Theatre

Professors

Kelly Bremner, Chair

Patrice Foster

Annalee Tull

The Department of Theatre offers both a major and a minor. In addition, the department offers a cooperative pre- professional program in association with Barter Theatre of Abingdon, Virginia, a professional regional theatre.

There are four specific areas of concentration within the pre-professional program, all of which lead to a B.F.A. degree in theatre.

The department also offers the option of an add-on endorsement for those with teaching licensure or holding an endorsement in another teaching area. Consult the Department of Education for licensure requirements in theatre arts.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

THRE 100: Introduction to Theatre

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Understanding the theatrical experience through study of the various types, styles, and production processes of the theatre; theatre as public art and its relationship to culture. 

THRE 105: Introduction to Acting

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Study and practice of the fundamentals of acting through improvisation and exploratory exercises; basic principles of stage performance applied to various professions and non-theatre venues; building of strong presentational and communication skills. Recommended for non-majors. 

THRE 109: Intro. to Dance Artistry

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

An introductory survey class of dance as art and cultural practice in our world. This class focuses study on vocabulary, styles, and history of dance, studied through viewings and writing, quizzes, movement studies, and discussion of issues, both current and historical. 

THRE 110: Stagecraft

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Introduction to the technical aspects of scenery, costumes, lighting, props, and sound production with emphasis on the tools, terminology, techniques, and safety procedures appropriate to each discipline. Practical application through participation in a theatrical production. 

THRE 111: Musical Theatre Class-Voice

Program
Semester Hours 1.0

Study of basic singing technique. Specific emphasis will be placed on vocal aesthetics appropriate for the genre of American Musical Theatre. Musical Theatre students are required to complete THRE 111 before taking MUSP 216. 

Prerequisites

Instructor Permission

THRE 112: Keyboarding Skills for Actors

Program
Semester Hours 2.0
Study of basic keyboarding skills to aid the comprehensive musical theatre professional. Special emphasis on real world application for Musical Theatre literature preparation and auditions.

THRE 204: Stage Lighting

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Introduction to the technical aspects of stage lighting for theatrical productions with emphasis on the tools, terminology, techniques, creativity and safety procedures appropriate to the discipline. Great attention is paid to the practical application through participation in a theatrical production. 

THRE 205: Acting I

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Overview of acting styles and methods; development of imagination through improvisation, exercises, and scene work; audition techniques. 

Prerequisites

THRE 105 or THRE major or minor.

THRE 206: Acting II

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Thorough examination and application of Stanislavski's system and its descendants. Scene study and character development for contemporary realistic theatre. Rehearsal technique.

Prerequisites

THRE 205

THRE 207: Costume Construction

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Introduction to the sewing and technical aspects of costuming and costume construction with emphasis on the tools, terminology, techniques, creativity, fashion and safety procedures appropriate to the discipline with practical application through in class projects and participation in theatrical production. 

THRE 209: Drafting & 3D Design for Theatre

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

An introduction to Computer Aided Drafting & 3D Design principles as they apply to theatre and entertainment design. Students will gain exposure to Vectorworks, Spotlight, and Renderworks. In addition, students will work with Photoshop and other Adobe products to generate virtual designs.

THRE 211: Musical Theatre Voice Private

Program
Semester Hours 1.0

Voice study is designed to give students high-level technical and musical skills, which form the basis for artistic communication with others through teaching and performance. All students studying voice will be expected to demonstrate consistent growth in vocal performance skills. This growth must be evident in the vocal technique, sound, and a consistently rising level of difficulty in repertoire requirements. Fee.

THRE 216: Beginning Ballet

Program
Semester Hours 1.0

An exploration of ballet dance technique evaluating body alignment and execution of ballet steps. Basic knowledge of ballet history. 

THRE 217: Beginning Jazz

Program
Semester Hours 1.0

An exploration of jazz dance technique evaluating body alignment for jazz dance and execution of jazz steps. 

THRE 218: Beginning Tap

Program
Semester Hours 1.0

An exploration of tap dance technique evaluating rhythmic play, footwork, and terminology, as well as the historical and cultural impact of tap dance. 

THRE 233X: Introduction to Drama

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Introduction to drama, with a focus on the literary issues specific to drama as a form of narrative; consideration of dramatic genre and theory, and some attention to staging and performance, with an introduction to important playwrights of the tradition. English majors in the creative writing track are encouraged to take this course prior to English 325X.

Prerequisites

THRE 101

THRE 235: Principles of Singing-Acting

Program
Semester Hours 2.0

Investigation and application of the fundamental principles of singing - acting. Students learn to make expressive behavioral choices utilizing their voice, face, and body while singing. Song analysis is taught as a tool to identify and produce successful and effective behavioral choice-making that demonstrates specificity, clarity, emotional truth, variety and intensity in performance. Technique is developed through study in exercises and repertoire. 

