Theatre Arts (THEA)

This is an archived copy of the 2019-20 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://bulletin.ndsu.edu.

THEA 101. Department Participation. 0 Credits.

Fulfillment of various departmental co-curricular obligations. May be repeated.

THEA 110. Introduction to Theatre Arts. 3 Credits.

Basic orientation and historical perspective to the art of theatre. Includes the spectrum of dramatic literature, theatrical production, and performance.

THEA 115. World Film. 3 Credits.

Study of the development and practice of the art of film and its relationship to the theater emphasizing performance and production angles.

THEA 150. Theatre Foundations I. 1 Credit.

Seminar course for first year Theatre majors. Covers various topics related to resume and portfolio building. Meets once a week.

THEA 160. Storytelling. 3 Credits.

Students will explore narrative, story structure, and theatrical storytelling through creative drama and performance techniques. This class will serve as a prerequisite for the Theatre for Young Audiences Ensemble.

THEA 161. Acting I. 3 Credits.

Beginning actors are introduced to basic mental and physical performance skills, stage conventions, and scene work. Emphasis on enhancing the student's spontaneity, imagination, and awareness.

THEA 180. Dramatic Literature and Style I. 3 Credits.

Introductory survey of theatrical performance and dramatic writing from the Greeks through the eighteenth century.

THEA 181. Dramatic Literature & Style II. 3 Credits.

Survey of dramatic literature from 19th century to present, with emphasis on historical and cultural context, production style, and problems inherent in contemporary production.

THEA 194. Individual Study. 1-5 Credits.

THEA 196. Field Experience. 1-15 Credits.

THEA 199. Special Topics. 1-5 Credits.

THEA 210. Theatre Practicum. 1-2 Credits.

Participation in Theatre NDSU's production season. May be repeated for credit.

THEA 211. Stage Management Practicum and Seminar. 2 Credits.

Practical application of stage management's practices including independent study and mentorship. Students must serve as an assistant stage manager on a mainstage production to enroll in this practicum. May be repeated for credit.

THEA 220. Stagecraft Lab. 1 Credit.

Stagecraft Lab for participation inTheatre NDSU's production season by working hands-on in the scene shop to create scenery and properties. Prereq or Co-req: THEA 270.

THEA 221. Costume Craft Lab. 1 Credit.

Participation in Theatre NDSU's production season by working hands-on in the costume shop. Co-req: THEA 271.

THEA 222. Scenic Design Lab. 1 Credit.

Further study and practice of scenic design by participating in the preparation of scenery and props for the Theatre NDSU production season. Co-req: THEA 278.

THEA 223. Costume Design Lab. 1 Credit.

Further study and practice of costume design by participating in the preparation of costumes for the Theatre NDSU production season. Co-req: THEA 277.

THEA 224. Lighting and Sound Design Lab. 1 Credit.

Further study and practice of Lighting and Sound Design by participating in the preparation of lighting and sound for the Theatre NDSU production season. Co-req: THEA 276.

THEA 228. Development of Musical Theatre. 3 Credits.

Introduction to Musical Theatre. Lectures provide historical survey. Weekly labs are devoted to active exploration of representative musical theatre repertoire. Cross-listed with MUSC 228.

THEA 250. Theatre Foundations II. 1 Credit.

Seminar course for second year Theatre majors. Covers various topics related to auditions/interviews and pursuing careers in theatre. Meets once a week.

THEA 260. Theatre for Young Audiences Ensemble. 3 Credits.

The Theatre for Young Audiences Ensemble will use improvisation, storytelling, and creative drama techniques to create an original play for young audiences. Class will culminate with the ensemble presenting their play in local schools. Prereq: THEA 160.

THEA 262. Introduction to Dance. 1 Credit.

Practicum course expanding the beginning student performer's physical/kinesthetic awareness. Examines basic styles of dance as employed in theatrical presentation (ballet, modern dance, jazz, and/or tap). Basics in theatre dance audition techniques, and choreography.

THEA 263. Dance Studio. 1 Credit.

Introduction to the basic concepts and principles of Lyrical ballet, jazz or tap dance through studio experiences. Each semester will focus on one specific style. May be repeated for credit with change in topic.

THEA 266. Voice and Movement for the Actor. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the theory and practice of ideal vocal production and physical self-use. Exercises are offered addressing breath control, alignment, relaxation, resonance, articulation, projection, and expansion of physical and vocal creative expression. Prereq: THEA 161.

THEA 267. Acting for the Camera. 3 Credits.

An introductory examination and exploration of the technique of acting for the camera. This class is a practical studio course where students take their acting skills and adapt them for the use of camera acting. Prereq: THEA 161.

THEA 268. Acting the Song I. 3 Credits.

Study and application of the integration of acting and singing techniques. Restricted to Theatre and Music majors only. Prereq: MUSC 167 (1 semester). Co-req: THEA 161.

THEA 270. Stagecraft. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the crafts and technologies used in the production of scenery, lighting and sound in the theatre. Three 1-hour lectures, one 2-hour laboratory.

THEA 271. Costume Craft. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the techniques used for constructing costumes for theatre. 3 lectures, 1 two-hour laboratory.

THEA 272. Drawing for the Theatre. 3 Credits.

Introduction to drawing for the theatre to include hand and computer-assisted drafting techniques.

THEA 274. Introduction To Stage Design. 3 Credits.

Translation of text and music into ideas for stage design (scenery, costumes, lights) and introduction to use of both traditional and modern technologies in the process.

THEA 275. Theatrical Makeup Design. 3 Credits.

Fundamentals of stage makeup.; facial analysis and introduction to materials and techniques. Character interpretation through two and three-dimensional application.

THEA 279. Scenic Painting. 3 Credits.

This course covers basic scenic painting techniques and common practices.

THEA 280. World Theatre. 3 Credits.

Survey of the theatre and drama of various European and non-Western cultures.

THEA 291. Seminar. 1-5 Credits.

THEA 292. Global Practicum: Study Abroad. 1-15 Credits.

Pre-Arranged study at accredited foreign institutions (study abroad), domestic institutions (National Student Exchange) or on approved study abroad programs. Pre-requisite: Sophomore standing and prior approval by International Student and Study Abroad Services and major department. Graded 'P'or 'F' (Undergraduate), or 'S' or 'U' (Graduate).

THEA 294. Individual Study. 1-5 Credits.

THEA 296. Field Experience. 1-15 Credits.

THEA 299. Special Topics. 1-5 Credits.

THEA 301. Musical Theatre Troupe. 1 Credit.

A select performance ensemble of 10-20 students. Students will develop, do research on, and present songs and choreography from musical theatre productions. By audition and permission of instructor. May be repeated.

THEA 345. Devising. 3 Credits.

Development and application of skills required to create and perform innovative devised performances.

THEA 350. Theatre Foundations III. 1 Credit.

Seminar course for third year Theatre majors. Covers topics related to building the skills necessary to find work as a theatre professional. Meets once a week.

THEA 361. Acting III: Advanced Realism. 3 Credits.

Advanced studies in realistic acting technique and scene work. Course open to student with BFA-standing only. Prereq: THEA 261.

THEA 362. Dance Styles for Theatre. 2 Credits.

Intermediate study of the concepts and principles of ballet, tap and lyrical/jazz through studio practice and performance. May be repeated for credit. Restrictions: BFA MT permission of the Instructor or Head of the Dept.

THEA 363. Dance Studio II. 2 Credits.

Intermediate study in the study of the concepts and principles of ballet, modern, jazz, or tap dance through studio practice and performance. May be repeated for credit. Prereq: THEA 263.

THEA 364. Advanced Acting. 3 Credits.

Practical application of fundamental skills to textual work. Prereq or Co-req: THEA 161, THEA 266.

THEA 365. Directing I. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the creative process of directing. Focus on script analysis, basic directing tools, and scene work. Prereq: THEA 161.

THEA 367. Acting the Song. 3 Credits.

Study and application of the integration of acting and singing techniques. This class will focus on developing the skills necessary for integrating acting methodologies with musical theatre songs and voice work. Students will explore emotional truth and embodied choices in combination with vocal dynamics to communicate effective storytelling. Prereq: MUSC 167 (1 semester), THEA 161 and students must be Theatre or Music majors only.

THEA 368. Business of Acting. 3 Credits.

Advanced study in business of acting, addressing resume/portfolio, photos, audition package/interviews, agents, unions, graduate programs, national theatre organizations, and audition resources. Prereq: BFA standing, THEA 261, THEA 266.

THEA 370. Technical Theatre Production. 1-3 Credits.

Advanced study in technical theatre production. Emphasis on planning and realization of technical theatre elements. Hours arranged as appropriate to assignment. Student should consult with instructor on number of credits to take. May be repeated for credit.

THEA 371. Introduction to Design: Scenic Design. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students to scenic design for the stage through play analysis, research, preliminary sketches, drafting, paint elevations and model building.

THEA 373. Lighting and Sound Design for the Theatre. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the art of theatrical lighting and sound design.

THEA 375. Costume Design for the Theatre. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the principles and practices of costume design for the theatre through script analysis, research, fabric selection, and sketching.

THEA 376. Theatrical Design Studio I: Theatrical Drawing and Rendering. 3 Credits.

Drawing and rendering techniques for theatrical designers.

THEA 377. Theatrical Design Studio II: Collaboration of the Designer. 3 Credits.

Development of collaboration, enhancement of design theory, and advanced practice of the design process.

