A theatre major within the structure provided by a liberal arts education provides more than just skills training. Your artistic insights will be developed as much in your general education courses as in your major course of study. Theatre is an art form that seeks to comment on the society that frames it – knowledge of that society will give your theatre work depth.

180. Makeup for the Theatre (1)
The study and application of the principles of the art of makeup for the theatre. Research on various character types emphasized. Practical application of both straight and character makeup. (Spring)

210. Introduction to World Cinema (3) (Prereq: ENGL 110-111; cross-listed with English and interdisciplinary studies)
A survey of the important genres, theories, techniques, and international movements of film history. Representative films from the silent era to the present, and from America to Europe and Asia, will be covered. (Spring, even years)

220. Theatre History I (3)
A survey of the history of theatre practice and critical theory from ancient times until the end of the eighteenth century. Emphasis will be placed on the theatre of Ancient Greece; Medieval theatre; Asian theatre; the theatre of the Renaissance in England, Spain, Italy, and France; and the English Restoration theatre. Methods of study will include lectures, readings, class discussions, and group projects. (Fall)

221. Theatre History II (3)
A survey of the history of theatre practice and critical theory from the nineteenth century to the present day. Emphasis will be placed on the development of style from romanticism through realism to the reactions to realism. Methods of study will include lectures, readings, class discussions, and group projects. (Spring)

223. Fundamentals of Acting (3)
This course consists of exercises in increasing body and spatial awareness, integrating voice and movement, and rediscovering a neutral body and voice, unencumbered by habitual patterns. By honing observation skills and encouraging physical development, the actor will be prepared for character development and scene study. (Spring)

224. Movement Styles (3) (Cross-listed with physical education)
An interdisciplinary approach to movement which incorporates yoga, ballet, and modern and jazz dance. With a focus on balance and alignment, students develop an awareness of dance through collaboration, ensemble performance, and choreography. (Spring)

227. Introduction to Scenography (3)
An introduction to the process of designing for the stage, addressing general principles of design and text analysis in the movement from dramatic text to theatrical event. Emphasis is placed on developing basic communications skills, drawing, drafting, rendering and model building, and developing a model for text analysis. Students will develop a proficiency in and understanding of design techniques through lecture, discussion, research, and the completion of practical projects. (Fall)

258. Special Topics (1-6). See page 37 in Book of Majors.

290. Theatre Production Laboratory (1 each sem)
Practical exploration of the skills and techniques involved in the theatrical production process, using the departmental productions as the primary experience. Students are graded on the quality of their contribution to the production process. Instructor works with each student according to his or her level of experience. May be repeated for credit.

321. Period Style for the Theatre (3)
This course explores the context for Greek theatre, Asian theatre, the theatre of the Renaissance, Neo-classic theatre, Romantic theatre, early Realistic theatre, and Modern theatre including the art and music of the times, costume history, period movement and acting style, and related cultural history. Teaching methods will include lecture, discussion, and hand-on experiences. (Spring)

322. Aesthetics (3) (Cross-listed with philosophy and art)
A consideration of beauty and what various philosophers (such as Plato, Aristotle, Hume, and Kant) have had to say about it. The class will also consider art forms such as painting, sculpture, poetry, music, and photography to appreciate the presence or absence of beauty therein. (Fall)

323. Acting II (3)
A continuation of THEA 104, this course emphasizes styles of acting related to historic, realistic, post-realistic, and contemporary texts. The actor makes inquiry into both textual and psychological considerations faced in exploring a character and creating a role, emphasizing the demands made by the form and content of each script. (Spring, alternate years)

324. Ballet I (3) (Prereq: THEA 224)
To speak the language of ballet requires great discipline and the mastery of specific technique. The traditional structure of the ballet class and the codified vocabulary of classical ballet will be taught in this class. This will give the student a universal language with which to understand various dance forms from other cultures. In this class we will focus on developing a personal movement style, specific to each student's ability and anatomy. We will continue the process begun in THEA 224 of working on focus, balance, and alignment through movement analysis and by introducing various ballet techniques. (Fall, alternate years)

