2026-2027 Academic Catalog

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Theatre and Cinema (TA)

TA 1004 - School of Performing Arts First Year Experience (1 credit) 
Orientation to the School of Performing Arts philosophy and the resources of the School, the College, and the University. Cultivate a common intellectual, analytical, and creative conversation among first-year students. Enhance student participation in the creative and scholarly life of the Schools programs. Foster a sense of community and understanding across disciplines.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: MUS 1004 
TA 2014 - Introduction to Theatre (3 credits) 
Appreciation and understanding of theatre as a living, collaborative art form through historical and intercultural perspectives, readings of key texts and analysis of scripts, and explorations of all elements of the theater making process, including playwriting, directing, acting, and design.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 2 Critical Thinking Humanities, 6A Critique & Practice in Arts, 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
TA 2024 - Introduction to Acting (3 credits) 
Introductory performance class in acting skills and theories as a participant (actor) and observer (audience) for the non-major. Includes performances of dramatic literature/ improvisation for live audience, creating character biography and script analysis, historical and intercultural contexts, and techniques in constructive criticism that incorporate interpretive strategies.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 2 Critical Thinking Humanities, 6A Critique & Practice in Arts, 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
TA 2044 - Contemporary African American Theatre (3 credits) 
Contributions of U.S. Black theatre artists; intersectional identities; performances spaces and society; critical race theory; dramatic storytelling; cultural behaviors; racial discrimination.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 2 Critical Thinking Humanities, 7 Identity & Equity in U.S., 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: AFST 2044, ENGL 2044 
TA 2104 - Fundamentals of Theatre and Production (3 credits) 
Introduction to theatre vocabulary and understanding of the theatrical process, theatre aesthetics, theatrical modes of expression, basic script analysis, production analysis, theory and practice of collaboration, theatre organizations, history and operations of professional theatres. (T & C majors and minors only).
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
TA 2114 - Script Analysis (3 credits) 
An examination of drama as a foundational element of theatre and cinema, emphasizing approaches to script and screenplay analysis; the identification of theatrical and cinematic components within dramatic texts; and critical inquiry into how historical and cultural contexts inform dramatic structure, thematic development, and production concept.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
TA 2134 - Acting Lab (3 credits) 
An introduction to the craft of acting through a variety of laboratory experiences, beginning with basic performance skills and culminating in a performance experience. Emphasis is on acting terminology, script analysis, characterization, and rehearsal and performance techniques for live or filmed productions. Limited to Theatre & Cinema majors. Design Lab Studio.
Instructional Contact Hours: (5 Lab, 3 Crd) 
TA 2144 - Foundations of Movement and Voice (3 credits) 
An introduction to the process of acting, through a variety of laboratory experiences, beginning with basic performance skills and culminating in the performance experience. Emphasis is on various methods of performance style and analysis, theater movement and body conditioning, and vocal awareness and production. Limited to Theatre & Cinema Majors.
Prerequisite(s): TA 2134 or TA 2024 
Instructional Contact Hours: (6 Lab, 3 Crd) 
TA 2164 - Production Design Lab (3 credits) 
Introduction to foundational concepts, processes, and practices of production design for Theatre and Cinema. Through hands-on studio and lab work, students explore how scenic, costume, lighting, and sound design contribute to storytelling across a range of dramatic styles, types, and texts. Emphasis is placed on developing core competencies in analysis, research, visualization, collaboration, and the effective articulation of design ideas through visual, written, digital, and verbal methods. Students engage in a sequence of short design exercises that integrate introductory artistic, conceptual, and technical approaches to production design. Design Lab Studio.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 2 Lab, 3 Crd) 
TA 2174 - Costume Design Lab (3 credits) 
Introduction to the processes, technologies, and aesthetics of costume design for theatrical productions and analysis of playscripts. Focus on developing workshop drawings, conceptual design and vision, and collaborative skills related to costume design, with special emphasis on historical and contemporary theatre practice. Various design approaches, different media, and a range of design problems are introduced. Design Lab/Studio.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 2 Lab, 3 Crd) 
TA 2204 - Creative Dance (3 credits) 
Study of the expressive elements of movement and dance. Basic choreographic procedures and small group work to design dances that emphasize particular movement concepts. Experience in music and movement of diverse dance cultures. Documentation of the pathways of dances in floorplans and written reflections on the creative processes.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 6A Critique & Practice in Arts, 6D Critique & Prac in Design, 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
TA 2224 - Intermediate Performance Intensive (3 credits) 
This course provides the Theatre & Cinema major, who desires a rigorous exploration of acting, a forum for application of the techniques and skills learned. These skills will be strengthened and applied through observation of and participation in scene and monologue work. Focus will be placed on basic skills and concepts necessary to creative, truthful, and believable performance of selected scenes, including use of voice and body, imagination, relaxation, sense and emotion memory, and script analysis. Limited to Theatre & Cinema Majors.
