Theatre Design and Technology (B.F.A.)

This course will support creative projects through the introduction of the digital technologies necessary to construct them. Each student will receive a membership to the makerspace in Lincoln, Nebraska Innovation Studio (NIS), for the duration of the semester; classes regularly meet at that location (2021 Transformation Drive, Suite 1500). At NIS, students will have access to 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, CNC router machines, industrial sewing machines, a long arm quilter, as well as wood and metal shops. Students will be introduced to the basics of Adobe Illustrator and 3D modeling software in order to communicate with the technology. Experimentation, collaboration, community dialogue, resource and skill sharing are central components of the course.

In this course, students will read a selection of plays by ancient Greek playwrights: the comedies of Aristophanes and the tragedies of Aeschylus, Euripides, and Sophocles. For a semester project, students will work as a collaborative team to write and perform a dramatic work (along with related documents) to demonstrate their understanding of the genre, period, and culture.
Cross listed with THTRE 3260.
Prerequisite(s): First Year Writing and Junior Standing.
(Normally offered alternate spring semesters.)

See HIST 4220 The Ancient World.

This is a fundamental course in the systematic analysis of dramatic texts.  It is designed to equip theatre arts majors and minors with the textual expertise and vocabulary needed for academic discussion and artistic collaboration. Students will read and research a series of scripts in order to investigate the process in which a play develops from page to performance. Emphasis will also be given to how directors, designers, performers, and spectators individually and collaboratively engage with and utilize a dramatic text during each phase of the pre-rehearsal, rehearsal, and performance process. The content and meeting times of THTRE-1020FYW and THTRE 1030 are the same and students may not receive credit for both courses.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

This is a fundamental course in the systematic analysis of dramatic texts. It is designed to equip theatre arts majors and minors with the textual expertise and vocabulary needed for academic discussion and artistic collaboration. Students will read and research a series of scripts in order to investigate the process in which a play develops from page to performance. Emphasis will also be given to how directors, designers, performers, and spectators individually and collaboratively engage with and utilize a dramatic text during each phase of the pre-rehearsal, rehearsal, and performance process. The content and meeting times of THTRE 1020FYW and THTRE-1030 are the same and students may not receive credit for both courses.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

This introductory acting course focuses on building physical, vocal, intellectual, and intuitive foundations for actors. Through discovery exercises, students increase their awareness of the fundamentals of contemporary acting and apply these concepts to monologue and scene work.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

A course introducing students to all technical aspects of theatre production including scenery, properties, lighting, sound, makeup, and costuming. Particular emphasis is placed on practical knowledge of scenery, property construction techniques, and the materials used. Students must participate in a laboratory theatre experience.
(Normally offered each fall and spring semester.)

The introductory course in costuming for the theatre. It presents the uses of fabrics, textures, colors, plastics, and other materials as well as developing the sewing techniques needed for the theatre.
(Normally offered each fall and spring semester.)

A study of the theory and practice of stage makeup. The final project is the supervised design and execution of makeup for a major production or lab theatre production.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

Playwriting 1 is a course introducing students to the principles of dramatic construction and formal devices of playwriting. Students will write individually and collaboratively in large groups, small groups, and pairs. Emphasis is given to creative writing exercises exploring monologue, dialogue, character in text, language as action, scene structure, exposition, and conflict. Students will have the opportunity to share writing in class and receive feedback in a supportive workshop environment. Students will critically reflect on what they've written and assemble a portfolio of their writing.
Students may not receive credit for both THTRE 1810FYW Playwriting I and THTRE 2810 Playwriting I.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

The Pulitzer Prizes are regarded as one of the most prestigious awards that a writer or composer can win. The Pulitzer Prize in Drama is awarded "for a distinguished play by an American author, preferably original in its source, and dealing with American life". Given the emphases on American authorship and American life, this speaking-instructive dramatic literature course examines Pulitzer Prize winning plays such as Angels in America, The Kentucky Cycle, Topdog/Underdog, Disgraced and others to investigate questions about the features of a democracy and what it means to be a citizen of a democracy. The plays also serve as the basis for a series of oral presentations. The course also asks: To what extent is the representation of democratic principles and ideas a contributing factor in what plays win the Pulitzer Prize in Drama.

Dating from 1947, the American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards have been presented annually to honor excellence in commercial theatre on Broadway. It is a high honor for a writer or composer to win the award for Best Play or Best Musical, and usually results in financial and career gains. This speaking instructive dramatic literature course examines this U.S. awards tradition, considering how the procedural structures incorporate elements of democratic ideals and principles. Students will read examples of Tony Award winning plays and musicals in order to consider how democratic ideals are represented in those plays and will consider whether such representation is contributing factor in what works with the awards. The plays also serve as the basis for a series of oral presentations.

Is nurturing the subversive comic impulse in expression vital to a democracy? This speaking-instructive dramatic literature course examines the comic tradition in U.S. dramatic writing, focusing primarily on how democratic principles and ideals have been represented. One primary topic to be considered involves the ways that comic plays, whether overtly or subversively, can serve as a contributing factor to stimulate political change in a democracy. A range of plays from early national to contemporary will be read and discussed to draw conclusions about features of a democracy and what it means to be a citizen of a democracy. The plays will also serve as the basis for oral presentations.

This speaking-instructive dramatic literature course examines how definitions and concepts of family have been represented in dramatic literary works. By reading, discussing, reflecting in writing and making oral presentations about a variety of dramatic works drawn from diverse perspectives students will consider how changes in cultural and institutional environments impact definitions of family and how concepts of family are interconnected with other with other social institutions.

This speaking-instructive dramatic literature class examines how varieties of feminisms and cultural diversity have been represented in dramatic literary works. By reading, discussion, reflecting in writing and making oral presentations about a variety of dramatic works drawn from diverse perspectives students will utilize recent scholarship in gender and sexuality studies to analyze how assumptions about gender and/or sexualities have contributed to inequalities, choices, biases, oppression and/or empowerment in the culture and time periods in which the plays were written and produced.
Cross listed with GEND 2050.

Why does censorship occur in democracies that champion freedom of expression as an ideal? What are the tipping points that trigger the impulse to ban and/or censor? Does censorship or the threat of censorship present an obstacle to full participation of writers and readers in a democracy? Students seek the answers to these and other questions in this speaking-instructive dramatic literature course by looking at example of dramatic works that have been banned or censored in democratic nations. The selected texts will also serve as the basis for a series of oral presentations and will be utilized to discuss how the defining features of a democracy and the meaning of what it means to be a citizen in a democracy are represented in dramatic texts, as well as the broader question of how the arts shape how a nation defines itself as a democracy.

This speaking-instructive dramatic literature class examines how literary innovation and stylistic change have accompanied manifestoes for artistic and cultural change as represented in avant-garde dramatic literary works. By reading, discussion, reflecting in writing and making oral presentations about a variety of avant-garde dramatic works drawn from diverse historical, cultural, scientific, creative, and socioeconomic contexts students will analyze questions such as: What stimulates innovation? How is innovation sustained? What counts as innovation and what doesn’t? What are the distinguishing hallmarks of innovation? What are the limits of innovation?

This discourse-instructive course will study the diverse and varying collection of the musicals that encompass the Broadway stage. Musicals to be studied will vary each semester and students will engage in multiple discussions on topics such as performance transitions, styles, time periods, subject matter, historical contribution, composers, and even audience appeal. Students will experience such musical either visually or aurally and complete a variety of assignments to identify the unique characteristics and contributions of each.

Stage Management is an introductory course in production management. Students will be introduced to the basic guidelines and techniques for stage managing theatre productions including: communication skills, collaboration skills, rehearsal management, assembling the stage manager's cue and production book, and tech rehearsal/production run management. Students will also learn about professional stage management and Equity rules, guidelines, and membership, It is anticipated that each class member will serve as a stage manager for a university production and submit a detailed cue and production book.
(Normally offered every spring semester.)

A study of the theories and techniques of directing. Students will direct several short scenes.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1020FYW Script Analysis or THTRE 1030 Script Analysis.
(Normally offered each fall and spring semester.)

This is an introductory course in the theory and practice of scenography for the theatre. The primary goal of this class is to provide access to terms, concepts, and design principle applications for theatrical scenery, costume, and lighting design.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

An introduction to the basic tools and techniques of creating scenographic design documents and models for the theatre. Technical documents of ground plans, sections, elevations and lighting plots will be explored using CAD. Costume and set rendering will be explored using traditional and computer methods. Model making will be explored using both traditional and computer assisted methods.

This course is a study of the theory and practice of scenery and properties design. The student will do several designs for scenic and property elements. One of these designs will be actualized in the laboratory theatre of a major production. This course may be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1020FYW Script Analysis or THTRE 1030 Script Analysis and THTRE 1400 Introduction to Technical Theatre or instructor permission.
(Normally offered on even fall semesters.)

A study of both the history of costume and the techniques of designing costumes. It includes supervised work not only on the design but actual construction of costumes for the theatre. This course may be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1020FYW Script Analysis or THTRE 1030 Script Analysis or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered on even spring semesters.)

Advanced Make-up Design builds the basic techniques and skill acquired in Make-up Design class regarding use of highlight and shadow as a means to sculpt the face for various characters. Students in the advanced class design and complete a sequence of projects incorporating prosthetics and three-dimensional materials, latex and liquids, facial hair, and wigs.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1020FYW Script Analysis or THTRE 1030 Script Analysis and THTRE 1420 Makeup Design or instructor permission.

This course is a study of the theory and practice of lighting and sound design. The student will do several projects and designs for lights and sound. One of these designs will be actualized in the laboratory theatre or a major production. This course may be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1020FYW Script Analysis or THTRE 1030 Script Analysis and THTRE 1400 Introduction to Technical Theatre or instructor permission.
(Normally offered on odd fall semesters.)

Playwriting 1 is a course introducing students to the principles of dramatic construction and formal devices of playwriting. Students will write individually and collaboratively in large groups, small groups, and pairs. Emphasis is given to creative writing exercises exploring monologue, dialogue, character in text, language as action, scene structure, exposition, and conflict. Students will have the opportunity to share writing in class and receive feedback in a supportive workshop environment. Students will critically reflect on what they've written and assemble a portfolio of their writing.
Students may not receive credit for both THTRE 1810FYW Playwriting I and THTRE 2810 Playwriting I.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

A topical course designed to investigate any relevant subject matter not included in any of the standard courses. The title, content, and credit will be determined by current mutual interests of students and faculty. Selected topic acting styles courses such as Acting for Musical Theatre, Acting Shakespeare, Acting Chekhov, Acting Coward and Wilde, and Acting Brecht will be offered regularly. Other selected topics courses such as Mask Making, Rendering, Stage Management, Directing for Musical Theatre, Arts Management, and Children's Theatre will be offered based on student interest and demand and faculty expertise.
Prerequisite(s): To be determined by the instructor.

A systematic study of the outstanding literary artist of the English language: comedies, tragedies, and historical plays.

Prerequisite(s): First Year Writing, ENG 2000 Introduction to Textual Studies or THTRE-1020 and Junior standing.
(Normally offered spring of odd-numbered years.)

This speaking-instructive course provides an in depth look at all the aspects of starting and running a non-profit theatre from the ground up. The first part provides a survey of the field of arts administration and introduces nonprofit governance including incorporation, mission development, and roles and responsibilities of boards of directors. The second part examines the relationship between the arts and law, including contracts, license fees, copyrights, intellectual property, and royalties. The third part of the course provides the students with audience development techniques and fundraising models. Finally each student will be introduced to practical experience picking a season, timelines, establishing a budget, and getting the word out to the public in today's world. This course may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered spring semesters.)

The student completes the design for the scenery, lights, costumes, and/or makeup for a full-length play that is produced by the department. The area or areas of design are selected by the student and instructor. This course may be repeated up to four times for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

History of Period Style is a class for theatre performers, directors, designers and generalists, who wish to have a basis of knowledge about the major historical periods in Western Civilization that are the setting for the majority of plays in the western canon. This course will be an overview of the most important innovations in architecture, art, costume, furniture and decorative arts, and music for each period, as they influence theatrical production.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or permission of the instructor.

See ENG 3260 Greek Drama.

Students will direct under supervision a one-act play or (with instructor's permission) a full-length play. This course may be repeated.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 2500 Directing I.
(Normally offered each fall and spring semester.)

An introductory design studio course focusing on scenery, costume, and lighting design for the theatre. Students will design the visual world of a number of dramas, comedies, or musicals creating standard designer communication documents including sketches, renderings, and drafting. The course also emphasizes script analysis and visual research in the design process. Students will assemble a portfolio documenting their designs.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1020FYW Script Analysis or THTRE 1030 Script Analysis, THTRE 2700 Introduction to Theatrical Design, and THTRE 2710 Scenographic Techniques or permission of the instructor.

An intermediate design studio course focusing on scenery, costume and lighting design for the theatre. Students will design the visual world of a number of moderate size dramas, comedies or musicals from contemporary and historical periods, creating standard designer communication documents including sketches, renderings and drafting. The course also emphasizes script analysis and visual research in the design process. Students will assemble a portfolio documenting their designs.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 3700 Production Design I.

This course builds upon the theories and practices of costume design learned in THTRE 2730 Costume Design. The course involves study of both the history of costume and the techniques of designing costumes. It includes supervised work not only on the design but actual construction of costumes for the theatre. This course may be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisite(s):THTRE 2730 Costume Design or permission of the instructor.

(Normally offered spring semester of even years)

An integral factor in the study of the history of theatre is the impact that governments, democratic or otherwise, have on the development and sustenance of the arts. World Theatre History I is a Writing-Instructive course that covers early theatre through the Renaissance, so will investigate principles and ideals of Athenian democracy associated with Classical Greece, republican Rome, and the Italian republics of the early Renaissance, as well as more authoritarian forms of rule in early civilizations in India, China, Japan, and Meso-America.  Key questions will include: In what ways are artistic freedoms and practices linked to structures of governance?  How has theatre over time been a force for political change? Why does theatre flourish in some democracies (and in some authoritarian governments) and not in others? 
Prerequisite(s): POLSC 1010 United States Government and Politics/POLSC 1010FYW United States Government and Politics or HIST 1020 United States Society and Culture Since 1877 or  PHIL 2400 Social-Political Philosophy or THTRE 1010 Theatre Appreciation or THTRE 1020FYW Script Analysis or THTRE 1030 Script Analysis.
(Normally offered on even fall semesters.)

An integral factor in the study of the history of theatre is the impact that governments, democratic or otherwise, have on the development and sustenance of the arts. World Theatre History II is a Writing-Instructive and Diversity-Global Instructive course that covers the span from late 17th C through present day, so will investigate the Age of Reason and the movement toward representative democracy as well as contemporary developments. One focus will be on the theatre histories of selected Latin American and African countries. Key questions will include: In what ways are artistic freedoms and practices linked to structures of governance?  How has theatre over time been a force for political change? Why does theatre flourish in some democracies (and in some authoritarian governments) and not in others? How are principles/ideals of democracy represented in dramatic literatures and theatrical endeavors at specific historical moments?
Prerequisite(s): POLSC 1010 United States Government and Politics/POLSC 1010FYW United States Government and Politics or HIST 1020 United States Society and Culture Since 1877 or  PHIL 2400 Social-Political Philosophy or THTRE 1010 Theatre Appreciation or THTRE 1020FYW Script Analysis or THTRE 1030 Script Analysis.
(Normally offered on odd fall semesters.)

U.S. Theatre and Cultural Pluralism is a Discourse-Instructive and Diversity-U.S.-Instructive course that considers drama and theatre by ethnic and racial minority writers, gender and sexual minority writers, and writers with disabilities, within the context of historical and contemporary cultural circumstances including economic class. The primary focus of this class is the examination of cultural pluralism as one of the ideals/principles of a democracy as embodied in dramatic works and theatre production practices. It seeks to investigate how theatre in the U.S. has served as a venue for voices that have been historically silenced and/or marginalized, while acknowledging that theatre has sometimes been used as an instrument of oppression. The dramatic works read will allow discussion of topics including: features of a democracy, structures of power, principles of cultural pluralism, what it means to be a citizen in a democracy, and obstacles to full participation in a democracy.
Prerequisite(s): POLSC 1010 United States Government and Politics/POLSC 1010FYW United States Government and Politics or HIST 1020 United States Society and Culture Since 1877 or  PHIL 2400 Social-Political Philosophy or THTRE 1020FYW Script Analysis or THTRE 1030 Script Analysis or instructor permission.

A topical course designed to investigate relevant subject matter not included in any standard courses. The title and the content will be determined by current mutual interests of students and faculty. This course may be offered to meet a requirement for a major only by approval of the department chair.

An advanced design studio course focusing on scenery, costume and lighting design for the theatre. Students will design the visual world of a number of multi-act dramas, comedies or musicals from contemporary and historical periods, creating standard designer communication documents including sketches, renderings, a scale model and drafting. Additionally, students will work collaboratively with an advanced student director to design one or more elements of a realized production. The course emphasizes script analysis, visual research in the design process and designer/director communication. Students will assemble a portfolio documenting their designs.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 3710 Production Design II.

A capstone design studio course focusing on scenery, costume and lighting design for the theatre. Students will design the entire visual world of a multi-act drama, comedy or musical from contemporary or historical periods, approved by the instructor, creating standard designer communication documents including sketches, renderings, a finished model and drafting. Additionally, students will work collaborately with a faculty director to design one or more elements of realized production. The course emphasizes script analysis, visual research in the design process and designer/director communication. Students will assemble a portfolio documenting their designs.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 4700 Production Design III and instructor permission.

On-the-job training for theatre arts majors and minors in theatre-related organizations. Students will arrange for their positions according to departmental guidelines, and each internship will be designed to the satisfaction of the sponsor, faculty coordinator, and student. Students may repeat the course and earn a maximum of 6 hours credit.
P/F only.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

Senior Capstone is a culmination of a graduating theatre student's academic and artistic experience of theatre at the undergraduate level. Research, analytical and reflective writing, and professional presentation skills compromise the primary components of this course, which focuses on the integration, synthesis and application of cumulative knowledge and prepares students for the transition from their undergraduate education into their future profession. Senior Capstone should be taken during the student's last year in residence at Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Prerequisite(s): Theatre major with senior standing or permission of the instructor.