Theatre Arts (THEA)

THEA 101A. Introduction to Theatre. 1 Unit.

A survey course that offers an aesthetic and historical appreciation for the development of theatre performance, and an appreciation for the work performed by theatre practitioners (such as that of the playwright, performer, designer and director).

THEA 121. Stagecraft. 1 Unit.

Study of the basic theory of planning, designing, drafting, construction, and rigging of scenery, lighting, costumes, and other technical elements of theatre. Laboratory required.

THEA 130A. Principles of Acting. 1 Unit.

A study of the fundamental techniques involved in the performer's use of the body, voice, and imagination leading to greater self-confidence and imaginative expression in preparing roles for stage and screen.

THEA 180. Theatre Elective. 1 Unit.

THEA 181. Theatre Elective. 1 Unit.

THEA 185. Independent Study. 0.5 or 1 Units.

THEA 190. Special Topics in Theatre. 1 Unit.

Intensive study of selected topics related to theatre.

THEA 203. Principles of Directing. 1 Unit.

An introduction to the fundamentals of directing. This includes script analysis as a basis for production and working with actors in scene work. Prerequisite: THEA 130A or permission of instructor.

THEA 205A. Voice and Diction. 1 Unit.

Theory and practice designed to help the student develop the speaking voice for performance, particularly in regard to support, articulation, and expressiveness.

THEA 210. Theatre Workshop. 0.25 Units.

For majors, minors, and non-majors participating in technical activities in support of major theatre productions. This course may be repeated for credit. A student may only enroll in either 210 or 214, but not both in the same semester.

THEA 212. Theatre Performance. 0.25 Units.

For majors, minors, and non-majors participating in research, rehearsal and performance activities in support of major theatre productions. This course may be repeated for credit.

THEA 214. Theatre Workshop: Leadership. 0.25 Units.

Students taking this course will pursue a leadership role in the production of one of the theatre program's season offerings. This course may be repeated for credit. A student may only enroll in either 210 or 214, but not both in the same semester. Permission of instructor required.

THEA 220A. Entertainment Design. 1 Unit.

Survey and study through analysis and discussion of the design of scenery, lighting, costumes, sound, props and special effects in theatre, film and television.

THEA 237. Acting Comedy. 1 Unit.

In-depth study and application of select acting techniques appropriate to genres of comedy, including situation comedy, farce, and the comedy of manners. Prerequisite: THEA 130A or permission of instructor.

THEA 238. Acting for the Camera. 1 Unit.

In-depth study and application of select acting techniques appropriate to film and video production. Prerequisite: THEA 130A or permission of instructor.

THEA 241H. Theatre History from Classical to the Neo-Classical Era. 1 Unit.

Study of the development of theatre arts from Classical to the Neo-Classical Era, focusing on developmental changes in the areas of literature, theory, and conventions of performance. Offered every other year in the fall semester.

THEA 242H. Theatre History From Modern to the Postmodern Era. 1 Unit.

Study of the development of theatre arts from Modern to the Postmodern Era, focusing on developmental changes in the areas of literature, theory, and conventions of performance. Offered every other year in the spring semester.

THEA 261A. Theatre Fest. 1 Unit.

Critical study, attendance, and review of multiple live theatre productions in a theatre festival or other similar event. Offered on demand.

THEA 271A. Representations of Performance in Film. 1 Unit.

An aesthetic examination of the nature of theatrical performance through watching, discussing, and reviewing films that seek to communicate to a general audience the experience of – what it feels like to be – an actor in performance.

THEA 285. Independent Study. 0.5 or 1 Units.

THEA 290. Special Topics in Theatre. 1 Unit.

Intensive study of selected topics related to theatre.

THEA 321. Scenic Design. 1 Unit.

An introduction to the aesthetics and the process of scenic design through critique and discussion of projects. Students will examine the text or source material as well as the action of the play while learning to communicate effectively visual design ideas using design tools and processes. Prerequisite: THEA 121.

THEA 322. Stage Lighting. 1 Unit.

Study of design concepts, use of color, equipment, and drawings in designing the lighting for a dramatic production. Prerequisite: THEA 121 or permission of instructor.

THEA 323. Scenic Artistry. 1 Unit.

A studio class in scenic painting techniques and processes for the theatre. Students will explore and experiment with scaling, textures, materials, carving and color theory. Students will learn to analyze, plan and sample scenic renderings or other source material to accurately recreate design treatments.

THEA 325A. Costume and Makeup. 1 Unit.

A study of the historical development, design process, and construction techniques for costumes used in theatrical productions, plus a study of the materials and techniques used for stage make-up. Laboratory work required.

THEA 337. Acting: Mask and Movement. 1 Unit.

In-depth study and application of select acting techniques that focus on increasing the effectiveness of movement and gesture as expressive tools. Prerequisite: THEA 130A or permission of instructor.

THEA 343. History of Musical Theatre. 1 Unit.

This course will offer an extensive overview of the historical development of musical theatre, from its origins in Greek Theatre to the postmodern revivals of the 21st century. Prerequisite THEA 101A or permission of instructor.

