THEA

d

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Inspired by the evolving field of performance studies, THEA 101: Performance & Society introduces theatre and performance as artistic practice, creative action, a way of knowing, and a record and unfolding of culture. Combining the disciplinary domains of social science and the arts, the performances and performance practices we study range from the scared, to the artistic, to the commerical (and often more than one of these at once). This course positions the study of performance as interdisciplinary-drawing from foundational texts in sociology, anthropology, and literature, just as it draws from such other art forms as visual art, architecture, dance, and music. We work from the following three interrelated premises: art and culture shape each other; performance happens everywhere-in many geographies, and in spaces real and virtual; and theatre and dance are human endeavors that tell us about the past, rehearse the present, and point to possible futures. To test these ideas, students will participate in projects that explore the limits and extremities of performance through the lenses of theatre studies and social science, fields that view performance as human endeavor, and everyday life as performance, respectively. As the preceding suggests, this class is an integrative domains course that fulfills GA (arts) and GS (social science), positioning Theatre and Sociology as disciplinary partners. Thus, we take a "dramaturgical approach" to analyzing performance, as sociologist Erving Goffman terms it in the foundational work, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life (1956). It is this correspondence between social science and theatre that Introduction to Performance and Society will explore. Students will: Learn their major theories, ways of thinking, and methodologies used in sociology; understand "performance" as an agile term used in sociology, theatre, performance studies, and other fields; experience a variety of performance spaces and places-from theatres, studios, and public places, to ad hoc and virtual spaces such as the Internet, social media platforms, and the mind; complete creative projects such as scripts, designs, dances, and collaborative performances that allow them to experience what performing artists do and how they do it; and attend and write about theatrical productions as art and social event THEA 101 asks students to study, share, and live the course's premises through collaborative activities, creative projects, and writing. Class activities ask students to interrogate the meanings of "liveness," "community," and "performance," as well as articulate theatre's role as an art and social practice in the past, present, and future. Bachelor of Arts: Arts General Education: Arts (GA) General Education: Social and Behavioral Scien (GS) General Education - Integrative: Interdomain GenEd Learning Objective: Creative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Supporting Courses and Related Areas Select 6 credits from program approved list in Music, Theatre or Visual Arts in consultation with adviser and according to student interest ARTH 111 and COMM 270 require a grade of C or better. ARTH 112, MUSIC 8, THEA 102, COMM 270, and GD 100 require a grade of C or better per course for teacher certification. Marketing Option (22 credits) Available at the following campuses: None Code Title Cr

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Training and experience in basic skills of directing. Designed for non- theatre majors. Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Supporting Courses and Related Areas Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better Select 15 credits of THEA, DANCE, or courses from the approved list. 15 A minimum of 6 credits from the 15 must be at the 400 level. The list of department-approved supporting courses can be found at: https://arts.psu.edu/degrees/theatre-minor (please scroll to bottom of page)

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

An introduction and overview of the history, craft, and art of the theatre to foster an informed appreciation of theatrical events. This course is an alternate to THEA 100. Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

The THEA 106 class is an introductory examination of Theatre and Meaning designed for first-year theatre majors. It is guided by two overarching questions. Why do we (human beings) make theatre? And: how does theatre generate meaning? The course begins by considering theatre's various origin stories. It then proceeds through a series of case studies that (1) compare dramatic texts from different eras and cultures, and (2) consider historical performance practices in their proper social and philosophical contexts. Bachelor of Arts: Arts United States Cultures (US)

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

An introduction to structural analysis in dramatic literature.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

The origin of singing predates the development of spoken language. Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the human voice and provides a medium for communication universally across cultures. This course explores the fundamentals of voice production and offers tools to help singers at any level develop their singing voices. Preliminar objectives will include a basic understanding of musical information associated with singing. The main objectives of the course are: to explore and understand the four systems of singing (respiration, phonation, resonation and articulation) and how they relate to voice production; to provide a greater understanding of fundamental elements of singing; to understand basic laryngeal anatomy as it relates to voice production; to build an awareness of body alignment as it relates to singing; and to provide practice tools for continued education and vocal growth through an applied vocal exercise database. This entry level, non-major, course offering provides greater accessibility to personalized voice instruction which can often only be found in the one on one studio setting. Additionally, as singing is highly personal, this course offers students the opportunity to practice and explore singing at their own pace and in private. The objectives will be accomplished by utilizing an interactive, multimedia online curriculum including instructional videos that demonstrate vocal concepts, selected readings, selected supplementary videos, and a vocal exercise database. Evaluation methods will include quizzes, reflections and assessments of recordings of the students own singing. Students will receive (3) credits for this course, as well as (GA) designation. All videos, texts and examples will be made available to students online. General Education: Arts (GA) Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4909 GenEd Learning Objective: Effective Communication GenEd Learning Objective: Creative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Beginning with developing an understanding of basic musical theatre terminology, Introduction to Musical Theatre will proceed to examine musical theatre development as it parallels the quixotic historical landscape. The course is designed to allow the general student to experience and understand the art of the musical theatre. The course will begin with an exploration of foundational vocabulary and subsequently move through seven major periods of musical theatre history: Greek Tragedies (BCE-1800), Operetta (1800-1900), Cinderella Musicals (1900-1928), Champagne Musicals (1928-1943), Golden Age Musicals (1943-1966), Concept Musicals (1966-1983), and Pop Musicals (1983- Present). Students will be asked to read a libretto, and listen to the score of, one show from each of these periods to fully understand, and compare, the artistic transitions that epitomized each era. Each of these productions are seminal works in the evolution of the musical: HMS Pinafore, No, No, Nanette, Show Boat, Oklahoma, Guys and Dolls, Cabaret, Company, A Chorus Line, Rent, and Next to Normal. In addition to the studying of these works, students will be taught, in chronological order, the persons and movements that helped shape the discourse of musical theatre, as well as looking at other shows that fostered dialogues between audiences and artists. While musical theatre is a primarily American art form, the development of musical theatre in other countries will be discussed as students will explore the contributions musical theater made in the countries of Greece, South Africa, Japan, China, England, France, Italy, and parts of Latin America. Each week students will be quizzed on the content they have studied and there will be two midterms and one cumulative final examination. Bachelor of Arts: Arts General Education: Arts (GA) GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking y GenEd Learning Objective: Key Literacies

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Studies in the fundamentals of music notation and sight-singing.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

A survey of music theatre as an art form. Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Fundamental aspects of training the actor's body, voice, mental focus, and imagination. THEA 115 B.F.A. Acting Foundations (2)THEA 115 is an introduction to the awakening and enhancement of beginning students' physical, vocal, mental, and imaginative instrument in preparation for the demanding work to follow in later acting, voice/speech, and movement studios. The course will introduce physical conditioning and breathing exercises specifically for actors, introduce exercises to enhance mental focus/concentration, and lead students through a series of exercises designed to stimulate and enhance the actor's imagination and trust in the world of fantasy. Students will be exposed to a variety of techniques from which they may, over time, develop their own individual physical/ mental training discipline. They will be encouraged to accurately assess their own physical/vocal/mental self-image, to develop a plan (with the instructor) to minimize intrusive mannerisms and to maximize positive traits and work habits. Grading will be based on each student's commitment to the training regimen, application of past lessons in present assignments, quality of daily work, and the ability to accurately perform the exercises taught.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 4 THEA 116 develops continues music theory for musical theatre majors and augments theory with practical piano skills. THEA 116 is an introduction to the awakening and enhancement of beginning students' physical, vocal, mental, and imaginative instrument in preparation for the demanding work to follow in later acting, voice/speech, and movement studios. The course will introduce physical conditioning and breathing exercises specifically for actors, introduce exercises to enhance mental focus/concentration, and lead students through a series of exercises designed to stimulate and enhance the actor's imagination and trust in the world of fantasy. Students will be exposed to a variety of techniques from which they may, over time, develop their own individual physical/ mental training discipline. They will be encouraged to accurately assess their own physical/vocal/mental self-image, to develop a plan (with the instructor) to minimize intrusive mannerisms and to maximize positive traits and work habits. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 113

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Fundamental skills and training in acting. Emphasis on physical/vocal awareness and the nature of dramatic communication. Theatre majors only. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 100 or THEA 105 or THEA 106 or DANCE 100 Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course is a continuation of THEA 120 and designed to build upon the basic foundation of acting. THEA 121 Fundamentals of Acting II (3) THEA 121 is a continuation of THEA 120 and designed to build upon the basic foundation of acting. Regardless the style or medium, good acting boils down to the process of 'living truthfully under imaginary circumstances.' THEA 121 will provide the student with practicum experiences in scene study and Monologue/Auditioning technique. The course will also deepen and expand the range of student experience to include a more sophisticated and diverse immersion into the craft of acting. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 120

