Select a different Catalog:
2008 - 2009 Catalog
Theatre Arts
Theatre Arts 111
541-552-6346
Chris Sackett, Chair
The Department of Theatre Arts offers educational and practical experience in all areas of theatre, including acting, directing, costuming, stage scenery and lighting, sound, makeup, management, dramatic literature, and theatre history. Theatre arts majors participate in the department’s active and ambitious production program and experience the close working relationships that develop between faculty and students as they produce live theatre together.
Through its presentation of classic and contemporary dramatic works, the Theatre Arts Department contributes significantly to the social and cultural enrichment of the SOU and southern Oregon communities. Dedicated to creating opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills in practical ways, the department not only supplies performance opportunities for students, but it also mounts productions that are often designed and predominantly executed by students.
The Theatre Arts Department maintains a positive formal relationship with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF). Adjunct faculty, guest artists, and lecturers from OSF enhance the department’s curriculum. Students of merit may be recommended for internship positions during their junior and senior years.
As an Oregon University System designated Center of Excellence in the Fine and Performing Arts, SOU aims to provide high-quality education within a framework of an intensive program of preprofessional training. Fundamental to this mission are making the living art of theatre an essential element of theatre students’ training and an academic resource and culturally enriching the campus and community at large. Learning in this department is a collaborative experience that encourages professional standards in the studio, the classroom, and the production experience.
Degrees
BA or BS in Theatre Arts
BFA in Theatre
Master of Theatre Studies in Production and Design
Minor
Theatre Arts
Admission to the Theatre Program
Whether incoming freshmen or transfers, all students wishing to pursue a theatre arts major are admitted to SOU as theatre pre-majors and must apply to the Department of Theatre Arts for formal admission to the major within their first three terms as pre-majors. Application forms are available in the department office.
The theatre arts faculty considers applications for theatre major status from transfer students during winter term. Freshman applications for theatre major status will be considered during spring term. However, students who clearly demonstrate that they meet the criteria for admission may have their applications approved prior to their third term. Also, students who do not meet department standards by the end of their third term may not be accepted into the major.
The department limits the number of students admitted to the major. Priority is given to students who:
- possess the intellect, interest, and aptitude to successfully complete the academic requirements of the theatre arts degree program, as demonstrated by a 2.75 cumulative GPA and a 3.00 GPA in the major;
- demonstrate that they can meet their responsibilities and obligations to both the intellectual and production life of the department, as evidenced by GPA in major classes and work undertaken in Theatre Practice (TA 255 and 455); and
- will contribute to the creative and scholarly activities of the program and exercise a positive influence on the learning environment.
The department chair notifies each student of formal acceptance to the theatre major and assigns the student a faculty advisor. The chair utilizes the above criteria to determine the master roster of new majors being admitted to the department.
Transfer Students
To facilitate a fluid transition into the program, transfer students are strongly encouraged to contact the department at least two full terms prior to arrival at SOU. Transfer students should arrange for an audition and/or interview, which will determine appropriate placement within the training sequence. Students interested in a performance (acting) emphasis must contact Dennis Smith, head of the acting program, to arrange an audition for appropriate placement in the acting sequence. Students with a scenic design or technical orientation must contact Sean O’Skea, head of the scene design program, to arrange for a portfolio review and/or interview, while students with an emphasis in lighting design, stage management, or sound should contact Chris Sackett, head of the sound and lighting program. Students interested in a costume design or costume construction emphasis must contact Deborah Rosenberg, head of the costume program, for a portfolio review and/or interview.
Early contact with the department will minimize difficulties when registering for appropriate classes within the training sequence.
Upon commencing studies at SOU, transfer students must schedule an appointment with a theatre arts faculty member for an evaluation of which credits listed in the Advanced Standing Report (ASR) may be used to satisfy core requirements for the theatre major.
Transfer students who have not completed lower division core requirements in theatre may not be allowed to register for upper division theatre classes until they have completed those requirements.
Admission to the Acting Sequence
Auditions before the faculty for admission to TA 247 (Acting I) will be administered under the auspices of TA 166 (Theatre Foundations) during fall term each year. Auditions are also conducted by the faculty each spring term to determine the roster of students who will be permitted to take TA 248 (Acting II) and other courses in the advanced acting sequence.
Admission to the BFA Program
All students admitted to the major are admitted as majors in the BA or BS degree program. Admission to the BFA program is by audition only. Each student should consult a departmental advisor to determine a course of study. Students may apply for admission to the BFA no earlier than the end of their sophomore year by means of audition, interview, and/or resumé-portfolio presentation. (Transfer students should wait until they have been in residence at least two full terms prior to auditioning.) For more information about audition guidelines and dates, please contact the Theatre Arts Department.
