Undergraduate Catalog

2007-08 Academic Year

Dance and Theatre

Dance, DANC

1050. Dance Performance. 1 hour. (0;3) An introductory laboratory course giving credit to students for their experiences in rehearsal and performance of dance as an art form. The course is fourfold in content, including auditions, studio rehearsals, technical and dress rehearsal, and performances. All students planning to audition for a dance performance in the Department of Dance and Theatre must be enrolled in a performance lab. All students enrolled in the course are provided the opportunity to be in a dance production in the capacities of audition, rehearsal and/or performance. Prerequisite(s): concurrent enrollment in a DANC technique course. May be repeated for credit.

1095. Stage Production I. 1 hour. (1;3) Introduction to the principles and practices governing the presentation of stage productions. Students participate in front-of-house, backstage, or costume and makeup operations for theatrical productions. Opportunity to serve in management or design positions when qualified. One-hour weekly lecture plus at least 45 clock-hours per term/semester in a production laboratory. May be repeated for credit. DANC majors are required to have at least 1 hour each in front-of-house, backstage, or costume and makeup production activities, or the equivalent, for graduation. (Same as THEA 2095.)

1100. Stress Reduction Through Movement. 3 hours. (3;1) A study of the basic theories and practices of wellness for increased quantity and quality of life through classroom and movement laboratory experiences. Scientific and philosophic examination of the body-mind connection. Course focuses on gaining an understanding of stress, stress-related illnesses and injuries, and techniques of stress release through movement for rehabilitation and health maintenance. Course addresses learning/growth processes, creativity, body image, preventive care, structural disciplines, movement analysis, body/movement therapies, massage and relaxation techniques. Satisfies Wellness requirement of the University Core Curriculum.

1200. Appreciation of Dance as a Contemporary Art Form. 3 hours. The aesthetics of dance as a performing art. Emphasis placed on the development of an appreciation for dance as a form of communication and as a reflection of contemporary society. Lectures, films and field trips. Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement of the University Core Curriculum.

1250. Somatic Approaches to Movement. 3 hours. An introduction to somatic techniques of learning through affective experiences which are designed to enhance one’s ability to embody and project intent through movement; addresses organizational structures of the body, core support mechanisms and dynamic alignment. Practical application is provided through acquisition of a somatic knowledge of the rudiments of music with emphasis on rhythm, texture and tonal sensitivity. Required of all entering dance majors.

1400. Modern Dance Technique, Level I. 3 hours. (1;3) Introduction to theory and technique of modern dance. Fundamental exercises and analysis of time, space and dynamics as they apply to elements of dance with emphasis on structural alignment and integration. May be repeated for credit.

1410. Ballet Technique, Level I. 3 hours. (1;3) Basic techniques of classical ballet. Emphasis placed on fundamentals of alignment, integration, terminology and simple ballet movement vocabulary. May be repeated for credit.

1500. Jazz Dance Technique, Level I. 1 hour. (1;3) Introduction to jazz dance through a study of its vocabulary, style and technique. May be repeated for credit.

1710. Tap Dance Technique, Level I. 1 hour. (1;3) Basic technique of tap dance designed for the beginning performing student. Fundamentals of body placement, terminology, simple tap combinations, elements of performance quality and tap dance composition. May be repeated for credit.

2400. Modern Dance Technique, Level II. 3 hours. (1;3) Emphasis placed on performance of relatively more complex combinations of movement patterns. Technical development of the body for greater range of movement and control. Analysis of time, space and dynamics as they apply to dance. Prerequisite(s): placement through proficiency exam. May be repeated for credit.

2410. Ballet Technique, Level II. 3 hours. (1;3) A continuation of DANC 1410. More emphasis is placed on simple adagio and allegro combinations as well as stylistically building the body as a performing instrument within the vocabulary of classical ballet. Prerequisite(s): placement through proficiency exam. May be repeated for credit.

