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B.A. Degree — Theatre Major
In addition to the general education requirements, Theatre majors must complete 42 semester hours in theatre as prescribed below:
- THTR1210 Makeup 3 s.h.
- THTR1220 Introduction to Acting 3 s.h.
- THTR1310 Introduction to Stagecraft 3 s.h.
- THTR2100 Script Analysis and Dramatic Criticism 3 s.h.
- THTR2350 Theatre Production Studies (max 3 s.h.) 0-1 s.h.
- THTR2360 Tools for the Stage 3 s.h.
- ENGL/THTR3350 Shakespeare 3 s.h.
- THTR3370 Theatre History I 3 s.h.
- THTR3380 Theatre History II 3 s.h.
- THTR3390 Design for the Stage 3 s.h.
- THTR4100 Directing 3 s.h.
- THTR4350 Advanced Theatre Production Studies (min 2, max 3 s.h.) 0-1 s.h.
- THTR4700 Senior Capstone 0-1 s.h.
- Theatre electives 6 s.h.
- Students may choose two courses from these four rotating offerings:
- THTR2230 Stage Management 3 s.h.
- THTR2400 Dramatic Literature 3 s.h.
- THTR3600 Advanced Acting 3 s.h.
- ARTS1230 Drawing 3 s.h.
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Theatre and Speech Communications Minor
A minor in Theatre and Speech Communication requires 18 semester hours of courses in theatre/speech communication as prescribed below:
- COMM1200 Speech Communication: An Introduction 3 s.h.
- Choose one:
- THTR1200 Introduction to Theatre 3 s.h.
- THTR1220 Introduction to Acting 3 s.h.
- THTR1240 Vocal Presentation Skills 3 s.h.
- THTR1310 Introduction to Stagecraft 3 s.h.
- THTR2100 Dramatic Criticism and Script Analysis 3 s.h.
- Choose one:
- ENGL/THTR3350 Shakespeare 3 s.h.
- THTR2400 Dramatic Literature 3 s.h.
- Communication electives 3 s.h.
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Theatre Minor
A minor in Theatre requires 18 semester hours to include:
- THTR1210 Makeup 3 s.h.
- THTR1220 Introduction to Acting 3 s.h.
- THTR1310 Introduction to Stagecraft 3 s.h.
- THTR2100 Script Analysis and Dramatic Criticism 3 s.h.
- THTR2360 Tools for the Stage 3 s.h.
- Theatre Course Elective 3 s.h.
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Teacher Certification in Speech Communication/Theatre
- FOR THEATRE MAJORS WHO WANT A SECONDARY SPEECH COMMUNICATION/THEATRE ENDORSEMENT (5-12): Students majoring in Theatre who desire Iowa Teacher Certification with a secondary endorsement must complete the major requirements and the Secondary Education Program (with COMM4390 Methods of Teaching Theatre and Speech as the appropriate methods course), and the following courses:
- COMM1200 Speech Communication: An Introduction or
- COMM1230 Small Group Discussion 3 s.h.
- COMM/ENGL2500 Introduction to Mass Media 3 s.h.
- COMM3140 Theories of Persuasion 3 s.h.
- THTR1240 Vocal Presentation Skills 3 s.h.
- FOR THE NON-THEATRE MAJORS WHO WANT A SECONDARY SPEECH COMMUNICATION/THEATRE ENDORSEMENT (5-12): Non-Theatre majors desiring a secondary endorsement (5-12) in Iowa must complete the Secondary Education Program (with COMM4390 Methods of Teaching Theatre and Speech as the appropriate methods course), a major in a secondary teaching field, and the following courses:
- COMM1200 Speech Communication: An Introduction or
- COMM1230 Small Group Discussion 3 s.h.
- COMM/ENGL2500 Introduction to Mass Media 3 s.h.
- COMM3140 Theories of Persuasion 3 s.h.
- THTR1220 Introduction to Acting 3 s.h.
THTR1240 Vocal Presentation Skills 3 s.h.
THTR1310 Introduction to Stagecraft or - THTR2230 Stage Management 3 s.h.
- THTR2100 Script Analysis and Dramatic Criticism 3 s.h.
- THTR4100 Directing 3 s.h.
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Courses in Theatre
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30826
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THTR1200 Introduction to Theatre 3 s.h.
Designed to develop an appreciation and enjoyment of dramatic art and to foster an understanding of some of the basic principles which underlie theatre practice and theatre technique. Students should develop an appreciation for the work of the artists who help to bring the playwright’s pages to life as well as consider their contribution as members of an audience. Goal 2b, 3 (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)
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THTR1210 Makeup 3 s.h.
Introduction to the techniques of makeup design and its application for the stage. Content includes an overview of facial, muscular and skeletal structures and the affects of light on human skin and theatrical makeup. Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)
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THTR1220 Introduction to Acting 3 s.h.
Study and practice of the fundamentals of acting through improvisation and exploratory exercises. Basic principles of stage performance designed to enhance the student’s appreciation of the art form are emphasized. Goal 2b, 3 (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)
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THTR1310 Introduction to Stagecraft 3 s.h.
Introduction to the elements and practices of theatrical construction and scene design. Concentration on the techniques of theatrical construction, costume construction, lighting technology, stage mechanics, alternative methods of staging and shifting stage scenery, backstage organization, and development through practical experience of essential woodworking and stagecraft skills. Laboratory session required. Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)
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THTR2000 Individual Study Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+) 1-3 s.h.
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+ THTR2230 Stage Management 3 s.h.
An exploration of contemporary stage management procedures and practices in the theatre industry. Includes practical experience as a stage manager for a Theatre Department approved production. Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)
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THTR2350 Theatre Production Studies 0-1 s.h.
