Theatre Arts

Richard Hyde (1990), Associate Professor of Theatre Arts

B.A., University of Windsor;

M.F.A., University of Georgia

Elizabeth A. Bauman (2001), Assistant Professor, Chair

B.A., State University of New York;

M.A., M.F.A., Kent State University

David Stoughton (2007), Techinical Director/Designer

B.A., Mount Union College;

M.F.A., University of Arkansas

Department web address:

http://admission.hiram.edu/learn/majors/major.php?id=29

Requirements for Majors

I. Core content:

Performance (8 hours) Theatre Arts 120, 121, 331;

Dramatic Literature and Theatre History (8 hours) Theatre Arts 241/251, 242/252;

Theatrical Design and Technical Theatre (8 hours) Theatre Arts 170/179, 360

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 480 or 498 (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 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. The department offices and theatre are located in Bates Hall.

Requirements for Minors

I.  Core:

Performance (3 hours) Theatre Arts 120/121 or Advanced Acting course;

Dramatic Literature and Theatre History (3/4 hours) Theatre Arts 140 or 150 or Advanced Theatre History;

Theatrical Design and Technical Theatre (4 hours) Theatre Arts 170/171 or Advanced Technical Theatre course

II.  Electives:

Three additional courses approved by the department.

110 Beginning Dance I CM                                                                   4 hours

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.

120 Fundamental Principles of Acting CM                                           3 hours

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.

121 Acting Lab                                                                                       1 hour

By permission only. Taken with 120.

140 Survey in Dramatic Literature                                                      3 hours

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, ancient and contemporary, the course offers a student an overview of the contributions drama has made to the fine arts throughout history.

150 Introduction to Theatre                                                                3 hours

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.

170 Technical Production                                                                    3 hours

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.

171-176 Theatre Practicum                                                          1 hour each

The 1 hour practicum is designed for the interested student, providing the opportunity to assist in one of the areas listed below.

171 Rehearsal Assistant

172 Running Crew/Properties

173 Sound/Lights

174 Set Construction/Painting

175 Costuming/Make-up

176 Front of House Operations

179 Technical Production Lab

209 Shakespeare in Performance                                                       3 hours

Performance is the way in which dramatic texts come to life, and performing a play is an indispensable heuristic to knowledge about it. In this course, advanced students of Shakespeare shall investigate one play in its entirety, learning each scene by staging it. Becoming familiar with the work of the actor and director as well as with that of the critic, scholar, and reviewer, students will keep a daily journal and write analyses of scenes in preparation for staging work in class. The instructor will not serve as a director; rather, students will explore scenes in their own groups. Readings will include critical essays, scholarly discussions of textual issues, and reviews of performances. Also listed as English 209.

210 African and African-American Drama                                          3 hours

This is an introduction to plays written by contemporary Africans and by the descendants of Africans in 20th-century America. The course will begin with a brief consideration of oral literature of traditional Africa, note the influence of the West on theatrical literature and performance in Africa, and will take up the work of representative contemporary African playwrights. We shall consider such African-American writers as Lorraine Hansberry, Imanu Amiri Baraka, Nzotake Shange, and August Wilson in light of their African heritage, and of the cultural predicaments of modern America. Also listed as English 210.

224 Oral Interpretation of Literature                                                  3 hours

Critical approaches to literature to discover meaning and to appreciate the emotional effect of the work is the focal point of this course. Students will use various forms of literature for interpretation and study. Emphasis is placed on principles of reading a work aloud to communicate its intellectual and emotional meaning. Presentations will possibly be an integrated or adjunct aspect of this course. Also listed as Communication 224.

226 Storytelling in the Natural World                                                 3 hours

This course involves the research and presentation of stories that reflect the importance of the natural rhythms and physical realities of the world around us. Students are expected to suit their selections and their performances to the environment and community which contains the “telling.” Travel of some kind will always be a component of the course.

229 Creative Dramatics                                                                       3 hours

This course will explore how dramatic play and improvisation can be used to stimulate learning in the grade school classroom.  Students will develop storytelling skills using puppets, flannel boards and other media.  Students will develop a story through improvisation and learn to make simple masks, costumes and other props to support their stories.  The class will culminate in a performance for children in one of our area schools or libraries.

239 Modern Drama                                                                              3 hours

See Theatre Arts 240 for course description. Also listed as English 239.

240 Modern Drama                                                                              4 hours

This survey begins with innovative plays by 19th-century European realists and expressionists, including Ibsen, Strindberg, and Chekhov, continues through representative works by Brecht and Beckett, and concludes with plays by contemporary European, American, and African playwrights. We shall practice analysis of these plays as pieces for theatrical performance as well as for literary interpretation. A revised version of this course is offered for 3 credit hours as Theatre Arts 239. A student may receive credit for only one of these courses. Also listed as English 240.