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Introduction to the methods, materials, equipment, concepts and processes involved in the construction of scenery and costumes for the theatre. THEA 130 Introduction to Theatre Scenic and Costume Technology (3) This course will familiarize students with the methods, materials, equipment, concepts, and processes involved in the construction of scenery and costumes for the theatre. The emphasis of this course will be on the physical process that results in the production of both scenery and costumes. Lecture topics include: Soft Goods Layout and Construction Basic Flat Layout and Construction Dimensional Scenery Rigging and Paint The Costume Shop/The Big Picture Designer's Sketch to Wearable Costume Hand Sewing Techniques Sewing Techniques/The Sewing MachineIn addition to lectures, students will be expected to participate in hands-on laboratory activities that will reinforce and inform the classroom theory. These activities will give students an opportunity to apply the principles they will learn in the lecture component.These courses enable our students to converse intelligently withallof the members of the theatre community, regardless of their specific theatre emphasis. Students will develop a fundamental understanding of the relationship between the various areas of theatre production.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Introduction to the methods, materials, equipment, facilities, concepts and processes used to create theatre lighting and sound. THEA 131 Introduction to Theatre Sound and Lighting Technology (3) This course will familiarize students with the methods, materials, equipment, facilities, concepts and processes used to create theatre sound and lighting. The emphasis of this course will be on the physical process that results in the production of both lighting and sound. Lecture topics include: Mixers Connectors & Cable Playback vs. Reinforcement Safety & Hanging Lights Focusing, Circuits and Dimmers Instrument types, Qualities of LightIn addition to lectures, students will be expected to participate in hands-on laboratory activities that will reinforce and inform the classroom theory. These activities will give students an opportunity to apply the principles they will learn in the lecture component.These technical theatre courses enable our students to converse intelligently

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 3 Survey and application of Scenic, Costume, Lighting, and Sound techniques and practices.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

General Education Course 3 15 14

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Exploration of the philosophy and technique of scenic, costume, and lighting design. Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course is the first half of our professional preparation arc, intended to train the student of theatre for life as a professional theatre designer or technician. There are many challenges to working in the business of theatre, arising primarily from the fact that most theatre professionals ar self-employed. It's not enough to be talented; one must also be a savvy businessperson. This class will set you up with the skills you need to effectively document your design & tech work over the course of your time at Penn State, with a focus on resumes, cover letters, photography, and some basic skills for finding and landing summer jobs & internships.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1.5

Credits (max)

1.5

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject that may be topical or of special interest.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject that may be topical or of special interest.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 12 Courses offered in foreign countries by individual or group instruction. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: Approval by department Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

12

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

e This course is an introduction to some of the most common tools of script analysis used by designers, performers, stage managers, technicians, dramaturgs, playwrights, and other artists of the theatre. The class proceeds by examining diverse scripts in a variety of ways that help to reveal their actable / designable / directable values. Understanding any given script's inherent dramatic values is a foundational first step to making informed, meaningful, and exciting choices for its production. It is also a foundational first step toward informed, meaningful, and exciting discussions of text and productions. Ultimately, it is the development of the student's (often discipline specific) ability to recognize a script's hidden potential that is the true goal of the course. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 100 or THEA 105 or THEA 106 or DANCE 100 Writing Across the Curriculum

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Introduction to the fundamentals of scene study through readings, improvisations, exercises and scene work. THEA 202 Beginning Scene Study (3) A continuation of work started in THEA 102, this course is designed for theatre minors who wish to further advance their understanding of the art of acting. Advanced scene work, exercises, improvisations, and text analysis are explored, along with

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

AA 120N

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

A study of theatre and drama literature as formed by issues of gender, race, and ethnic background. THEA 207 Gender and Theatre (3) (GA;US) (BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.Theatre 207 provides a basic survey of issues of representations of gender identity in theatre. The course will trace women's experiences in theatre from their absence on European classical stages to the more recent formation of feminist theatres. The course will explore issues of sexual orientation and gender identity as presented through drama and performance. The plats and writings chosen for study may include selections from African, European, African American, Latina, Asian American, Anglo American, and Native American playwrights. The course will examine issues of gender as they are presented by women of different races and cultures, by men of different races and cultures, and by women and men of various sexual orientations. The goal of the course is to examine the ways theatre and theatrical performances have portrayed individuals within a pluralistic society based on gender identity and ethnicity. Theatre has existed in every known civilization, but until recently, the contributions of predominantly white European males have provided the basis for the study of theatre. Most drama anthologies include plays written predominantly by white European males. By focusing on gender as it has been and is portrayed in theatre from diverse perspectives, THEA 207 will encourage an aesthetic appreciation of the art of theatre while exploring issues of gender identity on artistic creatio and critical response. Bachelor of Arts: Arts United States Cultures (US) General Education: Arts (GA) GenEd Learning Objective: Creative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Soc Resp and Ethic Reason

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

A performance-oriented class which explores the historic and contemporary theatrical works of various culturally diverse peoples. THEA 208 / AFAM 208 Theatre Workshop in Diverse Cultures (3) (GA;US;IL) (BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.Theatre Workshop in Diverse Cultures is a performance- oriented class that aims to introduce students to the broad cultural diversity that exists in artistic expression. The class will focus on several plays throughout the semester that will represent cultural, ethnic, and d gender diversity as well as different literary styles. Students will be exposed to various cultures by working on plays created by artists from those cultures. The course will concentrate on a specific playwright, culture, or region, such as plays from the Caribbean. Students will be required to read, study, analyze, and perform plays from the genre. For example, the class may focus on the works, life, and philosophy of August Wilson and read Joe Tumer's Come and Gone, Seven Guitars, Piano Lesson, and Fences. The class may explore Asian styles such as Noh Theatre and Asian American works by D. H. Hwang or work by Nigerian playwright and Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka. The presentation of these plays will be a principle part of the class, but the reading and discussion of the material will be as important. Students will participate in some capacity with the production of these plays in areas such as stage management, dramaturgy, sets and props, lights, sound, costumes, house management, publicity, and acting. These pieces will be performed in class, in workshop, and occasionally for the general public. Students will work as an ensemble and become acquainted with basic acting and theatre techniques The course objectives are: 1) to develop and enhance students' appreciation for the discipline and commitment required for multicultural theatrical presentations 2) to help to sensitize all students to the broad cultural diversity in artistic expression 3) to provide students with an introductory engagement with drama. THEA 208 / AFAM 208 serves as a primary selection for students pursuing the Theatre minor. Cross-listed with: AFAM 208 Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Hip Hop Theatre defines and explores Hip Hop as an art form. The student will explore Hip Hop culture through Hip Hop Theatre aesthetics: Emceeing, Dejaying, Beat boxing, graffiti art, and dance. Hip Hop Theatre is designed for students with an interest in Hip Hop Theatre/culture. This class introduces students to Hip Hop Theatre through Hip Hop aesthetics: Emceeing, Dejaying, Beat boxing, graffiti art, and dance. In addition, this class includes lecture sessions and discussions about Hip Hop culture Theatre as a global, multi-ethnic, grassroots youth culture committed to social justice and self-expression through specific n modes of performance. This course seeks to introduce students to a culturally significant art form, enhance theatrical discourse, and provide practical opportunities for students to apply skills learned in class via collaborative creations, text, and performance. This course is directly related to dance, theatre, African American history and other arts based and humanities based courses. Students will be evaluated on their