2411. Beginning Pointe. 1 hour. (0;3) Fundamentals of classical pointe work preparatory to learning variations from the classical ballet repertory; increasing awareness of and proficiency in this facet of classical ballet training. Prerequisite(s): DANC 1410 or consent of department, and concurrent enrollment in DANC 1410, 2410, 3410 or 4410. May be repeated for credit.

2500. Jazz Dance Technique, Level II. 1 hour. (1;3) A continuation of DANC 1500. Study includes more complex vocabulary, longer movement combinations and more attention to technique and development of jazz dance style. Prerequisite(s): placement through proficiency exam. May be repeated for credit.

2710. Tap Dance Technique, Level II. 1 hour. (1;3) A continuation of DANC 1710 with an emphasis placed on performance of relatively more complex combinations of movement patterns and increased vocabulary. Attention to performing technically to include more intricate rhythm skills, projection, focus, spatial clarity and overall musicality. Prerequisite(s): placement through proficiency exam. May be repeated for credit.

2800. Survey of Dance. 3 hours. Primitive to contemporary dance both as a reflection of cultures and societies and as a performing and participatory art form. Satisfies the Cross-Cultural, Diversity and Global Studies requirement of the University Core Curriculum.

2900-2910. Special Problems. 1–3 hours. Prerequisite(s): consent of the department.

3030. Improvisation and Introduction to Composition. 3 hours. (3;4) Theory and practice of movement exploration for use in establishing expressive movement patterns to be structured into short dance compositions. Three hours weekly of lecture and movement plus a minimum of 60 clock hours in a movement laboratory. Prerequisite(s): DANC 1250 and concurrent enrollment in DANC 2400, 3400 or 4400.

3046. Dance and Technology. 3 hours. (3;3) Introductory survey of digital media, designed for the basic use of multimedia as it relates to dance creation, education, production and research. Laboratory experience is emphasized. Prerequisite(s): DANC 1250, 3030 and concurrent enrollment in technique class or THEA 2351.

3050. Dance Kinesiology. 3 hours. Study of the science of movement as it relates to the specific needs of the dancer. Emphasis placed on kinesiological studies within the dance technique class for greater understanding of developing strength, flexibility, balance and endurance as they apply to the mechanics of movement vocabulary in dance. Special attention is given to injury prevention. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2301/2311 and 2302/2312 and DANC 1100, 2400, and 2410.

3060. Music Analysis for Dance. 3 hours. (3;1) Exploring the interrelationship of music and dance including investigative and experiential aspects of improvisational accompaniment for dance, constructing and playing of percussion instruments, the use of voice, techniques of sound taping and the observation of the relationship between musician/composer and teacher/choreographer. Lab time involves the accompaniment of movement and the development of creative compositions as well as the development of performing skills. Prerequisite(s): DANC 1250, 3030 and concurrent enrollment in DANC 2400, 3400 or 4400.

3080. Principles and Techniques of Dance Performance. 3 hours. (3;4) Study of principles and techniques of dance performance through practical application of performing skills. In-depth work in body awareness, development of mental discipline and understanding the psychological aspects involved in non-verbal communication. Experience in working with a choreographer and performing in both laboratory and concert settings. Three-hour weekly lecture and movement plus a minimum of 60 clock hours in a movement laboratory. Prerequisite(s): DANC 3030; 3060 (may be taken concurrently); and concurrent enrollment in DANC 2400, 3400 or 4400.

3400. Modern Dance Techniques, Level III. 3 hours. (1;3) Continued development of movement vocabulary with emphasis on processing increasingly complex material. Self-analysis of strengths and weaknesses. Prerequisite(s): placement through proficiency exam. May be repeated for credit.

3410. Ballet Technique, Level III. 3 hours. (1;3) Greater emphasis on expressive performance of classical ballet. Development of greater physical strength, stamina and flexibility. Introduction to pointe work, partnering and more complex movement vocabulary. Prerequisite(s): placement through proficiency exam. May be repeated for credit.