Requirements for the Major
- Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements as stated beginning on page 21.
- All full-time theatre arts majors and premajors are required to participate in the department’s production program by enrolling in Theatre Practice each term until they have earned the maximum credits available for TA 255 and 455.
- Continuation as a major in any of the degree programs is contingent upon a yearly evaluation. The criteria used to determine whether students shall be retained or dropped from the major include:
- satisfactory fulfillment of the Theatre Practice requirement;
- a minimum cumulative 2.75 GPA overall and 3.00 in the major; and
- successful completion of the following courses by the end of the sophomore year: TA 144, 146, 166, 167, 169, 245, and 247 or 270.
Theatre Arts Major (BA/BS Degree)
(81 credits)
Requirements must be evaluated by an advisor and approved by the department chair. A total of 32 upper division theatre credits is required.
| Stagecraft (TA 144) | 3 |
| Costume Fundamentals (TA 146) | 3 |
| Theatre Foundations (TA 166) | 3 |
| Script Analysis (TA 167) | 3 |
| Elements of Design (TA 169) | 3 |
| Stage Lighting (TA 245) | 3 |
Choose one design class:
| Lighting Design (TA 445) | 3 |
| Scene Design I: An Introduction (TA 143) | 3 |
| Costume Design (TA 262) | 3 |
| Acting I (TA 247) or Acting Aesthetics (TA 270) | 4 |
| Theatre Practice (TA 255)* | 6 |
| Capstone Experience (TA 400) | 2 |
| OSF Plays in Production (TA 439) | 3 |
| Theatre Practice (TA 455)* | 6 |
| Forms and Meaning of Drama (TA 459) | 4 |
| Drama in Western Culture (TA 466, 467, 468) | 12 |
| Courses in Dramatic Literature | 9–12 |
| Theatre electives | 14 |
BA/BS Summary
| University Studies | 49 |
| Theatre arts major (BA/BS Core) | 67 |
| Theatre electives | 14 |
| Miscellaneous electives | 50 |
| Total for graduation | 180 |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree
(59 credits)
Adjunct or paraprofessional requirements and theatre arts major requirements must be evaluated by the advisor and approved by the chair.
| Stagecraft (TA 144) | 3 |
| Costume Fundamentals (TA 146) | 3 |
| Theatre Foundations (TA 166) | 3 |
| Script Analysis (TA 167) | 3 |
| Elements of Design (TA 169) | 3 |
| Stage Lighting (TA 245) | 3 |
Choose one design class:
| Lighting Design (TA 445) | 3 |
| Scene Design I: An Introduction (TA 143) | 3 |
| Costume Design (TA 262) | 3 |
| Acting I (TA 247) or Acting Aesthetics (TA 270) | 4 |
| Theatre Practice (TA 255)* | 6 |
| Thesis (TA 403) | 3 |
| OSF Plays in Production (TA 439) | 3 |
| Theatre Practice (TA 455)* | 6 |
| Forms and Meaning of Drama (TA 459) | 4 |
| Drama in Western Culture (TA 466, 467, 468) | 12 |
*TA 255, 455: 6 credits minimum and 9 credits maximum each. For the BFA, TA 455 may be taken for 6 credits minimum and 12 credits maximum. All full-time theatre arts majors are required to register for at least 1 credit in Theatre Practice (TA 255 or 455) each term until they reach the maximum allowable credits. Students earning 5 credits in two consecutive terms of an academic year may be exempted from the 1-credit requirement during the third term of that academic year.
BFA Summary
| University Studies | 49 |
| Theatre arts major (BFA core) | 59 |
| Theatre electives | 30 |
| Miscellaneous electives | 42 |
| Total for graduation | 180 |
BFA students may concentrate on one of the following areas: acting, costuming, directing, stage lighting, sound, stage management, stage scenery, dramaturgy, or theatre business. Students must take five courses (some of which may come from core courses) in their area of concentration.
BFA students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA for all work in theatre arts and a 3.0 GPA for all University work. They must also meet the graduation requirements of the University.
Coursework leading to the BFA in theatre is strictly monitored. Once admitted to the BFA program, students are required to plan a program of coursework that follows departmental guidelines. This coursework is planned in consultation with the departmental advisor and is subject to faculty approval. Published guidelines and requirements for developing an area of concentration and for the successful proposal and completion of a BFA thesis are available in the departmental office.
