This course explores—through reading, viewing, and making—theatre created using documentary sources, including interviews, found texts, historical documents, and other sources. Students explore the dramatic, social, and political implications of this work, while considering notions of authenticity and authority derived from direct testimony, documentary sources, and community involvement. Students also explore the tension between maintaining truth and creating dramatic shape, theatricality, and audience engagement.

Intermediate and advanced script projects. Writing sample required. Prerequisite: THE 261. Instructor permission required.

The means and methods of the playwright. Analysis of the structure and dialogue of a few selected plays. Weekly and biweekly exercises in dramatic writing. Goal for beginning playwrights: to draft a one-act play by the end of the semester. Writing sample required. Instructor permission required.

The elements of line, texture and color, and their application to design and character delineation. Research of clothing styles of various cultures and eras. Enrollment limited to 15.

Offered as THE 245 and MUS 935. This course uses the rehearsal and performance process of performing in a musical to develop skills in conveying character and story through acting and singing (& sometimes dancing!) Taught jointly by Music and Theatre faculty, students work as an ensemble to create a production of an existing work of musical theatre. Performing in musicals is a particular artistic challenge, combining a range of skills. This course provides an opportunity to learn and strengthen those skills through rehearsal and performance. Repeatable for credit.

What is the particular nature of acting for the camera? This course examines film and television production and develops an acting approach suited for work in film and television. Students act on camera and examine the results of their work. The class works with particular emphasis on the building of a performance through the process of the shoot. A limited number of students can, with instructor approval, take the course with an emphasis on directing for the camera. Prerequisite: THE 141 or FMS 280. Restrictions: THE 242 may be taken for credit a total of 3 times with different topics.

This course discusses issues relevant to theatre history and practices, as well as dramatic literature, theories and criticism in 18th-, 19th- 20th- and 21st centuries United States of America, including African American, Native American, Hispanic American and Latinx, Asian American, LGBTQ+, the American musical, political, feminist and contemporary theatre and performance.

This is a studio course which gives one credit for participation in a Theatre Department production. Most positions are designed for people with no previous experience. Offerings within the course cover all areas of theatre production, on stage and off, including positions as stage crew, light and sound board operators, dressers, stage managers, design assistants, box office assistants, props charges, electricians or actors. There is one general meeting at the beginning of the semester. Attendance is mandatory. Attendance at weekly production meetings may be required for some assignments.

This is a studio course which gives one credit for participation in a Theatre Department production. Most positions are designed for people with no previous experience. Offerings within the course cover all areas of theatre production, on stage and off, including positions as stage crew, light and sound board operators, dressers, stage managers, design assistants, box office assistants, props charges, electricians or actors. There is one general meeting at the beginning of the semester. Attendance is mandatory. Attendance at weekly production meetings may be required for some assignments.