Prerequisite(s): TA 2134 or TA 2024 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
TA 2404 - Creative Collaboration (3 credits) 
Introduction to principles of collaboration. Practice situational, intrapersonal, and interpersonal awareness; audience engagement and comprehension; effective feedback skills using primary and secondary communicative actions; addressing perceptual differences within collaborative and cross‑cultural relationships; effective storytelling; and team creativity. Employ dramatic role play, conflict resolution techniques, and applied theatre techniques to communicate across differences in public and professional settings.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 1A Discourse Advanced, 6A Critique & Practice in Arts, 6D Critique & Prac in Design, 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
TA 2414 - Stage and Lighting Technology (3 credits) 
A practical study of the technologies and specialized equipment employed in the construction, rigging and running of theatrical production; the planning and organization involved in mounting these productions; the tools, materials and techniques used to realize theatrical design and build scenery; and the fundamentals of stage lighting.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
TA 2424 - Fundamentals of Directing (3 credits) 
This course introduces key theories and practical methods for directing theatre and cinema. Students will develop skills in analysis of dramatic texts from a director’s perspective, develop and express a creative vision, and tackle directing challenges such as composition, directing actors, leadership of group creativity, and integration of design elements. Students will experiment with and apply visual and sonic storytelling skills as a director, give and receive constructive feedback utilizing critical response techniques, and gain knowledge of basic professional practices for a director in theatre and cinema. Design Lab Studio.
Instructional Contact Hours: (5 Lab, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: CINE 2424 
TA 2604 - Introduction to Arts Marketing (3 credits) 
An introduction to the theories and practice of marketing and building community engagement as applied to arts activities and professional not-for-profit arts organizations, through a survey of standard marketing approaches, examination of current practices in the field, and direct hands-on experience.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: MUS 2604 
TA 2964 - Field Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
TA 2974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
TA 2974H - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
TA 2984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
TA 2984G - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Pathway Concept Area(s): 7 Identity & Equity in U.S. 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
TA 2984M - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Pathway Concept Area(s): 6A Critique & Practice in Arts 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
TA 3014 - Production Lab (1-3 credits) 
Hands‑on experience in theatre and cinema production through lab placements in performance, production design and technology, production and arts management, and cinema. Students apply essential production practices and develop an understanding of how artistic, technical, and organizational components function together in the production process. Emphasis on professional communication, craftsmanship, and problem‑solving. May be repeated four times for a maximum of nine credits.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3-9 Lab, 1-3 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 9 credit hours 
TA 3104 - Sound Technology Topics (3-6 credits) 
Rotating topics in theatre sound technology and sound design. Designed for advanced theatre arts and cinema majors who have foundational training in areas of theatre technology and design. May be repeated 2 times with different content for a maximum of 9 credit hours. Design Lab.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 3-8 Lab, 3-6 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 9 credit hours 
TA 3105 - History of Drama and Theatre (3 credits) 
History of drama and theatre from primitive ritual to the present day and its relationship to the social, economic, and political forces from age to age. 3105: primitive, Greek, Roman, Medieval, Renaissance, and Asian. 3106: Restoration, eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries. Junior standing required.
Prerequisite(s): TA 2114 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
TA 3106 - History of Drama and Theatre (3 credits) 
History of drama and theatre from primitive ritual to the present day and its relationship to the social, economic, and political forces from age to age. 3105: primitive, Greek, Roman, Medieval, Renaissance, and Asian. 3106: Restoration, eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries.
Prerequisite(s): TA 2114 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
TA 3114 - Scenography Topics (9 credits) 
Rotating topics in scenography and related specific design applications. Designed for theatre arts majors who have foundational training in areas of theatre design. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite(s): TA 2164 
Instructional Contact Hours: (9 Lec, 9 Lab, 9 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 9 credit hours 
TA 3124 - Costume Design and Technology Topics (1-9 credits) 
Rotating topics of costume design and costume technology. Designed for advanced theatre arts majors who have foundational training in all areas if theatre design. May be repeated for credit.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1-9 Lec, 1-9 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 9 credit hours 
TA 3134 - Lighting Topics (1-9 credits) 
Rotating topics in lighting design and technology. Designed for advanced theatre arts majors who have foundational training in all areas of theatre arts. May be repeated for credit. (Variable credit)
Prerequisite(s): TA 2414 
Instructional Contact Hours: (1-9 Lec, 1-9 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 9 credit hours 
TA 3144 - Theatre Technology Topics (9 credits) 
Rotating topics in design and theatre technology. Designed for advanced theatre arts majors who have foundational training in all areas if theatre technology and design. May be repeated for unlimited number of credit hours.
