Theatre Departmental Facilities
Departmental Requirements
B.F.A. Degree with a Major in Theatre
B.A. Degree with a Major in Theatre
Minor in Theatre
Professional Internship Program
Teacher Certification
Honors Program
Theatre Courses for the Freshman Year
Courses of Instruction

(THEA)

Two degrees are offered in theatre: 1) a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with a major in theatre , and an emphasis chosen from this list: acting, design, film & TV, musical theatre, production, or no emphasis; and 2) a Bachelor of Arts (BA)with a major in theatre, that permits the student to choose a minor in another academic field of study.

The Department of Theatre functions within the context of a liberal arts university, and sincerely believes that the student experience should include areas of investigation beyond the narrowly focused instruction that characterizes most non-university affiliated professional training programs.

The department requires a core of courses in all aspects of the theatre. These courses provide an overall view of the discipline including acting, directing, history and dramatic literature, design and technical production. The core provides a strong background for both the liberal arts and pre-professional student.

Departmental Facilities

The Department of Theatre is housed in Ed Landreth Hall and the Hays Theatre Complex at TCU. Facilities include the 220 seat proscenium arch University Theatre and the 220 seat Spencer and Marlene Hays Theatre, with a thrust stage. A Studio Theatre is in constant use by students involved in producing shows to test the skills they are developing in the classroom. All theatre spaces have state of the art equipment for teaching theatre technology. Theatre productions are supported by a large Scenic Studio in the Hays complex with a counterweighted paint frame and spray booth for painting scenery and stage properties. A fully equipped Costume Studio for theatre is located in the Ballet Building. A computer lab is available for students' use and for teaching various software programs specific to the theatre. Additional classrooms for theatre graphics, acting, and history are located in Ed Landreth Hall.

Departmental Requirements

The Department requires majors and minors to participate in departmental productions. Participation in both performance and production broadens the student's background and prepares him/her for advanced study. The student on academic probation will not be permitted to perform in public productions. Additional department policies are explained in a departmental student handbook. All majors and minors are responsible for securing and reading this Handbook. Courses in the theatre major or minor must be taken for a letter grade, and must be completed with a grade of "C" or better to fulfill graduation requirements.

B.F.A. Degree with a Major in Theatre

Required are 124 semester hours consisting of the UCR, and the following hours in theatre:

THEA 10103: Art of the Theatre
THEA 10603: Stagecraft
THEA 10613: Theatre Graphics
THEA 10703: Makeup
THEA 20103: Script Analysis
THEA 20333: Acting I
THEA 20503: Introduction to Lighting
THEA 20713: Practical Costuming
THEA 30103: Theatre History I
THEA 30113: Theatre History II
THEA 30403: Directing
THEA 40133: History of Costume

8 semesters of THEA 10601: Theatre Production, or
THEA 30601: Advanced Theatre Production, are also required.

Those receiving an emphasis in acting must also take:

THEA 20303: Voice & Articulation
THEA 20323: Movement for Actors
THEA 20343: Acting II
THEA 20343: Acting II
THEA 30313: Voice & Text
THEA 30333: Advanced Movement for Actors
THEA 40303: Acting IV
THEA 40853: Managing a Performance Career

Those receiving an emphasis in design must also take:

ART 10103: Drawing I
THEA 20603: Rendering
THEA 30513: Computer Graphics for Theatre
THEA 30600: Design/Technical Workshop
THEA 30623: Scene Painting
THEA 30630: Scene Design
THEA 30720: Costume Design
THEA 40543: Advanced Lighting

Those receiving an emphasis in film and television must also take:

RTVF 10113: History of Broadcasting
RTVF 10123: History of Film
RTVF 10143: Aesthetics
THEA 20303: Voice & Articulation
THEA 20343: Acting II
THEA 40503: On-Camera Acting

6 more hours chosen from RTVF 20523, 20583, 30353, 30433, 30593, 30643, 30663, 30983, 40623, 40683.

