Theatre and Performing Arts
(Administered by the Department of Music)
Performing Arts graduates will understand and demonstrate:
- Knowledge of the cultural heritage and history of the Performing Arts
- A theoretical and experiential background in the areas of performance, theatrical design, music, and dance
- Knowledge of creative problem solving and artistic collaboration
- Skills necessary to perform in or design for a variety of periods, styles, and genres in theatre and dance
- Awareness of the diversity of expression in the Performing Arts throughout the world’s cultures
- A practical understanding of the rigors of the field.
Assessment measures include the semester exhibit of design work or audition pieces, graduating senior seminar and exit interviews, public performances or designs, course grades, exhibited convention work, and internship evaluations.
Undergraduate Study
Students interested in theatre as a major area of concentration declare a major in Performing Arts and select an emphasis in Theatrical Design or Acting/Directing. Students implement the theories and principles explored in the classroom by participating in production work. During the academic year, Iowa State University Theatre presents up to ten mainstage and second stage productions in Fisher Theater, and works in close collaboration with ISU Music and Dance.
The major in Performing Arts offers the undergraduate student a cross-disciplinary concentration in Music, Dance and Theatre. The core curriculum consists of 24 credits in the three areas. Students elect a 24-credit emphasis in either Dance, Theatrical Design or Acting/Directing. In addition to coursework, Performing Arts majors and minors participate in concert (Orchesis, Footfalls), workshop (Opera Studio, Minority Theatre Workshop) and production (Barchje, Stars Over Veishea, ISU Theatre/Music Theatre/Second Stage and Studio) experiences.
Performing Arts graduates, in addition to a solid theoretical and experiential background in the areas of performance, theatrical design, dance and music, are prepared to meet the challenges of the work force or graduate school with their strengths in collaboration, creative problem solving, meeting deadlines and processing diverse input to yield cohesive output. Two required professional internships prior to graduation are vital to the student’s appreciation and practical understanding of the rigors of the field.
The theatre area offers a wide variety of courses. Students may select from courses in acting, design (costume, scenic, lighting/sound), make-up, stage direction, playwriting, stage management, and theatre history. Independent study and special topics courses supplement formal course offerings to provide opportunities to intensify study in a particular aspect of theatre.
Auditions for ISU Theatre productions are open to all students irrespective of academic major. Similarly, participation in areas of production other than acting is open to both majors and nonmajors. Qualified students also present experimental, laboratory, and Minority Theatre Workshop productions. Student actors, directors, designers, and technical crew heads are required to maintain a grade point average of at least 2.0 to participate in productions.
Theatre scholarships are awarded on a yearly basis to students who make significant contributions to Iowa State University Theatre.
Bachelor of Arts - Performing Arts Major (Perf)
The Core for the Performing Arts Major (24 cr)
(For individual Dance and Music course descriptions, see Index for individual department listing.)
| MUSIC 101 | Fundamentals of Music | 2 |
| MUSIC 102 | Introduction to Music Listening | 3 |
| DANCE 120 | Modern Dance I | 1 |
| DANCE 130 | Ballet I | 1 |
| DANCE 220 | Modern Dance Composition | 2 |
| DANCE 270 | Dance Appreciation | 3 |
| THTRE 255 | Introduction to Theatrical Production | 4 |
| THTRE 263 | Script Analysis | 3 |
| THTRE 365 | Theatrical Design I | 3 |
| PERF 105 | Issues in the Performing Arts (six semesters) | R |
| PERF 310 | Performing Arts Internship | R |
| PERF 401 | Performing Arts Seminar | 2 |
Emphasis in Theatrical Design (24 cr)
| THTRE 250 | Theatre Practicum | 1-2 |
| THTRE 360 | Stagecraft | 4 |
| THTRE 366 | Theatrical Design II | 3 |
| THTRE 455 | Directing I | 3 |
| THTRE 461 | Theatrical Design Studio | 4 |
| THTRE 465 | History of Theatre I | 3 |
| THTRE 466 | History of Theatre II | 3 |
| MUSIC 133 | Basic Voice Techniques | 1 |
Emphasis in Dance (24 cr)
