Courses - Spring 2025
THET110
Introduction to the Theatre
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
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.
Enrollment for students with less than 60 credits will be prioritized. For permission email Susan Miller at smille13@umd.edu. Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET222
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
THET222 is for new Theatre majors only. Non-Theatre majors must attend the first day of class for permission to add
THET223
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
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.
THET282
Stage Makeup
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Students learn to design and execute character makeup based on research and script analysis. Studying fundamental facial anatomy, the class learns to manipulate light and shadow with makeup to enhance and alter the shape of facial features. Once these techniques are mastered, the class moves on to more complex exercises, including Old Age, Facial Hair, Wounds and Fantasy.
Students must pay a $25 course fee. Students will need to purchase a Ben Nye Kit for their skin tone, a set of makeup brushes, and one eyeshadow palette with a wide color range. Contact instructor for more information about supplies.
THET285
The Art of Communication and Presentation
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
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
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
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.
THET324
Character Development
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in THET310 and THET362; or permission of Instructor. And must audition; and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
European-based physical approach to acting. Primary focus on character development, may include creating original characters and learning how to bring to life an already scripted character. Techniques to explore the soul and psychology of characters and their physical qualities, voice, rhythm and movement.
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.
THET328W
Theatre and Dance in Iran and Afghanistan
Repeatable to 3 credits if content differs.
Cross-listed with: PERS385, TDPS358A.
Credit only granted for: TDPS358A, THET328W, PERS398A, or PERS385.
Formerly: PERS398A.
Students will learn about stories, plays, and movements in Iran and Afghanistan from past to present. Through watching performances, readings, and discussions, we explore the relationship between storytelling, body, space, and power in forming and performing identity and life experiences. Looking at case studies from traditional, popular, and western style dance and theater are an exciting part of the course. Note: This course requires no prior knowledge of Persian culture or dance and theatre studies on the part of the students.
Cross-listed with TDPS358A and PERS385. Credit will be only granted for PERS385 or TDPS358A or THET328W.
THET363
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
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
Sound Design
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
Costume Design I
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
Media Design
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
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
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
Independent Study
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
THET408A
Seminar: Theory and Performance Studies; American Avant-Garde Theatre and Performance
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
THET408D
Seminar: Theory and Performance Studies; Dramaturgy
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
THET411
Voice for the Actor II
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: THET324 or THET325; and must audition; and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
Credit only granted for: THET311, THET411, or THET499L.
Formerly: THET311.
Learn the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and apply to exploration of sound and language. Designed to increase voice and speech awareness, and create a base knowledge from which to approach any accent or dialect.
THET428F
Special Topics in Advanced Theatre and Performance; Advanced CAD Drafting
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Cross-listed with THET669T. Credit only granted for THET669T or THET428F. Students must pay $25 lab fee.
THET428P
Special Topics in Advanced Theatre and Performance; Costume Draping
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Students must pay a $25 lab fee. Meets with THET669D - Graduate Costume Design: Draping
THET429
Actor's Studio
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
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.
THET451
Musical Theatre Workshop I
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
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.
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.
THET474
Advanced Stage Management
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: THET114 or TDPS201; and (THET116, THET222, THET223, and THET274); and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department; and sophomore standing or higher.
Intensive practical study of the techniques and procedures for stage management.
THET477
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
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
THET491
Theatrical Rendering Using Photoshop
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: THET471.
Credit only granted for: THET491 or THET428O.
Formerly: THET428O.
A studio course in rendering for the theatre. The course focuses primarily on traditional approaches to perspective drawing, space, texture, color and lighting rendering using Photoshop. Photoshop tools and techniques; preparing three-dimensional objects for accurate rendering; and techniques for Photoshop rendering and lighting of three-dimensional objects and architectural forms. This class primarily has an emphasis on rendering/uses for scenic design.
Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET499
Independent Study
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
THET608A
Seminar: Theory and Performance Studies; American Avant-Garde Theatre and Performance
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
THET608D
Seminar: Theory and Performance Studies; Dramaturgy
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
THET608J
Seminar: Theory and Performance Studies; Translations, Adaptations, and Appropriations
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
This section of THET608 examines translations, adaptations, and appropriations of Shakespeare's plays. Topics to be covered include models of translation, theories of adaptation and appropriation, and performance as adaptation. Texts to be analyzed include recorded and live performances of Hamlet, King Lear, and Twelfth Night. Junior and senior Undergraduates may enroll with instructor permission.
THET632
Playwriting
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.
THET636
Photoshop for Theatrical Rendering
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Credit only granted for: THET636 or THET669P.
Formerly: THET669P.
Photoshop tools and techniques; preparing three-dimensional objects for accurate rendering; and techniques for Photoshop rendering and lighting of three-dimensional objects and architectural forms.
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
Independent Study
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
THET669D
Independent Study; Graduate Costume Design: Draping
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET669T
Independent Study; Advanced CAD Drafting
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Cross-listed with THET428F. Credit only granted for THET669T or THET428F. Students must pay $25 lab fee.
THET669V
Independent Study; Drafting for Set Design
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET678
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.
THET712
Historical Research Methods and Historiography in Theatre
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Prerequisite: THET700.
Formerly: PCOM712.
A survey of methods commonly used in writing theatre history and their application to a suitable problem. Formulation of significant research questions, systematic collection of bibliographic and phenomenal information, formulating substantial claims, organizing and writing research for disciplinary outlets.
THET788
Design for Live Performance Tutorial
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
THET789
Theatre Design Process and Production
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
THET799
Master's Thesis Research and Preparation
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
S-F
THET888
Doctoral Practicum in Theatre
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg
THET889
Doctoral Tutorial in Theatre
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg
THET898
Pre-Candidacy Research
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, S-F
THET899
Doctoral Dissertation Research
Credits:
1 - 10
Grad Meth:
S-F
Flagship Institution of the University System of Maryland
University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
/
Phone:
301.405.1000
Copyright
© 2024 University of Maryland
/
Privacy /
Web Accessibility
Contact us
with comments, questions and feedback
/