Those receiving an emphasis in musical theatre must also take:

THEA 20303: Voice & Articulation
THEA 20323: Movement for Actors
THEA 20343: Acting II
THEA 30303: Acting III
THEA 40203: Musical Theatre Performance
THEA 40213: Advanced Musical Theatre Performance
THEA 40853: Managing a Performance Career

3 hours of MUSP 20110/40110, and 3 hours of dance, chosen from BALT 10333,20142/20152, MODA 10333, or PEAC 10531/10591.

Those receiving an emphasis in production must also take:

ART 10103: Drawing
THEA 20613: Stage Management & Sound Design
THEA 30513: Computer Graphics for Theatre
THEA 30600: Design/Technical Workshop
THEA 30623: Scene Painting
THEA 30713: Pattern Drafting & Draping
THEA 40543: Advanced Lighting
THEA 40603: Advanced Stagecraft

Those receiving a BFA in Theatre with no emphasis area must also take:

THEA 20303: Voice & Articulation
THEA 20323: Movement for Actors
THEA 20343: Acting II
THEA 20603: Rendering
THEA 20613: Stage Management & Sound Design
THEA 30513: Computer Graphics for Theatre
THEA 30630: Scene Design
THEA 30720: Costume Design

B.A. Degree with a Major in Theatre

Required are 124 semester hours consisting of the UCR, and the following hours in Theatre:

THEA 10103: Art of the Theatre
THEA 10603: Stagecraft
THEA 10613: Theatre Graphics
THEA 20103: Script Analysis
THEA 20333: Acting I
THEA 20503: Introduction to Lighting
THEA 20713: Practical Costuming
THEA 30103: Theatre History I
THEA 30113: Theatre History II
THEA 30403: Directing

4 semesters of THEA 10301: Theatre Production, or THEA 30601: Advance Theatre Production, are also required.

A minor of at least 18 semester hours is required on the B.A. degree. 6 hours in the same foreign language at the 20000 level or above are also required for the B.A. degree.

Minor in Theatre

The following 18 hours in Theatre are required:

THEA 10103: Art of the Theatre
THEA 10603: Stagecraft
THEA 20103: Script Analysis
THEA 20333: Acting I
THEA 30103: Theatre History I, or
THEA 30113: Theatre History II

3 hours of THEA 10601: Theatre Production

A student seeking a minor in Theatre must have an advisor in the Theatre Department.

Professional Internship Program

With departmental approval, majors may take up to 12 hours of elective credit in Theatre Internship courses for experience working with professional programs at area theatres and theatres around the country.

Teacher Certification

Teacher Certification on the secondary level is available under the B.A. degree program. No second teaching field is required. 31 semesters hours in Education including:
EDUC 20003 Critical Investigation of Teaching (Counts as CI for UCR)
EDUC 30113 Intro to Educational Technology
EDSE 30153 Adolescent Development
EDSE 30163 Secondary Ed Psych
EDSP 30603 Study of Exceptional Children
EDSE 30013 Professional Roles & Responsibilities
EDSE 40213 Promoting Literacy in the Content Subjects
EDSE 50023 Effective Teaching and Classroom Implementation
EDSE 30001 Professional Practice Seminar
EDSE 40980 Student Teaching (6 semester hrs.)

Honors Program

Theatre majors who plan to pursue Departmental Honors must be members of the Honors Program and should enroll in the Honors section of THEA 10053 in their freshman year, THEA 30003 in their junior year and THEA 40003 during the fall semester of their senior year.

Theatre Courses for the Freshman Year

For students working toward the BFA in Theatre, emphasis in acting, musical theatre, or no emphasis:

FALL

THEA 10103: Art of the Theatre
THEA 10601: Theatre Production
THEA 20323: Movement for Actors
THEA 10603: Stagecraft, OR
THEA 10613: Theatre Graphics
Plus UCR courses

SPRING

THEA 10601: Theatre Production
THEA 20333: Acting I
THEA 10603: Stagecraft, OR
THEA 10613: Theatre Graphics
Plus UCR courses

For students working toward the BFA in Theatre, emphasis in design:

FALL

THEA 10103: Art of the Theatre
THEA 10601: Theatre Production
THEA 10603: Stagecraft
THEA 10613: Theatre Graphics
Plus UCR Courses

SPRING

THEA 10601: Theatre Production
THEA 20333: Acting I
ART 10103: Drawing I
Plus UCR courses

