School of Theatre Undergraduate Programs

College of Fine Arts

Chair: Kris Salata; Professors: Jordan, Malaev-Babel, Salata; Associate Professors: Armit, Coleman, Gelabert, Lile, Osborne, Ossowski, West, Wren; Assistant Professors: Arespacochaga, Fahmy, Gillette, Gossmann, LaReau, Pluim, Thomas, Travis; Specialized Faculty: Delorey, Epstein, Hagwood, Schmidli; Burt Reynolds Eminent Scholar Chair in Theatre: TBA; Hoffman Eminent Scholar Chair in Theatre: TBA; Professor Emeritus: Baker, Chappell, Fallon

The School of Theatre is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre, and its degree requirements are in accordance with the latest published regulations of that association. The School of Theatre offers degrees and coursework at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To major in theatre, a student must meet with an academic advisor in theatre. All programs require an audition, interview, or application.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) is a flexible, broad-based liberal arts degree, providing a basic knowledge of, and experience in, theatre arts. The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) offers an intensive program of training in acting or music theatre. The Master of Arts/Master of Science (MA/MS) degrees offer a blend of academic courses and production training on an advanced level. The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree provides training to achieve professional-level competencies in directing, acting, costume design, technical production, or theatre management.

State of Florida Common Program Prerequisites for Theatre

The Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) houses the statewide, internet-based catalog of distance learning courses, degree programs, and resources offered by Florida's public colleges and universities, and they have developed operational procedures and technical guidelines for the catalog that all institutions must follow. The statute governing this policy can be reviewed by visiting https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2021/1006.73.

FLVC has identified common program prerequisites for the degree program in Theatre. To obtain the most up-to-date, state-approved prerequisites for this degree, visit: https://cpm.flvc.org/programs/157/232.

Specific prerequisites are required for admission into the upper-division program and must be completed by the student at either a community college or a state university prior to being admitted to this program. Students may be admitted into the University without completing the prerequisites but may not be admitted into the program.

Digital Literacy Requirement

Students must complete at least one course designated as meeting the Digital Literacy Requirement with a grade of “C–” or higher. Courses fulfilling the Digital Literacy Requirement must accomplish at least three of the following outcomes:

Evaluate and interpret the accuracy, credibility, and relevance of digital information
Evaluate and interpret digital data and their implications
Discuss the ways in which society and/or culture interact with digital technology
Discuss digital technology trends and their professional implications
Demonstrate the ability to use digital technology effectively
Demonstrate the knowledge to use digital technology safely and ethically

Each academic major has determined the courses that fulfill the Digital Literacy requirement for that major. Students should contact their major department(s) to determine which courses will fulfill their Digital Literacy requirement.

Requirements

Admission to Majors

Students should contact the School of Theatre Office of Academic and Student Services regarding admission requirements and procedures for the majors or visit the School of Theatre Website at https://theatre.fsu.edu/.

Attendance Requirement for All School Events

All undergraduate students in the School of Theatre must register for THE 4990 every Fall and Spring in which they are enrolled as a theatre major. This course is a zero credit, S/U course. Students must attend all school meetings, required plays, and other required events. Failure to comply with this requirement will jeopardize graduation eligibility.

FSUCore Curriculum Program

All undergraduates in theatre are required to meet the FSUCore Curriculum requirements as specified in the “Undergraduate Degree Requirements” chapter of this General Bulletin.

Retention Standards

A grade of “C–” or better is required in all major courses and prerequisites except THE 2020, which requires a “B–” or better. Students may only retake a major requirement once in which a grade below the minimum was received. (THE 2020 may be taken only once.) The class must be retaken the following semester, and a minimum grade of “C–” must be achieved for retention. BA students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in major requirements and a cumulative GPA of 3.0; BFA Acting and Music Theatre students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in major requirements and a cumulative GPA of 3.0. If a BFA student receives below a B- in a major requirement, or if the GPA falls below the minimum, the student will be placed on probation for the following semester. If the grade or GPA does not meet minimum standards by the end of the probationary semester, the student will be dismissed from the School of Theatre.

The School of Theatre retains the right to refuse admission or terminate enrollment at any time if a student fails to maintain the standards of the program.

