Southwestern University
2001-2002 Catalog
Southwestern University: A Statement
The Academic Program
Degree Requirements
Academic Regulations
Course Descriptions
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Sarofim School of Fine Arts
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THEATRE DEPARTMENT
The Sarofim School of Fine Arts
Professor Rick Roemer, PhD, Chair
& Artistic Director
Associate Professor Kathleen Juhl,
MFA/PhD
Assistant Professor Kerry Bechtel, MFA, Resident Costume
Designer
Assistant Professor John Ore, MFA
Assistant Professor Desiderio
Roybal, MFA, Resident Scene Designer
Assistant Professor Jamie Smith
Cantara, PhD (part-time)
Assistant Professor Dan Dietz, MFA
(part-time)
Instructor Judy Thompson-Price, BS (part-time)
The
Department of Theatre has as its objectives: to afford a cultural background in
the art of the theatre and to develop an understanding of its contribution to
our culture; to develop an appreciation for creative expression in the process
of making theatre; to furnish a functioning theatre for the University and the
community; to provide experience for the development of professional competence
through studies in theatre history and literature, theatre production, and
performance.
The course work for the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre is
rigorous and is intended to serve only those seeking professional training or
desiring an intensive program of theatre studies. Students majoring in theatre
are admitted as provisional candidates for the degree when they enter the
University. At the end of the sophomore year students are required to audition
and/or present a portfolio to the faculty for admission to full candidacy.
All theatre majors, whether pursuing a BA or BFA degree, are required to
audition for all departmental productions or apply to the faculty for exemption.
Students interested in major design, management, and technical positions must
apply, interview, and present a portfolio of their work in order to be
considered for these positions. The first audition or application for production
work during a student’s first year will constitute application to the
School of Fine Arts for formal admission.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
General Education Requirements Common to All Degrees 38 hrs
Fitness and
Recreational Activity 2 hrs
Approved electives in any discipline 19 hrs
THEATRE PRODUCTION AND PERFORMANCE (37 hrs)
Theatre Laboratory
(73-111 for seven semesters) 7 hrs
Makeup for the Theatre (73-113) 3 hrs
Design Processes for the Theatre (73-163) 3 hrs
Performance Processes for
Actors (73-283) 3 hrs
Scene Study (73-503) 3 hrs
Directing for the Theatre
(73-893) 3 hrs
Advanced Production for Theatre—Capstone (73-923) 3 hrs
Two courses in Advanced Design from: 6 hrs
Costume Design
(73-793)
Scenic Design (73-803)
Lighting Design (73-823)
Audio
Technology & Design (73-833)
Scenic Elements and Stage Properties
(73-843)
Contemporary Styles Acting (73-513) 3 hrs
Period Styles Acting
(73-813) 3 hrs
THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE (15 hrs)
History of the
Theatre I and II (74-233 and 243) 6 hrs
Three courses in Advanced Literature
from: 9 hrs
Playwriting (74-313)
Studies in Contemporary Drama
(74-583)
Studies in World Drama (74-593)
Shakespeare
(74-703)
Professional Specialization 10 hrs
Choose the courses that
reflect your interests.
Theatre Dance (73-413)
Intro to
Performance Studies (73-173)
Advanced Performance Studies
(73-713)
Feminism and Performance (73-723)
Creative Dramatics
(73-273)
Management for the Theatre (74-673)
Stage Management for the
Theatre (74-853)
Summer Theatre Repertory (73-863)
Theatre Performance
Practicum (73-101 or 73-201)
Theatre Production Practicum
(73-221)
Selected Topics (73/74-301, 302, 303)
Independent Study
(73/74-951,952,953)
Internship (73/74-943)
Honors (73/74-983)
NOTE:
Student must have a grade point of 3.5 or above and be invited by the theatre
faculty in order to complete an Honors Project. Honors projects are completed
during both the fall and spring semesters of the senior year and are worth six
credit hours, three of which count as capstone hours.)
