Theatre (THR)

Courses

THR A101 Technical Theatre for the Event Technician 1 Credit

Focuses on event technician and grip skills and is the foundation class for the Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Event Production.
Special Note: Meets and exceeds the standards for the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts (ACPA) grip test.

THR A102 Introduction to Sewing and Wardrobe 1 Credit

Introduces basic hand and machine sewing skills including wardrobe and run crew skills/techniques. Allows students to apply skills as they prepare for work as wardrobe technicians for local companies and touring professional productions.

THR A103 Lighting and Beginning Programming 2 Credits

Explores the theory, practice and execution of lighting for theatre, dance, or event production. Includes associated electric effects for the stage and introduces control board programming and additional materials as necessary.

THR A105 Audio and Sound Engineering for Event Production 2 Credits

Explores the theory, practice and execution of audio for theatre, dance, or event production. Includes an introduction to sound engineering and system set-up for the stage and event production. Introduces control board set-up/programming and provides additional material on related fields as necessary.

THR A107 Rigging and Fly Crew 1 Credit

Explores the theory, practice and execution of theatrical rigging for event production. Includes a focus on fly system mechanics and running crew fundamentals and provides additional material on related fields as necessary.

THR A109 Carpentry and Props for Event Production 1 Credit

Explores the theory, practice and execution of carpentry and props as they relate to event production. Focuses on shop safety, basic hand and stationary tools, dance floor installation, and running crew fundamentals. Provides additional material on related fields as necessary.

THR A111 Theatre Appreciation 3 Credits

Survey of theatre with focus on artists who contribute to theatrical production viewed within the context of historical styles and development.

Attributes: UAA Fine Arts GER.

THR A121 Fundamentals of Acting 3 Credits

Introduces students to the basics of acting for the stage. Students will study acting theory and explore core elements of performance and apply them through exercises, improvisation, monologues, scene study, and script and character analysis.

Attributes: UAA Fine Arts GER.

THR A124 Dance for Musical Theatre I 2 Credits

Introduces the vocabulary, variety of movement styles and performance techniques inherent in American musical theatre, including the ability to vocalize correctly during movement. Covers a range of time periods from the 1920s to the present.
Special Note: May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.
Crosslisted With: DNCE A124.

THR A131 Theatrical Production Techniques 3 Credits

Introduction to the mechanics of stage production. Emphasizes safe and practical use of tools, equipment and materials employed in scene shop, lighting, backstage and costume work. Students master basic practices and techniques required for effective production work in each area.

THR A132 Introduction to Theatrical Design 3 Credits

Introduces the basic elements of design and color theory combined with an overview of figure drawing, rendering techniques and script analysis.

THR A141 Stagecraft I 3 Credits

Introduces principles and techniques of contemporary theatrical production, including technical direction, drafting, scenery construction and rigging.
Special Note: This course includes lab time.

THR A151 Makeup for the Theatre 3 Credits

Teaches basic principles of stage make-up techniques emphasizing the structure of the face, character interpretation, stage lighting, historical research for hair and makeup, and special 3-D effects.

THR A157 Introduction to Costume Sewing 3 Credits

Introduces basic hand and machine sewing skills and demonstrates pattern use and beginning draping. These skills will be applied as students participate in the build of a realized theatrical production.
May Be Stacked With: THR A357

THR A195 Theatre Practicum: Performance 1-3 Credits

Requires participation in mainstage productions as an actor, director, dancer, choreographer or assistant director.
Special Note: Can be repeated with a change of project for up to 9 credits.
Registration Restrictions: Department approval
May Be Stacked With: THR A395

THR A211 Theatre History to 1700 3 Credits

Studies theatre history from ancient Greece to 1700 including the history and the influence of different cultures, traditions and technology on the development of the theatre as a social institution.

Attributes: UAA Humanities GER.

THR A212 Theatre History Since 1700 3 Credits

Surveys theatre history from 1700 to the present day, including both Western and Eastern theatre and performance.

Attributes: UAA Humanities GER.

THR A215 Contemporary Plays 3 Credits

Surveys various examples of play texts from 1800 to today, focusing on their historical context and production both in their own time and today.

Attributes: UAA Fine Arts GER.

