This course is an introductory study of the theatrical art form and its contemporary production practice.  Students engage in a series of workshops and participatory creative projects.

Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to identify the variety of collaborating arts and artists that combine to create of a work of theatre; to analyze a play script for live performance; to evaluate theatrical production; and to creatively apply knowledge of theatrical process through expressive and creative endeavors.

This class is for the student who has never had voice instruction and is interested in learning the art of performance in voice. Strongly recommended for those interested in the music major, theater or public speaking/performance

Outcome: Students will demonstrate understanding and application of the fundamentals of music theory, diction, and tone.

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Survey of opera from 1600 to the present and consideration of opera as an art form which combines music and drama. Analysis of libretto structure and study of the variety of operatic styles are included.

Outcome: Fundamental acquaintance with a wide selection of operatic literature and the principle eras of the European and American traditions.

This course is an introduction to the basic methods of analyzing and interpreting plays representative of the modern stage (from Ibsen to the present). It explores how text analysis, for all theatre artists, is a critical first step in transferring the printed play text to the stage.

Outcome: Students will acquire the ability to analyze a play's structure and ideational content, its characters, and the potential challenges each play presents to theatre artists seeking to produce the play on the stage for a modern audience.

This course is and introduction to the theories and techniques of playwriting with particular emphasis on the analysis of dramatic structure.

Outcome: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the theories and techniques of playwriting and dramatic structure through application of these skills in several playwriting exercises and the development of a one act play.

This course is an introduction to live theatre performances available in the rich Chicago Theatre Scene.

Outcome: Students will demonstrate appreciation of the range of theatre experiences available in the city of Chicago.

Theatre in Chicago II follows the same format as Theatre in Chicago I.  This course enables students to repeat the course for credit, extending experience and application of critical terminologies and analytical frameworks to attendance of additional live theatre performances in the city of Chicago.

Outcome:  This course extends outcomes for THTR 205 by application to a broader range of experience in live theatre attendance.

This course explores the role of the stage manager in theatrical production from pre-production through closing documentation.

Outcome: Students will demonstrate understanding of the responsibilities and duties of a Stage Manager to a production; develop the necessary communication and organizational skills to fulfill these responsibilities in a production experience; and be exposed to various techniques and tools used in professional stage management.

Prerequisite: FNAR 113 or 114 or permission of the instructor

This is an advanced level studio course designed to introduce the human form with an emphasis on the application of drawing and wet media.

Outcome: Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the human form and anatomy through expanded practice and articulation of both formal and artistic ideas.

This course focuses on the techniques of effective voice and speech production.

Outcome: Through class exercises and presentations, students will demonstrate greater knowledge and control over their breath support, tonal placement, vocal resonance, projection, clarity of articulation, Standard American vowel and consonant formation, language orchestration, and coloration.

A course for the beginning student emphasizing the identification of musical symbols, the development of vocalists (vocal exercises), the training of the voice through simple songs, and the development of an understanding of the student's personal vocal instrument.

Prerequisite: THTR 242 or prior musical training and written permission of instructor.

A continuation of THTR 242.

Prerequisite:  THTR 241

This course is for students who have completed Voice and Diction for the Stage I and explores advanced voice and speech techniques. Students will continue work on their individual voice/speech challenges as well as focusing on the special voice/speech skills required of the stage actor.

Outcome: Through a series of in-class presentations, students will demonstrate their control over the voice, speech, and language challenges which confront the actor in the performance of non-realistic plays (Shakespeare, Restoration Comedy, Expressionism, and Absurd) and in realistic plays with heightened language.

This course introduces the theatre student to the fundamentals of design especially as they relate to the theatrical design of sets, lights, and costumes.

Outcome: Students will demonstrate understanding of the tools that set, costume, and lighting designers use to express their ideas; improve their abilities to communicate their creative ideas; appreciate how design affects an overall theatrical experience; and be prepared to engage in practical design experience in our theatre.

