THE (Theatre)

THE 100 Production Laboratory (1 hour)
Production Lab is a course for Theatre majors who participate in OU Theatre full productions throughout the semester. This 1-unit lab is designed to offer a diversity of experience and provide students with comprehensive and hands-on training in the creation of a fully realized theatrical production. Theatre majors are required to take Production Lab for four semesters, concentrating on at least two different areas of production (e.g., two semesters as an actor and two semesters as Asst. Electrician or some other role). The primary meeting times for this class will vary depending on the individual student’s schedule and role in each production. All required meetings, rehearsals, production crew hours and performances will be clearly specified for each student. A non-refundable fee will be billed to every student who is registered for this course at the end of the drop/add period.

THE 105 Beginning Characterization (4 hours)
This course explores the physical and mental foundations necessary for successful stage performance. Students will be expected to engage in hands-on exercises, physical and vocal warm-ups and performance work (both individual and partnered) throughout the semester. The basic principles of the Stanislavski method will be explored through improvisation, movement, vocalization and contemporary characterization.

THE 200 Independent Study in Theatre (1-4 hours)
This course provides the opportunity for an intense study of diverse topics under the direct supervision of the instructor. The student and instructor will collaborate to develop the content of the course, which must be approved as outlined by the Independent Study Policy. (Sec. 6.15.)

THE 205 Intermediate Characterization (4 hours)
Intermediate Characterization explores the methods of 20th century American acting teacher Sanford Meisner. This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of his approach to acting, which builds upon the theories of Constantin Stanislavski. Meisner’s technique will be uncovered through immersive studio exercises, in-depth scene study assignments and review and discussion of Meisner textbooks and other related literature. Prerequisite: THE 105.

THE 210 Theatre History I: Greeks to Renaissance (4 hours)
An in-depth study of theatrical history, examining not only the theatrical literature of particular periods, but the staging practices, costuming, social customs and performance styles as well. Periods covered include: Greek, Roman, Medieval, Elizabethan and Restoration.

THE 220 Theatre History II: Restoration to 20th Century (4 hours)
An in-depth study of theatrical history, examining not only the theatrical literature of particular periods, but the staging practices, costuming, social customs and performance styles as well. Periods and styles covered include: Renaissance, Neo-classic, Sentimental Comedy, Domestic Tragedy, Melodrama and Realism.

THE 290 Special Topics in Theatre (1-4 hours)
Courses of selected topics will be offered periodically as determined by the needs of the curriculum. Prerequisites can vary based on the topic selected. See individual course listings for each semester for the specific topic and any prerequisites.

THE 305 Shakespearean Performance (4 hours)
This course affords the advanced acting student an opportunity to explore methods for rehearsing and performing texts written by William Shakespeare. With a focus on the practical demands of Shakespeare’s language, the course addresses technical, stylistic, historical and interpretive considerations as they relate to performance. Prerequisite: THE 205.

THE 306 Acting for the Camera
This performance-based course covers acting techniques for a variety of on-camera projects including theatrical (film/tv), industrial, and commercials. Topics will include scene analysis, acting terminology for film/tv, acting techniques specifically for on-camera performance, basic video and editing technology, auditioning, and the business aspects of acting in film/tv. Visits from local actors, casting directors, and agents will offer students various perspectives on the Atlanta film/tv industry. Prerequisite THE 205 Intermediate Characterization or permission from Director of Theatre Program.

THE 310 Stagecraft (4 hours)
Stagecraft provides hands-on experience and assignments designed to physically and mentally engage the technician and designer. This class will focus on historical perspective as well as individual research and design. Students will be evaluated on the basis of a mid-term examination, written assignments, the completion of a minimum number of practicum hours and a final design project.

THE 315 Scenic Design (4 hours)
This course explores the artistic and theoretical aspects of scenic design for the theatre. Topics covered will include the history of scenography, the elements of design, play analysis from the designer’s perspective, historical research, conceptualization, rendering and modeling techniques. Discussions and design projects will draw from a variety of contemporary and classical plays.

THE 316 Lighting Design (4 hours)
This course covers the tools and techniques of designing lighting for various stage forms as well as the creative planning and implementation of designs for specific productions. This course explores the basic principles of design, the science of light, play analysis from the designer’s perspective and painting with light. Other topics include translating theatrical moments and music into lighting sketches, storyboards and atmospheres; creating transitions from one atmosphere to another; and developing points of view. Learning and demonstrating standardized safety protocols when working with lighting equipment and electrics will also be a central feature of the course.

THE 317 Costume Design (4 hours)
The class is designed to give students a basic understanding of the principles of theatrical costume design and the psychology of clothing. Students will develop designs that emerge through a process of character analysis based on the script and directorial concept. Period research, design and rendering skills are fostered through practical exercises. Instruction in basic costume rendering will provide tools for students to produce final projects.

THE 330 Directing for the Stage I (4 hours)
This course offers the intermediate to advanced theatre student an opportunity to explore the foundations of play directing. Through practical exercises and assignments, students will experience the process of theatre directing from preproduction to performance. A variety of approaches will be investigated for each phase of the director’s work: play analysis, interpretation, collaborating with designers, casting and rehearsing. Emphasis is placed on directing scenes within the style of contemporary realism. Prerequisite: THE 205.

THE 340 Directing for the Stage II (4 hours)
Building on the foundations of directing developed in Directing for the Stage I, this course is a directing practicum focusing on the director’s process in the rehearsal room. Students will direct their own projects throughout the semester which can range from classical to contemporary plays, new plays, plays with heightened language and/or style, and devised work. Prerequisite: THE 330

THE 350 Playwriting (4 hours)
Through reading plays, studying structure and form, and writing in and outside the classroom, this course will enable the student to write a short play or develop fully realized scenes for a longer piece. Students will discover the value of events, action, stakes and subtext in their own writing, combining classic structure with their creative impulses. In addition to exploring the creative process, students will be required to practice the arts of revising, rewriting and editing. The student should be prepared to read plays, write daily and bring work to every class.

THE 400 Advanced Independent Study in Theatre (1-4 hours)
This course provides the opportunity for an advanced, intense study of diverse topics under the direct supervision of the instructor. These offerings are generally suited for junior or senior students. The student and instructor will collaborate to develop the content of the course, which must be approved as outlined by the Independent Study Policy. (Sec. 6.15.)

THE 405 Voice and Speech for the Actor (4 hours)
This course teaches students the tenants of healthy and expressive vocal production for speaking theatrical texts. Students will practice exercises for centering the breath and body, locating and releasing vocal tension, exploring pitch and resonance, and working towards a free and well-placed voice for the stage. Students will be introduced to the basics of vocal anatomy. Text work will include contemporary American drama and approaches to speaking Shakespearean text. Prerequisite: THE 105.

THE 410 Movement for the Actor (4 hours)
Drawing from traditional and current trends in movement training for the actor, this course will explore the fundamentals of the most prevailing movement techniques studied today. The techniques and systems investigated will vary each time the course is offered, but may include: Alexander, Commedia dell’arte, contact improvisation, Grotowski, Laban, Lecoq, stage combat and Viewpoints among others. Prerequisite: THE 105.

THE 490 Advanced Special Topics in Theatre (1-4 hours)
Advanced courses of selected topics will be offered periodically as determined by the needs of the curriculum. These offerings are generally suited for junior or senior students. Prerequisites can vary based on the topic selected. See individual course listings for each semester for the specific topic and any prerequisites.

Specifically, recent topics for this Theatre course have focused on adapting non-dramatic texts for the stage, devised and collaborative theatre, and advanced playwriting.

THE 495 Internship in Theatre (1-12 hours)
An internship designed to provide a formalized experiential learning opportunity to qualified students. The internship generally requires the student to have an application (which satisfies all internship requirements developed by the academic program that oversees the internship) and to obtain a faculty supervisor in the relevant field of study. All internships are graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisites are determined by the academic program overseeing the internship course.