Theatre Courses (THE)
THE-101 Theatre Ensemble 1 credit
Guided participation in the production of Department Mainstage productions. Students in this course will assist in the building of sets and costumes and/or lighting Mainstage plays. Students should be aware that the course runs only during the production build-time of the play (September through mid-November and February through April). May be repeated for credit.
THE-115 Introduction to Theatre 3 credits
Appreciation of the live theatre event through a survey of its dominant philosophy, principles and practice. Supplemented by historical perspectives, reading representative plays and access to the production experience.
THE-200 Introduction to Film Studies 3 credits
This course will introduce students to the craft of film making so they may view movies with a more critical eye. The class will focus on film analysis, forms, genres, and technical aspects. The course will utilize lectures, film clips, and full features as part of the class experience and students will also learn techniques for writing critically about film.
THE-210 Stage Makeup 3 credits
Prerequisites: THE-115
Study of the principles, techniques and materials involved in the craft of stage makeup. This course will explore basic makeup techniques for stage actors as well as special makeup effects that may include: old age makeup, fantasy, and prosthetics.
THE-211 Costume Skills 2 credits
Study of the principles, techniques and materials involved in costume construction. Students will learn stitching techniques, sewing machine/serger operation, and fundamentals of choosing fabric for theatrical costuming. Extra Fee.
THE-215 Fundamentals of Acting 3 credits
An introduction to acting for the stage. Emphasis is placed on communication and exploration of character. Exercises involve both improvisation as well as work with scripted scenes.
THE-216 Voice & Diction 3 credits
Prerequisites: THE-215 is recommended.
Exploration into the mechanics, articulation and vocal techniques vital to stage performers and other public speaking related fields. Uses text and exercises to free the voice, develop effective breathing, flexibility of vocal production and projection. Study of the International Phonetic Alphabet and its application to stage dialects will also be explored.
THE-240.1 Stagecraft 4 credits
Study of principles, techniques and materials involved in scenery construction and stage lighting. Lab linked to production.
THE-250 Scenic Painting 3 credits
Prerequisites: THE-240.1 is recommended.
An introduction to theatrical scene painting techniques and execution. This course will explore painting equipment and supplies, priming and preparation of surfaces and materials, standard techniques and use of texture for ornamental effects. Extra fee. (FINE ARTS)
THE-260 Stage Management 3 credits
Prerequisites: THE-240.1
An exploration of the process and principles of stage management. This course will teach students the tools used to confidently oversee the rehearsal and performance procedures of a stage production. Students will gain experience in organizing a prompt book, running a rehearsal, supervising crew chiefs and successfully calling a performance. Students will also be required to create a stage manager's kit. (FINE ARTS)
THE-270 Theatre & Arts Management 3 credits
Prerequisites: THE-215 is recommended.
Company structure, financing, marketing, promotion, box office and house management associated with theatre and the performing arts. Lab (as appropriate) linked to production.
THE-291 Stage Combat 3 credits
Prerequisites: THE-215 is recommended.
Theory and technique for use in armed and unarmed stage combat. This course will allow students to polish their skills in illusionary stage violence while promoting safety and strong technical skills. Students will learn falls, rolls, hand to hand, and rapier fighting techniques (dagger, broadsword and/or quarterstaff techniques may be explored if time allows). Extra fee for weapon rental. (FINE ARTS)
THE-302 Applied Theatre: Lighting 1 credit
Prerequisites: THE-240.1 & permission.
By contract. Stage lighting practicum in a creative leadership capacity linked to production. Practical application of acquired knowledge. A written report of the process is required.
THE-303 Applied Theatre: Costuming 1 credit
Prerequisites: THE-211 & permission.
By contract. Stage costuming practicum in a creative leadership capacity linked to production. Practical application of acquired knowledge plus a written report of the process.
THE-304 Applied Theatre: Management 1 credit
Prerequisites: THE-260 & permission.
By contract. Theatre management practicum in connection with a main stage production. It focuses on the practical application of acquired knowledge and requires a written report of the production management process.
THE-305.1 Applied Theatre: Acting 1 credit
Prerequisites: THE-215 & permission.
By contract. Acting practicum linked to a main stage or senior project production. Practical application of acquired knowledge plus a written report of the process.
