2023-2024 Undergraduate Bulletin

Theatre

Office:  Johnson McFarlane Hall
Mail Code: 1903 E. Iliff Ave. Denver, CO 80208
Phone: 303-871-2518
Email: theatre@du.edu
Web Site: https://liberalarts.du.edu/theatre

An artistic home where students expand their perspectives

Students who take classes in the Department of Theatre become part of a close-knit community engaged in every aspect of theatre. DU theatre majors do it all: write, design, build, act, direct, manage and produce. Our hands-on approach gives students a broad perspective—one that will help them develop creative problem-solving skills to take with them into their careers.

Engaged faculty

We credit the success of our program largely to our highly engaged faculty members. When not teaching or in production here on campus, many collaborate with a variety of local, regional and national theatre companies.

A hands-on experience

There are many ways to learn theatre at DU—in class, in rehearsal, on stage and backstage. Our students are the heart of the program, providing the actors, technicians and publicity for each production.

Intensive study

Students begin by developing a solid foundation in all the aspects of theatre and can focus on one area of emphasis in their third or fourth year—anything from performance to design to management to directing.

Theatre

Bachelor of Arts Major Requirements

(183 credits required for the degree)

Minimum of 45 credits to include the following:

First/Second year priorities
THEA 1861Theatre Imagination4
THEA 1862How to Read a Play4
THEA 1600Stagecraft for Theatre4
THEA 1880Fundamentals of Theatre Design4
Production
THEA 1200Tech Studio 14
or 
1300

and Costume Studio
THEA 1400Production Performance Studio 20
Acting
THEA 2870Acting I4
Design and Management
Select one of the following:4
Scene Design I
Lighting Design I
Costume Design I
Sound Design I
Stage Management
Directing
THEA 2885Directing I (Prerequisite: THEA 1861, THEA 1862, THEA 2870)4
History
THEA 2890Theatre History I4
THEA 2891Theatre History II4
Senior Capstone Production
THEA 3861Junior Seminar2
THEA 3862Practicum in Theatre 32
Electives
4 additional THEA credits of the student's choosing (2000 level or higher)4
Total Credits48

Secondary Major Requirements

45 credits. Same requirements as for BA degree.

Minor Requirements

Minimum of 24 credits to include the following:  

Required courses
THEA 1861Theatre Imagination4
THEA 1862How to Read a Play4
THEA 1880Fundamentals of Theatre Design4
THEA 2890Theatre History I4
or THEA 2891 Theatre History II
THEA 1200Tech Studio1
THEA 1300Costume Studio1
THEA 1400Production Performance Studio 10
Electives
6 additional THEA credits of the student's choosing (at least 2000 level or higher)6
Total Credits24

Requirements for Distinction in the Major in Theatre

The purpose of granting Distinction in Theatre is to recognize outstanding student work in the Department’s courses of study and in its production processes.

Students awarded Distinction will have demonstrated the qualities of professional work in their field.

For example, a scene designer will have demonstrated the ability to work in a collaborative manner. An actor will have demonstrated the ability to attend rehearsals on time and be properly prepared/warmed up. If there are any questions about this, or about any other aspect of the Departmental Distinction process, be sure to communicate with faculty about expectations.

The Department of Theatre may award Distinction in more than one area, but the same show cannot be counted toward Distinction in both areas.

The official “Departmental Distinction” designation appears in two places: the student transcript and the commencement program.

To apply            

  • Submit a letter of intent to the Departmental Chair via email
  • Include a completed checklist of the requirements
  • Also include any supporting comments/notes/details, as needed

Deadline           

  • End of the 2nd week of the final quarter before the candidate’s graduation


Note: Fulfilling the requirements listed below does not automatically grant Departmental Distinction to the candidate. The faculty has the final say as to whether the work is of sufficient quality to earn this designation.

Requirements for Distinction, by area:

Note: Departmental production = fully-produced show, part of the department's mainstage season, directed by faculty or professional guest artist. For the purposes of Distinction, "departmental" productions do not include class projects, independent projects, senior capstones, or staged readings. 

