Theatre (THR)
THR 113 Introduction to Theatre Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Course Description: The contributions made by directors, actors, designers, technicians, and playwrights to modern dramatic productions. Participation in a production as performer, member of stage or construction crew, or members of production committee may be required.
CORE 42: MOTR THEA 100A; Theatre Appreciation (attribute MO60)
THR 115 American College Theatre Festival Credits: 1
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: An intense exposure to theatre by means of attendance at the regional Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival. Prerequisite(s): THR 113.
THR 126 Stage Movement Workshop Credits: 2
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Fundamentals of stage movement for performers and directors. Includes a basic overview of various body alignment techniques (i.e., Alexander Technique), character creation through movement using masks and clown work. Prerequisite(s): THR 113.
CORE 42: MOTR PERF 100SM; Stage Movement (attribute MO57)
THR 130 Stage Combat Workshop Credits: 1
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: A study of weaponry styles, skills and methods as used in staging violence for stage and screen. In addition to classroom work and assignments, attendance at a professional stage combat workshop over a weekend is mandatory. Additional registration and accommodation fees for this workshop are required. Prerequisite(s): THR 113.
THR 140 Production Participation Credits: 1-3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: Supervised practical work for a departmental theatrical mainstage production (includes work onstage, backstage and preproduction). May be repeated for a total of 9 credit hours.
THR 218 Oral Interpretation Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Oral reading and analysis of prose, poetry, and drama. Prerequisite(s): COM 104.
THR 221 Technical Production 1 Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Designed to acquaint the student with the fundamentals of scenic construction and mechanics of stage lighting, the course will include studies in drafting, technical planning, basic shop tools, and techniques, construction of scenery and stage electrical equipment and practices.
CORE 42: MOTR PERF 104S; Stagecraft (attribute MO57)
THR 222 Technical Production 2 Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: This course will cover the basics of theatrical costuming. Students will use sewing machines, and hand stitching to create garments. Additionally, techniques for fitting garments, and knowledge of fabric fibers will be included. Prerequisite(s): THR 221.
THR 224 Voice and Diction Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Theories and techniques of using and improving the actor's instrument, the voice. Including articulation, resonance, working knowledge of dialects and a mastery of the International Phonetic Alphabet. Prerequisite(s): THR 113.
CORE 42: MOTR PERF 100VD; Stage Combat, Musical Thr Techniques, Voice Diction (attribute MO57)
THR 225 Theatre Management Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Fundamentals of theatre management: box office management, usher training and supervision, designing lobby displays, and various PR and marketing techniques. Prerequisite(s): THR 113.
THR 228 Acting I Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Basic principles of acting theory. Studio work emphasizing warm-up techniques, improvisations, monologue and scene work. Two hours lecture, two hours lab.
CORE 42: MOTR PERF 100; Acting I (attribute MO57)
THR 230 Improvisation Workshop Credits: 1
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: This class focuses on the techniques of comedic improvisation. Students learn how to initiate scenes, build upon their scene partners' offers, and create scenes with a solid foundation through numerous exercises and practices. Prerequisite(s): THR 113 and THR 228.
THR 240 Audition Techniques Workshop Credits: 1
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Focus of study on monologue training for professional auditioning and the development of advanced cold reading skills. Prerequisite(s): THR 113 and THR 228.
THR 275 Script Analysis Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall (even-numbered years).
Course Description: A critical study of script formats: mastery of character and scene development used in works of dramatic literature and the practical application of this research to create a more dynamic and interesting character on stage. Prerequisite(s): THR 113 and ENG 104.
CORE 42: MOTR PERF 103SA; Script Analysis (attribute MO57)
THR 276 Stage Properties Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Practical training in carpentry and craft techniques related to the procurement, design, and construction of stage properties. Topics will include development of paperwork related to properties management, strategies for acquiring prop items, and a series of projects designed to give students practical experience building stage properties using a variety of construction techniques.
THR 281 Sophomore Portfolio Credits: 1
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: This is a workshop course for sophomores which includes resume, resume reel and job search preparation in addition to compiling a portfolio consisting of a resume, cover letter, head shot (for actors), reflective self-analysis and a collection of writings, production projects and recorded audition and performance pieces from their major courses and productions during their college career. Course must be completed during one of the two semesters prior to junior year. Course is grade on a pass/fail basis.
