Graduate Theatre (THEA)

 The minimum prerequisite for 50000-69999 level courses is graduate standing. The minimum prerequisite for courses 70000 and higher is doctoral standing. Additional prerequisites may apply and are listed in this catalog.

51026 Playwriting (3)
Principles underlying playwriting for the contemporary theatre; analysis of short play form. May be repeated once. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

51027 Advanced Playwriting (3)
Application of principles of playwriting to the longer play and to variations from traditional realism; play analysis and composition. May be repeated once. Prerequisite: THEA 51026 and special approval of instructor.

51093 Variable Title Workshop in Theatre (1-6)
Variable topic offered as need arises to train in particular area of field. Specific topics will be announced in Schedule of Classes. S/U grading.

51095/61095 Special Topics (1-3)
Offered irregularly when unusual resources permit a topic different from existing courses. Topic will be announced when scheduled. Repeat registration permitted.

51110 Theatre Research and Criticism (3)
Introduction to theatre criticism, development of aesthetic theory and training, critical theory and fundamental research strategies through analytical reading and written responses to dramatic texts, scholarly works, and professional theatre productions in the region. Research papers incorporating various theories will be required.

51113 Theatre in a Multicultural America (3)
A study of theatre and drama in the Native American, Hispanic American, African-American communities in the United States from 1980 to the present.

51114 Gay and Lesbian Theatre (3)
Studies in how the gay and lesbian community has been represented in theatre. Frameworks will include the history of the community, political issues, identity questions and gender theory.

51133 Theatre and Drama in America I (3)
History of theatre and drama in America from the beginning to ca. 1900. Prerequisite: special approval of Instructor.

51134 Theatre and Drama in America II (3)
History of the theatre and drama in America from ca. 1900 to the present. Prerequisite:special approval of instructor.

51191 Variable Content Seminar: Theatre History/Literature/Theory (3)
Seminar focuses on selected topics in these areas, for example, performance art, performance theory or theatre in a multicultural society.

51303 Acting I: Foundations/Stanislavski and Michael Chekhov (3)
The Stanislavski and Michael Chekhov Techniques: A thorough exploration of Stanislavski's Method of Physical Action, and the internalization of Michael Chekhov's technique including: atmosphere, psychological gesture, and qualities of movement. Taught in the same semester as THEA 51304. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

51304 Acting II: Scene Study-Modern American Realism (3)
The application of the Stanislavski and Michael Chekhov Techniques to in-depth scene study using the plays of Odets, Miller, Williams, Shanley and others. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

51305 Professional Aspects: Performance (3)
A study of the practical demands and requirements of a professional acting career with particular emphasis on audition skills. Also covered: pictures and resumes, making rounds, professional unions, casting directors, agents and managers, the job market and career prospects. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

51306 Professional Aspects: Design and Technology (3)
A study of the practical demands and requirements of a professional career in design and technology, including portfolio development, resumes, unions, job market, financial matters and career prospects. Use of computers as a resource and tool emphasized. Special course fee $8.00 per credit hour (subject to change).

51401 Advanced Directing (3)
Advanced work in directing for the theatre. Topics include director as creative/interpretative artist; the director and the actor. Students direct individual projects. Prerequisite: Special approval of instructor.

51521 Advanced Lighting Technology (3)
Advanced study of the technologies used in lighting designs; instrument design, optics, dimmer control systems, projection techniques and special effects. Special fee: $30 per semester.

51522 Design Studio: Lighting (3)
Advanced study of lighting design, emphasizing artistic style and concept through a variety of design problems. Special fee: $30 per semester. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

51523 Sound Design and Technology I (3)
Sound design for the theatre, sound production and sound reinforcement techniques. Introduction to electronic equipment: mixing consoles, amplifiers, speakers. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

51524 Design Studio: Costume (3)
Advanced study in costume design. Genres, styles, in the context of performance spaces with an emphasis on research, practical considerations of costume production and communication between designer/shop personnel and designer/ director. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor. Special fee: $45 per semester (subject to change).

