Theatre (THE)

THE 108. Principles of Stagecraft. 4 Hours.

This fundamental course in theatre comprises theoretical and practical approaches to the various areas of theatre production. The course introduces students to a variety of tools and methods and challenges them to solve various problems through creative and collaborative means while experiencing the real-time production of a UIS Theatre production. Course Information: This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Visual, Creative, and Performing Arts. IAI Major Code: TA 911.

THE 109. Production Support I. 0 Hours.

Students will serve in an assigned crew, publicity, or administrative position for mainstage production of UIS Theatre. This course should be taken concurrently with, or within two semesters of completing, THE 108. All students are eligible to enroll in this course. Course information: This course is a graduation requirement of all Theatre majors.

THE 121. Influencers: Classical Plays and the Movies They Inspire. 3 Hours.

Many films borrow story lines that were invented by some of theatre's original superstars. In this course students will examine dramatic structure and themes to become cultural critics regarding what makes these stories relevant to modern audiences, as well as create their own updated takes on classical ideas. Course Information: This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of First-Year Seminar and Humanities.

THE 201. Script Analysis. 3 Hours.

Through the study of various plays and genres, students will learn to analyze plays focusing on concepts and terminology associated with dramatic literature. Scripts will be examined via class discussions and written assignments, and students will analyze plays in a manner that is vital for all performing artists, directors, designers and dramaturges.

THE 208. Principles of Costume Construction and Stage Makeup. 3 Hours.

Students will explore technical methods of cutting, draping, and assembling costumes and other accessories of the stage, as well as creating and implementing makeup designs appropriate to various genres of theatre. Course Information: This course is required of all Theatre majors, but is not limited to Theatre students.

THE 209. Production Support II. 0 Hours.

Students will serve in an assigned crew, publicity, or administrative position for mainstage production of UIS Theatre. This course should be taken concurrently with, or within two semesters of completing, THE 208. All students are eligible to enroll in this course. Course Information: This course is a graduation requirement of all Theatre majors.

THE 273. Principles of Acting. 4 Hours.

Principles of acting is an exploratory and performance-oriented class where students learn the fundamentals of acting, how to create exciting characters, and how to prepare for stage-performance. Various physical and vocal exercises in relaxation, concentration, and creativity as well as work in scenes, monologues, and the process of acting are covered. Course Information: This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Visual, Creative, and Performing Arts.

THE 274. Theatre Appreciation. 3 Hours.

This introduction to theatre course is a survey and analysis of dramatic forms, significant genres, historical periods, plays, playwrights, and other artists of the theatre. Students read plays, attend productions of plays, discuss the work of many major theatre artists as well as support their own views of what they have read and seen. Course Information: This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the areas of Humanities and Visual, Creative, and Performing Arts (Fine Arts - IAI Code: F1 907).

THE 308. Principles of Theatre Design. 3 Hours.

An introduction to the various design elements and processes involved in scenic, lighting and costume design for the stage. Course work will include, but is not limited to, class lecture/discussion, as well as creative design projects.

THE 310. Topics in Theatre Production. 3,4 Hours.

Project-based classroom, studio, or travel courses exploring the techniques and practices used in the production of professional theatre, film, and other live performance events. Topic is selected by the instructor and varies in each semester offered. May be repeated for credit, with different topics, up to 4 times.

THE 320. Topics in Dramatic Literature. 3 Hours.

A survey and investigation of the dramatic texts of a particular playwright, period, genre, social grouping, or ethnic tradition. Topic is selected by the instructor and varies from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit with different topics, up to 6 times.

THE 323. Voice and Movement. 4 Hours.

Explores the voice and body as instruments of expression in performance and daily communication. The course will focus on vocal and physical exercises for a more accessible performing instrument. Course activities will include various physical and vocal explorations, exercises, improvisations, and non-verbal performance projects. Course Information: Same as COM 323.

THE 325. Women Playwrights. 3 Hours.

