Theatre
Information
Jane Purse-Wiedenhoeft, Chair
Department Office: Arts and Communication W101
Department Telephone: (920) 424-7042
Theatre
Faculty
Flieller (Fond du Lac) | Rabideau |
Kalinoski | Spitzer |
Purse-Wiedenhoeft | |
Degrees
- Undergraduate: A major in Theatre with emphases in Acting, Design Technology, Integrated Directing and Stage Management and Theatre Administration.
The Theatre Degree is designed to develop a foundation in Theatre as a performing art with a strong footing in the Liberal Arts stressing a hands-on philosophy. This training offers students the greatest opportunity in securing a career in either the Theatre, related professions, or post undergraduate study. - Graduate: None
Summary of Fields of Study
- Goal(s)
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- To foster excellence and artistic integrity in the practice and theory of theatre by engaging students in creative practice and critical thinking in the classroom and through stage productions. Students will learn to respect the role of theatre in society and to honor the function of art and artist within the community by engaging in practices which demonstrate passion for the art of theatre and its place in the wider world.
- The Major(s)
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- The Department offers one major: Theatre. There is a choice of four emphases within the Theatre major. These are: 1) Acting, 2) Design and Technology, 3) Integrated Directing and Stage Management, and 4) Theatre Administration.
- The Minor(s)
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- The Department offers two minors: 1) Theatre, and 2) Theatre-Education.
Admission/Graduation Requirements
- None
Required Core Courses (33 crs.)
Theatre
- Theatre 102 Script Analysis 3 crs.
- Theatre 203 Fundamentals of Design 3 crs.
- Theatre 204 Survey of Theatre History 3 crs.
- Theatre 367 Fundamentals of Directing 3 crs.
- Theatre 402 Senior Project 3 crs.
- Two Theatre History courses from the following list: Theatre 202, 340, 360, 377, 404
- One Acting course from the following list: Theatre 205, 308
- Three Theatre Practicum courses from the following list: Theatre 210, 212, 214, 216
- One Technical course from the following list: Theatre 253, 346, 351, 369, 373, 376
- One Theatre course from the following list: Theatre 309, 330
The Major(s), with Emphases and/or Options
Theatre Arts Major
A. Acting Emphasis (13 crs.):
Recommended for students who are interested in pursuing acting careers in professional theatre, film and television, who wish to pursue graduate study in theatre, or who are interested in careers in related Fine + Performing Arts settings.
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- Required Courses: In addition to the Core Courses:
- Theatre 165 Voice and Diction 3 crs.
- Theatre 309 Acting Studio II* 3 crs.
- Theatre 355 Movement for the Actor 3 crs.
- Theatre 409 Acting Studio III 3 crs.
- One additional Theatre Practicum course (not taken in Core) 1 cr.
Choose from the following list: Theatre 210, 212, 214, 216
- Required Courses: In addition to the Core Courses:
*If 309 is taken within the Core, one additional Acting course is required to fulfill the 13 credit minimum for the emphasis. Choose from Theatre 338, 378, 464.
B. Design and Technology Emphasis (13 crs.):
Recommended for students who are interested in pursuing theatre design careers in professional theatre, film and television or who wish to pursue graduate study in theatre.
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- Required Courses: In addition to the Core Courses:
- Theatre 202 Culture and Style* 3 crs
- Theatre 371 Theatre Design I 3 crs.
- Theatre 372 Theatre Design II 3 crs.
- Theatre 473 Design for the Camera 3 crs.
- One additional Theatre Practicum course (not taken in Core) 1 cr.
Choose from the following list: Theatre 210, 212, 214, 216
- Required Courses: In addition to the Core Courses:
*If Theatre 202 is taken within the Core, one additional Technical course is required to fulfill the 13 credit minimum for the emphasis. Choose from Theatre 253, 346, 351, 369, 373, 376.
C. Integrated Emphasis (13 crs.):
Recommended for students who are interested in pursuing professional careers in theatre, film and television, who wish to pursue graduate study in theatre or who are interested in careers in related Fine and Performing Arts settings.
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- Required Courses: In addition to the Core Courses:
- Stage Management
- One additional Theatre Practicum course (not taken in Core) 1 cr.
