Catalog & Student Handbook

Theatre Courses

Please note that the frequency of course offerings below is subject to change without notice, because of changes in faculty availability, sabbaticals and leaves, and other circumstances. Please consult the latest Schedule of Classes (and supplement), myBerea, revisions to online Catalog & Student Handbook, and/or the Program Coordinator to determine if a course will be offered during a certain term or year, especially if Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a factor.

THR 105

Script Analysis

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

An introduction to the kinds of drama written for theatre, with attention to foundational aspects of play analysis and dramatic criticism in Western drama. In addition to other plays and critical writings, the course will include analysis of the following plays and critical writings: Oedipus Rex, Hamlet, Tartuffe, A Doll’s House, Aristotle’s Poetics, and Stephen S. Stanton’s essay “The Well-Made Play and the Modern Theatre.” The course also will include analysis of at least two full-length plays representing the work of women and African-American dramatists.
1 Course Credit

THR 110

Apparel&Costume Des&Const(CFS)

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2010)

This course offers an introduction to the design and construction of basic garments and costumes. An exploration of the history of fashion and costume history, including the social, economic, cultural, and psychological factors influencing the selection and use of apparel and costumes. The course includes instruction in fibers and textiles; pattern drafting, design, fitting, and construction techniques; alterations of commercial patterns; and care, repair, storage, and recycling of clothing and costumes. Will also examine consumer buying and technological innovations used in the fashion industry. Course Fee: $15.
1 Course Credit

THR 115

Principles of Acting

Offered: Typically annually (offered Fall 2010 and Spring 2011, as an exception)

Introduction to concentration, relaxation, observation, and imagination as the actor’s basic tools. Students will explore acting as a process beginning with work on the self and extending that work to character development and acting in improvisations or scenes.
1 Course Credit

THR 124

Visual Concepts for the Stage

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Fall 2010)

An introductory study of how theatre practitioners take a script from the page to the stage. The focus will be on reading and analyzing scripts to develop a production concept around which designs are formed, directing choices are made, and stage pictures are solidified. Within this broad focus, visual representations will be created, essays will be written, and discussions will take place. Additionally, students will learn to work within a collaborative team.
1 Course Credit

THR 128B

The Complete Performer

A small group (15-35) of versatile actors/dancers/musicians will be chosen to perform in a fully-staged concert performance production of the Broadway Musical Ragtime. The class will explore the social, historical and stylistic musical and theatrical elements of Ragtime performance practices through study, discussion, rehearsal, and performance. Class activities will take place in Presser Music Building¿s Gray Auditorium and classrooms 128 and 223. The class will culminate in three fully-staged concert performances in Gray Auditorium on Friday evening, July 6, Saturday evening, July 7, with a Sunday matinee performance July 8. All students will work on theatrical elements of the production in addition to performing in the show. A limited number of off-campus performances may occur at various Berea College Alumni Clubs, or for regional arts organizations.

A group of student assistants, possibly class members, will be selected by interviews with the instructors to be in charge of various facets of the production. Assistants may be chosen for the following functions, or combinations thereof: (1) design and layout publicity materials, programs, and other decorations; design props; set painting, (2) stage manager, (3) set designer, in charge of lighting, designing and constructing set pieces, and construction of props, (4) costume/make-up artist to assist in costuming the cast of 15-35 members, including designing and building costume pieces (5 administrative assistant, to be in charge of ticket sales; and to serve as ombudsperson, (6) one or two teaching assistants/assistant conductors to assist the instructors in teaching the class and in leading rehearsals, and (7) two rehearsal/performance pianists.
1 Course Credit

THR 135

Film Production

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

Fundamentals of filmmaking including the use of video equipment and a focus on film aesthetics. Emphasis will be on the production process of filmmaking that includes writing, producing, shooting, directing, and editing a five-to-seven-minute film. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed THR 186B: Film Production I in Fall 2007.
1 Course Credit

THR 186

Special Topics

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/2 to 1 Course Credit

THR 206

Intro to Asian Cinema

Asian cinematic traditions have produced some of the most famous and accomplished directors (such as Japan¿s Kurosawa and Ozu or India¿s Satyajit Ray), some of the largest audiences (Bollywood films have immense global audiences), as well as unique artistic visions and styles (the Chinese ¿Fifth Generation¿ of filmmakers). Beyond these issues, viewing cinema also tells us much about the cultures in which those cinematic products were produced. Therefore, the films viewed also tell us much about Japan, India, China and the cultural, aesthetic, and dramaturgical traditions of those countries. To that end, students will critically view a series of Asian feature films and then provide analysis of these films via three term time 5-8 page reviews that include topics, themes, and subject matter relevant to the particular films and of relevance to their major. The work culminates in a final essay. The class is organized as a series of film viewings on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with seminars Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
1 Course Credit

THR 213

First Theatre in Human Culture

Prerequisite: THR 105

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Fall 2010)

Study of the first theatres and extant play scripts of selected human cultures. Included in this study will be representative cultures located in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Focus on research and writing, including one research-based essay and an annotated bibliography.
1 Course Credit