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

THEA 211 is an introduction to the history, theory, and practice of production dramaturgy. Students will learn to: practice theory-driven and production-oriented play analysis; to write thoughtful dramatic criticism, informed by theatre theory and critical thinking; and to practice a range of scholarly, artistic and interpersonal skills; in order to advocat for the emergent production at hand. To do this, students will study historical and contemporary dramaturgical theory, a transhistorical set of essays that argue for a certain form, content, or purpose of theatre and performance. Students will learn the historical and contemporary role of the dramaturg in production, and will practice the skills associated with the contemporary dramaturg. These include providing research support for theatre production, designing audience events such as talkbacks and receptions, and writing program pieces such as playwright bios and production histories. The cumulative dossier students create can serve as a dramaturgy portfolio for those who wish to pursue dramaturgy through graduate study or through taking the role in productions going forward. For all students, the portfolio develops an understanding of the dual role of dramaturg as scholar and artist. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: DANCE 100 or THEA 100 or THEA 101N or THEA 106 Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 2 Intermediate studies in diatonic harmony, analysis, sight-singing and dictation. THEA 212 (2) is designed to provide the intermediate musical theatre student with the mastery of harmonic and melodic analysis with which to approach and appreciate the structure of songs and musical theatre scores. It is designed to enable the intermediate student to sight- read more efficiently the literature that is central to the performance classes in the major, and to develop basic accompaniment and transposition skills that will become indispensable to the professional career. A continued emphasis on pitch and rhythmic identification will enable the intermediate student to maintain a high degree of musicianship in the performance classes required in the major and will make the performer more competitive in the musical theatre industry. THEA 113, the entry-level theory course and THEA 114, Music Theatre Form and Analysis are prerequisites to THEA 212, which is designed as the third course of the theory-form-and-analysis sequence. The course satisfies a significant need in that it focuses on the specific theoretical knowledge the musical theatre student requires to become competitive in a professional career. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 113 and THEA 114 and THEA 116 Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 2 Advanced studies in the technique and practice of chromatic harmonic analysis and sight-singing. THEA 214 is designed to provide the advanced musical theatre student with the analytical skills with which to approach and appreciate the harmonic and melodic structure found Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4913 in the various compositional styles of musical theatre literature. It is focused specifically on musical theatre literature that is representative of the current repertoire to enable the advanced student to function more effectively in auditions and other performance venues. The course is designed to function as the culmination of the theory-form-andanalysis sequence, connecting up the terminology, techniques, and repertoire, developed throughout the four-semester process. The course satisfies a significant need in that it focuses on the specific theoretical knowledge that the musical theatre student is required to master in order to become competitive in a professional career. e Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Principles of acting through improvisation, exercises, and character analysis, with emphasis on basic skills of voice and movement. For theatre majors only. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 120 Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Laboratory experience in student-directed scenes and/or one-act plays. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 120 or THEA 102 or THEA 115 Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Studio training in the unique performance skills, repertoire and business of professional music theatre. THEA 223 Musical Theatre Performance I (2) (BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.The purpose of this class is to introduce sophomore BFA musical theater students to the art of performing the solo song based on the book musical. While utilizing the performer's skills in acting, singing and dance/movement, the student will learn how to communicate clearly and compellingly 1. who his/her character is 2. to whom the character is singing 3. why the character is singing these particular words to this particular music at this particular time. The student must understand his/her environment, relationships, obstacles, tactics, and stakes in order to accomplish this task. This is the class that begins to synthesize the student's performance training for the special demands of musical theatre. Most of the work will concentrate on solo performance, building the student's power and confidence and beginning to explore both their individual uniqueness and their crucial relationship to their audience. Students must prepare two contrasting musical theatre pieces from 'book' musicals preferably from 'The Golden Age' (1920-1960s). These songs must be chosen in collaboration with musical theatre faculty and the student.Students must obtain copies of the music and lyrics for their songs and the book.A thorough knowledge of the book is as important as a through knowledge of the music and lyrics in order to make informed performance choices. Students are required to keep a journal. Written exercises about passive, active, stage directions, and character analysis as well as in-class exercises on these topics will be part of the class assignments.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Studio training in the unique performance skills, repertoire and business of professional music theatre. THEA 224 Musical Theatre Performance II (2) (BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.This course will cover three primary areas of study: musical theatre scene work, the study of the major repertoire in musical theatre from 1965-1990 (excluding Sondheim and Webber), and performance power training. Scenes that contain songs require special techniques of the actor-singer. Using the preparation and presentation of four such scenes, the musical theatre student will begin to develop successful performance strategies for musical theatre scene work. Through the use of in-class reports the musical theatre student will continue to gain understanding and appreciate the rich musical theatre literature of the late 1960s and the 1990s. Primarily, the course will cover the works and lives of Bock and Harnick, Jerry Herman, Kander and Ebb, Jule Styne, Jones and Schmidt, and Maltby and Shire. Through exercises, studies, and improvisation designed to sharpen the student's use of energy, focus, structuring skills, imagining, stylizing, and coordinating, the musical theatre student will obtain a significant increase in his/her performance power. The musical theatre student will prepare three duet scenes with song and an ensemble scene with song during the semester. Students will have two opportunities to present each duet scene. THEA 224 is a continuation of Musical Theatre Performance I. These studios represent the core of the musical theatre training program. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 223 Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Exercises to develop truthful listening and responding as a foundation for acting studio scene study. Listening and responding in an unadorned, truthful way is the lynch-pin of the actors's work. In THEA 225A, students will begin with exercises designed to foster and increase the depth of truthful behavior on stage. In addition, this coursework includes exercises to increase awareness of the sensory world around us and its effect on the actor's imagination, availability to emotion, and mental focus. Contentless scene work leads the student through the basics of behavior on stage: playing for a purpose (goal), encountering obstacles, and finding the necessary tactics to behave appropriately in the imaginary circumstances. The final stage of the semester applies the skills acquired to a full scene from a play. Enforced Concurrent at Enrollment: THEA 115 and THEA 1S

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Introduction to techniques to condition the actor and improve physical awareness and self-use. Listening and responding in an unadorned, truthful way is the lynch-pin of the actors's work. In THEA 225A, students will begin with exercises designed to foster and increase the depth of truthful behavior on stage. In addition, this coursework includes exercises to increase awareness of the sensory world around us and its effect on the actor's imagination, availability to emotion, and mental focus. Contentless scene work leads the student through the basics of behavior on stage: playing for a purpose (goal), encountering obstacles, and finding the necessary tactics to behave appropriately in the imaginary circumstances. The final stage of the semester applies the skills acquired to a full scene from a play. Enforced Concurrent at Enrollment: THEA 115

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Introduction to actor voice and speech training. THEA 225C is the first in a sequence of voice and speech courses for the actor. This first semester installment will focus on awareness and conditioning activities related to breath, posture, resonance and articulation. Prose and poetry readings will be used for application activities. Students will experience activities that will heighten their physical awareness of vocalizing. Most activities will involve a re-learning of how they speak, bringing to their conscious awareness the processes of voice/speech which were initially learned through early childhood nurturing. Class events will include awareness of breath patterns and the means to release inhibitive behaviors related to spinal posture, head and neck alignment, and musculature along the breath/vocal tract. Students will also gain awareness of how breath relates to their expressive/emotional system. Class activities will also include physical awareness of the consonant and vowels sounds and their phonetic transcriptions. Each event will strive to improve actors' intelligibility and increase musicality of speech. Through application assignments with word lists, sentences, poetry and prose, students will increase language sensitivity. This semester will also address voice quality issues directly and how they relate to the above. Specific events will focus on vibratory awareness in primary resonators and how to apply this awareness in all vocal life. Issues of vocal health, projection and emotional demands will be addressed. Enforced Concurrent at Enrollment: THEA 115

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Introduction to the history, processes, materials, and concepts involved in designing scenery for the theatre. THEA 250 Introduction to Scene Design (3) This course is the introductory course to the art and practice of designing scenery for the stage. The primary goals of the course are to introduce students to the history and profession of scene design, and to help students learn a fundamental design process to apply to the evolution and presentation of design for stage scenery. This process includes play analysis, script and visual research methods, analysis of dramatic action, concept evolution, and visual communication methods. Evaluations will be based on the following: 1. Students will submit papers to demonstrate text analysis skills and to explore the work of specific designers or historical trends (25%) 2. Students will receive in-class critiques to evaluate their design concepts and communication skills (25%) 3. Students will receive comment sheets for each studio project critiquing specific aspects of their design process (50%) Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 130 and THEA 131

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Introduction to drafting of floor plans, section drawings, construction graphics, and mechanical perspective for the theatre. THEA 251 Theatre

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Media and materials exploration; sketching, rendering, and modeling methods. Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

‡ GQ 3 General Education Course 3 General Education Course 3 17 13

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Introduction to costume design process through character analysis and the use of color, line, and texture. THEA 260 Introduction to Costume Design (3) (BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.THEA 260 provides the student the opportunity to experience the costume design process from the reading of the script to the creation of a fully rendered costume design. The work of a costume designer begins with the ability to read the play script from both the perspective of the audience and that of the human beings depicted in the imaginary premise. The student is given a specific methodology for reading a play and determining the plot, the dramatic action, and the theme or significance of the action of the play. Next, the student is exposed to research methods and techniques that illuminate historical periods and genres and allow the designer to fully appreciate the lives of human being living in different times and locations. Beginning projects are derived from contemporary dramatic material that requires relatively little examination into the social and historical period. Subsequent projects, however, move farther away from contemporary realism and require extensive research to grasp the essence of the period. The next section of the course is devoted to an examination of how this research and analysis is used by the costume designer to make artistic choices. Students are introduced to a specific technique for analyzing a character and determining what kind of clothing would be appropriate for the individual based on the student's analysis of their personality, social status, and function in the play. The final project involves the creation of a costume design for the entire play. The student is guided Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4915 through the process of improving rendering skills, creating a finished representation of each garment worn in the play, and enhancing their ability to communicate these choices to a director and actors. Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Intermediate study of the methods, materials, equipment, concepts and processes involved in the construction of costumes for the theatre.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

student to develop a design process that takes them from script to stage. Students will study each step of the lighting design process and use these steps to create the design for a fictional production. Students will also have the opportunity to hone their design skills with a series of practical projects that will allow them to experiment with intangible qualities of light. This class will use a traditional proscenium presentation for the development of these techniques. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 201W and THEA 251 and THEA 252. Recommended Preparation: THEA 131 and THEA 150 Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Introduction to the methods, materials, equipment, facilities, concepts and processes associated with Technical Direction for the Theatre.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6 This course provides students with first-hand experience working on a theatrical production at the university. Students will learn the responsibilities and processes of preparing for a live theatre production by either performing in or working behind the scenes on a pre-selected production. After the completion of the production, students will evaluate their work. Bachelor of Arts: Arts General Education: Arts (GA) GenEd Learning Objective: Effective Communication GenEd Learning Objective: Creative Thinking

