Minor in Theatre Arts: Production/Performance

The popularity of film, memes and viral videos, and streaming shows in this day and age overshadow the fact that theatre was among the earliest forms of popular entertainment and social media. As an enduring art rich in varying social contexts, theatre has always sought to engage, represent, and spotlight intersectional spectrums of communities and identities, and this course introduces students to the practice and power of theatre from page to stage.  All areas of theatre and production will be explored, complemented by 1) a set of required lab hours outside class and 2) viewings of live performances and past performances via archival video links.  Successful completion of this course is a requirement for declaring one's major/minor in Theatre Arts.  

This course provides students an opportunity to earn academic credit by working behind the scenes in support of the design and technical aspects of a theatre production being mounted per semester. Students will develop practical skill sets and an essential knowledge of the logistics required for the successful mounting of a stage production by working in one of its related areas: stage management, scenery, lighting, costumes, props, technical production.

The student’s specific assignment will be made by the theatre faculty and/or technical director at the beginning of each production taking into consideration each student’s experience, their educational needs, and the technical needs of each production.

''This course counts toward the 6-credit Theatre Arts major/minor practicum requirement; students who have already satisfied this requirement may take it as major/minor elective credit. It may be taken as a free elective by students who are not Theatre Arts majors or minors, and it may be repeated without limit.

This class is designed to help the students break down and analyze theatrical scripts through readings, reinforced by watching live performances in person and/or filmed productions online as well as the exploration of varying approaches, narrative frames, and techniques designed to maximize the clarity and power of theatrical storytelling and production. Open to non-majors.

This course provides students with a general overview of the business and administrative functions of non-profit and profit theatrical and performing arts organizations as well as an introductory look at the processes and responsibilities of production management, with specific consideration given to applications relevant to Deaf theatre practices. Open to non-majors.