Theatre Course Descriptions

according to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh 2007-2009 Undergraduate Bulletin

Theatre 102 Script Analysis for the Theatre 3 cr.
Analysis of the play script as a blueprint for production. Emphasis on plot, theme and character analysis. Plays studied in this course will serve as a foundation for subsequent theatre courses.

Theatre 161 Appreciation of the Drama (HU) 3 cr.
A survey of drama as an integral element in human society in its cultural aspects, intended to stimulate and develop an appreciation for drama as literature and theatre. Meets the Humanities requirement for General Education. No prerequisite.

Theatre 162 Honors: Appreciation of the Drama (HU) 3 cr.
Investigation of the nature of dramatic form, survey of the development of theatrical expression in major historical periods, introduction to theatrical production processes, and a study of the theatre as the aesthetic and philosophical outgrowth of its culture. Topics will be explored through group projects, essays and oral reports. Students cannot earn credit  in both an honors course and a non-honors course of the same title.

Theatre 165 Voice and Diction 3 cr.
Training course for the normal voice to precede courses in interpretation, acting, public address and other areas. (Not to be substituted for Comm 111)

Theatre 167 Theatre Participation-Technical (0+3) 1 cr.
Participation in technical aspects of scenery, lighting, sound, properties, or costumes for department sponsored productions. 

Theatre 168 Theatre Participation- Publicity and Management (0+3) 1 cr.
Participation in-house management, stage management and publicity for the department sponsored productions.

Theatre 202 History of Styles for the Designer 3 cr.
Survey of architecture, furniture, decoration and clothing from the classical period to the present. Study of research methods for the scenic, costume and production designer.

Theatre 203 Design Skills 3 cr.
Study of drafting and drawing techniques for the scenic, costume and lighting designer.

Theatre 204 Survey of Theatre History 3 cr.
Survey of the major movements in theatre history, emphasis on methods of production; physical playhouse, staging techniques, acting, management; minor focus on criticism and dramatic literature. Prerequisite: Theatre 102 or permission of the instructor.

Theatre 205 Fundamentals of Acting 3 cr.
Basic theories and techniques of acting. Body and voice training as a basis for development of dramatic characterization. Application of course content through presentation of scenes from distinguished dramatic literature. Prerequisite: Theatre 102.

Theatre 243 Women in the Arts: Encounters (HU) 3 cr.
Women in the Arts: Encounters is a team-taught interdisciplinary course which provides an overview of the significant contributions of women in the arts, while offering a critical look at individual achievements and at societal attitudes and limitations which have impacted the nature and direction of women's artistic output. Students will gain hands-on experience through guided studio work in music, visual art and theater and the combination of these are forms via collaborative projects. students may receive credit for only one of the cross-listed courses.

Theatre 253 Make-up for Stage and Screen 3 cr.
Study of the materials and techniques used in the creation and application of make-up in theatre, film and television. This course includes 2D and 3D techniques for the purpose of establishing age and character.

Theatre 260 Theatre Participation-Acting or Directing (0+3) 1 cr.
Participation as actor in department sponsored productions (auditions required) or participation as director (application required the previous spring term) for department sponsored production.

Theatre 262 Theatre Participation-Technical (0+3) 1 cr.
Participation in technical aspects of scenery, lighting, sound, properties, or costumes for department sponsored productions.

Theatre 308 Acting Studio I: The Actor's Resources 4 cr.
Introduction to the Acting Studio Program. Development of the actor's physical and vocal expressiveness, imagination, and understanding of the acting process through vocal and physical exercises, improvisations, theatre games and introductory scene work. Prerequisite: Theatre 102 and consent of instructor.

Theatre 309 Acting Studio II: The Actor's Text 4 cr.
Second course in the acting studio sequence. Skills acquired in the first semester are applied to scripted work. Work with dramatic material which reflects the student's range of personal experiences. Prerequisite: Theatre 308 and consent of instructor.

Theatre 330 Stage Management 3 cr.
Study of principles and techniques of management for the stage, from prerehearsal preparations to running of rehearsals and performances. Includes practical application and special projects.

Theatre 340 Musical Theatre 3 cr.
A study of the historical development of American musical theatre, and an analysis of its dramatic forms; musical comedy, operetta, and music drama.

Theatre 342 Non-Western Theatre 3 cr.
A study of theatre outside the Euro-centric or Western tradition (to include African, Asian, Indian, Mid-eastern, and Native American ritual, libation, dance, puppetry, masks, storytelling, etc.) which enlarges the frame of reference leading to discoveries about form and concept of theatre in general. Prerequisites: Theatre 204 or consent of instructor.

Theatre 346 Props for the Theatre 3 Cr.
The course is intended to provide a foundation in the process of organizing, procuring, and constructing properties for theatrical productions. Topics covered will include analyzing a script to develop a props list, strategies and sources to acquire props and especially skills needed to shop-build props using a variety of techniques. The class consists of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on instruction in the scene shop. Students will build various props as in-class projects and for actual theatre productions.

Theatre 351 Costume Construction for Theatre and Film 3 cr.
Study of basic construction techniques used in the creation of costumes and their accessories for stage, television and film. Course will include basic dyeing techniques used in fabric modification.

Theatre 360 History of the American Theatre 3 cr.
The study of theatre in America from the 18th Century to the present; the development of native playwrights, actors, and critics, and the dramaturgy of representative plays.

Theatre 362 Theatre Participation - Technical Production (0+3) 1 cr.
Participation in technical aspects of scenery, lighting, sound, properties, or costumes for department sponsored productions.