Retention in the BFA program is dependent on academic performance and continued development of talent and acquisition of skills as evaluated by faculty assessment. Although it is possible to complete all requirements within four years, a successful course of study may take longer, since graduation depends as much on demonstrated proficiency as on credits.
Requirements for the Minor
(40 credits)
Students interested in pursuing a minor in theatre arts should complete an application (available in the Theatre Arts Department) and submit it to the department chair. If theatre major enrollment meets full capacity of the department, the department chair may deny the application.
| Stagecraft (TA 144) | 3 |
| Costume Fundamentals (TA 146) | 3 |
| Theatre Foundations (TA 166) | 3 |
| Script Analysis (TA 167) | 3 |
| Elements of Design (TA 169) | 3 |
| Stage Lighting (TA 245) | 3 |
Choose one design class:
| Lighting Design (TA 445) | 3 |
| Scene Design I: An Introduction (TA 143) | 3 |
| Costume Design (TA 262) | 3 |
| Acting I (TA 247) or Acting Aesthetics (TA 270) | 4 |
| Theatre Practice (TA 255 or 455) | 3 |
| Drama in Western Culture (TA 466, 467, 468) | 12 |
Teacher Licensing
Students who would like to teach theatre arts at the middle school or high school level in Oregon public schools must complete a bachelor’s degree in theatre arts before applying for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. Interested students should consult the director of theatre education for an appropriate advisor and the School of Education regarding admission requirements for the MAT program.
Students must prepare in advance to increase their chances of acceptance into this competitive program. Practica, internships, and volunteer experiences working with children in the public schools prior to application to the MAT program are required.
Dance Courses
See Course Prerequisites PolicyLower Division Courses
| D 192 Dance Lab I |
| 2 credits |
| Beginning dance technique. Section I: Ballet; Section 2: Jazz. Additional fees may apply. |
| D 292 Dance Lab II |
| 2 credits |
| Intermediate-level dance technique. Section 1: Ballet; Section 2: Jazz. Additional fees may apply. Prerequisite: D 192. |
Theatre Arts Courses
See Course Prerequisites PolicyLower Division Courses
| TA 143 Scene Design I: An Introduction |
| 3 credits |
| Introduces the basic principles of scene design and the influence of visual choices on the audience’s understanding of the play. Explores scenery design and enhances understanding of the role of theatrical scenery. Covers the use of design elements such as line, color, shape, mass, and texture; the arrangement of stage space; and the importance of research in making appropriate choices. Introduces students to a variety of scenic styles and approaches. Students produce ground plans, color elevations, and models. |
| TA 144 Stagecraft |
| 3 credits |
| Examines the basic principles and techniques of scenery construction, including theatre terminology, tools, woodworking, and shop practices. Students must also register for a lab section. Corequisite: TA 144L. |
| TA 146 Costume Fundamentals |
| 3 credits |
| Introduces students to the basic principles of theatrical costuming. This class explores both construction and design through lecture and lab. Students will complete a construction/sewing project and produce a set of costume sketches as final projects. This class is the basis for all subsequent costume classes. |
| TA 147 Introduction to the Theatre: Drama in Production |
| 3 credits |
| Introduces all aspects of theatre production. Offers an opportunity to view stage productions. Purchase of tickets is required. |
| TA 157 Introduction to Musical Theatre Dance |
| 3 credits |
| Intended for students with little or no previous dance experience. Introduces common musical theatre dance styles, the language of dance, and techniques for picking up steps. |
| TA 166 Theatre Foundations |
| 3 credits |
| Required for all freshman and transfer theatre pre-majors in the first year of training. Introduces the collaborative art of theatre and all aspects of producing theatre. Acquaints new majors with the requirements, expectations, and opportunities within the theatre program. |
| TA 167 Script Analysis |
| 3 credits |
| Required for all freshman and transfer theatre pre-majors in the first year of training. Develops students’ abilities to read and interpret dramatic material for direction, performance, or design. Discusses what makes plays unique from other forms of writing. Students learn how to initially read a play, how to plot the action of the play and its characters, and how to interpret information offered by the playwright by asking questions that illuminate the inner meaning of the play. |
| TA 169 Elements of Design |
| 3 credits |
| Required for all freshman and transfer theatre pre-majors. Serves as an introduction to the process and principles of design. Particular attention is given to the practice of designers working in the performing arts. Introduces students to the concepts, terminology, and practice of designers. Explores the design process from text analysis through design development by incorporating lectures, readings, classroom activities, and projects. Students become comfortable with image manipulation and interpretation while gaining communication tools vital for working in a collaborative environment. |
