Averett University Undergraduate Catalog

 


Courses of Instruction in Theatre

Number Title Credits Description
101 Voice and Diction 3 A course designed to improve voice and diction.  A study of the physiological structure of the vocal mechanism and an introduction to phonetics is made to give the student a basis for continuing improvement in breathing, relaxation, and presentation.  This course strives for a beginning understanding of “Standard American English” with vocal work on monologues, reports, and exercises.  Oral projects and lectures will be a part of the course.
103 Introduction to Human Communication 3 The study of communication forms and contexts, including intrapersonal, interpersonal, and public.  Emphasis on development of individual communicative competency in such areas as listening, reasoning, interviewing, small group, and nonverbal communication.  Completion of ENG 111 is recommended as prerequisite.
105 Introduction to the Theatre 3 A course designed to familiarize the student with structural forms and styles of dramatic literature from the classic to the contemporary period.  The development of acting techniques, theatre architecture, methods of staging, and theatre terminologies are included.  This course satisfies three hours of the Fine Arts requirement for General Education.
110 Theatre Practicum 1 A course designed to give credit for execution of major responsibility in theatre activities under faculty supervision.  May be repeated up to eight times for credit.  Prerequisite:  Approval of TH faculty.
111 Practicum in Musical Theatre 1 A course designed to give credit for execution of major responsibility in musical theatre activities under faculty supervision.  May be repeated up to eight times for credit.  Prerequisite: Approval of TH faculty.
133 Acting I 3 A general introductory course in acting.  The course involves exercises in voice, movement, improvisation, pantomime, text study, and some scene work.  Open to all students.  Alternate years.
205 Creative Dramatics for the Classroom Teacher 3 A course of instruction in directing creative dramatics for children.  Included are the study of psychological elements involved in group activity along with the means of stimulating growth of the imagination and the development of self-expression in children.  Alternate years.
207 Musical Theatre Lab 3 A course focused on the study of Musical Theatre Literature with an emphasis on performance.
208 Musical Theatre Dance 2 A course designed to teach the fundamental dance technique and conditioning exercises for the Musical Theatre dancer.  Dance combinations stressing steps and styles used historically in Musical Theatre productions will be taught.
210 Oral Interpretation of Literature (same as ENG 210) 3 A course designed to introduce the student to the oral communication of various forms of literature and to instruct the student in techniques of oral delivery.  Regular performance in an informal atmosphere with constructive criticism by the instructor and fellow students makes up a major part of the course.
220 History of the Theatre I 3 The study of theatre development from its beginning to the Renaissance.  This course satisfies three hours of the Fine Arts requirement for General Education.  Prerequisite:  TH 105 or permission of instructor.
221 History of the Theatre II 3 The study of theatre development from the Renaissance to Ibsen.  This course satisfies three hours of the Fine Arts requirement for General Education.  Prerequisite:  TH 105 or permission of instructor.
233 Acting II 3 A course that involves basic scene study, character work, and text analysis.  The actor’s work continues with the study of various techniques used in performance.  Alternate years.  Prerequisite: TH 133 or permission of instructor.
251 Stagecraft I and Lab 3 An introduction to the building and painting of scenery and to lighting mechanics, requiring approximately 45 laboratory hours per semester.
252 Stagecraft II and Lab 3 An introduction to the building and maintenance of costumes and to the application of makeup, requiring approximately 45 laboratory hours per semester.
300 Public Speaking 3 A course designed to build self-confidence in the student and to acquaint the student with the structural elements of various forms of public discourse working toward logical, coherent, and easy communication.
305 History of American Musical Theatre 3 A course focused on the study of the development of the American Musical Theatre as music and as theatre.
306 Advanced Musical Theatre Dance 2 This course is a continuation of the study of Musical Theatre Dance techniques, steps, and styles.
320 Church Drama 3 A study of all aspects of theatrical productions to be produced in churches, including the process of analysis and interpretation, directing, designing of scenery, costuming, and makeup.
333 Acting III 3 An advanced acting class focusing on how an actor approaches Period styles and movement.  Intensive scene study and monologues from the Greek Classics to Modern Drama.  Prerequisite:  TH 233 or permission of instructor.
340 Theatre Design 3 A course tailored to the individual needs of beginning design students; the focus will be on scenery, costumes, lighting, or sound design.  May be repeated for a maximum of nine semester hours.
342 Stage Management 3 An introductory course involving the fundamental principles of stage management.  This course is a practical guide to all phases of production management, stage management, and front-of-the-house operations.  The course includes techniques and devices for effective backstage operations, and covers all aspects of stage management from pre-production through the final performance.
401 Play Directing I 3 An introduction to creative and aesthetic challenges faced by the director and how they are solved.  Included is an examination of the director’s relationship to the text, the design team, and the actor.  This approach is both theatrical and practical involving reasoning, analysis, research, rehearsal observation, exercises, and papers.  Alternate years.  Prerequisite:  TH 333 or permission of instructor.
402 Play Directing II 3 An advanced study of the method of analysis, interpretation, and blocking of a play.  This is the practical application of directorial methods learned.  Extensive research including script analysis and interpretation, establishing atmosphere, developing character relationships, pace and tempo in scene work is a part of the student’s study.  Working with designers and producers is also researched.  Exercises and lectures culminate in a polished production of a one-act play.  Alternate years.  Prerequisite:  TH 401 or permission of instructor.
410 Modern Drama (Same as ENG 410) 3 Development of drama from Ibsen to today, including American, European, and Third World playwrights.  Prerequisites:  ENG 111, 112, and one other literature course.  Alternate years.
414 Shakespeare (Same as ENG 414) 3 The study of representative comedies, histories, and tragedies, showing Shakespeare’s practice in each type, the development of his art and craftsmanship as poet and dramatist, and the progress of his thought and style.  Introduction to Shakespeare’s world and theatre.  Prerequisites:  ENG 111, 112, and one other Literature course.  Alternate years.
433 Acting IV 3 A concentrated study in script and character analysis.  Extensive scene work and improvisation is used to develop good acting techniques.  Prerequisite:  TH 333.
440 Advanced Design 3 A course tailored to the individual needs of advanced design students; the focus will be on scenery, costumes, lighting, or sound design.  May be repeated for a maximum of 9 hours.  Prerequisite:  TH 340 or permission of instructor.
445 Internship (credit hours contingent upon responsibilities) (3-9) An internship with a professional theatre company which is approved by the theatre faculty.  This course allows the student to gain practical work experience in his/her chosen field.  Prerequisite:  Permission of theatre faculty.
462 Senior Seminar 3

A capstone course for the theatre major.  The student, in collaboration with the theatre faculty will complete an assigned project from concept to performance.  The student is required to keep a journal of the process, write a research paper on the project, and complete a self-evaluation after the project is completed.