Prerequisite(s): TA 2414 
Instructional Contact Hours: (9 Lec, 9 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 9 credit hours 
TA 3154 - Acting Topics (9 credits) 
Rotating topics in performance skills and theories. Designed For advanced theatre arts majors who have foundational training in acting, voice and movement. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite(s): TA 2134 or TA 2024 
Instructional Contact Hours: (9 Lec, 9 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 9 credit hours 
TA 3164 - Voice and Speech Topics (9 credits) 
Rotating topics in voice and speech skills, and theories and practice in performance. Designed for advanced theatre arts majors who have foundational training in acting, voice and movement. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite(s): TA 2134 or TA 2024 
Instructional Contact Hours: (9 Lec, 9 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 9 credit hours 
TA 3174 - Movement Topics (9 credits) 
Rotating topics in theatre movement, dance for the theatre and theories of physical expression in the performing arts. Designed for advanced theatre arts majors who have foundational training in acting voice and movement. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credit hours.
Prerequisite(s): TA 2134 or TA 2024 
Instructional Contact Hours: (9 Lec, 9 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 9 credit hours 
TA 3315 - Playwriting (3 credits) 
A workshop course in the craft and art of playwriting which emphasizes the development of craft and the nurturing of vision and art. 3315: primary focus is on the writing of original scripts with additional attention paid to the work of influential playwrights and critics. 3316: primary focus is on the creative process of developing a play with the collaborative influences of a director, actors, designers, and other theatre professionals. Consent of instructor required.
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1106 or ENGL 1204H or COMM 1016 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: ENGL 3315 
TA 3604 - Arts Management (3 credits) 
The development of the not-for-profit arts organization, structures and characteristics of boards of directors, artistic missions and goals, funding, volunteer support, and fiscal control. Junior standing required.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
TA 3624 - Stage Management (3 credits) 
The systems, procedures, forms, and duties of the stage manager in the professional, academic, and community theatre are explored in relationship to the production process and other theatre artists.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
TA 3954 - Study Abroad (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
TA 3954F - Study Abroad (1-19 credits) 
Pathway Concept Area(s): 6A Critique & Practice in Arts, 6D Critique & Prac in Design 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
TA 3954M - Study Abroad (1-19 credits) 
Pathway Concept Area(s): 6A Critique & Practice in Arts 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
TA 3984M - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Pathway Concept Area(s): 6A Critique & Practice in Arts 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
TA 4014 - Contemporary Theatre Seminar (3 credits) 
Issues and concerns in contemporary theatre; production philosophies and approaches, employment opportunities, career options, and preparation of portfolio and resume materials. Junior standing required.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
TA 4304 - Theatre Outreach (1-3 credits) 
Participation in theatre projects or activities that focus on community and social issues. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Junior standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1-3 Lec, 1-3 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 6 credit hours 
TA 4315 - Directing (3 credits) 
Script analysis, theories, techniques, and practical applications of theatrical direction. 4315: Theories and aesthetics of directing, functions of the director, script analysis, basic principles and techniques of staging. 4316: Rehearsal techniques, style determination realism, and non-realism. Senior standing required.
Prerequisite(s): TA 2134 and TA 2114 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
TA 4316 - Directing (3 credits) 
Script analysis, theories, techniques, and practical applications of theatrical direction. 4315: Theories and aesthetics of directing, functions of the director, script analysis, basic principles and techniques of staging. 4316: Rehearsal techniques, style determination realism, and non-realism.
Prerequisite(s): TA 4315 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
TA 4704 - Professional Theatre Internship (9-15 credits) 
Internship of one semester in acting, directing, management, design, or technical theatre or cinema with a professional equity company for selected advanced students; classroom, workshop, and production experiences. Minimum 9 credits, maximum 15 credits. Audition and consent.