| TA 199 Special Studies |
| Credits to be arranged |
| TA 210 Movement for the Actor I |
| 4 credits |
| Offers a beginning study of the physical component of acting. Designed to develop an actor’s awareness and use of his or her primary tool, the body. Emphasizes learning the fundamental skeletal and muscular structures; building strength, coordination, and stamina; and creating a basic, all-purpose warm-up that is adaptable to individual physical needs and situations. Improvisational exercises explore awareness of the physical self, neutral alignment, physical creativity, and relaxation and breathing techniques. Prerequisites: TA 247 or instructor consent. Corequisites: TA 224 and 248. |
| TA 211 Movement for the Actor II |
| 4 credits |
| Continues the development of actor movement skills begun in TA 210, including hand-to-hand stage combat techniques. Special emphasis is on exploring different movement philosophies in conjunction with improvisational movement exercises as they relate to the process of acting, creating a character, and physicalizing text. Draws from techniques by Laban, Chekhov, Decroux, and others. Prerequisites: TA 210 or instructor consent. Corequisite: TA 225. |
| TA 224 Voice and Speech for the Stage I |
| 4 credits |
| Provides a beginning study of an actor’s vocal instrument through an understanding of the basic physical structure, the mechanics of the voice, and the production of sound. Explores the importance of vivid understanding of language and imagery to fulfill the expressive needs of the text. Exercises concentrate on natural breathing, relaxed body alignment, and emotional connection while cultivating resonant vocal production and muscular articulation skills. Includes the creation of a basic vocal warmup that is adaptable to individual needs and situations. Prerequisites: TA 247 or instructor consent. Corequisites: TA 210 and 248. |
| TA 225 Voice and Speech for the Stage II |
| 4 credits |
| Builds on the development of the actor’s vocal instrument begun in TA 224. Introduces more advanced methods of understanding and scoring the text. Expands the artistic and eloquent language skills necessary for classical theatre, focusing on the Greeks and Shakespeare. Students continue to work on developing vocal strength, flexibility, breath control, and a solid sound with ample resonance. Further develops heightened technical articulation skills through work on vowel and consonant action and pronunciation. Prerequisites: TA 224, 248, or instructor consent. Corequisite: TA 211. |
| TA 242 Theatre Sound |
| 3 credits |
| Introduces the artistic and technical aspects of sound production and design for theatrical applications. |
| TA 243 Scene Design II, Techniques |
| 3 credits |
| Explores scenic designs that address the requirements of plays from realistic and abstract genres. Develops communication skills for expressing design ideas verbally, as well as with models and two-dimensional sketches and renderings. Teaches perspective drawing and shading. Provides experience with various color media. Prerequisites: TA 141, 144, and 167. |
| TA 244 Stage Properties |
| 3 credits |
| Addresses techniques of constructing furniture and properties for theatrical use. Includes prop management, finishes, upholstery, decoration, materials, and tool use. Prerequisite: TA 144. |
| TA 245 Stage Lighting |
| 3 credits |
| Examines the basic theories and mechanics of stage lighting, with emphasis on equipment, lighting instruments, control, and stage-lighting graphics. Students must also register for a lab section. Corequisite: TA 245L. |
| TA 247 Acting I: Fundamentals of Acting |
| 4 credits |
| Offers an introductory exploration of stage acting theory and methodology through exercises and beginning scene/monologue work. Emphasizes use of the actor’s individual energies, character analysis, theatrical technique, and application to contemporary dramatic realism. Admission to the class is by audition (see Admission to the Acting Sequenceq). Restricted to majors. |
| TA 248 Acting II: Intermediate Acting |
| 4 credits |
| Further develops acting technique and theory through exercises, improvisation, and monologue/scene work. Emphasizes contemporary comedic realism, rehearsal procedure, and the actor/director relationship. Restricted to majors. Prerequisite: TA 247. Corequisites: TA 210 and 224. |
| TA 252 Stage Makeup |
| 3 credits |
| Introduces the principles of makeup for the stage. Class is taught through both lecture and lab to allow students the opportunities to plan, develop, and perfect different aspects of stage makeup techniques. Prerequisite: TA 146 or instructor consent. |
| TA 255 Theatre Practice |
| 1 to 3 credits each term (maximum 9 credits) |
| Students gain practical experience in acting, stagecraft, lighting, sound, costuming, makeup, business management, promotion, house management, and stage management by participating in scheduled theatre productions. |
| TA 257 Musical Theatre Dance |
| 3 credits |
