Theatre Arts (THEA)

Provides practical experience through participation in theatre arts productions, focusing on scenery, props, costumes, makeup, lighting, projections, or sound. May be repeated for a maximum of four credits.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

Practical experience through participation in the creation of scenery, lighting, costumes, scene painting, or props for productions sponsored by theatre arts. May be repeated in different areas for a maximum of 6 credits. An average of three hours required per week.

Prerequisites: None.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

Provides experience as a performer or understudy in a production. Includes opportunities to develop and practice introductory skills in auditioning, script analysis, character development, rehearsal techniques, and performance. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

Prerequisites: Audition and consent of instructor.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

Requires participation in theatre arts company activities, including: performance attendance, production auditions, production work days, production strikes, field trips, academic reviews, and talent reviews. Required of all theatre arts majors and minors each semester. Field trips to theatrical productions. Field trip fee required.

Prerequisites: Theatre arts major or minor.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

Provides opportunity to clarify professional goals, exploring areas of interest, and learning how to work effectively as a member of a theatre arts company.

Prerequisites: None.

Offered: Fall.

Explores enjoyment and understanding of the art of theatre. Examines the teamwork involved to create live entertainment and the impact of theatre on society from ancient history to present day. Reviews plays and live theatrical performances. Open to all students. Requires field trip/ticket fee.

Prerequisites: None.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

Meets: Humanities and the Arts: THEA

Explores the fundamentals of sets, lights, costumes, makeup, sound, and props for theatre and film. Includes lecture, demonstration and lab experiences with award-winning UW-Parkside and Fireside productions. Requires attendance and critique on-campus theatrical productions. Open to all students. Requires field trip/ticket fee.

Prerequisites: None.

Offered: Spring.

Meets: Humanities and the Arts: THEA

Focuses on the building of a musical, different jobs in the industry, and the history of musical theatre. Examines the nature, function, and basic theories of drama through application to various techniques used in contemporary musical theatre.

Prerequisites: None.

Offered: Fall.

Meets: Humanities and the Arts: THEA

Provides private instruction in voice based on individual ability level and technical skills as it relates to the specific demands of musical theatre. Requires fees.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

Covers basic principles and techniques of theatrical makeup. Requires field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees.

Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor.

Offered: Spring.

Explores foundations of acting and script analysis based on methods of Konstanin Stanislavski. Focuses on acting exercises, discussion, and how these activities can improve communication, create flexibility, and introduce the actor to important interpretive and interpersonal skills. Emphasizes acting through doing. Includes exercises, monologues and scene work. Not available for audit. Requires attendance at theatrical productions.

Prerequisites: None.

Offered: Fall.

Meets: Humanities and the Arts: THEA

Explores procedures and theories of theatrical production. Includes scenic construction, scenic painting, stage equipment, stage lighting, sound, technical personnel duties, practical applications. Includes 3 hours of lecture and 2 hours of a separate lab component per week. Requires attendance and critique of theatrical productions; lab fees.

Prerequisites: None.

Offered: Fall.

Introduces costume theory and practical construction. Involves the use of shop equipment, and costume production skills, including sewing and textiles. Required lab component with practical applications through work on current productions. Requires fees.

Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

Provides opportunity for on-site observation of theory and practice. Consists of play attendance, guest lectures, and backstage tours. May be repeated with different topic. Additional fees required.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Offered: Occasionally.

Provides performers, designers, directors, and technicians with a variety of viable approaches and critical methodologies useful in reading, researching, analyzing, interpreting, and creatively engaging with a variety of significant scripts from the classical and contemporary theatre.

Prerequisites: None.

Offered: Fall.

Introduces the fundamental elements and principles of design and how they apply to the development and creation of production elements for live theatre productions. Requires field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees.

Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

Introduces basic technique, terminology, and history of ballet. May be repeated for a maximum of three credits. Cross-listed with: PE 174.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Offered: Occasionally.

Introduces fundamental skills of American tap dance through movement, choreography, and the examination of dance history. Cross-listed with: PE 175.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Offered: Occasionally.

Introduces concepts of jazz dance through movement, choreography, and history. May be repeated for a maximum of three credits. Cross-listed with: PE 176.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Offered: Occasionally.

Explores the role of dance in musical theatre through both performance and research. May be repeated for a maximum of three credits. Cross-listed with: PE 177.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Offered: Occasionally.

Introduces the fundamental skills of modern dance through movement, choreography, and the examination of dance history. May be repeated for a maximum of three credits. Cross-listed with: PE 178.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Offered: Occasionally.

