Theatre Course Descriptions • Theatre • Carthage College

The Carthage Theatre Department offers courses through which students can engage and master a significant body of knowledge connected to theatre practice: performance, dance theory and technique, dramatic literature, stagecraft, and theatre history. Scroll down to read descriptions of the theatre courses offered at Carthage, or click on the following links for additional resources.

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Theatre Service and Practice

THR 0100 / 0 credits
Hands-on training and work, completed while fulfilling the technical and artistic production needs of the theatre department.

Applied Technical Production

THR 0200 / 1 credit
Students may receive one credit hour for assuming significant responsibility as an assistant stage manager, assistant designer, stage crew member, assistant director, or assistant dramaturg of a production. Course may be repeated if a student has successfully completed one production/design course. Limit: one credit hour per semester or January term.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor
Fall/Spring

Applied Acting and Directing

THR 0300 / 1 credit
Students may receive one credit hour for assuming significant responsibility for a sizable role in a preapproved theatre production, or by directing a one-act or full-length play for public performance. The actor or director will keep a journal documenting the learning experience and upon completion will write a short self-assessment paper.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Fall/Spring

Introduction to Acting (FAR)(AI)

THR 1110 / 4 credits
This course offers an examination of the basic concepts, vocabulary, and techniques of acting. The class will include improvisation, monologue preparation, scene study, character development, and textual analysis.
Fall/J-Term/Spring

Introduction to Theatre (FAR)

THR 1150 / 4 credits
An introduction to texts, practice, and production in the theatre in order to understand it as a social and aesthetic experience and as a reflection of culture. Various aspects of theatre, a broad view of theatre history, and a study of representative plays of the past and present will constitute the content of the course.
Fall/Spring

Advanced Theatre Lab

THR 1200 / 1 credit
Students may receive one credit hour for assuming significant responsibility as a stage manager, properties master, master carpenter, lead designer, or technical director of a production. Course may be repeated if a student has successfully completed one production/design course. Limit: one credit hour per semester or January term.
Prerequisites: THR 0200 and consent of the instructor.

Music Theatre Techniques I

THR 1620 / 2 credits
This course for the singer-actor provides foundational instruction in music theatre performance skills: character development and portrayal, scene study, and audition skills. Students will study the history and context of music theatre through the study of performances, and develop as performers through this study. Students will analyze performance text as well as integrate new understandings into solo and small ensemble performances.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor

Music Theatre Techniques II

THR 1630 / 2 credits
This course for the singer-actor builds on the foundational instruction in music theatre performance skills established in Music Theatre Techniques I. Students in this course will develop deeper understandings of vocal storytelling for character development and portrayal, using the musical score as the text. Students will develop a refined understandings of the vocal mechanism as well as the potential for vocal color and expression to tell the story.
Prerequisite: MUS/THR 1620 or consent of the instructor

Acting I: Fundamentals of Acting (For Majors and Minors) (AI)

THR 2110 / 4 credits
A beginning course for the theatre major or minor, with an introduction to the art of acting through individual and group work. Students will develop basic acting skills with a strong emphasis on the Stanislavski system. The class will include improvisation, monologue preparation, scene study, character development, textual analysis, vocal development, and historical research.
Prerequisite: Theatre major or minor or music theatre major
Fall

Acting and Directing One Acts

THR 2120 / 4 credits
The objective of this project-driven course is to explore the process of new play development. The specific focus is an ensemble-driven approach to play development. Students will participate in a highly collaborative team consisting of directors and performers. The students will showcase scripts at the end of the semester.
Prerequisites: Theatre majors and minors or THR 1110 and consent of the instructor

Theatre for Children (FAR)

THR 2180 / 4 credits
The course includes a study of drama and community settings for persons of all ages, as well as study and experiences designed to develop the skills needed to provide environments conducive to the development of creativity in the individual, and an examination of the child’s potential for creative achievement at different age and grade levels.
Fall

Theatrical Lighting and Sound

THR 2390 / 4 credits
This course introduces students to the basic technology of theatrical stage lighting and sound. Students will learn the fundamentals of lighting design, instrument use, and operation of the theatre lighting system. Students will learn the fundamentals of sound design, sound equipment use, and operation of the theatrical sound systems.
Prerequisite: THR 2910 or instructor permission

Theatrical Drafting Methods (AI)

THR 2600 / 4 credits
This course will examine the principles and practice in the techniques of drafting traditional and nontraditional types of stage scenery and other technical theatre projects. Based upon industry standards, the preparation and presentation of construction drawings and detail drawings for use in scene, prop, and lighting design will be taught. Utilizing skills acquired through written texts, lecture, and class discussion, students will be able to create mechanical drawings, as well as lighting plots, ground plans, sections, and elevations. Computer drafting software and its foundations will also be implemented.
Prerequisite: THR 2920

