THEATRE
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The EOU Theatre Program, with a diversified curriculum leading to a B.A. or B.S. in theatre, places an emphasis on production, creativity, and hands-on learning. Both the B.A. and the B.S. explore the role of theatre as a voice and a mirror for the cultural behaviors of all human beings. Our objective is to prepare students in the theatrical world for either graduate work in the discipline, teaching, or other creative professional endeavors.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- General understanding of theatre history
- Understanding/appreciation of all aspects of theatre production
- Hands-on experience in the creation of the "visual world" of the theatre
- The development of the actor's instrument (voice, body, and imagination) through exercises, scenes, and improvisation
- The ability to direct using the skills of picturalization, movement, text analysis, character motivation, and visualizing the environment
- The ability to apply theatre to a major production or scholarly experience
- The ability to apply theatre applications in the classroom
- The ability to write a play using the tools of play structure and form, formula, dialogue, scenario writing, and action
MEANS OF ASSESSMENT
Theatre majors are evaluated in many distinct ways. They complete the required and elective courses in the discipline that reinforce creative response, historical knowledge, and analytical thinking. By acting in plays, students refine their physical instrument - the body - by creating believable characters. By designing sets, lights, and costumes for plays, they are given avenues of expression in theatrical production and execution, which also provide "hands-on" experiences. In directing and playwriting courses, theatre majors demonstrate a mastery of textual analysis, for, picturalization, and structure. In pedagogy courses, students hone their abilities in public speaking, work with practical classroom application, and refine theatrical teaching methods. In their capstone experiences, they showcase abilities as a "culmination experience" in acting, design, directing, or playwriting.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARTS OR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN THEATRE ARTS
(Foreign language competency is a requirement of the B.A. degree.)
In addition to General Education requirements, students should complete 64 credit hours in Theatre Arts. B.S. degree candidates should also complete an additional 9 credit hours from the Additional Required Courses selection for a total of 73 credit hours. A grade of "C-" or better is required in all Theatre courses counting toward the major.
Required Courses (For B.A. and B.S.)
THEA 211 Script Analysis (3)
THEA 250 Acting I (4)
THEA 255 Production & Performance (5-total)
THEA 261, 262, 263 Theatre History (9)
THEA 264 Technical Theater: Set Construction (3)
THEA 265 Technical Theater: Lighting (3)
THEA 266 Technical Theater: Costume (3)
THEA 353 Fundamentals of Play Direction (3)
THEA 355 Production & Performance (5-total)
THEA 400 Theatre Collaboration (3)
THEA 406 Senior Project (3)
THEA 407 Seminar (1)
Major Concentration* (12-15)
Electives (3)
Additional Required Courses
(For B.S.only)
1. One college level Math course
2. Choose one of the following English courses:
ENGL 104 Intro to World Literature (4)
ENGL 107 World Literature I (3)
ENGL 108 World Literature II (3)
ENGL 109 World Literature III (3)
ENGL 201 Shakespeare (4)
ENGL 204 Major British Writers I (4)
ENGL 205 Major British Writers II (4)
ENGL 253 Major American Writers I (4)
3. Choose one of the following History courses:
HIST 101 Traditional Civilization (5)
HIST 102 World Civilization (5)
HIST 201 U.S. History (5)
HIST 202 .U.S. History (5)
4. Choose one of the following Art courses:
ART 204 Art History I (3)
ART 205 Art History II (3)
ART 206 Art History III (3)
*The 64 credit hour requirement for theatre majors (above) may be met by completing one of the following major concentrations:
1. Major Concentration in Acting
THEA 251 Acting II (4)
THEA 252 Acting III (4)
THEA 350 Acting IV (3)
THEA 351 Acting V (3)
THEA 352 Acting VI (3)
Total hours: 17
2. Major Concentration in Design
ART 129 Drawing & Design Fundamentals (5)
AND
THEA 324, 325 Scene Design (6) and either
THEA 334 Lighting Design
or
THEA 344 Costume Design
OR
THEA 334, 335 Light Design (6) and either
THEA 324 Scene Design
or
THEA 344 Costume Design
OR
THEA 344, 345 Costume Design (6) and either THEA 324 Scene Design
or
THEA 334 Light Design
Total hours: 14
3. Major Concentration in Directing
THEA 251 Acting II (3)
THEA 252 Acting III (3)
THEA 354 Advanced Directing (3)
And one of the following:
THEA 324 Scene Design (3)
THEA 334 Light Design (3)
THEA 344 Costume Design (3)
Total hours: 12
4. Major Concentration in Education
THEA 251 Acting II (3)
THEA 252 Acting III (3)
THEA 315 Creative Drama (3)
THEA 415 Acting Pedagogy (3)
Total hours: 12
5. Major Concentration in Playwriting
THEA 210 Playmaking for Actors (3)
THEA 251 Acting II (3)
THEA 354 Advanced Directing (3)
THEA 409 Practicum: Play In Performance
NOTE: THEA electives (see 64 credit hour requirement above) are to be selected from courses NOT in the student's major concentration.