THE-306 Applied Theatre: Scenery 1 credit
Prerequisites: THE-240.1 & permission.
By contract. Scenery practicum in a creative leadership capacity linked to production. Practical application of acquired knowledge plus a written report of the process.
THE-315 Principles of Directing 3 credits
Prerequisites: THE-215. THE-240.1 and THE-260 are recommended.
Theory and practice in staging a play, including performance analysis, composition, picturization, movement, pantomime dramatization, tempo and pace, rehearsal techniques and problem solving.
THE-316 Acting Period Styles 3 credits
Prerequisites: THE-215
An exploration in acting, emphasizing the importance of character in plays belonging to a period style including Shakespeare, Restoration Comedy and others such as Ancient Greek, Moliere and Coward. Students will gain knowledge and technique through combining scene work with period dance. Use of props and elements of costume may also be incorporated.
THE-320 Theatre History I 3 credits
Prerequisites: THE-115 is recommended
A survey of world theatre history from 5000 B.C. to Medieval (1400), including the reading of representative plays.
THE-321 Theatre History II 3 credits
Prerequisites: THE-115 is recommended
A survey of world theatre history from 1400 A.D. to mid-1800, including the reading of representative plays.
THE-322 Theatre History III 3 credits
Prerequisites: THE-115 is recommended
A survey of world theatre history from 1870 (Beginning of Realism) to the present, including the reading of representative plays.
THE-340 Theatre Design 3 credits
Prerequisites: THE-240.1
Principles and techniques for creating the stage environment through scenery and lighting. Includes theoretical concepts, presentation of the design idea and design technology culminating in the creation of a concrete design.
THE-355 Acting Shakespeare 3 credits
Prerequisites: THE-215
This course focuses on the challenges of bringing the plays of William Shakespeare to life on stage. Students will incorporate various techniques to comprehend and communicate the works of Shakespeare. These include: defining of words, acting approaches derived from the written structure of the verse; study of the First Folio; and vocal/emotional connection to the text.
THE-390 Creative Drama 3 credits
Prerequisites: THE-215
An introduction to the principles and practice of a game-based, improvisational approach to theatre. Focus on improvisational games and open scenes to explore acting/storytelling without scripted materials as well as examination of other problems in performance.
THE-398 Theatre Capstone 1 credit
Prerequisites: Permission
As a final project for theatre minors, students write a detailed review of a professional theatre production (approved by theatre department) that will analyze and critique all facets of production and performance as well as a paper reflecting how the theatre minor complemented a student's major or vocational skill.
THE-407 Advanced Directing 3 credits
Prerequisites: THE-315
A more in-depth examination of the art of stage direction using advanced methods, live performance study, advanced theory and culminating in each student directing a one-act play for public performance.
THE-415 Advanced Acting & Scene Study 3 credits
Prerequisites: THE-215
This course is designed for the advanced Theatre student to thoroughly explore character and scene study through the works of contemporary playwrights. Students will discuss, analyze, and act in scenes from challenging modern works.
THE-490F-490S Theatre Senior Project 1 cr Fall, 2 crs Spring credits
Prerequisites: Permission.
The Theatre Senior Project is a capstone course comprised of a research component and a demonstration of acquired skills and abilities. The course encourages the students to prepare for life beyond The College of Idaho (in graduate study or in the professional theatre) and helps prepare them for this next step. In the fall, theatre majors will consider their immediate plans for after graduation and research both graduate programs in which they are interested (including application and audition/interview criteria for those programs, etc.) and cities in which they are considering pursuing a career in theatre. In the fall, students register for THE-490F for one (1) credit. In the spring, the students will prepare a showcase applicable to their concentration (scenes and audition piece, design portfolios, resumes, articles, scripts, etc.) and present them to an audience and/or invited representatives from area theatres and producing companies. In the spring, students register for THE-490S for two (2) credits.
THE-494 Independent Study 1 - 3 credits
Prerequisites: Permission
Advanced problems in theatre not covered in courses normally available. See internship guidelines.
THE-497 Internship 1 - 3 credits
Prerequisites: Permission
Individually arranged and supervised internship with a sponsor such as The Idaho Shakespeare Festival. Designed to provide practical experience in the student's area of interest. Periodic reports and papers may be required. See internship guidelines.