Through the examination of a variety of plays from different eras and aesthetics, students learn methodologies from Aristotle to modern performance theory in order to critically and theoretically analyze a script for potential production. This course includes an introduction to theatre research and writing methods, and serves as a foundation for other major courses in theatre.

Offered fall semester.

The basic tasks of the actor are considered in three distinct units: voice and movement; creativity and imagination; and, character and scene development. The course serves as an introduction to theatrical performance, and provides a knowledge and appreciation of theatre as a process of fostering creative expression.

Offered spring semester.

An introductory study and practice of basic techniques commonly used in theatre production. The course focuses on simultaneous development of crafts found in scenery, lighting, and costumes.

A materials fee is required. Offered fall semester.

This course, the first in a three-course sequence examining theatre within its historical context as a socially constructed mode of artistic and cultural expression, considers the history, dramatic literature, dramatic criticism, and theory of pre-literate ritual cultures, Ancient Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages in Europe, Asia, and India, and the European Renaissance.

Offered fall semester.

This course considers the elemental concerns for the director including movement, composition, and a review of script analysis techniques. Students practice techniques and possibilities in short classroom scenes and through guided practice in directing scenes to be presented for an audience.

Offered fall semester. Prerequisites: TA100 and TA180.

Students are introduced to developing necessary materials and documentation for the academic and professional theatre portfolio. Topics include resumes, headshots, monologues, songs, design/tech portfolios, and the e-portfolio for their area of focus. Emphasis is placed on readying materials for the departmental sophomore review including writing the narrative statement of career goals, as well as preparing applications for summer theatre work.

Prerequisite: sophomore theatre major or minor.

The second in a three course sequence examining theatre within its historical context as a socially constructed mode of artistic and cultural expression, this particular course investigates the history, dramatic literature, dramatic criticism, and theory of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries with an emphasis on Baroque Europe, the aesthetics of Enlightenment and Romanticism, opera, and the development of theatre in the United States.

Offered spring semester.

This course explores the transfer of dramatic literature from the page to the stage. Prior to attending a London production, students analyze and interpret a given text and discuss its possible production requirements. After viewing the production students assess it based on their pre-production analysis and interpretation.

Offered fall semester. Prerequisite: majors or minors.

This course helps students develop documents and materials relative to auditioning and interviewing for theatre related employment. Topics include resumes, head shots, monologues/songs, cold readings, design/tech portfolios, cover letters, call boards, graduate school/additional training, audition/interview protocol, talent and casting agencies, film-TV-industrials, unions and organizations, living in a large city, and more. The course culminates with a senior showcase.

Reserved for senior Theatre majors and minors only. Offered fall semester.

The course covers the major concepts of modern and post-modern dramatic and performance theory. The course culminates with a theoretically informed and faculty mentored research essay in modern theatre studies.

Offered fall semester. Intended for senior Theatre majors; other students may apply to the course instructor for permission to enroll.

An experiential course open to all students interested in a guided study of various theatrical arts in the context of a production atmosphere. Requirements of the course include a weekly three-hour lab, as well as the opportunity to perform a practical assignment on one production.

For the Theatre major, two credits at this level are required, but up to three may be taken. The course cannot be taken at the same time as Theatre Crafts or during the London semester. Graded pass/no credit.

An experiential course open to all students interested in a guided study of various theatrical arts in the context of a production atmosphere. Requirements of the course include a weekly three-hour lab, as well as the opportunity to perform a practical assignment on one production.

For the Theatre major, two credits at this level are required, but up to three may be taken. The course cannot be taken at the same time as Theatre Crafts or during the London semester. Graded pass/no credit.

Topics vary in these in-depth studies of particular aspects of theatre or of theatre artists.

Offered spring semester. Required: junior or seniors status or consent of the instructor.

This course explores the essential crafts of the theatrical set designer. In a hands-on approach, students practice traditional sketching, painting, drafting, model-making and practical scenery construction methods. Study concentrates on process-orientated activity – developing one’s personal vision and interpretive skills through script analysis, research techniques, spatial and production considerations and communication of ideas.

Offered fall semester. Prerequisites: TA100 and TA180.

This course explores the essential crafts of the theatrical lighting designer. In a hands-on approach, students practice drafting, hanging, circuiting, focusing, and cuing for lights. Study concentrates on the process: developing one’s personal vision and interpretive skills through script analysis, research techniques, basic theory, production considerations and communication of ideas.

Offered in alternate spring semesters. Prerequisites: TA100 and TA180.

This course focuses on the history of clothing for the stage. Particular emphasis is placed on the costume design process from script to rendering, conceptual thought and communication, and techniques in the planning and building of a show.

Offered in alternate spring semesters. Prerequisites: TA100 and TA180.

This course provides the necessary hands-on learning required to work as a master electrician or sound operator in theatre specifically focusing on the venues at Saint Mary’s. Students will learn to distinguish between various lighting instruments, cable, gel, and hookups and be able to hang the instruments, plug them in, dress the cable, gel and focus lighting instruments, and run the board. Students will also learn to set up the sound equipment (including speakers, microphones, monitors, and amplifiers) as well as run the sound board for live and recorded purposes.

Offered spring semester. Prerequisites: TA100 and TA180.

This course provides the tools for the theatre designer to visualize ideas and would cover necessary techniques in drawing as relates to creating renderings for scenic and costume designs. The course includes still life, perspective, three dimensional modeling, composition, sketching, page formatting and placement, applying elements of design, figure drawing, architectural drawing, drawing light, and the use of various media.

Offered spring semester. Prerequisites: TA100 and TA180.

This course explores the fundamental artistic and technical craft of the stage makeup artist. Through discussion, demonstration, projects, and image research students will define the scope of a makeup artist’s job description and responsibilities. Students will learn to apply basic stage makeup as well as character and specialty makeup. No prerequisites. Theatre students will be encouraged to take this course in the freshman year so they can apply skills in Production Lab. Costume and lighting design students will want to take this course as well to make connects to the use of stage makeup and its influences to their crafts.

Offered fall semester.

Courses dealing with specialized topics, including those relevant to the actor, director, designers, or other theatre practitioners. Topics may include: make-up, stage management, sound design and playwriting.

Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

This course is designed to develop advanced lighting, set, and costume design skills for the student who wishes to pursue design as a career or to advance to graduate school. Students will work on individual projects as well as collaborate on specific simulated real-life designs with full realization of their designs in renderings, models, plots, etc. Emphasis will also be placed on creating the design portfolio.

Offered in alternate spring semesters. Prerequisites: TA100, TA180, TA235, and one of TA270, TA275, TA280 and consent of instructor.