Choose from the following list: Theatre 210, 212, 214, 216 - Choose four courses from the following:
- Theatre 313 Entertainment Law 3 crs.
- Theatre 373 Lighting and Sound 3 crs. (cannot count if taken in Core)
- Theatre 378 Stage Combat 3 crs.
- Theatre 463 Production Seminar 3 crs.
- Theatre 464 Performance Seminar 3 crs.
- One additional Theatre Practicum course (not taken in Core) 1 cr.
- Directing
- One additional Theatre Practicum course (not taken in Core) 1 cr.
Choose from the following list: Theatre 210, 212, 214, 216
- One additional Theatre Practicum course (not taken in Core) 1 cr.
- Choose four courses from the following:
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- Theatre 338 Improvisation 3 crs.
- Theatre 378 Stage Combat 3 crs.
- Theatre 463 Production Seminar 3 crs.
- Theatre 464 Performance Seminar 3 crs.
- Theatre 469 Advanced Directing 3 crs.
-
D. Theatre Administration (16 crs.):
Recommended for students who want to pursue a career in Arts Administration. Students will learn the art of business and the business of art.
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- Required Courses: In addition to the Core Courses:
- Business 198 Introduction to Business 3 crs.
- Business 206 Essentials of Financial Accounting 2 crs.
- Business 207 Essentials of Managerial Accounting 2 crs.
- Choose three courses from the following*:
- Economics 106 General Economics or 204 Macroeconomics 3 crs.
- Business 311 Essentials of Information Systems 3 crs.
- Business 331 Essentials of Finance 3 crs.
- Business 341 Essentials of Operations Management 3 crs.
- Business 351 Essentials of Organizational Behavior 3 crs.
- Business 361 Essentials of Human Resource Management 3 crs.
- Business 371 Essentials of Marketing 3 crs.
- Theatre 313/RTF 313 Entertainment Law 3 crs.
- Required Courses: In addition to the Core Courses:
*Or other Business courses substituted with prior approval from the Chair.
The Minor(s)
- Theatre Arts Minor
Recommended for students who are interested in Theatre’s in relationship to other fields of study in the arts, or who would like to work professionally in theatre or theatre related fields.- Required Credits: 21 minimum
- Required Courses:
- Theatre: Theatre 102, 204, 367; Theatre 205 or 308; Theatre 351 or 369.
- Electives:
- Theatre 210, 212, 214, 216, 264, 313, 338, 355, 464
- Theatre-Education Minor
Recommended for students who wish to teach in Theatre and related areas in the secondary (6-12) grades.- Required Credits: 24 minimum
- Required Courses:
- Theatre: Theatre 102, 204, 205, 367, 369, 389.
- Other Requirements: Methods course Theatre 403 is required of all Secondary Education minors in Theatre.
- Electives: Sufficient courses from the Department’s offerings to meet the Minimum Requirement.
Course Offerings
Theatre 102 | 3 (crs.) |
Script Analysis for the Theatre | |
Analysis of the play script as a blueprint for production. Emphasis on plot, theme and character analysis. Plays studied in this course will serve as a foundation for subsequent theatre courses. | |
Theatre 131 | 1 (crs.) |
Theatre Laboratory | |
Participation in theatrical production activities including directing, stage management, technical production, lighting, stage design, costuming, make up, acting, and theatre management in order to gain practical experience in aspects of theatre production. It is possible to register in more than one section with the consent of the instructor. | |
Theatre 150Q1 | 3 (crs.) |
Introduction to Theatre Design (XC)(ES) | |
An introduction to the basic elements of theatre from both the Western and non-Western perspective with a special emphasis on the role of the theatrical designer and the process of design. | |
Theatre 152Q2 | 3 (crs.) |
Non-Western Theatre (XC) | |
A study of theatre outside the Euro-centric or Western tradition (to include African, Asian, and Indian, ritual, libation, dance, puppetry, masks, storytelling, etc.) which explores cultural differences and similarities in theatrical performance. | |
Theatre 160Q1 | 3 (crs.) |
Introduction to Acting (XC) | |
Basic theories and techniques of acting. Body and voice training as a basis for development of dramatic characterization. Application of course content through performance presentations. Signature question of “How do people understand and create a more sustainable world?” will serve as a focus for the course. | |
Theatre 161 | 3 (crs.) |
Introduction to Theatre (XC) | |
A survey of drama as an integral element in human society in its cultural aspects, intended to stimulate and develop an appreciation for drama as literature and theatre. Meets the Humanities requirement for General Education. | |
Theatre 162 | 3 (crs.) |
Honors: Appreciation of the Drama | |