| Further develops dance technique, with emphasis on musical theatre dance routines. Also examines popular and theatrical dance styles of the twentieth century and musical theatre history. |
| TA 262, 263, 264 Costume Design |
| 3 credits each |
| Introduces major topics in theatrical costuming, including play analysis, director’s concept, research, collaboration concerns, character analysis, the elements of design, effective drawing and painting, project assets and limitations, costume paperwork, and an overview of the entire process of costume design. Includes lecture and lab. TA 262, 263, and 264 comprise a full year of sequential classes in costume design. Students who wish to fulfill departmental core requirements are advised to take TA 262, offered fall term. The subsequent classes are recommended for students who plan to have costume design as their curricular emphasis. Prerequisite: TA 146 or instructor consent. |
| TA 266, 267, 268 Costume Construction |
| 3 credits each |
| Introduces basic principles of flat patterning and draping as means of translating costume designs into costumes. Develops measuring, drafting, and draping skills for a variety of projects, including the basic body block or sloper, sleeve and collar variations, and skirt and trouser construction. Emphasizes accuracy and care. Develops good work habits, proper fitting protocols, and pattern coherence. TA 266, 267, and 268 comprise a full year of sequential classes. Prerequisite: TA 146 or instructor consent. |
| TA 270 Acting Aesthetics |
| 4 credits |
| Offers an introductory explanation of acting theory and methodology through exercise and beginning scene/monologue work. Emphasizes use of the actor’s individual qualities, character analysis, performance techniques, and acting as an aspect of life. Primary focus is on contemporary realism. Priority is assigned to non-performance–oriented theatre majors. Prerequisite: TA 166 or instructor consent. |
Upper Division Courses
USEM 101, 102, 103; TA 144, 146, 166, 167, 168, 245, and 247 or 270 are prerequisites to all upper division classes except TA 357, 358, 455, 457, and 458.
| TA 312 Movement for the Actor III |
| 4 credits |
| Specialized movement course focusing on advanced development of an actor’s physical skills through a variety of specialized movement techniques and disciplines. Encourages the physical articulation of the actor’s process through aspects of neutral and character mask work and advanced improvisational exercises in creating characters and physicalizing text. Required for BFA. Prerequisites: TA 211, 225, 248, or instructor consent. |
| TA 326 Voice and Speech for the Stage III |
| 4 credits |
| Specialized voice and speech course focuses on the specific analytical and vocal skills necessary for Shakespearean text, including punctuation, scansion, and text analysis of verse and prose. Introduces IPA and dialect work. Prerequisites: TA 225 and 248 or instructor consent. |
| TA 334 Stage Management |
| 3 credits |
| Explores the concepts and principles of stage management, concentrating on organizational and management skills. Students learn to anticipate potential production problems, determine causes, and develop solutions to help promote the artistic achievement in a production. Prerequisites: Previous theatre production experience and instructor consent. |
| TA 342 Sound Engineering |
| 3 credits |
| Offers advanced training in the use of sound in theatre. Focuses on recording techniques, editing, acoustics, and live mixing. Prerequisite: TA 242. |
| TA 343 Scene Painting |
| 4 credits |
| Explores the theories and practice of scene painting, including color mixing, textures, and various painting techniques. Students must purchase lining brushes. |
| TA 344 Drafting for Theatre |
| 3 credits |
| Examines the conventions and techniques of drafting, specifically oriented toward the types of drawings required for stage scenery and properties. |
| TA 346 Costume Crafts |
| 3 credits |
| Explores conceptual, problem solving, and construction techniques for costume crafts. Covers millinery, armour, footwear, jewelry, and leatherwork. Offered in alternate years in spring term. Prerequisite: TA 146 or instructor consent. |
| TA 348 Acting III: Advanced Acting |
| 4 credits |
| Covers acting theory and technique for advanced improvisation, scene, and monologue work. Emphasizes detailed character development and relationships. Restricted to majors. Prerequisite: TA 248 and instructor consent. |
| TA 349 Fashion Through the Centuries |
| 4 credits |
| Offers a comprehensive survey of Western civilization’s garment fashion history from the beginning of recorded time to the present. Discusses social and political trends; technological innovations; and the human spirit’s creative impact on fashion, history, and culture. Approved for University Studies (Integration). |
| TA 350 Auditioning I |
| 4 credits |
| Involves the study and practical development of skills for prepared auditions. Focuses on the research necessary to develop a solid repertoire of monologue material. Prerequisite: TA 348 and instructor consent. |
| TA 351 Auditioning II |
| 4 credits |
