Theater Arts
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The interdisciplinary program in Theater Arts offers coursework in acting, directing, playwriting, and technical theater, as well as the history of theater and dramatic literature. Students may pursue Theater Arts either as a Minor or as a Concentration within the Bachelor of Liberal Arts major. The Minor requires 18 to 24 credits, with 6 credits at the 300 level or above. The Concentration requires 24 to 30 credits, half of which must be at the 300 level or above.
For additional information:Theater Arts Program - O'Leary Library, Room 421
Phone: 978-934-4185 Contact us
For either the Minor or Concentration, courses should be distributed among the following 3 categories:
1. Theater arts workshops. At least 6 credits.
59.219 Introduction to Theater
59.252 Stagecraft
59.261 Acting I
59.262 Acting II
42.304 Playwriting
59.343 Directing Workshop
59.384/42.384 Working with the Playscript
59.386 Theatrical Design
59.390 Classics in Performance
59.414 Topics in Theater
59.459 Theater Production Workshop
59.494 Directed Study in Theater
2. Dramatic literature and music. At least 6 credits.
42.210 Drama
42.218 Comedy
42.348 Modern American Drama
42.361 Restoration Comedy
42.362 Modern Drama
42.363 English Renaissance Drama
42.384 Working with the Playscript
42.423 Shakespeare I
42.424 Shakespeare II
50.442 Theater and Anti-Theater
55.351 Classical Drama
58.305 Theater and the Visual Arts
74.356 American Musical Theater
3. Practicum in theater. 3 credits. A part-time, full-semester internship at a local professional theater. Must be arranged through the Program Director during pre-registration period.
59.495 Practicum in Theater
Students may designate courses within their major for their Theater Arts minor, provided that the number of credits in their major does not exceed 45.
Course Descriptions
For descriptions of approved English, Music, Languages, and Art courses, see the appropriate departmental listings.
59.252 Stagecraft
An introduction to the basic elements of technical theater through a combination of classroom and hands-on training. 3 cr.
59.261 Acting I (also 42.261)
Theory and practice of acting including exercises in the elements and methods of acting and the preparation of a public performance. 3 cr.
59.262 Acting II (also 42.262)
A continuation of 59.261. Prerequisite: 59.262 or the instructors permission. 3 cr.
59.343 Directing Workshop
Introduction to the process and responsibilities of directing plays of different styles. Students will direct scenes with other members of the workshop and their work will be analyzed by the instructor and their fellow students. 3 cr.
59.304 Playwriting I (also 42.304)
Theory and practice of playwriting, Conducted as a workshop with close analysis of student work. 3 cr.
59.367 Playwriting II (also 42.367)
Advanced workshop in writing plays. Prerequisite: 59.304 or the instructor's permission. 3 cr.
59.384 Working with the Playscript (also 42.384)
A hands-on introduction to the dramatic text as a script intended for production. Conducted as a seminar/workshop with attention to both the critical interpretation and staging of a variety of dramatic forms. 3 cr.
59.386 Theatrical Design
An introduction to the various aspects of theatrical design: lighting, costuming, and set design. 3 cr.
59.390 Classics in Performance
A studio performance class focusing on the work of the actor in performance of major plays from various historical periods. Class will culminate in either a showcase of scenes or a production of a selected text. 3 cr.
59.414 Topics in Theater
Advanced study of a selected area of theatrical production, history texts or theory, taking into consideration the strengths and interests of current students in the program and the instructor. 3 cr.
59.459 Theater Production Workshop
Production of a full-length play or showcase of scenes, leading to a public performance. 3 cr.
59.495 Practicum in Theater
A part-time, full-semester, internship at an approved off-campus theater. To be arranged through the Program Coordinator during pre-registration period.
3 cr.
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