Honors in Theatre

The School of Theatre offers a program in honors to encourage talented juniors and seniors to undertake independent and original research as part of the undergraduate experience. For requirements and other information, see the “University Honors Office and Honor Societies” chapter of this General Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) is a flexible liberal arts degree intended to offer a comprehensive knowledge of theatre arts. The program requires a balance of theatre core classes and electives that allow students the opportunity to explore selected areas of the theatre. Theatre core requirements include courses in performance, technical theatre, design, and theatre history. All BA students must complete a run and usher experience. Electives can be fulfilled with additional theatre courses or any other University courses. CoreFSU Curriculum requirements for the baccalaureate degree must be met. Each BA Theatre student must choose and complete a Focus area from the following: Theatre Theory & Performance, Stage Management, Performance or Design & Production. For more information, see the Bachelor of Arts Degree section of the “Undergraduate Degree Requirements” chapter of this General Bulletin.

Technical Theatre Requirement

BA Theatre majors must complete the technical theatre requirement. Courses must be taken every semester beginning the first semester in residence until the requirement is complete. Students transferring with a major in theatre may receive transfer credit for no more than one technical practices course.

Major

A minimum of thirty-nine semester hours of coursework in theatre is required. Contact the Office of Academic and Student Services in the School of Theatre for a complete list of requirements.

Note: At least eighteen semester hours of these required courses must be completed in residence.

Bachelor of Fine Arts Requirements

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a preprofessional degree, with intensive, in-depth training. The goal is the development of both an understanding of theatre as a total art and the skills necessary for its expression. Students may concentrate in acting or music theatre. The BFA program is designed to provide the necessary foundation for specialization at the graduate or professional level. Admission to the program is highly selective. A student seeking to enter the program must offer, in addition to an acceptable GPA, an acting and/or music theatre audition, and a complete application packet. Continuation in the program is dependent not only upon academic performance but also upon development of talent and skill potential as evaluated by faculty assessment. A student's work and commitment are under continuous review, and any candidate who fails to maintain high standards will be dismissed from the program. Although it is possible to complete all requirements within four years, it is possible that a successful course of study will take longer, since graduation depends as much on demonstrated proficiency as on credit hours. Complete details regarding auditions can be found at https://theatre.fsu.edu/.

Common Curriculum

Beyond the CoreFSU Curriculum requirements, BFA students are required to complete approximately seventy-four to eighty-six semester hours in theatre and related courses. All BFA students are required to successfully complete core theatre courses and technical laboratories. Contact the Office of Academic and Student Services in the School of Theatre for complete degree requirements.

Concentration in Acting

Students with a concentration in acting must complete TPA 2201, 2248, 2291; TPP 2110, 2111, 2710, 3510, 3511, 3710, 3711, 4113, 4148, 4228, 4310, 4531, 4712, 4713, 4922; THE 3213, 3214, 4260, 4303, 4954, and eight elective semester hours in performance.

Concentration in Music Theatre

Students with a concentration in music theatre must complete MUT 1001, 1111, 1241; MVV 3532, 4542; THE 3214, 4303, 4244, 4245; TPA 2201, 2248, 2291; TPP 2110, 2111, 2710, 3510, 3511, 4310, 4257, 4512, and 4923. A minimum of sixteen semester hours of private voice, as well as keyboard, and dance are also required until proficiency is demonstrated in these skills.

London Theatre Experience

In addition to its degree programs, the School of Theatre has created the London Theatre Experience, an extraordinary curriculum in London for select theatre majors. The program includes theatre-going, backstage tours, classes with leading theatre artists, special internships, and performance opportunities. Students earn a semester of academic credit while participating in a program that makes a real difference in their lives as students, artists, and human beings. Graduate credit is available only by special request.

Facilities

There are several performance spaces available for the production of plays. All include rehearsal space. They are: the Richard G. Fallon Theatre in the Fine Arts Building; the Studio, or the Augusta Conradi Theatre, in the Williams Building; The Lab Theatre; and the Fine Arts Annex.

The Richard G. Fallon Theatre in the Fine Arts Building is a proscenium theatre with continental seating for 500 patrons. Stage equipment includes a turntable, a counterweight system, hydraulic orchestra pit, a computer lightboard, a four-channel sound system, light and sound shops, two large-group dressing rooms, and two private dressing rooms.

