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Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts · Courses

THEA

41 courses with the subject THEA, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.

THEA 110Introduction to Stagecrafts3

Provides a foundation in the practice of technical theatre, preparation for work in scenery, lighting, and costumes. Class projects are designed to reinforce specific technical skills discussed and demonstrated in class. Additionally, the required lab time outside of class provides hands-on experience.

Subject
THEA
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
cr
Type
course
Edition
2023-2024
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 120Acting, Culture, and the Creative Self

Explores the dynamic intersection of acting, culture, and personal creativity, examining how socio-cultural perspectives shape the craft. Covers key pioneering acting practitioners from around the globe. Develops creativity, self-expression, and confidence speaking publicly, while investigating a diverse range of acting techniques and traditions. Includes hands on exploration of the ways actors evolve their creative practice. Ideal for anyone eager to discover the art of acting.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 130Theatre, Society, and Transformational Justice

Explores how theatre has been organized and performed in the context of various social movements in order to learn more about theatre's participation in transformational justice. Studies both play texts and the artists who do the work, examining how theatre and social forces influence each other. Includes readings, class discussions, written responses, and group presentations, as well as the viewing of live theatre.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 140Dramatic Imagination

Explores creative process and how designers effectively communicate ideas through imagery. Introduces the elements and principles of theatrical design and how these are used in visual storytelling. Emphasis on script analysis as an integral part of the design process and provides the skill set necessary to thoroughly analyze a script as a costume, lighting or set designer. Includes rendering and communication techniques, and research for designers through theoretical design projects.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 200Introduction to Theatre3

Surveys historical development of world theatre emphasizing western dramatic tradition. Introduces a broad range of theatrical literature and theory within its historical context. Includes class discussions and writing assignments, as well as viewing of live theatre, panel discussions, and critical response sessions. Attributes: Core Creative Arts (CCA)

Subject
THEA
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
cr
Type
course
Edition
2023-2024
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 210Drawing for Theatre3

Familiarizes students with the basic materials and techniques of graphic presentation in scenic, costume, and lighting design for the theatre. Students will be introduced to the basic vocabulary of drawing, rendering and drafting techniques used as communication tools for theatre design and production. Focuses on technical drafting skills, perspective, and drawing the figure.

Subject
THEA
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
cr
Type
course
Edition
2023-2024
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 220Solo Performance

Introduces the aims and principles of the actor alongside an investigation of the art of solo performance. Looks at a diverse range of key solo performance artists. Practical acting and creative writing workshops lead to the development of an original solo piece. Reinforces acting vocabulary and theory, while fostering creativity and artistic agency. Culminates in live performance of original material.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 230Stagecraft II: Scene Construction
Subject
THEA
Type
course
Edition
2023-2024
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 240Stagecraft II: Costume Construction3

Provides basic knowledge of costume construction. Familiarizes students with the methods, materials, equipment, concepts and processes involved in the construction of costumes for theatre production. Emphasis of this course will be on the physical process that results in the production of costumes through construction techniques. Hands-on experience will be gained by completing lab hours in the costume shop; assisting in the construction and installation of theatre program season.

Subject
THEA
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
cr
Type
course
Edition
2023-2024
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
Prerequisite
THEA 110
THEA 250Fundamentals of Theatre Design3
Subject
THEA
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Type
course
Edition
2023-2024
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 260Voice and Movement

Offers techniques to train the body and voice for performance, emphasizing self-awareness in relationship to the world. Explores a diverse range of exercises from key practitioners, focusing on ground and weight, breathing and breath, connecting the voice, working with objects, time, space, and partners. Introduces techniques for improvising, choreographing, and devising movement. Provides hands-on experience analyzing and building character from scripted scenes. Culminates in live performance.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 262Production Practicum

Provides hands-on, introductory-level practical learning in production aspects of Theatre Program productions, including work in the scene or costume shop or work backstage on a show. Bridges theory with practice providing students with immersive experience in professional theatre making. Offers experience with real-world scenarios working alongside peers and faculty. Develops technical prowess, enhances creative abilities, promotes collaborative teamwork, and prepares students for professional careers.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 263Performance Practicum

Provides hands-on, introductory-level practical learning in performance aspects of Theatre Program productions, including acting, stage management, assistant direction, and dramaturgy. Bridges theory with practice providing students with immersive experiences in professional theatre making. Offers experience with real-world scenarios working alongside peers and faculty. Develops technical prowess, enhances creative abilities, promotes collaborative teamwork, and prepares students for professional careers.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 271Play Analysis3
Subject
THEA
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Type
course
Edition
2023-2024
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 280Stagecrafts II: (Topic)3