THR A221 Movement for the Actor 3 Credits

Studies movement and its specific relationship to acting skills. Work includes analysis of nonverbal communication and developmental physical skills.

Prerequisites: THR A121 with a minimum grade of C.

THR A222 Voice for the Actor 3 Credits

Introduces the acting student to exercises designed to free and increase the expressive power of the voice, with the primary goal being emotional honesty.

Prerequisites: THR A121 with a minimum grade of C.

THR A243 Scene Design 3 Credits

Introduces principles of scenic design for the stage including drafting, rendering, theory, analysis and practice.
Special Note: This course includes lab time.

Prerequisites: THR A131 with a minimum grade of C.

THR A257 Costume Design 3 Credits

Teaches principles of costume design with emphasis on historic research and rendering techniques. Overall study of costume and fashion history and its relation to theatre productions and designs.
Registration Restrictions: Sophomore, junior or senior standing

THR A295 Theatre Practicum: Technical 1-3 Credits

Provides opportunity for participation in mainstage productions as member of technical staff. Offers credit for scene crew, light crew, props, costume crew, makeup crew, stage management, and publicity.
Special Note: May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.
May Be Stacked With: THR A495

THR A306 Stage Management 3 Credits

Explores the role and function of the stage manager in theatrical production. Provides the basic skills to work in the field of stage management. Emphasis on organization, documentation, and dissemination of information.

Prerequisites: THR A131 with a minimum grade of D.

THR A315 Playwriting 3 Credits

Focuses on analyzing and writing dramatic scripts for live performance. Course will feature public readings of student work.

Prerequisites: THR A215 with a minimum grade of C.

THR A322 Scene Study 3 Credits

Provides students with in-depth scene study in realism, naturalism and early modern performance styles. Students will utilize Stanislavski-based acting techniques to perform scenes from realistic and/or naturalistic scripts and will learn to adapt those techniques to perform scenes in plays by Shakespeare and other early modern playwrights.

Prerequisites: THR A221 with a minimum grade of C and THR A222 with a minimum grade of C.

THR A325 Theatre Speech and Dialects 3 Credits

Continues the production and energizing of vowels and consonants. Covers the International Phonetic Alphabet as well as a systematic approach for the acquisition of a foreign dialect based on tempo/rhythm, facial posture, pitch range, resonance focus, lilt pattern, topography, history, and national character.

Prerequisites: THR A222 with a minimum grade of C.

THR A328 Acting Shakespeare 3 Credits

Pursues an intensive exploration of text-based analysis of Shakespearean characters. Emphasis on scene and character study in a studio setting.

Prerequisites: THR A221 with a minimum grade of C and THR A222 with a minimum grade of C.

THR A329 Combat for the Stage 3 Credits

Introduces the art of fighting in the theatre including basic techniques from among the following combat disciplines: unarmed, quarterstaff, single rapier, rapier and dagger, or broadsword. Emphasis is placed on safety and acting the fight as well as the effective illusion of violence.

Prerequisites: THR A221 with a minimum grade of C.

THR A331 Directing I 3 Credits

Studies the history, theories and methods of stage direction. Culminates in the staging of a scene from a dramatic work.

Prerequisites: THR A121 with a minimum grade of C and THR A215 with a minimum grade of C.

THR A347 Lighting Design 3 Credits

Explores the theory and practice of the design and execution of lighting and associated electrical effects for the stage. Focuses on theatrical lighting with additional material on related fields.

Prerequisites: THR A131 with a minimum grade of C and THR A132 with a minimum grade of C.

THR A350 Costume Crafts 3 Credits

Introduces the creation of theatrical costume props. Craft artisans work with challenging materials and solve unique projects on a daily basis. Provides hands-on experience with millinery, mask-making, leather-working, jewelry-making, dying and more.
Special Note: May be taken twice for credit.

Prerequisites: THR A131 with a minimum grade of C.

THR A357 Costume Construction 3 Credits

Advanced work in costume construction, including developing essential sewing techniques, gaining knowledge of draping and pattern alteration, and completion of a finished theatrical garment.
Special Note: May be repeated once for credit. This course includes lab time.
May Be Stacked With: THR A157

Prerequisites: THR A131 with a minimum grade of C.

