THEA - Theatre
Courses numbered 100 to 299 = lower-division; 300 to 499 = upper-division; 500 to 799 = undergraduate/graduate.
THEA 143. Theatre Appreciation (3).
General education fine arts course. Introduction to the art of theatre emphasizing critical appreciation from the viewpoint of the audience. This course introduces the student to the various elements which create the theatrical art form and teaches how to critically evaluate theatrical events. This is a Kansas Systemwide Transfer Course.
THEA 150. Workshops in Theatre (0.5-3).
An umbrella course created to explore a variety of subtopics differentiated by letter (e.g., 150A, 150B). Not all subtopics are offered each semester – see the course schedule for availability. Students enroll in the lettered courses with specific topics in the titles rather than in this root course.
THEA 150B. The Origins of Musical Storytelling: A Global Perspective (0.5).
Explores musical storytelling and how it represents our rich cultural diversity. The Broadway musical is one of the world's most popular art forms dominating the commercial market. Where did it come from and what was its purpose? The course looks through a lens of global perspectives to find how musical storytelling in all cultures has played a critical role in human development and communication since the beginning of time. Course includes diversity content.
THEA 150C. Movie Musicals: Escapism or Reality Check? (0.5).
Designed to explore the development of the movie musical and how if reflects American entertainment cultural values from the late 1920s to today. As filmmaking was developing in Hollywood, "silent films" took a gigantic leap forward in 1927 with the introduction of live sound in "The Jazz Singer". It became such a phenomenon that "talking pictures" became all the rage and studios rushed to incorporate this new technology. Even the Great Depression in the 1930s didn't deaden enthusiasm when people needed an escape from financial worries. But looking beneath the glamour of these early films, people also find a reality check for the illusions of this art form with "voice dubbing" and the reliance on ethnic stereotyping. The class explores this duality and how Hollywood grew into an international money-making machine and considers what the future may bring. Course includes diversity content.
THEA 150D. The Storytelling Beneath the Screen: Film Composers (0.5).
Designed to explore the storytelling aspect of film scoring and it's importance in making movies memorable. The use of music as a storytelling device has been around since the beginning of time. As technology for "talking pictures" developed in Hollywood, it didn't take long for studio heads to realize that music could enhance dialogue, dramatic action and visual imagery and be both popular and profitable. Course includes diversity content.
THEA 150P. Production Experience (0.5).
Provides applied learning experience in performing arts production (management, design and technical fields). Through professional level production assignment projects on School of Performing Arts shows, the course allows students opportunities to earn credit through working on crews and in production shops. Only for students in the BFA and BA majors in the School of Performing Arts. Repeatable for credit.
THEA 150R. Production Processes (1).
Cross-listed as DANC 150R. An introduction to the nonperformance areas of theatrical production (management, design and technical fields). Through lectures and related projects, the course provides an overview of design and production processes in the performing arts, as well as in the role of the stage manager and other department leadership roles. Material is geared towards BFA and BA majors in the School of Performing Arts.
THEA 180. Theater Practicum (1).
An umbrella course created to explore a variety of subtopics differentiated by letter (e.g., 180A, 180B). Not all subtopics are offered each semester – see the course schedule for availability. Students enroll in the lettered courses with specific topics in the titles rather than in this root course.
THEA 180A. Practicum: Stagecraft (1).
Applied learning through the completion of various in class projects utilizing disparate materials. Repeatable for a total of 2 credit hours. This is a Kansas Systemwide Transfer Course.
THEA 180B. Practicum: Costume (1).
Practical training in the organization and presentation of plays in the School of Performing Arts. This course is the lab component of THEA 253: Costuming for Stage and Film and covers costumes and/or makeup. Repeatable for credit. This is a Kansas Systemwide Transfer Course.
THEA 180C. Practicum: Management (1).
Provides practical experience in the organization and presentation of plays in the School of Performing Arts production program. Students work specifically in the organization and practice of theatre management. Repeatable for credit. This is a Kansas Systemwide Transfer Course.
THEA 180D. Practicum: Performance (1).
Practical application course. Students perform a role for public presentation on stage, in film or in an audio show. Repeatable for a total of 2 credit hours. This is a Kansas Systemwide Transfer Course.
