Theatre
http://www.whitworth.edu/theatre
Whitworth Theatre and Dance is dedicated to cultivating artistic integrity in its students and its program as we explore the many aspects of theatre in an environment that challenges our students to integrate their faith with their art within and beyond the Whitworth University community.
Students in the theatre and dance program address two primary questions:
- What does it mean to be a Christian in theatre? (Or, what does it mean to be a theatre artist?)
- What is Christian theatre? (Or, what is the function of theatre?)
Departmental Goals and Objectives
By the end of the sophomore year, the student will be able to do the following:
- Analyze a dramatic script from the perspective of the actor
- Employ a variety of rehearsal techniques
- Prepare an audition
- Create both individual and group performances from a variety of texts
- Articulate basic theoretical and ethical performance issues
- Construct basic stock units for a set
- Employ proper vocal techniques for performance (acting track)
- Employ proper movement techniques for performance (acting track)
By graduation, the student will be able to do the following:
- Define “Christian theatre” and explain what it means to be a Christian in theatre from a personal point of view (or, if the student is not a Christian, s/he is asked to define “theatre” and what it means to be in theatre given her/his worldview)
- Execute the four fundamentals of play directing: play analysis, communication with actors, design and production, interpretation and style
- Identify important practices, playwrights, and plays in the history of theatre and articulate the relationship between theatre and the culture within which it exists
- Construct a theoretical argument using historical information
- Create and present a project demonstrating expertise in a chosen area: performance, directing, theatre in education or community engagement, design or research
- Develop and demonstrate a standard audition packet (acting track) or portfolio (technical theatre track) as defined by URTA (acting track)
Requirements for a Theatre Major, B.A. (38-40)
All tracks require the following core courses: (25) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Take 2 credits from the following: | 2 | |
TA 145 | Theatre Production | |
TA 245 | Theatre Production | |
TA 345 | Theatre Production | |
TA 445 | Theatre Production | |
| TA 231 | Performance Theory and Practice | 3 |
| TA 270 | Stage Makeup & Costume Construction | 2 |
| TA 273 | Acting I | 3 |
| TA 275 | Technical Theatre I | 3 |
| TA 361 | Fundamentals of Directing | 3 |
| TA 476W | History of Theatre I | 3 |
| TA 477W | History of Theatre II | 3 |
| TA 498 | Senior Project | 3 |
All students enter the major in the general track and remain in the track unless they apply for admission into one of the other tracks. Only students who have specific post-graduate education and/or career goals in another track should apply into that track. Admission into track II, III, or IV carries with it the expectation of significant contributions to the department in those areas. Admission is limited to two tracks.
Track I: General (38-40) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Required core courses | 25 | |
| TA 375 | Technical Theatre II | 3 |
| Two courses from the following: | 4-6 | |
TA 100 | Introduction to Theatre | |
TA 215 | Acting for the Camera | |
TA 276 | Improvisational Acting | |
TA 277 | Mime | |
TA 279 | Voice for the Performer | |
TA 282 | Movement for the Performer | |
EL 247 | Shakespeare | |
| Six additional credits in theatre | 6 | |
Track II: Community-Based Theatre (40) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Required core courses | 25 | |
| TA 116 | Theatre in Community | 3 |
| TA 348 | Performance and Social Change | 3 |
| TA 316 | Community-Based Theatre | 3 |
| AR/TA 435 Arts Administration | 3 | |
| Three additional advisor-approved credits in community engagement courses | 3 | |
Track III: Acting (40) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Required core courses | 25 | |
| TA 276 | Improvisational Acting | 3 |
| TA 279 | Voice for the Performer | 2 |
| TA 282 | Movement for the Performer | 2 |
| TA 473 | Acting II | 3 |
| Five additional credits in theatre | 5 | |
Track IV: Technical Theatre (40) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Required core courses | 25 | |
| TA 375 | Technical Theatre II | 3 |
| Nine additional credits in drawing or design | 9 | |
| One of the following courses in art history: | 3 | |
AR 260, 360 History of Ancient Art | ||
AR 261, 361 History of Renaissance and Baroque Art | ||
AR 263, 363 History of Modern Art | ||
AR 264, 364 History of Medieval Art | ||
Requirements for a Theatre Minor (20-21) | ||
|---|---|---|
| (meets current endorsement requirements) | ||