The Studio, or the Augusta Conradi Theatre, is a proscenium house and seats 200 patrons. The stage equipment includes a rope system, a preset lightboard, a single channel sound system, a light and sound control booth, green room, two group dressing rooms, and a small scene shop. The auditorium is used as a lecture classroom and demonstration laboratory.

The Lab is a flexible theatre space used in proscenium, thrust, arena, and open configurations. There is a variable seating capacity depending on each production's staging requirements. There is a lighting grid, and portable sound and lighting equipment is utilized. Subscription productions are mounted in the Lab Theatre each year. In addition, the space is used for student development and productions. There is an accompanying rehearsal hall next door.

The Fine Arts Annex is a small proscenium space with flexible seating. The space is used as a classroom space, rehearsal space, and as a performance space.

Definition of Prefixes

IDS—Interdisciplinary Studies

THE—Theatre Studies and General Resources

TPA—Theatre Production and Administration

TPP—Theatre Performance and Performance Training

Undergraduate Courses

IDS 3685. Promoting Art Ethically in Social Media: Separating Truth From Fiction (3). This course explores the ethics of modern social media as a vehicle for marketing and promoting people as artificial characters in a type of electronic performance, and the nature of truth in that promotion.

THE 2000. Introduction to Theatre (3). This course focuses on the historical development and basic elements for appreciation and evaluation of performances. The course is designed for non-majors.

THE 2020. Introduction to Theatre for Majors (3). This course is a survey of the field of theatre, its various divisions, and the School of Theatre. Preparation for independent research and communication about the profession and the school.

THE 3061. Introduction to Theatre in London (3). This introductory course is designed to acquaint students with the components of the theatrical experience as they relate specifically to current dramaturgy and stagecraft in London. It is to be offered only at The Florida State University London Study Center. It should be viewed as a companion class to THE 2000 Introduction to Theatre, for majors and non-majors, but may be taken independently. It makes use of the theatrical resources in the city of London, including attendance at leading theatres, backstage tours, and lectures by prominent theatre artists.

THE 3213. World Theatre History I (3). Prerequisite: THE 2020. This course explores the staging practices and dramatic literature of classical Greece and Rome, medieval Europe and Japan, Renaissance England, Italy, and France, and 18th-century Western Europe.

THE 3214. World Theatre History II (3). This course explores the staging practices and dramatic literature from the 19th century to the present. Specific units include romanticism, melodrama, the rise of realism, avant-garde theatre movements (both American and European), European innovations 1960s–1990s, and contemporary dramatic theory.

THE 3931r. Special Topics in Theatre (3). (S/U grade only.) In this course, topics change per semester depending upon instructor. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.

THE 4064. Disability and Representation (3). Prerequisite: THE 2020, THE 3213, or THE 3214. This course offers an advanced introduction that surveys the way in which the arts and popular culture (including literature, fine arts, performance, advertising, documentary film, and video) have both reflected and contributed to attitudes and public policy concerning people with disabilities. The course takes a disability-studies approach, which considers the social and cultural aspects of disability.

THE 4233. History of African-American Drama (3). This course is a survey of the history of African-Americans in the American theatre from the African Gove Theatre to the present, and of playwrights from William Wells Brown to August Wilson.

THE 4236. A Cultural History of the American Theatre and Drama from Beginnings to Present (3). Prerequisite: THE 2100. This course examines American theatre and drama in its cultural and social context.

THE 4244. Musical Theatre History I (3). Prerequisite: THE 3214, MUL 2211, DAN 4115, or instructor permission. This course is a survey of the popular musical theatre from the beginnings to the 1940s, including the development of comic opera, operetta, the revue tradition, and musical comedy.

THE 4245. Musical Theatre History II (3). Prerequisite: THE 3214, MUL 2211, DAN 4115, or instructor permission. This course is a survey of musical theatre in America since the 1940s, including Rodgers and Hammerstein, Weill, Lerner and Loewe, Loesser, Bernstein, Sondheim, the Black musical, and the rock musical.