3411. Pointe/Repertory/Partnering. 1 hour. (0;3) A continuation of DANC 2411; continued development of expertise that prepares the dancer for learning classical repertory and partnering techniques. Prerequisite(s): DANC 2411 or consent of department, and concurrent enrollment in DANC 2410 or 3410. May be repeated for credit.

3510. Principles and Theories of Dance Composition. 3 hours. (3;4) Development of principles and theories involved in composition. Emphasis placed on movement principles. Group and structural forms. Three hours weekly of lecture and movement plus a minimum of 60 clock hours in a movement laboratory. Prerequisite(s): DANC 3030, 3060, 3080 and concurrent enrollment in DANC 2400, 3400 or 4400.

3617. African Music and Movement. 1 hour. (2.5;0) Study of selected African drum music and development of related traditional movement skills through studio experience. Movements are compared and contrasted with various African and social uses, and artistic and educational values. May be repeated for credit. (Same as MUET 3617.)

3800. History of Concert Dance in the U.S.: 1900 – Present. 3 hours. Historical study of modern dance and ballet on stage from 1900 to the present with an emphasis on dance in the United States. Examination of the evolution of these two concert dance forms through the lives of choreographers; the historical, political, social and cultural context of significant pieces of choreography; and the aesthetic movements and themes represented by specific dances through time. Skills needed to “read” context, meaning and metaphor in dance are enhanced to a higher level of depth and insight. Learning in this course occurs through multiple forms of intelligence and varied modes of communication. Prerequisite(s): DANC 1250, 2800 and 3030.

4050. Dance Performance and Production Lab. 1 hour. (0;3) Advanced laboratory course giving credit to students who have completed at least two terms/semesters of DANC 1050 or its equivalent. Includes experiences in rehearsal and performance of dance as an art form. The course is fourfold in content, including auditions, studio rehearsals, technical and dress rehearsals, and performances. Students planning to audition for a dance performance in the Department of Dance and Theatre must be enrolled in a performance lab. Students are provided opportunity to seek leadership roles in the audition process, serve as rehearsal assistant to choreographers, and assist in organization of auditions and rehearsals. Prerequisite(s): concurrent enrollment in a DANC technique course, and DANC 1050 or equivalent. May be repeated for credit.

4070. Dance Pedagogy: The Teacher Prepares. 3 hours. Instructional strategies and responsibilities common to the teaching of dance and conducting rehearsals for children through preprofessional levels. Prerequisite(s): DANC 3400; 3410 (may be taken concurrently); 3046; 3050; 3060; 3080; 4620 (may be taken concurrently); and concurrent enrollment in 3400 or 4400.

4095. Stage Production II. 1 hour. (1;3) Advanced study of the principles and practices governing the presentation of stage productions. Students manage or serve as crew heads for front-of-house, backstage, and costume and makeup operations for theatrical productions. Opportunity to seek independent solutions to management or technical problems when qualified. One-hour weekly lecture plus at least 45 clock-hours per term/semester in a production laboratory. Prerequisite(s): 3 hours of DANC 1095, or the equivalent, or permission of the department. May be repeated for credit. DANC majors are required to have at least 1 hour each in front-of-house, backstage, or costume and makeup production activities, or the equivalent, for graduation. (Same as THEA 4095.)

4230. Introduction to Movement Therapy. 3 hours. Theory and methods of movement and dance in the therapeutic setting. Use of movement as a tool of rehabilitation. Various aspects of therapy and their relationships to movement and higher states of consciousness. Prerequisite(s): DANC 3050, 3510 and BIOL 2301/2311.

4400. Modern Dance Technique, Level IV. 3 hours. (1;3) A continuation of DANC 3400. For the highly accomplished modern dancer giving emphasis to preprofessional training. Introducing more complex work in contemporary styles. Prerequisite(s): placement through proficiency exam. May be repeated for credit.