Builds on the foundational skills learned in Introduction to Stage Crafts. Familiarizes students with methods, materials, equipment, concepts and processes resulting in the creation of some aspect of theatre production. Hands-on experience will be gained by completing lab hours in a production shop; assisting in creation of Theatre Program productions. Rotating topics may include: Stage Electrics, Stage Properties, Introduction to Sound. Student may repeat enrollment for credit, but may not repeat topics. Repeatable: Unlimited Credits

Subject
THEA
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
cr
Type
course
Repeatable
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits
Edition
2023-2024-undergraduate
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
Prerequisite
THEA 110
THEA 290Stage Makeup3

Introduces students to basic makeup vocabulary, materials and techniques. Students will work toward a proficiency in the principles and skills of makeup application including basic corrective/straight makeup, old age, and character makeup in order to communicate aspects of a character to an audience certain information.

Subject
THEA
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
cr
Type
course
Edition
2023-2024-undergraduate
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 309Feminism and Theatre

Provides an in-depth study of theatrical works by women within the context of feminist theory. Examines how feminism has shaped theatre across time. Highlights identity and the situated nature of knowledge creation. Covers the lost theatrical traditions of women, challenges of representation, diverse feminisms, and intersectionality. Engages problems faced by women in theater and presents possibilities for dismantling patriarchal institutions and misogyny through feminist interventions in the field.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 310Design Topics

Studies the process of designing for a specialized aspect of theatre production. Rotating topics may include: Sound Design, Projection Design, Masks: History and Design, and Shadow Puppetry. Students may repeat enrollment for credit, but may not repeat topics.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Repeatable
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 311Set Design

Studies the process of designing scenery for theatre through play analysis, research, color theory, composition, and the examination of design elements and principles for the stage. Explores design intentions through research, drawing, and modeling to communicate ideas, cultivating a unified and cohesive design aesthetic.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 312Costume Design

Explores the role of costume design in visual storytelling. Introduces skills necessary for effective costume design including: figure drawing, fabric identification, rendering techniques, and the curation of evocative and historical visual research through theoretical design projects. Includes readings, class discussions, and analysis of costume design in film, television, and theatre.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 313Lighting Design

Studies the process of designing lighting for theatre through play analysis, research, color theory, composition, practical experimentation, and the examination of design elements and principles for the stage. Explores design intentions through techniques such as research compilations, technical drawings, and written descriptions.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 340Acting Musical Theatre

Explores the skills actors need to perform musical theatre, including a survey of its history, from its roots to the present. Builds confidence with the genre through applying acting principles to songs, including understanding song structure, making lyrics the natural language of a character, using music as subtext, and finding a character's physical life. Includes musical theatre dance, staging, and storytelling through song. Culminates in live performance.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 341Acting Shakespeare

Develops the skills actors need to perform the plays of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. Students explore what it was like to act in Shakespeare’s era, gaining valuable historical context while building confidence with his text. Provides tools for analyzing complex poetic language and includes scansion, rhetoric, sword fights, period dance, and the connection between actor and audience. Culminates in live performance.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 360Advanced Acting (Topic)3

Builds on the foundational skills and concepts acquired from the integrated voice, movement and acting sequence. Students will choose further study to inform their individual development as actors. Topics are offered on a rotating basis and focus on a specialized aspect of acting technique while incorporating advanced research and dramatic analysis. Topics include Shakespeare, Musical Theatre, Realism/Naturalism, and Experimental/Alternative. Students may repeat enrollment for credit, but not topics. Repeatable: Unlimited Credits

Subject
THEA
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
cr
Type
course
Repeatable
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits
Edition
2023-2024-undergraduate
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
Prerequisite
THEA 120, THEA 220
THEA 370New Works Development

Explores the skills and tools theatre makers need to produce new material for live performance. Offers students opportunities in multiple roles, including as actors, designers, and dramaturgs in the collaborative exploration of the needs of a never-before-produced theatrical work as it is readied for performance. Rehearsal and preparation experience will result in a public premiere performance of the new work at the end of the semester.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 372Production Practicum

Provides hands-on, introductory-level practical learning in production aspects of Theatre Program productions, including work in the scene or costume shop or work backstage on a show. Bridges theory with practice providing students with immersive experience in professional theatre making. Offers experience with real-world scenarios working alongside peers and faculty. Develops technical prowess, enhances creative abilities, promotes collaborative teamwork, and prepares students for professional careers.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Repeatable
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 373Performance Practicum