Theatre 363 Theatre Participation - Acting or Directing (0+3) 1 cr.
Participation as actor in department sponsored productions (auditions required) or participation as director (application required the previous spring term) for department sponsored production.

Theatre 366 Dramatic Reading 3 cr.
Development of Readers Theatre programs; focusing each term on the study of one of the various literary genres and on different subject matter. Prerequisite: Comm 265.

Theatre 367 Fundamentals of Play Directing 3 cr.
A study and application of the principles and techniques of directing: Composition, level, plane, tempo, plot development, casting, play selection. Prerequisites: Theatre 102, and Theatre 205 or Theatre 308 or consent of instructor.

Theatre 369 Stagecraft (2+3) 3 cr.
The principles, procedures and practices of technical theatre production.

Theatre 371 Design Studio I 3 cr.
Introduction to the Design Studio Program. Development of the designer's skills of visual Communication, imagination, and understanding of the collaborative nature of the designing for the theatre through individual and group projects. Prerequisites: Theatre 102, and Theatre 203.

Theatre 372 Design Studio II 3 cr.
The second course in the Design Studio sequence. Skills required in Studio I are applied to concept and text in Studio II. Students will work with concept development in the theatrical experiment. Prerequisite: Theatre 371.

Theatre 373 Lighting and Sound for the Stage 3 cr.
An introduction to the techniques and technical aspects of lighting and sound for stage production. Students will work with contemporary concepts and practices in lighting and sound design for theatrical production.

Theatre 374 Script Writing for the Stage I 3 cr.
Introduces student to both concept and practice of Playwriting for a theatrical environment. Students are expected to write a one-act play to be read in class.

Theatre 375 Script Writing for the Stage II 3 cr.
This course is a continuation of study and builds on the knowledge and experience gained in Script Writing for the Stage I. Students are expected to write a full-length play to be read in class. Prerequisite: Theatre 374 Script Writing for the Stage I

Theatre 376 Painting & Dyeing for the Theatre 3 cr.
This course is designed to introduce students interested in stage production to the techniques and practices of painting scenery and dyeing fabric for Theatrical, TV and Film productions. This course requires hands on exposure to different products and materials in a safe environment.

Theatre 377 History of Contemporary Theatre 3 cr.
A study of the historical development of Contemporary Theatre from the late 19th Century to present day, its use of changing techniques and its response to issues of the day.

Theatre 378 Stage Combat 3 cr.
This course will introduce students to the wide range of fighting styles, armed and unarmed combat for stage and film with the utmost attention to safety. In addition, it will explore concentration and relaxation skills as well as the acting, directing and choreography aspect of stage combat.

Theatre 389/589 Creative Drama 3 cr.
Study of the creative processes by which children, under the guidance of an adult leader, are engaged in an improvised, non-exhibitional form of drama.

Theatre 402 Senior Project 3 cr.
Extended project to demonstrate proficiency in an area of theatre; acting, directing, design, history and criticism. Student will demonstrate proficiency in achievement of program goals and objectives as set down in the Theatre Assessment Plan. Prerequisite: Senior status and consent of instructor.

Theatre 403 Teaching Theatre Methods and Co-curricular Activities 3 cr.
The goals, materials and methods of teaching theatre to middle school and high school students. Prerequisite: None.

Theatre 404 Elizabethan Theatre History 3 cr.
Study of the theatrical conditions under which Elizabethan drama developed including physical playhouse, staging practices, acting company organization. Prerequisites: Theatre 204 or consent of instructor.

Theatre 409 Acting Studio III. Characterization 4 cr.
Third course in the acting studio sequence. Development of characterization with emphasis on scene work in contemporary realism. Vocal work focuses on the improvement of the actor's articulation of speech sounds. Prerequisite: Theatre 309. 

Theatre 410 Acting Studio IV: Acting Shakespeare 4 cr.
Fourth course in the acting studio sequence. Study of acting and vocal techniques for performing the plays of Shakespeare. Prerequisite: Theatre 409

Theatre 446 Independent Study 3 cr.
See Independent Study under course and Academic Advisement Policies information for general course description, general prerequisites, and proper contract form requirements.

Theatre 452 Advanced Costume Construction 3 cr.
Study of pattern drafting methods and advanced construction techniques used in the creation of historical or non-western costumes and accessories. Prerequisite: Theatre 351 or permission of instructor 

Theatre 460 Theatre Participation - Publicity and Management (0+3) 1 cr.
Participation in house management, stage management and publicity for department sponsored production.

Theatre 462 Theatre Participation - Acting or Directing (0+3) 1 cr.
Participation as actor in department sponsored productions (auditions required) or participation as director (application required the previous spring term) for department sponsored production.

Theatre 463/663 Theatre Production Seminar 1- 3 cr.
Focus on specialized problems in directing, design, technical theatre and stage management. May be repeated three times for up to 12 units (crs.) provided the topic varies 463/663

Theatre 465 Children's Theatre 3 cr.
A study of the history, rationale, and special problems of theatre for youth, K-12. Emphasis upon play selection, production techniques, acting for young audiences using adult and child actors, and the new participation drama.

Theatre 469 Advanced Directing 3 cr.
Advanced study of representational and presentational forms, new directing concepts, and practical applications of directing principles in period and contemporary dramas including one major production project. Prerequisite: Theatre 367 or consent of instructor.

Theatre 473 Design Studio III 3 cr.
This course focuses on design theory and techniques related to the study of production design for film and television. Prerequisite: Theatre 371.

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