THEA 344V. Theatre History: Non-Western. 1 Unit.

This course focuses on Stetson's Human Diversity Value. Study of the development of non-Western theatre (Asia and Africa), focusing on developmental changes in the areas of performance, space, text, and audience. Prerequisite THEA 101A or permission of instructor.

THEA 372V. Sticking It to the Man: Theatre of Protest. 1 Unit.

This course focuses on Stetson's Social Justice Value. A survey of theatrical literature and practice that focuses on its use as an agent of social, economic, or political discourse and change. Major geographic areas include Eastern Europe, Hispanic USA, Latin America, and Africa. Junior Seminar.

THEA 373V. The Plays of August Wilson. 1 Unit.

This course focuses on Stetson's Human Diversity Value. An intense study of the plays of August Wilson which chronicle the African American experience over the course of the 20th century. Junior Seminar.

THEA 374V. Revenge Drama: The Ethics of Vengence. 1 Unit.

This course focuses on Stetson's Ethical or Spiritual Inquiry Value. This course offers an intense study of several revenge plays and musicals from three different historical periods: The Greek era, the Renaissance, and the 20th century. Junior Seminar.

THEA 375V. The Comedienne: Female Comics. 1 Unit.

This course focuses on Stetson's Human Diversity Value. This course focuses on Stetson's Human Diversity Value. This course offers and intense study of female comedians of the 20th century using theories of gender and performance. Junior Seminar.

THEA 376V. Native American Culture and Performance. 1 Unit.

This course focuses on Stetson's Human Diversity Value. This course examines the interactivity of Native American culture and performance based on studying performance by Indians and the performance of “Indianness” by Indians and non-Indians alike. This includes studying Native American actors and acting; films and plays by Indian and non-Indian authors seeking to define or redefine “Indianness”; public acts and speeches, and when possible, live performances. Junior Seminar.

THEA 385. Independent Study. 0.5 or 1 Units.

THEA 390. Special Topics in Theatre. 0.5 to 1 Units.

Intensive study of selected topics related to theatre.

THEA 395. Teaching Apprenticeship. 0.5 Units.

Pass/Fail only. Students assist a faculty member with the teaching and management responsibilities related to one of the program’s existing courses. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be repeated once.

THEA 399. Junior Portfolio Review. 0.5 Units.

In this course, students will create and present a professional style portfolio highlighting their achievements in creative activity. In addition, students will offer a formal proposal for their Senior Research Project. Prerequisite: THEA 121, THEA 130A, and THEA 203, or permission of instructor.

THEA 402. Advanced Theatre Studio. 1 Unit.

This course provides an opportunity for advanced students of Directing and Design to collaborate on the fully supported and budgeted production of short plays presented as part of the regular theatre season. Based on contemporary theatre theory and practice, the course focuses on building collaborative art and the communication among practitioners that facilitate that process.

THEA 403. Advanced Directing. 1 Unit.

Advanced study of contemporary staging theory and practice. In addition to surveying contemporary directors and techniques, the student will direct a one-act play for public performance. Prerequisite: THEA 203, or permission of instructor.

THEA 408. Theories of the Theatre. 1 Unit.

A study of the major dramatic theories that have influenced Western drama and theatre from classical to modern times. Prerequisite THEA 101A or permission of instructor.

THEA 438. Acting Period Style. 1 Unit.

In-depth study and application of select acting techniques appropriate to the performance of Shakespeare, Restoration Drama, and other period texts. Prerequisite: THEA 130A or permission of instructor.

THEA 443. Theatre History: America. 1 Unit.

Study of the development of the theatre in America, focusing on developmental changes in the areas of performance, space, text, and audience. Prerequisite THEA 101A or permission of instructor.

THEA 444. Theatre History: Non-Western. 1 Unit.

Study of the development of non-Western theatre (Asia and Africa), focusing on developmental changes in the areas of performance, space, text, and audience. Prerequisite THEA 101A or permission of instructor.

THEA 446. Arts Management. 1 Unit.

Applied study of the organization and management of a nonprofit arts organization, to include organizational structures, budgeting, timetables, staffing, marketing/publicity, and general preproduction planning. Although focused on theatre production, the issues and techniques covered are applicable to art, music, and other artistic organizations.

THEA 485. Independent Study. 0.5 or 1 Units.

THEA 490. Special Topics in Theatre. 1 Unit.

Intensive study of selected topics related to theatre.

THEA 498. Senior Seminar Production. 1 Unit.

This course serves as a collaborative research group project. Together, students will demonstrate mastery of the critical inquiry process inherent to theatre arts by researching a topic or question related to one of Stetson’s Core Values (Personal Growth, Intellectual Development, Global Citizenship). This course will culminate in a live theatre production that results from the research generated through this creative inquiry. Offered very year in the fall semester. Offered every year in the fall semester.

THEA 499. Senior Project. 0.5 or 1 Units.

As a capstone course, students evaluate their major achievements in creative activity. The course culminates in the oral presentation of a professional theatre arts portfolio. Prerequisite: THEA 498.