Introduces elements of hip-hop dance, including technique, movement, musical rhythm, tempo, and phrasing. May be repeated for a maximum of three credits. Cross-listed with: PE 179.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Offered: Occasionally.

Examines African American, Asian American, Latino American, and Native American cultures utilizes dramatic texts, live performance events, and anthropological research as a means of exploring and understanding voices of diversity expressed on the American stage in the past 50 years. Cross-listed with: ETHN 208.

Prerequisites: ENGL 101.

Offered: Occasionally.

Meets: Humanities and the Arts: THEA, Ethnic Diversity

Student serves as supervisor, crew head, or assistant designer for a production. Participation may include but is not limited to scenery, props, costume, makeup, sound or lighting. Additional written and visual research required depending on position.

Prerequisites: THEA 010, THEA 132, THEA 133 and consent of instructor.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

Provides experience as an assistant stage manager for a production. May be repeated in a different area for a maximum of 6 credits.

Prerequisites: THEA 10, THEA 132 and consent of instructor.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

Provides experience as a performer or understudy in a production. Includes opportunities to develop and practice intermediate skills in auditioning, script analysis, character development, rehearsal techniques, and performance. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

Prerequisites: Audition, THEA 014.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

Examines the portrayal and representation (or lack of representation) of LGBTQIA+ voices and identities in plays and film through theory and criticism. Cross-listed with: WGSS 215.

Prerequisites: None.

Offered: Spring (even years).

Meets: Humanities and the Arts: THEA

Introduces the "business of the arts," providing an overview of the careers in arts administration, the types of work that arts administrators do, and the current issues and trends now affecting arts administrative professionals.

Prerequisites: None.

Offered: Occasionally.

Prepares students for performance in film, video, and television. Emphasizes developing a specific approach to the special challenges of camera acting, understanding students' unique gifts as performers, and expressing themselves effectively. Focuses on the business side of acting including audition techniques, creating resumes, and dealing with talent agencies.

Prerequisites: THEA 125.

Offered: Spring.

Introduces tools and techniques for interpreting, embodying, and bringing Shakespeare's language to life. Focuses on physical and vocal development for the demands of acting Shakespearean verse and prose, including Folio Technique.

Prerequisites: THEA 125 and consent of instructor.

Offered: Spring.

Focuses on individual development and use of the voice and body for performance. Covers integrated BodyVoice connection, International Phonetic Alphabet, and major dialects.

Prerequisites: THEA 125 and consent of instructor.

Offered: Spring.

Explores computer-aided design and drafting for products, furniture, interiors and architecture using VectorWorks. Includes engineering and architectural drafting, notation, lettering and designing.

Prerequisites: DFAB 170, DFAB 171, DFAB 172 or consent of instructor.

Offered: Fall.

Introduces basic unarmed and blade stage combat techniques, focusing on physical awareness, balance, coordination, collaboration, and safety. Incorporates acting within choreography.

Prerequisites: THEA 125 and consent of instructor required.

Offered: Fall.

Introduces the theories, methods, and processes of various types of costume crafts and stage props used in theatre. Includes basic furniture upholstery and finishing, fabric dyeing and manipulation, mask making and millinery. Requires field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees and materials.

Prerequisites: THEA 132, THEA 133, and consent of the instructor.

Offered: Fall (even years).

Provides opportunity to contribute to the production process as a stage manager focusing on organization, leadership and communication.

Prerequisites: Instructor consent.

Offered: Occasionally.

Emphasizes intermediate/advanced ballet technique and the application of movement principles essential to the training of the dancer. May be repeated for a maximum of three credits. Cross-listed with: PE 274.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Offered: Occasionally.

Focuses on intermediate and advanced tap steps through exercises, choreography, and discussions. May be repeated for a maximum of three credits. Cross-listed with: PE 275.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Offered: Occasionally.

Focuses on advanced styles and techniques in jazz dance through movement and choreography. May be repeated for a maximum of three credits. Cross-listed with: PE 276.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Offered: Occasionally.

Focuses on choreographed dance combinations from the musical theatre canon to prepare for professional auditions. May be repeated for a maximum of three credits. Cross-listed with: PE 277.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Offered: Occasionally.

Introduces advanced skills of modern dance through movement and choreography, and examines dance history. May be repeated for a maximum of three credits. Cross-listed with: PE 278.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Offered: Occasionally.

