THTR - Theater

This course is designed to integrate first-year students into the production components of the discipline and the theater program. Students will meet during the class time block with various faculty, staff and professionals over the term and be assigned one backstage production assignment. Course is graded P/NP.

This course will continue training students in both our production shops. Students will commit to 30 hours divided between the costume, and scenic production areas (must do at least 8 hours in each). They can also include hours in lighting, sound and properties work. Students will generate a work schedule with shop supervisors. Students will be expected to go through safety training on all shop equipment. Course is graded P/NP.

Introduction to theatre design concepts and principles, art techniques and design tools used in creating theatre. Exploration of art media, drawing, painting, drafting, and presentation as it relates to theatrical design through script analysis, conceptualization, design techniques and communication of ideas.

Supervised participation in one production assignment in either scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, stage management or properties on Theater program productions. Required of all Sophomore Theater Majors and includes a written self evaluation and oral review with faculty. Course is graded P/NP. Grade of IP is allowed.

Introductory overview of global theatre history from the earliest oral storytelling traditions to the modern day, looking at how theatrical trends are birthed from their cultural moment. Students will not only consider the people, plays, and movements that have impacted theatrical history but also how that history has been told and consider how it can be told. Emphasis is that what we learn is always A theatre history, not THE theatre history.

Explores acting fundamentals for majors or those anticipating theater-related degrees. Through individual and group exercises students will be introduced to essential techniques to play characters truthfully with particular emphasis on Stanislavski's acting system. Students will explore relaxation, concentration, imagination, and physical and psychological awareness through scenes from realistic playwrights. (Majors and minors only)

Building on the skills of THTR 321, this in-depth scene study focuses on character creation through the intersection of self and role. With emphasis on circumstances, intention, impulse, and relationship, students will refine acting practice by developing rigorous text analysis in support of present, truthful performances. Scenes will be drawn from various styles to apply realistic technique with the demands of contemporary theatre. 

This course explores essential elements of performance and collaboration for the beginning acting student and non-theater majors. Through individual and group exercises students will be introduced to essential techniques with particular emphasis on Stanislavski's acting system. The student will work on discovering the body, vocal technique, and imagination to create character and express themselves truthfully.

This course is designed to lay a foundation for personal directing practice. Through dialogue, reading, and regular showcases, students explore origins and influences of contemporary director training to become fluent in the language of directing and performance. By interrogating theatre texts and experiences, and investigating forms of expression, students will build confidence working with actors to develop work from analysis to performance.

This course examines the fundamentals of freeing the individual actor’s natural voice. Through exercises in relaxation, breath, resonance, and articulation students will develop confidence in the use and care of their vocal instrument. A groundwork will be laid for personal vocal warm-ups through a variety of speaking assignments. This class is designed for students looking to pursue futures in performance, public speaking, and presentation.

This course will explore the relationship between anatomy, movement theories and performance. Through various exercises the student will investigate the use of the body as an instrument of communication.

Introductory course for Theater majors that gives the student a foundation in the basic techniques, tools, safety guidelines and materials of construction for both scenery and costumes for the stage. (Non-majors by instructor permission) Fee: $40

An introductory study of the principles of stage lighting and sound design for theatrical productions. Emphasis will be on both the design process and technology necessary to create designs that use stage lighting and sound equipment. Students will use a variety of tools to create both practical and theoretical projects. Previous theatre experience is not required.

An Introductory study in the theories and skills of scenic design for the theatre. Skill training includes beginning drawing, drafting, CADD, perspective rendering, and scale model building. Class will also focus on visual research skills and script analysis as it pertains to the creation of a scenic environment. No previous design skills necessary.

Study of theatrical singing and acting techniques as applicable to all varieties of theatrical music, including cabaret, music-theater, and opera. Students are expected to participate in various performances prepared by the class. Open to all students with instructor's permission. Email for an audition.

This course is designed for students to analyze scripts in relation to the costume requirements. Emphasis is on character development and storytelling through costumes for production. Exploration and practice of drawing, rendering, and design techniques in costume design. No drawing or painting experience necessary.

Introductory course in the basic principles and techniques of the art of theatrical makeup. Emphasis will be on both creative process and artistic execution using a range of methods, mediums, and styles. Fee: $100

Working on Theater program productions in all artistic areas is an integral part of student learning. All performance emphasis students must complete this course at least twice for the major. (It can be taken multiple times and for Theater majors can have 1 requirement substituted with THTR 371)  Required for all students cast in theater program shows. Course is graded P/NP.

Working on Theater program productions in all artistic areas is an integral part of student learning. All design/ integrated theater emphasis students must complete this course at least twice for the major. (It can be taken multiple times and can have 1 requirement substituted for the Theater major with THTR 370)  Required for students assigned an artistic position on theater program shows. Course is graded P/NP.

Supervised participation in two different production assignments in either scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, stage management, properties on Theater productions. Required of all junior Theater majors and minors. Includes written self evaluation and oral review with faculty. Course is graded P/NP.

This course will give the student an introduction to the role of the dramaturg and practical experience in dramaturgical methods, including a survey of contemporary critical theories as they apply to the work of a dramaturg. By the end of the course, students will be familiar dramaturgical approaches to both classical and contemporary plays.

