Department Chair: Robert Doyen, M.A.
Theatre Arts Faculty:
Kelly Archer, B.A., B.S.
Peter Beiger,
M.F.A.
Mary Alice Doyle, M.A.
Lamby Hedge, M.F.A.
Mimi Hedges-Fagre, M.F.A.
Beth Leonard, M.F.A.
Adam Mendelson,
M.F.A.
Brett Prentiss, M.F.A.
Prudence
Wehnert-Skinner, M.F.A.
and visiting guest artists.
Theatre Arts area offers intensive training in all aspects of theatre. A student may choose any of the following emphases.
- ACTING
- MUSICAL THEATRE
- DIRECTING
- SCENE DESIGN
- STAGE MANAGEMENT
- LIGHT DESIGN
- THEATRE MANAGEMENT
- COSTUME DESIGN
The faculty
includes professional actor-teachers, designers and management staff.
Theatre Arts operates three production facilities on campus, the
Macklanburg Proscenium Theatre, Warehouse Thrust Theatre and an
Arena Theatre, as well as a summer stock 450-seat proscenium theatre
in Iowa. The department produces 10 productions on campus during
the academic year and nine productions each summer at Lake Okoboji.
The bachelor of fine arts degrees in theatre arts, theatre management
or theatrical costume design are earned in three years and two summers
and are offered for the student whose primary interest lies in developing
pre-professional skills.
Two summer programs afford additional theatre experience with college
credit: the on-campus Stephens Summer Theatre Institute and the
Okoboji Summer Theatre at Spirit Lake, Iowa. At Okoboji, students
work with professional actors, directors and designers in the production
of nine plays in weekly stock.
Requirements for B.F.A. Major in Theatre Arts
The bachelor of fine arts major in theatre
arts requires completion of liberal arts requirements and courses
as specified below. B.F.A. requirements include one summer in the
Summer Theatre Institute and one in Okoboji Summer Theatre, six
production crew assignments over three years and two strikes per
semester. Entrance to the B.F.A. program is based on faculty evaluation
of each student's work during the first year and at the end of the
Summer Theatre Institute program. Elective work in the B.F.A. major
may include advanced acting, stage management, directing, scene
design, costume design and general theatre.
Because of the rigorous nature of the performing arts program, students
are expected to demonstrate a level of dedication, effort and ethical
behavior consistent with that demanded within the profession. Any
student who, in the collective judgment of the department faculty
in consultation with the department chair, fails at any time to
live up to these standards may be required to withdraw from the
B.F.A. program.
Required Courses
THA 122: Acting I (3 hrs.)
THA 124: Acting II (3 hrs.)
THA 128: Theatre Speech (3 hrs.) or
THA 211 Drafting (3 hrs.)THA 227: Stagecraft/Stage Management (3 hrs.)
THA 251: Make-up/Costuming (3 hrs.)
THA 313: Theatre History I (3 hrs.)
THA 314: Theatre History II (3 hrs.
THA 420: Senior Acting Seminar (3 hrs.) or
THA 425: Senior Production Seminar (3 hrs.)ENG 345: Shakespeare (3 hrs.)
a 2nd dramatic literature course or
an Art History Course8 elective THA courses (24 hrs.)
Plus 6 production crew assignments over 3 years and 2 strikes per semester.
In addition, two summer theatre programs are required:
Summer Theatre Institute (on-campus housing required)
THA 248: Performance Technique (2 hrs.)
THA 258: Stage Movement (3 hrs.)
THA 259: Acting Workshop (3 hrs.)
THA 260: Theatre Production and Management I (3-9 hrs.)
Okoboji Summer Theatre (may be repeated once)
THA 360: Acting Workshop II (6 hrs.)
THA 361: Production Workshop II (3-9 hrs.)
THA 363: Theatre Management II (3 hrs.)
Requirements for B.F.A. in Theatre Management
Required Theatre Courses
THA 122: Acting I (3 hrs.)
THA 124: Acting II (3 hrs.)