4410. Ballet Technique, Level IV. 3 hours. (1;3) A continuation of DANC 3410. For the serious ballet dancer with emphasis on preprofessional preparation. Introducing more complex elements of petit allegro, grande allegro, classical and contemporary ballet repertory. Prerequisite(s): placement through proficiency exam. May be repeated for credit.

4610. Effort/Shape. 3 hours. Based on the theories of Laban Movement Analysis, this course is an advanced study of expressive relationships between one’s inner intent to move, a responding action, and the varied ways our bodies “shape” to form or create that action. Exploration of how combinations of motion factors affect the visual, functional and expressive composition of movement. Emphasis is on exploring and developing skills that increase one’s dynamic range of movement expressiveness essential for the performer. Prerequisite(s): DANC 3030 and 3080, or THEA 1050, 2351, 3050; and senior standing.

4620. Space Harmony. 3 hours. Based on the theories of Laban Movement Analysis, this course investigates harmonic spatial forms and the manner in which they materialize from within the body and extend into space. Subject matter appropriate to choreography, acting/directing and those interested in advanced movement training. Prerequisite(s): DANC 3030 and 3080, or THEA 1050, 2351, 3050; and senior standing.

4650. Senior Project. 3 hours. (3;4) Individualized dance project with selected faculty member. Includes specialized study in, but not limited to, areas such as choreography, creative research, therapy, dance science, examination of pedagogical or administrative issues. Serves as the capstone course for the BA and BFA degrees in dance. Prerequisite(s): depending upon the final area of specialization, the selected 9 hours of prerequisites must be approved by the student’s academic adviser in the Department of Dance and Theatre.

4800. Studies in Dance. 1–3 hours.

4900-4910. Special Problems. 1–3 hours each. Problems must be approved by the department chair.

4951. Honors College Capstone Thesis. 3 hours. Major research project prepared by the student under the supervision of a faculty member and presented in standard thesis format. An oral defense is required of each student for successful completion of the thesis. Prerequisite(s): completion of at least 6 hours in honors courses; completion of at least 12 hours in the major department in which the thesis is prepared; approval of the department chair and the dean of the school or college in which the thesis is prepared; approval of the dean of the Honors College. May be substituted for HNRS 4000.

Theatre, THEA

1020. Theatre Seminar: Preparation for the Profession. 1 hour. Provides students with an examination of theatre as an academic discipline, an art form and a profession. Course includes an intensive program of individual application and group work including readings, discussions, conferences and projects on specialized topics (i.e., collaboration, resume/portfolio development, internships, contemporary issues in theatre) designed by the instructor and students.

1030. Lighting and Sound I. 3 hours. (3;2) Introduction to basic terminology, equipment, personnel and procedures for lighting and sound production in performing arts. Topics include introductions to lighting equipment, basic electricity, optics, color in light, sound equipment, acoustics, sound recording and playback, music and sound effects and safety considerations. Lecture and discussion. Application of concepts through practical exercises and lab hours.

1043. Costume I. 3 hours. (3;2) Principles and practices governing the preparation of costumes for theatrical productions. Costume construction, basic materials, pattern making, work with special fabrics; introduction to design techniques. Practical application in laboratory and on crew assignments for theatrical productions. Required for theatre majors.

1046 (DRAM 1330). Stagecraft I 3 hours. (3;2) Introduction to basic scenery construction, properties, general theatre safety and operations. Course includes a practical laboratory working in the scene shop on department productions.

1050 (DRAM 1351). Acting: Fundamentals. 3 hours. (3;2) Explores and applies basic principles of acting. Topics include terminology, scene and character analysis, the inner process, exercises and improvisation.

1280. Stage Management I. 3 hours. (3;2) Introduction to stage management pre-production, rehearsal and performance responsibilities and techniques. Lecture and discussion. Practical application of concepts through class exercises and lab hours.