Theatre majors should exhibit data computer literacy. They should also be able to demonstrate computerized lightboard skills as expected in the basic Technical Theater: Lighting course.
THEA 353, 400, and 406 will satisfy Eastern's requirements for writing intensive upper division courses.
The institutional capstone requirement may be met by completion of THEA 406, Senior Project.
TYPICAL FIRST YEAR CURRICULUM FOR B.A.
Fall
THEA 211 Script Analysis (3)
THEA 250 Acting 1 (4)
General Education and Electives (10)
Winter
THEA 251 Acting II (4)
OR
THEA 264 Tech TA Set Construction (3)
OR
THEA 266 Tech TA Costume (3)
General Education and Electives (7)
Spring
THEA 264 Tech TA Set Construction (3)
OR
THEA 266 Tech TA Costume (3)
THEA 265 Tech TA: Lighting (3)
General Education and Electives (7)
TYPICAL SECOND YEAR CURRICULUM FOR B.A.
Fall
THEA 252 Acting III (4)
THEA 255 Production & Performance (1 or 2)
THEA 261 Theatre History (3)
THEA 264 Tech TA Set Construction (3)
or
THEA 266 Tech TA Costume (3)
General Education and Electives
Foreign Language
Winter
ART 129 Drawing & Design Fundamentals (5)
THEA 255 Production & Performance (2)
THEA 262 Theatre History (3)
General Education and Electives
Foreign Language
Spring
THEA 263 Theatre History (3)
THEA 350 Acting IV (3)
THEA 255 Production & Performance (2)
General Education and Electives
Foreign Language
TYPICAL THIRD YEAR CURRICULUM FOR B.A.
Fall
THEA 355 Production & Performance (2)
THEA 353 Fundamentals of Play Direction (3)
THEA 351 Acting V (3)
THEA 324 Scene Design (3)
or
THEA 334 Light Design (3)
or
THEA 344 Costume Design (3)
Foreign Language
General Education and Electives
Complete University Writing Requirement
Winter
THEA 355 Production & Performance (2)
THEA 325 Adv. Scene Design (3)
or
THEA 335 Adv. Lighting Design (3)
or
THEA 345 Adv. Costume Design (3)
OR
THEA 352 Acting VI (3)
Foreign Language
General Education and Electives
Spring
THEA 355 Production & Performance (2)
THEA 354 Adv. Directing (3)
or
THEA 415 Acting Pedagogy (3)
Foreign Language
General Education and Electives
TYPICAL FOURTH YEAR CURRICULUM FOR B.A.
Fall
THEA 355 Production & Performance (2)
THEA 415 Acting Pedagogy (3)
THEA 407 Senior Seminar (1)
General Education and Electives
*Apply for Graduation
Winter
THEA 355 Production & Performance (2)
THEA 400 Theatre Collaboration (3)
THEA 407 Senior Seminar (1)
General Education and Electives
Spring
THEA 355 Production & Performance (2)
THEA 406 Senior Project (3)
THEA 407 Senior Seminar (1)
General Education and Electives
TYPICAL FIRST YEAR CURRICULUM FOR B.S.
Fall
THEA 211 Script Analysis (3)
THEA 250 Acting I (4)
General Education and Electives (10)
Winter
THEA 251 Acting II (4)
or
THEA 264 Tech TA Set Construction (3)
or
THEA 266 Tech TA Costume (3)
General Education and Electives (7)
Spring
THEA 264 Tech TA Set Construction (3)
or
THEA 266 Tech TA Costume (3)
OR
THEA 265 Tech TA Lighting (3)
General Education and Electives (7)
TYPICAL SECOND YEAR CURRICULUM FOR B.S.
Fall
THEA 252 Acting III (4)
THEA 255 Production & Performance (2)
THEA 261 Theatre History (3)
THEA 264 Tech TA Set Construction (3)
or
THEA 265 Tech TA Lighting (3)
General Education and Electives
Winter
THEA 262 Theatre History (3)
ART 129 Drawing and Design Fundamentals (5)
THEA 255 Production & Performance (2)
General Education and Electives
Spring
THEA 255 Production & Performance (2)
THEA 263 Theatre History (3)
THEA 350 Acting IV (3)
General Education & Electives
TYPICAL THIRD YEAR CURRICULUM FOR B.S.
