Courses
This course is an introductory study of the theatrical art form and its contemporary production practice. Students engage in a series of workshops and participatory creative projects.
Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to identify the variety of collaborating arts and artists that combine to create of a work of theatre; to analyze a play script for live performance; to evaluate theatrical production; and to creatively apply knowledge of theatrical process through expressive and creative endeavors.
This course satisfies the Artistic Knowledge and Experience area of the Core Curriculum, and develops critical thinking and communications skills.
Ballet I is designed to introduce the concepts and vocabulary of ballet with a focus on developing student’s body awareness and control. Students will learn about the art form of ballet in relationship to theatre, music and other forms of dance.
Learning Outcome: Students will improve their posture, flexibility and coordination. They will develop a reference for enjoying ballet performances and create a foundation for further dance training.
Modern Dance I is designed to increase student’s body awareness, strength, flexibility and musicality. The course studies the technique and theory of Fall and Recovery developed by Doris Humphrey.
Learning Outcome: Students will develop a basic dance technique and be able to describe and demonstrate the differences between modern dance and ballet. They will understand the history of the development of modern dance as a uniquely American art form.
Jazz I is designed to increase the student’s body awareness, enjoyment of movement and appreciation of Jazz dance in theatrical productions.
Learning Outcomes: Students will improve their strength, coordination, flexibility and correct posture. They will develop basic skills and vocabulary for performing Jazz movements and a framework to view dance in theatrical productions.
This class is for the student who has never had voice instruction and is interested in learning the art of performance in voice. Strongly recommended for those interested in the music major, theater or public speaking/performance.
Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate understanding and application of the fundamentals of music theory, diction, and tone.
This course explores the nature of subtractive and additive color in its physiological, psychological, aesthetic, and symbolic dimensions through the application of past and current theory.
Learning Outcome: Students will be able to manipulate color papers, paints and inks in a series of specific exercises that explore the many aspects of color to the end of understanding how color influences human reactions to information and products.
This course is an introduction to the basic methods of analyzing and interpreting plays representative of the modern stage (from Ibsen to the present). It explores how text analysis is, for all theatre artists, a critical first step in transferring the printed play text to the stage.
Learning Outcome: Through class lectures, discussions, and essay writing, students will acquire the ability to analyze a play's structure and ideational content, its characters, and the potential challenges each play presents to theatre artists seeking to produce the play on the stage for a modern audience.
This course is an introduction to the theories and techniques of playwriting with particular emphasis on the analysis of dramatic structure.
Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the theories and techniques of playwriting and dramatic structure through application of these skills in several playwriting exercises and the development of a one act play.
This course is an introductory to live theatre performances available in the rich Chicago Theatre Scene. Students attend a live theatre event each week, read supplementary material informing the live productions, and analyze and critique the production choices in discussion and written format.
Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate appreciation of the range of theatre experiences available in the city of Chicago; to identify performance traditions and forms unique to Chicago; to identify the variety of collaborating artists that combine to create of a work of theatre; and to respond to theatrical productions in informed critical terms.
Theatre in Chicago II follows the same format as Theatre in Chicago I. This course enables students to repeat the course for credit, extending experience and application of critical terminologies and analytical frameworks to attendance of additional live theatre performances in the city of Chicago.
Learning Outcome: This course extends outcomes for THTR 205 by application to a broader range of experience in live theatre attendance.
Prerequisite: THTR 111 or permission of the instructor.
This is a continuing ballet class designed to build on established vocabulary and movement fundamentals with emphasis on ballet as a theatrical art form.
Learning Outcome: This class further develops strength, posture, flexibility and coordination. Progressions include more work in relevé at the barre, development of leg extensions, single leg jumping and more complex movement combinations. Students will develop awareness of a dancer’s role in a ballet production.
Prerequisite: THTR 121 or permission of the instructor.
This course is designed to further increase student’s body awareness, strength, flexibility and musicality. We will study the technique and theory of "Fall and Recovery" developed by Doris Humphrey as well as learn short excerpts of repertory to be analyzed.
Learning Outcome: Students will further develop their modern dance technique and be able to execute more physically challenging falls and longer and more complex movement combinations. Students will use Humphrey’s theory of "Fall and Recovery" to analyze works of fiction, theatre and dance.