This excludes Senior Capstones and other student productions.

DESIGN

  • Design one departmental production and five other productions that aren't part of a class requirement
  • Complete a Directed Study with faculty mentors as an Assistant Designer
  • Compile a portfolio in consultation with your Design advisor; make a formal presentation for faculty review
  • 3.7 GPA in at least five design and technology classes at the 2000 or 3000 level

ACTING

  • Act in six productions, at least four of which must be departmental

  • 3.7 GPA in Acting I, Acting II, Acting III, and two other acting courses

DIRECTING

  • Assistant-direct one departmental production (faculty or guest professional director)
  • Direct two productions (that are not part of a class or practicum assignment; can be on campus or off; staged readings are not considered productions)
  • Complete two Independent Studies with faculty mentors in Directing or Directing-related areas
  • 3.7 GPA in both Directing 1 and Independent Studies

PLAYWRITING

  • Have a play produced as a departmental or off-campus production, or have three works developed at DU through staged readings, talkbacks and rewrites
  • 3.7 GPA in playwriting and two dramatic literature classes

THEATRE HISTORY

  • Complete a written thesis (research or production-related)

  • 3.7 GPA in both theatre history classes, aesthetics in performance, and two others in history, art history or cultural studies

STAGE MANAGEMENT

  • Stage manage or assistant stage manage five productions: three departmental and two others
  • Complete a professional production internship
  • Compile a portfolio in consultation with your Stage Management advisor; make a formal presentation for faculty review
  • 3.7 GPA in Stage Management, Directing, Acting I and one design class at the 2000 or 3000 level

DRAMATURGY

  • Dramaturg three departmental productions

  • 3.7 GPA in five classes chosen from theater history and dramatic literature, including seminars, Shakespeare, etc.

THEATRE

  • Complete a written thesis in the senior year under the supervision of a Theatre faculty mentor (may be completed with Independent Study hours and/or PINS)

  • 3.7 GPA in all Theatre classes

OTHER GUIDELINES ABOUT DISTINCTIONS:

  • We may award distinction in more than one area, but the same production or project cannot be listed for multiple awards.
  • For instance, if a student wants distinction in both directing and stage management, he or she must participate in four departmental productions in addition to the other respective requirements listed.
  • "Departmental" refers to the major production(s) each quarter, directed by a faculty member or guest artist. This excludes senior projects and independent student productions.

BA in Theatre

The following course plan is a sample quarter-by-quarter schedule for intended majors. Because the bachelor of arts curriculum allows for tremendous flexibility, this is only intended as an example; that is to say, if specific courses or requirements are not available in a given term, students can generally complete those requirements in another term. More importantly, students should focus on exploring areas of interest, including Common Curriculum requirements and possible minors or second majors, and maintaining a course load which will allow for completion of the degree within four years.

Ideally, Common Curriculum requirements other than Advanced Seminar should be completed during the first two years. Students should anticipate taking an average course load of 16 credits each quarter.

Ways of Knowing courses in the areas of Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture and Scientific Inquiry: Society and Culture introduce students to University-level study of disciplines in the arts, humanities and social sciences. Credits earned in Ways of Knowing courses may also apply to a major or minor.

The sample course plan below shows what courses a student pursuing this major might take in their first two years; beyond that, students should anticipate working closely with their major advisor to create a course of study to complete the degree.

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
First-Year Seminar (FSEM)4WRIT 11224WRIT 11334
THEA 18614THEA 18624THEA 1200, 1300, or 14001
THEA 18804Minor or Elective4Scientific Inquiry: Society and Culture4
Foreign Language or Scientific Inquiry: The Natural and Physical World 4Foreign Language or Scientific Inquiry: The Natural and Physical World 4Foreign Language or Scientific Inquiry: The Natural and Physical World 4
  Minor or Elective4
 16 16 17
Total Credits: 49

THEA 1010 Stage Movement & Dance (1 Credit)

Movement class for dancers and non-dancers alike. Topics may include Stage Combat, Broadway, Period Movement, Tai Chi, Masks & Storytelling, World Dance Styles, Movement Analysis, etc. Check with department for quarterly offerings.

