Theatre

Course Descriptions - Theatre (THEA)

THEA 203 (3-3-0) Introduction to Theatre: An introduction to the study of drama and to the art and craft of the theatre, with special attention to the role of the theatre in modern society. Work with FSU Theatre Company productions.

THEA 221 (3-3-0) History of the Theatre I: An historical survey of the development of the theatre from its origins to 1650, including studies of representative dramas in their cultural contexts, with analyses of the audiences, actors, and patrons; physical conditions and architecture; and the relationship of the theatre to the other arts.

THEA 222 (3-3-0) History of the Theatre II: A continuation of the history of theatre from 1650 to the present.

THEA 230 (3-3-0) Script Analysis: A study of the play, from page to stage, with emphasis on critical analysis of structure, genre, theme, style, character, language, dramatic event, and point of view of the actor, director, critic, and audience; an introduction to theatre research methods. Prerequisite: THEA 203 or consent of instructor.

THEA 306 (3-2-2) Fundamentals of Acting: A study of the fundamentals and techniques of acting, including creative techniques in scene study from representative plays of the past and present. Work with FSU Theatre Company. Prerequisite: THEA 203 or consent of instructor.

THEA 310 (3-3-0) Acting for the Media: Instructions and practice in the basics of acting for TV and film; playing to the camera, shooting out of sequence, blocking, and other production considerations. The business of film/TV acting will be explored to define the necessary adjustments of one’s acting styles to be a successful actor on camera. In addition, students will focus on the business side of acting, researching markets and creating individual resumes, cover letters and audition journals. Prerequisite: THEA 203 and THEA 306 or consent of instructor.

THEA 316 (3-2-2) Introduction to Costume and Make-up: An introduction to the study of historical costumes and theatrical make-up, with applications to stage productions. Work with the FSU Theatre Company. Prerequisite: THEA 203 or consent of instructor.

THEA 320 (3-2-2) Playwriting: Writing for the stage, including plot construction and character development, and the adaptation of playwriting to other media, with the particular attention to television. Prerequisite: THEA 203 or consent of instructor.

THEA 333 (3-2-2) Play Directing: A comprehensive study of the fundamentals of play directing, including composition, picturization, movement, rhythm, and pantomimic dramatization, with additional attention to script analysis, casting, rehearsing, and relationships of the director to other theatre practitioners. Work with the FSU Theatre Company. Prerequisite: THEA 203 or consent of instructor.

THEA 334 (3-3-0) Theatre Management: A study of the tools of theatre management, with emphasis on box office management, promotion costs, and the responsibilities of production staff. Promotion work with the FSU Theatre Company productions. Prerequisite: THEA 203 or consent of instructor.

THEA 336 (3-1-4) Stagecraft: A study of the theory and practice of stage production and design, scene construction and painting, and including lectures, demonstrations and practical experience by involvement with the FSU Theatre Company. Prerequisite: THEA 203 or consent of instructor.

THEA 338 (3-3-0) Stage Movement: Designed to acquaint students with forms of nonverbal communication and specialized physical activity in theatrical periods and styles. The course includes an analysis of personal body use, studies of theories and techniques of movement designed to improve an actor’s physical expressiveness, as well as movement skills such as stage combat, tumbling, period physical styles and techniques to include mask and mime work, yoga, dance, Alexande, Laban and LeCoq movement, and others. Prerequisite: THEA 306 OR permission of the instructor.

THEA 337 (3-1-4) Scene Technology: For stage and studio. Basic theory and practice of scenery and lighting technology for both stage and film/video studio. Lectures and demonstrations are supplemented with practical experience by involvement with the FSU Theatre Company and the Telecommunication Center. Prerequisite: THEA 203 and junior status or consent of instructor.

THEA 360 (2-1-3) Performance Laboratory: This theatre class is designed as a practical lab in improvisation and performance to include acting tools such as dialects, scene study, pantomime, character analysis, clowning, speech for the actor, period styles of acting, and theatre management will be practiced. This course may be taken once per semester for up to six times. Credit is offered for participation in the FSU Performance Company, whose principal objectives involve refining the drama learning process through performances made available to the county public schools. Offered each fall and spring. Conditions for admittance into the performance company based upon audition. Prerequisite: THEA 306 at least a sophomore standing, or consent of the instructor.

THEA 402 (3-1-4) Advanced Acting: A study of the styles of acting, with special emphasis on historical period acting. Completion of THEA 306, Fundamentals of Acting, and ENGL 411, Shakespeare, recommended before taking THEA 402. Work with the FSU Theatre Company. Prerequisite: THEA 203 or consent of instructor.

THEA 403 (3-2-2) Scene Design: History and principles of designing the environment for stage and studio productions. Work with the FSU Theatre Company and TV studio productions where applicable. Prerequisite: THEA 337 or consent of instructor.

THEA 411 (3-3-0) Children’s Theatre for School and Community: A study of materials, procedures, and exercises for creative dramatics, choral speaking, puppetry, and formal dramatics. Recommended for prospective and in-service teachers on the elementary level and for community workers with children. Prerequisite: THEA 203 or consent of instructor

THEA 413 (3-3-0) Drama Theory and Criticism I: A survey of European theories of the drama and the effect of these theories on criticism, dramaturgy, and production from the classical Greek period through the French Academy. Prerequisite: THEA 203 and junior standing or consent of instructor.

THEA 414 (3-3-0) Drama Theory and Criticism II: A continuation of THEA 413, beginning with the eighteenth century. Study of the impact that these theories have on criticism, dramaturgy, production, and acting. Prerequisite: THEA 203 and junior standing or consent of instructor.

THEA 420 (3-3-0) African American Theatre: A study of the theory and practice of African American Theatre, focusing on its evolution as well as the contemporary African American Theatre. Prerequisite: THEA 203 or consent of instructor.

THEA 421 (3-0-6) Play Production: A seminar and laboratory in directing plays, with special emphasis on each student’s directing a one-act play for public presentation. Prerequisite: THEA 203 or THEA 333 or consent of instructor.

THEA 430 (3-0-6) Theatre Internship: Practical work experience in selected area in conjunction with professional theatre companies. Available to advanced theatre majors or students in special programs as juniors or seniors who have strongly demonstrated the ability to work independently. Interaction with a faculty supervisor is required for the development of an acceptable project, which must be completed prior to registration. Prerequisite: THEA 203, THEA 306, a minimum GPA of 2.5, and permission of the instructor.