Instructional Contact Hours: (9-15 Lec, 9-15 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 15 credit hours 
TA 4964 - Field Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
TA 4974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
TA 4974H - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
TA 4984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
TA 4994 - Undergraduate Research (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
TA 4994H - Undergraduate Research (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
TA 5015 - Graduate Seminar (3 credits) 
Special topics in the theory and practice of theatre, current trends, and recent developments.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
TA 5016 - Graduate Seminar (3 credits) 
Special topics in the theory and practice of theatre, current trends, and recent developments.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
TA 5315G - Advanced Directing (3 credits) 
Script analysis, theories, techniques, and practical applications of theatrical direction. Theories and aesthetics of directing, functions of the director, script analysis, basic principles and techniques of staging. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
TA 5415 - Production Studio I (2-6 credits) 
Investigation of various fundamental production problems involving topic-oriented research, collaborative work, and individual projects. (2H, 2C minimum; 6H, 6C maximum) each.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2-6 Lec, 2-6 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 6 credit hours 
TA 5416 - Production Studio I (2-6 credits) 
Iinvestigation of various fundamental production problems involving topic-oriented research, collaborative work, and individual projects. (2H, 2C minimum; 6H, 6C maximum) each.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2-6 Lec, 2-6 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 6 credit hours 
TA 5425 - Production Studio II (2-6 credits) 
Investigation and experimentation with various advanced production problems involving topic-oriented research, collaborative work, and individual projects. (2H, 2C minimum; 6H, 6C maximum) each.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2-6 Lec, 2-6 Crd) 
TA 5426 - Production Studio II (2-6 credits) 
Iinvestigation and experimentation with various advanced production problems involving topic-oriented research, collaborative work, and individual projects. (2H, 2C minimum; 6H, 6C maximum) each.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2-6 Lec, 2-6 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 6 credit hours 
TA 5435 - Production Studio III (2-6 credits) 
Investigation of specific production problems requiring the application of professional competencies (2H, 2C minimum; 6H, 6C maximum) each.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2-6 Lec, 2-6 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 6 credit hours 
TA 5436 - Production Studio III (2-6 credits) 
Investigation of specific production problems requiring the application of professional competencies. (2H, 2C minimum; 6H, 6C maximum) each.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2-6 Lec, 2-6 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 6 credit hours 
TA 5504 - Topics in Theatrical Scenic Technology I (3 credits) 
Topic-centered investigation in theatrical production process and management, or technical theatre design concepts. Examination of theories and practice through research, communication and collaborative practices. Theoretical examination and practical application of a range of approaches and trends in the field. May be repeated once for credit with different content, for a maximum of 6 credits. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 6 credit hours 
TA 5524 - Topics in Theatrical Scenic Technology III (3 credits) 
Topic-centered investigation in the physics, equipment, and automation involved in mechanical design for the theatrical stage. Examination of common practices through research, mathematical application, and practical application. Characteristic investigation and practical application of a range of approaches and trends in the field. May be repeated twice (2 times) for credit with different content, for a maximum of 9 credits. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 9 credit hours 
TA 5614 - Topics in Art Leadership I (3 credits) 
Topic-centered investigation in arts management, leadership, or advocacy. Examination of theories and practice through research, communication and collaborative practices. Theoretical examination and practical application of a range of approaches and trends in the field. May be repeated two times for credit with different content, for a maximum of 9 credits. Pre: Graduate Standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 9 credit hours 
TA 5624 - Topics in Art Leadership II (3 credits) 
Topic-centered investigation in specialized areas of arts management: arts marketing, development (fundraising), or grant writing. Involves research, communication and collaborative practices, and individual projects. Theoretical examination and practical application of a range of approaches and trends in the field. May be repeated two times for credit with different content, for a maximum of 9 credits. Pre: Graduate Standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 9 credit hours 
TA 5634 - Topics in Art Leadership III (3 credits) 
Topic-centered investigation in various areas of advanced arts management: human resources, financial management, or strategic management. Involves research, communication and collaborative practices, and individual projects. Theoretical examination and practical application of a range of approaches and trends in the field. May be repeated two times for credit with different content, for a maximum of 9 credits. Pre: Graduate Standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 9 credit hours 
TA 5704 - Graduate Theatre Internship (9 credits) 
Internship of one semester in production (technical theatre, design, or directing), child drama (theatre for youth or creative drama), or arts management (including stage management) with a professional theatre company or similar off-campus professional situation.
Instructional Contact Hours: (27 Lab, 9 Crd) 
TA 5894 - Final Examination (3 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
TA 5904 - Project and Report (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
TA 5974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
TA 5984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
TA 5994 - Research and Thesis (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course