This course introduces the student to the practical crafts of theatre in scenic, lighting, and costume construction. Classes include lecture as well as task-based projects in each of the designated areas.

Outcome: Students will develop an understanding of the rudiments of theatre safety, scenic materials and construction procedures, the basics of theatrical lighting equipment and installation, and the primary elements of costume construction.

Prerequisite:  THTR 203

This a survey course that focuses on the development of Western Theatre from the Greek through the Jacobean and Caroline periods.

Outcome: Students will be able to identify and describe basic historical events, people, performance practices, elements of theatre architecture, and historically significant plays; use historical source material as evidence in support of positions; and apply research in theatre history to creative practice.

Prerequisite:   THTR 203

History of Theatre II is a survey course that focuses on the development of Western Theatre from the Spanish Golden Age and French Renaissance through the present. 

Outcome: Students will be able to identify and describe basic historical events, people, performance practices, elements of theatre architecture, and historically significant plays; use historical source material as evidence in support of positions; and apply research in theatre history to creative practice.

This course is designed for students who are interested in studying acting, but who are not majoring in the Department of Theatre. 

Outcome: Students will develop skills in observation, concentration, and imagination, as well as critical skills in script analysis.

Prerequisite: THTR 261

This course is designed for students who are interested in studying acting, but who are not majoring in the Department of Theatre. Students build on the basic techniques acquired in THTR 261.

Outcome: Students will demonstrate an understanding of how to develop a character written before 1950; strengthen interpretive, voice and movement skills; and develop the language to critically evaluate the acting of others.

This course is an introduction to the art of Acting with specific emphasis on development of the student’s interpretive skills.

Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze a play with character in mind, develop relationships with fellow actors on stage, and play clear and effective character objectives.

Prerquisite: THTR 266

This course builds on the acting theories and techniques introduced in THTR 266 and development of physical and vocal skills towards performance of character from classical texts.

Outcome: Students will develop skills to research historical information for application in performance of characters and improve use of the body and voice to communicate character.

Prerequisite:  THTR 266

This course is designed to strengthen the student’s acting, voice, and movement skills utilizing the plays of William Shakespeare as the primary resource.

Outcome: Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how to play Shakespeare on stage with physical and vocal interpretive skill.

Prerequisite: THTR 268

This course is continues the work of THTR 268, using plays by contemporary playwrights as the primary resource.

Outcome: Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how to interpret and perform plays written from the early 19th century up to present day.

Prerequisite: THTR 266 or Permission of ICVM director

This course explores the challenges and methods of producing, acting, and directing for the camera.

Outcome: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the process of problem solving in producing, acting and directing for the camera through the production of on-camera scenes.

Prerequisite: THTR 253

This course explores the fundamental principles of scenic design and construction, and the different solutions a scene designer may utilize to develop and realize their design ideas.

Outcome: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the process of problem solving in the design process through the use of drafting and scale model building.

Prerequisite: THTR 252 and 253

This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of costume construction including: pattern drafting, corsetry, different stitch uses, pleating and gathering techniques, tools of the shop, and basic draping.

Outcome: Students will be able to use a basic pattern or sloper to generate their own period costumes; understand why different stitches or construction methods are used; know the tools of the shop; improve their knowledge of fabric choices; and understand the process of draping.

This course introduces the student to style, genre, or method theatre through active application in exercises, demonstrations, games, and workshops.

Outcome: Students will develop skills in applying performance theory in practice; develop performance skills in a particular style or genre; expand a repertoire of rehearsal techniques; and develop skills to create original theatre pieces.

This course is a practical application of the material studied in a variety of theatre classes, and provides hands on experience in theatrical production.

Outcome: Students will acquire a variety of skills necessary to producing theatre; including collaboration and organization skills and will gain appreciation for the complexity of play production.

This course is a practical application of the material studied in a variety of theatre classes and provides hands on experience for scenic or constume construction.

Outcome: Students will acquire a variety of skills necessary for producing theatre, including collaboration and organization skills, and will gain appreciation for the complexity of play production.

