THET - Theatre
THET408 Seminar: Theory and Performance Studies (3 Credits)
Studies in theatre theory and performance studies from classical antiquity to the present.
Repeatable to: 12 credits if content differs.
THET411 Voice for the Actor II (3 Credits)
Learn the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and apply to exploration of sound and language. Designed to increase voice and speech awareness, and create a base knowledge from which to approach any accent or dialect.
Prerequisite: THET324 or THET325; and must audition; and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
Credit Only Granted for: THET311, THET411, or THET499L.
Formerly: THET311.
THET420 Language and the Actor (3 Credits)
Explores the actor's relationship to language, particularly heightened poetic language, in order to: develop the ability to embody language and vocally and physically project the images; apply an intellectual understanding of the inherent structural, poetic, and rhetorical techniques of heightened language in combination with action theory; and access the inner states of character while expressing them through text.
Prerequisite: THET325 or THET324; and must audition; and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
THET424 Movement II: Advanced Studies in Movement and Mask Theatre (3 Credits)
A deeper exploration of how to use the actor's instrument for dramatic expression. Continuing work in the F.M. Alexander Technique and foundational exercise to help actors learn what they need to prepare for rehearsal and performance. Other techniques may include theatrical styles, physical character, dramatic use and play with space and rhythm and masks.
Prerequisite: THET325 or THET324; and must audition; and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
THET425 Actor's Process II (3 Credits)
A deeper exploration of the work begun in THET325. A continuation of creating a personal process through which the actor can confidently approach any genre of play. Special focus on status and subtext and the world of the playwright.
Prerequisite: THET325; and must audition; and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
THET426 Theatrical Clown (3 Credits)
Progression of developing individual clown characters through methods based on European pedagogy which emphasizes a physical and technical approach to actor training.
Prerequisite: THET324 or THET325; and must Audition.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Credit Only Granted for: THET426, THET499C or THET 499O.
Formerly: THET499C, THET499O or THET426.
THET428 Special Topics in Advanced Theatre and Performance (1-3 Credits)
This course is offered as part of the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies' Artist in Residence program. Topics covered may include: Intercultural Theatre; Performance Art; Puppetry; Solo Performance; or Theatrical Design.
Prerequisite: THET114 or TDPS201; and (THET116, THET222, and THET223); and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
Repeatable to: 3 credits if content differs.
Additional Information: Incorporate the change from THET 114 to TDPS 201, listing both numbers, as students will take the prerequisite under either number. To change the catalog description to reflect the proper unit name as the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies.
THET429 Actor's Studio (1-3 Credits)
Participation in dramatic roles executed under faculty supervision in the department's productions. Eligible students must make commitments and plan performances with course instructor during pre-registration.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Repeatable to: 10 credits.
THET435 Advanced Costume Construction (3 Credits)
The course is taught in a presentation/practical application format. Students will learn advanced techniques in draping and pattern development and develop proficiency in communication of design and construction choices.
Prerequisite: THET284 and THET384; and portfolio review; and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department. Jointly offered with THET635.
Credit Only Granted for: THET435, THET499 K, THET635, or THET669K.
Formerly: THET499K and THET669K.
THET440 Advanced Playwriting (3 Credits)
Ensemble-based writer's workshop. It is the second part of a two-course sequence and is designed for students who already have a foundation in the basics of playwriting or who are other wise well-versed in the art of theatre and dramatic structure. Through exploratory writing sequences, the reading of full-length plays, and in-class readings of work-in-progress, students will continue to deepen their craft and develop the script for a new full-length play.
Prerequisite: THET340; or permission of instructor. And permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Credit Only Granted for: THET440 or THET499P.
Formerly: THET499P.
THET451 Musical Theatre Workshop I (3 Credits)
Development of the ability to move, act and express through the media of lyric and music.
Prerequisite: Must audition.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
THET452 Musical Theatre Workshop II (3 Credits)
Development of the ability to move, act and express through the media of lyric and music from the integrated musicals of the 1960s through the development of concert and rock/pop musicals.
