Theatre (TH)

Appreciation of the many arts involved in play production from the audience point of view. Script, theatre structure, scenery, costume, lighting, makeup, acting and directing studied against the historical background of the theatre. Not a performance course. Falls.

Practical applications and an extension of theory and technique covered in theatre courses in production. Experiences include all aspects of theatre production. Offered by individual enrollment. May be repeated for credit. Pass/No Pass. With permission for non-majors. Falls and Springs.

How to use computers and the internet to facilitate career development and functionality within the theatre industry. Springs. (TECO)

Prerequisite(s): TH 1600

An introductory course intended to familiarize students with the operation of performing arts organizations and management of theatrical productions. Stage Management examines production planning, organizational, interpersonal, and documentation skills necessary for planning, rehearsing, touring, and performing a play. Arts Management addresses facility administration skills such as financial/contract management, marketing, development, and technology required to maintain a viable organization. Springs.

Prerequisite(s): TH 1600.

The Acting Company is a performing ensemble that specializes in developing and applying skills through direct experience with the acting repertoire, which may include classics, adaptations, new works, commercial plays, and other types and styles of non-musical theatre performance. Each semester at least one non-musical production is staged. Students in those productions may receive credit for participation as a performer. Any Plymouth student may audition for roles and ensembles. Falls and Springs.

Corequisite(s): Must be cast in a play or other nonmusical production during semester of enrollment.

Beginning course in principles and practices of vocal production and speech. Emphasis on breath support and articulation with an introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet. Students learn to analyze their own voice and speech patterns and make appropriate adjustments. Falls.

An introduction to the planning and logistics of scenery construction techniques. Includes the choosing and budgeting of materials; electricity and lighting; the interpretation and engineering of theatrical working drawings; the actual implementation of scenery. Falls and Springs. (QRCO)

Basic design course for all Theatre majors and others interested in the field. Curriculum consists of an overview of the design process from initial play reading and discussions with the director through the execution of the final design. Utilizing various scripts, students learn to research, to "rough out" ideas, to express those ideas through drawings and models and to implement design concept. Falls.

An introduction to the fundamentals of costume construction. Topics include costume shop organization and scheduling, costume budgeting, hand and machine sewing, cutting, draping, fitting, alterations, theatrical makeup and costume accessories. Students become familiar with the basic tools and materials involved in this area. There is practical application of skills learned. Springs and Falls.

Acting for the theatre including work in the areas of physical control, vocal production, sensory awareness, the development of the creative imagination, ensemble work, improvisation, script analysis, characterization and scene study. Concentrates on the relationship of wellness for occupational health and incorporate activities to foster physical, spiritual, and emotional health to enhance self care, personal development, and creativity. Trains students in the basic skills of theatrical performance. Falls and Springs. (WECO)

Exploration and discovery of student actor’s unique talent and individual identity through practical application of on-camera work. Exploration of skills through regular performance presentations. Students learn to utilize equipment and set up an on-camera shoot. Additional course fee required. Falls Odd.

Prerequisite(s): TH 2820  

Emphasis on relaxation, posture, balance and alignment, rhythm, strength and flexibility. Movement as an element of characterization. Some basic dance steps and patterns introduced, although students need not be 'dancers' to enroll in this course. Falls.

A survey of Musical Theatre song literature and a workshop in Musical Theatre singing techniques and styles. Students are assigned repertory appropriate to their current level and prior experience. In-class performance is an important element. Ability to read music not essential but helpful. May be taken as MU 3170. Unscheduled.

Prerequisite(s): permission of the instructor.

Fundamental analysis course to develop skills needed to interpret dramatic material for direction, performance and design. Investigation of thought process involved in discovering the structure of script and in breaking it down in terms of Action, Objective and Motivational Units. Preparatory to transforming a script from page to production. This course is a prerequisite for all directing courses. Falls.

Continuation of Voice and Diction I. Particular attention paid to intonation patterns and coloration as well as to dialects. Intensive work to correct individual and regional speech patterns and to extend range, flexibility and vocal power. Spring of even years.

Prerequisite(s): permission of the instructor.