1340 (DRAM 1310). Aesthetics of the Theatre Throughout the World. 3 hours. Theory and practice of theatre art throughout the world. Appreciation of drama in both western and nonwestern cultures. Principles of dramatic criticism. Cultural and social significance of the theatre and its drama. Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement of the University Core Curriculum.

1375. The Actor and the Text. 3 hours. (3;2) Principles and practices governing the craft of theatre performance relative to the content within the dramatic texts. Acting as a manifestation of historical and cultural ideals with emphasis on a developing appreciation for the literary masterpieces of world theatre. Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement of the University Core Curriculum.

1440. Play Analysis. 3 hours. Principles and techniques governing the preparation of plays and other theatrical events for performance, design, direction and production. Contemporary systems of script analysis. Emphasis on theory and criticism of theatre arts.

1700. Theatrical Design I. 3 hours. Introduction to a basic body of concepts and practices common to areas of theatre design and technology.

2051 (DRAM 2336). Theatre Voice I. 3 hours. (3;2) Principles and practices governing the use of the voice and speech for theatrical and filmic performances. Contemporary systems of vocal and speech preparation. Required for theatre majors whose concentration is acting or directing.

2095 (DRAM 1120). Stage Production I. 1 hour. (1;3) Introduction to principles and practices governing presentation of stage production. Students participate in support of department laboratory productions. Students complete lab hours assigned to costume shop, scene shop, electrics/sound and ushering, to gain an understanding of how each area supports an overall production. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1043 or THEA 1046, or consent of department. (Same as DANC 1095.)

2340. Theatre Appreciation. 3 hours. (3;2) The study of the elements and production of the theatrical art form. A survey of theatre productions in and around the Dallas–Fort Worth region. Field trips. May not be counted toward a major or minor in theatre. May be repeated for credit when the productions vary. Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement of the University Core Curriculum.

2351 (DRAM 1322). Theatre Movement I. 3 hours. (3;2) Principles and practices governing the use of the actor’s body for theatrical and filmic performances. Emphasis on the dynamics and the therapeutic aspects of movement as a means of exploring and expressing thoughts or feelings, and on periods and styles of movement. Study of the theories and techniques of Rudolf von Laban. Coordinated performance with voice, body and musical accompaniment. Development of mime, pantomime and stage combat techniques. Required for theatre majors whose concentration is acting or directing.

2360. Repertory Theatre I. 3 hours. (1;4) Principles and practices governing performance and technical activities in a professionally oriented summer repertory theatre. Students may enroll four times for credit, but no more than 6 semester hours may be used toward a major in theatre and no more than 3 semester hours toward a minor in theatre.

2380 (DRAM 1341). Theatrical Makeup. 3 hours. (3;2) Principles and practices governing the use of theatrical makeup in the performance of a play or in a film or television production. Required of all theatre majors.

2900. Special Problems. 1–3 hours.

3030. World Theatre to 1700. 3 hours. Intense investigation of major developments in theatre performance and dramatic literature from their beginnings to the mid-17th century, from western and non-Western worlds. Emphasis on plays, playwrights, actors and other theatre artists in relation to society. Lecture, student presentations and a research project with a cross-cultural emphasis. Satisfies the Cross-Cultural, Diversity and Global Studies requirement of the University Core Curriculum.

3040. World Theatre After 1700. 3 hours. Intense investigation of major developments in theatre performance and dramatic literature from the mid-17th century to the 21st century, from Western and non-Western worlds. Emphasis on plays, playwrights, actors and other theatre artists in relation to society. Lecture, student presentations and a research project with a cross-cultural emphasis. Satisfies the Cross-Cultural, Diversity and Global Studies requirement of the University Core Curriculum.

3050. Acting: Realism. 3 hours. (3;2) A practical exploration of theories and methods of building a character. Utilization of numerous approaches including improvisation, emotional and sense memory, actions and objectives, character analysis, and the application of these techniques to text. Advanced script analysis and demonstration of acting proficiency required. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1050, 2051 and 2351, or consent of department. May be repeated for credit.

