| 253.535.7323 | www.plu.edu/theatre-dance | theatre-dance@plu.edu |
| Tom Smith, M.F.A, Chair |
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) with a major in theatre is a pre-professional degree intended to equip students for careers and graduate programs focusing on particular professional fields.
Courses in the Department of Theatre and Dance that satisfy General Education Program Elements
- The following courses from theatre and dance may be used to meet the General Education Program element in the Arts (AR):
- THEA 160, 215, 250, 252, 254, 255, 360, 362, 365, 390, 453 and DANC 170, 222, 240, 251, 252, 254, 255, 362.
- DANC 222, 251, 252, 254, 255 meet the General Education Program element in Physical Education (PE).
- DANC 301 meets the General Education Program element in Cross-Cultural Perspectives (C).
- DANC 362 meets the General Education Program element in Alternative Perspectives (A).
Declaration of Major
Students wishing to declare a major in theatre (B.A. or B.F.A. degree options) must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or higher. No prior coursework in theatre is required.
Minor Requirement for Theatre Majors
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in theatre requires the completion of either a minor approved by the major advisor or a self-directed study program that includes the following areas:
- 4 semester hours in English (Writing)
- 4 semester hours in English (Literature)
- 8 semester hours in social sciences
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree
Major in Theatre
44 semester hours, plus a minor
- THEA 160: Introduction to Theatre (4) or THEA 190: FYEP 190: Inquiry Seminar (4)
- THEA 225: Running Crew I (4)
- THEA 250: Acting I – Fundamentals (4)
- THEA 255: Theatrical Production (4)
- THEA 290: Stage Management (2)
- THEA 299: The Profession of Theatre (2)
- THEA 330: Script Analysis (4) or THEA 345: Playwriting (4)
- 4 semester hours from:
- THEA 360: Theatre History I (4)
- THEA 362: Musical Theatre History (4)
- THEA 365: Theatre History II (4)
- 4 semester hours from:
- THEA 252: Fundamentals of Scenic Design (4)
- THEA 254: Fundamentals of Lighting Design (4)
- THEA 285: Costume Crafts and Construction (4)
- THEA 351: Stage Makeup (4)
- THEA 355: Lighting Design (4)
- THEA 380: Directing I (4)
- THEA 390: Visual History: Period Costume and Décor (4)
- THEA 453: Costume Design (4)
- THEA 455: Scenic Design (4)
- THEA 425: Running Crew II (4)
- THEA 485: Theatre Management (2)
- THEA 499: Capstone (2)
- Electives: 4 semester hours selected in consultation with advisor
- Minor Required: recognized university minor
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) Degree
Major in Theatre
80 semester hours
Concentrations
Acting/Directing
- THEA 160: Introduction to Theatre (4) or THEA 190: FYEP 190: Inquiry Seminar (4)
- 4 semester hours from:
- DANC 170: Introduction to Dance (4)
- DANC 222: Jazz I (1)
- DANC 251: Ballet I (2)
- DANC 252: Contemporary I (2)
- DANC 254: Tap I (1)
- DANC 255: Hip Hop I (1)
- THEA 215: Voice and Movement I (4)
- THEA 225: Running Crew I (3)
- THEA 250: Acting I – Fundamentals (4)
- THEA 255: Theatrical Production (4)
- THEA 290: Stage Management (2)
- THEA 299: The Profession of Theatre (2)
- THEA 300: Improvisation (2)
- THEA 330: Script Analysis (4) or THEA 345: Playwriting (4)
- THEA 346: The Audition (2)
- THEA 350: Acting II – Scene Study (4)
- 4 semester hours from:
- THEA 360: Theatre History I (4)
- THEA 362: Musical Theatre History (4)
- THEA 365: Theatre History II (4)
- 4 semester hours from:
- THEA 252: Fundamentals of Scenic Design (4)
- THEA 254: Fundamentals of Lighting Design (4)
- THEA 285: Costume Crafts and Construction (4)
- THEA 351: Stage Makeup (4)
- THEA 355: Lighting Design (4)