THEA 180E. Performing Arts Seminar (1).
Cross-listed as DANC 180E. Interdisciplinary introduction to the School of Performing Arts. Students study performance, design and production of theatre, music theatre and dance. First semester students in the School of Performing Arts interact and collaborate with each other for a greater understanding of performing arts. Students crew one show on the season calendar. Students also break out into individual program areas of department-specific modules when appropriate. Repeatable for credit.
THEA 218. Movement for the Performer (3).
Through neutral mask work, clowning, and viewpoints exploration of time and space, student performers develop their ability to perform with relaxed physical awareness, to exist and respond with physical clarity in the present moment, to create off of impulses and imagination, and to build physically engaging characters and stories.
THEA 221. Oral Interpretation (3).
General education fine arts course. Cross-listed as COMM 221. Designed to enhance speaking skills through the performance of original stories and excerpts from literature. Focuses on aiding the student to become a compelling storyteller. Class works on developing an expressive voice and also developing performance skills such as learning to gesture and express oneself through facial expression. These verbal skills aid the student in being a better communicator.
THEA 222. Improving Voice and Diction (3).
Cross-listed as COMM 222. For students wishing to improve their speaking voices and gain greater control over their pronunciation of spoken English. Course is performance oriented, however, the anatomy of the vocal mechanism and the International Phonetic Alphabet are studied for practical application in the improvement of voice and diction. This is a Kansas Systemwide Transfer Course.
THEA 228. Script Analysis (3).
Develops students' abilities to analyze scripts in television, theatre and film from the point of view of those who face the task of producing them. Focuses on studying and testing practical methods of analysis. Collective analysis and individual projects are part of the coursework.
THEA 241. Improvisation and Theatre Games (3).
General education fine arts course. Improv is the astonishing craft of performing and living unscripted moments. In this class, students practice fundamental exercises and games in short form and long form improvisation. Students develop skills and habits for listening, reacting, being present and being imperfect which serve students as actors, public speakers, writers, thinkers and conscious human beings. Short form games are the foundation for all improv; they are a fun way to learn to listen and react on the spot. Long form scene-based improv (unscripted theater) give participants confidence on stage and change the way to look at what's funny.
THEA 243. Acting I (3).
General education fine arts course. Emphasizes the internal techniques of acting, characterization and the actor's analysis of the play and the role. This is a Kansas Systemwide Transfer Course.
THEA 244. Stagecraft: Applied Technology (3).
An “Introduction to Technology” class that explores the theory and practice of technical production as applied to theatre, dance, opera, television and industrial shows. Uses a combination of lectures, demonstrations and applied practices to promote learning in the basic skills required to work as a member of a theatrical production staff. Includes 32 hours of applied processes and materials lab. This course has a lab component. This is a Kansas Systemwide Transfer Course.
THEA 253. Costuming for the Stage and Film (3).
Introduction to the fundamentals of costume technology and design. Emphasizes basic sewing skills, collaboration in the performing arts, and introduces the design process. Practical experience with university theatre Main Stage and Second Stage productions. Pre- or corequisite(s): THEA 180B.
THEA 254. Stage Makeup (2).
Study and practice of the basic application of stage makeup. Also includes character analysis, anatomy, materials and special makeup techniques and problems.
THEA 260. History of Musical Theatre (3).
General education fine arts course. A survey of the development of musical theatre in America from the late 1880s to present day. Explores the collaboration of composers, directors, choreographers and performers that make this a uniquely American art form.
THEA 272. Stage Management (3).
Introduction to the practice of stage management. Studies basic functions and aspects of stage management in preproduction, rehearsal and performance phases. Focuses on communication strategies, specific skills, practical exercises and applied problem-solving techniques in stage management with emphasis on organization, documentation and dissemination of information. Prerequisite(s): THEA 244, and sophomore standing or instructor’s consent.
THEA 280. Inclusion in Performing Arts (1).
Cross-listed as DANC 280. Provides effective tools to identify, create and maintain an inclusive space that promotes safe communication and encourages and supports creative freedom and expression. Students discover the common thread that connects seemly divisive approaches to the performing arts space while developing skills that can help redefine the spaces they enter. These spaces include, but are not limited to, rehearsal settings, learning environments and common areas. Course includes diversity content. Prerequisite(s): DANC 180E or THEA 180E.