THE 4260. Historic Costume for the Stage (3). Prerequisite: THE 3214. This course is a survey of history of Western clothing and relationship to stage.

THE 4273. Seminar in History of Stage Directing (3). Prerequisite: Instructor permission required. In this seminar students investigate the phenomenon of the stage director in its historical context focusing on key figures and productions.

THE 4293. History of Theatre Design & Production (3). This course provides theatre students with an overall understanding of how theatre design and production evolved through the ages. Students are encouraged to actively participate in the objective and critical analysis of the historical conditions that determined and guided our visual and presentational styles over time. Students engage through discussions, creating images that are directly influenced by their discussions, and through their own analytical writing.

THE 4301. Contemporary US Theatre (3). Prerequisites: THE 3213 and THE 4303. This course focuses on contemporary US theatre and performance, including traditional theatre and experimental types of performance. Students read, analyze, and research theatre in the canon and outside of it. The course culminates in an original performance.

THE 4303. Play Analysis (3). Prerequisite: THE 3214. This course is a line by line script examination, analyzing how playwrights of various periods achieved characterization, structure, and plotting.

THE 4423. Women in Theatre (3). This course focuses on the writing, work, and accomplishments of women in theatre, whether on stage or behind the scenes. This course involves discussion and intensive investigation resulting in some form of report.

THE 4433. Gender, Race and Performance (3). This course is an advanced introduction to contemporary theories/practices of performance of race/gender on stage and in everyday life using feminist theories of performance.

THE 4438. African Theatre Performance (3). This course examines the cultural and political complexities of selected countries of sub-Saharan Africa through an exploration of pre-colonial performance traditions, written plays, and contemporary popular culture.

THE 4481. Dramaturgy (3). Prerequisites: THE 3214, THE 4303, and/or instructor permission. This course is an introduction to production dramaturgy with emphasis on conducting research and preparing written reports. Topics include surveys of the critical literature, cultural background and biography, production history and text preparation.

THE 4905r. Directed Individual Study (1–3). May be repeated to a maximum of twelve semester hours.

THE 4913r. Theatre Tutorial (1–3). (S/U grade only.) This course explores selected topics in theatre. Upper division theatre majors only. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.

THE 4917r. Honors Work (1–6). This course is open only to students in the honors program. The course covers specialized honors coursework culminating in an honors thesis. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours.

THE 4923r. Theatre Encounters Workshop (3). Prerequisite: Instructor permission. This course involves a workshop production of a major dramatic work together with extensive study of the social, literary, and cultural contexts. The course includes dramaturgical research and written assignments. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.

THE 4935r. Selected Subjects in Theatre Studies (3). This course is an in-depth examination of various topics not covered in the regular course offerings. The course is for seniors and juniors who have completed at least fifty percent of their major requirements. May be repeated to a maximum of fifteen semester hours.

THE 4954. Culminations (1). Prerequisite: THE 2020. This course is a capstone course in theatre. Emphasis is placed on reflecting upon skills and competencies developed during study and translating those elements to future activities including work and graduate school.

THE 4990r. Theatre Forum (0). (S/U grade only.) This course is required each semester for undergraduate and graduate majors. Attendance may also be required at designated activities scheduled at other times.

TPA 2000. Introduction to Theatrical Design (3). This course introduces the fundamental elements of design including spot, line, shape, and color while relating these elements to theatrical production design.

TPA 2201. Introduction to Technical Theatre (3). This course is an introduction to the technical elements required to produce a theatrical production. The course discusses elements from scene and costume construction, along with lighting, sound, and stage management.

TPA 2248. Stage Makeup (2). This course is an introduction to basic makeup for the stage. Emphasis is on modeling of the face with makeup.

TPA 2322. Technical Theatre Practices I – Costumes, Lighting and Backstage Run-Crews (3). This course offers an introduction to theatre costume and lighting practices. Students participate in at least one run-crew assignment.

TPA 2323. Technical Theatre Practices II – Scenery, Scene Painting and Front-of-House (3). This course offers an introduction to theatre scenery and scenery painting practices. Students participate in at least one front-of-house assignment.