| All endorsements subject to change; see School of Education for updated requirements. | ||
| TA 100 | Introduction to Theatre | 3 |
| TA 231 | Performance Theory and Practice | 3 |
| TA 270 | Stage Makeup & Costume Construction | 2 |
| TA 273 | Acting I | 3 |
| TA 361 | Fundamentals of Directing | 3 |
| Required for teaching endorsement only | ||
| TA 344 | Theatre Across the Curriculum | 1 |
| One of the following: | 2-3 | |
TA 255 | Story Theatre | |
TA 276 | Improvisational Acting | |
TA 277 | Mime | |
TA 279 | Voice for the Performer | |
TA 282 | Movement for the Performer | |
TA 348 | Performance and Social Change | |
| One of the following: | 3 | |
TA 275 | Technical Theatre I | |
TA 375 | Technical Theatre II | |
Requirements for a Theatre-Dance Minor (20) | ||
|---|---|---|
| TA/PE 143 Ballet I | 1 | |
| TA/PE 183 Jazz Dance I | 1 | |
| TA 231 | Performance Theory and Practice | 3 |
| TA 282 | Movement for the Performer | 2 |
| TA 381 | Dance History & Choreography | 3 |
| Two of the following: | 4 | |
TA 236 | Hip Hop | |
TA 343 | Ballet II | |
TA 283 | Musical Theatre Dance | |
TA 383 | Jazz Dance II | |
| Six additional dance, advisor-approved, credits | 6 | |
Fine Arts Courses
| FA 101 Introduction to the Fine Arts | 3 |
| Integrates the disciplines of art, music, theatre and dance into an examination of the fine-arts experience. Examines elements, media, expressiveness. Fall and spring semesters. | |
| |
| FA 300 British Culture through the Arts | 3 |
| Experience various aspects of English theatre and British culture through three weeks in London. Students are required to visit museums, art galleries, cathedrals, universities and other places of historical and cultural significance, as well as multiple chosen theatre and music events. Priority will be given to junior/senior students. Graded S/NS. Jan Term, even years. | |
| |
| FA 301 Power and Politics of Art: Italy/Germany | 3 |
| Exploration of the arts (primarily visual arts and music) in Rome, Florence, and Berlin, with emphasis on the arts in relation to history, culture, and political systems. Offered Jan Term, odd years. | |
| |
| FA 305 Christianity and the Arts in Italy | 3 |
| This course will lead students to the following Italian cities: Milan, Venice, Florence, Siena, Assisi and Rome. The goals of this program are to study and analyze historical and religious developments of Christianity in Italy with an additional emphasis on Christian fine arts. Students will face important political, religious and artistic issues that have shaped Italian Christianity and culture in the past and present. | |
| |
| FA 365 Fine Arts Culture in Britain | 3 |
| Taught when a faculty member from the Whitworth Theatre, Music or Art Department is part of the study program to the British Isles. | |
| |
Theatre Courses
| TA 100 Introduction to Theatre | 3 |
| An introduction to theatre history, literature, criticism, and the practicalities of creating theatre, with particular emphasis upon its cultural and social influences on society. | |
| |
| TA 116 Theatre in Community | 3 |
| An introduction to theatre in a community context. Includes study of at-risk student populations, urban poverty, and playwriting as a tool for social change. Practical application of skills and knowledge in Spokane public school. Jan Term, even years. Meets American diversity requirement. | |
| |
| TA 130 Private Lessons | 1-2 |
| Individual instruction arranged with members of the theatre faculty. All theatre majors must enroll for private lessons concurrently with TA 494, Senior Project. Arrangements by non-majors must be made with the department before registering for private lessons. Fee. Fall and spring semesters. | |
| |
| TA 137 Modern Dance | 1 |
| Analysis and theory of modern dance with an emphasis on basic technique and movement exploration. Includes a study of the evolution of modern dance and its past and present pioneers. May be repeated. Fall semester. | |
| |
| TA 143 Ballet I | 1 |
| Beginning instruction in classical ballet focusing on vocabulary and technique. Includes barre and center exercises designed to develop coordination, balance, flexibility and strength. Fall semester. | |
| |
| TA 145 Theatre Production | 1 |
| Instruction and performance on stage or backstage in a major theatre production. Repeatable for credit to a maximum of 6 semester credits. Registration for credit in Theatre Production is contingent upon a successful audition or permission granted for backstage work. Graded S/NS. | |
| |
| TA 183 Jazz Dance I | 1 |
| A beginning course in jazz to empower students to see their strengths in expressing themselves through dance. Emphasis not only on technique, vocabulary, stretching and strengthening, but on stringing movements together through choreography. No experience necessary. Fall semester. | |
