Theatre

Course Descriptions

You will find a variety of theatre courses offered at Western. Below is a list of the theatre courses we offer. Some of these courses are required for theatre majors; please check the suggested programs to see a complete list of required courses. Courses in other academic areas are also required for a Musical or Technical Theatre Degree; please check the College Catalog for course descriptions not listed below.  To check course availability, please check the College Class Schedule.

THEA 1000
Introduction to Theatre
The introductory course in theatre, tracing the historical development of drama as an art form and examining, within a historical context, individual plays which represent major periods and types.
Prerequisite: None

THEA 1025
THEATRE ETHICS
This course is a study of the natural laws of humanity and how they relate to an education and career in the theatre arts. Emphasis is placed on the development of long-term character habits based on these natural laws and not on quick-fix personality techniques. This course will not define how an individual should behave, but instead will teach theatre artists methods+ of moral judgment and character development that will lead to an effective and successful education and career.
Prerequisite: None

THEA 1030
Written Theory I for Musical Theatre Majors
This course is designed for the student interested in pursuing a major in Musical Theatre. It uses an integrated approach toward the fundamentals of music and written harmony. Students cannot get graduation credit in both THEA 1030 and MUSC 1030.
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: THEA 1035

THEA 1035
Aural Theory I for Musical Theatre Majors
This course is designed for the student interested in pursuing a major in Musical Theatre. It uses an integrated approach of melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic exercises to teach the fundamentals of melody and harmony.
Students cannot get graduation credit in both THEA 1035 and MUSC 1035.
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: THEA 1030

THEA 1100
Beginning Acting I
The basic course in principles and practice of acting, examining the fundamental principles of oral and physical interpretation and providing practical experience in a variety of theatrical activities.
Prerequisite: None

THEA 1110
This course will introduce students to the theory and practice of acting in musical theatre. Topics of focus will be song interpretation, truthful acting, and auditioning for musical theatre.
Prerequisite: THEA 1100

THEA 1120
American Musical Theatre History & Literature
This course covers the origins and development of the musical from “The Black Crook” to the present. Emphasis is placed on the investigation of the structure of the musical, its components, and cultural connections.
Prerequisite: None

THEA 1200
Introduction to Stage Design
This course introduces and explores visual aesthetic principles as they relate to various aspects of stage design. Studio projects in scene, lighting, and costume design supplement lectures will be required. This course will satisfy the prerequisite for other design courses.
Prerequisite: None

THEA 1300
SOCIAL DANCE
Socialization, play and fun are the basic elements essential to Social Dance and participation is considered more important than performance. Social dance is a form of silent language in that it tends to reflect, in music and movement, the mood of people. In this course, dances from seven periods which mark the progress of social dance will be explored.
Prerequisite: None

THEA 1310
CORE CONDITIONING FOR WHOLE BODY CONNECTIVITY
This class is an approach to basic body training involving the core muscles. Various methods of instruction will be incorporated throughout the class including: Pilates, Bartenieff Fundamentals, work with exercise-bands, exercise-balls, and the reformer. Students will participate in exercises that will increase strength and flexibility and they will gain an understanding of body awareness and connections in the body that will help relieve stress in various parts of the body due to over use and inefficient movement patterns.
Prerequisite: None

THEA 1373
Singing for the Actor I
This course is the first in a two part series and will focus on relaxation, alignment, breath, and placement of resonance. This course will create an atmosphere in which the student will be able to form confidence in their personal abilities to sing. These personal abilities will be enhanced as the student learns to apply the fundamental techniques of singing. This course will also teach the student versatility and clarity in several styles of music theatre material.
Prerequisite: None

THEA 1374
Singing for the Actor II
This course is the second in a two part series and will focus on song interpretation (paraphrasing, subtexting, given circumstances, emotions, images, and releasing) and articulation (vowel and consonant execution). The singing fundamentals learned in the first part of the series (relaxation, alignment, breath, and placement of resonance) will continue to be employed throughout this course. This course will facilitate an atmosphere in which the student will be able to form confidence in their personal abilities to act while singing. These personal abilities will be enhanced as the student learns to apply song interpretation and articulation technique to the fundamental techniques of singing. Finally, this course will prepare a student to successfully perform songs within various styles and contexts.
Prerequisite: None

THEA 1410
BALLET I/I
Introduction to the fundamentals of ballet technique utilizing barre work, center work, and basic ballet terminology. May be used for applied arts credit.
Prerequisite: None

THEA 1420
BALLET I/II
Continuation of the study of fundamental ballet techniques utilizing barre work, center work, basic enchainments, and basic ballet terminology. May be used for applied arts credit.
Prerequisite: THEA 1410 or instructor permission

THEA 1430
MODERN DANCE I/I
Exploration of the fundamentals of modern dance with emphasis on locomotor movement and quality of movement. May be used for applied arts credit.
Prerequisite: None