- THEA 390: Visual History: Period Costume and Décor (4)
- THEA 453: Costume Design (4)
- THEA 455: Scenic Design (4)
- THEA 380: Directing I (4)
- THEA 425: Running Crew II (3)
- THEA 450: Acting III – Styles (4) or THEA 480: Directing II (4)
- THEA 485: Theatre Management (2)
- THEA 499: Capstone (2)
- Elective: 18 semester hours selected in consultation with advisor
Design/Technical
78-80 semester hours
- 4 semester hours from:
- ARTD 101: Drawing I (4)
- ARTD 102: 2D Design/Color Theory (4)
- ARTD 202: 3-D Design (4)
- THEA 160: Introduction to Theatre (4) or THEA 190: FYEP 190: Inquiry Seminar (4)
- THEA 225: Running Crew I (6)
- THEA 250: Acting I – Fundamentals (4)
- THEA 255: Theatrical Production (4)
- 2-4 semester hours from:
- THEA 260: Stagecraft (2)
- THEA 275: Scenic Painting (2)
- THEA 285: Costume Crafts and Construction (4)
- THEA 279: Hand Drafting (2)
- THEA 280: Computer-Aided Drafting (2)
- THEA 290: Stage Management (2)
- THEA 299: The Profession of Theatre (2)
- THEA 330: Script Analysis (4) or THEA 345: Playwriting (4)
- 16 semester hours from:
- THEA 252: Fundamentals of Scenic Design (4)
- THEA 254: Fundamentals of Lighting Design (4)
- THEA 351: Stage Makeup (4)
- THEA 355: Lighting Design (4)
- THEA 388: Special Topics in Theatre (2)
- THEA 389: Special Topics in Theatre (2)
- THEA 390: Visual History: Period Costume and Décor
- THEA 453: Costume Design (4)
- THEA 455: Scenic Design (4)
- 4 semester hours from:
- THEA 360: Theatre History (4)
- THEA 362: Musical Theatre History (4)
- THEA 365: Theatre History II (4)
- THEA 425: Running Crew II (6)
- THEA 485: Theatre Management (2)
- THEA 499: Capstone (2)
- Electives: 12 semester hours selected in consultation with advisor
Musical Theatre
- DANC 222: Jazz I – AR, PE (1)
- DANC 251: Ballet (2)
- DANC 252: Contemporary I (2)
- DANC 254: Tap I – AR, PE (1)
- DANC 255: Hip Hop I (1)
- DANC 322: Jazz II (1)
- MUSI 125: Ear Training I (1)
- MUSI 126: Ear Training II (1)
- MUSI 133: Music Theory and Analysis IA (2)
- MUSI 135: Music Theory and Analysis IB (2)
- MUSI 136: Music Theory and Analysis II (3)
- 2 semester hours from:
- MUSI 151: Keyboard Musicianship I (1)
- MUSI 152: Keyboard Musicianship II (1)
- MUSI 251: Keyboard Musicianship III (1)
- 6 semester hours of MUSI 204/404: Private Instruction Voice (1-4)
- 3 semester hours from:
- MUSI 360: Choir of the West (1)
- MUSI 361: University Chorale (1)
- MUSI 362: University Men’s Chorus (1)
- MUSI 363: University Singers (1)
- MUSI 366: Opera (1)
- Additional credits in MUSI 204/404: Private Instruction Voice (1-4)
- THEA 160: Introduction to Theatre (4) or THEA 190: FYEP 190: Inquiry Seminar (4)
- THEA 215: Voice and Movement (4)
- THEA 225: Running Crew I (2)
- THEA 250: Acting I: Fundamentals (4)
- THEA 255: Theatrical Production (4)
- THEA 299: The Profession of Theatre (2)
- THEA 330: Script Analysis (4) or THEA 345: Playwriting (4)
- THEA 346: The Audition (2)
- THEA 347: The Vocal Audition (2)
- THEA 350: Acting II: Scene Study (4)
- 4 semester hours from:
- THEA 360: Theatre History (4)
- THEA 362: Musical Theatre History (4)
- THEA 365: Theatre History II (4)
- THEA 385: Musical Theatre Performance: Golden Age (4)
- THEA 386: Musical Theatre Performance: Modern (4)
- THEA 425: Running Crew II (2)
- THEA 499: Capstone (2)
- Electives: 4 semester hours selected in consultation with advisor (4)
Minors
Theatre
20 semester hours of any THEA courses; at least 4 semester hours must be upper-division (300 or 400 level).
Dance
20 semester hours, including:
DANC 170, 301, 463; 6 semester hours of technique chosen from: DANC/PHED 222, DANC 251, 252, 322, 351, 352; 4 semester hours of electives chosen from: DANC 240, 254, 255, 287, 487, 491, THEA 225, 250, 355, 425, PHED 224, 225.
