THEATRE (THE)

Division of Fine Arts

The aim of the Theatre Department program is to provide a foundation in theatre and to allow the student to emphasize design/technical theatre, performance theatre, or theatre licensure. The coursework is integrated with the production work to provide a better understanding of the many facets of the theatre. Required participation on stage or back stage on all theatre productions allows the techniques and theories that are examined in the classroom and the laboratory to be tested in a performance setting. In an ongoing assessment of each theatre major, a mandatory meeting with theatre professors assessing each student's work will occur at the conclusion of every semester. A re-audition/re-evaluation will also occur which will involve a student presenting performance and/or design/technical work to theatre professors at the conclusion of each academic year.

This evaluation process, in addition to academic and production work inside the theatre department, will provide each theatre major with a continual assessment of his/her progress. To further connect the student with the profession, Greensboro College holds membership or participates in the American College Theatre Festival, the Association for Theatre in Higher Education, the North Carolina Theatre Conference, the Southeastern Theatre Conference, and the United States Institute of Theatre Technicians (U.S.I.T.T.). Students are required to participate in these organizations' conferences, including auditioning and interviewing for summer apprenticeships and internships. Depending upon their emphasis, students will be prepared to enter graduate school or a theatre conservatory, intern full-time with a theatre organization, teach theatre or seek careers in the profession.

All incoming majors are required to: (1) either audition or have a portfolio review and (2) be interviewed by members of the department. Admittance will be carefully judged based upon the following elements:

  1. TEACHER RECOMMENDATION - from teacher, coach, supervisor or director in theatre. If there is no theatre instructor, then recommendation from a general school teacher, counselor or principal - to determine skill level, intent, career goals, work ethic, and discipline.

  2. PREPARATION FOR THE DISCIPLINE - courses, lessons, experience - through a preview of materials submitted by each candidate.

  3. AUDITION OR PORTFOLIO REVIEW:

    1. DESIGN/TECHNICAL, Licensure: portfolio review of designs, sketches, patterns, costumes, properties, photographs, etc. If no materials are available, then the interview will suffice.

    2. PERFORMANCE, LICENSURE - two contrasting monologues, one song, and movement and improvisations given by judges.

      Note: Licensure candidates may have an audition or have a portfolio review.

  4. INTERVIEW - one-on-one conversation with judges to determine the candidate's interests, intent, career goals, understanding of the major and its requirements, rehearsals, and production work.

Major Requirements

A major in theatre with either a performance or a design/technical emphasis requires 48 hours of theatre courses:

(1) 18 core hours for both the Performance and Design/Technical Emphasis (to consist of THE 101, 102, 103, 104, 201, 202, 301, 302, 311, 400 and 6 hours of world drama courses from the English and Communication Studies department (ENCS 211 and ENCS 212).

AND EITHER:

(2A) 30 hours for Performance Emphasis (to consist of THE 105, 109, 110, 115, 205, 209, 210, 215, 305, 309, 315, and 13 elective hours from non-required Theatre courses as approved by theatre faculty).

OR:

(2B) 30 hours for Design/Technical Emphasis (to consist of THE 107, 204, 303, 304, 313,403, 404, 3 hours of one of the following courses: THE 203, THE 300, THE 407, THE 418, and six elective hours from non-required Theatre courses, as approved by theatre faculty).

Minor Requirements

A minor in theatre requires at least 18 hours of theatre courses to consist of THE 101, 102, 103, 107, 201, 104 or 203, 311, and one world drama course from the English department (ENCS 211 or ENCS 212).

Teacher Education Program

Students seeking licensure in K-12 theatre are required to complete successfully the following courses: THE 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 109, 110, 115, 201, 202, 203, 205, 209, 212, 300, 300.1, 301, 302, 303, 311, 400, 407; ENCS 211 and 212, and electives and other professional/specialty courses.

Required professional courses are as follows: PSY 233, *PSY 315, EDU 200, EDU 200.1, EDU 200.3, *EDU 317, EDU 325, EDU 375, *EDU 400, *EDU 494.3, *EDU 494, PE 223, SPED 211 or SPED 353 or *SPED 367, SPED 211.1, *THE 306, *THE 306.1.

The following courses, which may be taken as part of the general education requirements, also are recommended: HIST 101 or 102; HIST 141 or 142.