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

6

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

THEA 289 * 1 General Education Course 3 General Education Course 3 16 15

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

‡ ENGL 15, 15A, or 30H 3 17 14

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 18 Creative projects, including research and design, supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses. Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

18

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 18 Creative projects, including research and design, supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

18

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a subject which may be topical or of special interest. Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject that may be topical or of special interest. Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 12 Courses offered in foreign countries by individual or group instruction. ,

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

12

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Vocal techniques for the actor: articulation, voice control, support, and projection. In this class students will be working in three areas: practical voice and speech work to include relaxation, body alignment, breath, resonance, pitch and range, articulation; basic anatomy; and, text (putting the skills learnt into practice). Students will develop a set of exercises that help to release tension and build breath, muscularity and strength, and good resonance. In addition, students will build an awareness of how the voice works (anatomy) and work with poetic and dramatic text to see how the imaginative demands of the text can be fulfilled by the voice. Students will also learn to use voice with language that is not their own and to be confident and clear in their speech. The final goal is to develop an awareness of `healthy voice' usage Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 115 or THEA 120 Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course focuses on building the vocal and analytical skills required to embody challenging text and communicate it clearly. Building on the foundation of the previous BFA voice courses, students learn to strategically utilize the vocal tools at their disposal in order to illumina thought and character. Students gain facility with a variety of texts, including those with poetic language and written in verse, and how to use that language to their advantage. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 225C and THEA 322

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Techniques and skills in physical expression, awareness, control, and stage movement. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 120 or THEA 115 or THEA 225B Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Continuation of THEA 324. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 324 Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 3 Performance studies in cabaret, revue, and club environments. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 224 Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Research and preparation of auditions for work in professional musical theatre venues. THEA 327 Musical Theatre Auditions (2) (BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.Theatre 327 offers junior and senior musical theatre students an opportunity to examine the art of the musical theatre audition from research to performance. Since these students have completed two to three years of vocal and acting study, piano, and music theory, they are ready to work at honing their skills for professional auditions. Each student will prepare four to six professional auditions and simulate them in class. Feedback is provided by the class and visiting guests from the profession. All audition material is memorized and professional attitude as well as dress is required. The audition material is different for each student in the class. Grading is based on the student's ability to prepare quickly and accurately, take direction, and incorporate it into the audition on the spot. The continued research and performance of new material is required weekly. Theatre 327 is an elective course in the B.F.A. theatre musical theatre option. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 224 Bachelor of Arts: Arts Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4917

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course is designed to be taken immediately after THEA 270 - Introduction to Lighting Design and will focus on the Lighting Design Process for both Designers and Assistant/Associate Designers. The te successful student will, through practical & theoretical projects, gain a detailed understanding of Photometrics, hone their abilities with CAD & Lightwright, build their skills as an Assistant/Associate Designer, & develop a clear & organized Lighting Design process. Attention will also be paid towards developing clear & effective presentation skills through in-class design charettes & projects. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 270

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 12 Courses offered in foreign countries by individuals or group instruction.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

12

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 99 Individual and group-directed study of in-depth projects involving reading, discussion, performance, and critical analysis by faculty. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: 7th semester standing or higher or 12 credits in THEA Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

6

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Survey of drama and theatre from primitive rites through the Renaissance. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 100 or THEA 105 or THEA 106 or THEA 112 or DANCE 100 Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Survey of drama and theatre from primitive rites through the Renaissance.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Survey of European drama and theatre from the eighteenth century through the modern period. THEA 402 Theatre History II: From 1700 to Present (3) A survey of drama and theatre from the seventeenth century through the modern period. The course is a sequential second half of the history of world theatre. Beginning with the post-Shakepearean era, students study major theatre movements in play writing, acting, theatre architecture and design. Some eras include the English Restoration and Georgian periods, the French Neoclassical period, German Romanticism,

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course begins in the mid-twentieth century following the theatrical experimentation and socio- political changes that influenced Modernism's Avant-Garde movement, Bertolt Brecht and Erwin Piscator's Epic Theatre, and the Theatre of the Absurd (examined in THEA 402). We explore what came after the advent of Modernism - what artists moved away from, what they repurposed, and what they imagined anew. One of the keynotes of this ensuing artistic period is the concept of "post": Post-Modern, Post-Dramatic, Post-Colonial, and Post-Human. Altogether, we will examine dramatic literature, influential theatre artists, and performance practices in global theatre from the mid to late twentieth century. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 100 or THEA 105 or THEA 106 or THEA 112 or DANCE 100 or THEA_MFA General Education: Arts (GA) GenEd Learning Objective: Effective Communication GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course focuses on twenty-first century theatre and drama, exploring select dramatic literature, artists, and theatre companies within the framework of the social, cultural, and political changes that have occurred since the year 2000. Though we are just entering the twentieth year in this millennium, they are years shaped by monumental events beginning with the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, to the present moment where we find ourselves in the midst of a global pandemic. These two historical points frame a container where we find the effects of social justice issues such as systemic racism, gender equality, nationalism, climate change, and immigration policies as lived realities. Who are we as individuals, families, and societies as we navigate our world? Where do we struggle in our humanity, and where do we endure - or sometimes, thrive? Our focus in this course is where, how, and why theatre artists in the twenty-first century engage with these societal concerns, and how they take up these questions in the stories, language, rhythms, and spectacles they create. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 100 or THEA 105 or THEA 106 or THEA 112 or DANCE 100 or THEA_MFA General Education: Arts (GA) GenEd Learning Objective: Effective Communication GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Soc Resp and Ethic Reason

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 3 Survey of American drama and theatre from the colonial period to the present. THEA 405 Theatre History - American Theatre is a course that introduces students to the rich history of American theatre from the colonial era to today. Each week plays and supporting materials become the focus of conversations about the intersections of race, gender, class, religion, and art. Early plays from the colonial and post-colonial years reveal the peculiar love/hate relationship between colonists and theatre. After the Revolutionary War plays become the rallying cry as the new nation attempts to forge an identity separate from and equal to Europe. In the decades that follow theatre provides a voice to previously silent Americans: women, former slaves, immigrants, and non-Christians. The course culminates in the present with readings of the three most recent Pulitzer Prize winning plays and discussion of their impact. This is a Writing-Intensive course. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 100 or THEA 105 or THEA 106 or DANCE 100 Bachelor of Arts: Arts United States Cultures (US) Writing Across the Curriculum

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

A study of theatre practice and dramatic literature as informed by issues of gender, race, and ethnic background. THEA (WMNST) 407 Women and Theatre (3) (US)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. Theatre 407 approaches the study of theatre/performance as a valuable site for the exploration of race, class, and gender as social constructs. The focus will be on 20th century developments of women and theater. Feminist theory and theatrical practice will be a focus of the course and will reflect conflicts and differences present within feminism. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 100 or THEA 105 or THEA 106 or THEA 112 or DANCE 100 or THEA_MFA Cross-listed with: WMNST 407W Bachelor of Arts: Arts United States Cultures (US) Writing Across the Curriculum

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

THEA/AFAM African American Theatre 412 A grade of C or better per course is required for teacher certification. e,

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Advanced skills in textual analysis of plays and screenplays. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 100 or THEA 105 or THEA 106 or DANCE 100

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 12 Dramaturgy Practicum is a variable credit course (1-3) that trains theatre students in the practices of dramaturgy for production. Students may be paired with a particular School of Theatre production or project as an in- rehearsal dramaturg. Others will be assigned to dramaturgy teams or will complete particular dramaturgy tasks. These can include keeping group- sourced or single-authored blogs; posting to social media; taking and sharing photos and videos of the design process; interviewing artists in production; writing program notes; making lobby installations; hosting talkbacks with performers, audiences, and designers. Students might instead be assigned to a research or archiving project with the School of Theatre in order to learn theatre archiving skills. The 3-credit option is only open to students who have taken THEA 211 - Dramaturgy. These students will take on a major project, most typically the role of productio dramaturg for a School of Theatre production or other major project. For the 1-credit option, students will either work on a dramaturgy team, or else they will focus on one kind of dramaturgy practice for several productions, such as production photography, social media posting, talkbacks, program notes, or outreach events. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 211