Dance (DANC) - Undergraduate Courses
DANC 170 : Introduction to Dance - AR
An introductory dance history course combining lecture and movement practice to offer students a well-rounded appreciation of the art form. (4)
DANC 222 : Jazz I - AR, PE
Introducing the techniques, vocabulary, and basic history of the jazz dance form, including learning and performing choreography in various jazz styles. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. May not be repeated for PE credit. Cross-listed with PHED 222. (1)
DANC 240 : Dance Ensemble & Production - AR
Various aspects of dance performance and production, including artistic collaboration, lighting, costume, makeup, and marketing. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. (0 to 1)
DANC 251 : Ballet I - AR, PE
Designed for beginning to beginning/intermediate level dance students, this course is an opportunity for all students to actively practice the basic techniques, vocabulary, and traditions of classical ballet. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. May not be repeated for PE credit. (2)
DANC 252 : Contemporary I - AR, PE
A technique course for beginning to beginning/intermediate level dance students. This course introduces basic techniques from the modern and post-modern eras, with an emphasis on contemporary practices, including structured improvisation and the fusion of multiple dance styles. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. May not be repeated for PE credit. (2)
DANC 254 : Tap I - AR, PE
An introduction to the fundamentals of tap dance technique and history. Students will study rhythm, coordination, and artistry with an emphasis in the musical theatre style. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. May not be repeated for PE credit. (1)
DANC 255 : Hip Hop I - AR, PE
A technique course exploring the movement, vocabulary, and history of the rich hip hop culture in America. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. May not be repeated for PE credit. (1)
DANC 287 : Special Topics in Dance
Provides undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
DANC 301 : Dance in World Cultures - C
A cross-cultural examination of dance traditions from around the world in their historical, critical, artistic, and socio-cultural contexts. Students will learn to contextualize a variety of dance traditions. They will participate in dance styles of various world cultures as they study cultural traditions and how they are expressed in movement. Dance of Africa, Asia, Europe, India, Middle East, and the Americas. (4)
DANC 322 : Jazz II
This technique course challenges dance students to enhance their technical skills and knowledge of the vocabulary and history of the jazz dance form, including learning, creating, and performing choreography in various jazz styles. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. Prerequisite: consent of instructor or DANC 222 and consent of instructor. (1)
DANC 351 : Ballet II
Designed for intermediate to intermediate/advanced level dance students, this course challenges ballet students to enhance their technical skills and historical knowledge through discussion and dedicated physical practice. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. Prerequisite: consent of instructor or DANC 251 and consent of instructor. (2)
DANC 352 : Contemporary II
Designed for intermediate to intermediate/advanced level dance students. This rigorous technique course combines prominent techniques from the four modern and post-modern eras with a focus on diverse perspectives of this contemporary dance era, including contact improvisation and somatic exploration. Prerequisite: consent of instructor, or DANC 252 and consent of instructor. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. (2)
DANC 362 : Healing Arts of the Mind and Body - A, AR
Designed to introduce alternative therapies of mind-body processes. History, roots, practice, and cultural significances of several therapies and practices. Cross-listed with KINS 362. (4)
DANC 463 : Dance Composition and Choreography
A study of the principles of dance composition, relative to the art form’s mediums of body, space, and time. In this course, students engage in concentrated creative practice involving guided improvisation and choreographic exercises. (2)
DANC 487 : Special Topics in Dance
Provides undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
DANC 491 : Independent Study
Provides individual undergraduate students with advanced study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as IS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)
Theatre (THEA) - Undergraduate Courses
THEA 160 : Introduction to Theatre - AR
A survey of the general nature of dramatic presentation; including elements of dramatic structure, types of drama, and the contributions of the actor, director, designer, technician, and audience. (4)
THEA 200 : Theatre Rehearsal and Performance
Students perform in a specific faculty-directed production. Repeatable for a maximum of 12 semester hours. (0-4)
THEA 215 : Voice and Movement - AR
Exploration of the actor's voice and body as vital tools for dramatic expression. (4)
THEA 225 : Running Crew I
A practicum course, students work backstage or in production shops on a faculty-directed production to learn about and execute beginning and intermediate-level running crew assignments. Repeatable for a maximum of 8 semester hours. Graded Pass/Fail. (1)
THEA 250 : Acting I - Fundamentals - AR
An introductory course to acting in which students perform scenes and monologues and learn about scene selection, memorization, imagination, character, and presentation. (4)
THEA 252 : Fundamentals of Scenic Design - AR
An introduction to the process used by scenic designers to create a physical environment for the stage. (4)
THEA 254 : Fundamentals of Lighting Design - AR
An introductory examination of the controllable properties of light and their application to the functions of theatrical lighting. (4)
THEA 255 : Theatrical Production - AR
Basic theory and procedure of all backstage elements in the theatre, costumes, scenery, props, lights, and makeup. (4)
THEA 260 : Stagecraft
