Theatre

Theatre

B.A. Degree — Theatre Major

In addition to the general education requirements, Theatre majors must complete 50 or more semester hours of theatre, including the foundation requirements and 6 or more semester hours in a chosen emphasis.

Foundation Requirements
THTR1200 Introduction to Theatre 3 s.h.
THTR1210 Makeup 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 Script Analysis and Dramatic Criticism 3 s.h.
THTR2350 Theatre Production Studies (min 3, max 4 s.h.) 0-1 s.h.
THTR3370 Theatre History I 3 s.h.
THTR3380 Theatre History II 3 s.h.
THTR4100 Directing I 3 s.h.
THTR4200 Senior Seminar I 1 s.h.
THTR4210 Senior Seminar II 2 s.h.
THTR4350 Advanced Theatre Production Studies (min 3, max 4 s.h.) 0-1 s.h.
One Dramatic Literature course to be chosen from: 3 s.h.: ENGL/HUMN/THTR2200 Multicultural Theatre; THTR2470 Modern and Contemporary Drama; ENGL/THTR3350 Shakespeare
One Theatre Technology course to be chosen from: 3 s.h.: THTR2810 Theatre Technology: Scenery and Properties; THTR2820 Theatre Technology: Lighting and Sound; THTR2830 Theatre Technology: Costumes History and Construction
One Theatre Design course to be chosen from: 3 s.h.: THTR3810 Theatre Design: Scenery and Properties; THTR3820 Theatre Design: Lighting and Sound; THTR3830 Theatre Design: Costumes

Courses selected from the foundation requirements may not be used toward the following emphasis:

Performance Emphasis
THTR2220 Voice and Movement for Actors 3 s.h.
THTR3220 Period Styles in Acting 3 s.h.

Directing Emphasis
THTR2230 Stage Management 3 s.h.
THTR3140 Playwriting 3 s.h.
THTR4120 Directing II 3 s.h.

Technology Emphasis
THTR2230 Stage Management 3 s.h.
One additional Theatre Technology course to be chosen from: 3 s.h.: THTR2810 Theatre Technology: Scenery and Properties; THTR2820 Theatre Technology: Lighting and Sound; THTR2830 Theatre Technology: Costumes History and Construction

Design Emphasis
One additional Theatre Technology course to be chosen from: 3 s.h.: THTR2810 Theatre Technology: Scenery and Properties; THTR2820 Theatre Technology: Lighting and Sound; THTR2830 Theatre Technology: Costumes History and Construction
One additional Theatre Design course to be chosen from: 3 s.h.: THTR3810 Theatre Design: Scenery and Properties; THTR3820 Theatre Design: Lighting and Sound; THTR3830 Theatre Design: Costumes

Theatre and Speech Communications Minor

A minor in Theatre and Speech Communication requires 18 semester hours of courses in theatre/speech communication, 6 of which must be upper division. Course work must include one introductory theatre course to be chosen from THTR1200, THTR1220, or THTR1240; one theatre technology course to be chosen from THTR2810, THTR2820, or THTR2830; one dramatic literature course to be chosen from ENGL/HUMN/THTR2200, THTR2470, or ENGL/THTR3350; COMM1200; 6 semester hours of communication electives.

Theatre Minor

A minor in Theatre requires 18 semester hours, 6 of which must be upper division, and participation in two theatrical productions (enroll in THTR2350/4350). Course work must include THTR1200, THTR1310, THTR2350/4350 (min 2, max 8 s.h.); One acting course to be chosen from THTR1220, THTR2220, or THTR3220; one theatre history or dramatic literature course to be chosen from ENGL/HUMN/THTR2200, ENGL/THTR2470, THTR3350, THTR3370 or THTR3380; one technology or design course to be chosen from THTR2810, THTR2820, THTR2830, THTR3810, THTR3820, THTR3830; and a total of 3 or more hours of elective from Theatre course offerings.

Teacher Certification in Speech Communication/Theatre

FOR THEATRE MAJORS WHO WANT A SECONDARY SPEECH COMMUNICATION/THEATRE ENDORSEMENT (7-12): Students majoring in Theatre who desire Iowa Teacher Certification with a secondary endorsement must complete the major requirements above and the Secondary Education Program (with THTR4390 Methods of Teaching Theatre and Speech as the appropriate methods course), and the following courses:

COMM1200 Speech Communication: An Introduction 3 s.h.
ENGL/COMM2500 Introduction to Mass Media 3 s.h.
PHIL1350 Basic Logic 3 s.h.
FOR THE NON-THEATRE MAJORS WHO WANT A SECONDARY SPEECH COMMUNICATION/THEATRE ENDORSEMENT (7-12): Non-Theatre majors desiring a secondary endorsement (7-12) in Iowa must complete the Secondary Education Program (with THTR4390 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.
COMM1240 Introduction to Performance Studies or
THTR1240 Vocal Presentation Skills 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.
THTR1310 Introduction to Stagecraft or
THTR2230 Stage Management 3 s.h.
THTR2100 Script Analysis and Dramatic Criticism 3 s.h.
THTR4100 Directing I 3 s.h.