This course explores the role of the stage manager in theatrical production from pre-production through closing documentation.
Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate understanding of the responsibilities and duties of a Stage Manager to a production; develop the necessary communication and organizational skills to fulfill these responsibilities in a production experience; and be exposed to various techniques and tools used in professional stage management.
Prerequisite: THTR 131 or permission of the instructor.
Jazz II is designed to further develop student’s ability and awareness of Jazz dance in theatrical productions. Students will learn about professional Jazz dance in Chicago and improve their strength, coordination, flexibility and correct posture in increasingly complex combinations applying the vocabulary and principles of jazz dance.
Learning Outcome: Students will improve their dance technique, performance skills and appreciation of Chicago’s rich tradition of Jazz dance performance.
Prerequisite: FNAR 113 or FNAR 114 or Permission of the Instructor
This is an advanced level studio course designed to introduce the human form with an emphasis on the application of drawing and wet media. Skeletal anatomy and concepts of visualization and proportion will be explored. Observational and conceptual problems will be introduced to build technical, perceptual, and personal expressive interpretation of the human form through the drawing idiom. The course may be taken twice for credit.
Learning Outcome: Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the human form and anatomy through expanded practice and articulation of both formal and artistic ideas.
This course focuses on the techniques of effective voice and speech production.
Learning Outcome: Through class exercises and presentations, students will demonstrate greater knowledge and control over their breath support, tonal placement, vocal resonance, projection, clarity of articulation, Standard American vowel and consonant formation, language orchestration and coloration.
Prerequisite: THTR 241
This course is for students who have completed Voice and Diction for the Stage I and explores advanced voice and speech techniques. Students will continue work on their individual voice/speech challenges as well as focusing on the special voice/speech skills required of the stage actor.
Learning Outcome: Through a series of in-class presentations, students will demonstrate their control over the voice, speech, and language challenges which confront the actor in the performance of non-realistic plays (Shakespeare, Restoration Comedy, Expressionism, and Absurd) and in realistic plays with heightened language.
This course introduces the theatre student to the fundamentals of design especially as they relate to the theatrical design of sets, lights and costumes.
Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate understanding of the tools a set, costume, and lighting designer use to express their ideas; improve their abilities to communicate their creative ideas; appreciate how design affects an overall theatrical experience; and be prepared to engage in practical design experience in our theatre.
This course satisfies the Artistic Knowledge and Experience area of the Core Curriculum, and develops critical thinking and communications skills.
This course introduces the student to the practical crafts of theatre in scenic, lighting, and costume design. Classes include lecture as well as task-based projects in each of the designated areas.
Learning Outcome: Students will develop an understanding of the rudiments of scenery, scenic materials and construction procedures, the basics of theatrical lighting and the primary elements of costume design and costume construction.
Prerequisite: THTR 203
History of Theatre I is a survey course that focuses on the development of Western Theatre from the Greek through the Jacobean and Caroline periods. Students of playwriting, acting, directing, design, and theatre scholarship will develop a basic knowledge of past practices, and source materials in order to stage plays or write about the theatre.
Learning Outcome: Students will be able to identify and describe basic historical events, people, performance practices, elements of theatre architecture, and historically significant plays use historical source material as evidence in support of positions; and apply research in theatre history to creative practice.
Prerequisite: THTR 203
History of Theatre II is a survey course that focuses on the development of Western Theatre from the Spanish Golden Age and French Renaissance through the present. Students of playwriting, acting, directing, design, and theatre scholarship will develop a basic knowledge of past practices, and source materials in order to stage plays or write about the theatre.
Learning Outcome: Students will be able to identify and describe basic historical events, people, performance practices, elements of theatre architecture, and historically significant plays; use historical source material as evidence in support of positions; and apply research in theatre history to creative practice.
This course is designed for students who are interested in study acting, but who are not majoring in the Department of Theatre. Students will study current theory and basic techniques of creating character for the stage, and apply these techniques to practice through a combination of in-class exercises, monologue and scene presentations.
Learning Outcome: Students will develop skills in observation, concentration and imagination, as well as critical skills in script analysis. Students will demonstrate understanding of how methods of acting technique may be applied to evaluate performance; enhance and develop skills to increase focus and reduce anxiety for public presentation circumstances.
