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Courses - Spring 2024
THET
Theatre Department Site
THET110
Introduction to the Theatre
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
GenEd: DSHU
In the age of pop music and blockbuster films, of memes and viral videos, we often forget that theatre was one of the original forms of popular entertainment. We will focus on theatre practitioners including actors, directors, designers and backstage personnel to understand how theatre is produced. We will also consider popular entertainment in Europe and America, with a particular focus on musical theatre and Broadway to explore how theatre communicates, resonates, and remains relevant to all audiences.
THET116
(Perm Req)
Fundamentals of Theatrical Design
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Examines theatre as an environmental art that is realized through collaboration between set, costume, and lighting designers.
Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET120
Introduction to Acting
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must not be in Theatre program.
Through scene study, exercises, and improvisation, an appreciation is developed for the working habits of actors, which will aid them in rehearsal as well as performance.
Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET222
(Perm Req)
Foundations of Acting and Performance
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Students will become familiar with the tools and process of acting through the discipline of acting exercises, analyzing character and performing. Students will research various theatre artists that have contributed to the acting process. Through monologue and scene work students will learn listening skills, communicative, collaborative and embodiment skills and will learn how to use the self in the imaginative process and research. And, most importantly, students will learn creative process through practice.
Students must pay a $25 lab fee.

THET222 is for new Theatre majors only. Non-Theatre majors must attend the first day of class for permission to add
THET223
(Perm Req)
Text and Context in Western Theatre
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Introduction to the analysis and critique of the play script. Students will have the opportunity to read, analyze, and interpret western dramatic literature from a range of periods and styles. Texts are analyzed from a variety of theatrical analytical perspectives, with an eye towards choices theatre artists must make in the creation of a theatrical production.
THET251
Broadway Mashup: Remixing America Through Musical Theater
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
GenEd: DSHU, DVUP, SCIS
Interrogate musical theater's political history, investigating how this uniquely American genre uses narrative, song, and dance to weave critical differences across race, ethnicity, immigration status, religion, gender, sexuality, and ability into our national fabric.
THET274
Introduction to Stage Management
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: THET114 or TDPS201; and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Familiarization with the techniques and skills required of a Stage Manager in a theatrical production, including organization, production meetings, rehearsals, tech and running a show. The outcome at the conclusion of the course is the ability to function as an Assistant Stage Manager in a supervised situation.
THET285
The Art of Communication and Presentation
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
GenEd: FSOC
Credit only granted for: COMM107, COMM200, INAG110, JOUR130, or THET285.
An introduction to the fundamental practice and theory of public speaking and oral communication using theatrical techniques of both performance and the craft of storytelling.
THET287
Subversive Cultures and Performance
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
GenEd: DSHS, SCIS
Credit only granted for: THET289I or THET287.
Formerly: THET289I.
Every society has rebels - those who refuse to conform to the mainstream's rigid rules, aesthetics, and beliefs. From unruly skateboarders, punk rockers, bohemian poets, and radical theater performers, to national revolutionary movements and brick-throwing anarchists - such groups form niches that are defined by their exclusion from society. We will look at how their beliefs and actions fit into a particular historical context, and how their actions drive social change.
THET294
Black Theatre and Performance II
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
GenEd: DSHU, DVUP
Restriction: Sophomore standing or higher.
Thematic and historical survey of African-American drama from the 1960s to the present. Emphasis on sociopolitical context, thematic thrust, issues, styles, the aesthetic reflected in the work, impact on African-American and general theatre audiences.
THET310
(Perm Req)
Voice for the Actor I
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: THET116, THET222, THET223, and TDPS201; and must Interview; and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Restriction: Sophomore standing or higher.
Freeing the natural voice. In-depth experience of connection of actor's voice to thought, impulse and emotion. Tools for releasing tension, increasing resonance and range, and refining articulation will be explored.
Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET328L
Special Topics in Intermediate Theatre and Performance; Acting for Digital and Live Performance
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET328N
Special Topics in Intermediate Theatre and Performance; Movement Techniques for Actors
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET363
(Perm Req)
The Business of the Business
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: THET116, THET222, THET223, and TDPS201; and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Credit only granted for: THET399B or THET499E or THET363.
Formerly: THET399B, THET499E.
An in depth study of the business of working in the theatre. Explores early career opportunities and entry-level positions in the entertainment industry. Analyzes publicity, management, union, casting, and agency practices; how they apply to you and your career in the non-profit and commercial theatre.
THET377
(Perm Req)
Lighting Design for Performance
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: THET222, THET223, THET116, and TDPS201; or permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
A study of the theories of electrification, instruments, design, color, and control for the stage. Practical work on productions.
Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET380
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: THET116. And THET114; or TDPS201; or permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Restriction: Sophomore standing or higher.
Theatre Sound Design is a first course in designing sound for stage productions.
Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET383
(Perm Req)
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: TDPS201 or THET114; and (THET116, THET222, and THET223). Or permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Basic principles of theatre costume design and introduction to rendering skills. Emphasis on development of design conception, unity, character statement, basic clothing design and period style adaptation.
Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET385
(Perm Req)
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: THET222, THET223, THET116, and TDPS201; and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Credit only granted for: THET399D or THET385.
Formerly: THET399D.
Focuses on learning the grammar and conceptual thinking behind multimedia design for live performance. Students will learn how our new multimedia tools can enhance the sense of liveness as well as explore the different ways in which technology can be implemented into preproduction thinking, rehearsal experimenting, and ultimately, effective use in performance.
Students must pay a $25 lab fee
THET386
(Perm Req)
Experiential Learning
Credits: 3 - 6
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
Restriction: Junior standing or higher; and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
THET391
(Perm Req)
Theatre History II
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
The history of Western theatre from the mid seventeenth century to the early twentieth century, with emphasis on plays and playwrights, architecture and decor, acting and costuming, and significant personalities. Includes explorations of interrelationships between Western theatre and the theatre of other cultures.
THET399
(Perm Req)
THET408T
Seminar: Theory and Performance Studies; Theatre in the 1960s
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
THET425
(Perm Req)
Actor's Process II
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: THET325; and must audition; and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
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.
THET428B
(Perm Req)
Special Topics in Advanced Theatre and Performance; Project Based Learning
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
THET429
(Perm Req)
THET440
Advanced Playwriting
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
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.
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.
THET452
(Perm Req)
Musical Theatre Workshop II
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: Must audition.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
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.
THET471
Design Studio in Scenery
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: THET371; and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Jointly offered with THET639. Credit only granted for: THET471 or THET639.
Advanced study of scenic design for the theatre. Particular design projects will vary.
Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET477
(Perm Req)
Design Studio in Lighting
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: THET377; and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Jointly offered with THET659. Credit only granted for: THET477 or THET659.
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.
For first year lighting design students and other MFA students. Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET480
(Perm Req)
Advanced Sound Design
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: THET380 and permission of the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies.
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.
Students must pay a $25 lab fee
THET489L
Special Topics in Theatre History from 1800 to Present; LGBTQ Theatre
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
THET489T
Special Topics in Theatre History from 1800 to Present; Latinx Theatre and Performance
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
THET499
(Perm Req)
Credits: 1 - 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Contact department for information to register for this course.
THET608T
(Perm Req)
Seminar: Theory and Performance Studies; Introduction to Archives and Digital Curation
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud, S-F
THET608U
Seminar: Theory and Performance Studies; Theatre in the 1960's
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud, S-F
THET632
(Perm Req)
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Lessons in playwriting, including character, plot, dramatic structure, dialogue, exposition, setting, and creating theatrical images.
Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET639
Graduate Design Studio - Scenery
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET649
Graduate Design Studio - Costume
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
For first year costume design students and other MFA students. Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET659
Graduate Design Studio - Lighting
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
For first year lighting design students and other MFA students. Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET669
(Perm Req)
Credits: 1 - 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud, S-F
Contact department for information to register for this course.
THET669E
Independent Study; Stock Motion Performances
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Cross-listed with THET669E and DANC689K. Credit only granted for TDPS458K, THET669E, or DANCE689K. Student must pay a $25 lab fee.

Students will build a series of performance studies using Unity software and stock animation available on public motion libraries. Students will string together animations in various patterns and interactive systems, and design performance environments for them. Students will gain an understanding of motion that is assumed "default," "normal," and "useful," and use their work to interrogate and challenge such assumptions and their social and political connotations. Then, students will try to recreate their digital action sequences in physical space, and re-translate them back into the virtual, building a new and improvednon-stock motionlibrary."
THET669L
(Perm Req)
Independent Study; Graduate Design Studio-Lighting III
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud, S-F
THET672
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
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.
Students must pay a $25 course fee.
THET678
(Perm Req)
Collaborative Design & Production for Performance
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Students must pay a $25 lab fee
THET679
Graduate Design Studio - Multimedia Design
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Students must pa a $25 lab fee.
THET698L
Seminar: Theatre History; LGBTQ Theatre
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud, S-F
THET698T
Seminar: Theatre History; Latinx Theatre and Performance
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud, S-F
THET788
(Perm Req)
Design for Live Performance Tutorial
Credits: 1 - 6
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Contact department for information to register for this course.
THET789
(Perm Req)
Theatre Design Process and Production
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Contact department for information to register for this course.
THET799
(Perm Req)
MFA Theatre Design Thesis
Credits: 1 - 6
Grad Meth: S-F
Contact department for information to register for this course.
THET888
(Perm Req)
Doctoral Practicum in Theatre
Credits: 1 - 6
Grad Meth: Reg
Contact department for information to register for this course.
THET889
(Perm Req)
Doctoral Tutorial in Theatre
Credits: 1 - 6
Grad Meth: Reg
Contact department for information to register for this course.
THET898
(Perm Req)
Pre-Candidacy Research
Credits: 1 - 6
Grad Meth: Reg, S-F
Contact department for information to register for this course.
THET899
(Perm Req)
Doctoral Dissertation Research
Credits: 1 - 10
Grad Meth: S-F
Contact department for information to register for this course.