AUGUSTANA COLLEGE
ACADEMICS

THEATRE

J. Brown (Chair)
Associate Professors: I. Fuller, J. Pachoud Bennett
Administrator: R. Fitzsimmons, Technical Director and Scenic Design

Study in Theatre concerns a wide array of important life skills that reach far beyond the stage. Theatre is a reflection of society through which its audience is both entertained and educated. Through work with Augustana’s Theatre Company, students acquire competence in all facets of theatrical production in addition to developing skills in communication, leadership, cooperation and commitment.

The Theatre department explores the values of community, service and excellence within the Lutheran tradition through production and the academic study of theatre arts. The program prepares students for graduate studies and professional work in the areas of acting, directing and design.

THEATRE MAJOR: 37 credit hours
Intended to serve as a liberal arts major which might be used in preparation for a professional school, graduate school, or one of many varied careers in the performing arts. The Theatre major seeks to provide a generalist background in all facets of theatre practice.

THEA 095 - Backstage Practicum (1 cr) (Two required)
THEA 121 - Acting I (3 cr)
THEA 125 - Script Analysis (3 cr)
THEA 136 - Stagecraft (3 cr)
THEA 137 - Costume and Make-up (3 cr)
THEA 215 - Theatre History and Literature I (3 cr)
THEA 216 - Theatre History and Literature II (3 cr)
THEA 220 - Acting II (3 cr)
THEA 225 - Directing I (W) (3 cr)
THEA 350 - Senior Seminar (1 cr)
THEA - Elective coursework (10 cr)
A senior performance, directing or design project is required of majors in conjunction with THEA 350.

TEACHER CERTIFICATION – THEATRE:
Students desiring to teach theatre should add a Secondary Education major to the Theatre major. In addition to completing requirements for the Theatre major, such students must complete the following courses:

COMM 110 - Introduction to Communication (3 cr)
EDUC 110 - Foundations of American Education (3 cr)
EDUC 245 - Educational Psychology and Measurement (3 cr)
EDUC 275 - Generic Methods in Education (3 cr)
EDUC 310 - Secondary School Methods (3 cr)
EDUC 335 - Literacy in the Content Area (3 cr)
EDUC 345 - Adolescent Development (3 cr)
EDUC 355 - Human Relations in Education (3 cr)
MATH 140 - Quantitative Reasoning (3 cr)
NAST 320 - Native American Social Systems (3 cr)
THEA 230 - Oral Interpretation (3 cr)
One of the following courses:
EDUC 470 - Student Teaching: All Grades (cr TBA)
EDUC 474 - Student Teaching: Secondary (cr TBA)

THEATRE MINOR: 20 credit hours

THEA - Elective coursework (20 cr)

THEATRE COURSES:

THEA 095 - BACKSTAGE PRACTICUM (1 credit)
Credit for this course will be granted to students for regular, weekly, supervised work on the technical crews for an Augustana theatrical production. Students must register for this practicum at the beginning of the semester and report to the instructor for work responsibilities. May be repeated to a maximum of 4 credit hours. Grading System: S/U only.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY SEMESTER

THEA 096 - PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM (1 credit)
Credit for this course will be granted upon being cast in a role in an Augustana main stage production, or for carrying out the duties of assistant director or stage manager (at the discretion of the director). May be repeated to a maximum of 4 credit hours. Grading System: S/U only.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: CONSENT OF THE INSTRUCTOR
OFFERED EVERY SEMESTER

THEA 115 - INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE (Area 3.5B) (3 credits)
An introduction to the art of theatre including the history of the art form, terminology, basic theatrical styles, acting, directing, and technical aspects of theatre. The emphasis will be on theatre as it affects and reflects the society in which we live.
NOTE: OFFERED MOST SEMESTERS

THEA 121 - ACTING I (3 credits)
This class focuses on developing the actor’s awareness of the voice and body as tools for performance. Content includes: anatomy, breath awareness, energy work, movement analysis, neutral mask, and assessment of physical and vocal risk. Also covers basic foundations of hand-to-hand combat. Content approaches will include: Laban, Feldenkrais, Linklater and others.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY FALL SEMESTER

THEA 125 - SCRIPT ANALYSIS (3 credits)
This course is designed to teach the student how to analyze scripts in terms of and in preparation for performance and production, regardless of theatrical specialization. The student will learn basic concepts and terminology associated with dramatic literature, examine several genres and their traits, and discover means of presenting the playwrights’ ideas on the stage.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY SPRING SEMESTER

THEA136 - STAGECRAFT (3 credits)
This course introduces the student to basic stage production, scenic painting, props, construction, basic electricity, lighting, and sound. Some introduction to the organization of technical areas as they relate to the total production will also be included. Students will directly apply coursework through Augustana theatre productions.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY FALL SEMESTER