THA 216: Theatrical Design I (3 hrs.)
THA 218 Theatrical Lighting I (3 hrs.)
THA 227: Stagecraft/Stage Management (3 hrs.)
THA 232: Directing I (3 hrs.)
THA 251: Make-up/Costuming (3 hrs.)
THA 313: Theatre History I (3 hrs.)
THA 314: Theatre History II (3 hrs.)
THA 425: Senior Production Seminar (3 hrs.)
2 Arts/Humanities/Literature course (6 hrs.)
Plus 4 production crew assignments and 1 internship in the Playhouse Box Office
Required Business Courses
ACC 210: Accounting I (3 hrs.)
ACC 220: Accounting II (3 hrs.)
BUS 171: Introduction to Entrepreneurship (3 hrs.)
BUS 225: Principles of Management (3 hrs.)
BUS 250: Principles of Marketing (3 hrs.)
BUS 305: Human Resource Management (3 hrs.)
In addition, two summer theatre
programs are required:
Summer Theatre Institute (on-campus housing required)
THA 248: Performance Technique (2 hrs.)
THA 258: Stage Movement (3 hrs.)
THA 259: Acting Workshop (3 hrs.)
THA 260: Theatre Production and Management I (3-9 hrs.)
Okoboji Summer Theatre (may be repeated once)
THA 360: Acting Workshop II (6 hrs.)
THA 361: Production Workshop II (3-9 hrs.)
THA 363: Theatre Management II (3 hrs.)
Requirements for B.A. in Theatre Arts
The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts is designed for students who wish to include more intensive work in liberal arts in the degree program as preparation for graduate study or a private teaching career. The Bachelor of Arts major in Theatre Arts requires completion of liberal arts requirements and 33 semester hours as specified below. At least 15 hours must be at or above the 300 level. In addition, students are required to complete two production crew assignments and two strikes. Upper level liberal arts requirements met by requirements of major.
Required Courses
THA 122: Acting I (3 hrs.)
THA 124: Acting II (3 hrs.)
THA 128: Theatre Speech (3 hrs.)THA 227: Stagecraft/Stage Management (3 hrs.)
THA 232: Directing I (3 hrs.)
THA 251: Make-up/Costuming (3 hrs.)
THA 313: Theatre History I (3 hrs.)
THA 314: Theatre History II (3 hrs.)
ENG 345: Shakespeare (3 hrs.)
Plus 2 production crew assignments and 2 strikes
One of the following four:
THA 216: Theatrical Design I (3 hrs.)
THA 218: Theatrical Lighting I (3 hrs.)
THA 219: Sound Design I (3 hrs.)
THA 252: Costuming Design I (3 hrs.)
One of the following two:
THA 420: Senior Acting Seminar (3 hrs.)
THA 425: Senior Production Seminar (3 hrs.)
Requirements for B.F.A. in Theatrical Costume Design
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatrical Costume Design requires completion of liberal arts requirements and courses as specified below. BFA requirements include one summer in the Summer Theatre Institute and one in Okoboji Summer Theatre, six production crew assignments over three years and two strikes per semester. A total of 120 semester hours and a cumulative gpa of 2.0 is required for all degrees.
Required Theatre Courses
THA 215: Rendering for the Theatre (2 hrs.)
THA 227: Stagecraft/Stage Management (3 hrs.)
THA 251: Make-up/Costuming (3 hrs.)
THA 252: Costume Design I (3 hrs.)
THA 313: Theatre History I (3 hrs.)
THA 314: Theatre History II (3 hrs.)
THA 352: Costume Design II (3 hrs.)
THA 412: Advanced Production Design (3 hrs.)
THA 425: Senior Production Seminar (3 hrs.)
Plus 6 crew assignments and 2 strikes
Required Fashion Courses
FAS 111: Beginning Clothing Construction (3 hrs.)
FAS 203: Textiles (3 hrs.)
FAS 214: Draping and Patternmaking I (5 hrs.)