241 Readings in Dramatic Literature I                                                  1 hour

By permission only. This course should be taken with 251.

242 Readings in Dramatic Literature II                                                1 hour

By permission only. This course should be taken with 252.

243 American Drama and Theatre                                                      4 hours

This study of the literary and historical development of American Drama and theatre gives major consideration to the plays and contributions of important playwrights since the beginning of the 20th century. It includes a close study of representative plays and their relation to technical developments in the American theatre, for example the innovative staging associated with Wilder’s Our Town and The Skin of Our Teeth, or the symbolic settings associated with O’Neill’s Desire Under the Elms.  The course focuses on the emergence of significant American drama and its impact on the American stage. Offered through Weekend College only. Also listed as English 243.

244 Classical Drama                                                                            3 hours

This course focuses on tragedies and comedies of the Greek and Roman theatres. Representative plays of various Greek and Latin playwrights will be examined and discussed. Whenever possible one play will be presented as Reader’s Theatre.. A revised version of this course is offered for four credit hours as Theatre Arts 245. A student may receive credit for only one of these two courses. Also listed as Classical Studies 244.

245 Classical Drama                                                                            4 hours

See Theatre Arts 244 for a description of this course. Also listed as Classical Studies 245.

248 Shakespeare’s Roman Plays                                                        4 hours

Shakespeare’s career began during England’s first neoclassical age, the Tudor period, during which the study of classical Latin served as the cornerstone of education. Having enjoyed such schooling in his youth, Shakespeare’s “little Latin and less Greek” was sufficient to inform his playwriting life from earliest comedies (The Comedy of Errors) to late tragedies (Coriolanus). Shakespeare recognized his contemporaries’ fascination with ancient Rome as political prototype for England, which was building its first empire in Ireland and in the New World. Such works as Julius Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra allow reflections upon how the early modern English played the role of Romans both on and off the stage. Revivals of these plays in today’s Britain reveal the extent to which the dream of a British Empire and of rapprochement with worldwide citizens in a Commonwealth has changed since World War II. While considering the double context of ancient Rome and Renaissance England, students will concentrate on three masterpieces (Coriolanus, Julius Caesar, and Antony and Cleopatra). The course’s setting in present-day Britain offers opportunities to consider the relevance of these plays to today’s British audiences, filled with English-speaking tourists from Britain’s former imperial possessions around the world. This course is also listed as English 248.

251 History of Western Theatre I                                                       3 hours

This course surveys the development of the western theatre from its origins through the Renaissance and introduces the theatre of the Orient. Along with select plays the student will study acting styles, actors, theatre architecture, costuming, and scene design.

252 History of Western Theatre II                                                      3 hours

Beginning in 1660 England, this course studies the plays, playwrights, acting styles, actors, theatre architecture, costuming, scene design, and the development of the director in the U.S. and Europe up through the present. Also will cover a survey of Third World Theatre.

253 Theatrical Design I: Decor and Fashion                                       3 hours

Course is to acquaint the student with fashion and decor from ancient times through the Renaissance. Emphasis is placed on the importance of accurate interpretation of both primary and secondary sources of historic styles for use in theatrical design. Fashion and decor of the past viewed in relationship to today’s use in theatrical design.

254 Theatrical Design II: Decor and Fashion                                     3 hours

Beginning with the late Renaissance, this course will acquaint the student with fashion and decor through the present periods. Emphasis is placed on the importance of accurate interpretation of both primary and secondary sources of historic styles for use in theatrical design. Fashion and decor of these periods viewed in relationship to today’s use in theatrical design.

255 Chinese Theatre: Drama and Dance                                             4 hours

A survey of Chinese Theatre (Yuan, southern, spoken drama, Beijing Opera, and contemporary drama and the manner of their production). Representative plays will be read and analyzed in relationship to their culture.

256 Empty Spaces                                                                               3 hours

The interplay between a particular performance space and the choice of play, style of production, design choices and acting style is significant and worthy of exploration.  The size of a space and many different ways that space can be arranged with regard to the relationship between performer and audience impacts greatly how the performance is received.  How the audience is arranged also affects the interaction among its members.  In this class students will explore these relationships by viewing and discussing spaces, talking directly with artists who work therein, observing theatrical events within those spaces, and discussing the experience.

The class begins by visiting a wide range of theatrical spaces available in Northeast Ohio, continues with a trip to Toronto to sample some of the offerings there, and concludes with visits to the Stratford and Shaw Festivals.

260 Theory and Practice of Stage Lighting                                         4 hours

The principles of electricity and optics which are applied to theatrical lighting equipment will be covered in this course. Other topics include the history and developments within the total lighting control systems and the use of color in lighting for the stage. Finally, the course will develop the student’s awareness and ability to design lighting for dramatic productions. Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 170 or permission.