For students working toward the BFA in Theatre, emphasis in film & TV:

FALL

THEA 10103: Art of the Theatre
THEA 10601: Theatre Production
RTVF 10113: History of Broadcasting
THEA 10603: Stagecraft, OR
THEA 10613: Theatre Graphics
Plus UCR Courses

SPRING
THEA 10601: Theatre Production
THEA 20333: Acting I
THEA 10603: Stagecraft, OR
THEA 10613: Theatre Graphics
Plus UCR Courses

For students working toward the BFA in Theatre, emphasis in production:

FALL

THEA 10103: Art of the Theatre
THEA 10601: Theatre Production
THEA 10603: Stagecraft
THEA 10613: Theatre Graphics
Plus UCR Courses

SPRING

THEA 10601: Theatre Production
THEA 20333: Acting I
THEA 20713: Practical Costuming
Plus UCR Courses

Courses of Instruction

FNRT 30900 Fine Art Interdisciplinary Course. This course offers students direct experience of the major aspects of contemporary culture in a location abroad. The faculty has structured a variety of field trips to facilitate the investigation of the arts in theatres, museums, galleries, concert halls, and studios and other arts allied spaces. Students will also be able to interview a number of the people who are responsible for the abundance of the arts in the city now.

FNRT 30903 Art and Music in Hungary.

THEA 10001 Theatre Symposium and Production. An introductory course for theatre majors and minors exploring the various facets of theatre including production procedures and discipline through class discussion. This class culminates in a realized studio production utilizing all class members.

THEA 10053 Survey of Theatre Arts I. An introductory course covering all aspects of the art of theatre concentrating on the history of Western drama through examination of production and performance techniques and the form and structure of drama.

THEA 10053 Survey of Theatre Arts I. An introductory course covering all aspects of the art of theatre concentrating on the history of Western drama through examination of production and performance techniques and the form and structure of drama.

THEA 10103 Art of the Theatre. An introductory course for theatre majors and minor exploring the various components of theatre, including production and theory, through lectures and class discussion.

THEA 10203 Survey of Musical Theatre. Introduction to and examination of the important lyricists, librettists, choreographers and directors of the American Musical Theatre. Lecture and film promote an understanding of the collaborative process that integrates the elements of theatre, music and dance.

THEA 10203 Survey of Musical Theatre. Introduction to and examination of the important lyricists, librettists, choreographers and directors of the American Musical Theatre. Lecture and film promote an understanding of the collaborative process that integrates the elements of theatre, music and dance.

THEA 10301 Theatre Performance. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Practical experience in acting, for freshmen and sophomores, related directly to major roles in TCU stage productions. May be repeated for credit for 1 - 8 hours.

THEA 10433 Freshman Seminar in Theatre. Topics may vary each time it is offered.

THEA 10533 Freshman Seminar in Theatre. Topics may vary each time it is offered.

THEA 10601 Theatre Production. Practical experience in all facets of theatre production, related directly to major stage presentations. 1-8 hours.

THEA 10603 Stagecraft. An introduction to technical theatre. Includes basic technical information and practical experience in scenic construction, rigging, handling and painting of scenery for the stage.

THEA 10613 Theatre Graphics. Students will learn to read and produce the various graphic work necessary to communication in the theatre. The course covers such elements as ground plans, elevations, section drawings, light plots, figure drawing, perspective drawing and rendering techniques.

THEA 10703 Stage Makeup. (Open to majors and minors only.) A laboratory course in modeling with theatrical makeup materials designed to acquaint the student with the basic techniques of makeup for the stage.

THEA 20103 Script Analysis. The examination and analysis of the structure and content of scripts for interpretation and conceptualization for theatre directors, designers, actors, and technicians.

THEA 20303 Voice and Articulation. Prerequisite: Theatre major or permission of instructor. Laboratory course to analyze and develop vocal awareness of skills needed for stage performance.

THEA 20323 Movement for Actors. Prerequisite: Theatre major or permission of instructor. Laboratory course to analyze and develop physical performance skills needed for stage performance.

THEA 20333 Acting I. Introduction to acting focusing on freeing inhibitions, developing a working understanding of basic acting techniques and the pursuit of dramatic action.

