Theatre Arts Courses

*FNA112 Arts in Concert (4)  See divisional course descriptions.

THT010 Theatre Hour (0)
Monthly time set aside for department and visiting guest artists, lectures, workshops and presentations. Except when studying abroad, theatre arts majors are required to attend each semester. Focus is upon developing skills and networks for professional theatre work. Prerequisite: Major or minor.

THT150 Technical Production I (4)
Offers students basic understanding of technical aspects of theatre production through direct involvement in mounting of Gordon's theatrical productions. Analysis, problem solving and processes applied in areas of stage carpentry, scene painting, properties, lighting, costuming, stage management and theatrical materials. Lab fee.

*THT234 Introduction to Theatre (4)
Introduces all major areas of theatre, including acting, design, directing and writing. Open to all students as option for fine arts requirement of general core and includes experience-oriented, hands-on lab time as well as reflective assignments in play analysis and performance criticism. Core fine arts option for students entering before fall 2009.

THT235 Fundamentals of Acting (4)
Explores actor's role; emphasizes technique, characterization, movement and critical analysis. Prerequisites: THT234.

THT250 Technical Production II (4)
Continues study and application of principles of theatrical production begun in THT150, guided to greater depth of understanding and mastery of skills with emphasis on independent thinking and problem solving related to projects for specific productions. Prerequisite: THT150. Lab fee.

THT310 Theatre History I: Aeschylus to Zola (4)
Examines in depth great periods, writers and representative plays of Ancient Greece through turn of 20th century, analyzing social and cultural context, thematic concerns and dramaturgical styles of major theatrical movements. While primarily focused on development of Western literature, some Eastern and African origins, literature and styles also explored. (Alternate years.)

THT320  Theatre History II: Twentieth Century (4)
Examines in depth explosive theatrical changes provoked by realism and reactions to realism throughout 20th century. Major writers, works and styles read and analyzed in terms of social context, thematic concerns and cultural impact. (Alternate years.)

THT371 Selected Topics in Theatre (2 or 4)
Group-intensive laboratory designed to explore special topics in theatre including but not limited to voice production, movement, stage combat, dialects, acting styles, theatre design, musical theatre, interpretive studies for historical enactor, and topics related to specific productions in annual season. Whenever possible national and local professionals participate as guest artists.

THT381 Independent Study (2 or 4)
Independent semester-long course in topic not available in existing curriculum; provides curricular enrichment.
Prerequisites: minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, adequate background to support topic, permission of instructor, advisor, department chair and registrar. Limited availability subject to faculty workload. May require lab fee.

THT410 Directing (4)
Studies fundamentals of directing including blocking, character analysis, script interpretation, securing rights, organizing and preparing budgets, exploring director/actor and director/designer relationships, articulating directorial concept and developing directorial perspective and process. Prerequisites: THT150, 234, 235, 250, 310 and 320. (Alternate years.)

THT425 Internship: Theatre (2 or 4)
Supervised learning experience in appropriate setting combining on-the-job work experience with related academic study. Must be prearranged and approved by instructor and Registrar's Office. Prerequisite: minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50.

THT490 Senior Seminar (4)
Senior capstone course explores integration of theatre arts and Christian faith as well as central question "Why do theatre?" Focus given to preparation for graduate school admission, professional auditions, job search, networking and other postgraduate issues. Offered in spring only. 

*Fulfills core common or thematic requirement