Provides hands-on, practical learning in the performance aspects of Theatre Program productions, including acting, stage management, assistant direction, and dramaturgy. Bridges theory with practice to provide students with an immersive experience in professional theatre making. Offers experience with real-world scenarios working alongside both peers and faculty. Develops technical prowess, enhances creative abilities, promotes collaborative teamwork, and prepares students for professional careers.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Repeatable
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 375Set/Lighting Design Practicum

Provides hands-on, practical learning participating in the set or lighting design aspects of Theatre Program productions. Bridges theory with practice to provide students with an immersive experience in professional theatre making. Offers experience with real-world scenarios working alongside both peers and faculty. Develops technical prowess, enhances creative abilities, promotes collaborative teamwork, and prepares students for professional careers.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Repeatable
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 376Costume Design Practicum

Provides hands-on, practical learning participating in the costume design aspects of Theatre Program productions. Bridges theory with practice to provide students with an immersive experience in professional theatre making. Offers experience with real-world scenarios working alongside both peers and faculty. Develops technical prowess, enhances creative abilities, promotes collaborative teamwork, and prepares students for professional careers.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Repeatable
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 379Theatre Topics

Examines a specific theatre topic in depth. Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Repeatable
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 380Audition Technique3

Introduces the specific techniques and skills necessary to audition for the professional stage with confidence and artistic honesty. This course will focus on the development of audition material from a wide range of styles and genres as well as mastery of cold reading techniques, and practical preparation for the professional world and the business of acting. For the student contemplating a professional theatre career.

Subject
THEA
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
cr
Type
course
Edition
2023-2024-undergraduate
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
Prerequisite
Junior/senior status, Theatre Concentration, THEA 220
THEA 381Theatre History I: Beginnings to 17th Century3

or THEA 383 Theatre History II: 18th Century to Present Total Hours 21 43

Subject
THEA
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Type
course
Edition
2023-2024
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 383Theatre History II: 18th Century to Present3

Traces the evolution of Western theatre in its social/political context from the 18th century to the Post-Modern Period. Theatre architecture, styles of staging, and works of dramatic literature will be studied in relation to the social and intellectual history of each major era or artist style. MCLA Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024 333

Subject
THEA
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
cr
Type
course
Edition
2023-2024
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
Prerequisite
THEA 200
THEA 384Costume History

Traces western dress and its relationship to its socio-political, cultural and economic surroundings. Analyzes the relationship between dress and the body within a historical context and in relation to architecture, fine, and decorative arts. Explores representation of historical costume in film, television, and theatre. Develops the skills necessary to ‘read’ and accurately identify characteristics of period dress and conduct visual research for effective character costume design.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 410Design Studio

In-depth study of the collaborative process of designing scenery, costumes, and lighting for theatre. Students will explore various design approaches to shared texts and work in groups to execute unified and conceptually sophisticated design solutions.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 420Audition Technique

Introduces the specific techniques and skills necessary to audition for the professional stage with confidence and artistic honesty. This course will focus on the development of audition material from a wide range of styles and genres as well as mastery of cold reading techniques, and practical preparation for the professional world and the business of acting. For the student contemplating a professional theatre career.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 470Directing

Introduces the mechanics and ethos of directing, including analysis, rehearsal planning, staging, working with actors, and developing a director’s voice. Explores directing theatre in today’s social, political, and environmental contexts, with a focus on transforming practices for a sustainable future. Incorporates social justice principles such as Adrienne Maree Brown’s, “Emergent Strategy.” Culminates in directing a live theatrical work.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 479Advanced Theatre Topics

Examines an advanced theatre topic in depth. Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Repeatable
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 499Teaching Assistantship in Theatre

Offers students the opportunity to study theatre teaching methods, deliver academic class presentations, assist with study sessions and tutorials, attend all classes, final paper and other duties negotiated with course instructor. A final grade of B+ or better is required. This course can be taken for either Pass/Fail or traditional letter grading.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 500Theatre Independent Study

Open to juniors and seniors who wish to study a specific aspect of theatre or pursue a project or topic in depth under faculty supervision. Frequent conferences with the instructor are required.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Repeatable
Repeatable: Maximum of 12 credits
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
THEA 540Theatre Internship

Provides practical, hands-on field experience in theatre to supplement classroom courses. Eligible students work with an on-campus faculty advisor and an on-site supervisor when appropriate to jointly evaluate their work. 1-15 credits are possible depending on the level of student involvement.

Subject
THEA
Type
course
Repeatable
Repeatable: Maximum of 15 credits © 2025-2026 Back to top Close this window Print Options Send Page to Printer Print this page.
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu

Source: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 61