262 Shakespeare                                                                                 4 hours

This introductory course features major plays by Shakespeare with an emphasis on their place in the theatre. We shall also consider historical context, language, genre, and theoretical influences on recent criticism. Plays representing early and late periods such as Twelfth Night, Richard II, I Henry IV, Hamlet, Measure for Measure, King Lear, Antony and Cleopatra, and The Winter’s Tale, may be included. Also listed as English 262.

267 Three-Dimensional Design                                                           3 hours

This course will teach students how to work with foam, plaster bandages, buckram, fabric, and paint to create three-dimensional projects suitable for use in the theatre.  Students will design and create three different projects:  a foam head inspired from a children’s story, a mask, and a top hat.  The class will stimulate students’ creativity and give them hands-on experience in the crafts.

271-277: Theatre Practicum: Crewhead                                     2 hours each

Geared mainly for the theatre major, the 2 hour practicum is designed for the serious student, providing the opportunity to oversee one of the areas listed below. Each student will design the practicum to fit his/her particular needs with the supervision of the designer and/or director of the semester production. Each segment can be taken only once.

271 Assistant Stage Manager

272 Running Crew/Properties

273 Sound/Lights

274 Set Construction/Painting

275 Costuming/Make-up

276 Front of House Operations

277 Technical Director

280 Seminar                                                                                   1 - 4 hours

281 Independent Study                                                                  1 - 4 hours

298 Internship Program: Field Experience                                   1 - 4 hours

                                                 

329 Projects in Acting                                                                         4 hours

A continuation of Theatre Arts 120. This course will further explore the principles of character analysis, emotion, improvisation, and stage makeup. It also addresses the problems of formal, prepared auditions and the various styles of acting in the theatre. Students will read books on auditioning and stage makeup, prepare audition pieces, perform in several scenes, and complete a makeup project. Regular attendance is required. Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 120 or permission.

331 Fundamentals of Play Directing                                                   4 hours

In this class, students will explore basic directing techniques, blocking, script analysis, production styles, and script selection. The course deals with both the theoretical and practical problems facing the beginning director. Students will read a textbook, create sample promptbooks, direct scenes with actors, critique each other’s work, and attend other theatre productions. Regular attendance is required. Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 360 or permission.

339 Projects in Directing                                                                     4 hours

This course is designed to give students the opportunity to direct one-act plays and realize as fully as possible the techniques developed in Fundamentals of Play Directing. Students work closely with the instructor as they move through the production, and prompt books are submitted with a written analysis of the work. Such things as the stage history of the play, the problems in the production and other questions pertinent to the performance are discussed. Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 331 or permission.

360 Fundamentals of Design for the Theatre                                     4 hours

The techniques which are essential for the theatrical rendering of sets will be covered in this course. It is geared for students who are interested in theatrical design. The role and impact of the scene designer, basic drafting, perspective, use of color media, model building and rendering will be covered in detail. Students will become aware of the detail the scene designer must create for historically accurate sets. Work as a scene painter on the current departmental production will be required. Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 170 or permission.

369 Projects in Design                                                                         4 hours

This course is concerned primarily with scene design project work. Building on techniques learned in Theatre Arts 360, students design sets, work with budgets, manage shop time and other areas related to design. Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 360 or permission.

371 Stage Management                                                                       3 hours

380 Seminar                                                                                   1 - 4 hours

381 Special Topics: Acting                                                             1 - 4 hours

382 Special Topics: Dance                                                             1 - 4 hours

383 Special Topics: Technical Theatre                                          1 - 4 hours

384 Special Topics: Design                                                            1 - 4 hours

385 Special Topics: Directing                                                         1 - 4 hours

480 Senior Seminar                                                                        1 - 4 hours

481 Independent Research                                                            1 - 4 hours

498 Internship Program: Internship                                              1 - 4 hours

511 Private Dance Lessons                                                            1 - 4 hours

One Hour Courses in Theatre Arts

These courses do not count toward the major, and may be taken only as Pass/No Credit:

621 Acting I                                                                                           1 hour

622 Acting II                                                                                          1 hour

623 Acting III                                                                                        1 hour

Students will be involved as a performer in the current production. Credit for this experiential learning is gained by completing the following tasks: 1) Audition for the current theatre production 2) attend all required rehearsals 3) assist with the striking of the set. Each segment can be taken only once.

650 Professional Theatre                                                                      1 hour

Students visit one or more of the great professional theatres, e.g., Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Shaw Festival, Guthrie Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Festival, and England’s National Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, and see two or more productions. Requirements also include a written critique of the productions.

661 Technical Theatre I                                                                        1 hour

662 Technical Theatre II                                                                       1 hour

663 Technical Theatre III                                                                     1 hour

Students will be involved in some technical aspect of the theatre production. Credit for this experiential learning is gained by assisting with the theatre production for 25 hours in one or more of the following areas: box office, costuming, lighting, makeup, set construction, stage crew. Each segment can be taken only once.

Additional Information