Investigation of the nature of dramatic form, survey of the development of theatrical expression in major historical periods, introduction to theatrical production processes, and a study of the theatre as the aesthetic and philosophical outgrowth of its culture. Topics will be explored through group projects, essays and oral reports. Students cannot earn credit in both an honors course and a non-honors course of the same title. Prerequisite: Enrolled in good standing with the UW Oshkosh Honors Program; prior or concurrent enrollment in HNRS 175. | |
Theatre 165 | 3 (crs.) |
Voice and Diction | |
Training course for the normal voice to precede courses in interpretation, acting, public address and other areas. (Not to be substituted for Communication 111) | |
Theatre 167 | 1 (crs.) |
Theatre Participation-Technical I | |
Participation in technical aspects of scenery, lighting, sound, properties, or costumes for department sponsored productions. | |
Theatre 168 | 1 (crs.) |
Theatre Participation-Publicity and Management I | |
Participation in-house management, stage management, and publicity for the department sponsored productions. | |
Theatre 180Q1 | 3 (crs.) |
Creative Process (XC) | |
This course explores the nature of creativity in ourselves through Theatre games and exercises. It will expand awareness, stimulate imagination, and develop freedom of expression. The class will focus on increasing observation skills, discovering abilities of the body and voice, gaining knowledge of self and raising self confidence. In addition, this class will heighten the student’s understanding of Theatre, dramatic action and performance on stage and in all artistic disciplines. | |
Theatre 202 | 3 (crs.) |
Culture and Style (XC) | |
This course will explore the architecture, furniture, décor and clothing of cultures from Ancient Egypt through the Twentieth Century. It will examine the cultural differences and similarities, as well as the influences on prevailing styles throughout history. | |
Theatre 203 | 3 (crs.) |
Fundamentals of Design | |
Study of the skills, techniques, and process for designing for Theatre and camera. The course will focus on drafting and drawing skills, research methods, and the elements of design composition. | |
Theatre 204 | 3 (crs.) |
Survey of Theatre History (XC) | |
Survey of the major movements in theatre history; emphasis on methods of production: physical playhouse, staging techniques, acting, management; minor focus on criticism and dramatic literature. Prerequisite: Theatre 102 or consent of instructor. | |
Theatre 205 | 3 (crs.) |
Fundamentals of Acting | |
Basic theories and techniques of acting. Body and voice training as a basis for development of dramatic characterization. Application of course content through presentation of scenes from distinguished dramatic literature. | |
Theatre 210 | 1 (crs.) |
Theatre Practicum I Scene Shop | |
Specialized intensive training and practice in theatrical scenery and props. Practicum will include use of machinery, tools, materials and techniques used in the construction of scenery and props for the theatre. Meets the Practicum requirement for Theatre Majors and should be completed during the first or second year. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. | |
Theatre 212 | 1 (crs.) |
Theatre Practicum II: Costume Shop | |
Specialized intensive training and practice in theatrical costumes and accessories. Practicum will include use of machinery, tools, materials and techniques used in the construction of costumes and accessories for the theatre. Meets the Practicum requirement for the Theatre Majors and should be completed during the first or second year. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. | |
Theatre 214 | 1 (crs.) |
Theatre Practicum III: Production | |
Specialized intensive training and practice working on running crew for a departmental theatre production. Practicum may include working in the areas of: lighting, sound, scenery, props, wardrobe, makeup or special effects. Meets the Practicum requirement for Theatre Majors. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. | |
Theatre 216 | 1 (crs.) |
Theatre Practicum IV: Advanced Production | |
Specialized intensive training and practice working as a crew supervisor or board operator for a departmental theatre production. Practicum may include working in the areas of: lighting, sound, scenery, props, wardrobe, makeup or special effects. Meets the Practicum requirement for Theatre Majors. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. | |
Theatre 243 | 3 (crs.) |
Women in the Arts: Encounters (XC) | |