Prerequisite: Must audition.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
THET465 History of Fashion for the Theatre (3 Credits)
A survey of Western clothing from the Ancient Worlds through 20th Century. A discussion of the cultural contexts of various trends in fashion through an examination of art, industry and textiles.
Prerequisite: THET116; or permission of instructor.
Restriction: Sophomore standing or higher.
THET469 Study Abroad Special Topics IV (1-6 Credits)
Special topics course taken as part of an approved study abroad program.
Repeatable to: 15 credits if content differs.
THET471 Design Studio in Scenery (3 Credits)
Advanced study of scenic design for the theatre. Particular design projects will vary.
Prerequisite: THET371; and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department. Jointly offered with THET639.
THET472 Scene Painting (3 Credits)
Scene painting techniques and materials. Three-dimensional realistic scenery and non-realistic two-dimensional projects.
Prerequisite: THET114 or TDPS201; or permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
THET473 Rendering for the Theatre II (3 Credits)
Continued study in rendering techniques and graphic skills for theatrical design presentation. Emphasis on style, technique and use of different artistic media.
Prerequisite: THET373; or permission of instructor.
THET474 Advanced Stage Management (3 Credits)
Intensive practical study of the techniques and procedures for stage management.
Prerequisite: THET114 or TDPS201; and (THET116, THET222, THET223, and THET274); and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department; and sophomore standing or higher.
THET475 History of Art, Architecture, and Decor for the Theatre (3 Credits)
Study of Western art, architecture, and decor and their practical application to theatrical production.
Prerequisite: THET114 or TDPS201; and (THET116, THET222, and THET223); and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department. Jointly offered with THET670.
THET477 Design Studio in Lighting (3 Credits)
Designed for students who have successfully completed THET377 and wish to further develop their lighting design skills. Emphasis is on theoretical design of productions and realized light lab projects. Particular design projects will vary.
Prerequisite: THET377; and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department. Jointly offered with THET659.
THET479 Production Practicum (1-3 Credits)
Designed to expand students' practical knowledge and skills through working on Department of Theatre productions.
Prerequisite: THET116 and THET114; and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
THET480 Advanced Sound Design (3 Credits)
Students will dive deeper into the technical elements of sound design, developing a working understanding of both software editing tools as well as the primary components of a live sound system.
Prerequisite: THET380 and permission of the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies.
THET481 Theatre Graphics II: Computer Assisted Design (3 Credits)
Study and practical application of computer generated graphical design for use in theatrical production.
Prerequisite: THET114 or TDPS201; and THET116; and permission of ARHU-Theatre department.
Restriction: Sophomore standing or higher.
THET482 Scene Painting II (3 Credits)
Advanced study of theatrical scenic painting.
Prerequisite: THET472; or permission of instructor.
Restriction: Sophomore standing or higher.
THET488 Special Topics in Theatre History Before 1800 (3 Credits)
Topics in the history of world theatre and performance from the Greeks through 1800.
Repeatable to: 12 credits if content differs.
THET489 Special Topics in Theatre History from 1800 to Present (3 Credits)
Topics in the history of world theatre and performance from 1800 to present.
Repeatable to: 12 credits if content differs.
THET491 Theatrical Rendering Using Photoshop (3 Credits)
A studio course in rendering for the theatre. The course focuses primarily on traditional approaches to perspective drawing, space, texture, color and lighting rendering using Photoshop. Photoshop tools and techniques; preparing three-dimensional objects for accurate rendering; and techniques for Photoshop rendering and lighting of three-dimensional objects and architectural forms. This class primarily has an emphasis on rendering/uses for scenic design.
Prerequisite: THET471.
Credit Only Granted for: THET491 or THET428O.
Formerly: THET428O.
THET497 Non-Traditional Theatre (3 Credits)
Seminar exploring American and European experimental performance since 1960. Topics include experimental theatre, performance art, pornography and performance, gender and performance, and popular culture and performance. Topics are treated historically and theoretically. Student-produced performance projects are an important component of the seminar.
THET498 Seminar: Theatre History (3 Credits)
Studies in theatre history from classical antiquity to the present.
Prerequisite: THET488 or THET489.
Restriction: Senior standing; and permission of instructor.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs. Jointly offered with THET698.
Credit Only Granted for: THET498 or THET6 98.