*Requires admission to Teacher Education.

Students seeking teacher licensure must obtain at least a grade of C in each and all professional education and specialty area courses. No pass/fail grades will be accepted. Students must complete all professional/specialty courses prior to student teaching.

For information on additional teacher education requirements, procedures, and timelines, consult the section of the Catalog entitled Education, as well as the Teacher Education, Student Orientation, and Field Experiences Handbooks available from the theatre coordinator to the Teacher Education Program. Copies are also on reserve on the library. Students desiring SDPI licensure should be aware that graduation with licensure may require more than the minimum 124 semester hours.

Courses in Theatre

THE 101, 102, 201, 202, 301, 302 Play Production I-VI (1)

These courses include a performance and/or technical theatre project done in support of each production during the semester. The student must have a role and/or assignment on each production in order to gain a full appreciation of a theatrical season. Attendance at every load-in and strike is mandatory and may also be required at production meetings, work calls, rehearsals, costume parades or photo calls. Each Play Production course fulfills one hour of the Fine Arts credit. Offered every semester.

THE 103 Stagecraft I (3)

This course is an introduction to the methods and practices of stagecraft which includes units on tools, materials, hardware, properties, costumes, sewing and fabrics, painting, scenic elements, and lighting and sound equipment. Lectures will combine with practical experience in a laboratory shop setting. Satisfies Fine Arts General Education requirement. Offered every Fall Semester.

THE 104 Stage Design I (3)

This course involves the study of current theories and basic techniques used in designing for theatrical productions. Satisfies Fine Arts General Education requirement; theoretical-lecture credit. Offered every Spring Semester.

THE 105 Acting I (2)

This course involves the application of the basic elements of acting as part of a three-year sequence. The emphasis is on the individual's awareness of relaxation, concentration, focus, and attention to the acting partner through the use of exercises and elementary scene work as espoused by Robert Cohen. Prerequisite: Admission to Theatre Performance. Satisfies Fine Arts General Education requirement. Offered every Fall Semester.

THE 106 Public Speaking (3)

This course involves the theory and practice of public speaking including the study of the preparation and presentation of speeches for all occasions. Satisfies Fine Arts General Education requirement; theoretical-lecture credit. Offered every semester.

THE 107 Introduction to Acting (3)

This course involves the fundamentals of acting for the student who is not emphasizing acting as a major. The emphasis is on basic acting technique and the use of body movement and voice through role-playing and improvisation. May be repeated for credit. Satisfies Fine Arts General Education requirement. Offered periodically based upon student need.

THE 108 Introduction to the Theatre (3)

This course involves the exploration of how theatre as an art form has evolved, including some exposure to the major historical periods in the development of theatre and how the actor, director and designer function. For non-majors only. Satisfies Fine Arts General Education requirement; theoretical-lecture credit. Offered periodically based upon student need.

THE 109 Movement for the Actor I (1)

This course involves the fundamentals of movement as it related to acting technique. The emphasis is on the development of body awareness and movement and its relationship to choices by the actor as a characterization is refined. A study of individual movement and gesture habits will be made by each student. Satisfies Fine Arts General Education requirement. Offered every Fall Semester.

THE 110 Voice for the Actor I (1)

This course will focus on identifying physical tensions, blocks, and habits that prevent full breath and voice. The impact of emotion and the physical use on the voice will be explored. Connections between text, image, emotion, breath, and voice will also be studied. Prerequisite: Admission to Theatre Performance. Satisfies Fine Arts General Education requirement. Offered every Spring Semester.

THE 115 Acting II (2)

This course is a continuation of the skills learned in THE 105 with a focus on the ten object exercises introduced by Uta Hagen. The introduction of substitution, emotional memory, sense memory, and the five senses will occur with related exercises to be attempted. Prerequisite: THE 105. Satisfies Fine Arts General Education requirement. Offered every Spring Semester. THE 203 Make-Up Craft (3)

THE 203 Make-Up Craft (3)

This course involves the theories and application of stage make-up technique. An analysis of the relationship of character development, lighting and costume to make-up will be explored. Practical, hands-on experience in make-up application will occur. Prerequisite: THE 103 or the instructor's approval. Satisfies Fine Arts General Education requirement. Offered Fall Semester, 2002.

