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Theater
Michelle Magnusson, M.F.A., Assistant Professor of Theater;
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 historical 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.
DISCLAIMER: Because this major will be available for the first time in 2006-2007, the course work for the major is being revised and expanded. All of the courses required for the minor will also be required for the major. Additional courses will be added to the requirements and the electives when the curriculum is finalized. Students should consult with the theater faculty member or the division chair if they have questions while the requirements for the major are being established.
Students must complete the major with at least 42 hours, and maintain at least a 2.25 cumulative grade point average.
To minor in theater, students must complete 22 hours and maintain at least at 2.25 cumulative grade point average.
| THEATER MAJOR REQUIREMENTS |
42+ crs. |
Exact listing of required and elective courses will be determined by the fall of ‘06. All required and elective courses currently listed under the minor will be included in the major as well.
| THEATER MINOR REQUIREMENTS |
22 crs. |
| THE 100
THE 111
THE 212
THE 215
THE 219
THE 250
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INTRODUCTION TO THEATER
ACTING I
ACTING II
THEATER PRACTICUM
PLAY PRODUCTION
DRAMATIC LITERATURE
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(3)
(3)
(3)
(2-4)
(3)
(3)
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Plus three to five hours from among the following:
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THE 320
ENG 301
or
ENG 302
MUS 284
PED
or
MUS 210
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DIRECTING
SHAKESPEARE’S COMEDIES AND HISTORIES
SHAKESPEARE’S TRAGEDIES AND ROMANCES
SPECIAL TOPICS IN MUSIC:
THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATER
RHYTHMS AND DANCE
|
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(2)
|
THE 100 INTRODUCTION TO THEATER (3)
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.
THE 111 ACTING I (3)
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.
THE 212 ACTING II (3)
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.
THE 215 THEATER PRACTICUM (1-2)
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.
THE 219 PLAY PRODUCTION (3)
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 ‘07.
THE 250 DRAMATIC LITERATURE (3)
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.
THE 280-289 TOPICS IN THEATER (3)
This course introduces topics or areas in theater that are not generally included in the regular curriculum. As needed.
THE 320 DIRECTING (3)
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 ‘08.
THE 380-389 TOPICS IN THEATER (3)
This course introduces topics or areas in theater that are not generally included in the regular curriculum. As needed.
THE 390 JUNIOR PROJECT IN THEATER (2-4)
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.
THE 480 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN THEATER (1-4)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and academic advisor. As needed.
THE 490 SENIOR PROJECT IN THEATER (3-4)
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.
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