This is an archived copy of the 2012-2013 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

Theatre and Performing Arts

http://www.theatre.iastate.edu

(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	arr †
MUSIC 102	Introduction to Music Listening	arr †
DANCE 120	Modern Dance I	arr †
DANCE 130	Ballet I	arr †
DANCE 220	Modern Dance Composition	arr †
DANCE 270	Dance Appreciation	arr †
THTRE 255	Introduction to Theatrical Production	arr †
THTRE 263	Script Analysis	arr †
THTRE 365	Theatrical Design I	arr †
PERF 105	Issues in the Performing Arts (six semesters)	R
PERF 310	Performing Arts Internship	R
PERF 401	Performing Arts Seminar	arr †
† Arranged with instructor.

Emphasis in Theatrical Design (24 cr)

THTRE 250	Theatre Practicum	arr †
THTRE 360	Stagecraft	arr †
THTRE 366	Theatrical Design II	arr †
THTRE 455	Directing I	arr †
THTRE 461	Theatrical Design Studio	arr †
THTRE 465	History of Theatre I	arr †
THTRE 466	History of Theatre II	arr †
MUSIC 133	Basic Voice Techniques	arr †
† Arranged with instructor.

Emphasis in Dance (24 cr)

ART H 292	Introduction to Visual Culture Studies	arr †
MUSIC 133	Basic Voice Techniques	arr †
DANCE 222	Modern Dance II	arr †
DANCE 224	Concert and Theatre Dance (take for 2 crs)	arr †
DANCE 232	Ballet II	arr †
DANCE 360	History and Philosophy of Dance	arr †
DANCE 370	Advanced Studies in Dance	arr †
KIN 355	Biomechanics	arr †
2 credits from the following		arr †
DANCE 140	Jazz I
DANCE 150	Tap Dance I
DANCE 160	Ballroom Dance I
DANCE 211	Fundamentals and Methods of Social and World Dance (instead of 160, 170)
2 credits from the following		arr †
DANCE 223	Modern Dance III
DANCE 233	Ballet III
DANCE 242	Jazz II
3 credits from the following		arr †
DANCE 320	Sound and Movement
DANCE 384	Teaching Children's Dance
DANCE 385	Methods of Teaching Dance
DANCE 386	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		arr †
One computer course
COM S 103	Computer Applications
COM S 107	Applied Computer Programming
COM S 207	Fundamentals of Computer Programming
C I 201	Learning Technologies in the PK-6 Classroom
† Arranged with instructor.

Emphasis in Acting/Directing (24 cr)

THTRE 151	The Actor's Voice	arr †
THTRE 250	Theatre Practicum (take for 2 crs)	arr †
THTRE 251	Acting I	arr †
THTRE 351	Acting II	arr †
THTRE 451	Acting III	arr †
THTRE 455	Directing I	arr †
THTRE 465	History of Theatre I	arr †
THTRE 466	History of Theatre II	arr †
MUSIC 133	Basic Voice Techniques	arr †
† Arranged with instructor.

Minor in Performing Arts (21 cr)

PERF 105	Issues in the Performing Arts (3 semesters)	R
MUSIC 101	Fundamentals of Music	arr †
MUSIC 102	Introduction to Music Listening	arr †
DANCE 120	Modern Dance I	arr †
or DANCE 130	Ballet I
DANCE 270	Dance Appreciation	arr †
THTRE 255	Introduction to Theatrical Production	arr †
THTRE 263	Script Analysis	arr †
or THTRE 251	Acting I
6 credits 300+ in DANCE, THTRE or PERF		arr †
† Arranged with instructor.

Communication Proficiency requirement: Select one course from:

ENGL 302	Business Communication	arr †
ENGL 303	Free-Lance Writing for Popular Magazines	arr †
ENGL 304	Creative Writing--Fiction	arr †
ENGL 305	Creative Writing--Nonfiction	arr †
ENGL 306	Creative Writing--Poetry	arr †
ENGL 309	Report and Proposal Writing	arr †
ENGL 314	Technical Communication	arr †
ENGL 315	Creative Writing--Screenplays	arr †
ENGL 316	Creative Writing--Playwriting	arr †
ENGL 370	Shakespeare	arr †
† Arranged with instructor.

Graduate Study

The department offers graduate courses as supporting work in other fields.

Performing Arts Courses

Courses primarily for undergraduates:

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

Courses primarily for undergraduates:

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: THTRE 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: THTRE 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: THTRE 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: THTRE 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: THTRE 255
An exploration of the elements, principles and art of theatrical design.

THTRE 366. Theatrical Design II.

(2-2) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: THTRE 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. All may count towards graduation

THTRE 393A. Minority Theatre.

Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS. Prereq: 3 credits in theatre
Offered to explore special topics.

THTRE 393B. Repertory.

Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS. Prereq: 3 credits in theatre
Offered to explore special topics.

THTRE 393C. Children's Theatre.

Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS. Prereq: 3 credits in theatre
Offered to explore special topics.

THTRE 393D. Musical Theatre.

Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS. Prereq: 3 credits in theatre
Offered to explore special topics.

THTRE 393E. Creative Dramatics.

Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS. Prereq: 3 credits in theatre
Offered to explore special topics.

THTRE 393F. International Storytelling.

Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS. Prereq: 3 credits in theatre
Offered to explore special topics.

THTRE 451. Acting III.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: THTRE 351 and permission of instructor
Analysis and practice of period scenes.

THTRE 455. Directing I.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: THTRE 255; THTRE 263; THTRE 251 recommended
Theory, techniques, and practice of directing.

THTRE 456. Directing II.

(2-2) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: THTRE 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: THTRE 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.