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Undergraduate Course DescriptionsCollage of Undergraduate Course Offerings Concepts

Theatre

Course code(s): THTR

THTR 105 Dance History Cr. 3.
Designed to promote understanding and appreciation of the role of dance throughout history and the modern world. Acquaints students with outstanding ballet, tap, jazz, and modern dance, choreography, and companies throughout the world.
THTR 117 Jazz Dance I Cr. 2.
A study of jazz dance, including early jazz and musical theatre as well as contemporary styles. May be repeated for credit. Credit may be granted by audition.
THTR 121 Tap I Cr. 2.
The emphasis in this course will be on learning basic steps and tap progressions. Class will include barre work, across the floor and center floor combinations. Graded technique will be incorporated to monitor progress. This class may be repeated for credit. Credit may be granted by audition.
THTR 125 Ballet I Cr. 2.
Beginning ballet offers an introduction to basic ballet positions, techniques, and terminology. No previous training necessary. Emphasis on body alignment and effective methods for gaining strength and flexibility necessary for proper ballet training. May be repeated for credit. Credit may be granted by audition.
THTR 134 Fundamentals of Performance Cr. 3.
An introduction to the art of acting as practiced in the world today.
THTR 136 Rehearsal and Performance I Lab. 3 or 6, Cr. 1–2.
P: consent of instructor. Study and practice of rehearsal techniques and stage performance. Students will be assigned to acting and stage management duties in stage productions. May be repeated for credit.
THTR 137 Jazz Dance II Cr. 2
P: 117, or instructor permission. Jazz Dance II is a continuation of Jazz I. Further training of the dancer’s body with more detailed warm-ups and combinations is the emphasis of the class. Preparing the dancer for performance level is stressed. May be repeated for credit. Credit may be granted by audition.
THTR 138 Acting I Class 3, Lab. 1, Cr. 3.
P: 134, or theatre major or consent of instructor. Student experientially and analytically explores the foundation of the acting process based on Stanislavski’s system. Emphasis is on developing the actor’s ability to work moment-to-moment through the use of improvisational theatre games, scene work, and monologues. Areas covered include beginning voice and movement work, concentration, imagination, objectives, obstacles, and actions. Explorations culminate in the presentation of scenes and monologues. May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor.
THTR 145 Ballet II Class 1, Cr. 2.
P: 125 or permission of instructor. This class is for those individuals with some prior training in ballet technique. Class work includes barre work and simple combinations in the center of the floor. Emphasis on body alignment and effective methods for gaining strength and flexibility for proper ballet training. Must be taken in sequence. May be repeated for credit. Credit may be granted by audition.
THTR 158 Stagecraft Class 3, Lab. 2, Cr. 3.
Theory and application of current and traditional technical theatre practices. Training in stage carpentry, painting, and preproduction organization.
THTR 168 Theatre Production I Lab. 6, Cr. 1–2.
Application of technical-theatre practice in scenic construction, painting, lighting, sound, costuming, and stage management. Students will be assigned to work on experimental and major stage productions. May be repeated for credit.
THTR 201 Theatre Appreciation Cr. 3.
Understanding and appreciation of the theatre’s role in the modern world. Includes a seminar approach in discussion of the nature of theatre, critical analysis of drama, the actor, the director, design, and careers in the theatre. Also deals with professional, regional, community, and educational theatre. All discussions and work are related to current stage productions that students are required to attend.
THTR 213 Voice for the Actor Cr. 2.
P: 134, theatre major or consent of instructor. Designed to heighten the actor’s awareness of the vocal instrument. Elementary vocal techniques will be practiced to expand the student’s vocal flexibility and range. Emphasis on freeing habitual vocal tensions and teaching the student the fundamentals of vocal health.
THTR 221 Tap II Cr. 2.
The emphasis in this course will be on building upon the basic steps and progressions achieved in beginning tap. Class will include barre work, across the floor and center combinations. As in Tap I, graded technique will be incorporated to monitor progress. This class may be repeated for credit. Credit may be granted by audition.
THTR 238 Acting II Class 3, Lab. 1, Cr. 3.
P: 138 or consent of instructor. Emphasis is on developing a character within a truthful reality based on the given circumstances of the script. Students will be challenged through scene-work, monologue preparation, and script analysis that connect the actor’s internal choices to the external needs of the character. May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor.
THTR 256 Stage Makeup Class 1, Lab. 3, Cr. 2.
Study of facial anatomy, the aging process, the principles of light and shadow, and character analysis. Theory and practice in the basic techniques of applying stage makeup.
THTR 261 Introduction to Theatrical Design Class 3, Lab. 2, Cr. 3.
An introduction to the principles and practices of contemporary theatrical design. Emphasis on the study and development of unified production theory and its practical application to the areas of theatrical design.
THTR 264 Rendering Techniques Cr. 3.
P: theatre major. A project approach to the development of the student’s ability to pictorially represent ideas through drawing, drafting, painting, etc. Emphasis on clarity of intention and effective presentation of ideas through various media and techniques.