Focuses on advanced footwork, techniques, and combinations. Emphasizes both technical skills and the geo-political importance of hip-hop. May be repeated for a maximum of three credits. Cross-listed with: PE 279.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Offered: Occasionally.

This individualized program of study for freshmen and sophomores includes apprenticeships and internships at professional theatres, under the direct supervision of campus faculty and professional theatre staff. Consent of instructor and department chair. May repeat for a maximum of 6 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

Regularly available under the supervision of Theatre Arts faculty members, this course allows individual students at the freshmen and sophomore level to explore a variety of theatrical subjects and/or projects that are not regularly offered via Theatre Arts courses.

Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor and department chair required.

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

Examines the director's role in theatre production. Delves into the theoretical and practical principles and techniques of directing and play analysis.

Prerequisites: THEA 125, THEA 150; sophomore standing or higher, and consent of instructor.

Offered: Fall.

Provides experience as designer or lead technician for a studio production. Includes but are not limited to design, scenery, props, costume, makeup, sound or lighting. Requires additional written and visual research depending on position. May be repeated for a maximum of 10 credits with only 6 in one area applied toward the major.

Prerequisites: THEA 212 and consent of instructor.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

Provides experience as stage manager for a production. May be repeated in a different area for a maximum of 10 credits.

Prerequisites: THEA 213 and consent of instructor required.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

Provides experience as a performer or understudy in a production. Includes opportunities to develop and practice advanced skills in auditioning, script analysis, character development, rehearsal techniques, and performance. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

Prerequisites: Audition, THEA 214.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

An intensive investigation of a selected style of acting such as comedy, improvisation, physical acting, musical theatre performance, Shakespeare, etc. May repeat with different topic. Field trips to theatrical productions required; additional fees required.

Prerequisites: THEA 225 and consent of instructor.

Offered: Occasionally.

Student serves as dramaturg for a production. Additional written and visual research required. May repeat for max 6 credits.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor required.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

Investigates the formal conventions of Shakespeare's work, stagecraft, the location of these works within their historical contexts, and the critical and reception histories of each play. Cross-listed with: ENGL 320.

Prerequisites: ENGL 167, 266; or consent of instructor; or THEA 150.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

Provides experience as assistant director, studying an individual's directorial approach and learning more about the production process as a whole. Responsibilities vary from production to production and Director to Director. May be repeated for credit with a different production for a maximum of 6 credits.

Prerequisites: THEA 310.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

Delves into intensive study and performance of scenes from modern and contemporary theatre. Emphasizes advanced character development, milieu study, and scene structure. Requires field trips to theatrical productions.

Prerequisites: THEA 225 and consent of instructor.

Offered: Fall.

Provides training to approach musical text with the same analytic and practical skills as for monologues and scenes. Equips students with the necessary skills to select appropriate songs, prepare professional materials, and execute auditions for work in the musical theatre field. Requires fees.

Prerequisites: THEA 125 and consent of instructor.

Offered: Spring (odd years).

Introduces Viewpoints and The Expressive Actor techniques to create vocally, physically and psychologically integrated characters. Focuses on use of breath, voice, and body.

Prerequisites: THEA 125.

Offered: Occasionally.

Provides opportunity for on-site observation of theory and practice. Consists of play attendance, guest lectures, and backstage tours. May be repeated with different content. Additional fees required. May repeat with different content. Additional fees required.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Offered: Occasionally.

Introduces writers to the process of creating monologues, scenes, plays and/or scripts for the live stage and screen in a workshop. Field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees required.

Prerequisites: ENGL 101 and consent of instructor.

Offered: Occasionally.

Introduces specific weapons training. Develops high speed, moment-to-moment acting, building heightened concentration, collaboration, physical agility, and stamina. Requires fees.

Prerequisites: THEA 125, THEA 250, consent of instructor.

Offered: Occasionally.

Examines key milestones in theatre history and literature from the origins of theatre to 1660. Includes primary and secondary historical sources that reveal the context for theatrical productions in a variety of cultures and periods.

Prerequisites: ENGL 101, THEA 150 or consent of instructor.

Offered: Spring (even years).

Provides a comprehensive overview of key milestones in theatre history and literature from 1660 to 1915, including a study of primary and secondary historical sources that reveal the context for theatrical productions in a variety of cultures and periods.

Prerequisites: ENGL 101, THEA 150, or consent of instructor.

Offered: Fall (even years).

Provides a comprehensive overview of key milestones in theatre history and literature from 1915 to today, including primary and secondary historical sources that reveal the context for theatrical productions in a variety of cultures and periods.