This course satisfies the
Artistic Knowledge and Experience area of the Core Curriculum, and develops critical thinking and communications skills.Prerequisite: THTR 261
This course is designed for students who are interested in study of acting, but who are not majoring the Department of Theatre. Students build on the basic techniques of creating a character acquired in THTR 261 and extend that learning by working with non-contemporary literature.
Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate an understanding of how to develop a character written before 1950, strengthen interpretive, voice and movement skills, and develop the language to critically evaluate the acting of others.
This course is an introduction to the art of Acting with specific emphasis on development of the student’s interpretive skills.
Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze a play with character in mind, develop relationships with fellow actors on stage, and play clear and effective character objectives.
Prerequisite: THTR 266
This course builds on the skills introduced in THTR 266 with an emphasis on developing detailed characterizations, create honest relationships between characters and improve physical and vocal techniques.
Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to provide effective research from which to develop a character, apply the research into the embodiment of a character and effective use of the body and voice to communicate the character to an audience.
Prerequisite: THTR 266
This course is designed to strengthen the student’s acting, voice, and movement skills utilizing the plays of William Shakespeare as the primary resource.
Learning Outcome: Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how to play Shakespeare on stage with physical and vocal interpretive skill.
Prerequisite: THTR 268
This course is designed to provide the student actor with the ability to interpret and play characters written by contemporary playwrights.
Learning Outcome: Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how to interpret and perform plays written since the early 19th century up to present day.
Prerequisite: THTR 266 or Permission of ICVM director
This course explores the challenges and methods of producing, acting and directing for the camera.
Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate and understanding of the process of problem solving of producing, acting and directing for the camera through the production of on camera scenes.
Prerequisite THTR 253
This course explores the fundamental principles of scenic design and construction and the different solutions a scene designer may utilize to develop and realize their design ideas.
Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the process of problem solving in the design process through the use of drafting and scale model building.
Prerequisite: THTR 252 and 253
This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of costume construction including: pattern draughting, corsetry, different stitch uses, pleating and gathering techniques, tools of the shop, and basic draping.
Learning Outcome: Students will be able to: use a basic pattern or sloper to generate their own period costumes, understand why different stitches or construction methods are used, know the tools of the shop, improve their knowledge of fabric choices, and understand the process of draping.
This course introduces the student to a style, genre or method theatre making through active application in exercises, demonstrations, games and workshops.
Learning Outcome: Students will develop skills in applying performance theory to practice; develop performance skills in a particular style or genre; expand a repertoire of rehearsal techniques; and develop skills to create original theatre pieces.
This course is a practical application of the material studied in a variety of theatre classes, and provides hands on experience in all facets of theatrical production. *Theatre Majors are required to take six credits of Theatre Practicum during their studies. Open to all majors.
Learning Outcome: Through this course, students will acquire a variety of skills necessary to producing theatre; they will improve collaboration and organization skills and will gain appreciation for the complexity of producing a play.
This course covers the biography, plays, and dramatic theories of a major playwright or group of related authors, and introduces the student to representative criticism of the authors’ work.
Learning Outcome: Through this course, students develop skills to appreciate the relationship between a playwright’s biography and dramatic material; analyze dramaturgical trends in a playwright’s canon; and relate dramatic criticism to creative practice.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Instructor Required
This course allows students to receive credit for acting in or directing a production during the semester (or preceding semester), upon completion and submission of a journal or paper.
Learning Outcome: Students will record performance experience, assess personal artistic growth, and reflect on application of performance theory and technique covered in coursework to production practice.
This course gives three credit hours to the student scene, costume, lighting, make-up, or property designers as well as student stage managers.
Learning Outcome: Students will improve their understanding of a design or management process via first hand experience in our theatre.
This course exposes students in the planning, design and execution of costumes for the stage though a variety of costume design projects throughout historical periods and stylistic genres.
Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate understanding of how a costume designer makes choices based on color, silhouette, line, texture, historical research, personal style, collaborative input, and intended response from the audience through application on projects.
Prerequisite: THTR 325
This course continues the project work from Costume Design I, exploring more detail in style and historical accuracy.
Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to prepare a costume design in any genre or period.
This course is an introduction to the economic, managerial and operating aspects of American Theatre with an emphasis on the Chicago Theatre Industry and practical and contemporary aspects of the field.