This course is a practical application of the material studied in a variety of theatre classes and provides hands on experience with electrics.

Outcome: Students will acquire a variety of skills necessary for producing theatre, including collaboration and organization skills, and will gain appreciation for the complexity of play production.

Prerequisite: Permission of the Department

This course is a practical application of the material studied in a variety of theatre classes and provides hands on experience as production staff.

Outcome: Students will acquire a variety of skills necessary for producing theatre, including collaboration and organization skills, and will gain appreciation for the complexity of play production.

This course is a practical application of the material studied in a variety of theatre classes and provides hands on experience with a running crew.

Outcome: Students will acquire a variety of skills necessary for producing theatre, including collaboration and organization skills, and will gain appreciation for the complexity of play production.

This course covers the biography, plays, and dramatic theories of a major playwright or group of related authors and introduces the student to representative criticism of the authors' work.

Outcome:  Through this course, students develop skills to appreciate the relationship between a playwright’s biography and dramatic material; analyze dramaturgical trends in a playwright’s canon; and relate dramatic criticism to creative practice.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor

This course allows students to receive credit for acting in or directing a production during the semester (or a preceding semester) upon completion and submission of a journal and/or paper. 

Outcome: Students will record performance experience, assess personal artistic growth, and reflect on application of performance theory and technique covered in coursework to production practice.

This course gives three credit hours to the student scene, costume, lighting, make-up, or property designers as well as student stage managers.

Outcome: Students will improve their understanding of a design or management process via first hand experience in our theatre.

This course exposes students to the planning, design, and execution of costumes for the stage through a variety of costume design projects throughout historical periods and stylistic genres.

Outcome: Students will demonstrate understanding of how a costume designer makes choices based on color, silhouette, line, texture, historical research, personal style, collaborative input, and intended response from the audience through application on projects.

Prerequisite:  THTR 325

This course continues the project work from Costume Design I, exploring more detail in style and historical accuracy.

Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to prepare a costume design in any genre or period.

This course is an introduction to the economic, managerial, and operating aspects of American Theatre with an emphasis on the Chicago Theatre Industry and the practical and contemporary aspects of the field.

Outcome: Students demonstrate knowledge of the evolution of arts organizations and theatrical management; practical management tools; the economic challenges of producing theatre; production trends in the industry; the theories and processes behind planning and decision making; and the importance of management in theatrical productions and organizations.

This course is an introduction to the principles of theatrical lighting design and the process by which a designer makes choices based on script analysis, period research, and collaborative interaction.

Outcome: The student will develop a process by which to approach lighting design as well as an understanding of instrumentation and control of stage lighting.

This course involves a hands-on study of make-up techniques, especially as they relate to basic theatrical needs, character make-up, and special effects make-up.

Outcome: Students will be prepared to use make-up effectively in the theatre either as performers or beginning make-up designers, and to understand the variety of techniques and tools a make-up designer has available.

This course is a continuation of the study of the principles of theatrical lighting design and the process by which a designer makes choices based on script analysis, period research, and collaborative interaction.

Outcome: The student will develop a process by which to approach lighting design as well as an understanding of instrumentation and control of stage lighting.

This course examines the relationship between the kinetic and kinesthetic experiences and personality development.

Outcome: Through a series of exercises, students will demonstrate awareness of one’s physical mannerisms, increase confidence in one’s physical presence on stage, and demonstrate physical transformation into character.

This course is a month-long study abroad experience which allows the student to intensively study British theatre through excursions within London, special guest lecturers, walking tours, workshops, gallery and museum visits, and attendance of at least eight plays.

Outcome: Students will gain an understanding of the importance of London theatre and its influence on the other theatres around the world.

This course studies the various structural forms drama has taken from the Greeks to the present.  In particular, it looks at tragedy, comedy, and melodrama and seeks to find their roots in the cultures which nurtured them. 