Participation in a theatrical production: acting, directing, technical production, design. (Total credits accumulated in this course plus THTR4350 may not exceed eight.) Students approved for credit work in this course by faculty-director must contribute a minimum of 45 clock hours of activity, which shall be exclusive of assignments, and activities pertaining to other courses. Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)
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THTR3000 Individual Study Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+) 1–3 s.h.
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+ THTR3350 Shakespeare 3 s.h.
Study of a representative group of Shakespearean plays and sonnets. Primary emphasis is placed on the dramatic and poetic elements in the plays with some study of various aspects of the Renaissance. Goal 2b, 3 (Goal 3B or 3C Catalog 0809+)(Goal 2A Catalog 0910+)
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+Denotes an alternate year course.
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+ THTR4390 Methods of Teaching Theatre and Speech (Also COMM4390) 3 s.h.
Consideration of the theatre and speech classroom experience on the secondary level. Provides training in methods, unit preparation, media, evaluation, and directing extracurricular activities. Required of prospective theatre and speech teachers. Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)
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THTR4350 Advanced Theatre Production Studies 0-1 s.h.
Participation in a theatrical production: acting, directing, technical production, design. Students approved for credit work in this course by faculty-director must complete a minimum of 45 clock hours of activity which shall be exclusive of assignments and activities pertaining to other courses. Prerequisite: THTR2350 and junior or senior standing. (Total credits accumulated in this course plus THTR2350 may not exceed 8.) Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)
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+ THTR4100 Directing 3 s.h.
Study and application of stage direction, including conceptualization, staging, rehearsal techniques, issues of style, and communication with actors and designers. Prerequisites: Theatre Major/Minor or consent or instructor, THTR1220 Introduction to Acting, THTR2100 Script Analysis and Dramatic Criticism. Goal 2b, 6 (Goal 6 Catalog 0809+)
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THTR4000 Individual Study Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+) 1-3 s.h.
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THTR3950 Topics in Theatre 2-3 s.h.
Advanced study of a selected area in theatre: performance, design, technology, history, management, dramaturgy, trends. May be repeated for credit. Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)
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THTR3700 Theatre Internship 1-3 s.h.
An opportunity for advanced students to link theatrical theory and practice by working with established theatre organizations. Students will consult with the instructor in researching and obtaining appropriate internships. May be repeated for credit up to 6 s.h. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Prerequisite: Theatre major/minor. Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)
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+ THTR3380 Theatre History II 3 s.h.
Study of the development of theatre, drama, and stagecraft from the 18th century to the present, with readings of representative plays. Prerequisite: THTR3370 Theatre History I, or ENGL1410 Modern Rhetoric and consent of instructor. Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)
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+ THTR3370 Theatre History I 3 s.h.
Study of the development of theatre, drama, and stagecraft from their beginnings through the 17th century, with reading of representative plays. Prerequisite: ENGL1410 Modern Rhetoric or THTR2100 Script Analysis and Dramatic Criticism. Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)
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THTR2600 Creative Drama and Education (Also EDUC2600) 3 s.h.
Study and application of techniques which enable teachers and group leaders to guide others in imagining, enacting, and reflecting upon human experiences through dramatic activity. Fulfills an Iowa State Teacher Certification requirement in Speech Communication/Theatre. Goals 2b, 3, 10 (Goal 10 Catalog 0809+)
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+ THTR2100 Script Analysis and Dramatic Criticism 3 s.h.
An interdisciplinary investigation of theatre and literature. Explores a variety of analytic methods for examining dramatic literature from both performance and design perspectives. Critical theory is used to critique, analyze, and produce plays. Prerequisite: ENGL1410 Modern Rhetoric. Goals 2b, 4b, 10 (Goal 3A or 3C or 10 Catalog 0809+) (Goal 2A Catalog 0910+)
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THTR1240 Vocal Presentation Skills 3 s.h.
The study and use of effective physical and vocal presentation methods. Goal 1a, 2b, 3 (Goal 1A Catalog 0809+)
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+THTR2360 Tools for the Stage 3 s.h.
Development of the skills in current methodology of theatrical scenery, properties, lighting, sound and costumes. Lab required. Prerequisites: THTR1310 Introduction to Stagecraft or consent of the instructor.
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+THTR3390 Design for the Stage 3 s.h.
History, theory and principles of scenography, properties, lighting, sound and costume design. Students will analyze, research, and design a series of plays. Lab Required. Prerequisite: THTR2XXX Tools for the Stage or consent of instructor.
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+THTR2400 Dramatic Literature 3 s.h.
Study of representative modern plays, focusing on literary merit, the playwright’s use of distinctively theatrical elements, and the plays role within a multicultural society. Texts will be examined in terms of dramatic structure, style, and genre, and as a reflection of their time, culture and the sociological issues faced by their artists. Emphasis placed on thematic analysis as revealed through plot, character, language, and spectacle. Prerequisite: ENGL1500 Introduction to Literature or THTR2100 Script Analysis and Dramatic Criticism.
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+THTR3600 Advanced Acting 3 s.h.
Emphasis on enlarging and improving the actor’s physical, vocal and imaginative skills through performance of scenes and monologues to meet the wide range of stylistic demands of the theatrical repertory. Includes research into the social, political, artistic and martial influences of the periods studied. Prerequisite: THTR1220 Introduction to Acting.
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THTR4700 Senior Capstone 0-1 s.h.
Presentation of a senior project structured around the kinds of experience that reveal culminating achievement of four years of college work in the major. This project is to be from a specific area of acting, technology or design.