| |
| TA 184 Postures of the Soul: Sacred Dance | 1 |
| The course seeks to offer students opportunities to explore the biblical, historical and experiential connection of prayer, posturing and movement. An overview of sacred movement and meditations will be presented. Jan Term. | |
| |
| TA 191 Independent Study | 1-4 |
| |
| TA 196 Topics in Theatre | 1-3 |
| Selected lower-division topics in theatre. Periodic offering. | |
| |
| TA 215 Acting for the Camera | 1 |
| This course teaches basic camera acting skills. Distinctions between commercial, television and film acting are included. Marketing materials, daily exercises, on set terminology and protocol, and reading a screenplay are all covered. Practicum in camera work is emphasized. | |
| |
| TA 216 Modern Drama | 3 |
| A survey of modern drama including the major movements, playwrights and representative plays from 1900 to the present. | |
| |
| TA 217 Mask-Making | 3 |
| An overview of the design concepts and production concepts of mask making. Experimentation with a variety of artistic mediums. Jan Term, periodic offering. Fee. | |
| |
| TA 230 Private Lessons | 1-2 |
| See TA 130. | |
| |
| TA 231 Performance Theory and Practice | 3 |
| Students create solo and group performances in non-traditional styles. Emphasis on both practical skill-building and theoretical understanding of performance. Limited enrollment. Should not be taken concurrently with TA 273. Fall and spring semesters. | |
| |
| TA 236 Hip Hop | 2 |
| Students will learn hip hop technique through warm-ups, choreography, and instructional videos. Culmination project is performance in Broadway Unbound. Prequisite: TA 181. Spring, even years. | |
| |
| TA 243 Accelerated Ballet | 1 |
| Continuing instruction in classical ballet focusing on vocabulary and techniques. Includes intermediate barre and center combinations designed to develop coordination, balance, flexibility and strength. Prerequisite: PE/TA 143. Fall and Spring semesters, periodic offering. | |
| |
| TA 245 Theatre Production | 1 |
| See TA 145. | |
| |
| TA 250 Stage Management | 3 |
| Introduction to the principles and practices of stage and production management for theatre and the related performing arts. Emphasis on management style, facilitating communication and conflict management. Spring semester, periodic. | |
| |
| TA 255 Story Theatre | 3 |
| Combines the art forms of interpretation and pantomime in the performance of stories that have been adapted for stage presentation. An improvisational approach is encouraged. Jan Term and May Term, periodic offering. | |
| |
| TA 270 Stage Makeup & Costume Construction | 2 |
| An introduction to the art of stage makeup. Lab experience includes brief explanations and demonstrations followed by student applications. Enrollment is limited. Fee. Spring semester. | |
| |
| TA 273 Acting I | 3 |
| Learn to live truthfully under the imaginary circumstances of a play. The objective is for the student to become an intelligent actor, able to analyze and critique a script, develop a character, and respond to a directors coaching. Enrollment is limited. Not to be taken concurrently with TA 231. Fall and spring semesters. | |
| |
| TA 275 Technical Theatre I | 3 |
| A general overview course that will provide an introduction to terms, tools and equipment utilized in technical theatre including, but not limited to, scenic construction, basic lighting, and sound. Lectures will focus on terminology, identification and basic principles. Labs will offer hands-on experience building the fall Main Stage production constructing flats and platforms, hanging and focusing lighting instruments and setting up basic sound reinforcement. Fall semester. | |
| |
| TA 276 Improvisational Acting | 3 |
| Learn exercises and techniques leading to self-discovery in the releasing of creative potential. Experience problem-solving games and activities and perform before various audiences. Fee. Fall semester. | |
| |
| TA 277 Mime | 3 |
| Study mime techniques that include creating an image, moving illusions, characterization, script writing and performance. Periodic offering. | |
| |
| TA 279 Voice for the Performer | 2 |
| Training in the effective use of the speaking voice for public performance. Limited to theatre majors; others by permission. Spring semester. | |
| |
| TA 280 Field Studies | 1-4 |
| |
| TA 282 Movement for the Performer | 2 |
| Examination of the theories and practices of Bartenieff, Laban, Alexander, Yoga and Pilates. Each session includes lecture but focuses on practical application through exercises, stretching, strengthening, and freeing. Prerequisite: TA 273. Fee. Fall semester. | |
| |
| TA 283 Musical Theatre Dance | 2 |
