Theatre Arts (ThA)
Bachelor of Arts
Division of Fine and Performing Arts

Michael Flowers, Alan Litsey, Matthew Mielke

The theatre arts program offers courses for the general education of all students, as well as professional training for those wishing to major in theatre arts. Using the unique teaching facilities of the College Theatre–a performance plant housing an open stage with a split revolve lift in a flexible auditorium–and an intimate “black box” theatre, the program offers courses in all areas of theatrical performance, musical theatre, technical theatre, direction, and design. A student wishing to major in theatre arts may elect the disciplinary major below or the interdisciplinary major in musical theatre listed in the Interdisciplinary Major Requirements section of this catalog.

Major Requirements

The following courses are required (12 units):

• ThA 110
• ThA 111
• ThA 210
• ThA 220
• ThA 221
• ThA 230
• ThA 320
• ThA 330
• ThA 403
• one unit from ThA 211 or 310
• one-and-one-half units from ThA 101, 201, 301, 401 and/or ThA 102, 202, 302, 402 to include at least one project in performance and one in technical theatre
• ThA 499

Minor Requirements

The following courses are required (5 ½ units):

• ThA 100
• ThA 120
• ThA 102, 202, 302, or 402
• ThA 110, 211, or 310
• ThA 220
• ThA 403

Courses in Theatre Arts

ThA 100 Introduction to Theatre (1)
An introduction to the understanding and appreciation of dramatic literature and theatre arts. Spring.

ThA 101, 201, 301, 401 Theatre Practicum (¼)
ThA 102, 202, 302, 402 Theatre Practicum (½)
Practical experience in performance or technical areas of theatre by participation in College Theatre productions. Prerequisite: consent of instructor or audition. This course may be repeated for credit. Fall, Spring.

ThA 110 Introduction to Stagecraft (1)
An introduction to the principles and practices of constructing stage settings and furnishings, problem solving using theatre technology, shop safety and scenic art. Spring.

ThA 111 Make-up (½)
Basic techniques in application of stage make-up for theatre, dance, and opera. Fall.

ThA 120 Beginning Acting (1)
An introduction to the craft of acting, including focus on clarity and creativity in communication and performance skills, and the development of character analysis skills. The course reflects a "learning by doing," "hands on" approach. Fall, Spring.

ThA 210 Technical Workshop (½)
A practical course in the technical aspects of theatre. Fall, Spring.

ThA 211 Stage Lighting (1)
Principles and practice of stage lighting, design, and execution. Fall.

ThA 220 Voice and Diction (1)
Building and improving vocal skills through exercise and analysis. Spring.

ThA 221 Stage Movement (½)
Techniques of stage movement, including body awareness, character physicalization, and unarmed combat. Spring.

ThA 230 Classic and Modern Theatre (1)
Theatrical production and dramatic literature from the Greeks to the present. Spring.

ThA 310 Set Design (1)
The art of stage design from concept to construction. Prerequisite: ThA 110 or consent. Fall.

ThA 320 Intermediate Acting (1)
Building a character in context and depth through improvisation and scene study. Prerequisites: ThA 120 and 220. Fall.

ThA 322 Theatre on Tour (1)
The production of a new play or adaptation of a story relevant to the greater Birmingham area high school curriculum. Course work includes the development of related study materials and interactive workshops as well as on site play performance and facilitation of workshops at rural and city center high schools. Prerequisite: consent. Spring.

ThA 323 Musical Theatre I (1)
The study of musical theatre, approached through analysis, performance, and criticism. Prerequisite: consent. Fall.

ThA 324 Musical Theatre II (1)
Advanced scene study work in the techniques of musical theatre. Prerequisite: ThA 323 or consent. Spring.

ThA 330 The Classic Playwrights (1)
Play reading and script analysis of plays from Ancient Greece to the seventeenth century. Fall.

ThA 331 Modern Playwrights (1)
Play reading and script analysis of plays from the advent of realism to the present. (Also listed as EH 394.) Spring.

ThA 370, 470 Seminar in Theatre Art (1)
Selected studies in theatre arts offered at the discretion of the faculty or by student request. Topics include audition techniques, advanced acting, playwriting, etc. This course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: consent.

ThA 393, 493 Independent Study (½, 1)
Advanced study in acting, directing, playwriting, and design, stressing practical experience in full length projects. This course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: consent.

ThA 398, 498 Teaching Experience in Theatre Arts (1)
Prerequisite: consent.

ThA 403 Directing and Stage Management (1)
A study of the techniques of directing and stage management approached through practical projects and the staging of a one-act play (a Leadership Studies designated course). Prerequisite: consent. Spring.

ThA 499 Senior Project in Theatre (1)
Significant production responsibilities in the interim theatre performance, accompanied by a substantial paper evaluating the experience. Required for the theatre arts and musical theatre majors. Interim.