An introduction to live theatre and drama and the creative heritage of theatre. Students will develop critical awareness of dramatic theory and performance practice through reading and evaluating historical and contemporary drama, and through applied creative activities. Students are expected to attend theatre performances outside of regularly scheduled class time.
Examination and analysis of film and film techniques. Students will develop critical awareness of film as an artistic, social, and cultural phenomenon. Students may be required to attend film screenings outside of the regularly scheduled class times. A lab fee is required for this class.
Natural resources of the human voice and body are studied as artistic resources for the performing artist. The course is designed to examine both the process and products of vocal and physical dynamics. The goal of this course is to integrate vocal and physical skills into the working process of the actor. Prerequisite: THEA CA1033. (Theatre majors only).
An overview of dramatic creativity that uses the human body, intellect and spirit to explore, interpret and present dramatic scripts. Course includes fundamentals of acting and stage comportment. NOTE: Theatre majors are strongly encouraged to enroll in the "majors only section" offered Spring semester and concurrently enroll in THEA 1713.
An introduction to American Musical Theatre, its history and creative elements. Students will develop critical awareness of the differences between traditional and musical theatre by becoming actively involved in reading, observing, and analyzing musical theatre.
An introduction to the Theatre Arts Area devoted to the needs of incoming majors, including: faculty and staff introductions and theatrical personnel responsibilities, audition notices and practices, production and Practicum assignments, and opportunities available within the facility. Includes detailed academic advice for majors and minors, and practical methods of library research for theatre topics at WSU. Will instruct students in professional job market opportunities, as well as resume and portfolio preparation and presentation. Meets for the first 5 weeks of the semester.
An introductory course integrating Humanities content with technology and information skills. Students will learn core information literacy skills and use the library and the Internet to understand, access and critically evaluate Humanities topics and information. Strong emphasis will be placed on active learning including student writing, group discussion, and oral presentations. Students will complete a research project on a Humanities topic and publish it on the World Wide Web. Students are expected to attend exhibits and performances outside of regularly scheduled class time. Completion of this course meets part D of the WSU Computer and Information Literacy requirement. Cross listed in ART, COMM, ENGL, FL, & LIBS.
A practical investigation of stage makeup techniques and skills of design and application. Class meets for eight weeks. A lab fee is required for this class.
An introductory course focusing on plot, character, language, and thematic analysis of varied historical and modern performance texts in the context of contemporary staging practice. This course teaches play analysis from a practical perspective. For students who intend to perform, direct, and design within the collaborative production process. Recommended Co-requisite: THEA 1033.
Introduction to stage scenery: lecture/demonstration of basic materials, shop and stage equipment, construction principles, and elementary technical drawing and design procedures. Students may register for THEA 4851S Scenery Tech Practicum concurrently or at any time after completion of this course.
Introduction to stage costume: lecture/demonstration of basic materials, fabrics, costume construction methods, elementary design principles and procedures for theatrical costumes. Students may register for THEA 4851C Costume Tech Practicum concurrently or at any time after the completion of this course.
Lecture/demonstration of principles and practical use of electricity, lighting equipment, control systems, elementary technical drawing, and lighting design practice as applied to the stage. Students may register for THEA 4851L Lighting Tech Practicum concurrently or at any time after completion of this course.
Applies the principles learned in Acting I on a more intense level. Includes two arranged acting studio hours per week. Prerequisite: THEA 1030, THEA CA1033, and by audition.
A practical exploration of the research and construction techniques used to create contemporary and historic costumes for the stage. A lab fee is required for this class. Recommended prerequisite: THEA 2022.
A practical study of stage management techniques necessary for efficient theatre production. A conceptual overview of the rehearsal and performance process will be stressed, including an overview of management techniques as applied to the performing arts in general. Front of house management and company management will be studied.