Outcome: The student will be able to distinguish various dramatic forms as well as their roots in their cultures and will have a vocabulary with which to discuss and evaluate them.

This course provides instruction in the dialects most frequently used by the American actor and explores a systematic approach to dialect acquisition which will serve the student in further independent dialect study.

Outcome:  Students will acquire a working knowledge of the International Phonetic Alphabet; an understanding of the historical and cultural background of each dialect; skills in applying dialects to dramatic texts; and an introduction to the work of the dialect coach in the theatre.

This course introduces the student to basic theatrical drafting techniques and mediums.

Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to draft ground plans and sections, scenic elevations and light plots.

This course introduces the student to basic scene painting techniques for the theatre. 

Outcome: Students will demonstrate understanding of the role of the scenic artist in relationship to the scenic designer; develop basic level skills required to execute the designer’s intention or vision; and execute a paint elevation. 
 

This course is an introduction to the basic principles and techniques of producing theatre for young audiences. 

Outcome: Students will identify the age-level characteristics of child audiences and appropriate script choices for each level. Methods of working with child performers will be applied in a laboratory setting with children.

This course explores the process of engaging children with theatre games and techniques as a means towards self-expression, personal development, and content learning. Laboratory experiences working with children are provided.

Outcome: Students will articulate the differences and similarities between theatre for children and creative dramatics disciplines; develop age appropriate materials and exercises; identify appropriate facilitating methods and techniques; and apply these techniques in a laboratory setting.

This course studies the various criteria which different ages and cultures have used to evaluate drama and its performance, from the Greeks to the present. 

Outcome:  The student will gain a historical perspective on the process of evaluation of drama and its performance in many diverse cultures. This will help the student to assess present day, western, evaluative criteria for drama and its performance more objectively.

Prerequisite: THTR 203

Theatre History and Literature is a part of a four-course sequence that examines works of dramatic literature in their historical context. Theatre History and Literature I focuses on the development of theatre from Greek through Jacobean and Caroline periods.

Outcome: Students will identify and describe events, practitioners, practices, theatre architecture and significant plays within their historical context. They will also apply research to creative practice.

Prerequisite: THTR 203

Theatre History and Literature is a four course sequence that examines works of dramatic literature in their historical context. Theatre History and Literature II focuses on the development of theatre from the 16th through 19th centuries. 

Outcome: Students will identify and describe events, practitioners, practices, theatre architecture and significant plays within their historical context. They will also apply research to creative practice.

Prerequisite: THTR 203

Theatre History and Literature is a part of a four-course sequence that examines works of dramatic literature in their historical context. Theatre History and Literature III focuses on the development of theatre from the 19th through mid-20th centuries.

Outcome: Students will identify and describe events, practitioners, practices, theatre architecture and significant plays within their historical context. They will also apply research to creative practice.

Prerequisite: THTR 203

Theatre History and Literature is a four-course sequence that examines works of dramatic literature in their historical context. Theatre History and Literature IV focuses on contemporary and post-modern theatre.

Outcome: Students will identify and describe events, practitioners, practices, theatre architecture and significant plays within their historical context. They will also apply research to creative practice.

Prerequisite: THTR 267

This course continues the work of THTR 267, based on the needs of the students, using plays by modern and contemporary playwrights as the primary material.

Outcome: Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how to interpret and effectively perform plays written since the early 19th century up to present day.

Prerequisite: THTR 368

This course continues the work of THTR 368 based on the needs of the students. Performance material is at discretion the instructor.

Outcome: Students will further develop performance skills and workshop areas of weakness based on individual needs and interests.

Prerequisite:  THTR 252

This course introduces the student to the role of the scenic designer and the process of script analysis, period research, and graphic communication utilized to develop a scenic design with a focus on how collaborative interaction may inform those choices.

Outcome: The student will develop a systematic approach to the scenic designer’s creative process and demonstrate the ability to communicate a scenic idea through the practice of sketches, ground plans, and scale models.

