THTR 1010: Production Experience (Category I)
Goals: To engage the student in a range of production activities to develop communication abilities abilities and technical skills required in the performing arts.
Content: Stage management, board operation, and running crew for a main stage show.
Prerequisites: Minimum sophomore status.
Credits: 0.5

THTR 1120: Introduction to Theatre Arts: Stage and Screen
Goals: To introduce students to the appreciation of theatre, film, and television as unique forms of dramatic art. To gain an understanding of the production process by participating in limited crew work for the Hamline University Theatre. To develop critical skills in analysis of dramatic text and performance review.
Content: Examination of the work of each artist in the creative process (writer, actor, director, designer). Exploration of dramatic aesthetics and theory applicable to theatre, film, and television. An overview of theatre arts which includes historical survey of audience relationships to stage and screen. Intended for the general student and required of all majors and minors.
Taught: Annually.
Credits: 4

THTR 1130: Dance I
Goals: To demonstrate an understanding of basic modern dance techniques through proper warm-up, the performance of across-the-floor combinations, a sensibility to music and/or rhythmic structures, and proper use and alignment of the body in terms of mechanical functioning. To acquire an awareness of movement relative to the use of space, time, and weight. To participate in structured improvisation as a vehicle for individual movement expression. To develop an understanding and awareness of modern dance as a performance art. To acquire an understanding of modern dance relative to its historical, social, and cultural contexts.
Content: An introduction to modern and jazz dance technique. Performance of fundamental elements which comprise modern dance techniques: warm-ups, center floor sequences and combinations, and across-the-floor combinations. Basic elements of dance composition and improvisation.
Taught: Annually.
Credits: 4

THTR 1140: Dance II
Goals: To provide an introduction to the principles and processes involved in making dances. Explore concepts fundamental to creativity and the choreographic process. To develop a deeper understanding of the various motivations for movement in relationship to the elements of space, time, weight, and breath.
Content: This course is a continuation of Dance I. Participants will gain greater self-awareness of the body, explore with greater depth the rhythms and dynamics underlaying movement, and explore the orientation of the body moving through space. More emphasis will be placed on longer movement phrases and more in-depth improvisations and creative choreography.
Taught: Annually.
Prerequisites: THTR 1130 or permission of instructor.
Credits: 4

THTR 1150: Yoga
Goals: To improve body mechanics; develop mental focus and control; reinforce positive body image and language; and introduce yoga philosophy and experimental anatomy.
Content: Work with structural alignment, flexibility and strength technique to improve body mechanics and injury prevention through yoga poses; examination of how yoga philosophy relates to day-to-day living through written material and written reflections.
Taught: Annually
Credits: 4

THTR 1230: Acting I
Goals: To introduce the student to the basic principles of the actor’s craft: physical discipline, vocal control, individual expression, and intellectual/emotional exploration of the role.
Content: Beginning with theatre games and improvisations, the course moves beyond exercises to the exploration of intention, action, and characterization in extensive scene and monologue work, including significant time spent in preparing students for a range of audition situations.
Taught: Each semester.
Credits: 4

THTR 1420: Stagecraft
Goals: To introduce the theories and practical skills of technical production in theatre. To develop a basis for further work in theatrical design and to qualify the student for theatrical production work.
Content: Materials, methods, and planning skills used in scenery, lighting, costumes, and properties. Projects in basic drafting, computer-aided design, construction, electricity, and electronics.
Taught: Annually.
Credits: 4

THTR 1700: Creative Dramatics in the Elementary Classroom
Goals: To introduce students to the idea of using creative dramatics and theatre in the elementary classroom, using it to teach a variety of subject areas and how it can be a vehicle through which children can enhance their creativity, problem-solving skills, communication skills, literacy, cross-cultural understanding, as well as develop self-esteem. This theoretical understanding will be supported by practical, experiential learning.
Content: Reading and theoretical discussion of why use theatre with children. A great deal of the work is experiential learning and trying out various exercises, games, and programs. These will initially be presented by the professor, then each student will practice leading games and exercises in our college classroom. The last part of the month will include five days of practice teaching in a local elementary classroom.
Taught: Periodically in winter term.
Credits: 4

THTR 3010: Production Experience (Category II)
Goals: To engage the student in a range of production activities to develop communication abilities and technical skills required in the performing arts.
Content: Directing, designing, and  performing in a main stage show.
Prerequisites: Minimum sophomore status.
Credits: 0.5