A practical study of acting methods unique to the discipline of musical theatre. Emphasis will be placed on the interpretation of modern musical theatre, literature through imagery, action, characterization, and analysis of the score and libretto. Prerequisite: THEA 2033 and admittance to the Musical Theatre program.
Consult the semester class schedule for the current offering under this number. The department will determine the specific title and credit authorized.
Introduces students to the techniques required to perform in various styles encountered in contemporary theatre, from Greek tragedy to the most modern forms. Includes two arranged studio hours per week. Prerequisite: THEA 2033, and by audition.
Theory and practical application of directing approaches. Prerequisites: THEA CA1033 and at least two of the following classes - THEA 1223, THEA 2012, THEA 2022, or THEA 2032.
Scenic Design will provide a practical exploration of the methods and materials of scenic design for the theatre. The course includes instruction in visual research, conceptual sketching, rendering, hand and computer aided drafting for theatre, and requires some outside class production contribution. Prerequisite: THEA 2012.
This course is a practical exploration of the equipment, materials, and processes of stage lighting and stage lighting design. The course includes instruction in mechanical drawing by hand and by computer aided design systems. Production work outside of class is required. Prerequisites: THEA 2012 and THEA 2032.
Applied training in basic scene painting/scenic artist techniques for theatre. Surface preparation, priming, base painting, blending and scumbling, texture and detailing lessons are applied in producing finished demonstration flats including wall surfaces, wallpaper, bricks, rocks, wood grain and molding, marble, foliage, and copying a selected original. Prerequisites: THEA 2012 and THEA 2032.
A study of historic costume in relation to stage applications and contemporary fashion.
A study of theatre and drama from their origins until the Restoration.
A study of theatre and drama from the beginnings of modern theatre until the present.
A survey of theatre history and literature that will study theatre from the 20th century and into the present time. Specific attention will be given to the plays and producing organizations of minorities and other underrepresented groups.
An overview of theatre management techniques that includes all the operating functions such as marketing, promotion, fundraising, accounting and personnel management. A functional business plan for a Theatre is the culminating experience of this course.
A study of musical theatre from the origins of Opera through contemporary musical theatre. Cultural connections are emphasized through examination of book, score and performance. Prerequisite: admittance to the Musical Theatre program.
Advanced study of acting methods unique to the discipline of musical theatre. Emphasis will be placed on the interrelationship of characters through the use of dusts, group scenes, and production numbers. Selected composer and lyricists will also be addressed. Prerequisite: THEA 2443 and admittance to the Musical Theatre program.
This course will be a practical study of dramatic structure and the process of playwriting, including writing assignments with monologues, scenes, and one-act plays. Extensive writing is required. Prerequisites: ENGL EN1010 and ENGL EN2010.
A colloquium that draws theatre students from various interests together in a mutual exploration of theatre research, production, and planning for employment opportunities and graduate study. Prerequisite: Theatre major - junior standing.
Allows for the advanced study of a changing series of pertinent theatre topics. All Special Studies in Theatre courses are half-semester.
Physical training in the art and craft of stage combat. Emphasis is on safe application of technique to choreograph stage fights. All Special Studies in Theatre courses are half-semester.
A practical exploration of professional audition techniques including cold reading, prepared monologues, improvisation and portfolio preparation. May be repeated for upper division credit. All Special Studies in Theatre courses are half-semester.
A diversified exploration of pertinent theatre topics. May be repeated for upper division credit. All Special Studies in Theatre courses are half-semester.
Advanced theory and application of directing approaches. Prerequisite: THEA 3103, and by audition.
Theory and practical application of directing and choreographing approaches as they pertain to Musical Theatre. Prerequisite: THEA 3103.
A practical application of the techniques of visual communication used to create costume renderings for dramatic scripts. Recommended prerequisite: THEA 2022 and THEA 3243.
A flexible emphasis course devoted to the design processes of theatrical production; a forum through which advanced design students may further their interests and abilities in the design process and/or portfolio development and presentation that will change in focus from student to student. THEA 4220 Design Seminar may be used as a capstone design project with faculty approval. Prerequisites: at least one Theatre Area design course - THEA 3212 or THEA 3222 or THEA 4203, and permission of the instructor.