THEA 1011 Stage Movement & Dance (1 Credit)

Movement class for dancers and non-dancers alike. Topics may include Stage Combat, Broadway, Period Movement, Tai Chi, Masks & Storytelling, World Dance Styles, Movement Analysis, etc. Check with department for quarterly offerings.

THEA 1012 Stage Movement & Dance (1 Credit)

Movement class for dancers and non-dancers alike. Topics may include: Stage Combat, Broadway, Period Movement, Tai Chi, Masks & Storytelling, World Dance Styles, Movement Analysis, etc. Check with Department for quarterly offerings.

THEA 1200 Tech Studio (1 Credit)

Tech studio is a basic course in the principles of scenic construction and preparation for department productions: hands-on training and application of technical theatre skills. Includes scenic construction, properties crafts, sound engineering, lighting electrics, scene painting, and related theatrical design elements, as defined by the needs of the departmental production season. Special emphasis on developing core competencies within a framework of professionally-modeled safety protocols.

THEA 1300 Costume Studio (1 Credit)

Costume Studio is a basic course in the principles of costume construction and preparation for departmental productions: hands-on training and application of costume building skills. Includes sewing, patterning, draping, tailoring, dyeing, maintenance/upkeep, and related skills necessary to the successful realization of the costume design process within the context of the departmental production season. Special emphasis on developing core competencies within a framework of professionally-modeled safety protocols.

THEA 1325 Costume Tech Bootcamp: Construction Skills & Craft Intensive – Introduction to Pattern & Fit (1 Credit)

The intention of this garment-building intensive is to introduce and solidify certain foundational technical skills and craft competencies of early-career costume students, so that they may take their costume or fashion design studies to the next level. Through an aggressive series of exercises and projects focused on patterning and fit technique, in a hands-on studio setting, students will finish the week of instruction with a skills portfolio prepared according to industry standards as set forth by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology Costume Commission. Specialized technique, proper and safe operation of industrial equipment, historical construction practices and 3-dimensional interpretation and pre-visualization are all topics for inclusion. The exact makeup and focus of study will be determined by the interests of the group.

THEA 1400 Production Performance Studio (0 Credits)

Production Performance Studio is a course that provides hands-on training and application of acting and/or production performance skills. Includes acting, stage management, directing, designing, light/sound board operations, stage crew, wardrobe, and related roles in the production and performance process, applied within the context of departmental productions. Builds upon the foundation provided by departmental courses. Audition and/or faculty permission required for enrollment.

THEA 1600 Stagecraft for Theatre (4 Credits)

Stagecraft introduces students to the basic skills that allow us to realize the art of Theatre. Students will have the chance to learn construction, craft and design skills in the scenic and costume areas that can be applied in advanced Theatre classes, and in everyday life. Theatre technicians and artisans need breadth and problem-solving skills with a wide range of techniques and materials, and an awareness of the performance from all aspects. Having technical awareness makes all students better at what they do. 1. Learn through doing: experience the work of the theatre technician through complex hands-on projects in which the students have opportunities to work as craftsman and artist. 2. Learn and use the fundamental vocabulary and tools of design, as they apply to theatre production 3. Learn about -and experience creating- following the process that theatre technicians use to create multi-phase artistic projects. 4. Be introduced to the intersection of theatre design and theatre production as we practice it today in the profession- personnel, practices, the collaborative nature of the art form and our industry. 5. Students will learn safety practices, including personal protection equipment, fire code, safe tool handling, and environmental health and safety practices for the beginning artist. 6. Students will learn to use power tools, including saws, sanders, pneumatic tools and hand tools. 7. Students will learn techniques for hand and machine sewing. 8. Students will learn to select materials and techniques to build projects. 9. Students will plan a project from idea to scaled drawing to realizing the project using power and hand tools. 10. Students will learn painting techniques, and plan and execute a multi-step painted surface.

