THEA - Theatre (THEA)
THEA 103 Introduction to Devised Theatre
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Overview of approaches to devising performance and collective creation in the US and around the world; fundamentals of theatrical production.
THEA 110 Acting I: Fundamentals
Credits 3.
2 Lecture Hours.
4 Lab Hours.
(DRAM 1351) Acting I: Fundamentals. A Stanislavsky-based approach to the fundamentals of acting, which may include sensory exercises, relaxation, concentration, imagination, improvisation, character analysis and scene work.
THEA 112 Introduction to Stagecraft
Credits 3.
2 Lecture Hours.
2 Lab Hours.
Foundations of theatrical production and collaboration; introduction to theatre technology including scenic construction, drafting, carpentry, lighting, and rigging; scene shop and stage safety, use of equipment including hand tools and power tools.
THEA 200 Introduction to World Theatre
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
(THEA 200) Introduction to World Theatre. Non-Western theatre, its origins and continuing influence on society and Western theater; emphasis on the theaters of India, China, Japan, Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America; also taught at Galveston campus.
THEA 210 Physical Acting
Credits 3.
2 Lecture Hours.
4 Lab Hours.
Principles of physical acting and physical training of the actor; exploration of the materiality of the body onstage; topics include introductions to biomechanics, Viewpoints, Suzuki, Jacques Lecoq, Jerzy Grotowski, and others.
THEA 220 Decentering the Text
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Modes of authorship in theatre; introduction to script analysis techniques; approaches to collective creation, verbatim theatre, and postdramatic theatre-making.
THEA 245 Introduction to Theatrical Design
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Elements and principles of design for the theatre; role of the designer within the production team, theoretical and practical applications in the visual interpretation of plays.
THEA 250 Stage Makeup
Credits 3.
2 Lecture Hours.
4 Lab Hours.
Design of makeup for the stage; practical makeup application techniques and media; hygiene and safety considerations; characterization through makeup.
THEA 255 Costume Technology
Credits 3.
2 Lecture Hours.
4 Lab Hours.
Survey of the costume process from concept to realization; hand and machine sewing techniques; basic patterning and fitting methods; and craft techniques; participation in PVFA productions required.
THEA 281 History of the Theatre II
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
(DRAM 2362) History of the Theatre II. Survey of the history of western theatre from the closing of the theaters in England in 1642 to the present; consideration of cross-cultural exchange and the influence of global performance practices on theatre in Europe and the United States; also taught at Galveston campus.
THEA 289 Special Topics in...
Credits 3.
3 Other Hours.
Selected topics in theatre. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.
THEA 300 Dramaturgy
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Exploration of literary, production and theoretical dramaturgy in a classroom setting; script analysis, theatre criticism, theories of theatre, research techniques and dramaturgy in the production process, advancing thought about the art form in all its complexity; research methods for theatre. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification.
THEA 304 Devised Theatre Studio
Credits 3.
1 Lecture Hour.
5 Lab Hours.
Advanced theory and practice of conceiving, developing, rehearsing, and staging live and mediated devised theatrical performance; investigation of structures for collaborative creation; advanced techniques and skills for devising theatre; discussion and critical analysis of devised theatre. May be repeated two times for credit. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in PERF 303.
THEA 307 Stage Management
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Role of the stage manager in a collaborative theatre-making process; communication, leadership, and organization skills; stage safety; practical application throughout preproduction, rehearsal, and performance phases; creation and use of promptbooks. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in PVFA 111.
THEA 310 Strategies for Equitable Acting
Credits 3.
2 Lecture Hours.
4 Lab Hours.
Advanced approaches to acting; care and respect in acting; strategies for sensitive representation of characters from varied backgrounds, cultures, and experiences; strategies for fostering inclusive and equitable rehearsal spaces. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in PVFA 111.
THEA 320 Directing Live Performance
Credits 3.