THR A395 Advanced Practicum: Performance 1-3 Credits

Performance practicum for advanced participation in mainstage productions as an actor, director, dancer, choreographer or assistant director.
Special Note: May be repeated with a change of project for up to 9 credits.
Registration Restrictions: Department approval
May Be Stacked With: THR A195

THR A411R Theatre History Recitation I 1 Credit

Recitation session which provides theatre majors with a deeper discussion and analysis of topics in the theatre history course.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre

Corequisites: THR A211.

THR A412R Theatre History Recitation II 1 Credit

Recitation session which provides theatre majors with a deeper discussion and analysis of topics in the theatre history course.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre

Corequisites: THR A212.

THR A435 Directing II 3 Credits

Studies the advanced history, theories and methods of stage direction. Culminates in the staging of a one-act play.
Special Note: May be repeated once for credit.

Prerequisites: THR A331 with a minimum grade of B.

THR A445 Advanced Theatre Production 3 Credits

Explores advanced technical theatre with a selected emphasis in production of one of the following areas: Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Costume Design, Stagecraft, Production programmer or Stage Management.

Prerequisites: THR A131 with a minimum grade of C.

THR A450 Resume and Portfolio Workshop 1 Credit

Prepares students for finding work as theatre professionals or in applying to graduate school programs. Includes finding appropriate graduate school and internship/apprenticeship/job opportunities, assembling resumes and CVs, writing cover letters and/or personal statements, creating personal websites and/or portfolios, and preparing for professional interviews/auditions.
Special Note: May be repeated once for credit.
Registration Restrictions: Junior or senior standing

THR A490 Advanced Topics in Theatre 3 Credits

Presents advanced, current topics in theatrical performance, design or technology that address special demands of the theatre season or special faculty expertise.
Special Note: May be repeated three times for credit with a change of subtitle.

Prerequisites: THR A121 with a minimum grade of C and THR A131 with a minimum grade of C and THR A215 with a minimum grade of C.

THR A492 Seminar in Theatre or Dance 3 Credits

Explores a specific topic in theatre or dance - including the historical, cultural, social and political influences on the given aspect of performance or production - with an emphasis on its relevance to a contemporary audience.
Special Note: May be repeated once for credit with a change in subtitle.
Registration Restrictions: Completion of GER Tier 2 Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences requirements.

Prerequisites: THR A111 with a minimum grade of C or THR A121 with a minimum grade of C or THR A131 with a minimum grade of C or DNCE A121 with a minimum grade of C or DNCE A170 with a minimum grade of C or DNCE A262 with a minimum grade of C and (WRTG A211 with a minimum grade of C or WRTG A212 with a minimum grade of C or WRTG A213 with a minimum grade of C or WRTG A214 with a minimum grade of C or WRTG A2W with a minimum grade of C).

Attributes: UAA Diversity & Inclusion GER, UAA Integrative Capstone GER.

THR A495 Advanced Practicum: Technical 1-3 Credits

Technical practicum for juniors and seniors or students with an extensive background in the subject area. Emphasis is on participation in a mainstage production as a significant member of the technical/production crew or design team.
Special Note: May be repeated with change of project for 12 credits.
Registration Restrictions: Permission of instructor
May Be Stacked With: THR A295

Prerequisites: THR A295 with a minimum grade of D.

THR A495I Internship for Theatre or Dance 1-12 Credits

Integrates classroom study with supervised work experience in a community/professional capacity in appropriate areas of theatre and/or dance. Students acquire essential practical skills by being exposed to a production environment beyond the boundaries of the academic setting, enhancing self-confidence and career direction. Open to qualified students receiving faculty recommendation who are working with qualified community/professional organizations.
Special Note: May be repeated for credit with a change of project subject. All projects subject to department approval.
Registration Restrictions: Department approval

THR A498 Individual Research 3 Credits

Provides guidance on independent research projects leading to a research paper and/or a design/directing process document. Scholarly interaction with theatre production(s) is strongly encouraged.
Registration Restrictions: Junior or senior standing, admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, and department approval

THR A499 Thesis 3 Credits

Provides structure for an independent or collaborative research project on a specific topic or area of theatre culminating in the presentation of a live theatre performance or design execution.
Registration Restrictions: Junior or senior standing, admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, and department approval

Prerequisites: THR A498 with a minimum grade of B.