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College of Arts & Sciences Catalog

Theatre Arts

Theatre Arts prepares students to bring the "word" to life through purposeful relationships and to tell important life-changing stories. Incarnation is the heart of theatre, making the “word” become “flesh.” Effectively accomplished, theatre awakens the members of the audience to an awareness of their spiritual capability. A good story, powerfully conceived and well executed, forces the consideration of significant questions such as: Is this true? Could it be true? Am I like this? Could I be? Should I be?

The focus of the program is to provide artistic preparation and exploration for a broad range of individual interests—from those who desire to influence professional theatre to those who plan to use theatre in ministry or education. Within the liberal arts setting, the department also seeks to develop educated and artistically sensitive audience members capable of perceptively interacting with all manner of productions from a Christian worldview.

In order to accommodate specialized interests in theatre arts, the major is divided into three emphases: acting/directing, technical/design, and musical theatre. While integrating the Christian faith throughout each specialization, analysis and production of dramatic literature from ancient classics to modern experimental pieces enrich the study of theatre at Bethel University.

Courses

THA100NA • Creative Performance (fall, spring) 3 credits

Art of acting. Workshop experiences to develop personal creative talents through an exploration of performance techniques including movement, improvisation, and stage acting.

THA105 • Theatre Essentials (spring) 1 credit

Exploration, both practical and theoretical, of theatre arts and of theatre as art. Topics include artistic integrity, the role of an artist in theatre, integration of faith and theatre arts, and building a portfolio/resume.

THA120A • Projects in Performance (fall, spring, even # yrs) 1 credit

An individual project in backstage/technical work (set building, props, lights or costumes) or acting to be done in conjunction with the theatre productions being performed during current semester. Minimum of 30 hours. Class size depends on the needs for the individual performance. Prerequisite: Consent of department.

THA202A • Producing and Performing a Musical (interim, odd # yrs) 3 credits

An intensive experience in the production and performance of a musical. Instruction and coaching in the unique art of musical theatre as well as direct involvement in all aspects of mounting a show according to a professional summer stock or repertory model. Prerequisite: Audition for and be cast in the show.

THA212 • Voice Production (occasionally) 3 credits

A group-intensive laboratory designed to explore special topics in theatre. The art of using the voice. Key skills such as projection, articulation, vocal flexibility and vocal exercises designed to broaden and develop the vocal instrument. Prerequisite: THA100NA or consent of instructor; sophomore standing.

THA214 • Stage Combat (occasionally) 3 credits

A group-intensive laboratory designed to explore special areas in theatre. Students will learn techniques of stage combat and movement including unarmed, quarterstaff and rapier. Prerequisite: THA100NA; consent of instructor; sophomore standing.

THA220, 320, 420 • Projects in Performance (fall, spring) 1 credit

An individual project in acting, stage-managing, or design to be done in conjunction with the theatre productions being performed during current semester. Maximum of 1 credit per area, per semester and 4 credits per four years. Prerequisite: Cast in a production or consent of department.

THA240 • Stagecraft (spring, odd # yrs) 4 credits

Techniques used to mount a theatre production through developing and adapting the skills and creative capabilities inherent in each student. Costuming, set construction, painting and dyeing, makeup, and lighting techniques. Prerequisite: GES125.

THA250 • Drama Ministry (fall, odd # yrs) 3 credits

Innovative theories, techniques, strategies, and their application to ministry situations. Experiences in creative dramatics, improvisation, story dramatization, original scripts, drama program development, and creative leadership to maximize the impact of the gospel, especially within the church setting. Prerequisite: THA100NA or the consent of instructor.

THA260 • Drama Ministry Tour (occasionally interim) 3 credits

Production and performance of a play that tours to a variety of settings including multicultural locations.

THA279 • Theatre and Culture: Classical to Modern (fall, odd # yrs) 4 credits

Dynamic interrelationship of theatre and culture, focusing on the correlations between a people’s worldview; their religious, philosophical, political, and aesthetic concerns; and their dramatic art as it was brought to life on the stages of their time. Theatrical activity of the classical, medieval, Renaissance, and neoclassical periods.