2 Lecture Hours.
4 Lab Hours.
Composition for the stage; theatre forms and styles; director’s function and responsibility in producing plays and as a collaborator; script analysis; directing laboratory scenes. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in PVFA 111 and THEA 220.
THEA 342 Applied Theatre
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Use of theatrical approaches to address issues facing diverse communities; topics may include theatre as therapy, theatre for development, creative drama, and other forms of theatrical community engagement. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in PVFA 111.
THEA 345 Environmental Scenography
Credits 3.
2 Lecture Hours.
4 Lab Hours.
Principles and applications of scenic design in diverse performance genres; conception, design and construction of physical environments; exploration of site-specific design, and scenic design beyond the stage. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in THEA 245.
THEA 355 Creative Costuming
Credits 3.
2 Lecture Hours.
4 Lab Hours.
Overview of the art of dress for performance; aesthetic, cultural, and historical considerations of the body and dress; characterization through costume; methods of design and rendering costumes. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in THEA 245.
THEA 360 Art of Light
Credits 3.
2 Lecture Hours.
4 Lab Hours.
The theatrical use of light on stage and beyond; color theory and color media; stage lighting theory and technique; operation and maintenance of lighting equipment; sculpting and storytelling with light; principles of projection design. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in THEA 245.
THEA 370 Producing Theatre
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Overview of the business of theatre; principles of operating a theatrical venue and managing a theatre company; principles of budgeting, marketing, and personnel management; principles of presenting and season design; grants and fundraising; government and community relations.
THEA 379 Voice for the Stage
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Use of the voice as a creative instrument in performance; principles of breathing, musicality, vocal placement, and resonance; relationship between voice and body; sensitive approaches to vocal characterization. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in PVFA 111.
THEA 386/MUSC 386 Evolution of the American Musical
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Examination of the American musical from its heterogeneous origins to a thriving and diverse expression of the human condition; analysis and critical discourse on the development of the American musical through text, audio and visual recordings. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: MUSC 386/THEA 386.
THEA 390 Theatre Practicum - Performance
Credits 0 to 4.
0 to 4 Other Hours.
Participation as a performer in a departmental theatre production under the supervision of theatre arts faculty; audition or application may be required. May be taken 7 times for credit. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification, or approval of instructor.
THEA 392 Theatre Practicum - Design
Credits 0 to 4.
0 to 4 Other Hours.
Participation in the design team for a departmental theatre production under the supervision of theatre arts faculty; audition or application may be required. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification, or approval of instructor.
THEA 401 Theatre Pedagogy
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Theory and practice of theatre pedagogy; foundational skills for teaching acting, theatrical production, and design to varied populations; introduction to equitable and inclusive teaching methods, lesson planning, instructional communication, and learning styles in theatre education. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in PVFA 111.
THEA 410 Advanced Problems in Acting
Credits 3.
2 Lecture Hours.
4 Lab Hours.
Investigation of advanced dramatic problems using acting, voice, movement, and style techniques; writing, development and performance of an autobiographical monologue; includes audition preparation and rehearsal techniques. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in THEA 210 or THEA 310 and approval of instructor.
THEA 435 Technology for Designers
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Fundamentals of design software including sound editing, video editing, and rendering for theatre; multi-media installation. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in THEA 245; junior or senior classification, or approval of instructor.
THEA 441 Capstone Seminar in Theatre
Credits 3.
1 Lecture Hour.
5 Lab Hours.
Capstone senior project on an individually-chosen research topic, presentation of a performance or interdisciplinary project; major writing and oral communication components. Prerequisites: Theatre major; completion of all Theatre coursework or taken concurrently with this course; approval of instructor, advisor and program director.
THEA 482 Topics in American Theatre and Performance
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Exploration of significant issues in American theatre and performance; emphasis on the aesthetic, social, and cultural issues affecting theatre and performance. May be taken two times for credit. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification.
THEA 489 Special Topics in...
Credits 1 to 4.
1 to 4 Other Hours.
Selected topics in theatre. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.