THE 204 Lighting Design (3)

This course involves the study of current theories and basic techniques used in lighting design for theatrical productions. Electrical theory, optics, color theory, photometrics, instruments, troubleshooting and graphics standards are studies. Exploratory lighting lab work culminates in several designs, which will be completed by students. Offered Spring Semester, 2004.

THE 205 Acting III (2)

This course is a continuation of the skills learned in THE 115 with the introduction of the techniques of acting introduced by Konstantin Stanislavski. Exercises in sense memory, emotional memory, and affective memory will be attempted by the student as a self-acting technique is begun to be formed. Prerequisite: THE 115. Offered every Fall Semester.

THE 209 Movement for the Actor II (1)

This course is a continuation of Movement I. Intermediate work in developing movement as a tool for character interpretation will continue. Prerequisite: THE 109. Offered every Spring Semester.

THE 210 Voice for the Actor II (1)

This course will help the student to expand range: pitch volume, pace, articulation for use in poetic and elevated language such as Shakespeare. The International Phonetic Alphabet (I.P.A.) and Standard American dialect will be used. Kinesthetic connections will be made between breath, thought, image, emotion, and movement. Prerequisite: THE 110. Offered every Fall Semester.

THE 212 Playwriting (2)

This course introduces the fundamental principles and techniques of playwriting. Through a variety of assignments, the student will learn about play structure and format, how to write effective scenes and believable dialogue, and how to create interesting dramatic characters. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit. Satisfies Fine Arts General Education requirement. Offered every Fall Semester.

THE 215 Acting IV (2)

This course is a continuation of the skills learned in THE 205 with the beginnings of advanced training through the techniques of Stanford Meisner. This technique will develop an actor's impulses, connection to other actors, observation, focus, emotional life, and self-sufficiency. Exercises, improvisation, and scripted scenes will be used as tools in this course. Prerequisite: THE 205. Offered every Spring Semester.

THE 300 Creative Dramatics (3)

This course explores the history, theory, philosophy, and application of drama as it is used in the education of children and youth. This course will address performance orientation ranging from improvisation to scripted works, include application to basic school curriculum, and study literature based instruction. Open to enrollment from elementary education, middle grades education, and special education majors. Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education. Satisfies Fine Arts General Education requirement. Offered Spring Semester, 2004.

THE 300.1 Fieldwork Component (1)

Required for all students seeking theatre licensure. Offered periodically based upon student need.

Early fieldwork is a series of involved experiences sequentially planned to allow developmental opportunities for prospective teachers in actual classroom situations. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation for fieldwork assignments.

THE 303 Costume Craft (3)

This course is a study of the theories and application of costume technique. An analysis of the relationship to character development, lighting, and scenery will be explored. Practical, hands-on experience of costume craft will occur. Prerequisite: THE 103 or the instructor's approval. Satisfies Fine Arts General Education requirement. Offered Spring Semester, 2003.

THE 304 Stage Design II (3)

This course is the continued study of the techniques and methods of stage design, including further development of design responses and rendering ability. This course affords the opportunity for assessment of the student's progress in theatrical design. Prerequisite: THE 104 or the instructor's approval. Offered Fall Semester, 2002.

THE 305 Acting V (2)

This course is a continuation of the skills learned in THE 215 with a focus on improving a student's honesty, emotional connection, and specificity. These skills will be developed through work on plays by Ibsen, Strindberg, Shaw, and Chekhov. Attention is paid to acting styles for the period 1890-1930. Prerequisite: THE 215. Offered every Fall Semester.

THE 306 Pedagogy of Theatre (K-12) (3)

This course assists the prospective theatre teacher in acquiring strategies, techniques, methods, and attitudes for teaching theatre K-12. Topics include classroom organization and management, exceptional populations, curriculum issues, performance production and design, instructional trends, knowledge and use of resources and technology, legal responsibilities and professional obligations. Open to enrollment from elementary education, middle grades education, and special education majors. Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education. Offered Fall Semester, 2003.

THE 306.1 Fieldwork Component (1)

Required for all students seeking theatre licensure. For course description, see THE 300.1. Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education. Offered periodically based upon student need.