THEA 285. Period Styles (3).
Study of the architecture, interior decor, furnishings and costume of the major historic periods, with an emphasis on application to scenic, lighting, properties and costume design.
THEA 300. Drafting and Visual Standards for the Theatre (3).
Addresses mechanical drawing as a communication tool. The skills, knowledge and essential learning for this course are developed through application and practice of processes and activities. Topics covered include drafting equipment, mathematics, lettering, symbolic communications, drawing (orthographic, isometric, oblique and sectional), and standards used in theatrical design. Prerequisite(s): THEA 244 and ARTF 145.
THEA 321. Musical Theatre Repertoire (1).
An applied learning course reinforcing rehearsal attendance, methods, etiquette, process and post-performance assessment all with an emphasis ultimately on artistic growth. Enrollment in this course is determined by production season casting. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): instructor's consent.
THEA 326. Expressive Voice for Stage (3).
Develops the individual's ability to express thought and emotion on the stage through the effective use of the voice. Uses exercises, drills, and poetic and dramatic readings to improve the quality, flexibility and effectiveness of the speaking voice. Prerequisite(s): THEA/COMM 222.
THEA 330. Artistry, Analysis and Auditions (2).
Students clarify their values as an artist, experience how to effectively select audition repertoire, and analyze the text and music of the chosen songs. Prerequisite(s): musical theatre, dance and theatre majors only, and/or instructor's consent.
THEA 331. Dialect for the Stage (3).
Familiarizes the student with certain regional American and foreign dialects. Intended to be a practical guide for the student actor who is called upon to reproduce a particular dialect for performance. Prerequisite(s): THEA/ COMM 222.
THEA 342. Advanced Acting (3).
Continued development of methods established in THEA 243 with additional emphasis on contemporary vocal and movement techniques. This is a Kansas Systemwide Transfer Course. Prerequisite(s): THEA 243 and sophomore standing.
THEA 344. Scene Design I (3).
Fundamentals of scene design. Emphasizes strong work in perspective rendering, drafting techniques and scale, and playscript and spatial analysis.
THEA 345. Stage Lighting (3).
Light design and its relation to the production process and other design elements. Emphasizes working knowledge of lighting equipment towards creative implementation. Includes practical work on university theatre Main Stage and Second Stage productions. This course has a lab component.
THEA 350. Workshops in Theatre (1-4).
An umbrella course created to explore a variety of subtopics differentiated by letter (e.g., 350A, 350B). Not all subtopics are offered each semester – see the course schedule for availability. Students enroll in the lettered courses with specific topics in the titles rather than in this root course. Theatre majors only.
THEA 350P. Production Assistant - Theatre (0).
Participation course for exceptional theatre students to spend a semester in an appropriate theatrical production setting assisting a faculty member or guest artist. Meets in conjunction with scheduled course times. Course includes diversity content. Theatre majors only. Repeatable. Prerequisite(s): junior standing and/or departmental consent.
THEA 350R. Rehearsal Assistant - Theatre (0).
Participation course for exceptional theatre students to spend a semester in an appropriate theatrical rehearsal setting assisting a faculty member or guest artist. Meets in conjunction with scheduled rehearsal times. Course includes diversity content. Theatre majors only. Repeatable. Prerequisite(s): junior standing and/or departmental consent.
THEA 350T. Teaching Assistant - Theatre (0).
Participation course for exceptional theatre students to spend a semester in an appropriate theatre course setting assisting a faculty member to hone their teaching skills. Meets in conjunction with assigned course. Course includes diversity content. Theatre majors only. Repeatable. Prerequisite(s): junior standing or departmental consent.
THEA 357. Costume Design I (3).
Fundamentals of costume design. Emphasizes the elements and principles of design; figure drawing; and spatial, script and character analysis. Prerequisite(s): ARTF 145, THEA 253 or instructor’s consent.
THEA 359. Directing I (3).
Basic theories and principles of stage directing and problems of producing the play with practical experience gained by use of the project methods. This course has a lab component. Prerequisite(s): THEA 243, THEA 244, THEA 272 or departmental consent.
THEA 365. Stage Combat (3).
