Theatre
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Department Information
Theatre
Department of Theatre and Dance
Associate Professors Díaz, Herrera, Holland, Mike, Schoen, Stegmeir, White
Assistant Professor Reynoso
Director of Costume Hogg
Director of Dance Van Gelder
Each year two professional guest artists join the faculty to work with students and in productions. Additional professionals from the field also are employed as adjunct faculty members. -
Major
The Theatre Major
Note: The grade point average of the coursework comprising the major must be no less than 2.00 with no course grade below C- (1.7).
10.5 units, including
Production Studies, two units:Text and Performance
Fundamentals of Design
Performing Diversity: A Cultural OdysseyCritical Inquiry in Practice and Theory, two units: 1 from group A and 1 from group B:
Group A: Theory-centered:
Latinx On Stage: From Barrio to Broadway
Special Topics (as appropriate, with Department approval)
Theater for Social Change II
Script Analysis
Staging GenderGroup B: Practice-based:
Theatre for Social Change I
Going Solo: The Politics of Identity in Contemporary Solo Performance
Documentary Theatre Project
Special Topics (as appropriate, with Department approval)
History, two units:
Theatre History: Modern and Contemporary
and one unit from the following:Classical Theatre
Special Topics (as appropriate, with department approval)
History of ApparelPerformance, one unit from the following:
Movement Improvisation
Collaborative Arts Lab: Dance, Humanities & Technology
Physical Theatre: Actor as Creator
Ensemble Performance
Basics of Directing
Special Topics: Auditioning for Stage and Screen
Advanced Acting: 20th-Century Acting Styles and Theories
Acting Shakespeare I
Design/technical theatre one unit from the following:Scene Design
Sound Design
Lighting Design
Costume Design
Leadership in Production (0.5 units)Capstone Project, at least one unit from the following:
Collaboration and Production or Senior Thesis Capstone
Honors Performance/Thesis
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Minor
The Theatre Minor
Note: The grade point average of the coursework comprising the minor must be no less than 2.00, with no course grade below C- (1.7).
7 units, including
Production Studies, two units:Text and Performance
Fundamentals of Design
Performing Diversity: A Cultural OdysseyCritical Inquiry in Practice and Theory, one unit from the following:
Theatre for Social Change I
Going Solo: The Politics of Identity in Contemporary Solo Performance
Latinx On Stage: From Barrio to Broadway
Documentary Theatre Project
Special Topics (as appropriate, with Department approval)Theater for Social Change II
Script Analysis
Staging GenderHistory, one unit from the following:
Classical Theatre
Special Topics (as appropriate, with department approval)
Theatre History: Modern and Contemporary
History of ApparelPerformance, one unit from the following:
Movement Improvisation
Collaborative Arts Lab: Dance, Humanities & Technology
Physical Theatre: Actor as Creator
Ensemble PerformanceBasics of Directing
Special Topics: Auditioning for Stage and Screen
Advanced Acting: 20th-Century Acting Styles and Theories
Acting Shakespeare IDesign/technical theatre one unit from the following:
Scene Design
Sound Design
Lighting Design
Costume Design
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Related
Related Fields
Interdisciplinary concentration in arts management for visual and media arts practice, art history, music, theatre, and dance majors or minors
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Honors
Honors Program
Outstanding students with intellectual initiative and the desire to pursue academic achievement beyond standard coursework have the opportunity to broaden and deepen knowledge in selected major fields through the honors program. To qualify, a student should have at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average, 18 or more units completed and, excluding coursework primarily for first-year students, 3.5 or more units completed with distinction in the major field.
