Catalog 2021-22

Theatre and Dance

Theatre and Dance

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.
    • 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).

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. Entrance Audition: to be admitted into a B.F.A. degree, prospective students must audition/interview for the theatre faculty. 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: 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: 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
78 semester hours

  • DANC 222: Jazz I – AR, PE (1)
  • DANC 251: Ballet (1)
  • DANC 252: Contemporary I (1)
  • 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 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)
  • 4 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
16 semester hours, including:
12 semester hours of DANC courses plus 4 semester hours chosen from: additional DANC courses, KINS 277, 280, PHED 223, 224, 225, MUSI 101, 120, THEA 250, 254, 285, 355, 453. At least 4 semester hours must be upper-division (300 or 400 level).

Dance (DANC) - Undergraduate Courses

DANC 170 : Introduction to Dance - AR

An introduction to Western concert dance forms; including, ballet, modern/contemporary, and jazz. The course combines discussion and movement practice. (4)

DANC 222 : Beginning/Intermediate Jazz - AR, PE

Students practice jazz dance technique, jazz choreography, and learn the history of jazz dance. Designed for students who have never taken a jazz dance class before, as well as for more experienced dancers. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. May not be repeated for PE credit. Cross-listed with PHED 222. (1)

DANC 240 : Dance Concert Ensemble - AR

Students perform in the faculty-directed dance concert. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. (0 to 1)

DANC 251 : Beginning/Intermediate Ballet - AR, FT

Students practice ballet technique, ballet choreography, and learn the history of ballet. Designed for students who have never taken a ballet class before, as well as for more experienced dancers. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. May not be repeated for PE credit. (1)

DANC 252 : Beginning/Intermediate Contemporary - AR, PE

Students practice contemporary dance technique, contemporary choreography, and learn the history of contemporary and modern dance. Designed for students who have never taken a contemporary dance class before, as well as for more experienced dancers. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. May not be repeated for PE credit. (1)

DANC 254 : Beginning/Intermediate Tap - AR, PE

Students practice tap dance technique, tap choreography, and learn the history of tap dance. Designed for students who have never taken a tap dance class before, as well as for more experienced dancers. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. May not be repeated for PE credit. (1)

DANC 255 : Beginning/Intermediate Hip Hop - AR, PE

Students practice hip hop dance technique, hip hop choreography, and learn the history of hip hop. Designed for students who have never taken a hip hop dance class before, as well as more experienced dancers. 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 and Culture - C

A cross-cultural examination of dance forms from around the world in their historical, artistic, and socio-cultural contexts. Students will learn to contextualize a variety of global dance traditions while examining their personal worldview. This course is primarily a seminar-based class, but includes a significant amount of physical movement. (4)

DANC 310 : Functional Alignment

Students deepen the understanding of their physical alignment through experiential anatomy and improvisational exercises. (1)

DANC 322 : Advanced Jazz

Designed for intermediate/advanced students, this course further develops jazz dance technique and performance. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. Prerequisite: consent of instructor or DANC 222. (1)

DANC 340 : Dance Composition and Choreography

A study of the principles of dance composition. Students engage in concentrated creative practice through choreographic projects, exercises, and guided improvisation. (2)

DANC 351 : Advanced Ballet

Designed for intermediate/advanced students, this course further develops ballet technique and performance. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. Prerequisite: consent of instructor or DANC 251. (1)

DANC 352 : Advanced Contemporary

Designed for intermediate/advanced students, this course further develops contemporary dance technique and performance. Prerequisite: DANC 252 or consent of instructor. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. (1)

DANC 440 : Dance Concert Choreography

Students choreograph original works for the faculty-directed dance concert. Repeatable for credit up to 4 times. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (0 to 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. (1-8)

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. (1-8)

THEA 450 : Acting III - Styles

Analyzing and performing differing styles of acting representing various time periods and genres. Prerequisites: THEA 250 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)