51525 Props and Crafts (3)
Examination of the processes related to the creation and procurement of scenic and costume props. Special fee: $50 per semester.

51527 Sound and Design Technology II (3)
Studies in sound design, sound production and reinforcement for live performance. Advanced software applications will be explored. Additional work required for graduate credit. Prerequisite: THEA 51523 and special approval of instructor.

51528 Theatre Sound Reinforcement (3)
Studies in the theories and practice of audio mixing in support of live vocal and musical performance. Topics include wired and wireless microphones and real-time digital procession of audio. Extra work required for graduate credit. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

51529 Advanced Wig and Makeup Techniques— Stage and Screen (3)
Advanced study of the process of designing and executing wigs and makeup with an emphasis on standards in the profession. Some prosthetic work required. Prerequisite: special approval. Special fee: $45 per semester.

51530 Automated Stage Lighting Programming (3)
Studies in the application of automated lighting techniques to live performance emphasizing artistic style and concept through a range of programming problems. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

51560 Theatre Fabrication Technology (3)
History of technical production practice, materials theory and application in scenic construction technology. Special fee: $80 per semester.

51620 History of Period Styles for Theatre Designers (3)
A survey of visual styles as related to historical and contemporary culture from antiquity through the 20th century with an emphasis on their application to theatrical design.

51621 Presentation Media (3)
Advanced process techniques in rendering, model building and design presentation for the scenic, costume and lighting designer in traditional and new media. Special fee: $45 per semester.

51622 Design Studio: Scenery (3)
Advanced study in scenic design. Explores genres, styles, performance spaces, including practical considerations. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor. Special fee: $50 per semester.

51623 Television Production: Lighting (3)
Studies in the process and application of designing lighting for studio and event-based television production. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

51701 Movement, Form and Space I-The Actor's Physical Instrument (3)
Development of technical skills emphasizing the physical components of expressive action through integration of breath, voice and body conditioning. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

51726 Theatre Management (3)
Principles and practices of managing theatrical producing organizations. Problems of finance, personnel policy, program building and public relations. Production participation as assigned.

51736 Production and Stage Management (3)
Detailed investigation of the methodology used in stage managing a professional theatrical production including paperwork, rehearsals and calling a show.

51801 Voice and Speech I: The Actor's Instrument (3)
The use of exercise and specific text work to explore centering as it relates to the vocal, physical and emotional process of the actor. Focus on extremes of emotional sounds and eliminating barriers and detrimental vocal habits/speech patterns. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

51808 Acting Styles I: Shakespeare (3)
The application of acting, movement, and voice and speech techniques to sonnets, monologues, soliloquies, and scenes from Shakespeare. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

57163 History of Dance as a Theatrical Phenomenon II (3)
History of the development of concert and theatrical dance forms from 1900.

57174 Principles of Dance Composition I (3)
Movement exploration with emphasis on the concepts of design structure and form. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

60096 Individual Investigation—Costume History (2)
The study of 20th-century costume and international dress. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

60196 Individual Investigation—Historic Textiles (3)
Identification and analysis of textile fabric as the reflection of culture.

60199 M.F.A. Thesis Project (3)
Students must register for course during the semester of their M.F.A. thesis project. Not repeatable. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: special approval of advisor.

60992 Professional Theatre Internship I (3-6)
(Cross-listed with KBT 60992) Intensive advanced training in practical aspects of production. Periodic seminars, laboratory sessions and performance in the Porthouse Theatre Company. S/U grading; IP permissible. Repeatable once.

61000 Introduction to Graduate Study in Theatre (3) 
Orientation to bibliography and research in the field of theatre with emphasis on application of research to performance.

61094 College Teaching in Theatre (3)
Strategies for teaching, issues on implications of pedagogical practice, and responsibilities of academic leadership.

61095 Special Topics (1-3)
Offered irregularly when unusual resources permit a topic different from existing courses. Topic will be announced when scheduled. Repeated registration permitted.