FAS 316: Draping and Patternmaking II (5 hrs.)
FAS 375: 20th Century Costume (3 hrs.)
Required Art Courses
ART 105: Beginning Drawing (3 hrs.)
ART 201: Life Drawing (3 hrs.)
ART 203: Painting and Color (3 hrs.)
In addition, two summer theatre programs are required:
Summer Theatre Institute (on-campus housing required)
THA 280: STI Costume Design (4 hrs.)
FAS 246: Fashion Drawing (3 hrs.)
FAS 280: Millinery (3 hrs.)
Okoboji Summer Theatre (may be repeated once)
THA 361: Production Workshop II (6 hrs.)
THA 363: Theatre Management II (6 hrs.)
Requirements
for Minor in Theatre Arts
Required Courses
THA 122: Acting I (3 hrs.)
THA 227: Stagecraft/Stage Management (3 hrs.)
THA 232: Directing I (3 hrs.)
THA 251: Make-up/Costuming (3 hrs.)
THA 313: Theatre History I (3 hrs.)
THA 314: Theatre History II (3 hrs.)
Theatre Arts Courses
THA 122: Acting I—Mind and Body:
The Actor's Preparation
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students)
A course designed to provide beginning theatre students an understanding
of the senses and an awareness of self, others and the world in
order to develop basic acting skills.
THA 124: Acting II—Scene Study (Acting emphasis)
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: THA 122)
Provides the tools necessary for breaking down the script, making
effective choices and communicating the intent of the scene in a
dramatic and effective way.
THA 128: Theatre Speech
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students)
Designed to give students the tools to develop vocal quality and
speech standards for performance in theatre, film, television and
radio.
THA 211: Drafting for Technical Theatre
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students)
Introduction to basic mechanical drawing for theatrical design and
construction.
THA
212: Beginning Production Design and Management
(1-3 hrs.)
(Open to all students; may be repeated for credit.)
Lighting Designer, Scenic Designer, Costume Designer,
Sound Designer: responsible for designing and supervising
the execution of lighting, scenery, costumes or sound for a major
on-campus production. Stage Management: Stage Manager
for a major on-campus production.
THA 214: Stagecraft II
(1-2 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: THA 227 and permission of instructor)
Lecture, demonstration and practical work assignments to develop
more advanced skills in production techniques.
THA 215: Rendering for the Theatre
(2 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: THA 216 or permission of instructor)
Introductory course for scene designers and lighting designers in
the techniques of rendering in watercolor, acrylics, pastels and
other media. May be repeated one time for credit.
THA 216: Theatrical Design I
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: THA 211 or permission of instructor)
Introduction to the theory and practice of stage design, including
drawing of floor plans, elevations, detail drawings and beginning
rendering.
THA 218: Theatrical Lighting I
(3 hrs.)
Introduction to the theory and practice of stage lighting, including
light plots, focus charts and schedules, hookups, the creation of
lighting cues, and functions and qualities of light.
THA
219: Sound Design I
(3 hrs.)
Introduces
students to the design and technology of sound as it is utilized
in the theater and entertainment fields. The class will combine
lecture, demonstration and several hands-on projects. Topics
will include microphone selection and use, amplification and speakers,
multi-track recording, aural aesthetics and the theatricality of
sound.
THA
227: Stagecraft/Stage Management
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students)
Lecture, demonstration and practical work assignments to develop
more advanced skills in production techniques. Continuing
survey of the functions of various theatre arts in producing a theatrical
event. Introduction to the contemporary practice of stage management.
THA 228: Stage Management II
(1-3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: THA 227)
A course designed to assist the student in developing competency
as a stage manager, including the capacity to assemble a complete
production prompt script. Fifty (50) hours production work required.
THA 232: Directing I
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: THA 227 or permission of instructor)
A study of the function of the director and basic theories of composition,
picturization and movement. Practical staging assignments. Development
of practical skills as directors through classroom discussion and
the direction of scenes. Assembly of a complete director's script
for a final project.