3060. Non-Western Theatre and Drama. 3 hours. Selected studies in theatre forms and texts of the cultures of Japan, China, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, India, Africa and the Middle East. Advanced script and character analysis required. Lecture, student presentations and a research project. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1440.

3070. History of Theatrical Costume and Decor. 3 hours. Historical survey of clothing, architecture, furniture, and decorative styles as they pertain to theatrical production. Required for theatre majors.

3095. Stage Production II. 1 hour. (1;3) Intermediate study of the principles and practices governing the presentation of stage production. Students work on crews for front-of-house, backstage, costume shop, scene shop or electrics/sound or serve as assistant designers in costumes/make-up, sets/props, and lighting/sound for department theatrical productions. Prerequisite(s): THEA 2095.

3100. Directing I. 3 hours. (3;2) Directing theatrical productions. Analysis of play and film scripts, composition and movement, business and pantomime, coaching the actor, production staff development and management, rehearsal techniques. Written examination on a selected bibliography about theatrical directing. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1050, 1440, 2051, 2351, 3030, 3050 and junior or senior standing, or consent of department.

3130. Lighting II. 3 hours. (3;2) Intermediate techniques for theatrical lighting, stage instrumentation and circuitry. Intensive practical experience in laboratory and production assignments. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1030 and 1046, or consent of department.

3140. Acting: Styles and Periods. 3 hours. (3;2) Application of characterization techniques to period styles, including physical farce, comedy of manners, absurdism and dark comedy. Demonstration of acting proficiency. Written examination on a selected bibliography about acting. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1050, 1440, 2051, 2351, 3030 and 3050, or consent of department. May be repeated for credit.

3143. Costume II. 3 hours. (3;2) Intermediate construction techniques for theatrical costuming. Intensive practical experience in advanced laboratory and production assignments. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1043 or consent of department.

3146. Stagecraft II. 3 hours. (3;2) Intermediate study of scenery construction and drafting. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1046 or consent of department.

3280. Stage Management II. 3 hours. (3;2) Advanced training for the organization and management of theatrical productions and companies. Practical application in laboratory and production management assignments. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1043, 1046, 1050, 1280, 1440 and junior or senior standing or consent of department.

3351. Theatre Movement II. 3 hours. (3;2) Advanced study of movement techniques for the classical and nonrealistic theatre. Emphasis on movement vocabulary and intense physical training in relaxation, alignment, conditioning, and stage presence. Application to characterization and performance. Prerequisite(s): THEA 2351, or consent of department.

3400. Theatre for Young Audiences. 3 hours. (3;1) Recognition and examination of the history and philosophy, production and performance of theatre for young audiences. Through focused inquiry, work on the practical problems that arise in the selection and performance of dramatic texts, original collective creations and adaptation of selected literature. Emphasis on connecting artistic practices and trends in educational theatre to theories of child/adolescent development. Course designed for those who advocate theatre as a stimulus for learning, whether they are specializing in classroom teaching or seeking careers in professional theatre. Class activities may take place on site in a school or at a theater.

3700. Theatrical Design II. 3 hours. (3;2) Advanced techniques for rendering, drawing and painting for scenic, costume and lighting designers. Pencil, ink and watercolor techniques for rendering architecture, scenery, costumes and lighting. Required for theatre majors whose concentration is design and technology. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1700 or consent of the department.

3910. Directors’ Ensemble. 1 hour. (1;4) Principles and practices of character development governing stage performance. Students audition, participate in directing exercises, classical and contemporary scenes and theatre creation exercises. May be repeated for credit.

4000. Musical Theatre Acting. 3 hours. (3;2) History and evolution of musical theatre in the 20th century. Practical experience in auditioning, rehearsing and performing. Demonstration of acting proficiency required. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1050, 2051, 2351 and 3050, or consent of department. May be repeated for credit.