Examination / analysis of plays by and about women, focusing primarily on US women playwrights. The course covers the intellectual, emotional, cultural, social, and political qualities of these plays and how they shed light on social issues involving women in the US - such as race, gender, sexual orientation, and social inequalities. Course Information: Same as ENG 332 and WGS 332.

THE 327. Playwriting. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on the study and practice of writing plays, exploring dramatic construction, character dialogue, and plot. Course work includes various creative playwriting exercises, as well as reading articles and plays, along with discussions and analyses of writing assignments, culminating in a final playwriting project.

THE 334. Entrepreneurship in the Arts. 3 Hours.

Intro to the theory and practice of entrepreneurship as it is related to the fine arts. Offers students an essential understanding of how creative thinking can contribute to the entrepreneurial process and how entrepreneurial skills can contribute to the building of an artistic career. Course Information: Same as BUS 334, ART 334, and MUS 334. This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Visual, Creative, and Performing Arts.

THE 370. Topics in Performance. 3,4 Hours.

A survey and investigation of a particular specialization area of performance not readily available in existing course offerings. Topics may include: auditioning, dialects, acting for the camera, and other unique performances areas. Topic is selected by the instructor and varies in each semester offered. Course Information: May be repeated for credit, with different topics, up to 4 times.

THE 373. Intermediate Acting. 4 Hours.

A more in-depth continuation of the concepts studied in "Principles of Acting," focusing on an approach to acting that is universally applicable to various genres and styles. Contemporary material, as well as other periods and styles, will be explored. Course Information: Prerequisites: THE 273 or equivalent.

THE 375. Stage Combat. 4 Hours.

Introduces students to the principles of stage combat, with safety being the priority and convincing conflicts being the goal. Students begin the semester studying unarmed stage combat in a variety of scene work and exercises. Depending on the proficiency of the class, by the end of the semester, students may be introduced to working with appropriate stage weapons such as the broadsword, rapier, and dagger.

THE 381. Theatre History I. 3 Hours.

Surveys the evolution of theatre as an art form from ancient Greece (5th century B.C.) and related ancient civilizations/times through 19th century Europe. Course Information: This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Humanities.

THE 382. Theatre History II. 3 Hours.

Surveys the ongoing evolution of theatre as an art form from the 19th century through the present day from Europe to North America. Students learn to recognize theatrical forms and styles of production across cultures and centuries. An expanding variety of plays and genres are explored.

THE 475. Theatre Practicum. 1,2 Hour.

Student serve as either actors or technical support for the current UIS theatre production. Students are responsible for attending all scheduled rehearsals, call-times, and/or meetings per the rehearsal schedule, including but not limited to tech and dress rehearsals, performances and "strike." Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of 4 hours.

THE 476. Directing for the Theatre. 4 Hours.

Examination of fundamentals of directing for the theatre and other directing concepts including script analysis, creation of promptbooks, blocking, working with various theatre artists and adapting to spaces. In-class and out-of-class work, including scheduled rehearsals. Course Information: Same as COM 476.

THE 477. Playing Shakespeare. 4 Hours.

A combination of survey and rehearsal of Shakespeare's works, along with practical applications for performance. Course work will include analysis of select Shakespeare plays, as well as rehearsals and performances of scenes and/or monologues from those plays. Course Information: Same as ENG 342.

THE 489. Senior Capstone. 2 Hours.

This course is an opportunity for students to evaluate and integrate their previous coursework, training, and experience in theatre. Students will be exposed to information skills and strategies necessary for survival in the professional world, including resume writing, project proposals, auditioning, and/or design submissions. Course Information: Prerequisites: Senior Status.

THE 499. Tutorial. 1-4 Hours.

Intended to supplement, not supplant, regular course offerings. Students interested in a tutorial must secure the consent of the faculty member concerned before registration and submit any required documentation to him or her. Independent study. Specialized instruction; students may arrange for special courses on otherwise unavailable topics, subject to availability. Course Information: May be repeated to maximum of 8 hours if topics vary.