THTR 284 Textual Analysis Cr. 3.
A study of dramatic structure: theme, form, style, genre, and characterization as applied to selected plays.
THTR 323 Acting: Movement for the Actor Class 1, Lab. 3, Cr. 2.
P: 134, theatre major or consent of instructor. Designed to heighten body awareness in movement and stillness. Characterization techniques will be practiced that expand the student’s flexibility, agility, and range of selfexpression. Emphasis on freeing habitual tension patterns through the exploration of expressive movement.
THTR 336 Rehearsal and Performance II Lab. 3 or 6, Cr. 1–2.
P: 136. The study and practice of rehearsal techniques and stage performance. Students will be assigned to acting and stage-management duties in major stage productions. May be repeated for credit.
THTR 338 Acting III Class 3, Lab. 1, Cr. 3.
P: 238, 213 or 323 or consent of instructor. Professional acting studio. Advanced character development focusing on the demands of period styles work. Possible styles to be covered include Greek Theatre, Restoration/Comedy of Manners, Elizabethan, and Contemporary Realism. May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor.
THTR 351 Costume Techniques I Class 2, Lab. 2, Cr. 3.
A project approach to the basic practices used in the construction of the theatrical costume and its accessories. THTR 355 American Musical Theatre Cr. 3. A study of the origin, artistry, history, and unique qualities of the American musical theatre.
THTR 360 Scenic Design Class 2, Lab. 2, Cr. 3.
P: 261 or consent of instructor. A study of the application of scenographic theory to the art of scenic design. Emphasis on the development of unified production theory as specifically applied to the physical theatrical environment.
THTR 361 Costume Design Class 2, Lab. 2, Cr. 3.
P: 261. Theory and principles of design specifically applied to stage costume design. Emphasis on the interrelationship of all aspects of production and how the costume becomes a building block toward total picturization.
THTR 362 Light Design Class 2, Lab. 2, Cr. 3.
P: 261. A study of the application of scenographic theory to the art and practice of light design. Emphasis on the development of unified production theory and the technical support of that theory.
THTR 365 Period Style for the Theatre I Cr. 3.
P: HIST H113, 114. The study of developments in the history of dress, decor, and architecture from the primitive through the 17th century. Emphasis on interpretation of said developments in contemporary theatre practice.
THTR 366 Period Style for the Theatre II Cr. 3.
P: HIST H113, 114. The study of developments in the history of dress, decor, and architecture from the 18th century through the present. Emphasis on interpretation of said developments in contemporary theatre practice.
THTR 368 Theatre Production II Lab. 3 or 6, Cr. 1–2. (V.T.)
P: 168. The study and application of technical theatre practice in scene construction, painting, lighting, costuming, and stage management. Students will be assigned to experimental and major stage productions. May be repeated for credit.
THTR 376 Introduction to Playwriting Cr. 3.
P: THTR 284. An introductory survey of the principles of dramatic construction, with emphasis on the practice of writing for the stage. Each student’s process and writing style are carefully examined. Workshop productions of works-inprogress of each student are expected.
THTR 390 Directed Study of Special Theatre Problems Cr. 1–3. (V.T.)
P: consent of instructor. An undergraduate-level individualized and intensive study of any aspect of theatre required by the student’s plan of study. May be repeated.
THTR 413 Advanced Voice for the Stage Class 2, Lab. 2, Cr. 3.
P: 213 or consent of instructor. Advanced work in vocal production for performance. Emphasis on development of the full resonant voice, vocal power and range, and standard American speech. Special attention paid to application of knowledge to various performance situations and environments.
THTR 424 Basic Choreography for the Theatre Class 3, Cr. 3.
P: consent of instructor. Study and practice in the compositional elements of stage choreography. Includes rhythm, dynamics, space, body design, and gesture.
THTR 438 Acting IV Class 3, Lab. 1, Cr. 3.
P: 338 or consent of instructor. Professional acting studio. Professional issues class preparing the advanced acting student for the rigors of the professional and graduatelevel theatre arenas. Students will explore the skills of monologue auditions, cold readings, improvisational auditions, and interviews, as well as headshot and résumé development. May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor.
THTR 440 Beginning Directing Class 2, Lab. 2, Cr. 3.
P: 201 and 138. A study of the theory of theatrical direction; script, beat, and character analysis. Rehearsal techniques and directorial approaches will be examined. Applied work in scene directing projects.
THTR 470 Theatre and Society I Cr. 3.
P: THTR 284 or consent of instructor. The study of theatre history, performance, and dramatic literature from the primitive eras through the Renaissance. Emphasis on the relationship of theatre to its society.
THTR 471 Theatre and Society II Cr. 3.
P: 470. The study of theatre history, performance, and dramatic literature from 1660 to the present. Emphasis on the relationship of theatre to its society. THTR 499 Senior Performance Project Cr. 2. All theatre majors will register for this course, which serves as the curricular capstone, during their final year. Students will develop, with their advisor, a public performance or presentation appropriate to their area of emphasis.