THEA 1440
MODERN DANCE I/II
Continued exploration of basic modern dance technique emphasizing strength, flexibility, shape, dynamics, and rhythmic awareness. May be used for applied arts credit.
Prerequisite: THEA 1430 or Instructor Permission

THEA 1450
TAP DANCE I
The study of basic tap steps with emphasis on rhythmic accuracy and clarity of tap sounds. May be used for applied arts credit.
Prerequisite: None

THEA 1460
Musical Theatre Vocal Ensemble
This course is designed to enable students to learn and rehearse the actual music portion of musical theatre productions. This class may be taken up to four times for credit.
Prerequisite: Instructor Permission

THEA 1480
JAZZ DANCE I
Exploration of the fundamentals of jazz dance technique with emphasis on rhythm and style. May be used for applied arts credit.
Prerequisite: None

THEA 1500-1505
DANCE PERFORMANCE I
Production and performance experience in concert dance and musical theatre. Students may also have the opportunity to experiment with their own choreography. (May count 4 sections toward graduation.)
Corequisite: Currently enrolled in a Technique class.

THEA 2050, 2051, 2052
Theatre Practice I-III
This course provides practical experience for students interested in participating in college sponsored theatre activities and production. Students enrolled in this course will be responsible for active participation in mounting a full-scale theatrical production. Each student will be responsible for fulfilling one or more roles in the production. Roles may vary from performance to production team and from management to technical work. Students will
be required to work a minimum of 60 lab hours for this course. This course may be taken up to six times for credit.
Prerequisite: Instructor Permission
Flexible Entry

THEA 2100
Acting II
This course will continue to use “you” (yourself) as the source and foundation of true emotion and behavior. Skills of relaxation, trust, observation, substitution, sense memory, emotional memory, imagery, inner objects, professionalism, concentration, actor scoring, script analysis, and believability will be examined more thoroughly than in Beginning Acting through participation in class acting exercises, monologue and scene work, analysis and improvisation. Emphasis will be placed on learning multiple approaches to organic character development and relationship. Specific topics of study include: energy, connection, breath, spatial awareness, inner objects,
endowing, the “moment before,” centers, physicality, animal work and other image based characterization,
and improvisation.
Prerequisite: THEA 1100

THEA 2110
Acting For Musical Theatre II
This course will provide a more thorough study and application of a musical theatre performer’s tools. Students will learn to perceive and project detailed aspects of vocal, physical, and psychological performance energies in musical theatre contexts.
Prerequisite: THEA 1110

THEA 2125 Beginning Scenic Design
This course will prepare the student to understand the fundamentals of scenic design and how computer technology can help with the design process. This study will start with the research process and work through the entire design process. Following that, the course will cover the responsibilities of the scenic designer throughout the build and rehearsal process. Finally this course will help students learn the collaboration process as well as the communication required in theatre. Topics will include research process, concepts, design elements, computer drafting, renderings, model making, and technical rehearsals.
Prerequisite: THEA 1200 or Instructor Permission

THEA 2145
COSTUME CONSTRUCTION
This course emphasizes techniques for costume construction, both machine and hand sewing, and sergers. Students will learn pattern layout and alterations, basic costume alterations, taking measurements of an actor to successfully build a costume, and making a basic item of clothing.
Prerequisite: None

THEA 2150
Stage Management
This course is a practical study of the art of stage management. Techniques necessary for efficient theatre production and a conceptual overview of the rehearsal and performance process will be stressed. This course will prepare the student to work as a stage manager in any performing arts setting, including pre-production work, how to run the rehearsal process and the responsibilities of the stage manager during a performance. Finally the course will cover human behavior within a theatre organization and will help develop the student’s ability to manage such an organization. Topics will include production research, planning, organization, auditions, rehearsal rules, managing rehearsals, information distribution, technical and dress rehearsals, pre-performance
preparation, running a show, organizational structure, and human behavior.
Prerequisite: None

THEA 2160
Stage Make-up
This class is designed to teach students fundamental techniques in stage make-up design and application. Prerequisite: None

THEA 2165
Beginning Directing
This course provides an analysis and application of the techniques of theatrical directing. The course will be divided into two parts: working with actors, and the interpretive process. Topics include creating ensemble, rehearsal methods, director values and concept, casting, staging, script selection, analysis, and factors of preparing a production. Upon completion, students should be able to plan, execute, and critically discuss student-directed scenes.
Prerequisite: THEA 1100

THEA 2175
BEGINING COSTUME DESIGN
This course will prepare the student to understand the fundamentals of costume design starting with the research process and working through the entire design process. Following that, the course will cover the responsibilities of the costume designer throughout the build and rehearsal process.
Prerequisite: THEA 2145 and THEA 1200

THEA 2215
BEGINING CHOREOGRAPHY
A study of fundamental concepts in dance composition. Dynamics, rhythm, design, motivation, gesture, and improvisation are explored as basic elements for building dance. May be used as fine arts credit.
Prerequisite: Instructor Permission

THEA 2220
Stagecraft
A study of fundamental skills and concepts necessary to create a theatrical environment utilizing image and function.
Prerequisite: None