Focuses on the most primitive mechanism of survival: physical confrontation. Initiates the student performer into the secrets of creating theatrically safe and dramatically effective fights. Through this introductory exploration of the stage fighting styles of unarmed, swordplay and one other theatrical fighting style, students learn to elevate physical conflict into artistic storytelling. Prior movement course recommended but not required.
THEA 368. Collaborative Community Project (1).
Cross-listed as DANC 368. Provides an applied, collaborative learning experience in performing arts through interdisciplinary projects and experiential learning. Students explore personal, community and societal transformation through self-reflection, creative response and community collaborative projects. This engaged learning course focuses on how the performing arts can impact change in communities and be an agent for empowerment and change. This course is for BFA and BA in the performing arts candidates in their third year of study. Course includes diversity content. Prerequisite(s): junior standing.
THEA 370. Professional Practices for the Performing Artist (2).
Cross-listed as DANC 370. For all performing arts majors. Focuses on business practices in performing arts. Discussions and assignments focus on resumes, websites, reels, marketing, business plans, unions, contracts, portfolios, interviews, taxes, etc. Individual concentration areas are also covered in break-out sessions throughout the course.
THEA 375C. Directed Projects-Stage Management (1-4).
Individual research or practical and creative projects in the various areas of theatre management with direct and regular mentorship by faculty of the theatre program. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): instructor's consent.
THEA 378. Independent Projects in Theatre (1-3).
Arranged individual independent projects in specialized theatre content areas under the supervision of a faculty member. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): departmental consent.
THEA 380. Dance/Theater Practicum (1).
Cross-listed as DANC 360. An umbrella course created to explore a variety of subtopics differentiated by letter (e.g., 380A, 380B). Not all subtopics are offered each semester – see the course schedule for availability. Students enroll in the lettered courses with specific topics in the titles rather than in this root course.
THEA 380A. Practicum: Stagecraft (1).
Applied learning through the participation in the rehearsals and run of the School of Performing Arts productions. Students enrolled in this course are placed (if possible) in leadership roles such as deck crew chief, props run chief, etc. Repeatable for up to 6 credit hours.
THEA 380B. Practicum: Costume (1).
Practical training in the organization, presentation and technical aspects of production. May be organized in the following areas: design and construction of scenery, costumes or properties; the design, execution and cuing of stage lighting; stage makeup and sound; design and construction of costumes for dancers; the organization and practice of theatre management; and performance. Repeatable for a total of 2 credit hours.
THEA 380C. Practicum: Management (1).
Provides practical experience in the organization and presentation of plays in the School of Performing Arts production program. Students work specifically in the organization and practice of theatre management. Repeatable for credit.
THEA 380D. Practicum: Performance (1).
Practical application course. Students perform a role for public presentation on stage, in film or in an audio show.
THEA 385. Theatre as a Mirror of Today's America (3).
General education fine arts course. Explores how contemporary drama reflects the issues and perspectives of different cultures and groups within America, including African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, feminists, gays and lesbians. Examines how today's theatre portrays these groups, how it views their lives in this country and how it reflects their differences, fears, concerns and similarities. Focuses on issues arising because of diversity of culture, nationalities, race, gender, ethnicity, class, age, religion and politics. Course includes diversity content.
THEA 390. Acting for the Camera (3).
Instruction and practice in the basics of acting for the camera. Assists students in making the transition from the theatre to work in film, TV or the Internet. Introduces students to on-camera performance and addresses the technical requirements of TV and film acting such as playing to the camera, shooting a story out of sequence, different film shots, and other production considerations. Includes on-camera scene work, including audition techniques. Through exercises and scene study, this course familiarizes students with on-camera acting techniques and expands each performer's range of emotional, physical and vocal expressiveness appropriate for the camera.
THEA 395. Voice Acting (3).
Students learn the essentials of voice acting from technique to the business and profession. Topics include how to work with a microphone, recording, setting up a home studio and different types of script copy. In addition, the profession of voice acting is studied, specifically, booking work, invoicing jobs, marketing and voice reels.
THEA 451. Portfolio Review (1).
Senior level. Helps the technical theatre and design student prepare a formal portfolio in one or a combination of the design areas, a resume and a presentation as an application suitable for either graduate school or future employment. Prerequisite(s): must be taken in graduating year.