| Examination of the unique history of musical theatre. Students study the techniques and choreographic styles required for performance in musicals. The culminating project is a public performance. Spring semester, odd years. | |
| |
| TA 290 Internship | 1-4 |
| |
| TA 291 Independent Study | 1-4 |
| |
| TA 296 Stories and Speeches | 3 |
| This course will use the methodologies and forms of a practice called InterPlay to create and communicate stories and other types of oral presentations. Specifically, InterPlay uses a variety of story-telling forms to teach people how to construct a narrative in the moment. | |
| |
| TA 301 The Actor's Experience: New York City | 3 |
| Explore culture, history and arts in New York City, from the artist's point of view. Students are exposed to a variety of art forms, including music, visual art, film, dance and theatre.It also includes a participatory, skill-building experience, in which students work with NYC arts professionals to learn performance skills. Jan Term study tour, odd years. | |
| |
| TA 314 Church Drama | 3 |
| This course involves study of classic and contemporary drama used in Christian worship. Students will engage in biblical text study, critical writing, playwriting, and performance of original theatre on campus and in area churches. Periodic offering. | |
| |
| TA 316 Community-Based Theatre | 3 |
| A practical study of Community-Based Theatre concepts and practices. As a group, students will devise and perform an original piece of theatre in collaboration with a community organization. Spring semester, even years. TA-348 is recommended but not required. | |
| |
| TA 317 Company Class | 3 |
| An ensemble-based performance project where students are responsible for all aspects of the production including research, publicity, performance and tech. The student company will also develop educational workshops, presentations, and discussions to accompany the production. Course will culminate in public performance and may include touring. Permission required. Audition only. Periodic offering. | |
| |
| TA 321 Gender, Performance, and Pop Culture | 3 |
| Exploration both of gender as performance and gender in performance. Engagement with a range of theories in the areas of gender and representation, including how ideas about gender are portrayed, reinforced, or challenged through a variety of plays, films, and other performance materials. | |
| |
| TA 330 Private Lessons | 1-2 |
| See TA 130. | |
| |
| TA 337 Modern Dance II | 2 |
| This course will provide instruction and performance experiences in advanced principles and techniques of Modern Dance. This is a performance-based course. Prerequisite: TA 234. Spring, even years | |
| |
| TA 342 Principles of Dance Conditioning | 2 |
| Students will be given tools to understand then connect the anatomy and physiology of the body to dance. The performance of practical exercises will allow application of the knowledge earned. Spring semester, even years. | |
| |
| TA 343 Ballet II | 2 |
| An intermediate course in classical ballet focusing on vocabulary, technique and choreography. Includes barre and center combinations designed to further develop coordination, balance, flexibility and strength. The course culminates in a public performance. Spring semester. | |
| |
| TA 344 Theatre Across the Curriculum | 1 |
| Theatre techniques can be applied across the curriculum in any elementary classroom. Students will study creative drama, story theatre, reader's theatre and improvisation. Students will learn the techniques and perform them, as well as apply them to their own teaching situations. Priority to elementary-education majors. Fee. Fall and spring semesters. | |
| |
| TA 345 Theatre Production | 1 |
| See TA 145. | |
| |
| TA 348 Performance and Social Change | 3 |
| The application of theatre for community dialogue, civic engagement, and social action. Students will create original material in a variety of styles. TA 231 is recommended but not required. Periodic offering. | |
| |
| TA 355 Story Theatre | 3 |
| See TA 255. | |
| |
| TA 361 Fundamentals of Directing | 3 |
| The technical aspects of directing include play selection, casting, blocking, emphasis on characters, picturization, composition, rhythm. The student will study, then apply these techniques by staging a short production for a public audience. Prerequisite: TA 231 and TA 273. Fall semester. | |
| |
| TA 373 Character Study | 3 |
| A practical exploration of theories and methods for creating character, including scene work, playing multiple characters, creating original work, and solo performance. Students must have completed TA 231 and TA 273 prior to registering for TA 373. Course is substitutable for TA 473 in the performance track. Spring semester, even years. | |
| |
| TA 375 Technical Theatre II | 3 |