Fall
THEA 355 Production & Performance (2)
THEA 353 Fundamentals of Play Direction (3)
THEA 324 Scene Design (3)
or
THEA 334 Light Design (3)
or
THEA 344 Costume Design (3)
THEA 351 Acting V (3)
General Education and Electives (8)
Complete University Writing Requirement
Winter
THEA 355 Production & Performance (2)
THEA 325 Adv. Scene Design (3)
or
THEA 335 Adv. Light Design (3)
or
THEA 345 Adv. Costume Design (3)
OR
THEA 352 Acting VI (3)
General Education and Electives
Spring
THEA 355 Production & Performance (2)
THEA 354 Adv. Directing (3)
or
THEA 415 Acting Pedagogy (3)
General Education and Electives
TYPICAL FOURTH YEAR CURRICULUM FOR B.S.
Fall
THEA 355 Production & Performance (2)
THEA 407 Senior Seminar (1)
THEA 415 Acting Pedagogy (3)
General Education and Electives
*Apply for Graduation
Winter
THEA 355 Production & Performance (2)
THEA 400 Theatre Collaboration (3)
THEA 407 Senior Seminar (1)
General Education and Electives
Spring
THEA 355 Production & Performance (1-2)
THEA 406 Senior Project (3)
THEA 407 Senior Seminar (1)
General Education and Electives
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINOR IN THEATRE ARTS
1. A minimum of 30 graded credits in Theatre are required for the minor:
Required:
THEA 211 Script Analysis (3)
THEA 212 Introduction to Theatre: Production (3)
THEA 214 Introduction to Theatre: Dramatic Literature (3)
THEA 250 Acting I (4)
THEA 264 Technical Theater: Set Construction (3)
Select 6 hours from:
THEA 251 Acting II (4)
THEA 315 Creative Drama (3)
THEA 350 Acting IV (3)
THEA 354 Play Direction (3)
THEA 364 Advanced Tech Theater: Set Const (3)
Select 6 hours from:
THEA 265 Technical Theater: Lighting (3)
THEA 266 Technical Theater: Costume (3)
THEA 267 Technical Theater: Makeup (3)
THEA 261 Theatre History (3)
THEA 262 Theatre History (3)
THEA 263 Theatre History (3)
Select 3 hours from:
THEA 255 Production & Performance (1-2)
THEA 355 Production & Performance (1-2)
(THEA 255/355 may be repeated)
2. A grade of "C-" or better in each course counting toward the minor.
3. A minimum of 10 credit hours counting towards the minor must be completed at Eastern.
THEATRE ARTS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
THEA 110 - Selected Topics Credits: 1.00 to 6.00
Topics of current interest/relevance to students and faculty.
THEA 210 - Selected Topics Credits: 1.00 to 6.00
THEA 211 - Script Analysis Credits: 3.00
Students will be introduced to the intellectual tools with which to critically and artistically examine a playscript. Historical and contemporary methods of analysis will be studied and used as models from which to build a personal set of critical questions. Scripts and artists studied will encompass a variety of historical and cultural perspectives allowing a broad background from which to view theatre past and present.
THEA 212 - Intro: Production*H/AC Credits: 3.00
Gen Ed-Humanities
New Gen Ed-Arts/Creative Proc
An overview of the process of putting a play into performance using directions, hands-on application, current productions, and dramatic literature. Emphasis on the elements of acting, directing, design and playwriting.
THEA 213 - Intro: History*H Credits: 3.00
Gen Ed-Humanities
A view of theatre through the eyes of the historian. The course interprets the role of theatre and film in our culture as well as that of the changing world. Elements of instruction include discussion, film and theatre productions, and dramatic literature.
THEA 214 - Intro: Dramatic Lit*H/AC Credits: 3.00
Gen Ed-Humanities
New Gen Ed-Arts/Creative Proc
A view of theatre through the eyes of the playwright. Includes plays from all major periods and genres.
THEA 230 - Theatre Management Credits: 3.00
This course explores theatrical management and producing in America. It provides historical background to shed light on current practice, describes the various methods now used to produce theatre, and explains managerial systems necessary for successful production.
THEA 244 - Tech Theater Credits: 2.00
THEA 245 - Tech Theater Credits: 2.00
THEA 246 - Tech Theater Credits: 2.00
THEA 250 - Acting I*A/AC Credits: 4.00
Gen Ed-Artistic Creation
New Gen Ed-Arts/Creative Proc
A performance-oriented overview of the acting process, aimed at providing a basic understanding of the elements of acting including character development, the actor's instrument, scene work and monologue work.