4095. Stage Production III. 1 hour. (1;3) Advanced study of the principles and practices governing the presentation of stage production. Students manage or serve as crew heads for front-of-house, backstage, costume shop, scene shop or electrics/sound, or work as designers in costumes/make-up, sets/props, and lighting/sound for department theatrical productions. Prerequisite(s): THEA 2095 and 3095, or consent of department. May be repeated for credit. (Same as DANC 4095.)

4100. Directing II. 3 hours. (3;2) Theories and production techniques for selected styles, periods or genres of dramatic literature. Written examination on a selected bibliography about styles of directing for selected styles, periods or genres of dramatic literature. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1440, 3030, 3040, 3100, or consent of department.

4110. Scene Painting for the Theatre. 3 hours. (3;2) Principles and practices of scene painting. Use of the tools, materials and techniques of the modern scenic artist. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1046, 3700 and junior or senior standing, or consent of department.

4130. Lighting III: Design. 3 hours. (3;3) Advanced lighting design principles, light plots and design skills as they apply to the performing arts. Conceptualization and communication of design ideas through script analysis, light studies, storyboards and related projects. Laboratory and practicum activities. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1030, 1046, 1440, 1700, 3070, 3130, 3700 and junior or senior standing, or consent of department.

4140. Acting: Shakespeare. 3 hours. (3;2) Principles and practices of physical and vocal characterization, mental agility, rhetorical dexterity and empathetic imagination required by the creation of characters in Shakespeare’s plays. Study of Elizabethan theatre and its verbal conceits. Special attention paid to making classical language and situations relate to contemporary and cultures. Demonstration of acting proficiency required. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1440, 3030 and 3050, or consent of department. May be repeated for credit

4143. Costume III: Design. 3 hours. (3;2) Theories and styles of costume design for stage presentation. Techniques of analysis, interpretation, drawing, rendering and organizing. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1043, 1440, 1700, 3070, 3143, 3700, and junior or senior standing, or consent of department.

4146. Stagecraft III: Design. 3 hours. (3;2) Design principles applied to theatrical productions; drafting of ground plans and sections, rendering and model building, theoretical application on many different types of theatrical productions including drama, musicals, dance and opera. Opportunities for practical application. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1046, 1440, 3070, 3146, 3700, and junior or senior standing, or consent of department.

4190. Sound Production and Design for the Theatre. 3 hours. (3;2) Designing and producing sound support and effects for theatrical applications. Covering live, recorded, engineered and multiple effects. Emphasis on creativity and appropriateness of sound design for special theatrical situations. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1030, 1046, 1440, 1700, and junior or senior standing, or consent of department.

4240. Methods of Teaching with Creative Drama. 3 hours. (3;1) Comprehensive study and practical application of methods utilized in teaching with creative drama. Course integrates the content area of theatre with educational pedagogy. Theatre games, improvisation, story dramatization, thematic work, and teacher-in-role introduced and experienced. Emphasis on viewing creative drama as a teaching methodology in classroom and recreational settings; an introduction to the art of improvised playmaking; and a rehearsal tool. Includes lecture/discussions, group facilitation, peer teaching and off-campus classroom observation. Course of value to classroom teachers, actors, directors, writers and community service workers who view working with children and adolescents as part of career plan.

4290. Advanced Musical Theatre Acting. 3 hours. (3;2) Critical investigation of the origin and development of musical theatre. Extensive analysis of current Broadway and off-Broadway productions including required attendance at selected performances. Practical experience in auditioning, rehearsing and performing. Advanced script and character analysis, and demonstration of acting and singing proficiency required. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1440 and 4000, or consent of the department. May be repeated for credit.

4310. Acting for the Camera. 3 hours. (3;2) A study of acting techniques required for commercial, soap, film and television productions. Methods and styles of acting in relation to the script, the environment and technical personnel. Prerequisite(s): THEA 3050 or consent of department. May be repeated for credit.

