Course Descriptions

THE 110 - Introduction to the Theatre
A survey of drama and theatre as an art form. Explores playwriting, acting, lighting, makeup, costuming, stagecraft, and theatre history. 3 Credits.

THE 111 - Introduction to Technical Theatre
An introductory, broad-based study of technical theatre. Historical applications, production research, and color theory will be applied to the areas of stage lighting, scenery construction, sound design, and stage rigging. Practical emphasis will be placed on the use of tools and equipment specific to technical aspects of a theatrical production. Course requirements include an assignment on a theatre production. 3 Credits.

THE 112 - Fundamentals of Acting One
An introductory theatre course that analyzes the history of the art of Acting, as well as theories and techniques used to create believable characters within dramatic scenes. Basic acting skills are taught through character analysis, theatre exercises, and performances of scenes. 3 Credits.

THE 113 - Stage Makeup
The principles and practice of applying stage makeup as used in theatrical production. 3 Credits.

THE 115 - Introduction to Theatrical Costuming
This course will introduce students to the art of costuming for the theatre. Students will study costume techniques based on historical, contemporary and fantastical designs and apply the principles of costume design and construction while working with an independent costumer on a college production. 3 Credits.

THE 116 - Stage Lighting Design
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the art and practice of lighting design for the theatre, the course will include lighting equipment and control, script analysis, design methodologies, additive and subtractive color theory, lighting for dance, musicals and alternate theatre. Assignments include theoretical lighting designs and assignment to a theatre production. 3 Credits.

THE 142 - Musical Theatre Rehearsal and Performance
Rehearsal and performance of a full-scale musical theatre production. Students will be required to examine the history of the production, and through rehearsal, apply theories of musical theatre performance in preparation for performance in front of a public audience. May be repeated 4 times for 12 credits. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: Audition or permission of Instructor.

THE 147 - Readers' Theatre
The oral interpretation of poetry, prose and dramatic literature through the survey of both historical and contemporary literary works. Process includes analysis of literature in accordance with the time and conventions in which it was written, and development of the technical skills involved in performing literature as a Readers Theatre performance for an audience. 3 Credits.

THE 148 - Voice and Diction
This course concentrates on the methods of creating proper articulation, vocal tone, pitch, pace, and resonance; the practical application of breathing, relaxation, tongue and lip placement; and how these elements pertain to voice and diction, The final goal of this course is to instill in the student an awareness of the patterns and styles of speech that are acceptable and, in some instances, demanded upon the acting stage and in the real world. 3 Credits.

THE 149 - Stage Movement
This course will survey a variety of kinesthetic performance techniques. Students will develop, implement and perform physically expressive theatrical characters and scenarios through spatial awareness and body control. 3 Credits.

THE 160 - Touring Theatre Troupe
The student will participate in the conceptualization, rehearsal, and performance of a theatrical production for a public audience at an off-campus venue. This course may be repeated 4 times for 12 credits. 3 Credits.

Audition and/or permission from instructor

THE 190 - Theatre Rehearsal and Performance
Rehearsal and performance of a full-scale, non-musical theatrical production. Students will be required to examine the history of the production, and through rehearsal, apply theories of acting and performance in preparation for performance in front of a public audience. May be repeated 4 times for 12 credits. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: Audition or permission of instructor.

THE 211 - Theatre Production Laboratory
The purpose of this course is to give the student insight and practical understanding of the skills necessary to be successful in the high-pressure environment and lifestyle of a theatre production. Practical experience in theatre is achieved by successfully completing a crew assignment on one of the college's theatre productions. Technical aspects of a production include scenery, lighting, costumes, stage management, and artistic management. Specific assignments to production areas are made by a Visual and Performing Arts Department instructor based on student requests and production needs. Students will be expected to spend a minimum of eight (8) hours per week in supervised contract learning situations. May be repeated 4 times for 12 credits. 3 Credits.

Permission of VAPA Theatre Faculty Member

THE 212 - Fundamentals of Acting Two
An advanced course in acting that focuses on scene study and the practice of classical acting styles while exploring historical theories of character development. Students will explore character and relationships through script analysis, character analysis, rehearsal, and performance. This course also provides students with the tools necessary to prepare for auditions and create a marketable resumé for a future in theatre. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite(s): THE 112.