Learning Outcome: Students demonstrate knowledge of the evolution of arts organizations and theatrical management; practical management tools; the economic challenges of producing theatre; production trends in the industry; the theories and processes behind planning and decision making; and students will gain appreciation for the importance of management in theatrical productions and organizations.
This course is an introduction to the principles of theatrical lighting design and the process by which a designer makes choices based on script analysis, period research and collaborative interaction.
Learning Outcome: The student will develop a process by which to approach lighting design as well as an understanding of instrumentation and control of stage lighting.
This course involves a hands-on study of make-up techniques especially as they relate to basic theatrical needs, character make-up, and special effects make-up.
Learning Outcome: Students will be prepared to use make-up effectively in the theatre either as performers or beginning make-up designers, and to understand the variety of techniques and tools a make-up designer has available.
This course is a continuation of the study of the principles of theatrical lighting design and the process by which a designer makes choices based on script analysis, period research and collaborative interaction.
Learning Outcome: The student will develop a process by which to approach lighting design as well as an understanding of instrumentation and control of stage lighting.
This course examines the relationship between the kinetic and kinesthetic experiences and personality development.
Learning Outcome: Through a series of exercises, students will demonstrate an awareness of one’s physical mannerisms, increased confidence in one’s physical presence on stage and demonstrate physical transformation into character.
This course is a month long study abroad experience which allows the student to intensively study British theatre through excursions within London, special guest lecturers, walking tours, workshops, gallery and museum visits, and attendance of at least eight plays.
Learning Outcome: By taking advantage of the cultural resources and experiences of staying in London, students will gain an understanding of the importance of London theatre and its influence on the rest of the world's theatre. They will also gain historical, geographical and cultural context on the dramatic tradition in London for the past four centuries, with emphasis on Shakespearian and Victorian styles.
This course studies the various structural forms drama has taken from the Greeks to the present. In particular it looks at tragedy, comedy, and melodrama and seeks to find their roots in the cultures which nurtured them.
Learning Outcome: The student will be able to distinguish various dramatic forms as well as their roots in their cultures, and will have a vocabulary with which to discuss and evaluate them.
This course provide instruction in the dialects most frequently used by the American actor and to explore a systematic approach to dialect acquisition which will serve the student in further independent dialect study.
Learning Outcome: Students will acquire a working knowledge of the International Phonetic Alphabet, an understanding of the historical and cultural background of each dialect, skills in applying dialects to dramatic texts, and an introduction to the work of the dialect coach in the theatre.
This course introduces the student to basic theatrical drafting techniques and mediums.
Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to draft ground plan and section, scenic elevations as well as a light plot.
This course is introduces the student to basic scene painting techniques for the theatre.
Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate understanding of the role of the scenic artist in relationship to the scenic designer, develop basic level skills required to execute the designer’s intention or vision and execute a paint elevation.
This course is an introduction to the basic principles and techniques of producing theatre for young audiences. Emphasis is given to script evaluation development, the challenges associated with acting and directing for young audiences and working with child performers.
Learning Outcome: Students will identify the age-level characteristics of child audiences and appropriate script choices for each level. Methods of working with child performers will be applied to in a laboratory setting with children and students will demonstrate the ability to critical assess children’s theatre production through observation of various productions.
This course explores the process of engaging children with theatre games and techniques as a means towards self-expression, personal development and content learning. Laboratory experiences working with children are provided.
Learning Outcome: Students will articulate the differences and similarities between theatre for children and creative dramatics disciplines, develop age appropriate materials and exercises, identify appropriate facilitating methods and techniques and apply these techniques in a laboratory setting.
This course studies the various criteria which different ages and cultures have used to evaluate drama and its performance, from the Greeks to the present.
Learning Outcome: The student will gain an historical perspective on the process of evaluation of drama and its performance in many diverse cultures. This will help the student to assess present day western evaluative criteria for drama and its performance more objectively.
Prerequisite: THTR 257
This course is an introduction to Western dramatic literature from the Greeks through the Roman, Medieval, Tudor, Elizabethan, Jacobean, and Caroline periods.
Learning Outcome: Students will be able to identify how playwriting and dramatic forms developed in the Western theatrical tradition; to place dramatic literature in historical context; to analyze and write about dramatic forms, styles, and genres in informed critical terms; and to develop a repertory of dramatic material.
