Published 20-AUG-14

THEATRE ARTS

Elizabeth A. Bauman (2001), Chair, Associate Professor
B.A., State University of New York;
M.A., The University of Akron
M.F.A., Kent State University

Richard Hyde (1990), Professor of Theatre Arts
B.A., University of Windsor;
M.F.A., University of Georgia

Carl Skorepa (2008), Technical Director/Designer
B.A., Baldwin-Wallace College;
M.A.,. New York University

Desmond Davis, (2009) Dance Instructor

Verb Ballet, Adjunct Instructor

Department Web Site: - http://www.hiram.edu/theatre

The Theatre Department at Hiram College has recently moved into their new home in the center of campus, the newly renovated Frohing Performing Arts. This new location houses the Renner Theater, an intimate and adaptable Black Box performance space, with a computerized lighting system and flexible seating. The building also houses the Lars Fredland Green Room, the “Show Boat,” a small lecture/performance venue where play readings and Acting and Directing Scenes will find a home, as well as office space, a costume shop, a small classroom, and space for the building of scenery.

Additional performance spaces are available in Bates Hall, an historic building constructed in 1936, which houses Drury Hall, and Hayden Auditorium. Drury Hall contains a 50-seat rehearsal theatre and studio classroom, and Hayden Auditorium features a 566-seat proscenium theatre with a flexible thrust stage, a computerized lighting system, and scenery and costume storage.

Requirements for Majors

I. Core content:

Performance (8 hours) Theatre Arts 12000, 12100, 33100;
Dramatic Literature and Theatre History (8 hours) Theatre Arts 24100/25100, 24200/25200;
Theatrical Design and Technical Theatre (8 hours) Theatre Arts 17000/17900, 36000

II. Electives:

At least one additional course (9 hours minimum total) in each of the three areas, approved by the department.

III. Senior Experience:

Theatre Arts 48000 or 49800 (4 hours)

A major in theatre arts is designed to provide students with a historical, theoretical, and practical basis in theatre. The application of theory to practice is one of the basic teaching principles. Practical and theoretical courses are interrelated so that modern creative practice is grounded in comprehensive study of the history of the theatre, dramatic literature, and related areas. All majors should participate in at least two productions each year.

The Senior Capstone Experience is required by all theatre majors. The student, in conjunction with the theatre faculty, will select a project that reflects the student’s major areas of study. The project should demonstrate the student’s understanding of both the practical and theoretical knowledge of the theatre and clearly reflect the student’s competency in the field. The project could be a major responsibility in a Hiram College production, or an off-campus experience.

The theatre arts department expects majors to participate in theatre productions and assist faculty directors and designers. Students apply their knowledge and training under performance conditions. Three or four major productions are presented each year; student directors, actors, and technicians work with faculty members on a variety of creative and artistic efforts throughout the year in addition to major productions.

Requirements for Minors

I. Core:

Performance (3 hours) Theatre Arts 12000/12100 or Advanced Acting course.
Dramatic Literature and Theatre History (3/4 hours) Theatre Arts 15000 or 15200 or Advanced Theatre History.
Theatrical Design and Technical Theatre (4 hours) Theatre Arts 17000/17100 or Advanced Technical Theatre course.

II. Electives:

Three additional courses approved by the department.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

THEA 11000: BEGINNING DANCE I:CM 4 hour(s)

This course is designed to develop efficiency of movement, combined with an understanding of basic movement principles and an appreciation for dance in general. Students will participate in exercises designed to increase range of motion, strength, endurance, agility, coordination, and stability, with special emphasis being placed on alignment and relaxation. Students will also be briefly introduced to fundamentals of anatomy and to a general history of dance as an art form. No previous dance experience necessary. This course fulfills the Creative Methods requirement.

THEA 12000: FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF ACTING:CM 3 hour(s)

This course familiarizes students with the basic principles of stage movement, vocal production, character analysis, concentration, improvisation, and emotion. Students will participate in classroom exercises designed to eliminate inhibition and nervousness. Finally, they will perform two short scenes that are chosen from a list of selected plays. The course requires no previous acting experience. This course fulfills the Creative Methods requirement.

THEA 12100: ACTING LAB 1 hour(s)

By permission only. Taken with THEA (120 or 12000).

THEA 14000: SURVEY IN DRAMATIC LITERATURE:IM 3 hour(s)

This course provides an introduction to the variety, complexity, and originality of works written for stage presentation. The students study different styles of dramatic literature through individual plays chosen to represent diverse time periods and literary styles. The course concentrates on developing the student's critical capabilities through short responsive papers on sensitivity to historical and stylistic influences and on general techniques for reading plays. By considering serious and comic plays, both ancient and contemporary, the course offers a student an overview of the contributions drama has made to the fine arts throughout history. Also offered as English 14000. A student may receive credit for only one of these courses. This course fulfills the Interpretive Methods requirement.

THEA 15000: INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE:IM 3 hour(s)

The student's critical awareness of theatre will be cultivated in this course by examining the interlocking roles of the actor, director, designer, and playwright within a theatre production. Students will develop an understanding and enjoyment of the collaborative arts of the theatre through the analysis of plays and essays from major theatrical periods. The student will become involved in some aspect of a live production. This course fulfills the Interpretive Methods requirement.

THEA 15200: THE ART OF THE THEATRE:CM 3 hour(s)

This course is designed to give students an introduction to the various disciplines that make up the collaborative art form of the theatre. The work of playwrights, directors, and actors will be explored through reading, discussion, and performance activities. The work of scenic, lighting, costume, and make-up designers will be studied and explored through hands-on activities, which may include some drawing and painting. Students will also explore the literature, history, and development of the theatre. This course strives to create in the student a better understanding of all aspects of the theatre so as to instill a greater appreciation of this unique and lively art form. This course is not required for Theater majors or or minors, although it can be taken as an elective. This course fulfills the Creative Methods requirement.

THEA 17000: TECHNICAL PRODUCTION:CM 3 hour(s)

This course is designed to train students in behind-the-scenes procedures and activities. The primary focus will be on set construction, props, painting techniques, lighting, and sound. Elementary technical theatre practices will be examined. The student will become acquainted with the use of special theatrical equipment as well as scene shop equipment. Planned exercises will be used to assist the student in acquiring a familiarity with various aspects of technical theatre. Working on the department's current production(s) will be a required part of the course. This course fulfills the Creative Methods requirement.