| Continues development of auditioning skills. Explores career development opportunities beyond undergraduate school. Includes study of graduate programs, regional theatres, guilds, unions, major markets, and professional expectations. Prerequisite: TA 350 and instructor consent. |
| TA 354 Fundamentals of Directing |
| 4 credits |
| Provides an overview of the directing process. Emphasizes play selection, analysis, and preproduction preparation. Explores theories and techniques through text analysis, in-class exercises, and short scenes. Restricted to majors. Prerequisites: Junior standing, all lower division major requirements, and instructor consent. |
| TA 355 Intermediate Directing |
| 4 credits |
| Emphasizes play selection and preproduction preparation as the primary source for choice of ground plan, development of blocking strategies, and communication with the actor. Explores the rehearsal process through direction of a scene or one-act play. Restricted to majors. Prerequisites: TA 354 and instructor consent by application. |
| TA 357 Musical Theatre Workshop |
| 3 credits |
| Combines dance with singing. Students learn complete choreographed musical numbers in a range of styles. |
| TA 358 Auditioning for Musical Theatre |
| 3 credits |
| Develops effective auditioning skills for musical theatre. Covers resumé preparation, finding out about auditions, selection and presentation of appropriate songs, and audition etiquette. Also addresses dance auditions. |
| TA 359 Musical Theatre History |
| 4 credits |
| Offers a comprehensive survey of Western civilization’s musical theatre history from its inception to the present. Discusses the social and political trends and technological innovations that affected the development of the musical theatre genre. |
| TA 360 Creative Dramatics |
| 4 credits |
| Explores the craft of acting through improvisational philosophies and techniques. Uses improvisational methods and philosophies to create original performance pieces. Prerequisites: TA 211, 225, 248 or instructor consent. |
| TA 366, 367 Advanced Costume Construction |
| 4 credits each |
| Continues the development of skills acquired in costume construction. Projects expand in complexity and scope and may include corsetry, tailoring, and period patterning. TA 366 and 367 represent advanced courses in costume construction. These courses are offered periodically as the need arises. Prerequisites for TA 366: TA 266, 267, and 268. Prerequisite for TA 367: TA 366. |
| TA 371 Playwriting |
| 3 credits |
| Employs a variety of creative exercises to stimulate the creation of a one-act play based on the model of traditional Western dramatic structure. Prerequisites: TA 167 and instructor consent. |
| TA 399 Special Studies |
| Credits to be arranged |
| TA 400 Capstone Experience |
| 2 credits |
| A culminating senior research project for BA/BS theatre majors that integrates knowledge and skills within the discipline. Prerequisite: Instructor consent. |
| TA 401/501 Research |
| Credits to be arranged |
| TA 403/503 Thesis |
| Credits to be arranged |
| Involves the preparation and presentation of a theatrical production or appropriate theatre project. BFA candidates only. Prerequisite: Departmental consent. |
| TA 405/505 Reading and Conference |
| Credits to be arranged |
| TA 407/507 Seminar |
| Credits to be arranged (maximum 9 credits) |
| Involves acting, business management, directing, design, or production experience with an established repertory, regional, stock, or summer theatre. Must be accepted by the company. Prerequisite: Instructor consent. |
| TA 408/508 Workshop |
| Credits to be arranged |
| TA 409/509 Practicum |
| Credits to be arranged |
| TA 424 Film Acting |
| 4 credits |
| An advanced acting class that bridges the gap between stage and film performance techniques. Explores classic and current trends in film acting. Includes exercises and projects in film and camera technique based on traditional, contemporary scene, and monologue work. Prerequisites: TA 348 and instructor consent. |
| TA 434/534 Theatre Business Management |
| 3 credits |
| Covers the principles and methods of budgeting, promotion, box office management, and operations. |
| TA 436/536 Studies in Shakespeare |
| 4 credits |
| Offers an intensive study of a limited number of Shakespearean plays within their social, political, and intellectual contexts. Plays are chosen to correlate with Oregon Shakespeare Festival offerings. Repeat credit is allowed for different topics. (Cross-listed with ENG 436/536.) |
| TA 439 Oregon Shakespeare Festival Plays in Production |
| 3 credits |
| Involves discussions, individual projects, and student and lecturer observations. Offers opportunities to observe production techniques at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Purchase of tickets is required. Prerequisites: Theatre major and junior standing. |
| TA 442 Theatre Sound Design |
| 3 credits |
| Offers an advanced study of theatre sound, with emphasis on providing practical experience in designing sound for various production styles. Prerequisite: TA 242. |
| TA 443/543 Scene Design Studio |
| 3 credits (maximum 6 credits) |
| Covers all aspects of scene design, from conceptualization, development, collaboration, and documentation. Students work on theoretical projects and, in some cases, are involved in actual productions. Provides experience in all aspects of scene design and assists students in developing their design portfolios. Prerequisite: TA 243. |
| TA 444 Theatre Technology |
| 3 credits |
| Studies stagecraft techniques, including scenic materials, metalwork, plastics, and stage equipment and machinery as they relate to theatre production. Prerequisite: TA 144. |
| TA 445/545 Lighting Design: Creating the Aesthetic |
| 3 credits |
| Concentrates on the use of light as a means of supporting the audience’s understanding and appreciation of theatrical performances. In lab experiences, students employ color, angle, intensity, and texture to achieve appropriate realism, mood, and visibility. Explores the timing of lighting transitions or cues and the effect upon rhythm inherent in a performance. Prerequisite: TA 245. |
| TA 446/546 Lighting Design: Technique and Implementation |
| 3 credits |
| Covers all aspects of lighting design including script analysis, developing a light plot, and realization of a design. Topics include stage-lighting graphics, lighting equipment, and technology. Lab experiences focus on the integration of lighting design into the greater whole of production. Prerequisite: TA 245. |
| TA 450 Period Styles I |
| 4 credits |
| Develops an understanding of the performance skills unique to the particular nonrealistic acting styles of Greek tragedy and classical Commedia del l’Arte by exploring the worldview of the plays and experimenting with improvisational and structured scene work. Prerequisite: TA 348. |
| TA 451 Period Styles II |
| 4 credits |
| Offers an intensive study of the skills required when acting in Shakespeare’s plays. Emphasizes scansion as a tool, verse-speaking, text interpretation, exploration of the Elizabethan world of the playwright, and character development through improvisational and structured scenes and monologues. Prerequisite: TA 450. |
| TA 452 Period Styles III |
| 4 credits |
| Develops an understanding of performance skills unique to those particular nonrealistic acting styles of the Restoration and Comedy of Manners. Explores the worldview of the plays. Also experiments with improvisational and structured scene work. Prerequisite: TA 451. |
| TA 455 Theatre Practice |
| 1 to 3 credits each term (maximum 12 credits) |
| Provides advanced practical experience in acting, stagecraft, lighting, sound, costuming, promotion, makeup, business management, house management, and stage management for scheduled theatre productions. |
| TA 457 Topics in World Drama |
| 4 credits |
| Examines forms of theatre and plays outside the Western canon and how they intersect with or have influenced Western forms. Repeat credit is allowed for different topics. |
| TA 458/558 Topics in Drama |
| 4 credits |
| Explores selected plays by various playwrights. Attendance at a live performance may be required. Repeat credit is allowed for different topics. Prerequisite: TA 167. |
| TA 459/559 Forms and Meaning of Drama |
| 4 credits |
| Offers a critical analysis of the nature, dramatic forms, and characteristics of the theatrical event. Prerequisite: Junior standing. |
| TA 462, 463 Advanced Costume Design |
| 4 credits each |
| Expands the skills developed in costume design. Students generate a professional portfolio through further investigation of play interpretation, character analysis, research challenges, and intensive drawing and painting. TA 462 and 463 represent the second year of a five-course sequence in costume design. Prerequisites: TA 262, 263, and 264. |
| TA 466/566 Drama in Western Culture |
| 4 credits |
| Explores the development of Western drama and theatre from antiquity to the Middle Ages. Involves intensive study of representative plays. Examines production techniques, theatre architecture, actors and acting styles, and significant political and cultural developments of the times. Approved for University Studies (Integration). Prerequisite: Upper division standing. |
| TA 467/567 Drama in Western Culture |
| 4 credits |
| Explores the development of Western drama and theatre from the Renaissance to the eighteenth century. Involves intensive study of representative plays. Also examines production techniques, theatre architecture, actors and acting styles, and significant political and cultural developments of the times. Prerequisite: TA 466. |
| TA 468/568 Drama in Western Culture |
| 4 credits |
| Explores the development of Western drama and theatre from the eighteenth century to the present. Involves intensive study of representative plays. Examines production techniques, theatre architecture, actors and acting styles, and significant political and cultural developments of the times. Prerequisites: TA 466 and 467. |
Ashland Center for Theatre Studies (ACTS)
Master of Theatre Studies in Production and Design
Theatre Teacher Training Program
The Ashland Center for Theatre Studies Theatre Teacher Training Program offers a unique master’s program that focuses on theatre production, design, and technology for high school and community college theatre teachers. The structure of this master’s degree program follows the guidelines set by the Department of Theatre Arts. Candidates must be admitted to graduate studies.