Prerequisites

Pre or corequisite: MUSP 216 or 416.

THRE 236: Principles of Singing-Acting II

Program
Semester Hours 2.0

Advanced investigation and application of singing acting techniques and methodologies. Students refine their ability to make expressive behavioral choices utilizing their voice, face and body while singing through application in scene work and solo singing.

Prerequisites

THRE 235

THRE 237: Music Skills for Musical Theatre

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Skill training in sight reading, ear training, and music theory, oriented to the needs of the musical theatre performer. Fundamentals of notation, pitches, intervals, rhythms, and simple chords. In-class exercises and drills are supplemented with computer-based instruction.

THRE 245: Voice for the Stage

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Advanced study in vocal control; breathing, projection, pronunciation, articulation, dialect, vocal range and pitch; emphasis on speaking classical language; attention to the International Phonetic Alphabet. 

THRE 272: Stage Management

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

This course develops the skills of effective Stage Management and Theatre Administration. Students will master concepts related to time management, leadership, and organizational skills as applied to production stage management in the professional theatre arena.

THRE 282: Barter Observationship

Program
Semester Hours 1.0

Direct observation of all aspects of work at the Barter Theatre. Students observe rehearsals of performances, technical and production meetings and/or shop work, and business meetings. Pass/Fail.

THRE 300: Stage Movement

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Basic understanding of elements of physicalization for the stage through practical application; exploration of the body as it reflects the inner life; examination of movement theories. 

THRE 301: Adv Stage Movement

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Organization of movement expression using essence theory of emotion, intentions, gesture, and physical characterization through movement; period movement and dance; unarmed and armed combat.

Prerequisites

THRE 300

THRE 305: Acting III

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Examination of major historical periods and genres; focus on classical tragedy and comedy, Shakespeare, Moliere, Brecht, and others.

Prerequisites

THRE 206 and 270, or instructor permission

THRE 306: Movement in Global

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

A survey of world dance styles ranging from Western popular dance into world tribal dances. This class focuses on communal and religious dances as well as philosophy of dance and dance theory, studied through viewings, writing, movements studies, discussions of issues and quizzes. This course will culminate in an in-depth paper exploring a specific dance of world and the cultural impact of that dance in the community where it is found. 

THRE 307: Dance Repertoire

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

This course follows the creation and performance of dance choreography from audition through final performance. Enrollment is by audition only. Students cast in the dance repertoire course learn new and previously created works of choreography by dance faculty or guest artists. In addition to developing performance skills, students are introduced to technical theatrical design concepts and are expected to complete pre and post-production assignments. May be repeated for credit. 

THRE 308: Dance Composition

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

An exploration of the art and craft of creating dances. Techniques to nurture the individual creative process are explored, including movement improvisation, visual art imagery, chance procedures, musical influences, poetic imagery, and prop and costume studies. This course culminates in a student's presentation of substantial composition.

THRE 310: Adv Theatre Design

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Selected topics in advanced design and technology with emphasis on contemporary skills and techniques.

Prerequisites

THRE 309

THRE 311: Set Design for Theatre

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

This course builds on the skills acquired in the Fundamentals of Theatricals Design & Computer Aided Drafting & 3D Design for Theatre. Students will explore the set design for theatre in the contextual application through drafting, model building & 3D & Digital rendering.

Prerequisites

THRE 209 and 210

THRE 312: Devised Performance

Program
Semester Hours 3.0
Devised Performance is an approach to performance that emphasizes the collaborative creation of scripts for performance. In this course we will focus on the development of key Devised Performance skills such as collaboration, improvisation, writing, and social and civic engagement in a workshop classroom environment.

THRE 314: Principles of Play Directing

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Introduction to and analysis of director's role with emphasis on interpretation, creating stage action, composition, rhythm, picturization, and the coaching of actors.

Prerequisites

THRE 270 or instructor permission.

THRE 315: Advanced Directing the Stage

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Application of the techniques for directing introduced in 314; includes preparation of a one-act play or excerpt from a full-length play for presentation.

Prerequisites

THRE 314

THRE 316: Applied Theatre

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

An introduction to the practice of theatre methods in non-traditional and non-theatrical settings, often with marginalized or underserved populations. The course will cover Applied Theatre techniques which tackle such diverse topics as public health, education, housing, social welfare, and juvenile and criminal justice. 

THRE 320: Theatre History I

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Survey of world theatre from its origins to the Restoration; emphasis on major periods, typical plays, important personages, and major architectural and production techniques. 

THRE 321: Theatre History II

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Study of world theatre from the Restoration to the present; emphasis on major periods, typical plays, important personages, and major architectural and production techniques.

THRE 322: American Theatre

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Study of American theatre with emphasis on major periods, typical plays, important personages, and major architectural and production techniques. 

THRE 325: Introduction to Scriptwriting

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Introduction to the major components of scriptwriting; emphasis on dramatic action, character, and dialogue; tools and techniques of scriptwriting; focus on the imagination and creativity of the student through the development of a short script.