THR 283 Introduction to Research Methods in Theatre Credits: 1-2
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Introduction to basic research methods in theatre. Individual and team projects involving methods for solving theatre-related research problems. Prerequisite(s): Departmental approval.
THR 322 Costume and Makeup Design Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: This course will introduce the student to the world of theatrical and film design for costumes and makeup. Students will learn to apply critical script analysis and synthesize that analysis into a working costume and makeup design for production. Students will research the various periods of fashion design, types of fabrics and their use and will understand the use of color and its collaboration with the lighting designer.
THR 325 Stage Management Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Fundamentals of stage management: effective time management skills, rehearsal techniques, and creation of an effective prompt script. Prerequisite(s): THR 221.
THR 326 Techniques of Musical Theatre Performance Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Application of musical theatre performance technique utilizing scenes and music from the Broadway stage. Study includes using show research and script analysis to develop characterization. Students will also learn technique and practices for auditioning.
THR 327 Voice Over Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Students will learn the fundamentals of using their voice for various medium. Proper usage of microphones, recording equipment and software for creation, editing and post producing their work will be the main focus. Students will learn the proper techniques for using their voices effectively. Articulation, use of value words, time use, enunciation, representation and overall performance will be critiqued.
THR 328 Acting II Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: A continuation of Acting I with special concentration on acting technique, character development, advanced scene work, and exploration of character relationships. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite(s): THR 228.
THR 329 Stage Makeup Credits: 2
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Students will learn the fundamentals of stage makeup application. Develop and work on speed of makeup application. Creation of makeup maps, basics of creating character through script analysis will be the focus of the course.
THR 331 Fundamentals of Design Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Students will learn the basics of script analysis and design for theatre and film. Through hands-on work, students will create a scenic, costume, lighting, and sound design. Gaining knowledge will allow a student to communicate artistic ideas to a designer, director, and other members of the production team. Prerequisite(s): THR 113.
THR 337 Theatre for Children and Youth Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: This course will study the various techniques used in the developing and performing of children and youth theatre. Course work will include improvisational and participatory approaches for young people and the development of scripts and story lines for young people culminating in a presentational, touring package for the St. Joseph School System.
THR 345 Shakespeare in Performance Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: This course focuses on the performance of the works of William Shakespeare and his contemporaries. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing a text and preparing that text for performance. Monologue and scene work will be performed. Prerequisite(s): THR 228.
THR 348 Directing for the Stage I Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Principles of directing a work of dramatic literature for the stage: material selection, casting, staging a production, and communicating with producers, actors and technicians. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite(s): THR 275.
THR 350 Selected Topics in Theatre Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: Specialized course work in the field of theatre. Course may be repeated for up to six credits maximum with different topics. Prerequisite(s): THR 113 or departmental approval.
THR 360 Playwriting Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring (even-numbered years).
Course Description: This course is designed to explore all aspects of playwriting. The course encourages creativity in writing and examines script research, pre-planning stages, play formatting, and communicating ideas through playwriting. Prerequisite(s): THR 275.
THR 361 Theatre Internship Credits: 1-3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Course Description: Students work with a professional theatre company or distinguished art institution in such capacities as are mutually agreed upon by the student, the Company, and the student advisor. The student will develop objectives related to his/her discipline and carry out those responsibilities through an internship as approved by the director. Applies theory and skills to actual work situations. Professionally supervised work experiences related to the student's area of interest. (Thirty hours of work for each credit hour.) Graded pass/fail. Application must be made at least one semester prior to course registration. Prerequisite(s): Overall GPA of 2.5 or higher.
THR 362 Summer Theatre Apprenticeship Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Summer.
Course Description: Students will be cast and/or employed by a resident summer stock theatre program. See http://www.missouriwestern.edu/theatrecinema for more details about the audition application process. May be repeated for a total of six hours. Prerequisite(s): Minimum GPA 2.5, declared departmental major, and acceptance into the program via audition/application/portfolio review process.
THR 367 History of Theatre Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: The history of theatre from its beginnings to the present day. Emphasis on conditions of production with respect to theatre architecture, cultural values, costuming, staging and performance. Prerequisite(s): THR 113.