Students electing to fulfill requirements for the honors program in the Department of Theatre and Dance must designate at least two units of honors credit through a combination of upper-level courses. This will require the student to do additional work over and above the normal requirements of the course. In addition, the student also must take Honors Thesis Preparation (
) and Honors Performance/Thesis ( ). The student must have attained a departmental GPA of 3.30 by the beginning of the fall semester of the senior year. The student also must maintain that GPA through the completion of the program and an overall GPA of no less than 3.0 while in the program. Students should declare their intention to seek honors and meet with the honors coordinator in their sophomore year. Students who have not declared by the second semester of their junior year are disqualified from further honors consideration. Those who have declared that they are seeking honors will be considered candidates until they fail to meet one of the program's requirements. Successful completion of an honors program is shown on the student's permanent academic record and on the diploma.
Courses
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THTR 115 Theatre Appreciation
Units: 1
Fulfills General Education Requirement (FSVP)
DescriptionAn introduction to the role of actors, playwrights, directors, designers, and audiences in the highly collaborative art of theatre. Students learn to appreciate the artistic and intellectual processes of theatre artists and to use knowledge of historical forms and traditions in order to evaluate contemporary live theatre. Students will engage in creative projects in the classroom and interact with professional theatre artists via lab work on mainstage productions. Laboratory assignments with mainstage productions.
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THTR 119 Broadway Musical Theatre
Units: 1
Fulfills General Education Requirement (FSVP)
DescriptionSurvey of the Broadway musical theatre from its 19th century roots to the present day. Provides basic introduction to music theory and culminates with performance of original one-act musical(s) written and produced by class members. In addition to regular class meetings, weekly labs are held for rehearsals and presentation of special topics. (Same as Music 119.)
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THTR 201 Stagecraft
Units: 1
Fulfills General Education Requirement (FSVP)
DescriptionIntroduction to scene design and construction, lighting design and execution, scene painting, sound design, and properties in theory and practical applications. Laboratory hours required.
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THTR 202 Scene Painting
Units: 1
Fulfills General Education Requirement (FSVP)
DescriptionStudy of function of scenic artist in theory and practice. Hands-on approach to scene painting. Laboratory hours required.
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THTR 203 Introduction to Light and Sound
Units: 1
Fulfills General Education Requirement (FSVP)
DescriptionIntroduction to the technical aspects of lighting and sound design and roduction, and to the creative process required to make informed design choices. Laboratory hours required.
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THTR 206 Introduction to Costume
Units: 1
Fulfills General Education Requirement (FSVP)
DescriptionIntroduction to role of costume designer as collaborative artist in theatre process. Survey of historical implications for design. Basic skills of costume construction. Laboratory assignments with mainstage productions.
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THTR 207 Text and Performance
Units: 1
Fulfills General Education Requirement (FSVP)
DescriptionFocuses on the fundamentals of script analysis and the characteristics of distinct theatrical genres. Reading of plays and examination of various productions to garner an understanding of the creative dimension of theatre making. Creative projects focus on: 1) imagined productions of the plays, both personal and culturally significant, and 2) embodied exploration of character and dramatic action.
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THTR 208 Fundamentals of Design
Units: 1
Fulfills General Education Requirement (FSVP)
DescriptionStudents will examine the creative art of design in developing theatre/dance productions and projects. The study of style and composition will provide a framework for the analysis of design within the context of performance. Methods for assembling a design portfolio to represent their research and creative projects. Special attention will be devoted to the role of research in relation to scenic, costume, lighting, and sound design in live performance.
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THTR 210 Performing Diversity: A Cultural Odyssey
Units: 1
DescriptionFurthers understanding of minority groups in America by investigating their social condition from an experiential base. Participants will explore existing portraits and issues associated with minorities as well as connect with important notions on cultural diversity in America. Special importance will be placed on celebrating ethnic achievements and lifestyles. Plays, poetry, and other performance art forms (including cooking and dressing) will constitute significant class presentations.
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THTR 212 Basics of Acting
Units: 1
Fulfills General Education Requirement (FSVP)
DescriptionBasic methods of analysis and performance techniques necessary to generate believable human behavior on stage. Study of roots (mind/body processes), not ends of acting (performance). Class exercises to develop and discipline actor's physical, vocal, and imaginative equipment. Laboratory assignments with major productions.