THTR 3120: Analyzing the Dramatic Text
Goals: To develop a strong foundation in script analysis with an emphasis on practical application through assignments geared to exercise the student’s ability to engage the dramatic text from a performance, a design, and a historiographic perspective.
Content: Seven plays covering major historical periods and genres—including a focus on a variety of dramaturgical approaches—will be analyzed through close reading and experiential activities.
Taught: Annually.
Prerequisites: THTR 1120 or permission of the instructor.
Credits: 4

THTR 3140: Theatre and Culture: Ancient to Renaissance
Goals: To become familiar with the broad and diverse history and literature of the theatre; the practical theories of acting, design, and directing; the latest research in dramatic criticism, performance theory and cultural studies and the ways in which the study of theatre encourages cross-disciplinary thinking. To develop strong critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and writing skills.
Content: Representative texts from ancient Egypt, India, Greece and Rome; medieval Europe; feudal Japan; and the European Renaissance will be studied.
Taught: Annually, fall term.
Prerequisites: THTR 1120 and THTR 3120 recommended. Theatre majors and minors should take THTR 3140 and THTR 3160 in sequence.
Credits: 4

THTR 3160: Theatre and Culture: Modern to Postmodern
Goals: To become familiar with the broad and diverse history and literature of the theatre; the practical theories of acting, design, and directing; the latest research inmakeup dramatic criticism, performance theory and cultural studies; and the ways in which the study of theatre encourages cross-disciplinary thinking. To develop strong critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and writing skills.
Content: Representative texts from the 17th century through contemporary age, including non-Western approaches, as well as post colonial theatre in Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, Ireland, and Australia.
Taught: Annually, spring term.
Prerequisites: THTR 1120 and THTR 3140 recommended. Theatre majors and minors should take THTR 3140 and THTR 3160 in sequence.
Credits: 4

THTR 3180: Film Studies
Goals: To study prominent film artists and theorists through a close examination of their work.
Content: Landmark films and major film theories will be discussed along with significant trends in technology.
Taught: Alternate years.
Prerequisites: COMM 3320 or THTR 1120 is recommended.
Credits: 4

THTR 3210: Movement for Actors
Goals: To improve physical communication through gesture, body language, and movement. Students will also develop critical analysis skills.
Content: Physical training in different somatic modalities including Feldenkrais, Laban Movement Analysis, dance and yoga, which will explore the unique relationship between physical movement and text.
Taught: Periodically.
Prerequisites: THTR 1230.
Credits: 4
 
THTR 3230: Acting II
Goals: Building on Acting I, this class is designed to further deepen understanding and mastery of the techniques of acting and to help prepare students for working in the field.
Content: The class focuses on the following area; auditions, improvisation, character development, resumes, and commercial work. This class includes lab components of voice and speech and make up.
Taught: Annually.
Prerequisites: THTR 1230 and THTR 3210.
Credits: 4

THTR 3410: Stage Makeup
Goals: To learn the techniques, theory, and application of theatrical makeup. To develop a working knowledge of materials and methods essential to use of principal types of theatrical makeup.
Content: Makeup design and application in relation to character development and the overall production concept. The course focuses of advanced paint techniques and prosthetics.
Taught: Periodically.
Credits: 4

THTR 3440: Scenic Design
Goals: To develop an awareness of the principles and techniques of the scene designer's art. To qualify the student as a beginning scenic designer.
Content: Script analysis, concept development, visual research, and the use of design elements in the service of coherant and unified production. An exploration of the variety of design styles and the development of rendering, drafting, collage, and model making skills.
Taught: Alternate years.
Prerequisites: THTR 1420 or consent of instructor.
Credits: 4

THTR 3450: Costume Design
Goals: To introduce principles and practices in the design and execution of costumes for the stage. To prepare the beginning of costume designer.
Content: Script and visual research and use of design principles to create costumes appropriate to both individual character and the production as a whole. Summary of development of western dress figure drawing, rendering skills, and research methods together with the nature and decoration of materials, pattern development, draping, assembly, and finishing methods.
Taught: Alternate years.
Prerequisites: THTR 1420 or consent of instructor.
Credits: 4

THTR 3460: Lighting Design
Goals: To introduce the student to the basics in design of lighting for theatre and television. To prepare students to attain minimum competencies as lighting technicians and designers.
Content: Basic electricity, wiring, optics, study of current and historic equipment and methods, the nature of color, graphic analysis, and drafting. Script and ground plan analysis and selection of design elements to reinforce the intentions of specific productions.
Taught: Alternate years.
Prerequisites: THTR 1420 or consent of instructor.
Credits: 4