| An introductory course in scenic and lighting design, with emphasis on learning the principles and elements of design, the basic principles of drafting and rendering, and the process to create a complete design package from script to ground plan or light plot. Projects will include complete scenic design and lighting design, culminating in a realized design of a dance for the production of Broadway Unbound. Labs will assist with the building and hanging for the spring production, along with more detailed hands-on experience in the nature of drafting, model building, color theory and projects in lighting. Fee. Prerequisite: TA 275. Spring semester, even years. | |
| |
| TA 379 Advanced Voice for the Performer | 3 |
| Advanced training in diction and vocal production with emphasis on text work. Prerequisite: TA 279. Spring semester. | |
| |
| TA 381 Dance History & Choreography | 3 |
| Examination of the origins and characteristics of major dance genres. Additionally, students will study the art of dance composition. The culminating project is a public performance of semester, even years. | |
| |
| TA 383 Jazz Dance II | 2 |
| An intermediate course in jazz. Focuses on technique, vocabulary, stretching, strengthening, and choreography. This course culminates in a public performance. | |
| |
| TA 384 Ministry and Choreography | 2 |
| A study of the art of dance composition. The theology of dance in Scripture is explored and the basic elements of choreography employed to communicate the Gospel through dance. The culminating project is a public performance of student-choreographed compositions. Pre-requisites: PE/TA 184; PE/TA 181 or PE/TA 143. TA 282 recommended. Spring semester, odd years. | |
| |
| TA 390 Internship | 1-4 |
| |
| TA 391 Independent Study | 1-4 |
| |
| TA 395 Teaching Assistantship | 1-4 |
| |
| TA 396 Topics: Theatre Arts | 1-3 |
| Selected upper-division topics in theatre. | |
| |
| TA 430 Private Lessons | 1-2 |
| See TA 130. | |
| |
| TA 435 Arts Administration | 3 |
| An in-depth study of the administration of community art projects. Topics covered will include grant-writing, business plans, safety/liability, marketing and public relations. An emphasis will be placed on laying the groundwork for successful community art projects within the disciplines of fine arts, music and theater. No prerequisites however, some background in art is recommended. Also listed as AR 435. Spring semester. | |
| |
| TA 445 Theatre Production | 1 |
| See TA 145. | |
| |
| TA 473 Acting II | 3 |
| Advanced training in acting styles including Greek tragedy, Shakespeare, realism, comedy, farce, and absurdism. Priority will be given to junior and senior performance track theatre majors. Signature required. Fee. Prerequisites: TA 231 and TA 273. Spring semester, odd years. | |
| |
| TA 476W History of Theatre I | 3 |
| The history of theatre's relationship to society through the literature, design, acting, and production styles of ancient Greece to neo-classical France. Fall semester, odd years. | |
| |
| TA 477W History of Theatre II | 3 |
| The history of theatre's relationship to society through the literature, design, acting, and production styles from Restoration England to the present day. Spring semester, even years. | |
| |
| TA 480 Field Studies | 1-4 |
| |
| TA 481 Projects in Theatre | 1-3 |
| Projects in performance or research in some aspect of theatre that is not available in regularly scheduled courses but has particular significance in that students program. The project is proposed by the student and refined in consultation with the professor. Feasibility and appropriateness must be approved by the department faculty. Prerequisites: completion of a minimum of four courses, two of which must be upper division. Fall and spring semesters. | |
| |
| TA 482 Projects in Theatre | 1-2 |
| See TA 481. | |
| |
| TA 483 Jazz III | 2 |
| Building on knowledge and experiences from Jazz I and Jazz II, students will continue to learn and practice jazz dance technique. Culminating project will be performance in Broadway Unbound. Prerquisites: TA 181 and TA 281. Spring, even years. | |
| |
| TA 490 Internship | 1-4 |
| |
| TA 491 Independent Study | 1-4 |
| |
| TA 495 Teaching Assistantship | 1-4 |
| |
| TA 498 Senior Project | 3 |
| The Senior Project is the capstone experience for the theatre major and allows the student to demonstrate expertise and artistry by completing one of the following: performance (solo or group, original or interpretive), project (directing, playwrighting, arts administration, internship, etc.), or research paper. All majors must apply by submitting a proposal in their chosen area during the spring semester of their junior year. Proposals are subject to faculty approval. Prerequisites: faculty approval, senior status and concurrent registration for TA 430 (private lessons). | |
| |