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Exploration of the development of African American theatre from its roots in Africa through the diaspora, to the present time. THEA 412 /

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course is lecture and discussion based and designed to address the needs of students preparing to enter the professional musical theatre. Topics will include the techniques and skills of networking, unions, casting directors, agents and managers, headshots/ resumes, bios, life Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4919 in NYC, tax preparation, and other topics related to the business side of acting for the musical theatre.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 9 Advanced monologue and scene study techniques. Principal focus on realism. THEA 420 Advanced Scene Study is a course in which students are allowed to explore and deepen their understanding of the art and craft of acting. The course is repeatable for credit and taught by a variety of instructors. This allows students to experience the processes of different pedagogical methodologies. Regardless of the instructor, the shared emphases include: scene work in a variety of styles (from classical verse plays to cutting edge contemporary material) tailored to the needs of the individual student; movement toward increased technical proficiency; deepening awareness that "acting is living truthfully under imaginary circumstances," however similar or different those circumstances may n be to the actor's personal life; and, growing self-sufficiency through self- directed scenes and individual rehearsal discipline. The environment of the classroom/rehearsal space is both safe and critical, as students begin to accept that risk is integral to successful acting. The student is also engaged in giving constructive criticism to their peers, learning to be honest, detailed, and nurturing in the process. This critical process requires students to give unconditional support to their peers, support that is geared toward mutual improvement and emotional/physical safety Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 115 or THEA 120 or THEA 427A Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

s THEA 422 Advanced Scene Study 3

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course introduces the actor to the skills necessary for successful auditions and performances in television, film, digital media and other commercial venues. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 421

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Studio training in the unique performance skills, repertoire and business of professional musical theatre. THEA 423 Musical Theatre Performance III (2) (BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.In depth preparation and performance of scenes from the works of Sondheim and Webber. Also, exploration of the adjustments needed to

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Studio training in the unique performance skills, repertoire and business of professional musical theatre. THEA 424 Musical Theatre Performance IV (2) (BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.This studio is designed for senior musical theatre majors to hone their skills in acting, singing, and dancing in the last semester of their college career. The majority of the class will be the preparation of the Senior New York Showcase where each student will have the opportunity to perform for an invited audience of agents, alumni, and special guests. Students are responsible for all research and preparation of showcase material. Showcase material will be coached in class, but the main body of preparation relies on the students themselves, utilizing skills and techniques learned throughout their studio training. Grading will be based on attendance, preparation, and attitude. These are all critical factors for entering the profession and for successfully completing this course. Deadlines and appointments must be kept. Students must do adequate outside preparation. THEA 424 is a continuation of Musical Theatre Performance III. These studios represent the core of the musical theatre training program. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 423 Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Scene Study THEA 425A B.F.A. Acting Studio II (2)THEA 425A is a laboratory or practicum course requiring active student presentation of work in progress for critiques by the instructor and input from peers. Working in pairs, students will be assigned a five-minute scene from modern American realism. Students must read the play from which the assigned scene is taken, do the necessary historical/analytical homework, develop a character biography and a scene score, and present the result of their work in the initial on-the-feet working sessions for faculty critique and peer input. Taking away responses from each working session, the students are expected to rehearse outside of class to address any issues raised in the previous working session and to ready the scene for the next viewing. In THEA 425A, the instructor will serve, not as a director, but as an acting coach, asking probing questions and using his or her own energy to exhort, guide, and discipline the students, It is expected that faculty intervention will decrease and student self-reliance will increase with each passing studio. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 115 and THEA 225A Enforced Concurrent at Enrollment: THEA 425C

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Advanced voice and speech training for BFA Musical Theatre students. THEA 425C B.F.A. Voice/Speech Studio II (2)In THEA 425C, B.F.A. Musical Theatre students will continue to develop and expand their vocal instrument. Basics of vocal production will be repeated and developed with a greater focus on the individual actor's application of his/her voice in the performance of various texts. The first ten weeks will recall the basics of the past two semesters of voice/speech work and continue to expand the actors' capabilities. Extended work in the area of breath support and release, resonance and vocal range, and speech/articulation will all be explored with appropriate texts. In the last five weeks of the semester, work will focus on text in the performance setting. A short program of text performances will be devised and presented in the last week of class. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 225C or THEA 425A

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Continuation of THEA 425A THEA 427A B.F.A. Acting Studio III (2)THEA 427A is an extension of THEA 425A, a laboratory or practicum course requiring active student presentation of work in progress for critiques by the instructor and input from peers. Working in pairs, students will be assigned a five-minute scene from modern American realism. Students must read the play from which the assigned scene is taken, do the necessary historical/analytical homework, develop a character biography and a scene score, and present the result of their work in the initial 'on-the-feet' working sessions for faculty critique and peer input. Taking away responses from each working session, the students are expected to rehearse outside of class to address any issues raised in the previous working session and to ready the scene for the next viewing. In THEA 427A, the instructor will serve, not as a director, but as an acting coach, asking probing questions and using his or her own energy to exhort, guide, and discipline the students. It is expected that faculty intervention will decrease and student self-reliance will increase with each passing studio.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Stage Dialect Studies THEA 427C B.F.A. Voice/Speech Studio IV (2)THEA 427C focuses on the acquisition of stage dialects and accents. For each dialect the student becomes aware of the resonance, phonetic, inflection, and rhythm changes necessary to perform dramatic text with an accent or dialect. Vocal agility, phonetic recall and the ability to integrate the altered vocal behavior to the demands of acting are the primary goals. Each dialect unit will have an introductory instruction, a review session, and a presentation of a reading of a dialect monologue. The final project will be the performance of two dialect monologues. Students will be evaluated upon preparedness, work ethic, focus, openness to change, growth, degree of self-reliant recall, and creative application of new skills. This studio performance class offers opportunity for assessment from the instructor in each class session. Periodic assignments will be made to assess self-reliant application of the work.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 4 Students will prepare and present workshop reading of a new musical theatre piece Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 224

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

* THEA 437 3 Elective 2 15 Total Credits 121 * Course requires a grade of C or better for the major ‡ Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education # Course is an Entrance to Major requirement † Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement ADDITIONAL COURSES: REQUIRE A GRADE OF C OR BETTER (9

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Introduction to principles and procedures of play direction. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 100 or THEA 105 or THEA 106 or THEA 112 or DANCE 100 Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Preparing a play for production including the scoring of thescript, developing ground plan, casting, and staging projects in American realism. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 434 or THEA_MFA Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6 To provide students with experience in choreography, dramaturgy, combat, staging, voice/speech, musical direction, assisting in direction, for major productions. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: approval of proposed assignment by instructor prior to registration Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

6

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6 Structure, dramatic effect, characterization, and dialogue; the writing, reading, and criticism of original one-act plays. THEA 440 Principles of Playwriting (3 per semester/maximum of 6)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. THEA 440 is a course in which students are allowed to explore, deepen, and exercise their understanding of the craft of playwriting. This course is repeatable and taught by one instructor. This course utilizes diverse critical commentary, craft-based texts, and plays that elaborate and illustrate the core writing techniques of structure, dramatic effect, characterization, and dialogue.The writing requirement of the class concentrates on the construction of several ten- Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4921 minute plays, which are shared in the class as works-in-progress.The students engage with giving and getting constructive criticism inside a safe and nurturing space, and the students work towards articulating and exercising the technical aspects of writing in a clear, concise, and effective manner. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 100 or THEA 105 or THEA 106 or THEA 112 or DANCE 100 Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Want to work in Theatre, but you don't want to act or work backstage? There are countless roles "behind the scenes" that are pivotal to the creation and success of theatrical productions. This course offers hybrid studies focused on equipping students to either work in one of these professional settings or launch their own product, organization, or endeavor. Through theoretical analysis coupled with real world experiences and many guest speakers from Broadway and beyond, students have the chance to explore career opportunities based on their interests, expand their skill-sets, and make connections that will help prepare them for possible post-college careers in theatre management. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 100 or THEA 105 or THEA 106 or THEA 101N

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6 Design emphasis on a variety of production techniques, genre, and styles.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

General Education Course 3 14 16

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

CAD Drafting for theatre is an Advanced level course that focuses on the technical aspects of drafting. Students will become well versed in the use of CAD drafting programs such as AutoCAD. Students will learn all of the essential functions to accurately convey information through graphical representations in both 2D and 3D models. This course is geared specifically towards how to use CAD programs to convey information for theatrical and entertainment uses such a technical drafting, scenic elevations, lighting plots, sound diagrams and other entertainment documentation. In addition to learning about the effective use of a CAD program, students will also learn theatrical drafting standards and techniques. This includes information on standardized paper sizes, line weights and styles, use of color, dimensioning guidelines and other pertinent drafting standards. By the end of this course students will have the necessary knowledge to effectively draft, plate and present drawings in both 2d and 3d models for use in entertainment based productions. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 251

