Degree Requirements
Graduates of the Theatre Arts program will earn their Bachelor of Arts. Students are also invited to explore an area of concentration in the following:
Acting
Design
Theatre Administration
Integrated Emphasis (Stage Management or Directing)
The Theatre Arts Minor is recommended for students wising to study theatre while majoring in another area of study.
Core Courses
The theatre program offers a core of courses that every theatre major must take. The core courses are also used for the theatre education minor.
Theatre 102: Script Analysis for the Theatre, 3 credits
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 204: Survey of Theatre History, 3 credits
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 367: Fundamentals of Play Directing, 3 credits
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 402: Senior Project, 3 credits
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.
Acting Emphasis
The acting emphasis is designed for the student who wishes to pursue a career in acting. The classes are set up sequentially in a four-semester series. 34 credits are required.
Students also need to acquire:
One course from the approved list of Theatre History courses.
One course from the approved list of Technical Theatre courses.
Sufficient elective courses from Theatre offerings to meet minimum requirement.
Theatre 308: Acting Studio I–The Actor’s Resources, 4 credits
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 309: Acting Studio II — The Actor’s Text, 4 credits
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 409: Action Studio III — Characterization, 4 credits
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: Acting Studio IV– Acting Shakespeare, 4 credits
Fourth course in the acting studio sequence. Study of acting and vocal techniques for performing the plays of Shakespeare. Prerequisite: Theatre 409.
Design Technology Emphasis
The design technology emphasis is set up to guide the student interested in pursuing a career in stage design and technology. Scenery, lighting and costumes are covered in each studio course indicated. The intention is to give the student a holistic understanding of design for the stage. 36 credits are required.
Students all need to acquire:
Sufficient elective courses from theatre offerings to meet minimum requirement.
Theatre 202: Culture and Style, 3 credits
Survey of architecture, furniture, decoration and clothing from the classical period to the present. Study of research methods for the scenic, costume and production designer.
Theatre 205: Fundamentals of Acting, 3 credits
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. Prerequisite: Theatre 102. Students may choose to take 205 or Theatre 308: Acting Studio I — The Actor’s Resources.
Theatre 308: Acting Studio I — The Actor’s Resources, 4 credits
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. Prerequisite: Theatre 102 or consent of instructor. Students may choose to take 308 or Theatre 205: Fundamentals of Acting.
Theatre 351: Costume Construction for Theatre and Film, 3 credits
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 369: Stagecraft (2+3), 3 credits
The principles, procedures and practices of technical theatre production. (2+3)
Theatre 371: Theatre Design I, 3 credits
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: Theatre Design II Concept and Collaboration, 3 credits
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 473: Design for the Camera, 3 credits
This course focuses on design theory and techniques related to the study of production design for film and television. Prerequisite: Theatre 371.
Integrated Emphasis
The integrated emphasis is designed for the student who wishes to combine units of various elements which make up the theatre program curriculum. Students interested in pursuing an integrated emphasis should consult their theatre adviser to select an appropriate curriculum consisting of 15 credits of theatre course work in addition to the core courses that will suit their needs. 36 credits required. All integrated emphasis curriculums must be approved by the theatre faculty.
Students all need to acquire:
One course from the approved list of Theatre History courses.
One course from the approved list of Technical Theatre courses.
A minimum of 15 credits approved electives selected in consultation with the department adviser.
Sufficient elective courses from theatre offerings to meet minimum requirement.
Theatre 205: Fundamentals of Acting, 3 credits
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. Prerequisite: Theatre 102. Students may choose to take 205 or Theatre 308: Acting Studio I — The Actor’s Resources.
Theatre 308: Acting Studio I — The Actor’s Resources, 4 credits
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. Prerequisite: Theatre 102 or consent of instructor. Students may choose to take 308 or Theatre 205: Fundamentals of Acting.
Additional courses
Theatre Electives
Theatre History Electives
Theatre majors are required to take a theatre history course in addition to the core theatre history course from the options listed below.
