THTR - Theatre

THTR-10600 Topics in Theatre

This course provides students the opportunity to study concepts in theatre arts. Subject matter will vary.

3

THTR-12000 Movement and Dance 1

A study of basic movement, ballet, and theatre dance aids students in developing sufficient agility necessary for role preparation.

2

THTR-12100 Movement and Dance 2

This continuation of THTR 12000 emphasizes individual progress in the creation of physical characterization for use in productions.  Individual movement styles are analyzed and expanded.  Students are introduced to mask work.

2

Prerequisites

THTR 12000

THTR-13500 Introduction to the Theatre Experience

This course provides a study of the process of play production, from script to finished stage presentation. Basic theatre history is also covered. Attendance at three plays and a critical evaluation of each are required. This course fulfills the fine arts requirement.

3

THTR-21000 Text Analysis for the Theatre

A study of script analysis for actors, designers and directors is presented. Major historical periods and genres are examined.

3

THTR-21300 Voice and Diction

Students look at the development of the voice as an instrument of communication. The International Phonetic Alphabet is studied as a tool for analyzing and reproducing career speech.

3

THTR-23200 Playwriting

The focus of this course is the creation of a script for stage presentation. Elements of the craft are explored and culminate in finished texts.

3

THTR-25100 Stage Technology 1

This course offers a study of the technical process of theatre, set construction, basic design, technical terminology and stage lighting. Class work is supplemented with active crew participation in departmental productions.

3

THTR-25200 Stage Technology 2

This course provides further practical training in and theoretical knowledge of lighting programs, special effects devices, sound equipment, carpentry, computer set design, design concept, research methods, and safety issues affecting all aspects of stage technology.  Class work is supplemented with active crew participation in departmental productions.

3

Prerequisites

THTR 25100

THTR-25700 Makeup

Straight and character make-up for the stage is studied, along with special problems in period and stylized make-up.

1

Prerequisites

Consent of instructor

THTR-25800 Basic Costuming

This course will familiarize students with theatrical costuming in all aspects: costume history, costume design and production technologies, and application of principles to specific scripts and characters.

3

THTR-27100 Acting 1

Students study the basic steps an actor follows in the preparation of a role, including exercises, preparation of short scenes and systematic approach to the creation of a role.

3

Prerequisites

Sophomore standing or consent of instructor

THTR-27200 Acting Workshop

This intensive course focuses on scene preparation, monologue study and cold reading, with particular emphasis on the audition process. The workshop is intended for the experienced actor.

2

Prerequisites

THTR 27100 or consent of instructor and/or chair

THTR-27800 Basic Stage Combat

An exploration of the basics of stage combat, this course teaches the techniques of unarmed (western brawling, flips, throws, martial-arts) and single rapier.

3

THTR-27900 Advanced Stage Combat

A continuation of the basic course, this course adds the dagger, broadsword and student choreography for stage combat.

3

THTR-28100 Musical Theatre Performance

Students study the process of preparing and presenting solo, duets, chorus numbers and scenes from Broadway musicals. Basic musical theatre history and the study of the many diverse elements of the musical are also covered.

3

THTR-29100 Improvisation 1

This performance class studies and applies the techniques of improvisation as begun at Chicago's Second City.

3

THTR-29200 Improvisation 2

As a continuation of Improvisation 1, this course reviews and enhances basic skills of improvisation, focuses on transforming short episodes into sustained scenes, and provides for creative possibilities and the development of a personal style.

3

Prerequisites

THTR 29100 or permission of the instructor

THTR-33000 Modern Drama

This course provides a study of representative plays of the major playwrights and movements in modern drama, from Ibsen to the present. The course fulfills the fine arts requirement.

3

Prerequisites

ENGL 11200

THTR-35100 Basic Scenic and Lighting Design

Students gain the skills necessary to execute scenic and lighting designs for the stage. They investigate the theories and concepts of various styles of scenic and lighting design. They also execute several design projects.

3

Prerequisites

THTR 25100

THTR-36100 Advanced Sound and Light Design

A series of practical projects provides advanced, working knowledge of contemporary sound and lighting systems in the theatre and entertainment industry.

3

THTR-37100 Acting 2

Styles of acting are studied through preparation of short scenes, each representing a different acting style.

3

Prerequisites

THTR 27100

THTR-37200 Acting for Television

Students study the specialized acting techniques and technical terminology essential for the actor working in television. Monologues, commercials and scenes are taped and critiqued.

3

Prerequisites

THTR 27100 or consent of instructor and/or chair

THTR-37300 Special Topics in Theatre

Periodically, a specific course is offered in one of the specialized areas of theatre that is not part of the general departmental curriculum.

3

Prerequisites

Consent of chair

THTR-38400 Practicum

This practicum is designated for specific production work that is not included in the practicums listed below.

1

Prerequisites

Theatre major/minor and consent of show's director or department chair

THTR-40000 Acting Practicum

This practicum may be used for a major role in a department production.  The director of the production is the person who determines what is required to achieve the one-hour credit and also decides the grade.  The director must be informed that the student is taking an acting practicum before rehearsals begin.

1

Prerequisites

THTR 27100, theatre major/minor and consent of instructor and/or chair

THTR-40200 Costume Practicum

Students in this practicum assist the costumer, who is responsible for all the clothing used in the performance.  Duties include matters relating to design, acquisition (creation and rental), fitting, altering, maintaining, and storing all costumes.