THR 218

Drama & Theatre for Teachers

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

The theory and practice of drama and theatre in secondary education. In addition to traditional curricular and co-curricular uses of drama and theatre in secondary education, particular attention will be directed to the theory and practice of using the means, forms, and methods of drama and theatre for non-dramatic or non-theatrical ends. Examination of proven British and European practices will be included. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed THR 118.
1 Course Credit

THR 220

Seminar in Design & Production

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Spring 2011)

A study of the basic practices and techniques used in theatrical design and production. The seminar will alternate between the study of scenic and lighting effects and the make-up and costume design. May be repeated one time for credit, provided the student takes both Scenic and Lighting Design and Production and Theatrical Make-up and Costume Design and Production. NOTE: While there are no prerequisites, students are advised to take THR 124 before enrolling in this course.
1 Course Credit

THR 222

Per St:Telling Stories (COM)

Performance studies is a way to communicate to an audience through the performance of aesthetic texts such as prose, poetry, and drama. By combining these genres in a single performance, the emotional, intellectual, and aesthetic impact can be enhanced. In this class students will learn analytical, creative, and performance skills as they incorporate written and oral reflection and analysis to develop performances that combine published work with their own texts to effectively communicate an audience.
1 Course Credit

THR 227

Voice and Diction

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2011-2012)

Introduction to the theory and practice of voice production. Individual exercises in breath control, relaxation, phonation, resonance, and voice quality. Concentration on phonetics and phonetic spelling. Exercises in using voice projection and optional diction exercises for auditioning. Extensive drill-practice in the study of American-English sound. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed THR 127.
1 Course Credit

THR 286

Special Topics

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/2 to 1 Course Credit

THR 308

Seminar in Theatre History

Prerequisite: THR 105

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Spring 2011)

An advanced seminar in which students will study the theatres and play scripts with a focus on close reading, research, and writing. The focus of the seminar will alternate among: Theatres in the History of the United States; Theatres in the English Renaissance; and Theatres and the Rise of Mass Media. May be repeated for credit, provided the seminar topic differs from those previously studied.
1 Course Credit

THR 317

Principles of Directing

Prerequisites: THR 105 or 119 (the latter no longer offered at Berea); AND THR 115; AND THR 213 (preferred) or THR 308

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2010)

Study of directing processes, including history and contemporary directing theories. Students will read about directors and directing theory, critique productions, and do exercises in blocking, improvisation, and scene work.
1 Course Credit

THR 321

Seminar in Theatre Management

Prerequisite: THR 105 and junior standing or above OR permission of instructor

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Fall 2010)

A course designed for the in-depth study of one of the various areas of management relevant to the theatrical and performing arts. The seminar will alternate among: Career Management, Stage Management, and Theatre Administration. May be repeated for credit, provided the seminar topic differs from those previously studied.
1 Course Credit

THR 327

Seminar in Advanced Acting

Prerequisite: THR 105 and THR 115

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2011)

An advanced acting class geared toward students who are pursuing graduate study or a career in the performing arts, with an emphasis on acting. The seminar will alternate between a focus on Contemporary Acting Styles, emphasizing 20th and 21st century acting methods, and Period Acting Styles, emphasizing historical acting styles required of pre-modern drama. May be repeated one time for credit, provided the student takes both Contemporary and Period styles. NOTE: Noncredit for those who completed THR 325.
1 Course Credit

THR 386

Special Topics

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/2 to 1 Course Credit

THR 390A

Independent Study

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
1 Course Credit

THR 390B

Independent Study w/o ALE

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
1 Course Credit

THR 395

Internship

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to 3 course credits in one regular term; 1.5 course credits in Summer One Term; or 1 to 2 course credits in Summer Two Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. All Internships meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.
1 to 3 Course Credits

THR 397A

Team Initiated Study

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
1 Course Credit

THR 397B

Team Initiated Study w/o ALE

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
1 Course Credit

THR 398

Directed Study

Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Program Director or Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.

1 Course Credit

THR 481

Senior Theatre Project

Prerequisite: Senior standing only

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Fall 2010)

Development and presentation of a special theatre project centered on the student’s particular interests in theatre and demonstrating the student’s integration of the entire theatre curriculum. To be taken during the first term of the senior year.
1 Course Credit

THR 486

Special Topics

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/2 to 1 Course Credit

THR 490A

Independent Study

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
1 Course Credit

THR 490B

Independent Study w/o ALE

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
1 Course Credit

THR 495

Internship

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to 3 course credits in one regular term; 1.5 course credits in Summer One Term; or 1 to 2 course credits in Summer Two Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. All Internships meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.
1 to 3 Course Credits

THR 497A

Team Initiated Study

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
1 Course Credit

THR 497B

Team Initiated Study w/o ALE

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
1 Course Credit

THR 498

Directed Study

Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Program Director or Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.

1 Course Credit

Notice and Disclaimer

This online publication is the official text of the Berea College Catalog & Student Handbook. Berea College reserves the right to amend, revise, or modify content within this publication at any time.

English, Theatre, and Speech Communication