61096 Individual Investigation: Theatre and Drama (1-4)
(Cross-listed with KBT 61096) Independent study of an area or problem approved by divisional graduate coordinator in consultation with project director. Repeatable for maximum of 6 credit hours. IP permissible. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

61098 Research (1-15)
Research or individual investigation for master's-level graduate students. Credits may be applied toward meeting degree requirements if school approves. Repeat registration permitted. S/U grading; IP permissible.

61110 History of Theories of Acting and Space I (3)
History of theories of acting and space in the theatre from the beginning to ca. 1850.

61111 History of Theories of Acting and Space II (3)
History of theories of acting and space in the theatre.

61112 Theatre History and Theory I (4)
The development of theatre in the Greek and Roman world is examined in its historical and aesthetic contexts.

61113 Theatre History and Theory II (4)
The development of theatre in the Medieval and Renaissance periods is examined in its historical and aesthetic contexts.

61114 Theatre History and Theory III (4)
The development of theatre in the 17th and 18th centuries is examined in its historical and aesthetic contexts.

 61115 Theatre History and Theory IV (4)
The development of theatre in the period of Romanticism is examined in its historical and aesthetic contexts.

61116 Theatre History and Theory V (4)
The development of theatre in the late-19th and early-20th centuries examined in its historical and aesthetic contexts.

61117 Theatre History and Theory (4)
The development of theatre in the later-20th century examined in its historical and aesthetic contexts.

61191 Seminar: Theatre History and Theory (3)
An investigation of a period, historical/theoretical development, playwright/practitioner/theorist (variable topics).

61199 Thesis I (2-6)
Thesis students must register for a total of 6 hours, 2 to 6 hours in a single semester, distributed over several semesters if desired. S/U grading; IP permissible.

61201 Software Applications (3)
A survey of current software used in theatre production with an emphasis on applications for management, design and technical direction. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor. Special fee: $45 per semester.

61299 Thesis II (2)
Thesis students must continue registration each semester until all degree requirements are met. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: THEA 61199.

61303 Acting III Scene Study: Naturalism and Absurd (3)
In-depth scene study in the genres of Naturalism and Absurd theatre. Exploration of the works of Chekhov, Strindberg, Beckett and others. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

61305 Acting Styles II: Greek and Comedy of Manners (3)
Application of acting, movement, and speech techniques to these specific genres. Focus on style and physicalization using Greek and English Restoration playwrights as well as Molière, Wilde and others.

61309 Master of Fine Arts Comprehensive Project in Acting (1-3)
Intensive work in the development of the practical aspects of production; includes performance or exhibition of work, documentation of that work in a format appropriate for area and project, and an exit interview. Prerequisite: THEA 61000.

61391 Seminar: Playwriting (3)
Intensive analysis of dramaturgical theory. Scope of the inquiry dependent upon individual interests of those enrolled. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

61401 Directing: Production Style (3)
How plays "make" their meanings. Analysis of form and theatrical style for director and dramaturge. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

61402 Directing: Text, Space and Actor (4)
The director's relationship to playtext, theatrical world and the human actor. Theoretical exploration and practical experience. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

61491 Seminar: Directing and Acting (3)
Intensive theoretical and practical study of a great actor or director, a school of acting or directing, or stylistic approach; variable topics. Repeatable once. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

61497 Production Colloquium (1-3)
Collegial exploration of the intersections among creative and scholarly/critical/theoretical thinking. Students involved in the colloquium may be pursuing current creative projects under faculty supervision. Does not count toward degree. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

61521 Advanced Theatre Drafting (3)
Advanced drafting techniques for the technical director, scenic designer and lighting designer. Includes film, television, industrial and engineering graphic techniques. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor. Special fee: $25 per semester.

61522 Advanced Studies in Lighting Design (3)
Detailed exploration of the skills of designing lighting with emphasis on theatre, opera, ballet, alternative venues and professional standards. Special fee: $30 per semester.