THR 368 History of Musical Theatre Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: This is a survey course covering the origins of modern musical theatre from the 18th century until the present. Topics covered will be style and techniques of musical theatre as well as influential composers, lyricists, producers and a cadre of other working professionals.
THR 370 Theatre/Video Workshop Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Practical experience in designing, staging, shooting, blocking, acting, and producing a play(s) or screenplay(s) with individual assignments designated by the instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
THR 371 Advanced Costume Techniques Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Students will learn to expand their sewing knowledge of how garments are constructed. Exercises in flat pattern, draping, and building out a mannequin will be tackled. Goals for students in this class also include: altering a pattern, enlarging vintage patterns, and proper fitting. Prerequisite(s): THR 222.
THR 379 Period Styles Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: The goal of this course is to address how cultural and historical events have affected the development of architecture, decor, and fashion styles around the world. Particular attention will be paid to periods most relevant to theatrical works studied elsewhere in the curriculum. Projects will include both research and creative design elements. Prerequisite(s): THR 113.
THR 383 Theatre History II Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: History of the theatre from the beginning of the 20th century to present day. Emphasis on conditions of production with respect to theatre architecture, cultural values, costuming, staging and performance. Prerequisite(s): THR 113 and THR 367.
THR 389 Scenic Design Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring (odd-numbered years).
Course Description: Introduction to the techniques of drafting and scenic design for modern theatre. Students will also learn principles of basic drafting techniques. Additional drafting materials required. Prerequisite(s): THR 113 and THR 221.
THR 390 Scenic Painting Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Practical training in paints, painting tools, and layout and painting techniques for flats, drops, scrims, and three-dimensional surfaces. Coverage includes translucent painting, scrim and large drop layout and painting, and techniques for foliage and architectural painting. Prerequisite(s): THR 113 and THR 389.
THR 393 Stage Lighting Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: A study of methods and materials for lighting the stage. Course focuses on script analysis, the design process, equipment, and application. The illustration and application of the uses of light both for illumination and for subtle dramatic purposes. Prerequisite(s): THR 113 and THR 389.
THR 394 Sound Design Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: This course introduces students to the fundamentals of sound design for a live theatrical event. Focus on production needs, sound effects, and reinforcement will be covered. Prerequisite(s): THR 331.
THR 422 Advanced Stage Makeup Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Students would develop and work on advanced makeup application techniques. Learn wig styling, basics of molding and creating latex prosthetics, and other special makeup uses. Research specialty makeup, creation of proper makeup paperwork, and script analyzation will also be covered. Prerequisite(s): THR 329.
THR 440 Acting III Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: This course of study prepares the performance student for the transition into the professional arena through an in-depth examination of the business side of show business. An intensive preparation of theatrical styled material and commercial reel is created for use in television, film and theatrical industry auditions. Theoretical approaches and practical applications are emphasized. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite(s): THR 328.
THR 448 Directing for the Stage II Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: Advanced techniques in directing for the live theatre. Course will culminate in the performance of a student-directed One-Act Play Festival. Prerequisite(s): THR 348.
THR 450 Independent Project Credits: 1-3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: Independent projects developed in consultation with a departmental faculty mentor. May be repeated for up to 6 credit hours. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing, minimum overall GPA of 2.5, and departmental approval.
THR 475 Dramaturgy Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Students will learn the fundamentals of what it takes to be a dramaturg for theatrical productions. Use of exercises, models, and examples of how the dramaturg works to make thoughtful and creative contributions to a theatrical production, from pre-production work through the rehearsal process. Prerequisite(s): THR 113 and THR 275.
THR 480 Senior Portfolio Credits: 1
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: This is a workshop course for graduating seniors which includes resume, resume reel and job search preparation in addition to compiling a passing graduation portfolio consisting of a resume, cover letter, headshot (for actors), reflective self-analysis and a collection of writings, production projects and recorded audition and performance pieces from their major courses and productions during their college career. Course must be completed during one of the last two semesters prior to graduation. Course is graded on a pass/fail basis.
THR 489 CAD Drafting for the Stage Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Study and application of computer-aided design techniques for scenery construction and design, focusing on the use of VectorWorks to create technical drawings for theatre. Prerequisite(s): THR 113 and THR 389.