Courses - Fall 2026
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 $25.00 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
For permission email Susan Miller at smille13@umd.edu
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 $25.00 lab fee.
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.
THET228A
Special Topics in Introductory Theatre and Performance; Improvisation
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
THET240
Introduction to Playwriting
Prerequisite: ENGL101.
Restriction: Sophomore standing or higher; must be in the Theatre major or the Writers House program; or permission of instructor.
Credit only granted for: THET240 or THET340.
Will introduce students to the art of playwriting through exploratory writing exercises, the reading of successful plays and the development of new short scripts. Writing workshop discussions will address how to make theatrical choices, and how to use the six elements of storytelling. Previous experience in Theatre is necessary, but no playwriting experience is required.
students must pay a $25 lab fee
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.
THET274
Introduction to Stage Management
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: 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
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.
THET286
Experiential Learning I
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: THET222, THET223, and THET116. And THET114; or TDPS201. And permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Introductory internship in theatre. Constructed to help students in their sophomore year gain practical experience in a supportive work environment in the theatre. Student must research and propose internship to a Faculty Advisor and Internship Venue.
THET293
Thematic and historical survey of African-American drama from the late nineteenth century to the 1960s. 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 $25.00 lab fee.
THET324
Character Development
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in THET310.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher; and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
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
THET330
Play Directing I
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: TDPS201, THET222, THET223, and THET116. And permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
A lecture-laboratory course dealing with the techniques of coordinating, designing and guiding the production of a script through to performance. Study and practice in stage composition, movement, pacing, script and character analysis, and rehearsal routines. Emphasis on methods of communicating a script to an audience.
THET340
Playwriting I
Prerequisite: THET222, THET223, THET116, and TDPS201.
Restriction: Permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Will introduce students to the art of playwriting through exploratory writing exercises, the reading of successful plays, the development of new short scripts, how to make theatrical choices, and how to use the six elements of storytelling.
students must pay a $25 lab fee
THET351
Musical Theatre I
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
An introduction for students interested in developing their skills with musical theatre, specifically the work of the actor interpreting songs and text in musicals. With a primary focus on American Musical Theatre repertoire, students will prepare and present various solo, duet, and group numbers.
Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET371
Scenic Design I
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: TDPS201, THET222, THET223, and THET116.
A study of design theory and style. Methods and techniques of coordination of all elements of scenic design for theatre.
THET380
Sound Design
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: THET116 and 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 pa 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.
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.
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.
THET390
History of Theatre I
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 its origins in classical antiquity through the mid-seventeenth 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
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.
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.
Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET425
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.
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.
THET473
Rendering for the Theatre II
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: THET373; or permission of instructor.
Continued study in rendering techniques and graphic skills for theatrical design presentation. Emphasis on style, technique and use of different artistic media.
Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET475
History of Art, Architecture, and Decor for the Theatre
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: TDPS201, THET116, THET222, and THET223; and permission of ARHU-School of Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies department.
Jointly offered with: THET670.
Credit only granted for: THET475 or THET670.
Study of Western art, architecture, and decor and their practical application to theatrical production.
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.
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.
THET481
Theatre Graphics II: Computer Assisted Design
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: TDPS201; and THET116; and permission of ARHU-Theatre department.
Restriction: Sophomore standing or higher.
Study and practical application of computer generated graphical design for use in theatrical production.
Students must pay a $25 course fee.
THET489B
Special Topics in Theatre History from 1800 to Present; American Theatre from Conquest to Contemporary
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
THET499
Independent Study
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
THET499B
Independent Study; Figure Drawing for Theatre Design
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Students must pay a $25 lab fee
THET600
Introduction to Graduate Research Methods
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Restriction: Must be a graduate student in a Theatre program.
Also offered as: THET700.
Credit only granted for: THET600 or THET700.
Additional information: Only students in the doctoral program may register for THET700.
Basic skills in theatre research.
THET606
Teaching Theatre
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Strategies and materials for teaching a typical introductory course in theatre, with emphasis on specific problems of classroom instruction (e.g., creating a supportive climate, promoting active learning by students, constructing appropriate tests, adapting methods to content, and resolving discipline problems).
For MFA Design Students
THET608C
Seminar: Theory and Performance Studies; Disability Studies and Performance
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
THET619O
Special Topics in Theatre; Graduate Lighting Design Studio II
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
THET619V
Special Topics in Theatre; Drafting for Set Design
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET633
Figure Drawing for Theatre Design
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Credit only granted for: THET633 or THET669F.
Formerly: THET669F.
Figure Drawing is designed to give students the necessary drawing skills that are required when drawing and painting for the theatre. We will study anatomy, figure/ground relationships, composition plotting and layout, planar value, light and shadow analysis, color theory and the fundamentals of perspective and how this applies to theatre design.
THET639
Graduate Design Studio - Scenery
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
THET645
Graduate Rendering for Costume Design
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Credit only granted for: THET669R or THET645.
Formerly: THET669R.
Advance study in rendering techniques for theatrical design presentation.
Students must pay a $25 lab fee.
THET649
Graduate Design Studio - Costume
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Students must pay a $25 course fee. Class is for First, Second, and Third Year MFA students.
THET659
Graduate Design Studio - Lighting
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Students must pay a $25 course fee. Contact instructor for days/times.
THET669
Independent Study
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
THET669T
Independent Study; Theatre Graphics II: Computer Assisted Design
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Students must pay a $25 lab fee
THET670
History of Art, Architecture, and Decor for the Theatre
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Recommended: THET600.
Jointly offered with: THET475.
Credit only granted for: THET475 or THET670.
Study of Western art, architecture, and decor and their practical application to theatrical production.
THET679
Graduate Design Studio - Multimedia Design
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
THET700
Introduction to Graduate Research Methods
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Restriction: Must be a graduate student in a Theatre program.
Also offered as: THET600.
Credit only granted for: THET600 or THET700.
Additional information: Only students in the doctoral program may register for THET700.
Basic skills in theatre research.
THET713
Performance Studies
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Prerequisite: THET700.
Introduces doctoral students to theoretical and methodological issues in performance studies. We will focus on 3 primary areas of research, analyzing representational strategies of adaptations, ethnography, and cultural analysis of theatrical performance.
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 and Performance Studies
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg
THET898
Pre-Candidacy Research
Credits:
3 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, S-F
THET899
Doctoral Dissertation Research
Credits:
1 - 10
Grad Meth:
S-F
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