THTR 3700: Children's Theatre
Goals: To provide a combined study of the theories and practices processes involved in creating and presenting theatre for children.
Content: Participants for the course are selected by auditions to prepare and tour a participation theatre play for children. In addition to the rehearsal and performance components of the course, there are units of study in script analysis, the development of theatre for children, types of theatre for children, performing for and with children, and an introduction to the roles that theatre can play in an educational setting.
Taught: Annually, winter term.
Prerequisites: Course participants must be cast in the touring children's play.
Credits: 4

THTR 3800: Dance Ensemble
Goals: To provide performance experience in contemporary concert dance. To learn modern and jazz technique and repertoire work from professional choreographers in the Twin Cities area and explore the choreographic process. Students will perform two concerts during the academic year.
Content: Intermediate and advanced modern and jazz technique will be taught which will be comprised of warm ups; strength training; yoga; center floor sequences; across floor combinations; and partnering techniques. Emphasis will be placed on rehearsals for development of professional and student dance works.
Taught: Annually. This is a two credit class that may be repeated.
Prerequisites: Fall audition.
Credits: 2

coherentTHTR 3960: Field Experience Seminar
See Community Studies as COMM 3960

THTR 5160: Special Topics in Theatre Studies
Goals: The critical study of a specific historical movement, theatre company, and/or theatre artist.
Content: Intensive analysis of texts (both written, performance, and historical texts) in their cultural context. Topics will vary.
Taught: Alternate years.
Prerequisites: Junior or senior staging, or permission of the instructor.
Credits: 4

THTR 5230: Acting III
Goals: To provide the acting student with the technical means to assume roles in various historic dramatic styles.
Content: Significant representative examples of various theatrical modes are explored through work in exercises, monologues, and scenes. Voice  and movement are studied in relation to historic styles. And introductory approach to acting for the camera is included. This course includes lab components in stage combat and period movement.
Taught: Periodically.
Prerequisites: THTR 1130 and THTR 3230, or consent of instructor.
Credits: 4

THTR 5400: Managing the Performing Arts
Goals: To introduce the student to the economic and administrative issues that confront a performing arts organization. To explore the methods, materials, and policies used by successful managers in preserving their organizations.
Content: Units of study on organizational development, staffing procedures, fundraising systems, accounting methods, publicity techniques, and audience development.
Taught: Alternate years.
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and M&E 1650, or consent of instructor.
Credits: 4

THTR 5520: Stage Direction
Goals: To train the student in the essential principles of directing through play analysis, practical exercises, and scene staging.
Content: Emphasis on practical application through the staging of selected scenes from the modern theatre and exercises in composition, interpretation, and movement. Serious and comic texts, staging for traditional and open-stage forms, and the director’s work with script, actor, and designer.
Taught: Annually.
Prerequisites: Junior standing, THTR 1230 and THTR 1420, and consent of instructor.
Credits: 4

THTR 5700: Teaching Theatre and Dance K-12
Goals: To prepare the prospective teacher seeking a license in theatre/dance for the professional work.
Content: Techniques and content ideas for addressing the State of Minnesota Rules Chapter 8710.4300 subpart 3, curriculum and season planning considerations for the teacher, methods of evaluating creative work in an academic setting, best practices for the drama classroom, portfolio development, and the uses of drama techniques in teaching other content areas.
Taught: By arrangement. This is a tutorial class that involves both online learning and seminar sessions.
Prerequisites: Substantial completion of the theatre arts major, EDU 3150 and 3250. (This is a tutorial class that involves both online learning and seminar sessions.)
Credits: 4

THTR 5910: Senior Theatre Project and Seminar
Goals: To provide senior theatre majors with the opportunity to demonstrate their professional abilities through the creation of a substantial research or production project  and to prepare students  for the transition to careers and/or graduate school.
Content: This seminar course focuses on the development of the performing arts professional. Topics include issues in ethics, union and professional association membership, career planning strategies, graduate schools and advanced training opportunities, parallel industry careers and analyzing growth and change in the performing arts. Parallel to these seminars participants will also be developing their senior project. Techniques for the written and visual documentation of a performance  will be examined as well as individual meetings with the project advisor.
Taught: Annually.
Prerequisites: This is a two credit course. Seniors must complete both semesters. Only theatre art majors are eligible to enroll for the senior project seminar. An approved project is required prior to enrolling. Approval of department chair is required to enroll.
Credits: 2 credits fall; 2 credits spring