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THTR 213 Fundamentals of Stage Makeup
Units: 1
DescriptionArt and application of theatrical makeup, realism to fantasy. Corrective makeup; specialty makeup (aging, scars, beards, animal faces). Laboratory assignments in conjunction with all major productions.
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THTR 214 Theatre for Social Change I
Units: 1
Fulfills General Education Requirement (FSVP)
DescriptionA studio and seminar class inspired by African and European models in Theatre for Development, a specialized field of drama focused on social development and grounded in participatory procedure. The activity involves research, analysis, scenario building, and performance. Participants will be exposed to exercises in devising and performing work for impacting social transformation. The course will highlight issues within the immediate environment as well as the larger Richmond community, and practice will occur in both domains.
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THTR 215 Physical Theatre: Actor as Creator
Units: 1
Fulfills General Education Requirement (FSVP)
DescriptionIntroduces students to the contemporary approaches to theatre-making which focus on the body. Through a series of workshops & creative projects, students will learn techniques for generating original material, developing their spontaneity and creativity, and creating theatre that is personally meaningful and collectively engaging.
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THTR 219 Ensemble Performance
Units: 1
Fulfills General Education Requirement (FSVP)
DescriptionExploratory class which attempts to generate honest and spontaneous responses from the actor to performance and play creating circumstances. Major emphasis is placed on teamwork, the search for truth and attaining actual potential in the art of playing. With a view to synergizing theatre activity with communal responsibility participants are encouraged to draw on issues around them and nurture creative inspiration from societal needs. Improvisation, storytelling, and multiple role playing are primary mediums for advancing the experience.
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THTR 229 Going Solo: The Politics of Identity in Contemporary Solo
Units: 1
Fulfills General Education Requirement (FSVP)
DescriptionExamines the development of solo performance from the 1970s to the present. Pays close attention to the ways solo practitioners use the body to highlight specific cultural, social, and political histories of marginalization encountered by the working class, people of color, women, lesbians, and gays. Engages with a multitude of genres including performance art, autobiographical forms, spoken word, stand-up comedy, and hip-hop based work.
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THTR 239 Latinx On Stage: From the Barrios to Broadway
Units: 1
Fulfills General Education Requirement (FSVP)
DescriptionExamines the evolving formation of Latina/o identity in Broadway and community productions as well as popular culture with special attention to issues of globalization, migration, and transculturation.
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THTR 249 Documentary Theatre Project
Units: 1
DescriptionExplores different ways to tell complex historical narratives and how to use documentary performance in order to foster conversation about difficult issues with the goal of expanding the possibilities for social change. Conduct interviews, do archival research, and create, produce, and perform a docudrama.
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THTR 301 Scene Design
Units: 1
DescriptionArtistic aspects of stage setting in theory and in practice. Consideration of mechanical perspective, watercolor sketching, color schemes, and history of period design. Stresses how the design process is inspired by the script and how the design of scenery is only part of the larger creative process called theatre. Laboratory hours required.
PrerequisitesTheatre 115, 201, 207, 208 or permission of instructor.
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THTR 305 Sound Design
Units: 1
DescriptionExploration of the field of sound design through "hands-on" experiences with the design process, as well as the use of various types of recording and editing equipment, software programs, and research protocols and materials used by sound designers to create the aural environment for a production.
PrerequisitesTHTR 203 or THTR 207, 208 or permission of Instructor
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THTR 307 Lighting Design
Units: 1
DescriptionUpper-level course in lighting design for the stage. Special emphasis on project-based, "hands on" learning with students implementing their own designs through analysis, research, creative and practical applications. Laboratory hours are required.
PrerequisitesTHTR 203 or 207 or 208.
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THTR 308 Basics of Directing
Units: 1
DescriptionPrinciples and techniques of directing the realistic modern play. Case studies and scene work. One-act play prepared for production by each student. Laboratory assignments with major productions.
