THEA – Musical Theatre
THEA 140 Introduction to Theatre (3)
Surveys the arts of the theatre with emphasis on the role of the playwright, director, actor, designer, and producer. Promotes the development of college-level writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills. (ART)
THEA 142 Introduction to Film (4)
Develops a greater understanding of and appreciation for the art and history of film as it examines contemporary American and international cinema in historical and cultural contexts. Enhances analytical skills to better understand filmmakers’ intentions and how they are conveyed. (ART)
THEA 145 Introduction to Musical Theatre (3)
Over the course of the semester students will learn about musical theatre, a brief history of musical theatre and the elements of creating a musical theatre show. This includes script writing, producing, directing and choreographing, and the design areas. A course fee is attached to this course for attending a live musical in Des Moines at some point in the semester. Students are also required to attend a Theatre Central show during the semester. (ART, EXP)
THEA 150 Acting (3)
Examines the theories and practices of acting from a Western perspective. Students practice basic aesthetic judgments, professional ethics, and physical and vocal training through theatre games, improvisation and introduction to scene study. (ART, EXP)
THEA 151 Dance Fundamentals (1)
This course is designed to give the student the essential training in various dance techniques and an understanding of the structure behind their differences and similarities. Students will explore and experience various dance styles through in-class technical training and explore historical context and the artistic impacts in the Fine Arts.
THEA 161 Introduction to Theatrical Design (3)
An introduction to theatrical design concentrating on the creative process in developing the design of sets, lighting, costumes, as well as the presentation of design ideas. This course examines the role of the designer and how designs support the ideas of a play in visual ways. Promotes the development of college-level writing, reading, listening and speaking skills. Students with credit for THEA-173 may not also receive credit for THEA-161. (ART)
THEA 163 Stagecraft (4)
An introduction to the rudimentary skills involved with planning, constructing, painting, rigging and lighting of stage scenery. (EXP)
THEA 180 Theatre Practice (1)
This course is designed to allow students to gain practical rudimentary experience in theatre by working on a realized theatrical production.
THEA 240 Ancient to Medieval: Theatre History and Dramatic Literature (3)
Surveys the theatre history and dramatic literature of the ancient world through medieval times, with particular emphasis on the development of theatre and performance. Developments outside of western tradition are included. Promotes critical and analytical thinking and considers the place of performance in the historical political, social and aesthetic development of the world cultures. (HP)
THEA 241 Renaissance to Modernism: Theatre History and Dramatic Literature (3)
Surveys the theatre history and dramatic literature of the renaissance world through modern times, with particular emphasis on the development of theatre and performance. Developments outside of western tradition are included. Promotes critical and analytical thinking and considers the place of performance in the historical political, social and aesthetic development of the world cultures. Playwrights included in the course range from Machiavelli and Moliere to Strindberg and contemporary trends. (HP)
THEA 250 Musical Theatre History (3)
This course examines the history and evolution of Broadway musical theatre, one of America’s great indigenous art forms. The course gives students the opportunity to evaluate and compare a variety of musicals from the nineteenth century to present-day Broadway musicals including minstrel shows, vaudeville, operetta, musical comedy, opera on Broadway and Rock Opera.
THEA 258 Directing I (4)
Prerequisite: THEA 150. This is an introductory course in play directing. The course utilizes background information of acting, stagecraft and lighting, and dramatic literature to provide the groundwork for the discussion of approaches to, and techniques of, play direction.
THEA 265 Entertainment Management (3)
Introduces students to the practice, realm and study of entertainment management in the commercial and non-commercial operations. This will include marketing/ public relations, financial management, development/ fund raising, operations/ facilities management, and personnel. Students will also learn about stage management; the process and responsibilities of stage management focusing on production duties, rehearsal responsibilities and production obligations.
THEA 266 Theatrical Makeup Design (3)
A laboratory- format course concentrating on the materials, skills and techniques used for applying theatrical makeup and designing makeup for the stage. Students will develop several makeup styles addressing challenges related to compensating for theatrical lighting, aging the youthful face, emphasizing character, effects and prosthetic techniques. (ART)
THEA 267 Digital Media and Design with the Arts (3)
This course aims to provide training in digital programs used in theatre design. Through a series of projects this course will explore a variety of digital tools and help students familiarize themselves with digital options for design renderings. (ART)
THEA 280 Advanced Theatre Practice (1)
This course is designed to allow students to gain practical advance experience in theatre by working on a realized theatrical production.
THEA 361 Designing for the Stage (4)
Over the course of the semester, you will learn about the four primary areas of theatre design and production; scenic design, lighting design, costume design and sound design. Through projects you will gain familiarity with each of these disciplines and design concepts. This course also covers the requirements for the core designation Arts. This will engage students in examining artistic expression within historical or cultural contexts, analytical approaches and hands-on experiences. (ART)
THEA 370 Script Analysis and Dramatic Literature (4)
Prerequisite: second-year standing. An interdisciplinary investigation of theatre and literature. Explores a variety of analytic methods for examining dramatic literature from both performance and design perspectives. Brief explorations of critical theory used to critique, analyze, and produce plays. (LP, WRT)
THEA 397 Internship in Theatre (Arr)
Prerequisite: 3.0 departmental GPA and instructor’s permission. An applied experience in a communication and/or theatre-related setting requiring a minimum of 30 hours for each credit hour. Includes conferences with on-campus staff, portfolio of work performed and evaluation by job supervisor. May be repeated for a maximum of 10 credit hours applied to the major. Pass/No Credit basis.
THEA 485 Senior Seminar in Theatre (4)
Prerequisite: Declared theatre major and senior standing. Serves as a capstone to the Theatre major’s undergraduate career and prepares them for transition into the professional theatre and/or graduate studies. The course may include lectures, workshops, professional guest speakers, discussion sessions and any other aspects related to the collaborative world of theatre. Students will complete various writing-intensive projects including resume building, portfolio constructing, career-based cover letters and a 5-8 page research paper based upon their individualized track in theatre.
THEA 499 Independent Study (Arr)
Prerequisite: instructor’s permission. A course allowing students to probe more deeply into an area for which they have been prepared, but in which there are no further advanced courses offered. Prior to registration the student must present the proposed study to the department for approval. May be repeated.