THEA 251 - Acting II*A/AC Credits: 4.00
Gen Ed-Artistic Creation
New Gen Ed-Arts/Creative Proc
A practical approach to acting technique as required by the demand of rehearsal. Students learn the vocabulary, discipline, and analytical skills needed to prepare a role in a full-length play. In addition, a workshop in auditioning develops monologue and cold reading skills. Prerequisite: Acting 1 and consent of instructor.
THEA 252 - Acting III*A/AC Credits: 4.00
Gen Ed-Artistic Creation
New Gen Ed-Arts/Creative Proc
The study of naturalistic acting using the Meisner technique. Prerequisite: Acting I, II and consent of instructor.
THEA 253 - Acting III Credits: 3.00
THEA 255 - Production & Performance Credits: 1.00 to 2.00
Application of principles of acting and dramatic production. Credit available for students acting in or handling technical demands of scheduled performances. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
THEA 261 - Theatre History*AC Credits: 3.00
New Gen Ed-Arts/Creative Proc
A study of theatre in the western world from Classic Greek to 19th century European. Emphasis on the physical theatre, actors, directors, and criticism, with related dramatic literature.
THEA 262 - Theatre History*AC Credits: 3.00
New Gen Ed-Arts/Creative Proc
This course is a continuation of the theatre history series, and will have an emphasis on 20th century developments in European and American theatre.
THEA 263 - Theatre History*AC Credits: 3.00
New Gen Ed-Arts/Creative Proc
Continuation of THEA 262 with emphasis on 20th century developments in European and American theatre.
THEA 264 - Tech TA:Set Construct*A/AC Credits: 3.00
Gen Ed-Artistic Creation
New Gen Ed-Arts/Creative Proc
Introduction to techniques and tools of designing and mounting stage productions. Labs based on currently-scheduled shows. (Approximately 20 hours of lab work)
THEA 265 - Tech TA:Lighting*A/AC Credits: 3.00
Gen Ed-Artistic Creation
New Gen Ed-Arts/Creative Proc
Demonstration and practice in the use of lighting equipment for the stage. Students will hang, focus, repair, and manipulate lights for current productions. (Approximately 20 hours of lab work)
THEA 266 - Tech TA:Costume*A Credits: 3.00
Gen Ed-Artistic Creation
Demonstration of the basic working components of the costume designer including sewing, dyeing, painting, hat-making and mask-making for the stage. Students will also practice basic construction techniques while building costumes for current productions.
THEA 267 - Tech TA:Makeup*AC Credits: 3.00
New Gen Ed-Arts/Creative Proc
Demonstration of and practice in the use of makeup for the stage - includes character, aging, hair, and three-dimensional technique.
THEA 310 - Selected Topics Credits: 1.00 to 6.00
Topics of current interest/relevance. Prerequisites on occasion.
THEA 315 - Creative Drama*A/AC Credits: 3.00
Gen Ed-Artistic Creation
New Gen Ed-Arts/Creative Proc
The study of creativity and its function in the educational process. Focuses on the stimulation of individual and group creativity through dramatic activity.
THEA 319 - Proj in Theatre Credits: 1.00 to 3.00
Opportunities for participation in special interest areas of theatre, such as readers theatre, theatre sports, or mime. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
THEA 320 - Theatre Mgmt Credits: 1.00 to 3.00
A practicum class with hands-on experience in the following areas: ticket sales, publicity, stage management, house management, fund raising, graphics, and grant writing. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
THEA 324 - Scene Design*A/AC Credits: 3.00
Gen Ed-Artistic Creation
New Gen Ed-Arts/Creative Proc
Theory and techniques of basic stage scene design, to include drafting, sketching, rendering, models, and presentation techniques. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
THEA 325 - Adv Scene Design*A/AC Credits: 3.00
Gen Ed-Artistic Creation
New Gen Ed-Arts/Creative Proc
Continuation of 324, with emphasis on selected shows for production. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
THEA 330 - Stage Management Credits: 3.00
An introduction to the role of the stage manager in professional and most amateur theatre. Responsibilities of the stage manager in pre-production, rehearsal, performance and post-production situations will be discussed. The indispensability of the well-trained stage manager will be emphasized.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
THEA 334 - Light Design*A/AC Credits: 3.00
Gen Ed-Artistic Creation
New Gen Ed-Arts/Creative Proc
Exploration of the manipulation of light for the stage. Prerequisite: THEA 265 or consent of instructor.