TPA 3033Lr. Lighting Production Lab (1–4). This course allows students to install, operate, and design with stage-lighting equipment for productions. Students select a specific assignment and work closely with staff and faculty to complete their chosen project. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve credit hours.

TPA 3208. Drafting for the Stage (3). Prerequisite: TPA 2201. This course is an introduction to tools and techniques, including preparation of plates showing construction details and perspective.

TPA 3230. Costuming I (3). Prerequisite: TPA 2322 or instructor permission. This introductory costume sewing class instructs students in the craft of sewing costumes for theatre, focusing on sewing practices used in costume shops throughout the U.S. Students gain hands-on experience and become familiar with a sewing vocabulary through assigned sewing projects. Students also learn to identify commonly used fabrics by both weave and fiber content.

TPA 3296L. Costume Production Practice (1–3). Prerequisite: Instructor permission. This course gives students advanced practical experience in the non-acting areas of theatre production, including constructing clothing, applying basic techniques for costume construction in practical situations, and serving on wardrobe or maintenance crews.

TPA 3298, 3299. Technical Theatre Laboratory (one hour each). Prerequisite: Instructor permission. This course gives students advanced practical experience in the non-acting areas of theatre production, including running the box office, disseminating publicity materials, constructing scenery and properties, applying basic techniques for costume construction in practical situations, and serving on lighting, running, or maintenance crews.

TPA 3325r. Intermediate Technical Theatre Practice (3). Prerequisite: TPA 2323. This course refines the skills and techniques necessary for proficiency at the intermediate level of technical production, including the construction of scenery for the stage, rigging, standard technical theatre vocabulary, and safe work habits. Specific assignments depend upon the School of Theatre production season. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours.

TPA 3333. Introduction to Costume Craft, Dye and Millinery (3).

TPA 3353. Lighting and Sound Technology for the Theatre (3). Prerequisite: TPA 2201. This course provides an in-depth exploration of technology behind the realization of lighting and sound design, including understanding of the intermediate technologies associated with successful design.

TPA 3605r. Assistant Stage Management Production Practice (1–4). This course is for students serving as an Assistant Stage Manager for an FSU production. Roles are allocated to students by SM Faculty, in conjunction with administration and production management.

TPA 3606r. Stage Management Production Practice (1–4). This course is for students serving as a Stage Manager for an FSU production. Roles are allocated to students by SM Faculty, in conjunction with administration and production management

TPA 4014. Model Making (3). This course acquaints students with current model building techniques and systems. Students gain experience in constructing most of the elements commonly associated with models such as doors, windows, textures, fences, trees, and props.

TPA 4020. Lighting Design I (3). Prerequisite: TPA 2201. This course acquaints students with the design process and the various tools by which a lighting designer researches and expresses his/her art. The course includes script analysis, producing light plots, and basic drafting.

TPA 4021. Lighting Design II (3). Prerequisites: TPA 3208 and TPA 4020. This course is an overview of the lighting design process for a variety of spaces from concept to finished product. Emphasis is on script analysis. Content includes instruction in the creation and use of paperwork as well as practical aspects of lighting in both the proscenium and non-proscenium venues.

TPA 4024. Lighting Design III (3). Prerequisite: TPA 4021. This course encompasses lighting design for a variety of production styles such as musicals, opera, dance, comedy, and tragedy.

TPA 4045. Costume Design for the Stage (3). Prerequisite: THE 4260 or instructor permission. This course is an exploration of the elements and principles of design as they relate to stage costuming. Coursework includes design projects.

TPA 4060. Principles of Scenic Design (3). Prerequisite: TPA 3208. This course explores beginning design techniques including ground plan, perspective, and model building.

TPA 4073. Rendering for the Stage (3). This course focuses on rendering techniques for the set, costume, and lighting designer in various media. For the course professional equipment is required.

TPA 4077. Scene Painting (3). This course focuses on traditional scene painting techniques for theatre and film. For the course professional equipment is required.

TPA 4078. Advanced Scene Painting (3). This advanced studio course that develops skills introduced in TPA 4077 with non-traditional scenic techniques and non-traditional materials.