| ART H 292 | Introduction to Visual Culture Studies | 3 |
| MUSIC 133 | Basic Voice Techniques | 1 |
| DANCE 222 | Modern Dance II | 1 |
| DANCE 224 | Concert and Theatre Dance (take for 2 crs) | 0.5-2 |
| DANCE 232 | Ballet II | 1 |
| DANCE 360 | History and Philosophy of Dance | 3 |
| DANCE 370 | Advanced Studies in Dance | 1-3 |
| KIN 355 | Biomechanics | 3 |
| 2 credits from the following | 2 | |
| Jazz I | ||
| Tap Dance I | ||
| Ballroom Dance I | ||
| Fundamentals and Methods of Social and World Dance (instead of 160, 170) | ||
| 2 credits from the following | 2 | |
| Modern Dance III | ||
| Ballet III | ||
| Jazz II | ||
| 3 credits from the following | 3 | |
| Sound and Movement | ||
| Teaching Children's Dance | ||
| Methods of Teaching Dance | ||
| Teaching Dance Technique and Composition | ||
| All students enrolled in the Dance Emphasis must register for one dance technique course every semester of residence up to a total of 8 credits | 8 | |
| One computer course | ||
| Computer Applications | ||
| Applied Computer Programming | ||
| Fundamentals of Computer Programming | ||
| Digital Learning in the PK-6 Classroom | ||
Emphasis in Acting/Directing (24 cr)
| THTRE 151 | The Actor's Voice | 3 |
| THTRE 250 | Theatre Practicum (take for 2 crs) | 1-2 |
| THTRE 251 | Acting I | 3 |
| THTRE 351 | Acting II | 3 |
| THTRE 451 | Acting III | 3 |
| THTRE 455 | Directing I | 3 |
| THTRE 465 | History of Theatre I | 3 |
| THTRE 466 | History of Theatre II | 3 |
| MUSIC 133 | Basic Voice Techniques | 1 |
Minor in Performing Arts (21 cr)
| PERF 105 | Issues in the Performing Arts (3 semesters) | R |
| MUSIC 101 | Fundamentals of Music | 2 |
| MUSIC 102 | Introduction to Music Listening | 3 |
| DANCE 120 | Modern Dance I | 1 |
| or DANCE 130 | Ballet I | |
| DANCE 270 | Dance Appreciation | 3 |
| THTRE 255 | Introduction to Theatrical Production | 4 |
| THTRE 263 | Script Analysis | 3 |
| or THTRE 251 | Acting I | |
| 6 credits 300+ in DANCE, THTRE or PERF | 6 | |
Communication Proficiency requirement: Select one course from:
| ENGL 302 | Business Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 303 | Free-Lance Writing for Popular Magazines | 3 |
| ENGL 304 | Creative Writing--Fiction | 3 |
| ENGL 305 | Creative Writing--Nonfiction | 3 |
| ENGL 306 | Creative Writing--Poetry | 3 |
| ENGL 309 | Report and Proposal Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 314 | Technical Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 315 | Creative Writing--Screenplays | 3 |
| ENGL 316 | Creative Writing--Playwriting | 3 |
| ENGL 370 | Shakespeare | 3 |
Graduate Study
The department offers graduate courses as supporting work in other fields.
Performing Arts
Courses primarily for undergraduate students.
PERF 105. Issues in the Performing Arts.
(1-0) Cr. R.
F.S.
Cross-disciplinary analysis and discussion of topics in the performing arts. Six semesters required of performing arts majors.
PERF 310. Performing Arts Internship.
Cr. R.
F.S.SS.
Required of performing arts majors. A job or internship with a professional or semi-professional performing arts organization.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
PERF 401. Performing Arts Seminar.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
S.
Intensive collaborative study and practice of topics in music, dance and theatre. Required of performing arts majors.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
Theatre
Courses primarily for undergraduate students.
THTRE 106. Introduction to the Performing Arts.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.SS.
An audience oriented, broad-based, team-taught survey of the performing arts which emphasizes theatre and includes segments on television, radio, film, dance, and music.
THTRE 110. Theatre and Society.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
An introduction to Theatre focusing on its relationship with society throughout history.
THTRE 151. The Actor's Voice.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Study and practice of fundamentals of vocal production: breathing, quality, articulation, projection, and expressiveness for the performing artist.
THTRE 224. Concert and Theatre Dance.
(Cross-listed with DANCE). (0-3) Cr. 0.5-2.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.
Prereq: By audition only
Choreography, rehearsal, and performance in campus dance concerts and/or musical theatre productions.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
THTRE 250. Theatre Practicum.