THEA 1810 The Process of Theatre: Page to Stage (4 Credits)

Exploration of the process playwrights, directors, actors, and designers use in creating a theatrical production. Individual sections may focus on single areas only—please see department for current offerings. In this course, students will demonstrate the ability to create or interpret the texts, ideas or artifacts of human culture. They will also identify and analyze the connections between these things and the human experience/perception of the world. This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.

THEA 1861 Theatre Imagination (4 Credits)

Beginning exploration of nature of theatricality through exercises and study of specific plays; explore acting, directing, designing and writing. This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.

THEA 1862 How to Read a Play (4 Credits)

Close analysis of selected dramatic texts from Aeschylus to Caryl Churchill. This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.

THEA 1880 Fundamentals of Theatre Design (4 Credits)

The work of the theatre designer is to transform a text into visual and aural expression, by planning and creating the physical environment of a live performance. Students will learn about -- and learn appreciation for -- theatre design in order to be better theatre artists (and audience members) themselves, through the applied practice of designing a "paper" production, collaboratively with a small team.

THEA 1988 Study Abroad Resident Credit (0-18 Credits)

THEA 2200 Voice for the Actor (2 Credits)

Exploration and application of foundational vocal techniques for stage actors.

THEA 2230 Movement and Voice Training for Actors (4 Credits)

Actors often learn movement and vocal training separately, despite the fact that speaking is a physical act and that an actor’s voice and body are constantly working in relationship to each other. This course has two main objectives: 1) to train your actor instrument through rigorous physical and vocal training, and 2) to help you understand the essential and dynamic relationship between an actor’s breath, body, and voice. You’ll explore how physical actor training strengthens and improves the ability to speak while ultimately allowing you to embody a character more successfully. Drawing from many areas of study in movement and voice, you will connect physical and vocal action through a series of exercises and explorations. Specifically, we’ll investigate 1) how to prepare your body for performance circumstances and to successfully support your vocal needs, and 2) how your body and voice can work symbiotically during performance to deliver a more powerful, precise, engaging performance. The course will begin with extensive physical and vocal actor training; then we’ll apply this training to specific theatrical texts; it will culminate in a collaborative performance that will provide opportunities for both individual and group performances. This work will strengthen stage presence and characterization and will heighten your emotional and physical power and commitment to each moment onstage. By the end of the quarter, if you do the work, you will be vocally and physically transformed, armed with a new approach to moving and speaking onstage.

THEA 2870 Acting I (4 Credits)

Exploration of acting through physical and vocal exercises, followed by scene study. This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.

THEA 2871 Acting I (4 Credits)

Exploration of acting through physical and vocal exercises, followed by scene study.

THEA 2880 Scene Design I (4 Credits)

Exploration of methods, techniques and procedures involved in transforming scenic concepts into actual practice. This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.

THEA 2881 Lighting Design I (4 Credits)

Exploration of methods, techniques and procedures involved in transforming lighting concepts into actual practice. This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.

THEA 2882 Costume Design I (4 Credits)

Exploration of methods, techniques and procedures involved in transforming costume concepts into actual practice.

THEA 2883 Sound Design I (4 Credits)

Exploring methods, techniques and procedures involved in transforming sound effects/sound design into actual practice.

THEA 2884 Production Management (4 Credits)

Exploration of core competencies, their development and application throughout the collaborative theatrical production process, with the explicit goal of ensuring the successful execution of an artistic vision within the resources of a producing organization.

THEA 2885 Directing I (4 Credits)

Theory and practice of staging plays. Prerequisites: THEA 1861, THEA 1862, THEA 2870.

THEA 2890 Theatre History I (4 Credits)

This course examines the development of Western theatre and drama from the Ancient Greeks to the 19th-Century, concentrating on the intellectual, social and artistic foundations of theatre and drama. The course is designed to engage theatre from its theatrical, social, cultural, and historical contexts. The lecture-discussion format of this course is intended to foster an active engagement among the students with the theatre and drama of the past. Through in-class readings, discussions of the readings, written assignments, and presentations, students are encouraged to consider the material under investigation from sociohistorical and theatrical perspectives, as well as from the material's relation and relevance to the present. The focus is on theatre and drama representative of the major styles, authors, and genres from Fifth-Century B.C.E. into the early 19th-Century. This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.

