THEATRE

THEA 101:
Introduction to Theatre 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU

An introduction to the theory and practice of theatre, exploring such topics as the nature and function of theatre in modern society, performance space, the process of theatrical production, the arts of the playwright and the actor, critical and creative analysis of play scripts from a theatrical perspective, critical evaluation and appreciation of theatre productions, the development and value of theatre in one or two specific historical periods (i.e., Classical Athens, Medieval Japan, Italian Renaissance, Elizabethan England).

Please note that THEA 101 is not an acting class. Students wishing to study acting must audition for THEA 111.

THEA 111:
Acting I 3 credits

Prerequisites: audition — contact the department for an appointment

Transferability: UBC, UVic, OU, SFU, TWU

Integrates the development of acting resources with learning the first stages of a systematic approach to the acting craft.

THEA 112:
Acting II 3 credits

Prerequisites: THEA 111, or instructor’s permission

Transferability: UBC, UVic, OU, SFU, TWU

Continuation of the development of acting skills begun in
Acting I. You will participate in scenes from major dramatic works.

THEA 121:
Introduction to Technical Theatre 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU

An introduction to the techniques of stage management, lighting, and set construction. There will be practical production assignments in these areas.

THEA 123:
Introduction to Technical Theatre II 3 credits

Prerequisites: THEA 121

Transferability: UBC, UVic, SFU, TWU

A continuation of THEA 121, introducing the techniques of costuming, make-up, scene painting, drafting, and sound in the theatre. You will participate in practical application of these techniques.

THEA 199:
Practicum I 3 credits

Prerequisites: instructor’s permission, or audition

Transferability: WWU, OU

Intense practical experience in theatre performance and production.

THEA 201:
History of Theatre — Major Trends and Issues of the 20th Century 3 credits

Prerequisite: THEA 101

Transferability: SFU, UVic, OU, TWU

This course surveys the innovations and insights which shaped theatre as an art form during the 20th century. Major trends and issues in the theatre will be explored in their own right, as well as in the context of larger cultural and historical forces.

THEA 202:
History of Theatre — Major Trends and Issues to the 19th Century 3 credits

Prerequisite: THEA 101

Transferability: SFU, OU, UVic

This course surveys key topics in the history of theatre up to the 19th century. Specific themes drawn from the key areas of acting, audiences, theatre architecture, performance space, scenography, directing, and theatre criticism will be examined through a range of historical periods.

THEA 211:
Acting III 3 credits

Prerequisites: THEA 112, instructor’s permission, or audition

Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU

This is an intermediate acting course focusing on textual analysis and the performance of short scenes.

THEA 212:
Acting IV 3 credits

Prerequisites: THEA 211, or instructor’s permission, or audition

Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU

Emphasis in this course is placed on interpretation and characterization. Students will prepare and present several scenes and one full-length play.

THEA 297:
Independent Study 3 credits

Prerequisites: instructor’s permission

Transferability: WWU

An individual course of study in a selected theatre discipline. This course is available to second-year theatre students who must consult with the department head to arrange to take this course.

THEA 298:
Independent Study 3 credits

Prerequisites: instructor’s permission, or audition

Transferability: WWU

An individual course of study in a theatre discipline. This course is available to second-year theatre students who must consult with the department head to arrange to take this course.

THEA 299:
Practicum II 3 credits

Prerequisites: instructor’s permission, or audition

Transferability: WWU

Advanced practical experience in theatre performance and production.

THEA 352:
Playmaking 3 credits

Developed in partnership with Simon Fraser University

Prerequisites: THEA 101, 211

An exploration of the processes of playmaking. The course will examine topics such as mask, street and political theatre, ritual art, collective creation, self-scripting, and other playmaking activities. Emphasis will be placed upon the creation of original material with the possibility of public performance.

THEA 359:
Selected Topics in Theatre 3 credits

Developed in partnership with Simon Fraser University

Prerequisites: THEA 101, 211

A specific topic in theatre which provides a stronger focus on a specific area of theatre studies than is available elsewhere. The course will include a combination of practical (studio) and theoretical work. Initially, the course topic will be “Shakespeare’s texts and the actor”.

THEA 370:
Intro to Stage Design 3 credits

Developed in partnership with Simon Fraser University

Prerequisites: THEA 121 or 123

An introduction to the fundamentals of theatre design including a brief history of stage development from ancient Greece to the contemporary period. Theoretical and practical use of theatre design principles in set, costume, and lighting will be explored and applied.

THEA 395
Costume Practicum I 4 credits

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Corequisites: None

This course will provide students the opportunity to integrate theory and practice in the area of costume studies. By undertaking intermediate responsibilities in costume construction and management, students will develop skills and knowledge.

THEA 399:
Practicum III 4 credits

Prerequisites: THEA 199 or 299. Admission only by department permission.

This course will provide upper-level students with the opportunity to integrate theory and practice. By undertaking intermediate responsibilities in performance or production, students will develop theatre skills and knowledge.

THEA 453:
Theory and Practice of Directing 3 credits

Developed in partnership with Simon Fraser University

Prerequisites: THEA 211 plus one of THEA 199 or 299

An introduction of the fundamentals of directing commencing with a survey of directing history and theory. The course will focus on the director’s creative process. Each student will work on practical direction assignments culminating in the presentation of a one-act play.

THEA 499:
Practicum IV 4 credits

Prerequisites: THEA 399. Admission is only by department permission.

This course will provide upper-level students with the opportunity to integrate theory and practice. By undertaking senior responsibilities in performance or production, students will develop theatre skills and knowledge.

THEA 495:
Costume Practicum II 4 credits

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor

Corequisites: None

This course will provide students the opportunity to further integrate theory and practice in the area of costume studies. By undertaking senior responsibilities in costume construction and management, students will develop skills and knowledge.

THWT 331:
Theatre Costume Construction I 3 credits

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the program

Corequisites: THWT 335 and THWT 395

This is a practical course designed to give the student the skills and knowledge needed to interpret design sketches into full-size garments. Research skills and the careful analysis of the design will be emphasized. Students will be expected to make decisions and select appropriate fabrics and construction techniques for the building of new costumes, assembling outfits or altering of existing pieces. A study of historical and modern sewing techniques and methods of altering fabrics to resemble the original will be covered, and the ancient art of draping is introduced.

THWT 332:
Theatre Costume Construction II 3 credits

Prerequisites: THWT 331

Corequisites: THWT 336 and THWT 495

A continuation of THWT 331 with more advanced construction and distressing techniques. Emphasis will be on complex costume building skills covering corsetry, crinolines, tailoring, and other engineered silhouettes suggested by historical costumes. Selecting, altering, and creating accessories will be included featuring a section on millinery. The course work will culminate in the building of an historical costume for an assigned character from a period play or film.

THWT 335:
Theatre Wardrobe Management I 3 credits

Contact department for details.

THWT 336:
Theatre Wardrobe Management II 3 credits

Prerequisites: THWT 335

Corequisites: THWT 332 and THWT 495

In this course students will develop and put into practice management strategies covered in THWT 335. Advanced recording and reporting skills are covered, as are additional exercises and strategies to improve communication skills. The legal aspects of entering into rental contracts and the policies, rules, and regulations imposed by employers and unions within the industry are covered. Job-finding skills are also included.


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