Women in the Arts: Encounters is a team-taught interdisciplinary course which provides an overview of the significant contributions of women in the arts, while offering a critical look at individual achievements and at societal attitudes and limitations which have impacted the nature and direction of women’s artistic output. Students will gain hands-on experience through guided studio work in music, visual art and theater and the combination of these are forms via collaborative projects. Art243/Women’s and Gender Studies 243/Music 243/Theatre 243. Students may receive credit for only one of the cross-listed courses. | |
Theatre 253 | 3 (crs.) |
Make-up for Stage and Screen | |
Study of the materials and techniques used in the creation and application of make-up in theatre, film and television. This course includes 2D and 3D techniques for the purposes of establishing age and character. | |
Theatre 260 | 1 (crs.) |
Theatre Participation-Acting or Directing I | |
Participation as actor in department sponsored productions (auditions required) or participation as director (application required the previous spring term) for department sponsored production. | |
Theatre 262 | 1 (crs.) |
Theatre Participation-Technical II | |
Participation in technical aspects of scenery, lighting, sound, properties, or costumes for department sponsored productions. | |
Theatre 264 | 1 (crs.) |
Theatre Participation Publicity and Management II | |
Participation in arts administration including: front of house management, box office management and publicity for the department sponsored productions. Prerequisites: Theatre 168 or consent of instructor. | |
Theatre 275Q3 | 3 (crs.) |
Interactive Theatre: Performing Difficult Dialogues on Diversity (XC)(ES) | |
Interactive Theatre is a performance mode designed to prompt difficult dialogues and to lead its participants both actors and audiences through a process of creating social changes. This course will provide students with the opportunity to learn and later employ the precepts of Interactive Theatre for the purpose of addressing issues of diversity, including (but not limited to) ethnic and racial diversity. Students will explore Interactive Theatre techniques from the perspective of actors, directors, designers, and playwrights. | |
Theatre 291 | 1 – 3 (crs.) |
Selected Topics in Theatre | |
Selected topics in theatre. | |
Theatre 299 | 1 – 3 (crs.) |
Intermediate Independent Study | |
Supervised undergraduate reading and research. See Independent Study under Course and Academic Advisement Policies information for general course description, general prerequisites, and proper contract form requirements. | |
Theatre 308 | 3 (crs.) |
Acting Studio I: The Actor’s Resources | |
Introduction to the Acting Studio Program. Development of the actor’s physical and vocal expressiveness, imagination, and understanding of the acting process through vocal and physical exercises, improvisations, theatre games and introductory scene work. | |
Theatre 309 | 3 (crs.) |
Acting Studio II: The Actor’s Text | |
Second course in the acting studio sequence. Skills acquired in the first term are applied to scripted work. Work with dramatic material which reflects the student’s range of personal experiences. Prerequisite: Theatre 308 and consent of instructor. | |
Theatre 313 | 3 (crs.) |
Entertainment Law | |
Laws and regulations, which govern radio, television, motion pictures, and theatre. Includes the relationships of the broadcast/media manager, artistic director, producer, director, and actor to each other and to agencies such as Congress, the courts, the FCC and other regulatory agencies. Cross-listed: RTF 313/Theatre 313. Students may receive credit for only one of the two cross-listed courses. Prerequisites: RTF students: Cumulative 2.5 GPA in RTF major or minor and RTF 115 and 310; Communication Studies Students: Communication 118 and 236; Theatre Students: Theatre 102 or consent of instructor. | |
Theatre 330 | 3 (crs.) |
Stage Management | |
Study of principles and techniques of management for the stage, from prerehearsal preparations to running of rehearsals and performances. Includes practical application and special projects. | |
Theatre 338 | 3 (crs.) |
Improvisational Acting | |
Improvisational Strategies for creating theatrical performance pieces will be explored. These will be a focus on a specific topic each time the class is offered. In addition to improvisational techniques based on Spolin and Sills, a research component will be the basis for a completed script and performance piece. Prerequisites: Acting Studio I-Theatre, 308 or Fundamental of Acting, Theatre 205 or consent. | |
Theatre 340 | 3 (crs.) |
American Musical Theatre | |
A study of the historical development of American musical theatre, and an analysis of its dramatic forms: musical comedy, operetta, and music drama. | |
Theatre 346 | 3 (crs.) |