Dual Level, Undergraduate- Graduate

THTR 501 Stage Management Cr. 3.
P: junior standing. A combination of lectures on and practical experiences in planning and conducting the rehearsal sequence leading to the running of a production.
THTR 504 Summer Repertory Theatre Lab. 1–9, Cr. 1–3.
P: consent of instructor. Participation in the cast, crew, or management of Department of Theatre summer theatre projects. May be repeated for credit.
THTR 536 Advanced Problems in Acting Cr. 1–3.
P: 438 or permission of instructor. Advanced study of selected problems in acting, including detailed role and play analysis, through rehearsals and critiques of performance.
THTR 540 Advanced Directing Class 2, Lab. 2, Cr. 3.
P: 440. Application of principles of directing to the various types of drama; laboratory practice in directing plays for experimental production. THTR 542 Advanced Problems in Theatre Directing Cr. 3. P: 540. Advanced study of selected problems in theatre directing.
THTR 560 Advanced Scenic Design Class 1, Lab. 4, Cr. 3.
P: 360 or consent of instructor. Advanced study of the principles of design and their application to specific staging problems.
THTR 561 Advanced Costume Design Class 2, Lab. 3, Cr. 3.
P: 361 or consent of instructor. Advanced study of the principles of costume design and their application to specific problems.
THTR 562 Advanced Light Design Class 3, Lab. 1 (with 2 hours experiential), Cr. 3.
P: 362 or consent of instructor. Advanced study of the principles of light design and their application to specific lighting problems.
THTR 566 Theatre Management Cr. 3.
P: junior status. Principles and methods of theatre management in educational, community, and professional theatres. Emphasis on administration, business procedures, publicity, promotion, program planning, box office technique, house management, and the manager’s contribution to the theatre operation.
THTR 576 Playwriting Cr. 3.
P: 376. Principles of dramatic construction and practice in the writing of one-act and three-act plays. Experimental production or laboratory testing of the written product when possible. May be repeated for credit.
THTR 583 American Theatre History and Drama Cr. 3.
The study of U.S. theatre and drama from their beginnings to the present.
THTR 590 Directed Study of Special Theatre Problems Cr. 1–3. (V.T.)
P: consent of instructor. An individualized and intensive study of any aspect of theatre required by the student’s plan of study. May be repeated for credit.

IPFW is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access University.