THEA 455. Senior Jury (1).
For the graduating student in the performance track of the BFA in performing arts-theatre program. Requires a performance of material in recital circumstances. Prerequisite(s): senior standing.
THEA 465. Stage Combat II (3).
Continued study of safe and realistic-looking violence for the stage and screen. The emphasis is on two weapon styles which rotate year to year. Students expand and deepen skill acquisition and acting components. The final culminates in scenes that incorporate choreographed theatrical violence. Students have the option to participate in a Society of American Fight Directors Skills Proficiency Test adjudicated by an SAFD Fight Master. Students who successfully pass the test receive a certificate of study from this national body. Repeatable for a total of 6 credit hours. Prerequisite(s): THEA 365 with a C or better.
THEA 480. Theatre Internship (2-15).
Advanced theatre production work as arranged by students in direction, acting, scenery and lighting, costume design and construction, or theatre management with a professional theatre company. Prerequisite(s): junior standing or departmental consent. Maximum of 15 credits of internship activity applicable toward graduation.
THEA 481. Cooperative Education (1-3).
Complements and enhances the student's academic program by providing an opportunity to apply and acquire knowledge in a professional environment. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): departmental approval.
THEA 481I. Noncredit Internship (0).
Complements and enhances the student's academic program by providing an opportunity to apply and acquire knowledge in a workplace environment as an intern. Prerequisite(s): departmental consent.
THEA 490. Theatre Audition Techniques (2).
Practicum course to develop audition skills and techniques for monologues, scenes and cold readings. Course aids actors in compiling and preparing audition repertory needed to gain professional employment and placement in advanced training programs. Additionally, course covers business, self-marketing and promotion tools necessary for a professional career. Prerequisite(s): THEA 243, THEA 342 or instructor's consent.
THEA 510. Design Project (1).
Advanced work in the problems of stage lighting design, costume design or scenic design. With the permission and supervision of the appropriate faculty member, the student designs for specific productions for either Main Stage or Experimental Theatre. Repeatable twice for credit if taken in different design areas. Prerequisite(s): instructor's consent.
THEA 516. Scriptwriting I (3).
General education fine arts course. Cross-listed as ENGL 517. Writing scripts for performance. Emphasizes both verbal and visual aspects of scriptwriting. If possible, the scripts are given in-class readings by actors. Prerequisite(s): instructor's consent.
THEA 517. Scriptwriting II (3).
General education fine arts course. Cross-listed as ENGL 518. Writing scripts for performance in theatre, film, television and the Internet. Emphasizes both verbal and visual aspects of scriptwriting. If possible, the scripts are given in-class readings by actors. Prerequisite(s): instructor's consent.
THEA 530. Musical Theatre Scene Study (2).
An interdisciplinary practicum course with opportunities for student performers to refine interdisciplinary techniques by performing scenes from a variety of musical theatre genres including operetta, book musicals and rock musicals. Advanced students may explore opportunities to gain experience in directing and choreographing under faculty guidance and supervision. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior musical theatre, dance or voice majors only; and/or permission of the instructors.
THEA 544. Stagecraft II: Applied Materials and Processes (3).
Advanced stagecraft class. Explores advanced construction techniques for the fabrication of stage scenery and stage properties through applied study in materials and processes. Students complete a research project and presentation/demonstration of research findings. Independent projects relating to materials and techniques studied are pursued in arranged labs. Includes a minimum of 45 hours of applied processes and materials laboratory time. For undergraduate credit only. Prerequisite(s): THEA 244.
THEA 546. Scene Painting (3).
Presented with a lecture demonstration-studio arrangement. Explores various theatre painting materials and techniques enabling the student to develop skill as a scenic artist. Prerequisite(s): THEA 244.
THEA 555. Capstone Project (1).
A culminating course for graduating seniors synthesizing all techniques, creative processes, collaborative skills and critical thinking learned in degree sequence. This takes the form of a capstone celebration project with all graduating seniors in the School of Performing Arts. For majors only. For undergraduate credit only. Capstone course. Prerequisite(s): instructor's consent.
THEA 559. Directing II (3).
Staging and rehearsal techniques emphasizing the problems of the period and stylized play. This course has a lab component. Prerequisite(s): THEA 359 or departmental consent and junior standing.