THA 235: Scene Painting
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students. Lab fee charged)
Introduction to basic techniques used in the painting of stage scenery.
THA 248: Performance Techniques
(2 hrs.)
(May be taken three times for credit)
(Prerequisite: THA 124)
Intensive study of the skills for singing on the stage, practical
experience and individual attention concerning performance and singing
techniques. Delivery, expression, interpretation of lyrics and stage
presence will be studied and developed through individual attention
and practical experience.
THA 251: Makeup/Costuming
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students)
Study of basic techniques of designing and applying stage makeup
for straight, character and stylized roles continuing with beginning
study of costume history, design and construction through class
discussions and laboratory work.
THA 252: Costuming Design I
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: THA 251 or permission of instructor)
Continuation of the development of basic competencies in the design
and construction of stage costumes.
THA 258: Stage Movement (STI)
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: THA 124, THA 227, THA 251 and/or program approval)
Development of stage movement and dance skills for acting students
in the Summer Theatre Institute.
THA 259: Acting Workshop I (STI)
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: THA 124, THA 227, THA 251 and/or program approval)
Application of theories and techniques learned in first-year acting
classes through class assignments, rehearsal and public performances
in the Summer Theatre Institute.
THA 260: Theatre Production and Management I (STI)
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: THA 124, THA 227, THA 251 and/or program approval)
Development of basic skills in technical theatre through class assignments
and crew work and a study of general principles and accepted practices
in theatre management. Summer Theatre Institute only.
THA 272: Acting III—Scene Analysis: Character Study
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: THA 124)
Scene analysis to form an approach to discovering the essence of
the character—motivation and intention. Scenes used to implement
character study, create given circumstance and develop technique
for credible characterization and proper execution.
THA 280: Topics in Theatre Arts
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered
in depth in other courses, to issues of current interest or to the
newest research available in a discipline.
THA 300: Theatre Acting Practicum
(0-1 hr.)
Practical application of acting technique learned in the classroom.
Performance experience is developed while working collaboratively
to mount a theatre production. Students have opportunity to
practice the technique and essentials of their particular interest
in a realized endeavor.
THA
310: Theatre Technical Practicum
(0-1 hr.)
Practical application of technique learned in the classroom.
Technical/Design/Crew experience is developed while working collaboratively
to mount a theatre production. Students have opportunity to
practice the technique and essentials of their particular interest
in a realized endeavor.
THA
312: Intermediate Production Design and Management
(1-3 hrs.)
(May be
repeated for credit)
Lighting Designer, Scenic Designer, Costume Designer,
Sound Designer: responsible for designing and supervising
the execution of lighting, scenery, costumes or sound for a major
on-campus production. Stage Management: Stage Manager
for a major on-campus production.
THA
313: Theatre History I
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students)
A study of the theatre of ancient Greece and Rome, dealing primarily
with the development of the physical theatre structures, production
methods and major theatrical figures. Continuing with the
study of theatre from 1100 to 1700 dealing primarily with the development
of physical theatre structures, production methods and major theatrical
figures.
THA 314: Theatre History II
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: THA 313 or permission of instructor)
A study of theatre from 1700 to 1875 dealing primarily with the
development of physical theatre structures, production methods and
major theatrical figures. Continuing with a study of "modern" theatre, from the emergence of realism (ca. 1875 to the present),
dealing primarily with styles, production methods and major theatrical
figures.
THA 317: Theatrical Design II
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: THA 216 or permission of instructor)
A course designed to assist the student in developing proficiency
as a designer of stage scenery through research, classroom discussion
and design projects.
THA 318: Theatrical Lighting II
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: THA 218 or permission of instructor)
A course designed to assist the student in developing proficiency
as a designer of stage lighting through research, classroom discussion
and design projects.
THA 320: Directing II
(2 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: THA 232 or permission of instructor)
Advanced study in directing techniques, including theories concerning
the director's choices regarding scenery, lighting and costuming.
Each student directs a one-act play.
