in theater may be either purely academic or may be a practical production project, supported by a written document giving evidence of significant scholarly investigation or original, creative effort. May be repeated to a maximum of 6sh. Approval is based on academic appropriateness and availability of resources.
3c-2l-3sh
Prerequisites: Minimum of THTR 240, by permission; individual foci have additional prerequisites
An advanced studio course offering scene practice with faculty direction, coaching, and criticism. Specific focus of scene work varies from semester to semester, including improvisation techniques, stage dialects, audition techniques, and acting for the camera as alternating semester options. May be repeated with a different focus each time.
3c-2l-3sh
Prerequisites: THTR 350 or permission of instructor
An opportunity for students to direct scene work, one-act plays, or larger projects, according to individual levels of experience, preparation, and readiness. Practical application of principles of directing to specific problems in directing. Student projects performed in public, open-class recitals. May be repeated.
THTR 486 Practicum in Production
var-.5-4sh
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
An opportunity with academic credit for students to make significant contributions to campus productions augmenting theater coursework in the areas of assistant directing or directing, stage management, technical direction, sound design, lighting, scene design, properties and set decoration, scene building and painting, costuming, dance, and make-up design. May be repeated.
THTR 489 Technical Theater Problems
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Open to all students desiring instruction in a variety of technical theater areas not presently covered in other courses. Topics to include sound design, stage management, set props, media make-up, technical drawing/mixed media, and scene painting. May be repeated.
var-3-12sh
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Opportunities for students to gain experience with professional performance organizations in areas related to theater and dance.
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