For general information about the graduate program, please consult the Graduate Programs section on page 157. Master of theatre studies in production and design students earn 12 credits each year for three years, spending two weeks in residence on the SOU campus each summer and completing applied design and technology, research, and curriculum projects during each school year. Completion of the master’s degree requires 9 additional credits in related approved theatre courses for a total of 45 graduate credits.
Major Department (Theatre Arts)
(Required) 36 credits in graduate-level theatre arts core curriculum courses:
| Principles of Production Analysis (TA 521, 522, 523) | 9 |
| Design Elements (TA 526, 527, 528) | 9 |
| Production Implementation (TA 531, 532, 533) | 9 |
| Practicum: Applied Technology (TA 541, 542, 543) | 9 |
| Related graduate-level theatre coursework | 9 |
| Total credits | 45 |
Admission
In addition to meeting the requirements for admission to a graduate degree program, students must submit a resumé, three letters of reference that address teaching and production experience, and a statement of educational philosophy.
Classes
All TA 521 through TA 543 courses offered under the ACTS Master of Theatre Studies are required over three summers. The curriculum includes required coursework before and after the two-week summer residency period. This work includes play reading, analysis papers, research, curriculum, and applied design and technology projects executed at the students’ own school. The residency portion of the program includes active discussion of production elements, including script analysis, design, and stage management, as well as in-depth exploration of all technical areas, hands-on development of production concepts, and practical application of technical processes. Evenings are spent preparing class assignments, working on design and technical projects, and viewing plays at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
Master’s Thesis
The curriculum culminates in a master’s thesis project. The thesis project requires a complete directorial analysis that is applied to the design elements and will be realized in working drawings, renderings, recordings, and prospectuses.
ACTS Master of Theatre Studies Coursework
Coursework is broken down into four integrated 9-credit sequences that focus on presentational, representational, and musical theatre. Assignments and individual blocks of time within the summer residency portion may fulfill requirements for more than one course.
Theatre Courses
See Course Prerequisites PolicyGraduate-Level Courses
| TA 521, 522, 523 Principles of Production Analysis |
| 3 credits each |
| Related to the script work of directors and designers. Offers the foundation for direction and design. Requires reading and analyzing plays with the intent to realize a theatrical production of the plays assigned. Includes discussion of plays viewed at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Coursework includes dramatic structure, scenic breakdown, beat analysis, statements of dramatic action, and discussion of analogies and metaphors used in developing a unified concept for a production. TA 521 emphasizes presentational theatre; TA 522 emphasizes representational theatre; and TA 523 emphasizes musical theatre. |
| TA 526, 527, 528 Design Elements |
| 3 credits each |
| Related primarily to the designer’s work. Offers opportunities to explore how the varied elements of design integrate to realize a unified production. Curriculum includes research, building models, creating renderings, drafting light plots, recording sound sketches for assigned plays, and developing a rationale to support design choices. Students formalize design interpretations in scene, costume, lighting, and sound design and present the designer’s work in both theoretical and realized formats. The realized designs will include documentation of process, methods, and materials. TA 526 emphasizes presentational theatre; TA 527 emphasizes representational theatre; and TA 528 emphasizes musical theatre. |
| TA 531, 532, 533 Production Implementation |
| 3 credits each |
| Related to the organization and physical implementation of production and the work of the production manager, stage manager, technical director, properties master, costume shop supervisor, master electrician, and sound engineer. Focuses on developing the practical skills necessary to implement a production. Teaches how to translate design ideas into tangible form and how to communicate those ideas throughout production areas. Curriculum includes current theatre technology, research of new technologies, and scheduling and communication models for production implementation. Integral aspects include how to work within a defined set of financial, physical, and material resources and how to minimize negative aspects and maximize the potential of a fully integrated production. TA 531 emphasizes presentational theatre; TA 532 emphasizes representational theatre; and TA 533 emphasizes musical theatre. |
| TA 541, 542, 543 Practicum: Applied Technology |
| 3 credits each |
| Related to learning theatre crafts. Develops the information base necessary for full technical support of a design concept. Focuses on new theatre technologies and improving skills in costume construction and wardrobe; set and properties construction, painting, rigging, and lighting; and sound-recording, editing, mixing, and live amplification. Includes documentation in all areas of production, including itemized budgets, costume plots and renderings, scenic design and construction drawings, paint renderings and elevations, scenic inventory and timeline, prop lists, light plots and hookup sheets, wig and makeup renderings, and sound plots. Addresses safety and maintenance of equipment and facilities. TA 541 emphasizes presentational theatre; TA 542 emphasizes representational theatre; and TA 543 emphasizes musical theatre. |