A combination of lecture and hands on experience in the execution of scenic designs for the stage including safety procedures, construction techniques and materials, theatrical rigging, welding, and organizational planning of theatrical production. Prerequisite: THEA 255. (2)
THEA 275 : Scenic Painting
Color theory and techniques used for painting scenery in theatrical applications. (2)
THEA 279 : Hand Drafting
Hand drafting techniques to create light plots or scenic draftings for theatrical applications. (2)
THEA 280 : Computer-Aided Drafting
The use of computers and software to create light plots or scenic draftings for theatrical applications. Prerequisite: THEA 279. (2)
THEA 285 : Costume Crafts and Construction
Costume production techniques, including sewing, use of equipment, knowledge of available materials, dyeing, and 3-D. (4)
THEA 287 : Special Topics in Theatre
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
THEA 290 : Stage Management
The study and practice of stage management with an emphasis on functions of the stage manager in the theatrical production process. (2)
THEA 299 : The Profession of Theatre
An introduction of the various elements necessary to prepare for a life in the theatre, including portfolio and audition materials, agents and unions, graduate schools and the profession. (2)
THEA 300 : Improvisation
Long and/or short form improvisation techniques in addition to a variety of exercises exploring terminology, character work and elements of comedy. (2)
THEA 330 : Script Analysis
Discussion of the major theories of drama and apply those literary and dramatic elements of plays and the analysis of selected drama from a variety of historical periods. (4)
THEA 345 : Playwriting
Techniques for writing one-act plays and analysis of dramatic structure and elements. (4)
THEA 346 : The Audition
Techniques for choosing and preparing effective monologues, cold and prepared readings, head shots and résumés, and interview skills. (2)
THEA 347 : The Vocal Audition
Techniques for choosing and preparing effective audition songs, cuttings, and interview skills related to musical theatre. (2)
THEA 350 : Acting II - Scene Study
An intermediate course in which students gain practical experience through performance of monologues and scenes from modern and contemporary theatre. Prerequisite: THEA 250 or consent of instructor. (4)
THEA 351 : Stage Makeup
Basic techniques in theatrical makeup application including corrective, aging, three-dimensional, and special effects. (4)
THEA 355 : Lighting Design
An examination of the controllable properties of light and their application to the functions of theatrical lighting. Students will express ideas through research, critical analysis, presentation, and practical lab exercises. Prerequisite: THEA 254. (4)
THEA 360 : Theatre History - AR
A survey of the history of theatre and an examination of theatre as an institution that reflects historical moments and participates in the forming of social values and ideas. (4)
THEA 362 : Musical Theatre History - AR
A survey of the history of musical theatre and an examination of musical theatre as an institution that reflects historical moments and participates in the forming of social values and ideas. (4)
THEA 365 : Theatre History II - AR
This course surveys the history of theatre from the end of the 18th century through the present day. Students will examine theatre as an institution that both reflects historical moments and participates in the forming of social values and ideas. (4)
THEA 380 : Directing I
The process of analyzing and making choices about scripts, casting, revealing the focus of scenes, and constructing the mood, rhythm, pace and main idea of productions. Prerequisite: THEA 250. (4)
THEA 385 : Musical Theatre Performance: Golden Age
An exploration of singing musical theatre from America's Golden Age in a studio setting. (4)
THEA 386 : Musical Theatre Performance: Modern
An exploration of singing musical theatre from America's modern era in a studio setting. (4)
THEA 387 : Topics in Theatre
This course will be offered as needed, and it will allow the faculty and guest artists to explore areas of expertise and interest that are not normally taught as part of the curriculum. Concentrated study of a major theatrical period, movement, author, theme, genre, performance style, culture, or technology. (2 to 4)
THEA 390 : Visual History: Period Costume and Décor - AR
A survey of the architecture, interiors, clothing, culture, and aesthetic of the western world through exposure to art, historical documents, and popular perspectives. (4)
THEA 425 : Running Crew II
A practicum course, students work backstage or in production shops on a faculty-directed production to learn about and execute intermediate and advanced-level running crew assignments. Repeatable for a maximum of 8 semester hours. (1)
THEA 450 : Acting III - Styles
Analyzing and performing differing styles of acting representing various time periods and genres. Prerequisites: THEA 250 and THEA 350, or consent of instructor. (4)
THEA 453 : Costume Design - AR
Development of artistic and technical abilities in the field of costume design incorporating history, patterns, and renderings. (4)
THEA 455 : Scenic Design
Explores the process used by scenic designers to create a physical environment for the stage through analyzing a theatrical text, formulating and expressing an approach through research, and executing their ideas through models and simple drafting. Prerequisite: THEA 252. (4)
THEA 480 : Directing II
Builds on techniques learned in Directing I to develop stage productions. This includes interpreting text, analyzing premise, developing visual concepts, translating words and concepts into actions, and the process of communication between actors and designers. Prerequisite: THEA 380. (4)
THEA 485 : Theatre Management
The study of issues related to managing a theatre company and producing plays. (2)
THEA 491 : Independent Studies
Investigations or research in area of special interest not covered by regular courses; open to qualified junior or senior students. Requires pre-registration approved by a departmental sponsor. (1 to 4)
THEA 495 : Internship in Theatre
Internship or cooperative education experiences in the theatre. (1 to 4)
THEA 499 : Capstone - SR
Preparation of portfolios and project work that reflects both academic and practical knowledge gained through the study of theatre. (2)