THA: Theatre Arts

THA 100. Theatre Survey. 1 Credit.

This class is a survey course designed to introduce students to the full range of the Theatre process including directing, performance, design, dramaturgy and management.
Typically offered in Fall.

THA 101. Spotlight on Theatre: Appreciating Live Performance. 3 Credits.

A survey of theatre as a humanity by exploring how theatre reflects and comments on its time and place. This course teaches the student what to listen for, and what to look for, when attending a live theatre performance.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.

THA 103. Acting I. 3 Credits.

A course designed to introduce the basic skills and techniques needed by the developing actor to create successfully a character for performance on stage.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement, Speaking Emphasis.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

THA 104. Stagecraft. 3 Credits.

This course combines exciting classroom instruction and discussion with "hands-on" supervised production assignments or equivalent shop time. The scope of this course is intended to cover the basic elements of technical theatre, including the physical space, lighting, basic sound systems and the scene shop. Labs included in this course are meant to serve as an introduction to the everyday procedures and systems incorporated in technical theatre, lighting technology, and scenic construction. The course requires participation and a general interest in the topic.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

THA 106. Acting for the Camera. 3 Credits.

A course designed to introduce the basic skills and techniques needed by the developing actor to successfully create a character for a performance on film or television, or in a commercial.
Typically offered in Spring.

THA 113. Script Analysis. 3 Credits.

Introduces and applies methods for analyzing scripts intended for theatrical performance. Additionally explores an in-depth methodology of reading, analyzing, and understanding a play script intended for production. Investigate techniques used to determine how to read a play for its structure, scrutinizing the playwright's methods of creating theatre through plot, character and imagery. Scripts inform the theater practitioner, distinctly from other forms of literature, by actively asking the theatre artisan to present questions to the audience through the production's presentation. The class learns to identify ethical questions that script brings forward. The class will discover the importance of the issues in relation to the script, today's world, the performance choices and the audience's perception of the choices made.
Gen Ed Attribute: Ethics Requirement.
Typically offered in Spring.

THA 116. Costume Construction. 3 Credits.

Theory and practice in theatrical costuming including organization, construction, drafting, dyeing, painting, and wardrobe management. Laboratory required.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

THA 118. Voice for the Performer. 3 Credits.

The goal of vocal training is the understanding of the individual voice. Voice training seeks to uncover the potential for a naturally produced vocal sound with all its capabilities and limitations.
Typically offered in Fall.

THA 181. Voice Class I. 1 Credit.

Class instruction in singing skills for nonmusic majors. Previous voice study not required.
Typically offered in Fall.

THA 182. Voice Class II. 1 Credit.

Class instruction in singing skills for non-music majors.
Typically offered in Spring.

THA 199. Transfer Credits. 1-10 Credits.

Transfer Credits.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.

THA 200. Theatre Practicum. 1-3 Credits.

This course is designed to provide theatre arts majors and minors the opportunities to participate in and learn skills directly related to specific areas of theatrical production.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 200 requires prerequisite of THA 104 or THA 116.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.

THA 201. Introduction to Standardized Patient Performance. 3 Credits.

This course will prepare students for the effective portrayal of standardized patients, who will enact, in a consistent and measurable way, a patient/client in a medical or healthcare-related situation. Students will enact case studies throughout various disciplines, spanning: Sports Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition, Health, Social Work, and Speech-Language Pathology; collaborating with students in West Chester's various healthcare services programs.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Spring.

THA 203. Acting II. 3 Credits.

This is a course designed to give the student a deeper appreciation regarding the creation of character in a theatrical context. The student will learn to employ several techniques to create a character that is physically grounded and emotional truthful. By exploring the use of personal resources, application of circumstances and real life observation, and detailed physical examination, the student will be able to apply the artistic imagination in the development of characters for performance with particular emphasis on plays from the modern and contemporary cannon.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 203 requires a prerequisite of THA 103.
Gen Ed Attribute: Speaking Emphasis.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

THA 204. Scene Painting. 3 Credits.

Studio course designed to introduce students to basic skills and techniques of scenic painting.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 204 requires prerequisites of THA 104 and THA 113.
Typically offered in Spring.

THA 206. Graphics for the Stage. 3 Credits.

An exploration of graphic solutions used in the various stages of planning and executing a setting for the theatre. Scenic design, stage technician drafting techniques, and perspective techniques used exclusively in the theatre.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 206 requires prerequisite of THA 104.
Typically offered in Fall.

THA 208. Scene Construction and Rigging. 3 Credits.

This course develops a familiarity with scenic construction techniques and materials. Practical solutions to technical problems are discussed. Other topics include theatre safety, technical drawing, and budgeting. This course is a requirement for technical majors but an elective for all other theatre majors.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 208 requires prerequisite of THA 104.
Typically offered in Spring.