THA 332: Acting IV—Scene Study: Styles
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: THA 272)
Introduces different styles and period pieces to broaden the student's
perspective. Scene study is to be the basic means used to develop
the technique required to create the style and ambiance of a period.
THA 348: Advanced Performance Technique
(2 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: THA 248 and permission of instructor; may be taken
three times for credit)
Advanced techniques for musical comedy presentation.
THA 352: Costuming Design II
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: THA 252)
Continuation of THA 252.
THA 360: Acting Workshop II (Okoboji)
(6 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: THA 332 and program approval)
Students learn through practical experience, performing three to
six roles during a 10-week summer stock season at the Okoboji Summer
Theatre.
THA 361: Production Workshop II (Okoboji)
(3-9 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: 27 hours in theatre arts and program approval)
Students learn through practical experience, participating in crew
work for a 10-week summer stock season at the Okoboji Summer Theatre.
THA 363: Theatre Management II (Okoboji)
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: 27 hours in theatre arts and program approval)
Students learn more advanced principles and practices of theatre
management through classes and work assignments during a 10-week
summer stock season at Okoboji Summer Theatre.
THA 380: Topics in Theatre Arts
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: see current course schedule)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered
in depth in other courses, to issues of current interest or to the
newest research available in a discipline.
THA 412: Advanced Production Design and Management
(1-3 hrs.)
(May be
repeated for credit)
Lighting Designer, Scenic Designer, Costume Designer,
Sound Designer: responsible for designing and supervising
the execution of lighting, scenery, costumes or sound for a major
on-campus production. Stage Management: Stage Manager
for a major on-campus production.
THA
413: Stagecraft III
(3 hrs.)
(May be taken four times for credit)
(Prerequisites: THA 214, THA 216, THA 218 and permission of instructor)
Practical work experience designed to aid the student in attaining
professional quality skills through completion of a major construction
project.
THA
420: Senior Acting Seminar
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: THA 332, senior standing and permission of program)
Actors' marketplace. Practical and ethical problems faced by the
actor seeking work in theatre/television and films. Discussion with
actors, agents, casting directors and other theatre professionals
in Hollywood and New York City (via amplified telephone) with emphasis
on techniques of making rounds, unions, contracts, television commercials,
demo tapes, show case productions and more.
THA 421: Advanced Acting I—Shakespeare
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: THA 332 or permission of instructor)
Shakespeare for the actor. Voice, movement and script analysis in
classical drama.
THA 422: Advanced Acting II—The Audition
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: THA 421, which may be taken concurrently, or permission
of instructor)
Creation of an audition package for presentation at the national
URTA auditions for advanced work in graduate schools, summer stock
and professional repertory theatre.
THA 423: Advanced Acting III—Acting for Camera
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: THA 332 or permission of instructor)
Acting for camera in TV and film (in conjunction with the Mass Media
Program).
THA 424: Advanced Acting IV Comedy
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: THA 332 or permission of instructor)
Comedy: theory and acting techniques. Course includes study in slapstick
farce, stand-up monologues, contemporary comic playwrights and "period" plays (Restoration, Wilde, Coward).
THA 425: Senior Production Seminar
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: senior standing and one of the following: THA 312,
317, 318, or 412)
The production seminar is an intensive course to prepare the technical
theatre student to enter the working world of theatre. Each student
works with a faculty member in his/her specific area of concentration
during lab sessions. The core of the course is the development and
refinement of a portfolio for presentation/interviews during the
semester. The course includes readings and discussions about moral
and ethical issues faced in art and the business of technical theatre
today.
THA 432: Directing III
(3 hrs.)
(May be taken four times for credit)
(Prerequisite: THA 320 or permission of instructor)
Direction of a major production with the approval of the program
chair.
Independent Study
Independent studies (special studies, tutorials,
readings, projects) may be proposed by students who wish to investigate
a subject not otherwise available. Information about independent
study may be obtained in the department offices or in the Office
of the Registrar.