Props for the Theatre | |
The course is intended to provide a foundation in the process of organizing, procuring, and constructing properties for theatrical productions. Topics covered will include analyzing a script to develop a props list, strategies and sources to acquire props, and especially skills needed to shop-build props using a variety of techniques. The class consists of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on instruction in the scene shop. Students will build various props as in-class projects and for actual theatre productions. | |
Theatre 351 | 3 (crs.) |
Costume Construction for Theatre and Film | |
Study of basic construction techniques used in the creation of costumes and accessories for stage, film and television. Course will include the construction of a realized costume for the stage, and hat making techniques. | |
Theatre 355 | 3 (crs.) |
Movement for the Actor | |
This course will focus on movement and the actor’s use of body and mind to create character and achieve a higher level of expressiveness in the art of Theatre. This course will center on training the actor to strengthen and free the body, enliven the imagination, and enable the actor to create a characters’ physical life. This course will explore the physiology of the body and how it responds to the emotional self and the psychological aspects of character. The course is based on the work of several experts; they include Rudolph Laban, Twyla Tharp, Jerry Grotowski, Moshe Feldendrais and Alvin Ailey. This class will help the student understand their use of space and rhythm as it relates to the body and the character. There is no text for the class. You will be given a series of handouts throughout the course of the semester. Prerequisite: Theatre 308, or Theatre 205. | |
Theatre 360 | 3 (crs.) |
History of the American Theatre | |
The study of theatre in America from the 18th Century to the present; the development of native playwrights, actors, and critics, and the dramaturgy of representative plays. | |
Theatre 362 | 1 (crs.) |
Theatre Participation – Technical Production III | |
Participation in technical aspects of scenery, lighting, sound, properties, or costumes for department sponsored productions. | |
Theatre 363 | 1 (crs.) |
Theatre Participation – Acting or Directing II | |
Participation as actor in department sponsored productions (auditions required) or participation as director (application required the previous Spring term) for department sponsored production. | |
Theatre 367 | 3 (crs.) |
Fundamentals of Play Directing | |
A study and application of the principles and techniques of directing: Composition, level, plane, tempo, plot development, casting, play selection. Prerequisite: Theatre 102, and Theatre 205 or 308 or consent of instructor. | |
Theatre 369 | 3 (crs.) |
Stagecraft | |
The principles, procedures and practices of technical theatre production. (2+3) | |
Theatre 371 | 3 (crs.) |
Theatre Design I: Process | |
This course will focus on the further development of the designer’s skills of visual communication, and the process of theatre Design. The course will introduce color theory, rendering techniques, computer assisted drafting, and model making for Theatre. Prerequisite: Theatre 102 and 203. | |
Theatre 372 | 3 (crs.) |
Theatre Design II: Concept and Collaboration | |
This course will introduce the conceptual approach to design, and the collaborative process in Theatre. Collaborative design teams will explore the development of concept and process through a variety of genres such as Musical Theatre, Shakespeare, and Absurdist Theatre. Prerequisite: Theatre 371. | |
Theatre 373 | 3 (crs.) |
Lighting and Sound for the Stage | |
Introduction to the techniques and technical aspects of lighting and sound for stage production. Students will work with contemporary concepts and practices in lighting and sound design for theatrical production. | |
Theatre 374 | 3 (crs.) |
Script Writing for the Stage I | |
Introduces student to both concept and practice of Playwriting for a theatrical environment. Students are expected to write a one-act play to be read in class. | |
Theatre 375 | 3 (crs.) |
Script Writing for the Stage II | |
This course is a continuation of study and builds on the knowledge and experience gained in Script Writing for the Stage I. Students are expected to write a full-length play to be read in class. Prerequisites: Theatre 374. | |
Theatre 376 | 3 (crs.) |
Painting & Dyeing for the Theatre | |
This course is designed to introduce students interested in stage production to the techniques and practices of painting scenery and dyeing fabric for Theatrical, TV and Film productions. This course requires hands on exposure to different products and materials in a safe environment. | |