THA 210. Stage Makeup I. 3 Credits.

Theory and practice in design and application of various types of makeup for the stage.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

THA 214. Stage Properties. 3 Credits.

Explores the research, design, craft, skills, and solutions involved in providing theatrical properties, defined generally as the smaller objects that complete the costume and visual setting for a given show production. Students will learn the basic vocabulary for communication and collaboration with all production staff during the production process. Students will learn how to create source and scrapbook files, property plots, maintenance and security during and after, organizing and storage of stage properties.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 214 requires prerequisites of THA 104 and THA 116.
Typically offered in Fall.

THA 216. Fundamentals of Design. 3 Credits.

The exploration of multiple elements of production design to create a foundation of communication for future designers, technicians, actors, directors, and stage managers. Students will learn how to manipulate design principles to support and enhance theatrical productions. In a collaborative, interactive learning environment, students will gain comfort with the creative process and learn to present creative ideas in a manner consistent with expectations of the theatre industry.
Gen Ed Attribute: Speaking Emphasis.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

THA 218. Virtual Production Techniques. 3 Credits.

This course explores several software programs used to generate and communicate elements of production design.
Typically offered in Fall.

THA 221. Musical Theatre Fundamentals. 1 Credit.

Beginning study of musical notation to provide skills to read and interpret musical theatre vocal lines. Apply basic piano skills necessary to "hear" the musical notation and transfer it to the voice.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 221 requires prerequisite VOI 181.
Typically offered in Fall.

THA 250. Race and Gender in American Theatre. 3 Credits.

This course will focus on how some traditionally marginalized groups have been examined and portrayed in American theatre.
Gen Ed Attribute: Diversity Requirement.

THA 280. Musical Theatre Private Voice. 1 Credit.

Private voice lesson for BA Theatre major, musical theatre concentration students only.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.

THA 300. Career Preparation. 2 Credits.

Designed to educate second semester juniors or first semester seniors on career path options in the field immediately following college.
Typically offered in Fall.

THA 301. Directing I. 3 Credits.

An introduction of the theories and techniques of stage direction with emphasis on prerehearsal planning, play selection, script analysis and promptbooks, casting and blocking.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 301 requires prerequisites of THA 103, THA 113, and THA 216.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Gen Ed Attribute: Ethics Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

THA 303. Acting Shakespeare. 3 Credits.

A course for the advanced student actor focusing on techniques essential for developing roles from classical texts with a particular emphasis on the plays of Shakespeare. Characterization, text analysis and scansion will all be covered. It is recommended that the student take THA 118 and DAN 130 prior to enrollment in this course.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 303 requires prerequisite of THA 203.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Spring.

THA 304. Scene Design. 3 Credits.

This course identifies and explores the processes involved in creating a scenic space that is both practical and expressive. Skills in set design, representational painting, scenic drafting, and script interpretation are developed.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 304 requires prerequisites of THA 113 or permission of instructor.
Typically offered in Spring.

THA 305. Lighting Design for the Stage. 3 Credits.

Exploration of lighting as a means of artistic communication in the theatre. The course covers the aesthetics, tools, technology, and the graphic methods used to light a play. Special topics in lighting for other performing arts will be discussed.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 305 requires prerequisites of THA 113 or permission of instructor.

THA 306. History of Theatre/Drama I. 3 Credits.

Examination of plays, players, and methods of theatrical production from its origin up to the Italian Renaissance.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 306 requires a prerequisite of THA 113.
Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis.
Typically offered in Fall.

THA 307. History of Theatre/Drama II. 3 Credits.

Examination of plays, players, and methods of theatrical production from Modern Theatre 1875 to 1900 through Contemporary Theatre 1975-Present.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 307 requires a prerequisite of THA 113.
Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis.
Typically offered in Spring.

THA 312. Children's Theatre. 3 Credits.

Production of children's theatre for stage and television. Course elements will include script analysis and production values, publicity, and tour preparation. Students enrolled in the course will create a complete production.
Typically offered in Spring.

THA 313. Playwriting Workshop I. 3 Credits.

Writing the play: possibilities and limitations of the stage. Attention to sets and costuming where relevant. Characterization by action and dialogue. Problems of establishing motivation. The play's totality in theme, character, and action. Informal readings of student work.
Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis.
Typically offered in Fall.

THA 315. Sound Design. 3 Credits.

An in-depth study of sound and how it relates to theatrical production.
Typically offered in Fall.

THA 316. Costume History/Design. 3 Credits.

The history of European and American costume and its application to the period production. The process of designing costumes in various styles will be explored. Students are required to design costumes for periods studied.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 316 requires prerequisites of THA 113 or permission of instructor.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

THA 318. Dialects for the Performer. 3 Credits.

Dialects and regionalisms for the stage.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 318 prerequisite requires THA 118.
Typically offered in Spring.