Prerequisites: ENGL 101, THEA 150 or consent of instructor.

Offered: Spring (odd years).

Explores the fundamentals of the artistry, methods, and function of lighting and sound design for stage production. Focuses on terminology, safe practices, current technology, design processes and production practices. Requires field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees.

Prerequisites: THEA 132, 160; or consent of instructor.

Offered: Spring (odd years).

Explores Scenic Design for the theatre from concept to graphic representation, including research, analysis, sketching, CAD drafting, rendering, and model making. Field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees required.

Prerequisites: THEA 132 and consent of instructor.

Offered: Fall (odd years).

Enhances knowledge and skills in scenic artistry including the role of the scenic artist. Covers types of paint and applicators, color theory and mixing, drop creation and many scenic painting and faux finishing techniques. Requires additional fees.

Prerequisites: THEA 132 and consent of instructor.

Offered: Spring (even years).

Examines the costume design process including theory, historical research and rendering styles. Field trips to theatrical productions required; lab and additional fees required.

Prerequisites: THEA 133 and consent of instructor.

Offered: Fall (even years).

Focuses on the professional development of visual performance material, resumes, websites, and portfolios. Helps the student develop and produce a professional presentation of their body of artistic work through digital and physical portfolios.

Prerequisites: THEA 100, THEA 160, and consent of instructor.

Offered: Spring.

Focuses on the techniques actors must use when auditioning for casting directors in the professional theatre. Includes cold readings, monologue work, resume formatting, and interview techniques.

Prerequisites: THEA 125 and consent of instructor.

Offered: Fall.

Selected topics in theatre will be examined. Field trips to theatrical productions required; additional fees required. May repeat with different topic.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Offered: Occasionally.

Builds upon the basic principles of stage direction explored in THEA 310 and provides students with the opportunity to select, research, interpret, stage, and present a wide range of scenes from a variety of theatrical genres and styles.

Prerequisites: THEA 310 and consent of instructor.

Offered: Spring (even years).

Provides experience as designer or lead technician for a main-stage production. Includes but are not limited to design, scenery, props, costume, makeup, sound or lighting. Requires additional written and visual research required depending on position. May be repeated for a maximum of 10 credits with only 6 in one area applied toward the major. May repeat for a maximum of 10 credits; only 6 in one area apply toward the major.

Prerequisites: THEA 312 and consent of instructor.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

Provides experience as director for a studio production. May be repeated for credit with a different production for a maximum of 6 credits.

Prerequisites: THEA 310, THEA 323 and consent of instructor.

Offered: Fall, Spring.

Focus on elements on style through scene work, involving complex characterization, and research. Emphasizes physicality and adding the layers of complex action (conditioning factors, physicalization, internal obstacles, etc.). Requires field trips to theatrical productions.

Prerequisites: THEA 125, THEA 225, 325 and consent of instructor.

Offered: Spring.

This performance-based workshop course that allows learner to study, research, prepare, and perform scenes, songs, and dances from selected musical theatre texts. This course may be repeated for credit, with the instructor's permission. Field trips to theatrical productions required. Additional fees required.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Offered: Occasionally.

Explores advanced training in lighting and projection design for theatre or live entertainment. Requires fees.

Prerequisites: THEA 363 or consent of instructor.

Offered: Fall (odd years).

Explores advanced topics in scenic design for the theatre from concept to graphic representation, including research, analysis, sketching, CAD drafting, rendering, and model making, resulting in a complete scenic design packet. Requires lab fees.

Prerequisites: THEA 373 or consent of instructor.

Offered: Occasionally.

Examines special problems in costume research theory, costume history, and advanced projects in costume design. Field trips to theatrical productions; additional fees required.

Prerequisites: THEA 383.

Offered: Fall (even years).

Selected topics in theatre arts will be examined. Field trips to theatrical productions required. Additional fees required.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Offered: Occasionally.

This individualized program of study for juniors and seniors includes apprenticeships and internships at professional theatres, under the supervision of campus faculty and professional theatre staff. May repeat for a maximum of 12 credits.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and department chair.

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

Provides opportunity for students in their final year to focus on various business aspects of the Theatre professional. Includes field research in their area of concentration and demonstration of successful self promotion. Covers personal finance, self-branding, and professional networking.

Prerequisites: THEA 100, senior standing.

Offered: Fall.

Provides opportunity to explore a variety of theatrical subjects and/or projects under the supervision of theatre faculty members.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and department chair.

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.