Theatre Course Descriptions
THR 101 Introduction to Theatre - 2 credits
Fine Arts component of the General Education Curriculum. Prerequisite to major/minor.
This course introduces the student to basic history, theory, production, and performance elements of theatre arts.
THR 111 Theatre in Practice I – 1 credit ****
Concordia’s theatre department, in service to campus and community, offers opportunities for involvement in major theatre productions, workshop dramas, and various experimental undertakings during the school year. Auditions for all productions are open to all Concordia students. This course can include work on theatrical productions as actors and/or crews.
THR 112 Theatre in Practice II – 2 credits ****
Credit is given for major involvement in theatre productions, workshops, and other approved situations. Major involvement is defined as activities such as stage managing, assistant directing, designing, and directing projects. (Prerequisite: consent of the instructor)
THR 201 Dance for Musical Theatre – 2 credits ****
Students will learn choreographed dances based in contemporary modern dance techniques. Course work will include warm-ups and stretching, structured improvisation, and partnering. Dances created during the course will be performed informally in the theatre lab at the end of the course. Since the material changes each semester this class is offered every semester and repeatable for credit.
THR 203 Creative Dramatics – 2 credits
Students enrolled in this course study and practice methods and activities in creative dramatics for the classroom, parish, business, and family. Special emphasis is placed on activities designed to help students to express their own natural creativity and for these students, as future leaders of groups, to help others to express their own natural creativity as well.
THR 221 Acting I – 4 credits
Students learn and develop basic techniques for approaching the acting process – relaxation and energizing, imagination and spontaneity, concentration and focus, improvisation, making choices, using the voice, face, and body and character analysis – through scene and monologue work.
THR 241 Script Analysis – 4 credits
Students will analyze a variety of performance texts from differing perspectives. A traditional approach incorporating literary analysis to understand the internal workings of the text on paper will be combined with an examination of the text as it may be translated into performance, from the perspectives of the designer, director, and actor.
THR 251 Stagecraft – 4 credits
This course provides an introduction to the scope, tools, materials, and practices of stagecraft and technical management in the theatre today. The course utilizes formal lectures, group discussion, outside projects, attendance at outside theatre productions and practical lab sessions to cover the material presented.
THR 253 Make-up for the Stage – 2 credits
Fundamentals of two and three-dimensional stage make-up through the character analysis, design and application. Extensive practical experience through laboratory and possible crew work on departmental productions. Each student will be required to purchase his or her own make-up materials.
THR 225 Stage Management – 2 credits
This course is an introduction to the concepts, principles, and practices of stage management in the contemporary theatre. Students will receive classroom instruction on the theory and practice of stage management, participate in workshop application of stage management techniques, and participate in departmental productions. Students will study a major text in stage management as well as develop a stage manager’s portfolio.
THR 291 Topics in Theatre – 2-4 credits
This course offers in-depth analysis of a selected topic in theatre such as film, children’s theatre, drama in worship, stage management, or theatre management in a seminar setting. The needs of students and interest of the theatre faculty determine content.
THR 301 New York Theatre Tour – 2 credits
Faculty will lead a one week exploration of contemporary theatre in New York City. Participants will attend several productions and will participate in discussions following each performance. Additional fee.
THR 302 London Theatre Tour – 2 credits
Faculty will lead an exploration of contemporary theatre in London. Participants will attend several productions and will participate in discussions following each performance. Duration of the tour will range from one week to ten days. A reaction paper is required after returning. Additional fee.
THR 321 Acting II – 4 credits
Further principles in developing a character are learned through more monologues and scene work. Advanced techniques of breathing, rhythm, focus, and facial mask are taught to help the student explore the field of potential and lead the actor out of the known and into the unknown. (Prerequisite: THR 221 or consent of instructor)
THR 324 Voice and Movement for Actors – 4 credits
During the first 7 weeks of the course, students will explore the mechanics and elements of movement, including an examination of non-verbal communication, neutral and character mask work, and the creation of physical characterizations. During the last 7 weeks of the course, students establish the foundations of a healthy vocal technique based on breath, relaxation of the body, and proper vocal support.
THR 328 Acting for the Camera – 4 credits
The purpose of this course is to increase the camera acting skills of the student by raising the actor’s ability to understand, negotiate, and use the video production proves. Students will demonstrate growth in camera acting skills measured by rehearsal and video taped performance. (Prerequisite: THR 221)
THR 355 Scenic Design – 4 credits
This course is an introduction to the theory and techniques of scenery design. Three subject areas are combined to formulate the scope of the course: literature analysis, aesthetic design – techniques and materials, pragmatic design – production, and organization. Attendance at area theatre productions is required. (Prerequisite: THR 251 or consent of instructor)
THR 357 Lighting and Sound – 4 credits
This course is an introduction to the theory and the techniques of lighting and sound design for the stage. Three subject areas in both aspects of theatre will be discussed in this course: basic understanding and connection of the equipment, basic design, and a basic understanding of the aesthetics of sound and lighting design. Laboratory hours required. (Prerequisite: THR 251 or consent of instructor)
THR 445 Theatre History, Theory, and Literature I – 4 credits
A survey course covering the history, theory, and literature of theatre from the beginnings of performance up to the early Renaissance in the west. Readings of primary sources are combined with secondary sources such as video and attendance at live theatre events to form a theoretical and historical context for specific periods of development and specific dramatic works.
THR 446 Theatre History, Theory, and Literature II – 4 credits
A survey course covering the history, theory, and literature of theatre starting from the Renaissance in the west up to modern theatre of “performance” in the variety of contexts we may study today. Readings of primary sources is combined with secondary sources such as criticism, video, and attendance at live theatre events to form a theoretical and historical context for specific periods of development and specific theatre texts.
THR 478 Directing – 4 credits
Studio course focusing on the basic fundamentals of stage direction. Script analysis and directorial concepts are executed throughout the semester in preparation for a final prepared performance in the form of a one act play or excerpt from a full-length play. As directing requires knowledge of many aspects of the theatrical art, this course is seen as a culminating activity taken after a solid foundation of other theatre course work. Attendance at area productions is required. (Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor)
THR 488 Independent Study in Theatre – 4 credits
Independent study offers students an opportunity to investigate and study an area of theatre of their own choosing.
THR 492 Drama in the Life of the Church – 4 credits
A comprehensive survey of the methods of incorporating drama in the life of the church. Students will be given a brief overview of the history and theory of drama in the church. The main thrust of the course will be dedicated to the writing, designing, building, acting, directing, and producing original Christian dramas by the students to be incorporated into their specific area of church work (Director of Christian Outreach, Director of Christian Education, Pastor, Layperson). Rehearsal outside of class and performance in campus chapel is required.
THR 498 Theatre Internship – 4-16 credits
Students participate in a first hand theatre experience at a local professional or semi-professional theatre. The student through observation and/or direct involvement learns practical application of drama theories and theatrical principles. The student and internship advisor select an appropriate internship site that meets the needs and interests of the student.
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