THET499 Independent Study (1-3 Credits)
An independent study course in which each student completes an assigned major theatre project under close faculty supervision. Projects may culminate with term papers, scenic or costume designs, or a stage production.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Repeatable to: 6 credits.
THET600 Introduction to Graduate Research Methods (3 Credits)
Basic skills in theatre research.
Restriction: Must be a graduate student in a Theatre program. Also offered as: THET700.
Credit Only Granted for: THET600 or THET700.
Additional Information: Only students in the doctoral program may register for THET700.
THET606 Teaching Theatre (1 Credit)
Strategies and materials for teaching a typical introductory course in theatre, with emphasis on specific problems of classroom instruction (e.g., creating a supportive climate, promoting active learning by students, constructing appropriate tests, adapting methods to content, and resolving discipline problems).
THET608 Seminar: Theory and Performance Studies (3 Credits)
A repeatable seminar on special topics in theory of the Theatre and Performance Studies.
Recommended: THET700 and THET600.
Repeatable to: 9 credits if content differs. Jointly offered with THET408.
Credit Only Granted for: THET40 8 or THET608.
THET614 Ethnography and Performance (3 Credits)
Different types of cultural and artistic preformance around the world (theatre, music, dance, sport, festival) are examined. Students learn 1) how various types of live performance are studied ethnographically; 2) what thick description reveals and how it adds to the analysis of performance; and 3) methods for conducting an ethnographic study of performance.
Credit Only Granted for: ANTH688O, THET608E, or THET614.
Formerly: THET608E.
THET616 Character Development (2-3 Credits)
European-based pedagogy which emphasizes a physical and technical approach to actor training. Includes technique training in physical theatre and movement, voice, monologue writing, site-specific performance, and street theatre.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
THET619 Special Topics in Performance Studio (2-6 Credits)
This is a rotating "special topics" course that will address the history and theory of performance in areas including: political performance, experimental theatre, and contemporary theatre. The course will be offered by guest artists/instructors who are part of the Theatre Department's professional network of scholars and artists.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
THET627 Verse Analysis (2 Credits)
Exploration of how verse works. Looking at objective issues of verse speaking iambic pentameter and its variations, heightened versus naturalistic speech, antithesis, onomatopoeia, assonance, alliteration, and the difference between verse and prose as well as irony, ambiguity, passion, coolness, exploring character, poetry and hidden poetry.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
THET629 Performance Lab (1 Credit)
Students will develop a performance project based on the training that they have received in their current semester's study. This course offers students the oportunity to expand and develop their practice.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
THET630 Voice I (2 Credits)
Students will learn the Linklater progression of voice exercises. Work will include the discovery of sound in the body, awareness and opening of the channel, exploration of resonance, vocal freedom and range, isolating and strengthening resonating chambers and articulation exercises.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
THET632 Playwriting (3 Credits)
Lessons in playwriting, including character, plot, dramatic structure, dialogue, exposition, setting, and creating theatrical images.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
THET633 Figure Drawing for Theatre Design (3 Credits)
Figure Drawing is designed to give students the necessary drawing skills that are required when drawing and painting for the theatre. We will study anatomy, figure/ground relationships, composition plotting and layout, planar value, light and shadow analysis, color theory and the fundamentals of perspective and how this applies to theatre design.
Credit Only Granted for: THET633 or THET669F.
Formerly: THET669F.
THET635 Graduate Costume Construction (3 Credits)
The course is taught in a presentation/practical application format. Students will learn advanced techniques in draping and pattern development and develop proficiency in communication of design and construction choices.
Prerequisite: THET284 and THET384; and portfolio review; and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Jointly offered with: THET435.
THET636 Photoshop for Theatrical Rendering (3 Credits)
Photoshop tools and techniques; preparing three-dimensional objects for accurate rendering; and techniques for Photoshop rendering and lighting of three-dimensional objects and architectural forms.
Credit Only Granted for: THET636 or THET669P.
Formerly: THET669P.