THRE 335: Musical Theatre

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Survey history of musical theatre; emphasis on the practical application of styles, periods, movement, dance, acting, voice, and interpretation; special emphasis on the American musical.

Prerequisites

One of the following: THRE 105, THRE 205, MUSP 216, MUSP 416, or instructor permission.

THRE 336: Musical Theatre History

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

A comprehensive survey of the history of musical theatre from antiquity to the present day, and assumptions about its future; an emphasis on major periods, important individuals, noteworthy works, and, artistic, cultural, and commercial trends that influenced the art form.

THRE 340: Auditions

Program
Semester Hours 1.0 3

Preparation for professional auditions. Strategies, audition techniques, examination of all aspects of acting as a career, and individualized coaching. 

THRE 350: Special Topics in Theatre

Program
Semester Hours 4.0

Topics for advanced study in theatre, chosen by the department in response to needs and interests of students.

Prerequisites

Instructor permission.

THRE 360X: Shakespeare

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Representative comedies, histories, tragedies, and romances from his early, middle, and late periods, studied in the context of cultural and dramatic history and the Elizabethan theatre.

Prerequisites

THRE 101

THRE 400: Senior Project

Program
Semester Hours 2.0

Individually designed program of study developed in consultation with faculty in the department.

Prerequisites

THRE majors or minors in their senior year; departmental permission.

THRE 401: Theatre Practicum - Performance

Program
Semester Hours 0.5

Practical hands-on training in acting, singing, and dancing. Serve as a cast member in a departmental mainstage production. Rehearsal and performance techniques. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites

Instructor permission. 

THRE 402: Theatre Practicum - Shops

Program
Semester Hours 0.5

Practical hands-on training in Carpentry, electrics, and costume construction for departmental mainstage productions. May be repeated for credit. Pass-Fail only.

THRE 404: Theatre Practicum - Leadership

Program
Semester Hours 0.5

Practical hands-on training in Design, Stage Management or Stage Directing for departmental mainstage productions either as lead or as an assistant. May be repeated for credit.

THRE 405: Acting IV

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Advanced scene study, rehearsal technique, characterization, styles, and audition preparation. Special attention is given in this course to making the transition into the professional acting world.

Prerequisites

THRE 206 and 270, or instructor permission.

THRE 415: The Business of Theatre

Program
Semester Hours 3.0
Understanding not-for-profit arts organizations and organizational structures; focus on personnel, unions, audience development, fund-raising, artistic mission, volunteer support, and fiscal control.

THRE 416: Advanced Ballet

Program
Semester Hours 1.0

An intermediate exploration of ballet dance technique evaluating body alignment and greater execution of ballet steps. Wider knowledge of ballet history and ballet repertoire. 

THRE 417: Advanced Jazz

Program
Semester Hours 1.0

An intermediate exploration of jazz dance technique evaluating body alignment for jazz dance and greater execution of jazz steps. Wider knowledge of jazz history and style.

THRE 418: Advanced Tap

Program
Semester Hours 1.0

An intermediate exploration of tap dance technique evaluating rhythmic play, footwork, and terminology, as well as the historical and cultural impact of tap dance. Wider knowledge of percussive patterns and styles. 

THRE 460: Independent Study

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Advanced research in a specific area of theatre under the supervision of a faculty member in the department.

Prerequisites

Departmental permission.

THRE 470: Internship I

Program
Semester Hours 2.0 6

Work experience related to the student's major, jointly supervised by the department and a professional in the field. Although the usual internship will carry either three or six hours of credit, a student may elect to arrange an internship carrying between two and six hours of credit with the permission of the department. Each hour of credit will require forty hours at the internship site. Pass-Fail only.

Prerequisites

Departmental permission.

THRE 471: Internship II

Program
Semester Hours 2.0 6

Work experience related to the student's major, jointly supervised by the department and a professional in the field. Although the usual internship will carry either three or six hours credit, a student may elect to arrange an internship carrying between two and six hours credit with the permission of the department. Each hour of credit will require forty hours at the internship site.

Prerequisites

Departmental permission.

THRE 480: Professional Theatre Experience

Program
Semester Hours 1.0

Participation in professional workshops, attendance at Barter productions followed by talk-back sessions with Barter professionals, instructional tours, observation of professional rehearsals, and mentoring by Barter professionals. This class is for majors and intended majors only.

THRE 482: Barter Mentorship

Program
Semester Hours 1.0

This course pairs Emory & Henry students with a designated Barter professional for concentrated study in the theatre as a profession. Students articulate specific learning objectives in consultation with the course instructor. Pass/Fail.

Prerequisites

Instructor permission.

THRE 490: Honors Thesis I

Program
Semester Hours 3.0

Independent research in a special topic for honors.

Prerequisites

Senior status, GPA of 3.0 or higher.