THEA 2891 Theatre History II (4 Credits)

This course examines the development of Western theatre and drama from the 19th-Century to the present. Concentrating on the intellectual, social and artistic foundations of theatre and drama, this course is designed to engage theatre from its theatrical, social, cultural, and historical contexts. The lecture-discussion format of this course is intended to foster an active engagement among students with the theatre and drama of the past. Through in-class readings, discussions of the readings, written assignments, and presentations, students are encouraged to consider the material under investigation from sociohistorical and theatrical perspectives, as well as from the material's relation and relevance to the present. The focus is on theatre and drama representative of the major styles, authors, and genres from the 19th-Century to the present. This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.

THEA 2988 Study Abroad Resident Credit (0-18 Credits)

THEA 3700 Topics in Theatre (1-4 Credits)

THEA 3701 Topics in Theatre (1-4 Credits)

THEA 3702 Topics in Theatre (1-4 Credits)

THEA 3703 Topics in Theatre (1-4 Credits)

THEA 3704 Topics in Theatre (1-4 Credits)

THEA 3711 Playwriting (4 Credits)

Introductory course designed to provide students with the necessary tools to create dramatic texts for reading and performance. Through textbook and published play reading assignments engineered to highlight successful practices, and exercises devised to tap into different modes of creative generation, students will discover different methodologies for developing new work for the stage.

THEA 3760 Stage Management (4 Credits)

Survey, exploration, and application of the component parts of the stage manager’s role, based upon current methods practiced by professional theatre companies in the United States. Stage managers facilitate the creation of a fully-realized work of theatrical art, born of the collaboration of numerous artists, craftspeople and technicians.

THEA 3861 Junior Seminar (2 Credits)

Roundtable discussions of play-selection, production requirements and creative strategies taken the year prior to the Senior Practicum Project (THEA 3862). Additionally, students will consider their post-graduation goals and receive practical advice on advanced studies or a career in the theatre.

THEA 3862 Practicum in Theatre (1 Credit)

Senior capstone project synthesizing all aspects of the BA program. As a “principal artist” (actor, director, designer, playwright, etc.) on a production of the student’s choosing, each graduating senior will be given the chance to put “theory into practice” and fully mount a play for an audience.

THEA 3865 Seminar in Dramatic Literature (4 Credits)

Selected problems and periods.

THEA 3870 Acting II (4 Credits)

Continuing exploration of acting through text analysis, scansion, vocal technique and scene presentation. Prerequisite: THEA 2870.

THEA 3873 Acting III (4 Credits)

Advanced exploration of acting through scene study, intense physical and vocal work and rehearsal techniques. Prerequisites: THEA 2870, THEA 3870.

THEA 3883 Stage Makeup (2 Credits)

Hands-on instruction in application and design of theatrical makeup.

THEA 3884 Scene Painting (4 Credits)

Exploration of two- and three-dimensional techniques for painting stage scenery.

THEA 3980 Theatre Internship (1-12 Credits)

Internships in theatre include everything from front of house jobs to acting on stage. Internships can be for any entertainment related field and include theme parks, cruise ships and regional theatres.

THEA 3988 Study Abroad Resident Credit (0-18 Credits)

THEA 3991 Independent Study (1-10 Credits)

In-depth exploration of a specific topic or project of the student’s choosing, undertaken in consultation with and under the close supervision of a faculty advisor. These courses may also be taken in preparation for an honor’s thesis in any theatrical discipline.

Faculty

Rick Barbour, Professor, MFA, Temple University

Ashley Lauren Hamilton, Associate Professor, PhD, New York University

Janice Benning Lacek, Associate Professor, MFA, University of California, San Diego

Steven McDonald, Associate Professor and Department Chair, MFA, University of California, Irvine

Shannon Lynn McKinney, Associate Professor, MFA, Northwestern University

Anne Catherine Penner, Professor, MFA, Columbia University

Gregory Ungar, Associate Professor, PhD, University of California, Irvine

William Temple "Davy" Davis, Professor, Emeritus, PhD, University of Denver

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