4350. Senior Seminar. 3 hours. (3;1) Capstone course involving intensive study of aesthetic principles, values, philosophy, creative process, criticism, activism and advocacy within the profession. Through self-discovery, discussion, readings, arts experiences, professional interactions and exchange of ideas, this course focuses on transitions and the parameters of preparation and responsibility as students investigate career options, professional and personal goals, continuing education and individual life choices. Essential to this process is that each student analyze and synthesize knowledge and skills in preparation for planning for a future. The course meets regularly as a seminar and at laboratory events within the profession. This course meets the criteria for the Honors Capstone Course. Prerequisite(s): 90 hours of college-level courses, junior or senior status within the required courses of the major and consent of the academic adviser/department.

4351. Physical Theatre. 3 hours. (3;2) The study and practice of physical theatre. The application of the physical and vocal methodologies of movement-based theatre to creative exercises. Intensive practice in collective creation for directors and actors. Demonstration of skill required. Prerequisite(s): THEA 3050 or consent of department. May be repeated for credit.

4360. Repertory Theatre II. 3 hours. (2;3) Principles and practices governing the management of a professionally oriented summer repertory theatre program. Prerequisite(s): THEA 2360, upper-division or graduate status, or consent of department. Students may enroll four times for credit, but no more than 6 semester hours may be used toward a major in theatre or a teaching field in theatre; no more than 3 semester hours may be used toward a minor in theatre.

4370. Contemporary Chicana/Chicano Theatre. 3 hours. Reading and critical examination of Chicana/Chicano dramatic literature from the late 1960s to the present day, including discussion of leading Chicana/Chicano playwrights, historical experiences, and the theatre groups that contributed to a professionally-oriented Chicana/Chicano theatre in the U.S. Designed for those interested in both production and criticism. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1440 or consent of department.

4380. Gay/Lesbian Plays and Performance After 1960s. 3 hours. Survey of gay and lesbian plays and performance after 1960s to the present day, focusing on themes and issues of identity and representation. Course geared toward those interested in both production and criticism. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1440 or consent of department.

4400. Theatre Symposium. 1 hour. Study of and practical involvement with the process of creating and producing theatre as experienced by visiting professionals such as actors, directors, designers, dancers, artistic directors, arts managers, union officials, producers, agents and casting directors.

4460. Play and Film Scriptwriting. 3 hours. Dramatic theory, structure, characterization, dialogue and technical media as used by the playwright or the film scriptwriter in both dramatic and comedic works. Study of the scriptwriting process from proposal to production. Marketing of scripts. Practice in playwriting and film scriptwriting. Prerequisite(s): consent of department. May be repeated twice for credit, but no more than 3 hours may be counted toward a major in theatre.

4500. Theatre Topics. 3 hours. Representative topics include theatrical unions, theatre criticism, music for non-musical productions, dialects for stage and film performances, stage movement, directing and playwriting. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.

4900-4910. Special Problems. 1–3 hours each. Problems must be approved by the department chair.

4920. Theatre Practicum. 3 hours. Supervised work in a job directly related to the student’s major, professional field of study or career objective. Prerequisite(s): senior standing; 18 advanced hours of theatre and consent of department; student must meet the employer’s requirements. May be repeated for credit.

4951. Honors College Capstone Thesis. 3 hours. Major research project prepared by the student under the supervision of a faculty member and presented in standard thesis format. An oral defense is required of each student for successful completion of the thesis. Prerequisite(s): completion of at least 6 hours in honors courses; completion of at least 12 hours in the major department in which the thesis is prepared; approval of the department chair and the dean of the school or college in which the thesis is prepared; approval of the dean of the Honors College. May be substituted for HNRS 4000.

Undergraduate Working Catalog

Dance and Theatre Courses

Undergraduate Admissions

(800) UNT-8211
(868-8211) (toll-free)
undergrad@unt.edu

UNT Switchboard

(940) 565-2000

Campus Tours

Schedule a tour online
(940) 565-4104