THA291L • Theatre in the Modern Age (spring, even # yrs) 3 credits

Theatre’s role as a reflector and instigator of cultural change during the modern period: religious, philosophical, political, social, and aesthetic. The theatrical “isms”: naturalism, realism, surrealism, symbolism, expressionism, and absurdism. Prerequisite: GES130 or GES145, 146.

THA302 • Producing and Performing a Musical (interim, odd # yrs) 3 credits

An intensive experience in the production and performance of a musical. Instruction and coaching in the unique art of musical theatre as well as direct involvement in all aspects of mounting a show according to a professional summer stock or repertory model. Prerequisites: Audition for and be cast in the show; THA202.

THA310 • Design for the Stage (spring, even # yrs) 4 credits

Principles of costume, scenery, and lighting design. Training in communicating design through figure drawing, drafting, rendering, and model making. Prerequisites: GES125; sophomore standing.

THA311 • Stage Dialects (occasionally) 3 credits

A group-intensive laboratory designed to explore special topics in theatre. Learn key skills needed to create believable stage dialects such as American Southern, Brooklynese, Standard British, Cockney, Irish, German. Develop performance skills using dialects. Prerequisite: THA100NA or consent of instructor; sophomore standing.

THA313 • Acting for the Camera (occasionally) 3 credits

A group intensive laboratory designed to expolore special topics in theatre. Techniques utilized in acting for the camera. Work in scene study, character analysis and individual performance skills needed in acting for film. Prerequisite: THA100NA or consent of instructor; sophomore standing.

THA315 • Performing Shakespeare (spring, odd # yrs) 3 credits

The art of performing and acting Shakespeare. Basic key skills such as scansion and anti-thesis, and performance techniques needed to analyze and interpret Shakespearean text for performance. Group lab experiences and work with Shakespearean scenes and monologues. Prerequisites: THA100NA; junior or senior standing or THA350.

THA330 • Topics in Theatre Arts (occasionally) 3 credits

A group-intensive laboratory designed to explore special topics in theatre such as playwriting, character/tap dance, theatre for youth and children, and other topics depending on student interest. Students may interact with theatre professionals and develop individual performance skills. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor; sophomore standing.

THA350 • Advanced Acting (fall, even # yrs) 3 credits

Advanced work in scene study, character analysis, and individual performance skills. Prerequisite: THA100NA.

THA360 • Musical Theatre (spring, even # yrs) 3 credits

The identification and development of a singer-actor’s skills through classroom exercises and assignments utilizing the literature of musical theatre; process and value of group interaction and coaching. Includes various performances. Prerequisites: THA100NA or audition; sophomore standing.

THA405 • Directing (fall, even # yrs) 4 credits

Directing fundamentals including: blocking, characterization, how to find and secure rights, playscript interpretation, character analysis, organization and preparing budgets, director/actor and director/designer relationships. Development of a directoral perspective and process through play analysis and workshop experience. Prerequisites: THA100NA or THA291L; junior or senior standing.

THA410 • Theatrical Styles (spring, odd # yrs) 4 credits

Advanced study of various theatrical styles (Greek, Neoclassic, Elizabethan, Commedia, Antirealism, Experimental) from an acting/directing/design perspective. Analysis of acting, directing, and design theories and workshop exercises. Prerequisites: THA310; THA350 or THA360; THA405.

THA481 • Internship in Theatre (fall, interim, spring) 1-4 credits

Application of skills and knowledge to off-campus theatre situations. Internships may include church, community, professional, or summer stock theatre companies. Prerequisite: Major in theatre arts.

THA490 • Theatre Practicum (fall, interim, spring) 4 credits

A culminating theatre project intended to challenge the creativity and professional talents of the senior theatre arts major. Projects may include designing for a major production, performing an acting recital, directing a play, writing a script, or developing an experimental project. Prerequisites: Major in theatre arts; consent of department.

Programs

In this section, semester credit hours will be shown after the course number and description.

Major in Theatre Arts (Acting/Directing Emphasis) (B.A.)