Cr. 1-2.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Practice in various aspects of technical theatre production.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
THTRE 251. Acting I.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Theory and practice in fundamentals of acting.
THTRE 255. Introduction to Theatrical Production.
(3-3) Cr. 4.
F.S.
Standard structure and procedures, historical overview of performing arts production including the design and creation of scenery, costumes and lighting.
THTRE 263. Script Analysis.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Theory, analysis, and interpretation of play scripts for production.
THTRE 290. Special Projects.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 3 credits in theatre; permission of instructor; approval of written proposal
THTRE 316. Creative Writing -- Playwriting.
(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: ENGL 250, not open to freshmen
Progresses from production of scenes to fully developed one-act plays. Emphasis on action, staging, writing, analytical reading, workshop criticism, and individual conferences.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
THTRE 351. Acting II.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 251, DANCE 120 recommended
Theory and practice of techniques of acting with emphasis on character and scene analysis.
THTRE 354. Musical Theatre I.
(2-2) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 251 or MUSIC 232 or 3 credits in Dance
Theory, history and practice of musical theatre techniques. Designed to develop the musical theatre performance skills of singers, dancers, and actors.
THTRE 355. Musical Theatre II.
(2-2) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 354
Theory, history and practice of musical theatre techniques. Designed to develop the musical theatre performance skills of singers, dancers, and actors.
THTRE 357. Stage Make-up.
(1-2) Cr. 2.
F.
Theory and practice of make-up and hair-styling techniques for the performing arts: Theatre, Opera, Dance, Television and Film. Lab required.
THTRE 358. Oral Interpretation.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Principles of oral interpretation: practice in analysis, in reading aloud of literary selections, and in reader's theatre.
THTRE 360. Stagecraft.
(3-2) Cr. 4.
S.
Prereq: 255
Tools, materials, and techniques of planning, constructing and painting of performing arts scenography. Basic principles of lighting technology. Technical drawing for performing arts production.
THTRE 365. Theatrical Design I.
(2-2) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 255
An exploration of the elements, principles and art of theatrical design.
THTRE 366. Theatrical Design II.
(2-2) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 365
Intensive application of the principles introduced in 365. In-depth study and practice of the graphic skills of rendering and drafting.
THTRE 393. Workshop.
Cr. 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 3 credits in theatre
Offered to explore special topics.
A. Minority Theatre
B. Repertory
C. Children's Theatre
D. Musical Theatre
E. Creative Dramatics
F. International Storytelling
THTRE 451. Acting III.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 351 and permission of instructor
Analysis and practice of period scenes.
THTRE 455. Directing I.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 255; 263; 251 recommended
Theory, techniques, and practice of directing.
THTRE 456. Directing II.
(2-2) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 455
Practical and theoretical experience in directing the stage play.
THTRE 461. Theatrical Design Studio.
(3-2) Cr. 4.
Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits. F.S.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Focuses on the art and craft of specific areas of theatrical design. Each semester the student will focus on one or two of the following: scenic, costume, or lighting design.
THTRE 465. History of Theatre I.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: HIST 201 or equivalent
Theatre history from ancient times to 1800.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
THTRE 466. History of Theatre II.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 465
Theatre history from 1800 to present.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
THTRE 469. Advanced Theatre Practicum.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 9 credits in theatre courses; junior classification
Practicum in production with ISU Theatre, with opportunities for specialization within various areas. Required: Approval of written proposal.
THTRE 490. Independent Study.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 9 credits in theatre, approved written proposal, junior classification
Only one independent study enrollment within the department is permitted per semester.
No more than 9 credits in Thtre 490 may be counted toward graduation.
THTRE 497. Senior Seminar.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 15 credits in theatre courses; senior classification
Directed study of a theatre issue or problem identified by each student. Students synthesize relevant theory and research culminating in senior project or paper.
THTRE 499. Theatre Internship.
Cr. 1-8.
Repeatable, maximum of 8 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 18 credits in theatre, other courses deemed appropriate by faculty adviser; 2nd semester junior or senior standing; cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 overall and 3.0 in theatre courses
Supervised application of theatre in professional settings.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduate students
THTRE 504. Seminar.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 9 credits in theatre
Topics may include the following:.
A. Musical Theatre
B. Acting Techniques
C. Acting Styles
D. Design and Technical Theatre
E. Arts Management
THTRE 590. Special Topics.
Cr. 1-4.
Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.
Prereq: Approved written proposal