PrerequisitesTheatre 207, 208, or 212 or permission of instructor.
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THTR 309 Classical Theatre
Units: 1
DescriptionSurvey of theatre history from ancient Greece to mid 18th-century Europe, with emphasis on representative plays, performance practices, and theories, as well as the cultural, economic, and political contexts from which they emerged. Lecture/discussion format.
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THTR 310 Managing Performing Arts Organizations.
Units: 1
Description(See Music 310.)
PrerequisitesTheatre major, theatre minor, dance minor, or permission of instructor.
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THTR 312 Special Topics
Units: .5-1
DescriptionRepresentative topics: acting for the camera, advanced courses in costume, directing, makeup, critical theory, directing, improvisation, makeup, performance theory, stage combat, documentary film making, voice and speech for the stage. Can be taken more than once for credit if topic varies.
PrerequisitesTheatre 207, 208 or permission of instructor.
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THTR 314 Theatre for Social Change II
Units: 1
DescriptionDesigned to enable students to utilize and transfer the skills acquired in Theatre 214 into the larger community. Working in smaller groups, they are responsible for implementing and evaluating a theatre-centered project within the context of social and sustainable development. They will foster the creation of a play by community members on issues affecting their daily lives. Significant emphasis is given to cultivating an interaction with experts in related areas of concern towards galvanizing meaningful future growth in the selected community.
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THTR 315 Independent Study
Units: .5-1
DescriptionRestriction: Prospectus must be submitted and approved prior to the end of advance registration. Does not count for theatre or dance minor.
PrerequisitesPermission of instructor.
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THTR 319 Theatre History: Modern and Contemporary
Units: 1
DescriptionA survey of theatre history from mid 18th-century Europe to the present, with emphasis on representative plays, performance practices, and theories, as well as the cultural, economic, and political contexts from which they emerged. Lecture/discussion format.
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THTR 320 Advanced Acting: Twentieth-Century Acting Styles and Theory
Units: 1
DescriptionAn examination of the major theories that have shaped the discourse on, and practice of, the art of acting in the 20th century. Concentrated scene study class that explores relationship between 20th-century dramatic literature and acting techniques and theories that developed to meet demands of these plays. By preparing scenes from various modern genres of theatre, acting students examine techniques and research methods necessary to unlock performance elements of the most demanding dramas of the last 100 years.
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THTR 321 History of Apparel
Units: 1
DescriptionDesigned to give students a recognition/understanding of the evolution of clothing from the ancients to the 21st century. Beginning with the physiological and psychological reasons for clothing. Includes focus on the relationship of fashion to the social and political issues of the time period.
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THTR 322 Costume Design
Units: 1
DescriptionFurther exploration of various construction, patterning, design, research and rendering problems and the methods for solving them. Building on the techniques learned in the introductory course, students will gain a deeper understanding of the variety of methods used in problem solving, and how to know which approach is best suited to the needs of the script in question. The course will culminate in a public presentation of students' projects.
PrerequisitesTheatre 206 or permission of instructor.
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THTR 325 Script Analysis
Units: 1
Fulfills General Education Requirement (FSLT)
DescriptionSystematic approach to understanding and realizing the theatrical implications of play scripts. Script study as if in preparation for mounting production. Laboratory hours required.
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THTR 327 Acting Shakespeare I
Units: 1
DescriptionIntroduction to methods of textual analysis and literary research necessary to prepare a Shakespearean play for performance.
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THTR 330 Practicum: Performance
Units: .25-1
DescriptionUnderstanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
PrerequisitesPermission of department.
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THTR 331 Practicum: Directing/Choreography
Units: .25-1
DescriptionUnderstanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
PrerequisitesPermission of department.
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THTR 332 Practicum: Stage Management
Units: .25-1
DescriptionUnderstanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
PrerequisitesPermission of department.
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THTR 333 Practicum: Technical Crew
Units: .25-1
DescriptionUnderstanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
PrerequisitesPermission of department.