THA100NA* Creative Performance 3
THA105 Theatre Essentials 1
THA212
Voice Production 3
THA214    Stage Combat
3
THA240 Stagecraft 4
THA279 Theatre and Culture: Classical to Modern 4
THA291L* Theatre in the Modern Age 3
THA310 Design for the Stage 4
THA330    Topics in Theatre Arts
3
THA315    Performing Shakespeare
3
THA350 Advanced Acting 3
THA405 Directing 4
THA410 Theatrical Styles 4
THA481/490 Internship in Theatre/Theatre Practicum 4
Choose from:   3
   THA311
Stage Dialects  
   THA313
Acting for the Camera  
Choose from:   1
   PEA114QA* Jazz Dance  
   PEA115QA* Ballet  
  Total 50
General Education   51-52
Electives   20-21
  TOTAL 122

* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.

Additional Requirement:

Students must participate in a minimum of six Bethel theatre productions. One of these experiences must include stage managing/assistant directing for at least one theatre production.

Major in Theatre Arts (Technical/Design Emphasis) (B.A.)

THA100NA* Creative Performance 3
THA105 Theatre Essentials 1
THA240 Stagecraft 4
THA279 Theatre and Culture: Classical to Modern 4
THA291L* Theatre in the Modern Age 3
THA310 Design for the Stage 4
THA410 Theatrical Styles 4
THA481/490 Internship in Theatre/Theatre Practicum 4
ART100A* Two-Dimensional Design 3
ART101A* Three-Dimensional Design 3
ART103A* Drawing 3
ART210 Painting 4
Choose from:   6
   THA212    Voice Production
 
   THA214 Stage Combat  
   THA311 Stage Dialects  
   THA313
Acting for the Camera  
   THA330 Topics in Theatre Arts  
Choose from:   3
   ARH220 Art History—Ancient Through Medieval  
   ARH320 Art History—Renaissance Through Rococo  
   ARH345 Art History—Contemporary Art  
Choose from:   4
   ART203 Drawing II  
   ART206 Sculpture  
   ART310 Painting II  
  Total 53
General Education   51-52
Electives   17-18
  TOTAL 122

* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.

Additional Requirement:

Students must participate in a minimum of six Bethel theatre productions. One of these experiences must include stage managing/assistant directing for at least one theatre production.

Major in Theatre Arts (Musical Theatre Emphasis) (B.A.)

THA100NA* Creative Performance 3
THA105 Theatre Essentials 1
THA202A* Producing and Performing a Musical 3
THA212    Voice Production
3
THA240 Stagecraft 4
THA279 Theatre and Culture: Classical to Modern 4
THA291L* Theatre in the Modern Age 3
THA350 Advanced Acting 3
THA360 Musical Theatre 3
THA405 Directing 4
THA410 Theatrical Styles 4
THA481/490 Internship in Theatre/Theatre Practicum 4
MUL141A* Beginning Voice 1
MUL143A* Introduction to Keyboard Theory 1
MUL241
Intermediate Voice Class 1
MUS101 Music Fundamentals 1
MUS103
Introduction to Music Literature 3
MUS104 Music Theory I 3
PEA114QA* Jazz Dance 1
PEA115QA* Ballet 1
Choose two from:   6
   THA214
Stage Combat  
   THA311    Stage Dialects
 
   THA313
Acting for the Camera  
   THA330
Topics in Theatre Arts  
  Total 53
General Education   51-52
Electives   17-18
  TOTAL 122

* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.

Additional Requirement:

Students must participate in a minimum of six Bethel theatre productions. One of these experiences must include stage managing/assistant directing for at least one theatre production.

Minor in Theatre Arts

THA100NA* Creative Performance 3
THA105 Theatre Essentials 1
Choose from:   4
   THA240 Stagecraft  
   THA310 Design for the Stage  
Choose from:   3-4
   THA279 Theatre and Culture: Classical to Modern  
   THA291L*
Theatre in the Modern Age  
Choose two from:   6
   THA212    Voice Production  
   THA214    Stage Combat  
   THA311    Stage Dialects  
   THA313    Acting for the Camera  
   THA330    Topics in Theatre Arts  
Electives from
theatre arts courses 4
  TOTAL 21-22

* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.