The course involves an in depth study and analysis of specific works of William Shakespeare (and perhaps other playwrights), and attending productions of those plays at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Taught during a summer session. Fee: $350

An in-depth study of how various constructions of gender have influence theatrical cultures throughout global history. Special emphasis will be placed on plays written by queer, trans, and female playwrights and discover the impact gender identity has had in the fields of acting, design, directing, and theatrical management.

An in-depth study of how theatrical practitioners across the globe have historically used their craft to comment on, intervene in, or start social change. Students will read plays, research historical theatrical flash-points, and discover techniques of creating socially impactful theatre.

An in-depth study of the diverse landscape of theatre in the United States from pre-Colombian performances up to our present moment. Students will consider how the modern American theatre is the product of a variety of theatrical movements, styles, and genres and envisage how they, as the next generation, can foster a more equitable theatrical landscape. Special emphasis will be placed on plays written by playwrights of color and in discovering the long legacy of racial theatre in the U.S.

An advanced acting course designed apply skills learned in previous acting classes through the work of Shakespeare with an exploration in rigorous study of text analysis, language, and style. 

This course prepares the student for the rigors of graduate school and professional auditions. The course focuses on building your audition portfolio from selection of contrasting pieces to obtaining professional head shots and developing an effective resume. It will prepare students for the professional world, both inside and outside of academia.

Students in this class will practice the art of playwriting: reading and writing short plays to discover the structure of dramatic literature and their individual voice within the artform. This course is dedicated to the first part of the process of playwriting: getting a play on to the page, with an emphasis on drafting and refining short pieces from scenes to ten-minute plays, to a one-act play as the final project.

This course is intended to apply the skills developed in previous study to create an individual directing ethos. Special focus on interpretation and audience. Students will be challenged to experiment with style, genre, and scenography as they build creative ensembles. Through dialogue, reading, and regular showcases, each student will discover their personal directing practice and hone their skills of facilitation and interpretation. 

This course is designed to prepare the student for the entire professional auditioning process. It focuses on selection and performance of monologues, prepared auditions, cold readings, commercial and film auditions. It also covers creating appropriate resumes, getting the best head shots, and the details of getting a theatrical agent and working in union and non-union situations.

In-depth study of the history of fashion in western dress from Ancient Egypt through the 20th century with a focus on gender roles throughout history. This class will explore the meaning of fashion in the broadest social context as it relates to the arts, theatre design and its function in society, and will also use an interdisciplinary approach examining fashion through a gender and women’s studies lens.

This course focuses on the skills and practice of stage and production management. Topics include working with an artistic team, rehearsal management, organizational skills, budgeting, scheduling and project management as they apply to educational, community and professional theatre and opera, arts organizations, and video productions.

Advanced course study in lighting design that includes designing for a variety of theatrical venues, video and dance. Work with projections, automated equipment and CADD. Sound work includes computer editing and wireless microphones for theatrical production.

A course in stage design where students will be introduced to the more advanced practices of stage design, model building, and drafting. Students will apply learned theories and skills to several projects and written presentations.

This course gives students a foundation in decorative painting for the stage and large-scale mural work. The course consists of assigned painting projects that explore three-dimensional painting, translucent painting, trompe l'oeil, using stencils, and lettering skills in a large-scale format.

Students will participate in advanced discussions, research and projects that will include textiles, color palettes, silhouettes, and costume renderings. These concepts will be implemented in formal costume design projects utilizing a variety of dramatic and artistic styles.

This course is designed to encourage students to master construction techniques through building their own designs with a variety of techniques. Puppetry, millinery and fabric manipulation will be emphasized. Students will be expected to provide fabrics and notions for most projects. (Sewing skills required.)

Course introduces students to the diverse issues involved in managing a theatre company. It begins with a history of the issues leading up to the regional theatre movement and includes an examination of the manager's role, budgeting, marketing, fundraising, the role of a board of directors, as well as an understanding of the modern context/trends/needs of artists that management supports.

Individualized programs which focus on a specialized area in theatre. These are available only when developed through a contractual agreement between the student and a supervising faculty member.

Credit arranged.

Credit arranged.

Credit arranged.

This course is to give a professional work experience to students in the Integrated Theater Emphasis in the BA Theater program. Students enrolled will secure an internship at a professional theater company in one area of focus; management, directing or dramaturgy.  This course requires a minimum 90 hours of work and is supervised by a theater faculty and the College of Arts and Sciences internship coordinator. 

Designed to allow majors a culminating project that serves as a synthesis of their coursework and production experiences within one of the emphases of the BA in Theater curriculum. May involve a clear documented process of a role, a design, dramaturgical work, directing a one act, or a stage management assignment in one of the Theatre Program’s main stage season of shows. The student will then write a process paper and present their work to the faculty.

Historical research, critical theory and study, and/or original written work under the direction of a faculty mentor, leading to a scholarly thesis document with a public presentation of results. Requires approval of a faculty thesis mentor, program director, and department chair. This can be used for an honors program student and must have approval of the honors program director.