Music Theatre Workshop

THR 2620 / 0-2 credits
This course for the singer-actor provides formal and informal venues to develop music theatre skills: character development and portrayal, scene study, and audition skills. The laboratory format allows students to learn from the instructor as well as each other as they cover varied repertory. The course culminates in a performance at the end of each term. May be repeated for credit.
Fall/Spring

Movement Techniques for Performers

THR 2630 / 2 credits
A variable content course allowing theatre majors to experience and become versed in different movement disciplines.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission required

Play Reading and Analysis

THR 2900 / 4 credits
The course will include a critical examination of dramatic literature for the purpose of production. Students in this course will consider representative dramatic works from the ancient Greeks into the 21st century. Students will study the play script as literature, an historical artifact, and a blueprint for production. Course materials may be linked to Carthage theatre productions. This course involves extensive play reading and analysis, historical research, practical application, and a major project.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
Fall

Stagecraft

THR 2910 / 4 credits
A beginning stagecraft course for all theatre majors and minors. This course introduces students to the basic aspects of technical theatre production and construction of theatrical scenery. Students will learn how to operate the necessary power tools and stage machinery safely. Students will be involved directly with the Carthage theatre productions. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisite: Theatre major or minor or music theatre major or minor, or permission of the instructor
Fall/Spring

Costumes Technology

THR 2920 / 4 credits
Practical study and experiences to develop technical skills including effective planning and safety practices for basic elements of costume design, acquisition and construction, and makeup design and application. Students will work on projects currently in production by the department.
Prerequisite: Theatre major or minor or music theatre major or minor, or permission of the instructor
Fall/Spring

Scenic Painting

THR 2940 / 2 credits
This course introduces students to the basic practices of theatrical scenic painting. The class will cover color theory, scenic painting techniques, and the use of color renderings and elevations. Students will be involved directly with Carthage theatre productions.
Prerequisite: Theatre or studio art major
Spring

Advanced Makeup Techniques

THR 2950 / 2 credits
This course will study advanced techniques in makeup that are not covered in the Play Production II course. Makeup techniques could include but are not limited to airbrush, prosthetics, advanced aging, wig ventilating, and fantasy and special effects. Drawing and rendering techniques for makeup design will be practiced.
Prerequisite: THR 2920 or consent of instructor
Spring

Draping and Patternmaking

THR 2960 / 2 credits
This course will introduce students to draping and patternmaking for costumes. It is a hands-on course with emphasis on learning techniques used in professional costume shops to create patterns used to build costumes from a costume-design rendering. Students will drape/make patterns from various sources, as well as work on Theatre Department productions.
Prerequisite: THR 2920
Spring

Playwriting

THR 3000 / 4 credits
In this workshop, students examine great plays of the 20th century in order to develop a deeper understanding of the playwright’s craft. Students then develop their own writing skills by creating an original dramatic work.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing
Spring

Stage Management

THR 3010 / 4 credits
This course is an examination and exploration of the role and function of the stage manager in theatrical productions including plays, musicals, and dance performances. This course provides a specific framework emphasizing organization, documentation, and dissemination of information. With paper projects and case studies, students will gain insight into management strategies and develop critical-thinking skills.
Prerequisite: THR 2900
Fall

Verbatim Theatre Techniques (FAR)(AI)

THR 3020 / 4 credits
A course in how to create theatre by using existing text sources, including in-person interviews. Students will learn and practice methods for choosing subjects, interviewing participants, transcribing and storage of interviews, and editing verbatim texts for performance. The course will include staged readings of works created by the class.
Prerequisite: THR 2900 or consent of the instructor

Voice for the Stage (OC)

THR 3100 / 4 credits
This course provides instruction in the proper use and maintenance of the performer’s voice, with special attention given to the unique needs of the stage actor. Exercises and training will help students to understand and develop breath control, resonance, vocal range, and articulation. Accurate vocal style and characterization will be taught as key components to performing various historical periods and styles. Students will also work to minimize vocal tension, improve body alignment and awareness, and acquire or shed dialects as required for a role.
Prerequisite: THR 2110, declared performance major, or instructor consent
Spring

Acting II: Character and Scene Study (AI)

THR 3110 / 4 credits
An intermediate course for the theatre major or minor. A continuation of the acting skills presented in Acting I. A process-oriented course exploring modern and contemporary playwrights. The class will include scene study, character development, textual analysis, vocal development, and historical research.
Prerequisite: THR 2110, declared performance major, or instructor consent
Spring

Ensemble and Experimental Theatre (AI)

THR 3210 / 4 credits
Students in this course will develop and perform scenes through the use of ensemble/experimental acting techniques. They will develop a deep and practical understanding of the theories and practices of a significant modern theatre movement, theorist, or practitioner, applying what they learn to new or preexisting play texts. Content for this course varies; the course is therefore repeatable for credit.
Prerequisite: THR 2110