A flexible emphasis course devoted to the acting and directing process of live theatrical production, a forum through which advanced performance students may further their interests and abilities in the acting/directing process that will change in focus from student to student. THEA 4230 Performance Seminar may be used as a capstone project with faculty approval. Prerequisites: THEA 1033, THEA 2033, THEA 3103 and permission of the instructor.
Theories and practices incorporating the techniques of creative drama into the elementary school curriculum. Especially recommended to students of elementary education, recreation, and social services.
Twelve individual lessons on vocal technique for the actor. A list of approved voice instructors is maintained in the department office. Students are responsible for contacting individual instructors to schedule lessons.
Application of pedagogy to teaching theatre arts in secondary schools. Requires field experiences supervised by Theatre Arts Faculty. Prerequisites: ENGL EN2010 and THEA CA1033.
Advanced level, Independent study under the direction of faculty member.
Hands on learning through involvement backstage on running crews, through studio work, acting in, or involvement in “front of house” operations for Weber State Theatre productions. May be repeated for credit.
Costume Tech Practicum is for those students who agree to active participation in production work and/or presentation of regularly scheduled, faculty supervised Theatre Area shows. At least 45 lab/construction hours are required within the time period noted in the schedule of classes. More actual time may be required to complete this Practicum IF run crew assignment(s) are included as part of the requirement for the specific section enrolled in.
Stage Lighting Tech Practicum is for those students who agree to active participation in production work and/or presentation of regularly scheduled, faculty supervised Theatre Area shows. At least 45 lab/construction hours are required within the time period noted in the schedule of classes. More actual time may be required to complete this Practicum IF run crew assignment(s) are included as part of the requirements for the specific section enrolled in.
Management Tech Practicum is for those students who have been selected to stage manage for a regularly scheduled, faculty supervised Theatre Area show. At least 45 lab/construction hours are required within the time period noted in the schedule of classes. More actual time may be required to complete this Practicum due to the nature of the assignment.
Scenic Tech Practicum is for those students who agree to active participation in production work and/or presentation of regularly scheduled, faculty supervised Theatre Area shows. At least 45 lab/construction hours are required within the time period noted in the schedule of classes. More actual time may be required to complete this Practicum IF run crew assignment(s) are included as part of the requirements for the specific section enrolled in.
Practical applied performance work to be registered for by students who are 1) cast in, 2) have a significant assistant directing responsibility, or 3) are the production director for a WSU production. Prerequisites: Audition and permission of the instructor/director.
Actual participation with outside performing arts organizations in the day-to-day activity of a performing arts organization will introduce the student to the professional application of classroom skill and knowledge. The experience will be arranged through the department, but will require application by the student to the organization. Possibilities include but are not limited to: Repertory Dance Theatre, Ballet West or Utah Symphony (management or tech only), Utah Shakespeare Festival, Salt Lake Acting Company, and Pioneer Theatre Company. Permission of supervising instructor required for credit.
The Senior Project is an opportunity for graduating students to generate and realize a project in an area of primary interest. Typically, the project will reflect the student's emphasis in theatre arts (e.g., Acting, Directing, Design, etc.) and will demonstrate a culmination of previous study and may be a collaborative project. Prerequisite: Faculty approval of the proposal and a faculty advisor and the student must have completed a minimum of 90 credit hours.
Consult the semester class schedule for the current offering under this number. The department will determine the specific title and credit authorized.
Attend the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival Region VIII annual meeting. Students will have the opportunity to attend theatre performances brought to the festival from throughout the region, display designs, audition, act in new 10-minute plays, and participate in workshops. Students may be responsible for their own registration fees and transportation, lodging and meals. Prerequisites: Audition and Permission of Instructor.
Weber State University 2007-2008 Catalog