THEA 20343 Acting II. Prerequisite: THEA 20333 or permission of instructor. Continuation of 20333 focusing on character development and relationships through exercises and scene work.

THEA 20603 Rendering. Prerequisites: THEA 10613. A course in creating and presenting scenery and costume designs for the theatre, including various rendering theories and procedures covered in lectures, demonstrations and in-class lab assignments.

THEA 20613 Stage Management and Sound Design. Prerequisite: THEA 10603. A course in the theory and practice of stage management and sound design in the theatre, including research, preparation and practice.

THEA 20713 Practical Costuming. Introduction to fundamentals of costume studio management, theatrical sewing techniques, theatrical supplies and fabrics, painting and dyeing, costume properties and accessories, personnel and the process of developing costumes for theatrical productions.

THEA 30003 Junior Honors Seminar. Directed readings in the works of a major playwright or in the writings of a major period of theatre history. Students with unusual creative ability may be permitted to direct, choreograph, design a production, or perform a demanding role. Analytical papers will be required.

THEA 30103 Theatre History I. History of theatre from its origins in ancient Greek Civilization to the Renaissance.

THEA 30113 Theatre History II. Theatre history and dramatic literature from the Restoration to the present.

THEA 30123 The London Theatre. This is a London based course. It is designed primarily to take advantage of what this great theatre-going city has to offer. The plays and performances in the city's repertory during the semester will determine part of its content. One point should be noted: this course entails a good deal of reading of both plays and criticism and is dependent on it. Four or more plays will be studied in depth, but students taking this course will be expected to acquaint themselves with at least four others.

THEA 30133 Playwriting. Laboratory studio course in the study and practice in the art of writing plays for the theatre, including dramatic structure, dialogue, and characterization. Students will complete a variety of writing assignments, including a one-act play.

THEA 30301 Advanced Theatre Performance. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Practical experience in acting, for juniors and seniors, related directly to major roles in TCU stage productions. May be repeated for credit, for 1 - 8 hours.

THEA 30303 Acting III. Prerequisite: THEA 20343 or permission of instructor. A student actor's introduction to classical acting techniques. A laboratory class exploring approaches to language based classical text ( both verse and prose), designed to develop skills applicable to a variety of period performance styles.

THEA 30313 Voice and Text. Prerequisite: THEA 20303, theatre major and permission of instructor. Laboratory course designed to further expand vocal skills through their application to a variety of texts, and the mastery of the tools of phrasing, stressing, and inflection for clear communication.

THEA 30323 Stage Combat. Prerequisite: THEA 20323 or permission of instructor. A performance course to analyze and develop the physical performance skill of stage combat in the areas of Unarmed Combat, Quarterstaff, and Rapier and Dagger sword work.

THEA 30333 Advanced Movement for Actors. Prerequisites: THEA 20323. Advanced physical training for stage actors, including work on body alignment, space and picturization, and conditioning and breathing techniques.

THEA 30403 Directing. Prerequisite: THEA 20343 or permission of instructor. Laboratory course exploring the fundamentals of directing for the stage, emphasizing application of script analysis, composition, picturization, movement, stage business, focus and rhythm through a realized project.

THEA 30503 Introduction to Stage Lighting. Basic lighting design and implementation for theatrical production with emphasis on the technical aspects of lighting.

THEA 30513 Computer Graphics for Theatre. Prerequisite: THEA 10613. Study and practice in computer technology related to design in the theatre.

THEA 30600 Design/Technical Workshop. An individual study course designed to allow students to develop their skills by working through the design process in assigned theatre projects. 1-3 hours.

THEA 30601 Advanced Theatre Production. Prerequisites: THEA 10601 and/or permission of instructor. Practical experience in theatre production leadership, directly related to major stage presentations. Development of organizational and personnel supervision skills.

THEA 30623 Scene Painting. Prerequisite: THEA 10603. Practicum in the techniques of painting scenery for the stage.

THEA 30630 Scene Design. Prerequisite: THEA 10613 or permission of instructor. Basic principles and techniques of scene design explored through rendering and model building. 3-12 s.h., 3 hrs. max. per sem.