Theatre 340: American Musical Theatre, 3 credits
A study of the historical development of American musical theatre, and an analysis of its dramatic forms: musical comedy, operetta, and music drama.
Theatre 342: Non-western Theatre, 3 credits
A study of theatre outside the Euro-centric or Western tradition (to include African, Asian, Indian, Mid-eastern and Native American ritual, libation, dance, puppetry, masks, storytelling, etc.) which enlarges the frame of reference leading to discoveries about form and concept of theatre in general.
Prerequisites: 96-204 or permission of the instructor
Theatre 360: History of the American Theatre, 3 credits
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 404: Elizabethan Theatre History, 3 credits
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.
Additional Theatre Electives
The following theatre electives are designed to help round out the student’s understanding of theatrical field of study. These courses can also be used for the integrated emphasis.
Theatre 165: Voice and Diction, 3 credits
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 253: Makeup for Stage and Screen, 3 credits
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 330: Stage Management, 3 credits
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 346: Props for the Stage, 3 credits
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 373: Lighting and Sound for the Stage, 3 credits
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 376: Painting and Dyeing for the Theatre, 3 credits
An introduction to the techniques and practices for painting and dyeing fabric for theatrical, television and film productions. This course requires hands on exposure to different products and materials in a safe environment.
Theatre 378: Stage Combat, 3 credits
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 433: Entertainment Law, 3 credits
Laws and regulations governing radio, television, motion pictures and theatre. Includes the relationships of the broadcast/media manager, artistic director and actor to each other and to agencies such as Congress, the courts, the FCC and other regulatory agencies.
Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.5 GPA and Comm 210, Theatre 102 or consent of the instructor
Theatre 469: Advanced Directing, 3 credits
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 463/663: Play Production Seminar, 1-3 credits
Focus on specialized problems in directing, design, technical theatre and stage management. May be repeated three times for up to 12 credits provided the topic varies. Prerequisite: Theatre 463.
Theatre Participation Classes
Theatre participation classes enable students the opportunity to get credit while being involved in hands-on experience in theatre production activities. A wide-range of opportunities are available.Theatre 167, 262, 362: Theatre Participation-Technical (0+3), 1 credit
Participation in technical aspects of scenery, lighting, sound, properties, or costumes for department sponsored productions.
Theatre 363, 462: Theatre Participation-Acting or Directing (0+3), 1 credit
Participation as actor in department sponsored productions (auditions required) or participation as director (application required the previous Spring term) for department sponsored production.
Theatre 168, 460: Theatre Participation-Publicity and Management (0+3), 1 credit
Participation in-house management, stage management, and publicity for the department sponsored productions.)
Playwriting Classes
UW Oshkosh offers study in playwriting. The courses are offered through the creative writing component of the English Department. Many students compete for the Student Playwriting Contest coordinated by Richard Kalinoski, our resident playwright. Theatre 374/English 329: Creative Writing–Playwriting 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/English 330: Creating Writing–Playwriting 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 Arts Minor
Recommended for students who wish to minor in Theatre Arts while majoring in another area of study. Required credits: 21 minimum Required courses:
- Theatre 102: Script Analysis
- Theatre 204: Survey of Theatre History
- Theatre 367: Fundamentals of Directing
One of these:
- Theatre 205: Fundamentals of Acting (3 credits)
- Theatre 308: Acting Studio I (4 credits)
One of these:
- Theatre 351: Costume Construction (3 credits)
- Theatre 369: Stagecrafts (3 credits)
Electives to total 21 credits.
Theatre Education Minor
Recommended for students who wish to teach theatre and related areas in the secondary (6-12) or elementary grades. Required credits: 25 minimum Required courses: Comm 111 and 444; Theatre 102, 204, 205, 367 and 369 Other requirements: Methods course Comm 441 is required of all Secondary Education Majors and Minors in Speech Sufficient courses from the department’s offerings to meet the minimum requirement.
Electives:
Theatre 389/589: Creative Drama, 3 credits
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 465: Children’s Theatre, 3 credits
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.