TPA 4238. Advanced Costume Construction (3). Prerequisite: TPA 3230 or instructor permission. This course is an advanced practice in constructing specialized costumes for stage use. Students gain practical, hands-on experience in theatrical sewing techniques in creating projects such as period corsets, historically based costumes constructed to reflect period details, and beginning tailoring techniques.

TPA 4239. Costume Patterning (3). Prerequisite: TPA 4238 or instructor permission. This course is an introduction to costume patternmaking including drafting, flat pattern, and draping methods. This is a project-oriented course where students gain practice in all three patterning methods on projects for men's and women's historically based costumes.

TPA 4240. Advanced Costume Draping and Fitting (3). Prerequisites: TPA 4239 and THE 4260 or instructor permission. This course is an advanced study in costume patterning for theatre, with an emphasis on draping and/or drafting historically based garments for women and men. Projects include period garment research and measuring, sizing, and fitting techniques to accommodate actual performers' measurements as well as stage movement requirements.

TPA 4246. Stage Wigs and Specialty Makeup (3). This course examines makeup, hair, and wig styles popular throughout history. Students acquire practical, hands-on experience in constructing and styling wigs for the stage and in designing various period hair and makeup styles.

TPA 4250. AutoCAD for the Stage (3). In this course, students learn to apply theatrical drafting standards to AutoCAD. The course also covers basic DOS commands and structure, drafting in 2D AutoCAD, and drafting in 3D AutoCAD (including basic modeling commands).

TPA 4283. Technical Production (3). Prerequisites: TPA 2201 and instructor permission. This course examines the production process from play selection through set design, set load in, run of show, load out, and post mortem analysis. The course focuses on the various and linear aspects of the production, including the management and planning of the budgeting, pre-construction, construction, and strike aspects of the production.

TPA 4351. Lighting Programming (3). Prerequisite: TPA 3353. This course uses the latest lighting technology to program conventional and intelligent lighting fixtures. Intelligent fixtures are dissected to explore operation, function, and features. Students program a combination of virtual and realized projects for both linear theatrical productions and non-linear live events.

TPA 4354. Lighting Software for Theatre (3). Prerequisites: TPA 3208 and TPA 4020. This course is an overview of primary light design and visualization software programs. No prior knowledge of computer-aided design is necessary. Significant individual work is required.

TPA 4400. Theatre Management (3). This course is designed to provide an introduction to the economic and managerial aspects of American theatre especially as they apply to nonprofit and professional theatre.

TPA 4601. Stage Management (2). This course focuses on methods and techniques of managing simple dramatic shows to complex multi-scene productions. Must be taken before stage managing a Mainstage production. Consent of instructor required.

TPA 4602. Advanced Stage Management (3). Prerequisite: TPA 4601. This course is intended for students who wish to pursue a career in stage management. Advanced study of stage management and development of skills needed to practice in a LORT theatre.

TPA 4608. Stage Management III (3). Prerequisite: TPA 4601 and TPA 4602. This course is a continuation of the BA Stage Management track that builds upon the first year of training. While Stage Management and Advanced Stage Management focus on the role of the stage manager from pre-production to strike, this course focuses on supplemental concepts that will elevate managerial presence and preparedness for the professional industry.

TPA 4905r. Directed Individual Study (1–3). May be repeated to a maximum of twelve semester hours.

TPA 4940r. Internship in Stage Design, Technical Theatre, and Management (1–12). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisites: Completion of all coursework in theatre and instructor permission. This course is a resident internship in an approved professional theatre, shop, or enrichment center. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) credit hours; repeatable within the same term.

TPP 2100. Performance I (2). This course presents an overview of acting as an art and craft.

TPP 2110r. Acting Technique I: Basic Process (3). Prerequisite: Instructor permission. This course is an introduction of the basic acting process. Emphasis on living truthfully in imaginary circumstances through honest listening and response. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours.

TPP 2111r. Acting Technique II: Contemporary American Realism (3). Prerequisites: TPP 2110r and/or instructor permission. This course focuses on scene study and basic characterization. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours.

TPP 2185. Orientation to Acting (3). This course is a general survey of the development of acting and actor training, Stanislavsky to Hagen, with exercises in the basics of the actor's process and audition technique.