Total, including
approved electives, to complete a minimum of 121 hrs.
In addition to
the requirements listed above, all Theatre majors are required to participate
consistently and actively in the production activities of the Department of
Theatre.
Each spring semester, all BFA students are required to present an
audition and/or portfolio to the faculty for review. Students will be presented
with guidelines for this yearly review when they declare interest in pursuing
the BFA degree. Students must show proficiency during this yearly presentation
in order to maintain BFA status. In addition, BFA candidates are required to
present an audition or portfolio to prospective employers at a major theatre
conference audition such as the Southwestern Theatre Association, Southeastern
Theatre Conference, USITT, American College Theatre Festival, or other approved
conferences or audition sites.
A significant production or internship
project is required of all BFA theatre majors during the senior year. This
fulfills the capstone experience requirement for the BFA. It is recommended that
the capstone requirement be fulfilled during the semester that the student is
not enrolled in Theatre Laboratory.
Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre is designed to provide students with a solid
background in theatre history, literature, performance, and production. Many
students who choose the Bachelor of Arts degree option have double majors
because they have other major intellectual or disciplinary interests or
interests in teacher certification.
General Education Requirements Common
to All Degrees 38 hrs
Fitness and Recreational Activity 2 hrs
Specific
additional requirements common to all Bachelor of Arts degrees, including 14
hours or a modern or classical language, an upper level course in religion and
approved electives in any discipline. 44 hrs
THEATRE PRODUCTION AND
PERFORMANCE (22 hrs)
Theatre Laboratory (73-111 for seven semesters) 7
hrs
Design Processes for the Theatre (73-163) 3 hrs
Performance Processes
for Actors (73-283) 3 hrs
Scene Study (73-503) 3 hrs
Advanced Production
for the Theatre—Capstone (73-923) 3 hrs
One course in advanced design
from: 3 hrs
Costume Design (73-793)
Scenic Design
(73-803)
Lighting Design (73-823)
Audio Technology and Design
(73-833)
Scenic Elements and Stage Properties (73-843)
THEATRE
HISTORY AND LITERATURE 9 hrs
History of the Theatre I or II (74-233, or
243) 3 hrs
Two Courses in Advanced Theatre Literature from: 6 hrs
Studies in Contemporary Drama (74-583)
Studies in World Drama
(74-593)
Playwriting (74-313)
Shakespeare (74-703)
BA
ELECTIVES 6 hrs
Choose two courses that reflect your
interests.
Theatre Dance (73-413)
Contemporary Styles-Acting
(73-513)
Period Styles-Acting (73-813)
Intro to Performance Studies
(73-173)
Advanced Performance Studies (73-713)
Feminism and Performance
(73-723)
Creative Dramatics (73-273)
Management for the Theatre
(74-673)
Stage Management for the Theatre (74-853)
Summer Theatre
Repertory (73-863)
Theatre Performance Practicum (73-101 or
73-201)
Theatre Production Practicum (73-221)
Selected Topics
(73/74-301, 302, 303)
Independent Study (73/74-951,952,953)
Honors
(73/74-983)
NOTE: Students must have a GPA of 3.5 or above and be invited by
the theatre faculty in order to complete an Honors Project. Honors projects are
completed during both the fall and spring semesters of the senior year and are
worth 6 credit hours, three of which count as capstone hours.
In
addition to the requirements listed above, all BA Theatre majors are expected to
participate in the production activities of the Department of Theatre. A
significant production project or internship will be required of all BA Theatre
majors. This fulfills the capstone experience requirement for this degree. It is
recommended that the capstone requirement be fulfilled during the semester that
the student is not enrolled in Theatre Laboratory.
TEACHER
CERTIFICATION
Students interested in teacher certification must take 6
education courses plus other courses specified in the Department of Education
section of this catalog.