Prerequisite: THTR 257
This course is a survey of Western dramatic literature from the 16th through 19th centuries.
Learning Outcome: Students will be able to identify how playwriting and dramatic forms developed in the Western theatrical tradition; to place dramatic literature in historical context; to analyze and write about dramatic forms, styles, and genres in informed critical terms; and to develop a repertory of dramatic material.
Prerequisite: THTR 257
This course is a survey of contemporary of Western dramatic literature from the 20th and the early 21st centuries.
Learning Outcome: Students will be able to place contemporary dramatic literature in historical context; to analyze how the theatre has responded to development of other art forms like film and television; to analyze and write about contemporary dramatic forms, styles, and genres in informed critical terms; and to develop a repertory of contemporary dramatic material.
Prerequisite: THTR 269 or permission of the instructor
A lecture-performance course specializing in scene work from genres and periods suitable to the acting needs to the individual students.
Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate an understanding and application of how to play characters from the genres and periods chosen for the individual actor on stage with physical and vocal interpretive skill through performance of scenes and monologues.
Prerequisite: THTR 368 or permission of the instructor
This course is a continuation of THTR 368, focusing on the weaknesses of the individual actors and studying methods and techniques to bring the actor to a more truthful performance. Genre and periods of literature used will be chosen to meet the acting needs of the individual student.
Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate understanding and application of acting methods and techniques used in the class through performance of scenes and monologues.
Prerequisite: THTR 252
This course introduces the student to the role of the scenic designer and the process of script analysis, period research and graphic communication utilized to develop a scenic design with a focus on how collaborative interaction may inform those choices.
Learning Outcome: The student will develop a systematic approach to the scenic designer’s creative process and demonstrate the ability to communicate a scenic idea through the practice of sketches, ground plans and scale models.
Prerequisite: THTR 371
This is an advanced course in the development of the scenic designer’s creative process, skills, and techniques.
Learning Outcome: Student will further develop the skills required of a scenic designer and develop a diverse design portfolio.
Prerequisite: THTR 203, 252, 256, 257, 268, 365 or 366. (May be taken concurrently with THTR 367).
This course explores the fundamental principles of play direction. Students are required to direct a monologue, select a play script for production, develop a production concept, stage a fifteen-minute scene, and develop a detailed Director’s Notebook.
Learning Outcome: Students acquire the skills to identify the basic elements of stage direction; analyze a play script from the point of view of the director; articulate and defend a production concept; develop actor-coaching skills; and identify elements of direction that communicate story, theme, and concept.
Play Direction (THTR 375) meets the Core Value Requirement for Promoting Civic Engagement or Leadership.
Prerequisite: THTR 375
This intensive lecture-performance course will expand on principles and practices of play direction covered in THTR 375, with particular emphasis on staging, spatial dynamics, and collaboration with design artists. In application of reading and discussion, students will direct one laboratory project over the course of the semester and stage a one-act play.
Learning Outcomes: Students acquire the skills to place current trends in Directing in historical and theoretical context; articulate a personal artistic mission in relation to the Directing craft; articulate and defend a concept for production; and translate conflict, story, and theme to practical application in ground-plans, staging, actor-coaching, and design choices.
Prerequisite THTR 268
This course focuses on preparing to audition for professional theatre, commercial and film with particular emphasis on audition for Chicago Theatre.
Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to engage an auditor through an audition, demonstrate the ability to score and read copy truthfully, develop a head shot and resume and develop a personal repertoire of suitable audition pieces.
Subject and requirements of this course will be determined by needs and interests of the students.
Learning Outcome: To be determined by the instructor in consultation with the chairperson.
Subject and requirements to be determined by needs and interests of the students.
Learning Outcome: To be determined by the instructor in consultation with the chairperson.
Prerequisite: written permission of chairperson
Variable credit (1-6 hours) given for projects undertaken in theatrical groups outside the university. Students keep a journal and write evaluative papers. Repeatable for credit.
Learning Outcome: To be determined by the student in consultation with the chairperson and project supervisor.
Prerequisite: written permission of chairperson
Independent study projects may be of various kinds and in any recognized area of the theatre arts. Such projects should be done under the close supervision of a theatre faculty member.
Learning Outcome: To be determined by the student in consultation with the chairperson and theatre faculty supervisor.