Courses in Theatre

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+)

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+)

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+)

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+)

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+)

THTR2000 Individual Study Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+) 1-3 s.h.

+ THTR2100 Script Analysis and Dramatic Criticism (Also HUMN2100) 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+)

+THTR2200 Multicultural Theatre (Also ENGL/HUMN2200) 3 s.h.
Survey of literature, artists, and performance including, but not limited to, African-American, Asian-American, Kabuki, Hispanic, Native American, Feminist, and Gay & Lesbian theatre; history of each movement and its contribution to the American Theatre; consideration of historical, sociological, and aesthetic contexts. Examination of sociological issues and challenges faced by minority artists. Prerequisite: ENGL1410 Modern Rhetoric or THTR2100 Script Analysis and Criticism. Goal 2b, 3, 10 (Goal 3A or 3C or 10 Catalog 0809+)

+ THTR2220 Voice and Movement for Actors 3 s.h.
Provides increased range of physical and vocal techniques for performers, and study of the major theorists in these areas. Includes training in stage combat and the International Phonetic Alphabet. Prerequisites: THTR1220 Introduction to Acting, THTR1240 Vocal Presentation Skills. Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)

+ 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+)

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+)

+ THTR2470 Modern and Contemporary Drama (Also ENGL2470) 3 s.h.
Study of representative modern plays, focusing both on literary merit and the playwright's use of distinctively theatrical elements. Texts will be examined in terms of dramatic structure, style, and genre, and as a reflection of their time and culture. 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. Goal 2b, 3 (Goal 3A or 3B or 3C Catalog 0809+)

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+)

+ THTR2810 Theatre Technology: Scenery and Properties 3 s.h.
Development of skills in current methodology of theatrical scenery and properties. Lab required. Prerequisite: THTR1310 Introduction to Stagecraft or consent of instructor. Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)

+ THTR2820 Theatre Technology: Lighting and Sound 3 s.h.
Development of skills in current methodology of theatrical lighting and sound. Lab required. Prerequisite: THTR1310 Introduction to Stagecraft or consent of instructor. Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)

+ THTR2830 Theatre Technology: Costume History and Construction 3 s.h.
Development of skills in current methodology of theatrical costumes and history of fashion. Lab required. Prerequisite: THTR1310 Introduction to Stagecraft or consent of instructor. Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)

THTR3000 Individual Study Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+) 1–3 s.h.

+ THTR3140 Playwriting (Also ENGL3140) 3 s.h.
A study of the techniques of playwriting with special emphasis on plot and character development, dialogue and the role of spectacle in dramatic writing. Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)

+ THTR3220 Period Styles in Acting 3 s.h.
Emphasis on enlarging and improving the actor’s 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 and artistic influences of the periods studied. Prerequisites: THTR2220 Voice and Movement, THTR3370 Theatre History I. Pre- or Corequisite: THTR3380 Theatre History II. Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)

+ THTR3350 Shakespeare (Also ENGL3350) 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+)

+ 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+)

+ 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+)

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+)

+ THTR3810 Theatre Design: Scenery and Properties 3 s.h.
History, theory, and principles of scenography and properties design. Students will analyze, research, and design a series of plays. Prerequisite: THTR2810 Theatre Technology: Scenery and Properties or consent of instructor. Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)

+ THTR3820 Theatre Design: Lighting and Sound 3 s.h.
History, theory, and principles of lighting design and sound design. Students will analyze, research, and design a series of plays. Prerequisite: THTR2820 Theatre Technology: Lighting and Sound or consent of instructor. Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)

+ THTR3830 Theatre Design: Costumes 3 s.h.
Theory and principles of costume design. Students will analyze, research, and design costumes for a series of plays. Prerequisite: THTR2830 Theatre Technology: Costume History and Construction or consent of instructor. Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)

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+)

THTR4000 Individual Study Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+) 1-3 s.h.

+ THTR4100 Directing I 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+)

+ THTR4120 Directing II 3 s.h.
Continuation of THTR4100. Study and application of stage direction, including a historical overview of directing theory and the selection, casting, and mounting of a one-act play. Prerequisite: THTR4100 Directing I. Goal 2b, 6 (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)

THTR4200 Senior Seminar I 1 s.h.
Discussion of trends and development of professional awareness of drama and theatre as art. Readings and research into current theatre practice. Observation of professional performance. Preliminary work on the individual project which will be presented as part of Senior Seminar II. Prerequisite: Majors only. Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)

THTR4210 Senior Seminar II 2 s.h.
Continuation of THTR4200. Presentation of individual projects structured around the kinds of experience that reveal culminating achievement of four years of work in the major. This project is to be from a specific area of acting, directing, or design. Prerequisite: THTR4200. Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)

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+)

+ 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+)

+Denotes an alternate year course.