THE 309 Movement for the Actor III (1)

This course is the culmination of the movement training. Work in period movement will be emphasized. This course affords the opportunity for assessment of the student's progress in stage movement. Prerequisite: THE 209. Offered every Fall Semester. THE 310 Dialects and Culture (2)

THE 310 Dialects and Culture (2)

This course will prepare students for the dialects commonly used for the stage. Students will research and discuss the cultural and theatrical traditions which provide the context for these dialects. Study may include Standard American, African American, REP, Cockney, Irish, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Brooklyn, and Russian. Transcription, taping, and videotaping will be used as tools. Prerequisite: THE 210. Offered periodically based upon student need.

THE 311 Theatre History (3)

This course is a study of the development of the theatre from the earliest performative rituals of man through present day. Both a performance and a technical perspective will be explored. Political, sociological, psychological, and technological influences will be examined as well. Offered Fall Semester, 2003.

THE 313 Scene Painting (3)

This course is a study of the techniques and methods of scene painting including further development of design responses and rendering abilities. This course also will familiarize the student with the nature of color in pigment, the role of the scenic artist, the mural artist and the history and nature of painting in Theatre, Film, Commercial and Residential settings. Practical development of scaled painting projects is an integral part of this course. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Satisfies Fine Arts General Education requirement. Offered Spring Semester, 2003.

THE 315 Acting VI (2)

This course is the continuation of the skills learned in THE 305 with a focus on very heightened theatrical genres including farce, melodrama, and Restoration comedy. Attention is paid to the acting styles for these particular genres. Prerequisite: THE 305. Offered every Spring Semester.

THE 400 Senior Seminar (3)

The course involves the instruction of various techniques of the presentation of the education, performance or design and technical theatre portfolio, including choice, preparation, and evaluation of material and theatre resume. Research of a creative project in a major area of special interest will occur. This course serves as an opportunity for students to reflect on their varied experiences in pursuit of the major. Prerequisite: senior status or permission of the instructor. Offered every Fall Semester.

THE 403 Stagecraft II (3)

This course involves advanced study of stagecraft through the use of assignments in production, rehearsals and performances. Subjects will include technical management techniques, rigging techniques, property construction methods, advanced production problem solving techniques and sound preparation processes. This course affords the opportunity for assessment of the student's progress in stagecraft. Prerequisite: THE 103 or permission of the instructor. Offered Spring Semester, 2003.

THE 404 Computer Aided Design (3)

This course introduces ACAD-Autocad LT./Autocad software as a drawing and communication tool. Topics will include drawing, layers, coordinate systems, editing, file management, dimensioning, modifying, blocks, attributes, and external references printing or plotting. Photoshop pictorial modifications and applications will also be introduced. The study will be directed toward applications in Technical Theatre and related fields. Some Windows experience is helpful but will be introduced as it relates to the listed software. Prerequisite: THE 104 or permission of the instructor. Offered Spring Semester, 2004.

THE 407 Directing (3)

This course involves lecture and the discussion of the theories of stage direction with an emphasis on dramatic analysis, production planning and organization, problem solving duties and directorial responsibilities. Practical direction of monologues and scenes will occur. An entire production to be directed by the student may result, based upon approval by the instructor. Prerequisite: Approval by the instructor. Offered every Spring Semester.

THE 415 Acting Lab (2)

This course will focus on performance needs of students. Topics may include Social Comedy, Acting the Song, Creative Performance, and Physical Acting. Scenes, video, monologues, and exercises will be used. The course work may culminate in a show of scenes or a cutting from a full-length play. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Offered Spring Semesters 2003, 2004, Fall Semester, 2003.

THE 418 Play Analysis (3)

This course teaches play analysis from a practical perspective for students who intend to perform, direct, design, build, or administrate within the collaborative productive process. The class will view and respond to written plays, theatrical productions, and video performances from various theatrical traditions. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Offered Fall Semesters, 2002, 2004.

THE 450 Special Topics in Theatre (3)

This course presents special topics in theatre. May be repeated a maximum of three times. Permission of the instructor is required. Offered periodically based upon student need.

THE 490 Internship (1-6)

This course is a designed work experience practicum in theatre conducted in cooperation with selected professional or amateur theatre organizations. Course may be retaken for a maximum of six credit hours in the major. Permission of instructor is required. Offered periodically based upon student need.