THEA 2230
Stage Lighting
A study of stage lighting equipment and basic design concepts for lighting a play.
Prerequisites: None

THEA 2250
COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN I
This course will introduce students to computer programs commonly used in designing for the theatre stage. Students will learn to use tools of selected software programs to create groundplans, elevations and lightplots. Students will also learn to create a 3-dimensional representation of a groundplan, export a drawing from software into a 3-dimensional rendering program, and create and manipulate textures to be applied to the design.
Prerequisite: COSC 1200 (may be taken concurrently)

THEA 2270
BEGINING LIGHTING DESIGN
This course will prepare the student to understand the fundamentals of lighting design starting with the research process and working through the entire design process. Following that, the course will cover the responsibilities of the lighting designer throughout the build and rehearsal process.
Prerequisite: THEA 2230 and THEA 1200

THEA 2370
Summer Theatre
This course will focus on the preparation and presentation of several plays for the College’s summer stock theatre company. Students enrolling in this class will participate in all phases of production in the summer stock theatre company. Company members will be responsible for all technical and management preparations of the productions. They will also be performing in or running each production. Additionally, these students will work with youth in the preparation of a youth production.
Prerequisite: By Audition Only

THEA 2410
BALLET II/I
The study of beginning/intermediate ballet technique introducing grand allegro, turns and adagio combinations. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: THEA 1420 or Instructor Permission

THEA 2420
BALLET II/II
The study of beginning/intermediate ballet technique with increased emphasis on center floor combinations including petite allegro, grand allegro, traveling turns, and adagio. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: THEA 2410 or Instructor Permission

THEA 2430
MODERN DANCE II/I
The study of intermediate modern dance technique with emphasis on complex combinations and increasing physical demands on the body. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: THEA 1440 or Instructor Permission

THEA 2440
MODERN DANCE II/II
The study of intermediate modern dance technique with emphasis on complex combinations and increasing physical demands on the body. The study of Laban/Bartenieff movement will be reinforced along with floor combinations using 5 and 7 counts. May be taken 3 times for credit.
Prerequisite: THEA 2430 or Instructor Permission

THEA 2450
TAP DANCE II
This class will build on the basic steps and use more complex rhythms. Improvisation will be used to help the dancer hear and duplicate rhythms. The emphasis will continue to be on rhythmic accuracy and clarity of tap sounds.
Prerequisite: THEA 1450

THEA 2480
JAZZ DANCE II
Continued exploration of basic Jazz Dance technique with emphasis on increasingly complex combinations and style. May be used for applied arts credit.

Prerequisite: THEA 1480 or Instructor Permission

THEA 2500
Theatre Portfolio
This course will provide students with the opportunity to prepare a comprehensive Portfolio which may help them transfer to another college or gain employment. Students will also complete a project in their primary area of emphasis with a final presentation juried by the faculty within the selected discipline. This course does not fulfill the WWCC Assessment requirement forgraduation.
Prerequisite: Must have completed 45 credit hours toward an AFA or AA degree

THEA 2610
Sound Reinforcement I
This course is the introduction to the theory, techniques, and equipment used in sound reinforcement. Skills will be developed through theory and application discussion, as well as hands-on training with professional sound equipment. Projects will include setting up and running an audio reinforcement system.
Prerequisite: None

THEA 2615
Sound Design
This course will prepare the student to understand the fundamentals of sound design and how to use computer software in that process. This study will start with the research process and work through the entire design process. Following that, the course will cover the responsibilities of the sound designer throughout the design and rehearsal process. Finally this course will help students learn the collaboration process as well as the communication required in theatre. Topics will include the history of sound, the future of sound, research process, concepts, design elements, special effects, and technical rehearsals.
Prerequisite: THEA 1200 or Instructor Permission

THEA 2971
Technical Theatre Internship
This course will provide practical technical theatre work experience. Students enrolling for this course will be trained and will work in the theatre doing lights, set, sound, costume, props, and rigging assignments. Interns will also be responsible for preparing and running the technical aspects of every event in the theatre.
Prerequisite: Interview with Instructor Required

THEA 2972
Theatre Management Internship
This course will provide practical theatre management experience. Students enrolling for this course will be trained and will work in the theatre office doing publicity, tour planning, events coordination, house management, patron donations, box office, book keeping, payroll, requisitions, recruiting, soliciting advertisements, program compilation, correspondence and/or other secretarial work.
Prerequisite: Interview with Instructor Required

THEA 2973
REHEARSAL ACCOMPANIST INTERNSHIP
This course provides practical experience working as a rehearsal accompanist for the musical theatre program at the college. Students enrolling in this course will be trained in accompaniment skills and will play piano for private rehearsals and in-class work for students or for main stage production rehearsals. Through this experience the student will learn about and prepare themselves for a valuable career option. May be taken up to six times for credit.
Only six internship credits allowable toward graduation.
Prerequisite: Interview, Audition, and Instructor Permission
Flexible Entry