400

THTR 400 Dramaturgy: Mediating Between Plays and People

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.

3

THTR 405 Drama Studies: Shakespeare in Ashland

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

3

Cross Listed Courses

PHL 339

THTR 412 Gender and Performance

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.

3

Prerequisites

THTR 307 for majors, or permission of instructor.

THTR 413 Theatre for Social Change

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.

3

Prerequisites

THTR 307 for majors, or permission of instructor.

THTR 414 Race and Drama in the U.S.

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.

3

Prerequisites

THTR 307 for majors, or permission of instructor

THTR 422 Acting Studio III: Playing Shakespeare

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. 

3

Prerequisites

THTR 322

THTR 424 Acting Studio IV: Audition Technique

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.

1

Prerequisites

THTR 322 and instructor permission

THTR 427 Playwriting I: Elements

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.

3

THTR 433 Directing II: The Director's Imagination

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. 

3

Prerequisites

THTR 333

THTR 437 Audition Techniques

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.
3

Prerequisites

THTR 322

THTR 445 Fashion History and Gender Expression

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.

3

THTR 450 Stage and Production Management

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.

3

THTR 451 Advanced Light and Sound Design

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.

3

Prerequisites

THTR 351

THTR 453 Advanced Scenic Environment Design

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.

3

Prerequisites

THTR 353 or instructor permission

THTR 456 Scenic Painting

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.

3

THTR 463 Advanced Costume Design and Research

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.

3

Prerequisites

THTR 363 or equivalent

THTR 467 Costume Craft and Technology

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.)

3

THTR 471 Theater and Arts Management

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.

3

THTR 490 Directed Study

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.
Variable

THTR 491 Seminar

Credit arranged.

Variable

THTR 492 Seminar

Credit arranged.

Variable

THTR 493 Research

Credit arranged. Course is graded A-F.

Variable

THTR 497M Integrated Theater Internship

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. 

3

THTR 498 Senior Capstone Experience

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.

1

THTR 499 Senior Theater Thesis

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. 

3

Prerequisites

Senior standing; 3.0 G.P.A. in the thesis area, and/or good standing in the honors program.