THET637 Movement Awareness (2 Credits)
Based on the F.M. Alexander Technique, students will learn to recognize habit patterns that interfere with movement, breath, voice, and expression.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
THET639 Graduate Design Studio - Scenery (3 Credits)
A repeatable course that allows students to progress in their design training through a series of carefully and individually structured assignments and projects.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Repeatable to: 12 credits if content differs.
THET640 Voice II (2 Credits)
Build on an understanding of vocal anatomy and knowledge of habitual vocal usage, this course will challenge students to work beyond their habitual voice patterns. Emphasis will be placed on range, resonance, and vocal improvisation.
Prerequisite: THET630.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
THET642 Thesis Development (2 Credits)
Focus on writing the scripts for the thesis projects that will be performed in year three in the Festival of New Works. The course is designed to compose and finish a story in the form of a play or devised script during the course of the semester. Students will hone skills of listening and critique, and to provide a forum in which you can share and garner feedback on your work.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
THET643 Puppetry and Performance (3 Credits)
Students will learn the history and techniques of puppetry (Western and Non-Western).
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
THET645 Graduate Rendering for Costume Design (3 Credits)
Advance study in rendering techniques for theatrical design presentation.
Credit Only Granted for: THET669R or THET645.
Formerly: THET669R.
THET647 Movement Fundamentals (2 Credits)
Based on Jacques Lecoq's technique of neutral mask and character mask.
Prerequisite: THET637.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
THET648 Performance Practicum (3 Credits)
A "hands-on" course providing students with opportunities to apply techniques, concepts, and principles learned in class to practical production projects in real time situations. Generally, practicum students will participate in a Main-stage production.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Repeatable to: 6 credits.
THET649 Graduate Design Studio - Costume (3 Credits)
A series of carefully and individually structured assignments and projects that allows students to progress in their design training.
Repeatable to: 12 credits if content differs.
Credit Only Granted for: THET483 or THET649.
THET650 Voice III (2 Credits)
Deepening understanding and experience of the unique voice. Work will focus on identifying vocal habits, and then learning new tools such as the International Phonetic Alphabet, phrasing distinctions, and Roy Hart vocal techniques.
Prerequisite: THET640.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
THET652 Ensemble Devised Performance (3 Credits)
Process of developing an ensemble, and as an ensemble researching, developing and performing a devised performance. The techniques involve teaching how each solo voice must be developed in order for the ensemble voice to function efficiently.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
THET657 Movement Styles (2 Credits)
Based on the techniques of theatrical clown originally developed by Jacques Lecoq and further developed by Serge Martin, Phillipe Gaulier and Pierre Byland. Builds from the techniques learned with neutral and character mask work. Theatrical clown work increases a performer's flexibility, ability to pick up cues, enhances stage presence, and teaches the performer to work beyond the fourth wall.
Prerequisite: THET637.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
THET659 Graduate Design Studio - Lighting (3 Credits)
We will focus on connecting subject matter to light. Questions of meaning, structure, process, and intent will be investigated. The class will also explore the qualities and functions of light, what light can and cannot communicate. Students will develop a visual and conceptual vocabulary. Emphasis will be placed on process, both intellectual and practical.
Jointly offered with: THET477.
Restriction: Must not have completed THET477; and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Repeatable to: 12 credits if content differs.
THET669 Independent Study (1-3 Credits)
THET670 Period Style for the Theatre: Fashion and Decor (3 Credits)
A study of environmental decor, theatrical architecture, historic ornament and fashion through the ages and their practical application for theatrical production.
Recommended: THET600.
Jointly offered with: THET475.
THET672 Scenography (3 Credits)
An advanced design studio which takes a comprehensive approach to design spanning across lines between specific disciplines and explores Scenography as an art form. Students are expected to concentrate in their primary design area while simultaneously conceiving, coordinating and developing other scenographic elements.
THET677 Production Practices (2 Credits)
Explores business practices in the field of professional theatre, including arts management, development, and marketing.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
THET678 Collaborative Design & Production for Performance (3 Credits)
A 3rd year capstone course co-taught by design faculty and invited professional artists and designers. 2nd year students can take the class by special permission. This is an advanced studio class in design collaboration. Students will design two theoretical projects under the supervision of two design faculty members and guest directors.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Repeatable to: 9 credits.