325. Modern Dance I (3) (Prereq: THEA 224)
Modern Dance is a means of physical communication, an abstract art form whose language can be recreated again and again to fit the dancer/ choreographer's needs. In this class the students will focus on developing a personal movement style specific to each student's abilities; develop creativity and communications skills through movement, choreography, and writing; and continue the process begun in THEA 224 of working on focus, balance, and alignment through movement analysis and by introducing various modern dance techniques. (Fall, alternate years)

326. Dance Ensemble (1)
By audition only. A guided experience in dance performance. Students will meet regularly to rehearse for a public performance in the Presbyterian College Christmas show. (Fall)

*The following three courses (327, 328, and 329) are taught concurrently, however, students may take only one course per semester*

327. Scenography Studio: Set Design (3) (Prereq: THEA 227 or consent of the instructor)
General principles of visual design as applied to scenery for the theatre. The students will develop a model for the design process that emphasizes text analysis. Historical and visual research, sketching, drafting, and rendering and model building will also be covered. (Spring)

328. Scenography Studio: Lighting Design (3) (Prereq: THEA 227 or consent of the instructor)
General principles of visual design as applied to scenery for the theatre. The students will develop a model for the design process that emphasizes text analysis. Visual research, sketching, drafting, and rendering will also be covered. (Spring)

329. Scenography Studio: Costume Design (3) (Prereq: THEA 227 or consent of the instructor)
General principles of visual design as applied to scenery for the theatre. The students will develop a model for the design process that emphasizes text analysis. Historical and visual research, sketching, drafting, rendering, and swatching will also be covered. (Spring)

340. Scenic Art (3)
An introduction to the craft of the scenic artist, emphasizing the translation of style from model to full scale. Because of the nature of the material, this course is offered as a studio course, meeting for a total of six hours each week. (Fall, alternate years)

350. Shakespeare (3) (Prereq: ENGL 110-111; cross-listed with English)
A critical study of representative histories, comedies, tragedies, and romances with emphasis on Shakespeare's development as a dramatic artist. Lectures on Elizabethan political, philosophical, and religious backgrounds. Survey of chief Shakespearean criticism. (Fall)

356. Modern and Contemporary Drama (3) (Prereq: ENGL 110-111; cross-listed with English)
This course explores the influence of realism, naturalism, expressionism, and finally absurdism on contemporary drama, while paying particular attention to American and British playwrights. (Spring, even years)

398. Honors Research (3-6). See page 44.
Available for students during the junior and senior years with approval of the departmental faculty. Students with a 3.20 GPA in all courses and a 3.40 GPA in major courses may undertake an honors research program. Oral and written presentations of the results of the project will be required. Students who successfully complete the departmental honors research program will graduate with honors in the major discipline. (Fall or Spring, or Fall and Spring)

401. Play Directing (3)
Open to students who have demonstrated their ability in drama. A study of the theatre as an art, the techniques of the actor, picturization, movement and rhythm on the stage, and production procedures. Students direct a play of a length assigned by the professor. (Spring, alternate years)

442. Directed Study (1-6). See page 36.
Open to juniors and seniors with approval of major professor. Directed independent study in one or more of the following areas: (1) the teaching of drama and speech, (2) public speaking, (3) play writing, (4) oral interpretation, (5) voice science and diction, (6) religious drama, (7) dramatic literature, (8) acting, (9) directing, and (10) technical theatre.

444. Internships in Theatre (1-6). See page 37. (Prereq: THEA 120 and 15 additional hours of theatre)
Open only to theatre majors. Internships in acting, stage managing, design, technical theatre, film, television, and related fields approved by the student's advisor and the drama faculty. The student's work will be closely supervised in the company in which the internship is undertaken, and he/she must submit weekly written reports and a final written report to his/her faculty supervisor. A student may not earn more than six hours in internship programs in theatre.

448. Research. See page 37.
450. Seminar. See page 37.

452. Special Projects (3-6). See page 37.
Open to juniors and seniors, although sophomores may occasionally participate with approval of major professor. This course will normally involve student participation in an off-campus project. (Offered on sufficient demand)

458. Special Topics. See page 37.

460. Capstone Experience (3) (Prereq: consent of department; open to senior theatre majors only)
This course is designed to allow theatre students to integrate their studies in theatre with a culminating project and to prepare them for the next stage in their artistic development. Specific instruction will be given in audition technique and/or portfolio development. Students will be encouraged to develop self-discipline in time management and continuing education. (Spring)

Download info (PDF)