61524 Advanced Studies in Costume Design for Stage and Screen (3)
Detailed exploration of skills in designing costumes for stage and screen. Emphasis on concept work, stylist work, accuracy in research, organizational skills and industry standards. Prerequisite: THEA 51524. Special fee: $30 per semester.

61525 Millinery and 3-D Characters (3)
Advanced studies of techniques of millinery construction and 3-D character construction with an emphasis on current practice in the industry. Special fee: $80 per semester.

61527 Shop Management (3)
Study of resource management for the professional shop. Topics: Business planning, labor relations, accounting, budgeting and productivity techniques. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

61561 Advanced Construction Theory (3)
The theory and practice of structural and mechanical design for theatre production. Related issues in resource management for the professional shop. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor. Special fee: $30 per semester.

61621 Advanced Studies in Scene Painting (3)
Advanced study of the techniques used in painting scenery for theatre and television. Emphasizes professional standards and the practical application of skills. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

61622 Advanced Study: Scenery for Stage and Screen (3)
Detailed exploration of the skills of designing scenery with emphasis on theatre, opera, ballet, film, television and alternative venues and the professional standards associated with each area. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor. Special fee: $50 per semester.

61701 Movement, Form and Space II: Neutral and Character Mask (3)
Advanced skills and conditioning focusing on the physical and vocal qualities of characterization achieved through performance in masks. Prerequisite: THEA 51701.

61702 Musical Theatre Styles (3)
The study of diverse styles of choreography for the actor performing in Musical Theatre.

61801 Voice and Speech II: Vocal Demands and Dialects (3)
Voice principles will be covered in depth and detail, with emphasis on their application to dialects, singing and media voice work.

61802 Voice and Speech III: The Actor/Singer (3)
Training in methods and skills necessary for the singing actor. Focus on the integration and physicalization of lyrics and music. Prerequisite:THEA 51801.

61806 Singing for the Actor (1)
A comprehensive study of performance techniques and repertoire appropriate to the singing actor. Prerequisite: THEA 51801.

61992 Professional Theatre Internship II (3 or 6)
( Cross-listed with KBT 61992) Intensive advanced training in practical aspects of production. Periodic seminars, laboratory sessions and performance in a professional theatre company. S/U grading; IP permissible.

62092 Practicum: Design/Technology (3)
Practical experience for the graduate student in theatre design and technology under faculty supervision. S/U grading; IP permissible.

62192 Practicum: Performance (3)
(Cross-listed with KBT 62192) Practical experience for the graduate student in theatre performance under faculty supervision. S/U grading; IP permissible. Repeat registration permitted.

62292 Theatre Management (3)
Practical experience in theatre management under faculty supervision. S/U grading; IP permissible. Repeatable for a total of 12 hours. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

62792 Production Dramaturgy (3)
Under faculty supervision, a student will serve as dramaturg to a School of Theatre and Dance production. Repeat registration permitted.

62892 Theatre Practicum (1)
Practical experience for the graduate student in cocurricular theatre activities, under faculty supervision. Repeatable twice. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

62992 Theatre Production Internship (1-6)
(Cross-listed with KBT 62992) Intensive advanced training in practical aspects of production. Periodic seminars, laboratory sessions and performance in a theatre company or touring with Kent Theatre Ensemble. Repeatable for a maximum of 12 hours. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

67070 Principles of Dance Composition II (3)
Movement exploration with emphasis on the development of advanced choreographic techniques. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

72892 Theatre Practicum (1) 
Practical experience for the graduate student in cocurricular theatre activities, under faculty supervision. Repeatable twice. Prerequisite: special approval of instructor.

72992 Theatre Production Internship (1-6)
Intensive advanced training in practical aspects of production. Periodic seminars, laboratory sessions and performance in a theatre company or touring with Kent Theatre Ensemble. Repeatable for a maximum of 12 hours. Prerequisite: approval of advisor.