TPP 2190L. Theatre Rehearsal and Performance (1–2). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Instructor permission. This course consists of the assignment of a specific role and/or responsibility. Opportunity for students to receive additional supervision and critique, as well as credit, for participation in rehearsal and performance.

TPP 2702r. Introduction to Linklater Voice (3). This course introduces student actors to the basic principles of voice production training. The course incorporates group and individual exercises designed to stimulate and develop the imagination, physical and sensory awareness, creativity, and the ability to work as part of an ensemble. The course focuses on alleviating individual tensions in the vocal musculature that restrict the natural voice.

TPP 2710r. Voice I (3). This course introduces student actors to the basic principles of voice training. Group and individual exercises are designed to stimulate and develop the imagination, physical and sensory awareness, creativity, and the ability to work as part of an ensemble. Focus is on alleviating individual tensions in the vocal musculature that restrict the natural voice. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours.

TPP 3103. Performance II (3). Prerequisite: TPP 2100. This course focuses on the exploration and development of a range of fundamental tools of the acting process, with particular emphasis on vocal production and physical expression in the context of creating and rehearsing scenes and monologues drawn from significant modern and contemporary playwrights, ending with an introduction to the performance of classical Shakespearean texts.

TPP 3105. Acting Basic Process Development (3). This course is an introduction to the basic acting process. This course emphasizes living truthfully in imaginary circumstances through honest listening and response.

TPP 3265. Acting for the Camera (3). Prerequisite: TPP 2110. This course offers a preliminary look at developing acting techniques for work in television, film, and video media. It explores how actors prepare, rehearse, and perform differently in front of the camera as compared to an onstage production.

TPP 3510r. Movement Techniques for Theatre I (3). Prerequisite: Instructor permission. This course utilizes exercises for self-awareness, physical strength, flexibility, and versatility for the actor. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.

TPP 3511r. Movement Techniques for Theatre II (3). Prerequisite: TPP 3510r and/or instructor permission. This course explores styles of movement and dance, creative presentations, and daily warm-ups. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.

TPP 3711r. Voice II (3). Prerequisite: TPP 2710r. This course continues the study of the first-year basic skills in speaking for the student actor. All actors who are on a professional track for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree must have thorough knowledge of their speaking voice for the stage, how to use it in their acting studios and stage performances, and how to be a more effective speaker in their everyday life. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours.

TPP 4093. Post-Modern Acting Styles (3). This course provides an advanced study of historical period acting styles with an emphasis on movement, language, manners, and motives of a given style.

TPP 4095. Pre-Modern Styles (3). Prerequisites: TPP 2100, TPP 3103, Junior or Senior standing, or instructor permission. This course is an advanced study of historical period acting styles with an emphasis on movement, language, manners, and motives of a given style.

TPP 4113r. Acting Techniques III: Acting Problems in Genre and Style (3). Prerequisites: TPP 2110r, TPP 2111r, TPP 3711, and/or instructor permission. This course is an acting workshop oriented to particular problems the actor confronts in dealing with historic periods in dramatic literature or material of post-realistic and contemporary styles and thought. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours.

TPP 4126. Creative Improvisation (3). Prerequisite: TPP 2100. This course examines vital interrelationships between the physical, vocal, and psychological potential in creating a complex, expressive artistic performance.

TPP 4224. Audition Techniques (3). This course is designed as a workshop for advanced actors who are preparing to enter graduate study programs or seek professional work in theatre with some attention paid to work in film and television. The course examines the audition process from the perspectives of both the aspiring performer and the prospective employer.

TPP 4226r. BA Music Theatre Workshop (3). This course provides evaluation, systemization, supervision, and critiques of all performance work undertaken to isolate acting and musical problems that occur in musical theatre and to see their solution in process and performance. The course also examines the audition process and to develop audition packages for professional auditions. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.

TPP 4228. Acting Showcase for Seniors (3). In this course, students develop a showcase of their acting talent for a professional venue in New York or Los Angeles in the spring of their senior year.

TPP 4257. Voice for Musical Theatre (3). Prerequisite: Junior standing. The course focuses on releasing the singer's acting voice, with particular emphasis on increasing breath capacity during movement, deepening and expanding resonance and range, and increasing articulation skills. In the course, students learn to fully embody their voice and speech skills to avoid strain and loss that come from executing sound solely from the throat.