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 12 Practicum study in painting techniques currently in professional use. Exploration of tools, available paints, and texturing materials. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 253 or THEA_MFA Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

THEA 459

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 3 This course will create an environment in which students can learn about, and build strategies for, their involvement in creative collaborations. The will examine their own individual characteristics, what they know and what they value, and then explore how those characteristics affect their ability to effectively work as part of a creative team. Students will be asked to step outside of their comfort zone to put collective ideas ahead of their own, with the hope of finding collaborative success with their team, but without a guarantee of success, challenging each student to improve the way they communicate, interpret, build trust, brainstorm, compromise, and resolve conflict. Students will work on their creative problem-solving abilities within a group of students from different disciplines in order to achieve a common goal, and they will examine and experience a variety of roles and power dynamics within a team setting, from project manager to contributing member. They will develop stronger competencies in teamwork, professionalism, communication, and leadership as artists and designers.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

*

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6 Developing and executing a design concept in a variety of the performing arts. THEA 460 Advanced Topics in Costume Design (3 per semester/ maximum of 6) (BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.THEA 460 places emphasis on the use of text analysis and extensive historical research to make artistic choices as a costume designer in a production of a classical play, opera, or dance. Plays of this sort are of a size and scope not often found in contemporary material, which places exceptional demands on a designer. This course investigates the manner in which the theatrical imagination can be liberated to fulfill the particular requirements of classic theatre, opera, and dance. The course will require several large-scale projects that reinforce the costume design process in a variety of the performing arts. Each area of work within a project is separately graded. These projects will contain written segment components such as a design statement or character analysis, an oral presentation or explanation of the designer's choices and process, and (where applicable) a demonstration of the fully realized costume renderings. The student is expected to master the process that takes a costume designer from reading a script (or listening to a piece of music) to the creation of a design concept to the visual presentation of renderings from which clothing can be constructed. Particular emphasis is placed on developing the oral presentation skills necessary to communication with the director and other theatre artists. y Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 260 or THEA 464 Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6 A specialized course in advanced costume construction techniques and theatrical costume technologies. THEA 461 Advanced Topics in Costume Construction and Technology (3 per semester/maximum of 6) (BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.THEA 461 addresses the skills and techniques of theatrical costume construction necessary for the undergraduate student to understand and master in preparation for work within a professional costume setting. Emphasis is placed upon the creation of an historic silhouette as illustrated by a theatrical costume rendering for both men and women, with an eye to theatrical execution. Focus is placed on the production of clothing, as well as the creation of theatrical properties and accessories for the historic figure. The course will require several large-scale projects

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

or THEA 465 History of Fashion II Select 6 credits of the following: 6 THEA 456 THEA 457 THEA 466 THEA 467

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Survey of dress from 1800 to contemporary fashion. THEA 465 History of Fashion II (3)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.The course is the second part of the history of fashion that is an elective for graduate theatre students, is required for the B.F.A Costume Design emphasis, and is an elective for the undergraduate theatre minor. The goal of the course is to identify and examine movements and trends in clothing and fashion from 1800 to the present. Each period is studied by using primary sources, slide presentations, and actual garments to illustrate the relationship between clothing and broad social, historical and artistic developments. Emphasis will be placed on plays that serve as particularly good examples of a period or style of fashion covered in the course. Grading will be based on periodic quizzes covering topics from class lectures, slide presentations, and textbook readings. There will be one oral presentation, a written comprehensive final exam, and assigned graphic presentations or 'redrawings' of clothing pieces. To complete these 'redrawings' the student will find a primary source or a photographic reproduction of a primary source and 'redraw' the garment. For example, a student may find a painting, a sculpture, or photo of a garment (usually on a figure) that represents the period being discussed in class. The student would then 'redraw' or copy that image, not trace, for the purposes of identifying the clothing pieces that are shown in the original. The 'redrawings' are graded not on the student's ability to draw but rather on the content, detail, and thoroughness of the pencil sketch. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 100 or THEA 105 or THEA 106 or DANCE 100 or THEA_MFA Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 9 Advanced Topics in Lighting Design will rotate through opera, dance, non-traditional spaces, architecture, advanced technology, and color theory. THEA 470 Advanced Topics in Lighting Design (3 per semester/ maximum of 6) (BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.Advanced Topics in Lighting Design will utilize a rotating curriculum and may be taken twice for credit. Topics will include lighting design for opera, dance, non-traditional spaces, architecture, advanced Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4923 technology, and color theory. Students will also learn to write and critique their own work, as well as the work of others, and to speak knowledgeably about design topics. There will also be some flexibility to allow students to pursue individual interests and group-directed projects. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 270 Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

An introduction to the basics of electricity, dimmer protocols, lightboard programming, lighting paperwork, and master electrician & assistant lighting design practices. THEA 472 Lighting Technology (3)THEA 472 is an introduction to the basics of electricity, dimmer protocols, lightboard programming, lighting paperwork, and master electrician & assistant lighting design practices. This course will help prepare theatre designers to understand the inner workings of all of the equipment, working practices and safety requirements that are involved with the business of lighting design. This course will also provide students with many of the skills needed to get their foot in the door and get started in the business. Special attention will be paid to safety, stressing the need for safe working practices and environments over the need to get the show up no matter what. Students will learn how all of the advanced technology that is being introduced to the world of lighting functions and how these new technologies are all integrated into a functional system. . Students will serve as master electricians and/or as assistant lighting designers as part of the hands-on production aspect of the class, with ample time devoted to process discussions and post-show critiques of the work. Small-group problem solving and system troubleshooting will be discussed in depth and applied to real production situations. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 131 and THEA 289

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

1 ‡

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

General Education Course 3 General Education Course 3 General Education Course 3 General Education Course 3 15 13 Total Credits 121 * Course requires a grade of C or better for the major ‡ Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education # Course is an Entrance to Major requirement Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 295 † Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement THEA 451 is optional but suggested in the Fall of the second year

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6 Advanced study of the methods, materials, equipment, facilities, concepts and processes associated with Technical Direction for the

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Requirements for the Option Requirements for the Option: Require a grade of C or better Select an option 28-36 Requirements for the Option Design and Technology Option (33-36 credits) Code Title Credits

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

In-depth exploration of current rigging techniques used in entertainment. Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Supporting Courses and Related Areas Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better Select 6 credits in consultation with the minor adviser with at least 3 6 credits at the 400 level

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6 Aesthetics of live and recorded sound; recording and editing techniques for the stage. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 106 and THEA 150

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 12

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

‡

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

An intensive academic and cultural experience in the theatre capital of the English-speaking world. THEA 490H London Study Tour (3) Theatre- going forms the heart of the LST and of its academic identity. London is the outstanding theatre city of the English-speaking world, offering consistently superb choices in classic plays, contemporary and avant- garde theatre, musical theatre, opera and dance. Students will see a minimum of seven theatre and dance performances: some will be purchased in advance by the instructor, and others will be selected by participants from a wide range of choices. As a complement to the theatre core, the LST's faculty leaders will provide students with an orientation to London and its history, culture, and sights.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 12 Supervised student activites on research projects identified on an individual or small-group basis.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

12

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 12 Professional field experience in theatre performance, production, and management assignments. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 100 or THEA 105 or THEA 106 or DANCE 100 or THEA_MFA Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

6

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 18 Creative projects, including research and design, supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses. Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

18

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 18 Creative projects, including research and design, supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses. Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

18

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject which may be topical or of special interest. Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject that may be topical or of special interest. Bachelor of Arts: Arts

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 12 Courses offered in foreign countries by individual or group instruction. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: THEA 100 or THEA 105 or THEA 106 or DANCE 100

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

12

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Source materials and techniques as applied to theatre research; the form and content of theses and monographs.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Emerging theatre artists necessarily focus on skill, craft, and presentation. This course proposes a parallel path of artist-scholarship to enrich the student's portfolios, communities, and fields. Focusing on writing and presentation, students experience research as a dramaturg might; that is, as a rigorous but practical approach to scholarship.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Theory and process of creative collaboration between the theatre artistic and production staffs.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

MFA theatre candidate

This course is an exploration of American theatre, in South, Central and North America, and the points of connection and conflict between European theatrical styles, indigenous and diasporic cultures, and governmental and anti-governmental performance. Through encounters with plays, primary sources, and current scholarship, students will investigate the varied meanings of the contested term 'American' and discover theatrical practices of other times, cultures and artists that wer used to create art that engaged with questions of defining and redefining the American theatre.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This is a course in 20th-21st century modernism and postmodernism in the theatre. It surveys evolving modernist/postmodernist theatre practices in their cultural and intellectual contexts, paying particular attention to the aesthetic evolution from one artistic philosophy to the next. Along the way Naturalism, Symbolism, Futurism, Expressionism, and Dada are explored, as well as Marxism, Structuralism, Poststructuralism, Orientalism, Postcolonialism, and several other theatrically influential aesthetic and theoretical ISMs. Course readings include plays, manifestos, and aesthetic theories. Course methodology focuses on explication of historical performances and their relationship to the social and political circumstances in which they occurred. Recommended Preparations: THEA 501; THEA 803