THEA 335 - Adv Light Design Credits: 3.00
Design and implementation of lighting equipment for a full scale Eastern production. Prerequisite: THEA 334 or consent of instructor.
THEA 344 - Costume Design*A/AC Credits: 3.00
Gen Ed-Artistic Creation
New Gen Ed-Arts/Creative Proc
Exploration of drawing, painting, design and history of character-appropriate costumes for the stage. Includes life-drawing, color theory and costume construction components. Prerequisite: THEA 266 or consent of instructor.
THEA 345 - Adv Costume Design*A Credits: 3.00
Gen Ed-Artistic Creation
Design and artistic techniques are explored in detail in this class including watercolor, gouache, marker and pen and ink. Emphasis will be placed on development of the costume designer's portfolio. Prerequisite: THEA 344 or consent of instructor.
THEA 350 - Acting IV*A/AC Credits: 3.00
Gen Ed-Artistic Creation
New Gen Ed-Arts/Creative Proc
Expanding the actor's instrument, particularly the voice is achieved through the study of Shakespeare's verse and characters. Vocal diagnostic and exercises are employed as well as analysis of verse through scansion technique. Prerequisite: Acting 1, 2, and 3, and consent of instructor.
THEA 351 - Acting V*A Credits: 3.00
Gen Ed-Artistic Creation
The actor's movement and period styles are explored in this performance-oriented class. Using a variety of methods including Alexander and Feldenkrais techniques, actors will explore physical movement and external creation. Major literary periods will be interpreted by the use of the body in style work. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
THEA 352 - Acting VI Credits: 3.00
An introduction to the specialized techniques required for film and video performance. Study includes understanding terminology, performing on a sound stage, using the camera as your scene partner and surviving a screen test. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
THEA 353 - Play Direction Credits: 3.00
Exploring the principles and practices in beginning directing. Skills are learned through exercises and analysis, then applied to rehearsing a scene for public performance. Prerequisite: THEA 250, 251, and one of the following: THEA 324, 335, or 344. 250.
THEA 354 - Advanced Directing Credits: 3.00
Advanced projects in directing are designed to challenge and stretch basic technique. Students are encouraged to develop a personal approach to their craft through work on stylized material and one-act plays performed for the public. Prerequisite: THEA 353.
THEA 355 - Production & Performance Credits: 1.00 to 2.00
Application and principles of acting and dramatic production. Credit available for students acting in or handling technical demands of scheduled performances. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
THEA 360 - Playwriting for Stage*AC Credits: 3.00
New Gen Ed-Arts/Creative Proc
The study of playwrights and playwriting in a theatrical and performance-oriented context. The course will culminate in individual one-act plays showcased in the New Play Series.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
THEA 364 - Adv Tech TA:Set Construc Credits: 3.00
Continuation of THEA 264 with emphasis on advanced skills and theory. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
THEA 365 - Adv Tech TA:Lighting Credits: 3.00
Advanced projects in stage lighting. Prerequisite: THEA 265.
THEA 366 - Adv Tech TA:Costume Credits: 3.00
Advanced projects in costume construction including cutting and draping, large-scale mask construction, and dyeing and painting. Prerequisite: THEA 266.
THEA 382 - Telemedia Credits: 4.00
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
THEA 400 - Theatre Collaboration Credits: 3.00
This course provides a proving ground, not only for students expertise in one particular area of production, but also for their ability to communicate their ideas clearly in a group situation. Adaptation, cooperation, compromise, and mutual support are skills developed in this course. A staged production is the ultimate proof of the mastery of these skills.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
THEA 405 - Read & Conf Credits: 1.00 to 5.00 An intensive study of a playwright, a theatrical style, a theme, or other specialized topic not normally included in course offerings. Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
THEA 406 - Senior Project Credits: 3.00 The design, research and implementing of a project that reflects the student's expertise in an area of theatre scholarship or production. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
THEA 407 - Seminar Credits: 1.00 to 5.00 Intensive study of theatre topics with emphasis on student and faculty information exchange. Shared presentations, resumes, graduate school information and Senior interests and ideas will be highlighted. Prerequisite: Senior status. Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
THEA 409 - Practicum Credits: 1.00 to 15.00 Selected students will gain practical supervised experience in some aspect of theatre productions. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
THEA 410 - Selected Topics Credits: 1.00 to 6.00 Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
THEA 415 - Acting Pedagogy Credits: 3.00 A practicum in developing a process of classroom instruction. Students will assist in teaching the acting courses while exploring their own technique for instruction. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Contact Information Eastern Oregon University
One University Boulevard
La Grande, OR 97850-2899
Phone: 541-962-3672