THEA 575. Capstone Project (1).
Independent research or practical and creative final project for BFA in Performing Arts: Theatre (Performance and Design & Technical Theatre) and BA in Performing Arts: Theatre. Encompasses all areas of study in theatre as well as subjects in the emphasis or designated plan of study and minor. The project results in a work that is presented for evaluation to a panel of faculty or to faculty and an invited audience. The form of the project and manner of presentation is determined in consultation with student’s project advisor. For undergraduate majors only. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 102, MATH 111 or 131; senior standing and departmental consent.
THEA 590. Theatre: Special Topics (1-3).
An umbrella course created to explore a variety of subtopics differentiated by letter (e.g., 590A, 590B). Not all subtopics are offered each semester – see the course schedule for availability. Students enroll in the lettered courses with specific topics in the titles rather than in this root course.
THEA 590K. Costume Construct (3).
Designed to expand and strengthen the experience of the student academically and professionally. The study of developments in theatre that go beyond, or are related to, courses already offered, gives students a much richer preparation for their field of study. This course explores, identifies, analyzes and creates patterns based on renderings, measurements and inspiration resulting in a wealth of knowledge in the field of costume production. For undergraduate credit only. Prerequisite(s): THEA 253 or instructor's consent.
THEA 610. Directing the Musical (3).
An interdisciplinary course using interdepartmental expertise (theatre, dance, music) to teach the student how to produce a musical. Prerequisite(s): instructor's consent.
THEA 622. Academic Theatre Practicum (2).
The investigation and exploration of the theatrical act in the classroom situation within the university community. Reinforces researching, writing, directing and performing skills. Enrolled students, functioning as a company, produce and perform for various disciplines on campus. Repeatable once for credit.
THEA 623. Theatre History I (3).
The history of theatrical activity as a social institution and an art form from its beginnings to the 17th century. Includes representative plays, methods of staging and theatrical architecture of various periods. Prerequisite(s): THEA 228.
THEA 624. Theatre History II (3).
General education fine arts course. History of theatrical activity as a social institution and an art form from the 17th century to the present. Includes representative plays, methods of staging and theatrical architecture of various periods.
THEA 630. Auditions Class-Musical Theatre (3).
Practicum course develops techniques and audition repertory singers need to gain professional employment and/or successfully compete for placement in advanced training programs. Also covers the business skills necessary for a professional career, and brings students into contact with professional guest artists who can provide additional insights and contacts. Prerequisite(s): instructor's consent.
THEA 643. Styles In Acting (3).
Training in, and development of, the special techniques required for period or stylized plays with special emphasis on Greek, Shakespearian and Restoration styles. Prerequisite(s): THEA 243, 342, junior standing.
THEA 647. Scene Design II (3).
Continuation of THEA 344 with more advanced work in designing settings for the stage and including studies in scenographic techniques and exercises in model building. Students design settings for a production having a single set, a production requiring a simultaneous setting and a production using multiple settings. Requires no laboratory work in theatre production. Prerequisite(s): THEA 244, 344.
THEA 649. Stage Lighting II and Theatre Sound (3).
Continues the study and application of the theories and techniques of THEA 345, emphasizing advanced concepts of design, and provides an introduction to theatre sound production. Prerequisite(s): THEA 345.
THEA 651. Scene Study (3).
The synthesis of all previous acting courses. Studies scenes in depth as preparation for performance. Course goal is the presentation of fully realized characterizations in those scenes studied, integrating the elements of the actor's craft learned in the prerequisite courses. Prerequisite(s): THEA 643 and junior standing.
THEA 653. History of Costume (3).
Historical survey and individual research of dress from ancient Egypt to present day emphasizing social, political, economic and religious influences. Theory and practice of adapting period styles to the stage. This course has a lab component. Prerequisite(s): THEA 253 or departmental consent.
THEA 675C. Directed Study-Stage Management (1-4).
Individual study or creative projects in the various areas of theatre management with direct and regular mentorship by faculty of the theatre program. Repeatable for credit with departmental consent. Prerequisite(s): departmental consent.
THEA 678. Independent Studies in Theatre (1-3).
Arranged individual independent study in specialized content areas under the supervision of a faculty member. For undergraduate students only. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): departmental consent.