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Dramatic structure, theatrical validity, production viability of great play from Greek to eighteenth-century. Drama as blueprint for production. Graduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 1433

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Dramatic structure, theatrical validity, production viability of masterworks of theatre. Drama as the blueprint for production. Offered in London, England. THEA 506 Masterpieces in Production II (3) This course functions as a component of the core sequence on text analysis and dramatic literature required of all graduate students in the School of Theatre. As the course is offered only in London, England, it also functions as a core component of the international field studies program. While in residence at University Park, the focus of the course will be on literature and theory. Graduate students will then take up residence in London, England, where they will experience and analyze plays in production, focusing on production techniques and application of theory in the real world of the theatre.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

THEA 500 , THEA 505

Dramatic structure, theatrical validity, production viability of major American plays from Tyler to the present. Drama as blueprint for production.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Applications of Historical and Cultural Perspectives in Dramatic Production. Offered in Italy.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

e Applications of Historical and Cultural Perspectives in Dramatic Production. Offered in Prague and Budapest.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Applications of Visual/Spatial History in Dramatic Production. Offered in London, England. THEA 510 Experiential Analysis of Period Style (3) This course is taught in tandem with the second course of the core sequence on text analysis and dramatic literature required of all graduate students in the School of Theatre. As the course is offered only in London, England, it also functions as a core component of the international field studies program. Prior to taking up residence in England, students will explore films and dramatic texts set in periods ranging from the middle ages to the present day. Discussion will focus on the historic context for each dramatic work. Topics covered will include background information on historical events, an introduction to the visual world of each period, and the social/cultural ideology reflected in the period design.While in England, students will participate in tours of museums and historical sites. Class discussion will focus on establishing connections between the social/cultural content previously presented and the tactile, spatial experiences gained through seeing actual sites and artifacts from each period.The primary objective of the course will be to enhance the practical and intuitive understanding of period dramatic action in theatre s students of all disciplines by guiding them through actual experience of period artifacts and spaces.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Advanced scene study and class projects; development of individual student repertoires.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

THEA 523A

/Maximum of 4 The development and presentation of M.F.A. monographs in acting, design/ production, or directing.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

permission of graduate supervisor

/Maximum of 3 Theory and practice in approaches, procedures, and techniques in mounting a play. registration

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

THEA 410 , THEA 434 , permission of instructor prior to

Seminar in advanced theory and directorial practice. Designed for the advanced student of directing.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

THEA 530

Career orientation: resume preparation, interviewing, unions, survey of directorial opportunities, and review of major contemporary directors an practices.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

THEA 531

/Maximum of 2 Approved directing projects for the M.F.A. directing student.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

THEA 410 ; admission to the M.F.A. directing program

/Maximum of 9 Preparation of the script for revision during and following production o the student's original play.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

production approval

Design of plays for proper theatre and mass media.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

THEA 552 , MFA theatre design candidacy

/Maximum of 2 Current practice in portfolio development and presentation to client and employer.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

prior approval of faculty

Exploration and development of various crafts techniques with application to costume construction (i.e. masks, jewelry, armor, millinery, footwear, wigs).

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Course addresses individual problems in the stage lighting design process concentrating on the development of skills necessary for processional examination.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

THEA 570

Processes and problems in planning and designing theatres: performance, audience, and technical requirements.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 4 The development and presentation of M.F.A. monographs in design/ production. d

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 3 Continuing seminars which consist of a series of individual lectures by faculty, students, or outside speakers.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 3 Professional field experience in theatre performance, production, and management assignments. f THEA 596: Individual Studies 1-9 Credits/Maximum of 9 Creative projects, including nonthesis research, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

approval of internship by instructor prior to registration

/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

6

Credits (max)

6

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 999 No description.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

15

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6 Teaching of theatre and film classes under senior faculty supervision.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 999 No description.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

15

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Each generation of theatre artists, technicians, and scholars trains the next generation. This seminar has two goals: 1) to cover the nuts and bolts of preparing and teaching a theatre course, and 2) to do so in a way that proceeds from personal artist/citizen values. These two goals can be difficult to reconcile. Many if not most theatre instructors learn from key teachers of practice who teach the skills they know. This is one necessary dimension of teaching-imparting knowledge-but this course stretches the idea of teaching beyond this idea. The goal of this course is for students to discover how they fit into the field as a teacher and Graduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 1435 scholar, and how they might develop a portfolio of materials to be a successful job candidate and a successful teacher.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

The course enhances the ability of the actor to meet the voice and speech demands for the performance of Shakespeare. THEA 811 International Studio Intensive (1-9 per semester) The objective of the course is two-fold. The first part of the class deals with the vocal skills necessary for successful acting of the Shakespearean play. The actors work on a series of rigorous voice and speech exercises, and master an intense and complete warm-up that prepares them to deal with the text. The second portion of the course deals with the play-script itself and examines the relationship between the voice and the text. Working with sonnets and monologues, the student is introduced to scansion, imagery, alliteration, and other text related skills.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 9 Intensive studio application of processes and procedures within specific theatre disciplines as influenced by the work of international professionals.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

THEA 500 , THEA 505

Exercises, monologue, and scene study. Principal focus on realism. THEA 820A Acting I (3 per semester) THEA 820A is a laboratory or practicum course requiring active student presentation of assigned acting projects. Outside preparation and homework are required for all sessions. Working in pairs, each student will participate in improvisational scenes on a daily basis. In addition, each actor will be required to independently prepare and present various acting exercises, scenarios, and finally, a comprehensive play and character analysis for a scripted scene from contemporary realism (that will be performed with an acting partner the following semester). Critiques of each actor's work will be given on a daily basis and the student will be expected to rehearse outside of class to address any issues raised and to have them remedied for the next viewing.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

admission to the MFA performance acting program

Techniques and skills in physical expression, awareness, control, and stage movement. THEA 820B Movement for Actors I (2 per semester) A fundamental movement class designed to strengthen, prepare, and align the body for maximum freedom of expression. Emphasis is on concentration, flexibility, balance, coordination, relaxation and sensitivity to the impulses stimulated from outer and inner resources. Techniques may include but are not limited to time tested modalities such as Yoga, Alexander, Tai Chi, Pilates, Feldenkrais, and Modern Dance. Included in the course are units on nutrition, time management, and the proper care and maintenance of the physical instrument. Students will be evaluated according to their acquisition of skills and professional attitude.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Vocal techniques for the actor: articulation, voice control, support, and projection. THEA 820C Voice and Speech I (2) THEA 820C is the first in a sequence of voice and speech courses for the actor. This first semester installment will focus on awareness and conditioning activities related to breath, posture, resonance and articulation. Prose and poetry readings will be used for application activities. Students will experience activities that will heighten their physical awareness of vocalizing. Most activities will involve a re-learning of how they speak, brining to their conscious awareness the processes of voice/speech which were initially learned through early childhood nurturing. Class events will include awareness of breath patterns and the means to release inhibitive behaviors related to spinal posture, head and neck alignment, and musculature along the breath/vocal tract. Students will also gain awareness of how breath relates to their expressive/emotional system.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

admission to the MFA performance acting program

A continuation of THEA 520A. THEA 821A Acting II (3) The foundational work of the first semester continues with its application to scripted material, primarily drawn from contemporary drama. The actor's skills in contact, communication, and inventiveness are further developed, along with personalizing the given circumstances of the dramatic text. The concept of character: is introduced and students will begin the exploration of bringing truthful behavior to viewpoints different than their own. Each student will be paired with an acting partner and perform three scenes during the semester. A written, comprehensive script and character analysis will be required for each scene. Critiques of each actor's work will be given on a daily basis and the student will be expected to rehearse outside of class to address any issues raised and to have them remedied for the next viewing.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

THEA 820A

A continuation of THEA 520B. THEA 821B Movement for Actors II (2) Through the study and discipline of learning precise corporeal skills, the actors gain confidence and clarity of expression. This clarity is applied toward the creation of mimetic illusions, mask-work, tableaux, and various animal and effort shaping studies aimed at developing characters for the stage. Characters may range from the fantastic to the most real. Improvisation and specific exercises are developed to encourage bold physical choices and the liberation of the creative imagination. Actors work in individual, team, and ensemble situations to apply techniques toward meaningful rendition of ideas.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

