Theater Major/Minor

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begordon@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6889; Carnegie Hall 114

Theater Major
The major in theater gives students background in acting, technical work, directing and dramatic literature.  The combination of practical and theoretical preparation forms a basis for graduate or professional work in theater or for high school drama coaching.  Students in theater also participate in McKendree University theater productions on campus, thus learning to apply the skills gained in course-work and gaining valuable experience.  A theater major can help prepare the student for a variety of professions in the arts, education and business.

Students will learn advanced techniques in acting, directing and stage and lighting design and be able to apply those techniques in production.  They will also know the major periods and genres of world drama and be able to analyze a script from both the performance and production perspective.  Courses in the theater major build skills in movement, voice, interpretation, design, production, analysis, critical thinking and writing.

Students must complete the major with at least a 2.25 cumulative grade point average.


Theater Major requirements to be added...


Theater Minor
To minor in theater, students must complete 22 hours and maintain at least a 2.25 cumulative grade point average.

 

The minor in theater gives students background in acting, technical work, directing, and dramatic literature. The combination of practical and theoretical preparation forms a basis for graduate or professional work in theater or for high school drama coaching. Students in theater also participate in McKendree University Theater productions on campus, thus learning to apply the skills gained in course-work and gaining valuable experience. When combined with such majors as English, Speech Communication, Art, Music, or Business Administration, the theater minor can help to prepare the student for a variety of professions in the arts, education, and business.

 

Students will know the basic techniques of acting, directing, and stage and lighting design and be able to apply those techniques in production. They will also know the major periods and genres of world drama and be able to analyze a script from the performance perspective. The courses in the theater minor build skills in movement, voice, interpretation, design, analysis, critical thinking, and writing.

 

Planning Sheets:

 

 

THE 320 ENG 301 or ENG 302 MUS 284 or MUS 210

DIRECTING  SHAKESPEARE’S COMEDIES AND HISTORIES  SHAKESPEARE’S TRAGEDIES AND ROMANCES   SPECIAL TOPICS IN MUSIC:  THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATER       RHYTHMS AND DANCE

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An introductory course designed to acquaint the student with the basics of theatrical production. The course will cover the basics of acting, directing, technology, and design elements. This course is intended both for general education student and theater minors. Annually spring, as needed.

 

This introductory course explores the idea of acting, with work in the basics of voice, movement, and characterization. Students will do exercises, improvisations, monologues, and duet scenes. Annually, Fall.

 

This course is a continuation of Introduction to Acting, with more advanced work in voice, movement, and characterization, as well as some work with classic texts. Students will do exercises, improvisations, monologues, and duet scenes. Prerequisite: THE 111 or equivalent. Annually, Spring.

 

Experience in acting, lighting, costume and set design, stage managing, or directing. The student will participate in the semester’s theater production, receiving instruction within that framework. Additional work may be required, depending on number of hours and student’s duties in the production. No more than four hours may be applied toward the degree or the Theater minor. Does not fulfill any core requirement. This course is offered on a Pass/C-/D/Fail basis only. Each semester.

 

This course introduces students to the theory, technique, and practice of scene design and construction, lighting design, and stage electrics. Students may do some hands-on work in campus theater productions. Alternate years, Fall ’05.

 

A survey of the world’s dramatic masterpieces tracing the evolution of the theater from the Greeks to the contemporary theater. Emphasis is on dramatic literature in performance, and the survey includes the development of the theater as a historical institution. Same as ENG 250. Prerequisite: ENG 112 or equivalent. Alternate years, Fall ’06.

 

This course introduces topics or areas in theater that are not generally included in the regular curriculum. As needed.

 

This course introduces students to the directing process through observation and practice. Topics include script analysis, casting, production coordinating, and rehearsing with actors. Students will direct one, two, and/or three actor scenes. Prerequisite: THE 111. Alternate years, Spring ’06.

 

This course introduces topics or areas in theater that are not generally included in the regular curriculum. As needed.

 

For this course individual students will conduct a major theater project from planning to completion and final review of the process. The requirements will include such assignments as creating and maintaining a project timeline, doing background research, conducting the project, completing a production notebook (or equivalent), and submitting a final paper assessing the process. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and academic advisor. As needed.

 

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and academic advisor. As needed.

 

For this course individual students will conduct a major theater project from planning to completion and final review of the process. The requirements will include such assignments as creating and maintaining a project timeline, doing background research, conducting the project, completing a production notebook (or equivalent), and submitting a final paper assessing the process. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and academic advisor. As needed.