TPP 4310. Directing I (3). Corequisite: THE 4303. This course is a basic techniques course with emphasis on script analysis, fundamentals of staging, and work with actors.

TPP 4403. Devised Theatre: Performance Creation (3). Prerequisite: TPP 3103 or TPP 4310. This advanced acting and directing course focuses on performance creation in response to major works of world literature. Students learn various approaches to devising an autonomous work of theatre. Students invest much effort in rethinking conventional creative processes and production methods.

TPP 4404. Advanced Acting/Directing (3). Prerequisite: TPP 3103 or TPP 4310. This course is a workshop for advanced actors and directors focused on particular problems in contemporary staging of works from selected historic periods.

TPP 4512r. Advanced Movement for the Theatre (3). Prerequisites: TPP 3510r, TPP 3511r, and/or instructor permission. This course focuses on advanced movement techniques and exploration of repertory and choreography. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.

TPP 4531. Stage Combat (3). Prerequisites: TPP 2100 or TPP 2110 and instructor permission. This course explores the development of physical dialogue through armed (rapier and dagger, broadsword, quarterstaff, or knife) and unarmed stage combat applied to acting. Focus is placed on the processes of safety, technique, rehearsal, and performance. Students have the option to participate in the Society of American Fight Directors Skill Proficiency Test.

TPP 4600. Fundamentals of Playwriting (3). This course introduces the craft of playwriting. Functions as a workshop and focuses on the mechanics of structure, form, and marketing.

TPP 4712r. Voice III (3). Prerequisites: TPP 2710r and TPP 3711r. This intermediate course in voice focuses on increasing vocal stamina, breath capacity, range, and freedom on the stage. The course introduces speaking Shakespeare and offers practice with the use of complex language in acting classical texts. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.

TPP 4713r. Voice VI: Vocal Imaginations (3). Prerequisite: TPP 4712. This course is primarily designed to expand the vocal imagination of the student actor. The International Phonetic Alphabet is introduced in an organic manner as a primary tool in the adoption of different speech sounds from those that are natural to each student actor. This course includes a “Speech Sound Donor Project,” in which the student actor must study and implement a dialect different from their own natural one, and then must teach it to the group at large. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.

TPP 4719. Strengthening the Speaking Voice (3). Prerequisite: TPP 2702. This course is a continuation of fundamental vocal skills for the first year of actor training. There is a review of last semester's skills and beginning work on soft palate, resonance, range and articulation. Students apply voice skills to longer pieces of text and incorporate speech skills into text with added physicality.

TPP 4721. Voice into Performance (3). Prerequisite: Instructor permission. This course focuses on methods of bridging voice into text. Actors learn advanced physical and vocal work through a series of improvisational voice and body exercises designed to provide a visceral link between voice, speech, and body. These explorations lead into contemporary theatre performance.

TPP 4730r. Dialects for Stage (3). Prerequisites: TPP 2110r, TPP 3710r, TPP 3711, and/or instructor permission. This course focuses on the techniques of acquiring a dialect for stage performance. Scene study and monologues performed in dialects. Content may vary from semester to semester. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.

TPP 4905r. Directed Individual Study (1–3). May be repeated to a maximum of twelve semester hours.

TPP 4922r. Performance Workshop in Acting/Directing (2). Prerequisites: BFA candidates only and instructor permission. This course provides evaluating systemization, supervision, and critiques for performance work required for BFA program. May be repeated to a maximum of ten semester hours.

TPP 4923r. Musical Theatre Workshop (2). Prerequisites: BFA candidates only and instructor permission. This course provides evaluation, systemization, supervision, and critiques of all performance work undertaken to isolate acting, dance, and musical problems that occur in musical theatre and to see their solution in performance. May be repeated to a maximum of eight semester hours.

TPP 4940r. Internship in Theatre Performance (1–3). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisites: Completion of all coursework in theatre and instructor permission. This course is a resident internship in an approved professional theatre, shop, or enrichment center. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) credit hours; repeatable within the same term.

For listings relating to graduate coursework, consult the Graduate Bulletin.

2024-2025 UNDERGRADUATE BULLETIN