THEATRE MINOR
A minor in Theatre may be
obtained by completing 18 semester hours of Theatre, 12 semester hours of which
must be above the introductory level. Two semesters of Theatre Laboratory
(73-111) are also required. The Theatre minor may be taken in conjunction with
any other major program.
Theatre Production and Performance (THE)
†73-101, 201 THEATRE PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM. Main-stage
productions are open to all University students. One hour of credit is granted
for each production experience. This course may be repeated for up to four
semester hours of credit. All theatre performance classes taken after the second
semester count as advanced courses. Prerequisite: Must be cast in a role in a
main-stage production. (POK-Aesthetic Experience: Performance)
†73-111 THEATRE LABORATORY. Required of all theatre majors
during seven semesters in residence at Southwestern University. This course
focuses on the different aspects of technical theatre as they apply to
departmental productions. May be repeated for up to seven semester hours credit.
(POK-Aesthetic Experience: Performance)
73-113 MAKEUP FOR THE
THEATRE. Theory, design, and practice in the art of stage makeup. Course
focuses on the development of skills necessary for the practicing theatre
artist.
73-163 DESIGN PROCESSES FOR THE THEATRE. As the
pre-requisite for all further studies in design, this introductory course
examines the collaborative nature of technical theatre design, utilizing the
department’s resident scenic, costume and lighting/sound designers. A
survey of ten plays will provide a chronological backdrop of western theatre for
the study of script analysis and production design. This chronological path
should also allow exploration of each play’s time period from a
sociological and architectural perspective. The format of this class will vary
from discussion to lecture to group activities.
†73-173 INTRODUCTION
TO PERFORMANCE STUDIES. This course focuses on performance as an activity
which can lead to enhanced literary and cultural analysis and understanding.
Topics and activities include everyday life performance, improvisation,
theatrical performance, cultural performance, and the performance of
non-dramatic literature. Also Communication 75-173 and Women’s Studies
04-173. (POK-Aesthetic Experience: Performance)
73-221 THEATRE
PRODUCTION PRACTICUM. One hour of credit is granted for stage management and
design positions for main-stage theatre productions. This course may be repeated
for up to four semester hours of credit. Prerequisite: Must be chosen for a
stage management or design position for a main-stage
production.
†73-273 CREATIVE DRAMATICS/THEATRE FOR YOUTH. The
purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the field of creative
dramatics and theatre for youth through lecture, demonstration, classroom
workshops, and attendance at theatre for youth performances. The student will
learn skills necessary to work with young people on language and communication,
problem solving, creativity, positive self-concept, social awareness, empathy
and an understanding of the art of theatre. Elementary and junior high age
groups will be emphasized. (POK-Aesthetic Experience:
Performance)
73-283 PERFORMANCE PROCESSES FOR ACTORS. This course is
designed to introduce students to the process of acting, including trusting and
using instincts, making interesting and challenging character choices, analyzing
scripts for dramatic action and conflict, and the relationship of an actor to
the text and the theatre as a whole. Students will be introduced to and begin
to learn to use the basic techniques every actor uses to create active, engaging
and truthful life on stage. Students will also learn how to work collaboratively
with a partner or as part of an ensemble.
†73-293 INTRODUCTION TO
ACTING. Study and practice of basic acting skills including movement, voice,
dynamics, exploration of the self, improvisation, character analysis, and
rehearsal process. Students will also learn auditioning techniques. Substantial
written and performance work is required. (POK-Aesthetic Experience:
Performance)
†73-413 THEATRE DANCE. Preparation and execution of
basic movement exercises, jazz, tap, and modern dance and their application to
choreography for musical theatre. Also Dance 79-413. (POK-Aesthetic
Experience: Performance)
73-503 SCENE STUDY. This course is an
investigation and development of a character that further strengthens techniques
of personalization, character and scene analysis and character motivation
through action. Additionally, through scene study of realistic dramas, this
course investigates the physical life of a character, together with the
technical and imaginative development of voice and body skills as a means of
achieving fully realized and engaging characterizations.