1

Prerequisites

Theatre major/minor and consent of instructor and/or chair

THTR-40400 Directing Practicum

This practicum usually consists of the direction of a production, short play, fringe festival, or showcase.  Specific responsibilities are determined in consultation with an advisor.

1

Prerequisites

THTR 48100, theatre major/minor and consent of instructor and/or chair

THTR-40600 House Management Practicum

Students taking this practicum must expect to take on the following duties:  recruitment and training of ushers, assistance in seating and audience management, determining a house count, and opening and closing the theatre house.

1

Prerequisites

Theatre major/minor and consent of instructor and/or chair

THTR-40700 Box Office Practicum

Emphasized in this practicum are learning computer ticketing programs, working with the public, creating box office reports and cash drawer audits, and collaborating with the House Manager.

1

Prerequisites

Theatre major/minor and consent of instructor and/or chair

THTR-41000 Props Practicum

The student serving as properties manager is responsible for all props and furniture used on the stage and all personal props used by the actors, as well as acquisition and stage positioning of all such properties. Required of all Theatre majors.

1

Prerequisites

Theatre major/minor and consent of instructor and/or chair

THTR-41200 Publicity Practicum

This practicum is designed to introduce the student to marketing a theatrical production. Students develop skills relating to time and database management, are given an introduction to show logographic design, are expected to practice good writing skills, and must engage in strategic planning and marketing for theatrical productions.

1

Prerequisites

Theatre major/minor and consent of instructor and/or chair

THTR-41400 Sound Practicum

The sound designer is responsible for all sound used in the performance. This includes the acquisition of and organization of all sound effects, pre/post-show, intermission music, and lobby music.  Required of all Theatre majors.

 

1

Prerequisites

Theatre major/minor and consent of instructor and/or chair

THTR-41500 Technical Theatre Practicum

Students enrolled in this practicum are responsible for one or more of these aspects of play production:  set construction, painting, running crew, atmosphere and stage effects.  Because of the varied nature of the possible assignments, responsibilities also vary significantly and will be determined on a per-production basis with the technical director.

1

Prerequisites

Theatre major/minor and consent of instructor and/or chair

THTR-41600 Stage Management Practicum

The stage manager's responsibilities are to assist the production director, organize all production staff, assist the director during the rehearsals, and coordinate all backstage activities, including actors, for the performance.  During performances, the stage director is accountable for all aspects of the performance.  Required for Theatre majors. Props and Sound Practicums should be taken first.

1

Prerequisites

Theatre major/minor and consent of instructor and/or chair

THTR-41700 Lighting Practicum

The lighting student's responsibilities include the testing, hanging, and focusing of all lighting equipment.  The lighting practicum may involve the following positions:  lighting designer (courses in design are required prerequisites), lighting student, master electrician, light board operator, and/or lighting crew.

1

Prerequisites

THTR 25100, THTR 25200, theatre major/minor and consent of instructor and/or chair

THTR-42000 Playwriting Practicum

In this practicum, the student works on a creative writing project developing original scripts from outline to final play.  Plays may vary, but may include writing a realistic one-act, a nonrealistic one-act, a one-act documentary, a dramatization of fiction, or a full-length play.

1

Prerequisites

THTR 23200, theatre major/minor and consent of instructor and/or chair

THTR-42100 Children's Theatre Practicum

The credit for this practicum is usually awarded retroactively.  The student must have either been cast for or must have run crew for an AlphaBet Soup Children's Theatre production for a complete semester.  This professional company has its home base at the Philip Lynch Theatre. 

1

Prerequisites

Theatre major/minor and consent of instructor and/or chair

THTR-42500 Dramaturgy Practicum

Students enrolled in this course will work on production functioning as a dramaturge.  A dramaturge researches the play, the playwright, and the social, cultural, and political issues that influenced the playwright's creation.

1

Prerequisites

Theatre major/minor and consent of instructor and/or chair

THTR-42700 Career Preparation Practicum

This practicum prepares the student for employment after graduation.  The requirements differ according to the career goal of the student.  Technicians and designers will prepare a portfolio.  Actors will assemble headshots, résumé, audition pieces, and practical knowledge of theatre business.  All students will prepare a regular employment résumé.  Required for Theatre majors during their second to last semester.

1

Prerequisites

Theatre major/minor and consent of instructor and/or chair

THTR-43100 History of Theatre 1

This course reviews the major periods of the theatre, from the Greeks to the Restoration, including historical background, dramatic form, playwrights and the physical theatre. The course partially fulfills the advanced writing requirement.

3

Prerequisites

Consent of instructor

THTR-43200 History of Theatre 2

This continuation of THTR 43100 covers plays of the Restoration period to those of the present day. This course partially fulfills the advanced writing requirement.

3

Prerequisites

THTR 43100

THTR-48100 Principles of Directing

Basic concepts of play direction are studied as they apply to the preparation of scenes and short plays.

3

Prerequisites

THTR 27100 and consent of instructor

THTR-49500 Theatre Internship

Students are placed in theatre companies arranged with an advisor to provide them with on-the-job experience.

3

Prerequisites

Consent of instructor and internship contract.

THTR-49900 Independent Study

Students conduct independent research projects directed by a departmental instructor. The projects are an area of theatre not covered by other courses. Students must present a brief outline of the project and obtain the instructor's approval before registration.

1-3

Prerequisites

Theatre major. To qualify for an Independent Study, a student must have successfully completed 60 credit hours, at least 12 of which were earned at Lewis, and have earned at Lewis University a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.