THEA 820B

A continuation of THEA 520C. THEA 821C Voice and Speech II (2) THEA 821C is the second in a sequence of voice and speech courses for the actor. This second semester installment will continue the focus of voice/speech training addressed in THEA 820: focus on awareness and conditioning activities related to breath, posture, resonance and articulation. Prose and poetry readings will be used for application activities. Students will experience activities that will heighten their physical awareness of vocalizing. Most activities will involve a re-learning of how they speak, bringing to their conscious awareness the processes of voice/speech which were initially learned through early childhood nurturing. Class events will include awareness of breath patterns and the means to release inhibitive behaviors related to spinal posture, head and neck alignment, and musculature along the breath/vocal tract. Students will also gain awareness of how breath relates to their expressive/emotional system.Class activities will also include physical awareness of the consonant and vowels sounds and their phonetic transcriptions. Each event will strive to improve actors' intelligibility and increase musicality of speech. Through application assignments with word lists, sentences, poetry and prose, students will increase language sensitivity.This semester will also address voice quality issues directly and how they relate to the above. Specific events will focus on vibratory awareness in primary resonators and how to apply this awareness in all vocal life. Issues of vocal health, projection and emotional demands will be addressed.Students will be evaluated upon preparedness, work ethic, focus, openness to change, growth, degree of self-reliant recall and creative application of new skills. This studio performance class offers opportunity for assessment from the instructor in each class session. Periodic assignments will be made to assess self-reliant application of the work.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

THEA 820C

This course will focus on the research and development of skills necessary to perform the plays of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. THEA 822A Acting III (3) THEA 822A is designed to take the skills acquired in the movement, voice and acting studios in the first year of the graduate actor training program and apply them to the lush words, passionate images, and intense emotion required by the elevated texts of playwrights such as Shakespeare. The process requires the reduction of modern vocal and physical parasites and their replacement by a higher standard of speech and a classically open, expressive body. Truthful behavior in action is still the goal - the challenge is to embrace Shakespeare's truths.In the weeks devoted to scene study, the actors must learn to be comfortable with classical works, to confront any predisposition about style, and see that their vocal and physical instruments need to be strengthened in order to fully play classical characters.Because THEA 822A is a laboratory performance course, one in which students must be sharing what they are learning or performing on a daily basis, on-going assessment takes place through faculty feedback in working sessions, through faculty and peer critique of work presented, through an oral evaluation at mid-semester in conference with the graduate acting faculty, and through an extensive written evaluation and formal conference with the head of the School and the head of the acting program at semester's end. Other faculty will observe midterm and end of semester presentations to offer insights. Students thus receive assessment on many occasions in the course of the semester.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

THEA 821A

Advanced techniques and skills in physical expression. THEA 822B Movement for Actors III (2) Building upon the character work of the previous semester, actors delve into the specific demands of farcical comedy and the development of European clown characters. Comic devices, timing, exaggeration, and invention are studied and applied to specific texts dealing with farcical movement demands. Clown characters are devised and guided toward specific invention work aimed at developing skills needed for a wide variety of comic situations. Building upon the previous work, an ensemble improvisation piece is developed to enable actors to apply techniques to an invented world with many different and demanding situations. Linking to the classical work in the acting studio, the actors will finish with a unit dealing with comic and dramatic physical demands and pitfalls inherent in working within the world of Shakespeare's plays.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

THEA 821B

Advanced voice and speech training for the actor: articulation, resonance, and vocal technique related to verse and heightened language drama. THEA 822C Voice and Speech III (2) THEA 822C is the third in a sequence of voice and speech courses for the actor. This third semester installment will focus on review of speech and voice techniques and application of those techniques in the performance of Shakespearean drama text and other heightened language plays. Scansion of poetic meter, syntax, lexicon resources, and sound patterns will be the primary informative elements of vocal performance. Students will be assigned sonnets, monologues and scenes as vehicles for application in the studio.Students will be evaluated upon preparedness, work ethic, focus, openness to change, growth, degree of self-reliant recall and creative application of new skills. This studio performance class offers opportunity for assessment from the instructor in each class session. Periodic assignments will be made to assess self-reliant application of the work.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

THEA 821C

Students prepare audition material for their New York Showcase for theatrical agents. THEA 823A Acting IV (3) The objective of the course is the selection, rehearsal, and performance of audition material for the New York Showcase for theatrical agents. Students begin the semester by bringing large amounts of potential audition material into a peer review format where their fellow students and the instructor, evaluate the monologues and scenes and give specific feedback on its suitability. During the course of the semester, the students decide on a core of eight monologues and four scenes from which the final Showcase will be crafter. The monologues are performed for the class and the School of Theatre faculty. Graduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 1437

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

THEA 822A

Fundamentals of unarmed and armed stage combat with emphasis on enactment of safe and effective stage fights. THEA 823B Movement for Actors IV (2) Actors learn the basics of unarmed and armed stage combat techniques. Applying the standardized and time-tested safety measures derived from the Society of American FIght Directors, each actor must master kicks, slaps, punches, grabs, holds, rolls, and all other unarmed techniques. They must also learn how to wield a quarterstaff, rapier and dagger, and broadsword with confidence: safely and effectively enacting various styles of stage combat choreography. Designed to train specific techniques while raising kinetic awareness, the course also introduces the historical background for each weapon style.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

THEA 822B

A study of stage dialects. THEA 823C Voice and Speech IV (2) THEA 823C is the fourth in a sequence of voice and speech courses for the actor. This fourth semester installment will apply the articulation, phonetics and resonance skills addressed in prerequisite classes toward the acquisition of stage dialects and accents. For each dialect the student becomes aware of the resonance, phonetic transcription, inflection, and rhythmic changes necessary to perform dramatic text with an accent or dialect. Vocal agility, phonetic recall and the ability to integrate the altered vocal behavior to the demands of acting are the primary goals. Each dialect unit will have an introductory instruction, a review session, and a presentation of a reading of a dialect monologue. The final project will be the performance of two dialect monologues.Students will be evaluated upon preparedness, work ethic, focus, openness to change, growth, degree of self-reliant recall and creative application of new skills. This studio performance class offers opportunity for assessment from the instructor in each class session. Periodic assignments will be made to assess self-reliant application of the work.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

THEA 822C

This course introduces the actor to the skills necessary for successful performance in television, film, video and commercial venues.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

6

Credits (max)

6

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

THEA 823A , THEA 823B , THEA 823C

Development of audition repertoire; study of business topics; development, rehearsal and performance of NYC showcase. THEA 825A Acting Professionally/NYC Showcase (3)THEA 825A is a capstone course that brings closure to the actors' studio training and prepares them for entrance into the competitive world of the entertainment industry. The first half of the semester the students will locate, edit and present audition material for weekly critique. The students will also become aware of business practices related to the acting profession such as union membership, contracts, working with agents/casting directors, etc. During the second eight weeks the students will rehearse and eventually perform an audition showcase in NYC for talent agents and casting

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Rehearsal and performance of theatre productions at Penn State featuring third year MFA actors and professional guest artists.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 36 Advanced analysis, graphic, and presentation techniques for evolving and communicating design for the stage.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

6

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6 Advanced mastery of both traditional and modern techniques in costume creation for live performance This course will combine the instruction of all aspects of theatrical costume execution for the stage into a single studio. Upon completion of diagnostic exercises, costume faculty will work with students, providing project based instruction specific to the student's developmental level and necessary industry skill sets. Innovative methodologies and new technologies are also explored. This course will encourage a professional standard in skills and techniques, and promote a greater understanding of the creative and collaborative relationship between the technologist, costume designer, and performer.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

6

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 18 This is the core foundation studio for the music direction area of the MFA in Theatre. It involves small group and individual instruction, in which every skill and knowledge set necessary to the professional theatre music director is developed to a professional standard, through discussion, practice, and practicum in the form of membership in the music staff of a Centre Stage musical.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6 The student will spend half of each semester coaching and accompanying 2nd-year musical theatre undergraduates in their Acting the Song studio course, and the other conducting and music directing 3rd-year musical theatre undergraduates in their Musical Theatre Ensemble studio course.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course introduces the graduate music director to some of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating and rehearsing musical material for special events or individual performers, including instrumental arranging, musical theatre notation conventions and techniques, and working with musical theatre performers to create, rehearse and perform bespoke arrangements.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6 Design and execution of production design projects.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 18 Advanced special projects for the graduate designer and costumer.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

6

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

THEA 461 or THEA 560

Exploration and development of various draping techniques with application to costume construction.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Exploration and development of reproduction techniques relating to period clothing, and their application to costume construction.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6 Execution of production in construction and shop management.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6 Design and execution of production design projects.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6 Design and execution of production design projects.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6 Continuing, professionally oriented seminars that consist of a series of individual lectures by faculty, students, or outside speakers.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 15 Supervised, professionally oriented, off-campus, nongroup instruction, including field experiences, practicums, or internships. Written and oral critique of activity required.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

15

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 12 Creative projects with a professional orientation, including non-thesis research, that are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 18 Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject with a professional orientation that may be offered infrequently. Training and Development - CA (TRDEV)

Subject

THEA

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu