Theatre Courses
THEA100. Theatre Freshman Seminar
This course will introduce knowledge and skills that lead to success in the university, utilize critical thinking and analysis in all aspects of student life, and prepare students for assuming the role of a citizen leader working for the common good. This course design will emphasize study skills, which are necessary to achieve academic goals and introduce the student to the services offered at the university, which will enhance their undergraduate theatre experience. 1 credit.
THEA101. Issues in Theatre
This course is designed for students who are interested in exploring modern society in the context of performing arts. Through a series of readings, videos, and live performances, students will see how theatre is an integral part of human culture. 3 credits. SI, FAES.
THEA104. Theatre Production/Performance
This is a practicum course for students who participate in Longwood Theatre productions. Students are required to audition for Longwood Theatre productions when registered for this course. If not cast, students will be designated production crew assignments including, but not limited to, technical run crew, management, or construction. This course may be repeated for credit 6 times and cannot be taken to satisfy theatre major core requirements as a senior. 1 credit.
THEA113. Acting I
This studio course is an introduction to the art of performance in the theatre. 3 credits.
THEA196. BFA First Year Assessment
Assessment of performance or technology specialist’s audition or portfolio, as well as overall work ethic and participation in the first year of involvement in the BFA in Visual and Performing Arts program. See performance or technology faculty for specific requirements of assessment. Grading is Pass/No Pass. Prerequisites: None. Zero credits.
THEA1XX. Theatre Elective
THEA214. Stage Makeup for the Actor
Through a combination of lecture and laboratory demonstration, students learn the basic skills of stage makeup application and design. 3 credits.
THEA215. Voice and Speech
This studio course is an introductory exploration of the physical and vocal skills required for effective performance. Emphasis is placed on developing self-awareness and control of the actor's instrument through various vocal exercises and the practical application of heightened language and verse. Students will learn the International Phonetic Alphabet and its application to the actor's speech as well as a variety of dialects. 3 credits.
THEA225. Elements of Theatrical Design
This is an introductory course in the elements of theatrical design. This course is the foundation of knowledge for all design courses in the theatre including scenic, lighting and costume. It will apply basic principles of visual design and provide the vocabulary necessary to analyze all aspects of theatrical design. 3 credits.
THEA229. Script Analysis
This course is the study of basic principles, techniques, and challenges of script analysis from both a literary and production viewpoint. 3 credits.
THEA240. Technical Theatre
This course will give the student a basic understanding and appreciation of the technical side of theatre. It will provide a knowledge of the safe and proper way to handle scene shop equipment. 3 credits.
THEA241. Drafting for Theatrical Design
This is a lecture-studio course that deals with the fundamentals of theatrical drafting, mechanical drawing, and computer aided drafting for those students who will be taking scene design, scene painting, and/or lighting design. 3 credits.
THEA275. Stage Management
This lecture-studio course explores the role and responsibilities of the stage manager in academic, community, regional, and professional theatre settings. 3 credits.
THEA292. Internship in Theatre
A semester-long, on-the-job learning experience designed to apply the principles of theatre. 1-18 credits.
THEA295. Special Topics in Theatre
This directed study opportunity geared toward freshmen and sophomores who want to explore a special course of study in Theatre Arts. 1-3 credits
THEA296. BFA Second-Year Assessment
Assessment of performance or technology specialist’s audition or portfolio, as well as overall work ethic and participation in the second year of involvement in the BFA in Visual and Performing Arts program. See performance or technology faculty for specific requirements of assessment. Grading is Pass/No Pass. Prerequisites: THEA 196. Zero credits.
THEA2XX. Theatre Elective
THEA306. Stage Properties
This course focuses on the design and creation of properties for the stage. Course content will include hands-on projects, research, resources, and discussion of period styles. 3 credits.
THEA312. Wigs and Wardrobe
In this course students will explore the history and creation of wig techniques both in a historical sense as well as in modern theatrical applications. Students will also practice the basics of wig construction, styling, and maintenance, as well as gaining knowledge of standard industry practices for wardrobe professionals including, but not limited to; the care and maintenance of specific clothing, fabrics and fibers, paperwork, quick-change choreography, and organizational best practices. 3 credits.
THEA315. Movement I
This studio course is an exploration of movement concepts emphasizing the fundamentals and mechanics of the body as an expressive tool with a special focus on the psycho-physical technique, including mime and mask. Classes are a combination of lecture, demonstration and experiential exercises. Content is directed toward the specific needs of the actors. 3 credits.
THEA316. Acting II
This studio course is designed to develop fundamental acting skills through classroom exercises, scene study, and character analysis. Prerequisite: THEA 113 - minimum grade of C or by permission of instructor. 3 credits.
THEA317. Acting III
A practicum course in acting designed to further develop the actor's analytical, vocal, and physical skills. Emphasis will be placed on exploring advanced performance concepts in a variety of dramatic styles. Prerequisite: THEA 316 - minimum grade of C. 3 credits.
THEA320. Directing
This course introduces the student to the tools and techniques used by the interpretive artist in the production of a play. Training involves workshop exercises and scene studies. Prerequisite: THEA 113 - minimum grade of C. 3 credits.
THEA321. Expressive Performance in Poet
This course is designed to develop performance methodologies by devising theatrical presentations through analysis and exploration of historical and contemporary poetry, lyric plays, opera, art songs, musical theatre and other written forms of music and theatre. No expertise in reading music notation is necessary. Pre-requisites: Completion of FAES. 3 credits.
THEA330. History of Theatre I
This course is a study of the dramatic literature and the history of stage practices during the time of the Ancient Greeks to the time of Shakespeare. Prerequisite: ENGL 165 - minimum grade of C. 3 credits.
THEA331. History of Theatre II
This course is a study of the dramatic literature and the history of stage practices from the time of English Restoration to the Modern Period. Prerequisite: ENGL 165 - minimum grade of C. 3 credits.
THEA337. Costume Technology I
This is a hands-on course in costume technology for the stage. Topics included in the course are basic sewing, identification and use of costume shop tools and equipment, safety, and wardrobing. Work on the department productions is required. Prerequisite: THEA 240 - minimum grade of C. 3 credits.
THEA338. Costume Technology II
This is an advanced extension of THEA 337, with a particular emphasis on couture stitching, tailoring, patternmaking, and fabric modification. Prerequisite: THEA 337 - minimum grade of C. 3 credits.
THEA339. History of Fashion & Decor
This course is a survey of clothing and ornament from ancient time to present day. Historical events, social influences, art, music, and home furnishings of each period will also be addressed. 3 credits.
THEA340. Scene Design
This is a lecture/studio course in which students will focus on developing a basic understanding of the art of scenic design and scenography, the process a designer uses in the creation and development of their work, and the tools needed to communicate one’s design to others. Prerequisite: THEA 225 or permission of instructor. 3 credits.
THEA341. Sound Design
This is a lecture/studio course dealing with the basic design concepts, techniques, and skills necessary for the beginning sound designer. This course will be an introduction to the art and craft of sound design for theater. It will explore the tools, technologies, and processes essential to the conceptualizing and implementing of both the content of a sound design and the sound system for the delivery of that content. Prerequisite: THEA 225 or permission of instructor. 3 credits.
THEA342. Lighting Design
A lecture/studio course dealing with the basic artistic and technical skills necessary to the beginning lighting designer. Prerequisite: THEA 225 or permission of instructor. 3 credits.
THEA344. Theory Practice Scene Painting
This is a lecture/studio course dealing with the fundamentals of scene painting, color theory, and their practical application. 3 credits.
THEA345. Costume Design
This course focuses on the skills necessary for creating costume designs for the stage including script analysis, research, sketching and rendering, costume history, and critical analysis of design aspects. Prerequisite: THEA 225 or permission of instructor. 3 credits
THEA362. Business of Performance
This course for Performance Candidates is designed for the preparation of professional life in theatre and/or the pursuit of advanced degrees. Pre-requisite: THEA 296. 3 credits.
THEA363. Business of Design and Tech
This course for Design & Technology candidates is an exploration of the business and legal aspects of careers in design and technology, including contracts, taxes, record-keeping, resumes, portfolios, interviewing, job hunting, and legal considerations. Special attention will be paid to the assembly of a professional portfolio, which is the centerpiece of any technician’s or designers' work. The use of computers/ technology as a resource and tool are emphasized. Pre-requisite: THEA 296. 3 credits.
THEA390. Directed or Independent Study
Must be approved by the head of the department. May be repeated as 391. 1-18 credits.
THEA392. Internship in Theater
THEA396. BFA Third-Year Assessment
Assessment of performance or technology specialist’s audition or portfolio, as well as overall work ethic and participation in the third year of involvement in the BFA in Visual and Performing Arts program. See performance or technology faculty for specific requirements of assessment. Grading is Pass/No Pass. Prerequisites: THEA 296. Zero credits.
