Theatre (THEA)
THEA-101 
Introduction to the Theatre
3 Credits
Lecture: 3 hours per week
Offering: Fall and Spring Only, All Years
This course examines the contributions of individual artists to the art of theatre. Through discussion and attendance at plays, students will become familiar with elements of dramatic structure and the roles and responsibilities of the director, lighting designer, costumer, playwright, sound technician, actors, and scene designer. This is a nonperformance course open to non-majors. It is designed to enhance students' understanding of dramatic art and the appreciation and enjoyment of live performance. Skills in observation, writing, critical thinking, and verbal expression are emphasized and developed. Students are required to attend three plays during the semester.
THEA-102 Stage Makeup
3 Credits
Lecture: 2 hours per week, Lab: 2 hours per week
Offering: Fall Only, All Years
This course offers instruction in the basic principles and techniques of theatre makeup. Students will explore, through the eye of the makeup artist, concepts of facial structure, aging, style and modeling with paint and will observe demonstrations of basic techniques. Weekly labs offer the opportunity to translate knowledge into design and practical application of theatrical makeup. This course will benefit students seeking careers or further education in the theatre arts as well as community members who participate in the theatre.
THEA-103 Theatre Technology: Scenery, Lighting, and Sound
3 Credits
Lecture: 2 hours per week, Lab: 2 hours per week
Offering: Fall Only, Odd Years
This course offers practical lab experience in applying theories and methods of scenery and prop design and construction. It focuses on the creative use of production tools and stage equipment. This course provides an opportunity to develop technical skills for theatre and media production for students exploring those career areas or who are interested in community theatre participation. Prior completion of other courses is not necessary.
THEA-114 Theatre Technology: Costume Construction
3 Credits
Lecture: 2 hours per week, Lab: 3 hours per week
Offering: Spring Only, All Years
This course provides students with practical, fundamental knowledge of costume construction techniques for application to real theatre productions. It places emphasis on both hand-sewing and machine-sewing techniques, skills that have practical application for personal clothing sewing and alteration for self or business purposes, and for other areas of costuming such as cosplay. This course is designed to be transferable to other college and university theatre departments.
THEA-115 Basics of Performance I
3 Credits
Lecture: 3 hours per week
Offering: Fall Only, All Years
This course is an introduction to the art of stage performance, emphasizing the development of acting skills. It includes basic verbal skills of articulation, projection, and inflection, as well as the study of script formats, actor language, voice, movement, and imagination. Emphasis is on developing an understanding and appreciation for the total performance of the actor, combining creative imagination and discipline. Students will do solo and duo acting, requiring script memorization and performance before an audience. Students are required to view at least two theatre performances as specified in the syllabus; students are responsible for their own transportation and ticket costs. Tickets to area theatrical shows may have to be purchased at a total cost of $25 - $40.
THEA-116 Basics of Performance II
3 Credits
Lecture: 3 hours per week
Offering: Spring Only, All Years
This course is a continuation of THEA-115, focusing on enhanced voice and movement and the development of characters from scripts. Students will study and practice techniques actors use in working with ensembles, memorizing parts, and developing stage presence. The skills introduced in THEA-115 are improved upon and include verbal and nonverbal communication techniques, memorization, script analysis, and the interpretation of character. Students are required to view at least two theatre performances as specified in the syllabus; students are responsible for their own transportation and ticket costs. Tickets to area theatrical shows may have to be purchased at a total cost of $25-$40.
THEA-190 Theatre Practice
1 Credit
Lab: 3 hours per week
Offering: Fall and Spring Only, All Years
This course offers participation in the development and production of an NIC play, gaining experience in one or more areas, including lighting, properties, costuming, set construction, audio and sound support, and stage managing. Practical experience in theatrical production may include basic carpentry, electrical, makeup, sewing, painting-skills applied to theatre but useful in other fields. Students will refine these skills as they develop an appreciation for the total process of theatre art involving organization, creativity, discipline, and ensemble teamwork. The course is open to non-majors and may be repeated for a total of four credits. Some evening and weekend work will be included.
THEA-201 Scene Design I
3 Credits
Lecture: 3 hours per week
Offering: Fall Only, Even Years
This course offers an introduction to visual interpretation, research, and rendering techniques used in scenery design. Emphasis is on creation of appropriate, effective stage environments based on research and interpretation of theatrical scripts. It provides the opportunity to develop set design skills for theatre and media production for students exploring those career areas or who are interested in community theatre participation. Previous participation in theatre productions is recommended.
Recommended Prerequisites: THEA-103
THEA-271 Play Analysis
3 Credits
Lecture: 3 hours per week
Offering: Spring Only, Odd Years
This course focuses on the role of the playwright, students will explore the structure of dramatic works and the process of script creation. The course includes exposure to live and recorded plays of Ibsen, Shakespeare, Chekov, Arthur Miller, and other great playwrights. Different styles of drama including tragedy, comedy, melodrama, and farce are emphasized. Students will strengthen skills in reading, listening, writing, script, and character interpretation as they develop an appreciation of dramatic literature and the playwright's art and craft. Weekend attendance at plays is anticipated.
Recommended Prerequisites: THEA-101 and strong writing skills