Students examine various areas of theatrical design (principally scenic, lighting and costume design). Depending upon the specific "topic" covered by this course during any given semester, students investigate the relationship between theory and practice, developing expertise in the appropriate techniques and methods involved. Examples of topics might include: scene design (model making, drafting, painting, design for musical theatre); lighting design (lighting for dance, design for arena theatre, lighting for outdoor theatre); costume design (period costuming, rendering techniques). May be repeated for no more than 12 credits.

Prerequisite(s): permission of the instructor.

An introduction to areas of Theatre Technology and Production Crafts. Topics covered might include: scene painting, advanced costume crafts and production problems in electrics and audio. The purpose of this series is to enable a student to execute a specific product idea based on a theatrical design. May be repeated up to 12 credits. Instructor permission required.

Each topics course provides in-depth study and application of writing skills for specific venues. Topics covered include playwriting, screenwriting, writing adaptations and libretto development. May be repeated with a different topic.

Prerequisite(s): (EN 1200 or EN 1400), TH 1600, and permission of the instructor.

American Theatre, initially tied to operetta and English drama, evolved into various combinations of music, lyrics, dance and dramatic literature. Particular attention is given to the development of musical theatre in the United States and its dramatic themes, musical styles, dance innovations and artistic elements. Consideration of how works reflect cultural, social, and political landscape of the time. Investigates significant musicals and plays representing the changing viewpoints, beliefs and lifestyles of our diverse nation. Falls. (DICO) (WRCO)

Prerequisite(s): EN 1200 or EN 1400.

Students develop a repertoire of material chosen to highlight the actor's strengths, which can be utilized in a variety of audition situations. The performer explores the business, maintenance, and promotion of one's professional career. Spring of odd years.

Prerequisite(s): TH 2820 and TH 3900.

Practical applications and an extension of theory and technique covered in theatre courses in production. Experiences include technical and/or design work. Offered by individual enrollment. May be repeated for credit. With permission for non-majors. Falls and Springs.

Techniques of rehearsal, script analysis, role research and ensemble performance. Course consists of rehearsal and performance of short plays or cuttings from longer scripts. Acting II is a required course for students wishing to continue in the Performance Option. Open to the general PSU student population. Springs. Instructor permission required.

Prerequisite(s): TH2800

An in-depth study of selected acting styles. The purpose of this series is to give students the opportunity to learn various specific acting techniques not taught in the basic acting sequence. Topics covered might include voice-over and oral interpretation techniques, Absurist acting techniques, commedia, chamber theatre and movement theatre or methods. May be repeated for no more than 12 credits.

Prerequisite(s): TH 3900 or permission of instructor.

The Theatre Internship is an opportunity for students to gain meaningful work experience by applying the knowledge and skills learned in course work to on-the-job assignments in host organizations. Includes self-assessment, the design of a learning contract, reflection, synthesis and assessment. The internship is a supervised assignment for a prescribed number of working hours. Internships are established and supervised by the internship advisor. Enrollment for internships must be completed during the first 2 weeks of the registration period. Repeatable for a maximum of 12 credits.

Prerequisite(s): Junior status; must be taken before the semester immediately prior to graduation; departmental approval; minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA.

The study of the history of the theatre from its origins to the 18th century. Discussion of the significant elements of theatrical art, including production methods; acting styles; design components; influential dramatists, directors and theorists; and theatre architecture. Theatre is viewed from the broader historical perspective with an emphasis on its role in individual societies, the composition of its audiences and methods used to analyze and classify various movements and periods. Fall of odd years.

Prerequisite(s): TH 1600.

The study of the history of the theatre from the Romantic Period to the present day. Discussion of the significant elements of theatrical art including production methods; acting styles; design components; influential dramatists, directors and theorists; and theatre architecture. Theatre is viewed from the broader historical perspective with an emphasis on its role in individual societies, the composition of its audiences and methods used to analyze and classify various movements and periods. Spring of even years.

Prerequisite(s): TH 1600.

Examines the theory and practice of stage directing. Significant attention is given to the role of the director, to directorial technique and practices, to script analysis and to the director's work with actors. Springs. (INCO)

Prerequisite(s): TH 3210 and Junior status.

Continuation of Acting I and II. Emphasis on scene work, characterization, and use of more complex linguistic material. Falls Even. Instructor permission required.

Prerequisite(s): TH 3900  

Advanced work in specialized area of interest, selected and pursued in consultation with a faculty advisor. Consent required of the instructor who will supervise the independent study and the Department Chair.