Premodern Theatre Survey (CL)(FAR)

THR 3260 / 4 credits
This survey course introduces students to the major playwrights and movements in the European theatre from 1650-1850, from the beginning of the English restoration until the rise of Romanticism. Coursework will include both practical applications and written evaluations of play texts and theatre productions.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing

Classical Theatre Survey (CL)(FAR)

THR 3270 / 4 credits
A comprehensive study of dramatic literary forms and the theatrical expressions of civilizations and cultures from the inception of theatre to the Renaissance. Coursework will include both practical applications and written evaluations of theatre productions.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing

Modern Theatre Survey (FAR)(CL)

THR 3280 / 4 credits
This course provides a detailed study of theatre and its development in the West since the rise of modernism. Particular attention is given to the immeasurable influence of Marx, Darwin, and Freud on the world, and therefore on the theatre. Students will consider representative works from several late 19th and 20th century movements, such as realism, naturalism, symbolism, German expressionism, futurism, dadaism, and absurdism. Coursework will include both practical applications and written evaluations of play texts and theatre productions.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing

Contemporary Theatre Survey

THR 3290 / 4 credits
Students in this course will examine the movements and innovators shaping theatre today. Special attention will be paid to new modes of theatre-making, the inclusion of increasingly diverse voices, and changing roles of theatres in their communities.

Music Theatre History (CL)

THR 3400 / 4 credits
An exploration of how drama, art, movement, and music combine into the “spectacular” form of music theatre. Students survey and study a variety of works from music theatre’s operatic beginnings through present-day patchwork rock shows. We will attend at least four live productions. Ticket fee.
Fall

History of Scenic and Lighting Design (CL)

THR 3600 / 4 credits
A survey course in the history of scenic design in the Western world, from the golden age of Greece until today.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
Fall

History of Clothing: Ancient Egypt to Modern (CL)

THR 3610 / 4 credits
This course will study the history of Western fashion from ancient times to modern day with emphasis on understanding the basic psychology of why people wear clothes. Additionally, it will fine-tune historical research skills and analysis of both the play text and characters. Classwork will include research projects as well as using research skills to do character analysis for a costume design.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
Fall

Advanced Play Production

THR 3910 / 2 credits
An advanced stagecraft course for all theatre production majors. This course is designed to give students hands-on experience in the processes involved in successful technical direction. This course challenges students with the advanced aspects of technical theatre production and construction of theatrical scenery. Particular emphasis will be given to problem-solving, budgeting, theatre safety, structural design, and project management (how to plan an effective build, load-in, and strike). Students will work independently, in teams, and as team leaders in support and oversight of Carthage theatre productions.
Prerequisites: THR 2910 and two credits of THR 0200

Senior Seminar in Theatre

THR 4010 / 4 credits
A guided preparation and revision process for the completion of a Senior Thesis or Senior Project.
Fall

Acting III: Periods and Styles

THR 4110 / 4 credits
An advanced course for the theatre major, focusing on the techniques needed for classical drama. The course will include advanced acting techniques exploring period and style work from the Greek/Roman theatre, Shakespeare and the English Renaissance, and Moliere and the French Restoration. Activities will include scene study, textual analysis, vocal development, and historical research.
Prerequisites: THR 3110 and THR 3100, declared performance major, or consent of the department chair
Fall

Methods and Materials in Teaching Theatre

THR 4200 / 4 credits
A study of theatre teaching methods and instructional materials. Special attention is given to the selection and organization of subject matter and learning activities. Fieldwork required.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Teacher Education Program

Directing

THR 4550 / 4 credits
This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of directing plays for the stage. We will carefully examine play structure and analysis, interpretation, and communication with the actor and designer, as well as the rehearsal process and performance.
Prerequisite: THR 2900, 3110, 2910, 2920, or consent of the instructor
Fall

Scenic Design (AI)

THR 4600 / 4 credits
A course in theatrical design focusing on scenic design. Students will learn the process, vocabulary, and conventions of designing theatrical scenery for plays. Students will then design scenery for a play and realize their designs through sketching, drawing, and drafting, as well as with computers, 3-D models, and paint renderings.
Prerequisites: ART 1070, 1071, and 2000, and THR 2900 and 2910 or consent of instructor
Spring

Costume Design (AI)

THR 4610 / 4 credits
This course will be both an intellectual study of costume design for theatre as well as work on practical skills of drawing and rendering. The student will read and analyze a play from a costume design point of view, learn about directing and design concepts, and use research skills, culminating in a design project that can be entered in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival’s design competition and presented in their portfolio.
Prerequisites: ART 1070, 1071, and 2000, THR 2900 and 2920, or consent of the instructor
Spring

Senior Thesis Completion

THR 4990 / 0 credits
Students should register for THR 4990 during the semester they intend to complete their Senior Thesis.