Technical Theatre Specialization

Theatre (BFA/BA)

Create magic behind the scenes: specialize in Technical Theatre

(B.F.A. 60 Credits min., B.A. 36 Credits min.)

The Technical Theater Specialization allows students to combine technical elective courses in order to concentrate on a variety of theater design and technology areas. Through involvement in University productions, students can expect significant hands-on production experience corresponding to the theory taught in Technical Theatre and related courses.

Theatre Core:

  • Explores the nature and existence of theatre as a collaborative art form: its artists, craftsmen, practices, products, traditions and historical perspectives.

  • A survey class examining the various technical and artistic facets of a live theatrical production.

  • Beginning technical theatre lab with focus on backstage operations and crew assignments. Emphasis on practical application in actual productions. (Repeatable course). TH majors and minors only.

  • An eclectic, performance-oriented course designed to introduce, develop, and reinforce fundamental acting skills and techniques.

  • A history of theatre production from Aeschylus to Shakespeare, with selected readings from Greek, Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance dramatic literature. Same as ENG 439.

  • A history of theatre production from Restoration to Realism, with selected readings from French neo-classical comedy and tragedy, English restoration comedy and Continental realism. Same as ENG 440.

  • An integrative experience to assist the theatre major in preparation for graduate study or professional work.

Technical Theatre Specialization Requirements (14):

  • Involvement in a full-length play on the mainstage. Admission by audition or faculty approval. (Repeatable Course)

  • Introduction to theatre technology with emphasis on tools, materials, terminology, drafting, safety, and practical application of the basic techniques for construction of scenery and stage rigging.

  • Study of stage lighting and sound equipment, practices, theories, and practical applications. Prerequisite: TH 105

  • Intermediate technical theatre lab with focus on backstage operations and crew assignments. Emphasis on practical application in actual productions. Prerequisite: TH 111. (Repeatable course)

  • Advanced course designed to enrich the student’s understanding and appreciation of the theatre as an art form. This course can include but is not exclusive to Stage Combat, Playwriting, or Theatre Management.

  • Advanced technical theatre lab with focus on backstage operations and leadership assignments. Emphasis on practical application in actual productions. Prerequisites: TH 211. (Repeatable course)

  • Involvement in a full-length play on the mainstage. Admission by audition or faculty approval. (Repeatable Course)

  • Advanced course focusing on various dramatic genres, styles, playwrights, and/or script analysis. Content to be determined. (Repeatable course)

  • Design theories and techniques, drafting and related paperwork for theatre and dance lighting, with emphasis on practical application in the form of light plots and production work. Prerequisites: TH 185 and TH 105.

  • Theory of designing stage sets. Study of drafting and rendering techniques needed to execute a design. Emphasis upon portfolio enhancement, theoretical projects, and production work. Prerequisites: TH 105. Theatre Majors/Minors only.

  • Opportunity to showcase area of specialization, culminating in a studio level production or demonstration of developed work. Faculty approval required. (Repeatable course)

  • On-site experience in a professional theatre or with an approved organization. Prerequisites: Senior status (90+ credits); faculty approval required. Requires 40 hours of experience for each credit hour. CR/NC grade only.

  • Introduction to basic drawing materials, techniques, and concepts focusing on still life as subject matter. (Special fee)

  • Introduction to basic two-dimensional design concepts, theory and techniques through the study of the principles and elements of art. Color theory and linear perspective will be introduced. (Special fee)

  • An introduction to early-modern and modern art history through the chronological study of key works of visual culture from throughout the world since 1400. The course will range from Mona Lisa to Japanese woodcuts, from the Taj Mahal to Gauguin in Tahiti, and from contemporary photography to the art being made in the U.S. by African-Americans and by Iranian, Cuban, and Puerto Rican immigrants. Emphasis will be placed on the historical rise and dominance of the West beginning in the Renaissance, concurrent with the flowering of the Aztec and Inca cultures, the Ottoman empire and the Ming Dynasty, the artistic influences exchanged back and forth in the West’s interactions with Africa and Asia, and the emergence of new visual media in the modern world and the growth of artistic multiculturalism. (ART 329 is not a prerequisite)

    Technical Theatre Specialization Electives

    BFA: 28 credits min.

    BA: 4 credits min.

  • Study of the human form in a variety of media and techniques. Repeatable course. Prerequisite: ART 101A. (Special fee)

  • Introduction to the theory, concepts, and creation of three-dimensional art through a variety of building processes, materials, and techniques. (Special fee)

  • Study of the nature and use of color as a vital element of design. Emphasis is on topics which apply directly to problems encountered with pigment, employing subtractive color theory such as pigment color mixing, physical properties of color (hue, value, and intensity), aesthetic color relationships based upon the color wheel, and uses of color to include personal aesthetic, emotional, and artistic intent. Prerequisite: ART 101B (Special fee)

  • Introduction to the painting medium with a foundation of basic color theory, application, and techniques. (Special fee)
  • An introduction to ancient and medieval art history through the chronological study of key works of visual culture throughout the world, from cave paintings to European cathedrals and Middle Eastern mosques, from the Venus de Milo to the Seated Buddha, and from Egyptian and Maya pyramids to Buddhist stupas. Emphasis will be placed on the shift from prehistoric societies to urban cultures, the rapid development of technical and aesthetic expertise expressed in local traditions, and the emergence of the world’s religions and their impact upon art.

  • An investigation of historical and contemporary visual communications concepts, media, and images and their role in graphic design with a primary emphasis on the twentieth century. The course chronicles the events, influences, and movements in history that have impacted the graphic design community. This course will begin with the invention of writing and the early cave paintings, moving through the history of printing in Europe to contemporary design theory and ideals.
  • Art and architecture in Europe and America from Fauvism and Cubism at the beginning of the century to Postmodernism at the end. The multiculturalism of recent art will be emphasized.

  • Students use the computer to make and manipulate photographic images. Tools and techniques include color balancing, painting, cloning, text, and making composite photographs. Pre or Co-requisite: CS 180 or equivalent or by Permission of Instructor. (Special fee)

Sign in to use the pins