THEA 137 - COSTUMING AND MAKE-UP FUNDAMENTALS (3 credits)
This course introduces the student to basic costume design, selection and building and make-up design and application. Students directly apply coursework through Augustana theatre productions.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY SPRING SEMESTER

THEA 215 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I (Area 3.1A) (3 credits)
A historical study of theatrical history from its origins through the Renaissance. The course will examine how theatre reflects the society of the time through its dramatic literature, performance styles, technological developments and practitioners.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY OTHER FALL SEMESTER

THEA 216 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE II (Area 3.1B) (3 credits)
Ahistorical study of theatrical history from the Restoration to the present day. The course will examine how theatre reflects the society of the time through its dramatic literature, performance styles, technological developments and practitioners.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY OTHER SPRING SEMESTER

THEA 220 - ACTING II
(Area 3.5B) (3 credits)
This course focuses on the process and techniques of acting, including: script analysis, character analysis, techniques used in building character for performance. Class will include lectures, activities, discussion, and student performances of scenes from plays.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY SPRING SEMESTER

THEA 225 - DIRECTING I (W - Area 2.1B) (3 credits)
A course examining the role of the director in the creation of theatrical productions. Includes lab work, discussion and written work explaining the theories and techniques of directing.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: THEA 125
OFFERED EVERY OTHER FALL SEMESTER

THEA 230 - ORAL INTERPRETATION (3 credits)
A basic course in the understanding and interpretation of texts; emphasis on techniques or presentation. Practice in the interpretation of poetry, dramatic literature and narrative included.
NOTE: OFFERED INFREQUENTLY

THEA 234 - THEATRE AND COMMUNITY (3 credits)
Students explore how theatre can move beyond the stage to successfully interact with community. Students articulate their own values and learn how these can be applied theatrically within various contexts. Students gain background, techniques and applications of various performance forms, including Theatre of the Oppressed, Playback, Theatrical Freestyle, Improvisations and Fictional Autobiography.
NOTE: OFFERED SOME INTERIMS

THEA 236 - DRAFTING AND RENDERING FOR THE THEATRE (3 credits)
This course focuses on concepts and application of drafting and rendering for the theatre. The goal of this course is to develop a student’s competency in the specializations of hand drafting and computer aided drafting and rendering.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY OTHER SPRING SEMESTER

THEA 320 - ACTING III (3 credits)
This course is an extension of Acting II and will vary to meet the individual needs of the student. To achieve this goal, a variety of actor-training techniques may be studied, including: script analysis, improvisation, acting theories, and specific acting styles.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: THEA 220
OFFERED EVERY FALL SEMESTER

THEA 322 - ACTING IV (3 credits)
This course focuses on cultivating tools and strategies for the professional development of the actor. Material covered includes: Auditioning, actor’s portfolio development, resume, monologue scores, voice over recordings, alternative employment opportunities (artist-in-residence). Students will learn how to investigate opportunity, develop a network, and prepare for professional auditions and interviews.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: THEA 320
OFFERED EVERY SPRING SEMESTER

THEA 325 - DIRECTING II (3 credits)
An advanced course in stage directing that relies on discussion of advanced directing ideas, experimentation with various directing theories, and culminates in the staging of a production.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: THEA 225
OFFERED EVERY OTHER FALL SEMESTER

THEA 336 - SCENOGRAPHY (3 credits)
This is an advanced course in the theory and practice of scenography. Students will become familiar with terms, concepts, and the application of design principles for scenery, costume, and lighting design. The course has a strong visual component and students will be expected to work on developing traditional and computer aided visual representation skills. In-class drawing exercises are incorporated throughout the semester.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY OTHER SPRING SEMESTER

THEA 340 - STAGE MANAGEMENT (3 credits)
This course provides the student with practical information and knowledge of methods to professionally stage manage theatre productions including straight plays, musicals, theatre for young audiences and cabarets. The course will include completing a production book and prompt script.
NOTE: OFFERED SOME INTERIMS

THEA 350 - SENIOR SEMINAR (1 credit)
This course gives senior Theatre majors the opportunity to finalize their portfolio, resume and senior showcase event. Theatre majors from all areas in the major will gather weekly with the Theater faculty to discuss their individual work, as well as investigating professional, “real world” parallels to that work.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: SENIOR THEATRE MAJORS ONLY
OFFERED EVERY FALL SEMESTER

THEA 395, 495 - INTERNSHIP (2-4 credits)

THEA 197, 297, 397 - TOPICS IN THEATRE (2-4 credits)
The Department of Theatre will occasionally offer special seminars on timely subjects of interest to Theatre majors.

THEA 199, 299, 399 - INDEPENDENT STUDY (2-4 credits)
Individual work under the direction of departmental faculty. This option is designed for Theatre majors who seek an opportunity for in-depth study beyond the scope of departmental course offerings. This option is considered addition to departmental offerings and does not take the place of required work.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: CONSENT OF THE INSTRUCTOR AND DEPARTMENT CHAIR