THA 319. Musical Theatre Repertoire. 3 Credits.

This course will acquaint students with styles of composition and vocal presentation through various genres of musical theatre.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 319 requires prerequisite THA 103, THA 203, VOI 181, THA 221 and DAN 130.
Typically offered in Fall.

THA 320. Staging Architecture and the Decorative Arts. 3 Credits.

This course aims to enhance the design students knowledge of architectural and decorative arts time periods culminating in their ability to adapt and modify them for the various types of historically known theatre staging. Focus is on the European, early American worlds 1500-1900's, the architecture, decorative arts, and the economic and social conditions out of which they sprang.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 320 requires prerequisite of THA 113 or permission of instructor.
Typically offered in Spring.

THA 323. Physical Traditions in Performance. 3 Credits.

This course examines multicultural and historical non-storytelling traditions of performance that stem from actor-driven creation. Throughout theatrical history significant innovations and practices grew from creative work established not by playwrights and directors, but rather from actors themselves. This is non-text driven work relying on improvisational characterization within the structure of a historical tradition. This class studies these traditions in order to empower the actor as a part of the creative process and generate a sizeable skill set for use in all theatrical settings.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 323 requires prerequisite DAN 130, THA 118, THA 203.
Typically offered in Spring.

THA 325. Scene Into Song. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to develop within the student actor a technique for approaching a total performance in musical theatre, integrating the spoken word with song toward a seamless presentation alongside a partner.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 325 requires prerequisite: THA 103, THA 203 and THA 319.
Typically offered in Spring.

THA 342. History of Musical Theatre. 3 Credits.

In this course students will study the historical background of the true American art form, Musical Theatre. There will be an emphasis placed on the development of the genre throughout its time. In addition to studying the history of the genre's development, this course also studies the influential shows, artists and music that have provided major contributions to the growth of the art form.
Typically offered in Spring.

THA 350. Audition Techniques. 3 Credits.

Auditioning is an integral part of performance and musical theatre course of study. As a professional, semiprofessional, and amateur one must audition to participate onstage. This course will move beyond foundation acting courses and translate onstage/onscreen work into an auditioning environment. Guest industry professionals, audition simulations, and critiques from the instructor will build and strengthen an audition portfolio that is carefully and uniquely crafted to each student's individual needs, strengths and type. Upon completing this course a performer will have multiple tools and a comprehensive understanding of this vital component of professional theatrical practice.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 350 requires prerequisite THA 203.
Typically offered in Fall.

THA 399. Directed Studies in Theatre. 1-6 Credits.

Research, creative projects, reports, and readings in theatre. Students must apply to advisers one semester in advance of registration.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Repeatable for Credit.

THA 400. Professional Apprenticeship. 3-15 Credits.

This course provides a structured and supervised work experience in theatre. Students must submit an application to the department chairperson for permission.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Repeatable for Credit.

THA 401. Directing II. 3 Credits.

Play direction as a creative aspect of stage production with emphasis on exploration of concept, techniques of rehearsing a play and working with actors, and the role and function of the stage manager.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 401 requires prerequisite of THA 301.
Typically offered in Spring.

THA 404. CAD for the Stage. 3 Credits.

To develop the student's ability in utilizing the AutoCAD Release 14 environment to draft and plot scenic designs and technical drawings for the theatre.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 404 requires prerequisite of THA 218 or permission of instructor.
Typically offered in Spring.

THA 406. Advanced Scene Study. 3 Credits.

A special topics class for the advanced student actor with study and scene work in a variety of period, modern, and contemporary styles. Students will focus on the physical, intellectual, and emotional demands inherent in the text as they move from textual analysis to performance.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 406 requires prerequisite THA 303, THA 118 and DAN 130.
Typically offered in Fall.

THA 410. Behind the Mask: Revelations of Italian Culture Through Renaissance Theatre Practices. 3 Credits.

Students will travel to Italy to study Italian Renaissance Theatre and to perform in the very streets and city squares where Italian Renaissance actors performed 500 years ago. In doing so, students will gain a better understanding of Italian culture. Classes will be taught in Commedia dell'Arte, Italian Puppetry, Ancient Greek Theatre, Stage Combat, Mask Making, and Puppet Construction. Several supplemental courses may be taught in Archery, Italian Language, Physical Fitness for the Physical Theatre, Tarantella (Italian Folk Dance) and Italian Cooking.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Gen Ed Attribute: Foreign Language Culture Cluster, Italy (Italian) Culture Cluster.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Summer.

THA 414. Stage Management. 3 Credits.

Duties and responsibilities of the theatrical stage manager throughout the production process.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 414 requires prerequisite THA 104, THA 116, and THA 216 or permission of instructor.

THA 419. Music Theatre Repertoire. 3 Credits.

Research, preparation and performance of a variety of music theatre genres.
Typically offered in Spring.