Prerequisite:  THTR 371

This is an advanced course in the development of the scenic designer’s creative process, skills, and techniques.

Outcome: Student will further develop the skills required of a scenic designer and develop a diverse design portfolio.

Prerequisite:   THTR 203, 252, 256, 257, 268, 365 or 366.   (May be taken concurrently with THTR 367).

This course explores the fundamental principles of play direction.   Students are required to direct a monologue, select a play script for production, develop a production concept, stage a fifteen-minute scene, and develop a detailed Director’s Notebook.  

Outcome: Students acquire the skills to identify the basic elements of stage direction; analyze a play script from the point of view of the director; articulate and defend a production concept; develop actor-coaching skills; and identify elements of direction that communicate story, theme, and concept.

Prerequisite:  THTR 375

This intensive lecture-performance course will expand on principles and practices of play direction covered in THTR 375, with particular emphasis on staging, spatial dynamics, and collaboration with design artists. 

Outcome: Students acquire the skills to place current trends in Directing in historical and theoretical context; articulate a personal artistic mission in relation to the Directing craft; articulate and defend a concept for production; and translate conflict, story, and theme to practical application in ground-plans, staging, actor-coaching, and design choices.

Prerequisite THTR 268

This course focuses on preparing to audition for professional theatre, commercial, and film with particular emphasis on audition for Chicago Theatre.

Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to engage an auditor through an audition, demonstrate the ability to score and read copy truthfully, develop a head shot and resume, and develop a personal repertoire of suitable audition pieces.

Prerequisite:  THTR 257

This course is a survey of contemporary Western dramatic literature from the 20th and the early 21st centuries. 

Outcome: Students will be able to place contemporary dramatic literature in historical context; to analyze how the theatre has responded to development of other art forms like film and television; to analyze and write about contemporary dramatic forms, styles, and genres in informed critical terms; and to develop a repertory of contemporary dramatic material.

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Prerequisite:  THTR 269 or permission of the instructor

A lecture-performance course specializing in scene work from genres and periods suitable to the acting needs of the individual students. This course may be repeated once for credit.

Outcome: Students will demonstrate an understanding and application of how to play characters from the genres and periods chosen for the individual actor on stage with physical and vocal interpretive skill through performance of scenes and monologues.

Prerequisite:  THTR 380 or permission of the instructor

This course is a continuation of 380, focusing on the weaknesses of the individual actors and studying methods and techniques to bring the actor to a more truthful performance. Genre and periods of literature used will be chosen to meet the acting needs of the individual student. This course may be repeated once for credit.

Outcome:  Students will demonstrate understanding and application of acting methods and techniques used in the class through performance of scenes and monologues.

Prerequisite: Department Permission Required

Theatre students complete a semester long internship providing an opportunity to use their, technical, research or organizations skills in a professional setting.. Students must complete and reflect upon 50 hours of internship experience per credit hour that is pre-approved by the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. No more than 6 credit hours of Internship or Fieldwork credit may be applied to the major.

Outcome: Students gain professional experience working at a theatrical organization while reflecting on their work experience and applying theories and techniques acquired from their theatre courses.

Subject and requirements of this course will be determined by needs and interests of the students.

Outcome: To be determined by the instructor in consultation with the chairperson.

Subject and requirements to be determined by needs and interests of the students.

Outcome: To be determined by the instructor in consultation with the chairperson.

Prerequisite: Permission of the Department Required

Variable credit (1-6 hours) given for performances or projects undertaken with professional theatre organizations outside the university. Students keep a journal and write evaluative papers. Repeatable for up to 6 credit hours; however, no more that 6 credit hours of Internship or Fieldwork can be applied towards the major.

Outcome: Specific outcomes and credit hours assigned to be determined by the student in consultation with the Director of Theatre and the project supervisor.

Prerequisite: Written permission of chairperson

Independent study projects may be of various kinds and in any recognized area of the theatre arts. Such projects should be done under the close supervision of a theatre faculty member.