Theatre 377 | 3 (crs.) |
History of Contemporary Theatre | |
A study of the historical development of Contemporary Theatre from the late 19th century to present day, its use of changing techniques and its response to issues of the day. | |
Theatre 378 | 3 (crs.) |
Stage Combat | |
This course will introduce students to the wide range of fighting styles, armed and unarmed combat for stage and film with the utmost attention to safety. In addition it will explore concentration and relaxation skills as well as the acting, directing and choreography aspect of stage combat. Prerequisites: Theatre 205 or 308 or consent of instructor. | |
Theatre 389 | 3 (crs.) |
Creative Drama | |
Study of the creative processes by which children, under the guidance of an adult leader, are engaged in an improvised, non-exhibitional form of drama. 389/589 | |
Theatre 402 | 3 (crs.) |
Senior Project | |
Extended project to demonstrate proficiency in an area of theatre; acting, directing, design, history and criticism. Student will demonstrate proficiency in achievement of program goals and objectives as set down in the Theatre Assessment Plan. Prerequisite: Senior status and consent of instructor. | |
Theatre 403 | 3 (crs.) |
Teaching Theatre Methods and Cocurricular Activities | |
The goals, materials and methods of teaching theatre to middle and high school students. Prerequisite: None | |
Theatre 404 | 3 (crs.) |
Elizabethan Theatre History | |
Study of the theatrical conditions under which Elizabethan drama developed including physical playhouse, staging practices, acting company organization. Prerequisite: Theatre 204 or consent of instructor. | |
Theatre 409 | 3 (crs.) |
Acting Studio III: Characterization | |
Third course in the acting studio sequence. Development of characterization with emphasis on scene work in contemporary realism. Vocal work focuses on the improvement of the actor’s articulation of speech sounds. Prerequisite: Theatre 309. | |
Theatre 410 | 4 (crs.) |
Acting Studio IV: Acting Shakespeare | |
Fourth course in the acting studio sequence. Study of acting and vocal techniques for performing the plays of Shakespeare. Prerequisite: Theatre 409. | |
Theatre 446 | 1 – 3 (crs.) |
Independent Study | |
See Independent Study under course and Academic Advisement Policies information for general course description, general prerequisites, and proper contract form requirements. | |
Theatre 452 | 3 (crs.) |
Advanced Costume Construction | |
Study of pattern drafting methods and advanced construction techniques used in the creation of historical or non-western costumes, and accessories. Prerequisites: Theatre 351 or permission of the instructor. | |
Theatre 460 | 1 (crs.) |
Theatre Participation – Publicity and Management III | |
Participation in house management, stage management and publicity for department sponsored production. Prerequisite: Theatre 264 or consent of instructor. | |
Theatre 462 | 1 (crs.) |
Theatre Participation-Acting or Directing III | |
Participation as actor in department sponsored productions (auditions required) or participation as director (application required the previous Spring term) for department sponsored production. | |
Theatre 463 | 1 – 3 (crs.) |
Theatre Production Seminar | |
Focus on specialized problems in directing, design, technical theatre and stage management. May be repeated four times for up to 12 units (crs.) provided the topic varies. 463/663 | |
Theatre 464 | 3 (crs.) |
Performance Seminar | |
The focus of this course will be on skills covered by specialized performance related topics. Newly offered performance classes and performance classes that are offered periodically are covered under this course number. This course gives students the flexibility to devise an individualized plan of study within the performance emphasis. May be repeated 3 times for up to 12 units (3 credits for each offering) provided the topic varies. | |
Theatre 465 | 3 (crs.) |
Children’s Theatre | |
A study of the history, rationale, and special problems of theatre for youth, K-12. Emphasis upon play selection, production techniques, acting for young audiences using adult and child actors, and the new participation drama. | |
Theatre 469 | 3 (crs.) |
Advanced Directing | |
Advanced study of representational and presentational forms, new directing concepts, and practical applications of directing principles in period and contemporary dramas including one major production project. Prerequisite: Theatre 367 or consent of instructor. | |
Theatre 473 | 3 (crs.) |
Production Design for the Camera | |
This course focuses on design theory and techniques related to the study of production design for film and television. Prerequisite: Theatre 371. | |