THET680 History of Fashion for Theatre (3 Credits)
Evolution of clothing styles and materials through history, from early Mid-Eastern civilizations to the present day.
Credit Only Granted for: THET680 or THET669A.
Formerly: THET669A.
THET685 History of Theatrical Theory Before Modernism (3 Credits)
Theories of drama (written script) and theatre (performance) from fifth-century B.C. Greece through nineteenth-century romanticism.
Recommended: THET600.
THET686 History of Modern Theory (3 Credits)
Modern dramatic and performance theory from realism through postmodernism with special emphasis on the European and American avant-garde.
Recommended: THET600. Jointly offered with THET486.
Formerly: THET689.
THET688 Special Problems in Drama (3 Credits)
The preparation of adaptations and other projects in dramaturgy.
THET697 Performance Thesis Project (3 Credits)
The thesis project incorporates both a performance and an oral examination that assesses the student's ability to apply techniques and methods learned thoughout his/her course of study. Students will select a performance project based on their areas of expertise or interest. Performances will be videotaped and reviewed by the student's thesis committee.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
THET698 Seminar: Theatre History (3 Credits)
Studies in theatre history from classical antiquity to the present.
Prerequisite: THET391 and THET390; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Recommended: THET600.
Repeatable to: 9 credits if content differs. Jointly offered w ith THET498.
THET700 Introduction to Graduate Research Methods (3 Credits)
Basic skills in theatre research.
Restriction: Must be a graduate student in a Theatre program. Also offered as: THET600.
Credit Only Granted for: THET600 or THET700.
Additional Information: Only students in the doctoral program may register for THET700.
THET711 Critical Theory (3 Credits)
A doctoral methods course. Major developments in modern and postmodern critical theory with particular emphasis on application to the fields of Theatre and Performance Studies.
Prerequisite: THET700.
Recommended: THET712.
THET712 Historical Research Methods and Historiography in Theatre (3 Credits)
A survey of methods commonly used in writing theatre history and their application to a suitable problem. Formulation of significant research questions, systematic collection of bibliographic and phenomenal information, formulating substantial claims, organizing and writing research for disciplinary outlets.
Prerequisite: THET700.
Formerly: PCOM712.
THET713 Performance Studies (3 Credits)
Introduces doctoral students to theoretical and methodological issues in performance studies. We will focus on 3 primary areas of research, analyzing representational strategies of adaptations, ethnography, and cultural analysis of theatrical performance.
Prerequisite: THET700.
THET788 Design for Live Performance Tutorial (1-6 Credits)
Collaboration with a faculty member on joint creative and artistic projects. A tutorial that assists students in developing a professional design portfolio, monitors practical production efforts and addresses practical production skills that may not be offered in traditional design studios.
Restriction: Permission of instructor.
Repeatable to: 6 credits.
THET789 Theatre Design Process and Production (1-6 Credits)
The class encompasses various areas of pedagogical interactions between MFAD students and their mentors which include, but are not limited to: design advising and supervision for mainstage design assignments and professional projects outside the School, production process supervision (shop walkthroughs, fittings, technical rehearsals, note sessions), mandatory design critiques, assisting faculty members on outside professional projects etc.
Restriction: Permission of instructor.
Repeatable to: 6 credits.
THET799 MFA Theatre Design Thesis (1-6 Credits)
Projects are assigned and approved as Thesis by the student's primary faculty mentor. Projects fall into three categories: 1) realized mainstage designs at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center; 2) realized designs at professional venues outside the University; 3) theoretical designs.
Repeatable to: 6 credits.
THET888 Doctoral Practicum in Theatre (1-6 Credits)
Critical analysis of a phase of a professional field of theatre. Analysis of professional activity through personal observation. Evaluation of the purpose, process, effectiveness, and efficiency of professional activity. Recommendations for training and further research.
Repeatable to: 6 credits.
THET889 Doctoral Tutorial in Theatre (1-6 Credits)
Individual research in theatre.
Repeatable to: 6 credits.
THET898 Pre-Candidacy Research (1-6 Credits)
Repeatable to: 12 credits.
THET899 Doctoral Dissertation Research (1-10 Credits)
Formerly: PCOM899.