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THTR 334 Practicum: Design
Units: .25-1
DescriptionUnderstanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
PrerequisitesPermission of department.
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THTR 340 Practicum: Scenery/Props
Units: .25-1
DescriptionUnderstanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
PrerequisitesPermission of department.
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THTR 341 Practicum: Costume/Makeup
Units: .25-1
DescriptionUnderstanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
PrerequisitesPermission of department.
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THTR 342 Practicum: Other
Units: .25-1
DescriptionUnderstanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
PrerequisitesPermission of department.
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THTR 343 Practicum: Lighting
Units: .25-1
DescriptionUnderstanding theatre arts through analysis of and participation in creative theatrical efforts. Forty hours work for .25 units of practicum credit. Includes research and written work appropriate to the theatrical activity involved. Four units maximum credit; 1.5 units maximum per semester. Does not count for theatre or dance major or minor.
PrerequisitesPermission of department.
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THTR 345 Philanthropy in the Arts
Units: 1
Description(See MUS 345; same as ARTH 345.) Does not satisfy major or minor requirements.
PrerequisitesMUS/THTR 310 or ARTH 322 or permission of instructor.
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THTR 370 Staging Gender
Units: 1
DescriptionStudy of selected plays and theatre productions with a focus on the representations of gender and gender relations. Readings in feminist, gender, and queer theory provide critical frameworks for analyzing representations of gender as well as representations of race and class as they intersect with gender. Culminates in a staged reading of a play.
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THTR 380 Honors Thesis Preparation
Units: 1
DescriptionResearch and preparation for honors thesis or project in theatre or dance.
PrerequisitesAcceptance in the department honors program.
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THTR 388 Individual Internship
Units: .5-1
DescriptionPractical application of theatre and dance principles and skills in supervised, out-of-class environment. Does not count for theatre major or minor or dance minor. No more than 1.5 units of internship in any one department and 3.5 units of internship overall may be counted toward required degree units.
PrerequisitesMajors and minors only; faculty approval before beginning work.
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THTR 399 Leadership in Production
Units: 0-.5
DescriptionMajors-only course requiring a student to assume a position of significant responsibility (excluding performing) in one of the department's major productions. These positions include stage manager, assistant stage manager, designing or assistant designing (costumes, lights, scenery, sound), assistant directing, dramaturg, head props master, or head dresser. Graded: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
PrerequisitesDepartmental approval.
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THTR 406 Summer Undergraduate Research
Units: 0
DescriptionDocumentation of the work of students who receive summer fellowships to conduct research [or produce a creative arts project] in the summer. The work must take place over a minimum of 8 weeks, the student must engage in the project full-time (at least 40 hours per week) during this period, and the student must be the recipient of a fellowship through the university. Graded S/U.
PrerequisitesApproval for summer Arts and Sciences fellowship by faculty mentor
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THTR 407 Collaboration and Production
Units: 1
DescriptionRequires students to form a production organization and produce a substantial play. The production will be staged at the beginning of the next semester and students will receive their final grade after successful completion. Students must select play, analyze material, provide requisite dramaturgical research, create a budget, design all visual elements, raise funds for and publicize the production, conduct rehearsals, and provide a thorough critique of the results.
PrerequisitesTHTR 207, THTR 208, and one of the following: THTR 301, THTR 305, THTR 307, THTR 322, or department approval.
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THTR 425 Senior Thesis Capstone
Units: 1
DescriptionSeminar in which students engage under faculty supervision in individual research projects (scholarly and/or creative) in specific fields or forms of theatrical expression.
PrerequisitesTHTR 207, THTR 208, and one of THTR 301, 305, 307, or 322.
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THTR 481 Honors Performance/Thesis
Units: 1
DescriptionResearch and writing honors thesis or realization (including rehearsals and all drawings) of a creative honors project in theatre or dance.
PrerequisitesAcceptance in the department honors program.