73-513
CONTEMPORARY STYLES—ACTING. Study and practice of 20th century acting
techniques through research, analysis work, and performance. Prerequisite:
Theatre 73-293. (Alternate years)
73-713 ADVANCED PERFORMANCE
STUDIES. A course which focuses on performance as a field of knowledge and a
way of knowing. Topics will include cultural performance, literary performance,
and performance art. Also Communication 75-713 and Women’s Studies 04-713.
Prerequisite: Theatre 73-173 or 73-293.
73-723 FEMINISM AND
PERFORMANCE. A course focusing on the ways culture has constructed the
performance of gender on stage, in everyday life, and in the media. Also
Communication 75-723 and Women’s Studies 04-723. Prerequisite:
Women’s Studies 04-103.
73-793 COSTUME DESIGN. A study of the
art and practice of theatrical costume design. The course will cover both the
aesthetics of costume design and the basic history of fashion from the ancient
period to the modern. Special attention will be given to the application of
historic fashion to costuming for the stage. Students will present design
concepts in a series of renderings for selected periods and plays. Prerequisite:
Theatre 73-163.
73-803 SCENIC DESIGN. A study of the art and
practice of theatrical scenic design. The focus of the course will be on the
traditional approaches to scenic design and a study of the elements of
composition as they apply to scenery. Students will work with different
theatrical styles and settings and will present design concepts through painted
renderings and/or models as well as draftings. The use of the computer as a
design tool will also be studied and used as an aid in the creation of assigned
designs. Prerequisite: Theatre 73-163.
73-813 PERIOD
STYLES—ACTING. Focuses on presentational acting styles and the history
of the art of acting. Study includes character and scene analysis and the
performance of scenes and audition material from a variety of theatrical
periods. Prerequisite: Theatre 73-293.
73-823 LIGHTING DESIGN. A
study of the art and practice of theatrical lighting and lighting design.
Students are introduced to the technical skills necessary to handle stage
lighting and to the skills necessary to develop lighting designs for the theatre
and dance. Additional topics include the use of color, lighting in alternate
spaces, and lighting for various styles of the theatre. Student designs are
presented through visual presentations and drafted light plots. The use of the
computer as a design tool will also be studied and used as an aid in the
creation of assigned designs. Prerequisite: Theatre 73-163.
73-833 AUDIO
TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN. This course informs on two topics: the use of audio
technology as a reinforcement tool, specifically the various equipment used for
sound in the theatre, i.e. speaker, cable, digital recording, etc. The course
also covers sound design and effects as a reinforcement for a play’s
theme, style, mood and genre, including how to design sound to effectively
support the characters and plot of a play.
73-843 SCENIC ELEMENTS AND
STAGE PROPERTIES. This course specializes in the area of scenic building and
properties production for the stage. Areas covered include basic sewing for the
stage and more advanced prop fabrication. From initial script analysis for
props, to working with designers, directors, stage management and prop
assistants, the student will explore ways to build/buy/borrow or find the props
best suited to the production.
73-863 SUMMER THEATRE REPERTORY.
73-893 DIRECTING FOR THE THEATRE. Principles and practices of
directing. Includes detailed analysis of the playscript and directing of
laboratory or workshop productions.
73-923 ADVANCED PRODUCTION FOR THE
THEATRE. This course provides a student director, designer, or actor with a
platform to exercise his/her skills in a performance situation. This course is
limited to senior theatre majors and is designed to serve as the capstone
project for the BA and BFA degrees.
73-301, 302, 303 SELECTED TOPICS. Special studies not in the regular curriculum to be offered on student request. May be repeated with change in topic.
73-943 ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP.
73-951, 952, 953 INDEPENDENT
STUDY. May be repeated with change in content.
73-983 HONORS.