THEA 379. Global Seminar. 1-6 Credits.

NDSU instructed experience or field study in a foreign country. Conducted in English for residence credit. Pre-requisite: Prior approval by International Student and Study Abroad Services and major department. May be repeated. Standard Grading.

THEA 381. Technical Theatre Seminar. 1 Credit.

A detailed study into the different technologies and processes involved in the technical areas of theatrical production. Each class will involve concentrated study in one category of technical production skills. May be repeated for credit.

THEA 386. Theatrical Design Studio III; Design for Alternative Venues. 3 Credits.

Advanced study, studio practice and critique. Development of concept and content for alternative venues. Prereq: THEA 286, THEA 287.

THEA 387. Theatrical Design Studio IV; Research in the Studio. 3 Credits.

Advanced study, studio practice and critique. Emphasis on research techniques, professional practice, and presentation. Prereq: THEA 286, THEA 287.

THEA 391. Seminar. 1-5 Credits.

THEA 392. Global Practicum: Study Abroad. 1-15 Credits.

Pre-Arranged study at accredited foreign institutions (study abroad), domestic institutions (National Student Exchange) or on approved study abroad programs. Pre-requisite: Sophomore standing and prior approval by International Student and Study Abroad Services and major department. Graded 'P'or 'F' (Undergraduate), or 'S' or 'U' (Graduate).

THEA 394. Individual Study. 1-5 Credits.

THEA 396. Field Experience. 1-15 Credits.

THEA 397. Co-op Internship. 1-5 Credits.

THEA 399. Special Topics. 1-5 Credits.

THEA 450. Capstone Experience. 3 Credits.

Demonstration of mastery in selected area of theatre through an advanced project in acting, directing, design/technical theatre, or dramaturgy. Departmental capstone experience. Prereq: Senior standing.

THEA 461. Acting Shakespeare. 3 Credits.

Advanced training in techniques for analysis, preparation and performance of Shakespeare's plays and sonnets. Prereq: BFA standing with emphasis in Performance,THEA 261, THEA 266.

THEA 462. Acting Styles. 3 Credits.

Introduction to various major performance styles, ranging from Greek tragedy through twentieth century nonrealism Styles covered include Greek, French neoclassical, Brechtian epic theatre, and absurdism. Prereq: THEA 261.

THEA 465. Directing II. 3 Credits.

Problems in directing, formulating production concepts, casting, working with actors, and aiding characterization. Includes preliminary work with thrust and arena staging. Prereq: THEA 365. {Also offered for graduate credit - see THEA 665.}.

THEA 466. Advanced Voice for the Actor. 3 Credits.

Intensive examination/development of the vocal mechanism. Focus on consonant/vowel production, diction/articulation, resonance/placement, and breath/posture complemented by introduction of IPA, character voices, and dialects. Prereq: BFA standing in Performance Track, THEA 266.

THEA 467. Advanced Movement for the Actor. 3 Credits.

Advanced level movement course introducing codified styles of theatre movement including neutral and character mask, pedestrian mime, unarmed and armed stage combat Prereq: BFA standing, THEA 266.

THEA 480. History and Literature of Theatre I. 3 Credits.

Historical study of theatre architecture, staging methods, individual artists and plays from the theatre's origins through the 17th century. Prereq: THEA 180 and THEA 181.

THEA 481. History and Literature of the Theatre II. 3 Credits.

Historical study of theatre architecture, staging methods, individual artists and plays from the 18th century to the present. Prereq: THEA 480.

THEA 486. History of Dress and Decor I; the Foundations of Western Style. 3 Credits.

Survey of historical architecture, interiors, and clothing beginning with antiquity through the 18th century.

THEA 487. History of Dress and Decor II; Western Style since 1800. 3 Credits.

Survey of historical architecture, interiors, and clothing after 1800 through the 1970s.

THEA 491. Seminar. 1-5 Credits.

THEA 492. Global Practicum: Study Abroad. 1-15 Credits.

Pre-Arranged study at accredited foreign institutions (study abroad), domestic institutions (National Student Exchange) or on approved study abroad programs. Pre-requisite: Sophomore standing and prior approval by International Student and Study Abroad Services and major department. Graded 'P'or 'F' (Undergraduate), or 'S' or 'U' (Graduate).

THEA 494. Individual Study. 1-5 Credits.

THEA 494H. Individual Study. 1-3 Credits.

THEA 496. Field Experience. 1-15 Credits.

THEA 499. Special Topics. 1-5 Credits.

THEA 665. Directing II. 3 Credits.

Problems in directing, formulating production concepts, casting, working with actors, and aiding characterization. Includes preliminary work with thrust and arena staging. {Also offered for undergraduate credit - see THEA 465.}.

THEA 797. Master's Paper. 1-3 Credits.