THEA399. Theatre Management
This course is designed to acquaint students with the problems and challenges facing producers and administrators who work in not-for-profit organizations, such as LORT theatres, dance companies and symphonies. Students explore concepts and procedures for staffing, fundraising, financing, marketing, planning, scheduling, and front-of-house management. Prerequisites: ENGL 150 - minimum grade of C. 3 credits.
THEA400. Theatre Senior Seminar
Theatre Senior Seminar is a semester course that focuses on career exploration and an assessment of theatre skills honed during the student's undergraduate tenure. Career exploration activities allow students to explore their interests, aptitudes, and to investigate possible careers within their discipline. This in-depth study allows students to use a variety of self-assessment instruments to determine their strengths and assessment their knowledge of the theatre and the professional field they are seeking upon completion of the program. This course will require a final creative/theoretical thesis or project and exit exam in Theatre History, Literature, and Design. Prerequisites: Senior standing. 1 credit.
THEA401. Methods of Teaching Theatre
A concentrated study of contemporary practices, theory, and methods of teaching theatre in the secondary school. Emphasis will be placed on curriculum development, creating lesson plans, and formulating effective assessment guidelines. Students will create a teacher work sample as part of a supervised field placement. This is a reading intensive course. Pre-requisite: Junior standing and minimum 2.0 GPA, or permission of instructor. 4 credits.
THEA402. Methods of Teaching Theatre II
Major principles of a secondary theatre program will be addressed including casting, costuming, movement, props, directing, and stage business. Students will explore and apply methods and materials for the classroom. Prerequisite: Completion of THEA 401 and THEA 229, with a minimum grade of C. 3 credits.
THEA430. Modern Drama
In this course students will explore a catalog of traditional and avant-garde plays of the modern period and are required to read a significant body of modern dramatic criticism. Texts will be analyzed in the context of social and political movements, genre, and style. Prerequisite: ENGL 165 - minimum grade of C. 3 credits.
THEA431. American Drama
This course is a study of the major developments of American theatre and drama, essentially from the 1920s to today. Major playwrights, stylistic developments, and the history of staging practices during the modern period are studied. Also explored are areas such as the American musical theatre, Broadway, off-Broadway and regional theatre movements. Prerequisite: ENGL 165 - minimum grade of C. 3 credits.
THEA432. Theatre and Cultural Diversity
This course will examine the ideas, images, and myths that inspired the plays of diverse theatre artists. Students will define, discuss, and analyze common themes and engage with various ideas, values, and challenges of cultures and groups represented in dramatic works of both western and non-western history. Pre-requisite: Completion of FHCI pillar. 3 credits. PHCI. WI.
THEA433. Creative Drama Classroom
This studio course is a practical exploration of resources, technologies, and application of creative dramatic activities for the classroom. 3 credits.
THEA461. Theatre Senior Seminar
This course focuses on career exploration and assessment of theatre skills honed during the student's undergraduate tenure. Business practice activities allow students to explore their interests, aptitudes, and to investigate possible careers within their discipline. This is a capstone course for BA Generalists, requiring a final creative/theoretical project, presentation, and/or thesis. Pre-requisite: Senior standing. 3 credits.
THEA464. Theatre Capstone
In this capstone course for BFA candidates, students will devise a final project/presentation to demonstrate expertise in theatre performance or design and technology. The student-devised work will be presented to the public at the culmination of the course. Content of the course is directed toward specific needs of the students. Pre-requisite: THEA 396. 4 credits.
THEA490. Directed or Independent Study
Must be approved by the head of the department. 1-18 credits.
THEA492. Internship in Theatre
An on-the-job learning experience designed to apply the principles of theatre. 1 credit.
THEA495. Special Topics in Theatre
In this course, topics will vary from semester to semester, according to the expertise of the guest artist. Specific descriptions are available from academic advisors at the time of each offering. The course may be repeated for credit when topics change. Prerequisites: Permission and standing as a junior or senior. 1-3 credits.
THEA496. BFA Fourth-Year Assessment
Assessment of performance or technology specialist’s audition or portfolio, as well as overall work ethic and participation in the fourth year of involvement in the BFA in Visual and Performing Arts program. See performance or technology faculty for specific requirements of assessment. Grading is Pass/No Pass. Prerequisites: THEA 396. Zero credits.
THEA498. Senior Thesis in Theatre
Students conduct an in-depth project in theatre under the direction of a faculty member and the Longwood Senior Thesis Committee. May be repeated as 499. 3 credits.
THEA499. Senior Thesis in Theatre
Students conduct an in-depth project in theatre under the direction of a faculty member and the Longwood Senior Thesis Committee. 3 credits.