Theatre History, Literature, and Professional (THE)
†74-113 THEATRE ARTS IN LONDON. A theoretical and experiential
survey of the art of the theatre, its past and present, with an emphasis on the
role of theatre within the society and the techniques employed to achieve its
purpose. Emphasis will be upon attending performances in London. This course is
taught by faculty from Goldsmith College, University of London. An additional
fee is levied to pay for admission to theatre performances.
(POK-Aesthetic Experience: Lecture) (Fall in London Program
only)
†74-233 HISTORY OF THE THEATRE I. The study of the early
evolution of theatrical production and literature. Also Women’s Studies
04-313. (POK-American and Western Cultural
Heritage)
†74-243 HISTORY OF THE THEATRE II. The study of the
modern and contemporary evolution of theatrical production and literature.
(POK-American and Western Cultural Heritage)
74-313
PLAYWRITING. Theory and practices of playwriting. Includes the writing of
scripts for theatre reading and production. Also English
10-313.
†74-583 STUDIES IN CONTEMPORARY DRAMA. The study of
contemporary plays, illustrating recent developments in dramatic literature and
performance. Also English 10-583. (POK-Aesthetic Experience:
Lecture)
†74-593 STUDIES IN WORLD DRAMA. The study of world
theatre and representative plays, illustrating the development of drama and
theatre in its various forms and styles. Also English 10-593 and Women’s
Studies 04-593. (POK-American and Western Cultural Heritage)
74-673 MANAGEMENT FOR THE THEATRE. Studies in all the managerial
areas involved in promoting and producing theatre in the educational, community,
and professional theatre.
74-703 SHAKESPEARE. See English 10-703.
74-853 STAGE MANAGEMENT FOR THE THEATRE. An introduction to stage
management for commercial and non-commercial theatre. The course will include
discussion of the stage manager’s responsibilities as well as the
development of the skills necessary to perform effectively as a stage manager
for a theatrical production. Prerequisite: Theatre 73-163. (Alternate years)
74-301, 302, 303 SELECTED TOPICS. Special studies not in the regular curriculum to be offered on student request. May be repeated with change in topic.
74-943 ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP.
74-951, 952, 953 INDEPENDENT
STUDY. May be repeated with change in content.
74-983 HONORS.
Dance (DAN)
A minor in dance may be obtained by taking 18 semester hours of dance, 12 semester hours of which must be above the introductory level, and may be taken in conjunction with any major program at Southwestern. Dance is a natural companion to majors in theatre, music, art, and kinesiology.
†79-203 BALLET. A study of basic foot, arm, and body position in
ballet. The student is introduced to the barre for fundamental ballet exercises,
followed by center practice and combination of dance steps.
(POK-Aesthetic
Experience: Performance)
†79-243 HISTORY
OF DANCE. A survey of the development of humankind through dance from
primitive times to the twentieth century, with a special focus on ballet and
dance in America. (POK-Aesthetic Experience:
Lecture)
†79-403 MODERN DANCE. Education in body movement
through dance techniques designed to teach an understanding of rhythm and
relaxation and a presentation of basic movement problems. (POK-Aesthetic
Experience: Performance)
†79-413 THEATRE DANCE. See Theatre
73-413. (POK-Aesthetic Experience: Performance)
†79-503 JAZZ
DANCE. A study of jazz technique, free style movement, floor and barre work,
and combinations. The purpose of this course is to provide the student with a
wider range of body movement and a creative means of expression for theatre
dance. (POK-Aesthetic Experience: Performance)
†79-603 TAP
DANCE. An introduction to tap dance techniques, emphasizing the use of this
dance in theatrical performance. (POK-Aesthetic Experience:
Performance)
79-803 DANCE REPERTORY. Emphasis is on learning new techniques through combined movement phrases and by learning one dance and/or sections from others. Prerequisites: Any two of the following: ballet, jazz, or modern dance. May be repeated for up to six hours of credit.