ISU Theatre provides a comprehensive undergraduate education in Theatre and the Performing Arts. This program prepares the student for graduate school, professional theatre training programs, and the teaching of Theatre at the secondary education level. Courses in Theatrical Design and Technology, Acting, Directing, History and Criticism provide the foundation for students in Theatre.
The activities of the Theatre area reflect Iowa State University’s commitment to excellence in teaching and creative activity. Its principle research mission is creative activity. By designing, directing, acting and writing for the Theatre both in their on-campus laboratory, Fisher Theater, and through guest residencies with other state, regional, national and international theatre companies, the Theatre faculty enhance their artistic and technological capabilities and enrich their effectiveness in the classroom.
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.
A degree in Performing Arts is offered through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences under the auspices of the Department of Music and Theatre. Students may select an emphasis in dance, acting/directing, or theatrical design. A minor in Performing Arts is also available.
Performing Arts B.A.
| Freshman | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| ENGL 150 | 3 | Social Science Choice | 3 | ||
| PERF 105 | 0 | LIB 160 | 1 | ||
| MUSIC 102 | 3 | PERF 105 | 0 | ||
| THTRE 251 | 3 | MUSIC 105 | 3 | ||
| THTRE 250 | 1 | THTRE 151 | 3 | ||
| Natural Science Choice | 4 | THTRE 255 | 4 | ||
| DANCE 130 | 1 | Elective | 3 | ||
| 15 | 17 | ||||
| Sophomore | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| PERF 105 | 0 | PERF 105 | 0 | PERF 310 | 0 |
| ENGL 250 | 3 | THTRE 351 | 3 | ||
| MUSIC 290F | 0 | ENGL 300+ | 3 | ||
| THTRE 250 | 1 | Social Science Choice | 3 | ||
| Elective | 3 | THTRE 263 | 3 | ||
| Math Choice | 3 | DANCE 270 | 3 | ||
| Natural Science Choice | 4 | ||||
| 14 | 15 | 0 | |||
| Junior | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| PERF 105 | 0 | PERF 105 | 0 | THTRE 499 | 6 |
| Foreign Language/Elective | 4 | Foreign Language/Elective | 4 | ||
| DANCE 220 | 2 | THTRE 466 | 3 | ||
| THTRE 365 | 3 | Creative Writing - 300+ level | 3 | ||
| THTRE 451 | 3 | THTRE 366 | 3 | ||
| THTRE 455 | 3 | English Literature - 300+ level | 3 | ||
| THTRE 465 | 3 | ||||
| 18 | 16 | 6 | |||
| Senior | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| American Diversity Choice | 3 | PERF 401 | 2 | ||
| Arts/Humanities Choice - 300+ leve | 3 | Literature Choice - 400 Level | 3 | ||
| Social Science Choice | 3 | Elective | 8 | ||
| Theatre Elective | 3 | ||||
| THTRE 461 | 4 | ||||
| 16 | 13 | ||||
Students in all ISU majors must complete a three-credit course in U.S. diversity and a three-credit course in international perspectives. Check (http://www.registrar.iastate.edu/courses/div-ip-guide.html) for a list of approved courses. Discuss with your adviser how the two courses that you select can be applied to your graduation plan. |
Performing Arts Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
(1-0) Cr. R. F.S.
Cross-disciplinary analysis and discussion of topics in the performing arts. Six semesters required of performing arts majors.
Cr. R. Repeatable. 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.
(2-0) Cr. 2. S.
Intensive collaborative study and practice of topics in music, dance and theatre. Required of performing arts majors.
Theatre Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
(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.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
An introduction to Theatre focusing on its relationship with society throughout history.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Study and practice of fundamentals of vocal production: breathing, quality, articulation, projection, and expressiveness for the performing artist.
(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.
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.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Theory and practice in fundamentals of acting.
(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.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Theory, analysis, and interpretation of play scripts for production.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 3 credits in theatre; permission of instructor; approval of written proposal
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Principles of oral interpretation: practice in analysis, in reading aloud of literary selections, and in reader's theatre.
(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.
(2-2) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: THTRE 255
An exploration of the elements, principles and art of theatrical design.
(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.
Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: THTRE 365
Studies in Theatre Design and Production.
Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: THTRE 365
Special topics related to costume design.
Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: THTRE 365
Special topics related to scenic design.
Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: THTRE 365
Special topics in lighting design.
Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: THTRE 365
Special topics in sound design.
Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: THTRE 365
Special topics in stagecraft.
Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: THTRE 365
Special topics in costume draping and patterning.
Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: THTRE 365
Special topics related to advanced makeup.
Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: THTRE 365
Special topics related to stage management.
Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: THTRE 365
Special topics related to technical direction.
Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: THTRE 365
Special topics related to Arts Management.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: THTRE 351 and permission of instructor
Analysis and practice of period scenes.
(2-2) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: THTRE 455
Practical and theoretical experience in directing the stage play.
(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.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: HIST 201 or equivalent
Theatre history from ancient times to 1800.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: THTRE 465
Theatre history from 1800 to present.
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.
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.
Cr. 1-8. Repeatable, maximum of 8 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 18 credits in THTRE, other courses deemed appropriate by faculty adviser; 2nd semester junior or senior standing; minimum GPA of 2.5 and minimum GPA of 3.0 in THTRE courses
Supervised application of theatre in professional settings.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 9 credits in theatre
Topics may include the following:.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 9 credits in theatre
Topics may include the following:.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 9 credits in theatre
Topics may include the following:.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 9 credits in theatre
Topics may include the following:.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 9 credits in theatre
Topics may include the following:.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 9 credits in theatre
Topics may include the following:.
Cr. 1-4. Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.
Prereq: Approved written proposal