THEA 30713 Pattern Drafting and Draping. Prerequisite: THEA 20713 or permission of instructor. Laboratory techniques in drafting patterns for historical costumes.

THEA 30720 Costume Design. Prerequisite: THEA 10613 or permission of instructor. Basic principles of costume design explored through the study of fabric and rendering. 3-12 s.h., 3 hrs. max. per sem.

THEA 30800 Theatre Internship. Theatre Internship.

THEA 40003 Senior Honors Seminar. Students with outstanding talent may use the design or directing of a production or the performance of a demanding role as material for an analytical paper.

THEA 40123 History of Scene Design. An examination of the evolution of scenic art from the Renaissance to the present through the use of slides and lecture with special attention given to the similarities in easel painting and architectural movements as they influenced the scenic art.

THEA 40133 History of Costume. A lecture/discussion course covering the major historical periods of Western dress in which students learn to research and develop specific projects.

THEA 40143 Modern Trends in Theatre. This course, usually taught in London, illumines the complex process of making theatre. Through an examination of contemporary artists and institutions, the course examines: Whose theatre is it actor, playwright, director, producer, or audience/critic?

THEA 40203 Musical Theatre Performance. Prerequisite: THEA 20343. Music laboratory course exploring and refining techniques necessary for musical performance. Emphasis on integration of acting, singing and dancing through performance.

THEA 40213 Advanced Musical Theatre Performance. Prerequisites: THEA 20343, 40203. Advanced music laboratory course exploring and refining techniques necessary for musical performance. Emphasis on integration of acting, singing and dancing through performance.

THEA 40303 Acting IV. Prerequisite: THEA 30303 or permission of instructor. An advanced laboratory course exploring styles of acting; including absurdism and non-traditional acting approaches to classical literature.

THEA 40353 On-Camera Acting. Also RTVF Prerequisite: THEA 30303 or permission. An advanced course in acting designed to acquaint the student with changes in technique that are necessary for performance before the film or television camera.

THEA 40423 Advanced Directing. Prerequisite: THEA 30403 or permission of instructor. Continuation of 30403 with greater emphasis on the fundamentals of directing through an extensive realized directing project developed by the student.

THEA 40543 Advanced Stage Lighting. Prerequisite: THEA 30503 or permission of instructor. Course of study in the aesthetics of stage lighting and special effects.

THEA 40553 Dance Lighting. Prerequisite: THEA 30503 or permission of instructor. A lecture/lab course in the development of dance lighting design and implementation with a study of various designers and their techniques.

THEA 40603 Advanced Stagecraft. Prerequisite: THEA 10603. An advanced course in technical theatre, including advanced study and practical work in scenic construction, rigging, handling and painting of scenery for the stage.

THEA 40800 Individual Study in Theatre. Independent research or studio/ performance projects in any facet of theatre study. 3-6 hours.

THEA 40853 Managing a Performance Career. (Also RTVF) Prerequisite: Theatre major or permission of instructor. A study of business practices designed to help the graduating student locate and secure employment in the performing arts, musical theatre, theatre commercials, television and film.

THEA 40970 TCU in London. Directed Study.

THEA 50300 Problems in Acting. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Projects in acting utilizing scenes or roles for study and performance. 1-6 semester hours.

THEA 50400 Problems in Directing. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Individual projects for the advanced study of directing. 3-6 semester hours.

THEA 50600 Problems in Scenography. 3-6 sem. hrs.)

THEA 50623 Advanced Stage Lighting. The functions of stage lighting. Lighting theory through the twentieth century. Lighting control from the simplest forms to the state-of-the-art controls. Includes practical application of color theory, design and distribution.

THEA 50700 Problems in Costuming and Makeup. Individual or class projects in one area: costume design, costume research, makeup prosthetics/mask construction, wig making, rendering techniques, plastics and celastic; jewelry making. 3-6 hours.

THEA 50733 Advanced Pattern Drafting. Techniques in drafting complex period and other costume patterns for the stage.

THEA 50743 Advanced Costume Design. Prerequisite: THEA 50733. Practicum in the techniques of design and rendering.

THEA 50800 Theatre Internship.

THEA 50803 Theatre Management. The administrative and fiscal techniques of managing performing arts groups.

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