Aerial view of campus with Williamsport, the Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Mountain as a backdrop

Theatre (THEA)

Associate Professors: Innerarity, Stoytcheva-Horissian (Chair)
Assistant Professor: Ripa
Instructor: Barba

  • Major: Theatre
  • Concentrations: Acting, Design &Technology, Directing, Musical Theatre, Stage Management
  • Courses required for Acting, Design & Technology, and Directing Concentrations: 10 (not including zero or 1 credit courses)
  • Courses required for Stage Management Concentration: 10.5 (not including zero or 1 credit courses)
  • Courses required for Musical Theatre Concentration: 11.5 (not including zero or 1 credit courses)
  • Production credits required for all Concentrations: 8
  • Non-credit Colloquium: THEA 246 and 247 (Theatre trips)
  • Capstone requirement: THEA 460
  • Minors: Design &Technology, Performance

Theatre is a combination of many art forms, and the theatre curriculum provides opportunities to explore all its aspects in regards to the entertainment industry: dramatic literature, theatre history, acting, directing, stage management, design, and technical theatre. The rigorous production program offers practical training to complement the comprehensive curriculum.

Theatre students may want to consider a second major in Performing Arts Management.  

Major Requirements

All students majoring in Theatre must complete the core courses and the requirements for at least one of the five concentrations listed below. Should a student elect to pursue two concentrations, the student is required to complete 6 credits of THEA  161, and/or 162 for each concentration, totaling 12 credits.

Core courses required of all majors:

THEA 145, 146, 148, 210, 226, 227, 246, 247, and 332 or 333, as well as 6 hours of THEA 161 and/or 162..

Concentration Requirements:

  1. Acting:  THEA 237 or 345; 245, 241, and 460
  2. Design & Technology: two courses from THEA 229, 230, 316; one course from ART 113 or 225, CCOM 221 or 222;  and 460 
  3. Directing: THEA 245, 326, 426, and 460
  4. Musical Theatre: four credits from THEA 135, 136, 235, 236; or any special topics dance class with ASC approval; THEA 237, 245, 460, one credit from MUS 122 or 160 and two credits from MUS 161 and/or 168.
  5. Stage Management: THEA 245, 326, 460, one credit from MUS 122 or 160 and two credits from  THEA 135, 136, or 
    236.

Capstone Requirement

All majors must successfully complete THEA 460.

Diversity and Writing Courses

The following course satisfies the Domestic Cultural Diversity Requirement: THEA 210. The following course satisfies the Global Cultural Diversity Requirement: THEA 332. The following course satisfies either the Domestic or Global Diversity Requirement: THEA 333. A list of courses that, when scheduled as W courses, count toward the Writing Requirement, can be found on the Registrar’s website and in the GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS section of the catalog.

Minor Requirements

Two minors are available in the Theatre Department. 

  • A minor in Design & Technology consists of THEA 145, 146 or other 4-credit theatre class in consultation with the department, 226, 246; one from 210, 332, or 333; one from 229, 230, or 316; and 4 credits of THEA 161 and/or 162..

  • A minor in Performance consists of THEA 145, 146 or other 4-credit theatre class in consultation with the department, 226, 245, 246; one of 210, 332, or 333; and 4 credits of THEA 161 and/or 162.

100
UNDERSTANDING THEATRE
A comprehensive introduction to the theatre as a distinctive art form. Explores the creative process of the various artists involved in developing a theatrical production—actors, directors, designers, technicians, etc.—and examines the unique characteristics of dramatic literature. 

135
INTRODUCTION TO DANCE I
A survey of basic and beginner movements in contemporary dance techniques and practices.  2 credits.

136
INTRODUCTION TO DANCE II
A survey of refined beginner movements in contemporary dance techniques and practices. Prerequisite: THEA 135 or consent of instructor. 2 credits.

 

145
INTRODUCTION TO ACTING
An introductory study of the actor’s preparation with emphasis on developing the actor’s creative imagination through improvisation, character analysis, and scene study.

146
FUNDAMENTALS OF PRODUCTION DESIGN
A methods course exploration into the world of theatrical design including the historical aspects of theatrical design, the fundamentals of digital rendering, CAD drafting, color theory, and the use of various color media for design renderings and scale models.

148
PLAY PRODUCTION
Stagecraft and the various aspects of production are introduced. Through material presented and laboratory work on the Mary L. Welch Theatre productions, students acquire experience with design, scenery, properties, costumes, and lighting.

161
THEATRE PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM
Faculty-supervised participation in the creation of productions in the Mary L. Welch Theatre, which includes but is not limited to actors and all running crews involved in each production. Students do not register for Theatre Practicum; the department chair registers all students for Practicum after productions have been cast and all duties have been assigned each semester. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval. 0.5 (1/2) credit. May be repeated for credit. Practicum credit is limited to 8 credits over 4 years.

162
THEATRE LEADERSHIP PRACTICUM
Faculty-supervised participation in the production process through positions of leadership, which includes but is not limited to actors in major roles (eligible roles determined prior to casting), crew heads, stage management, assistant directors, assistant designers, and assistant technical directors. Students may not register for Theatre Practicum; the department chair registers all students for Practicum after productions have been cast and all duties have been assigned each semester. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval. 1 credit. May be repeated for credit. Practicum credit is limited to 8 credits over 4 years.

210
MODERN DRAMA
The study and application of various analytical methodologies using plays selected from the canon of modern drama, 1875 to the present. Prerequisites: ENGL 106, 107, or consent of instructor. Alternate years. Fulfills Domestic Cultural Diversity Requirement.

215
SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE
Study of selected theatrical subjects, such as plays, writers, movements, or technical projects. Recent topics include sound design, stagecraft, and professional development. May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor when topics are different.

226
INTRODUCTION TO DIRECTING
An introductory study of the functions of the director, with emphasis on script analysis, the rehearsal process, and communicating with collaborators. Practical scene work directing student actors is a major component of the course. Prerequisites: THEA 145 and 146. Majors may take concurrently with THEA 146. Alternate years.

227
PRINCIPLES OF STAGE MANAGEMENT
A practical exploration and application of the standard practices of stage management, including the areas of the design process, the rehearsal process, and performance. Prerequisite: THEA 145 and 146. Alternate years.

229
LIGHTING DESIGN & SOUND DESIGN
A course in the design of entertainment industry lighting and sound, with a special emphasis on theatre and the practical application of those designs, including laboratory work on the stage. Prerequisites: THEA 146 or consent of instructor. Alternate years. 

230
COSTUME DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
A detailed introduction to costuming for theatre and the entertainment industry. Includes elements of design, script analysis, planning, and production of all costume elements for the stage, film, dance, and private productions. Prerequisites: THEA 146 or consent of instructor.  Alternate years.

235
INTERMEDIATE DANCE
Further exploration of the expressive and technical qualities of intermediate movements in contemporary dance techniques and practices.  Prerequisite: THEA 135 or consent of instructor. 2 credits.

236
ADVANCED DANCE
In-depth exploration of the expressive and technical qualities of advanced movements in contemporary dance techniques and practices.  Prerequisite: THEA 235 or consent of instructor. Alternate semesters. 2 credits.

237
MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE
Exploration of the unique performing challenges of the genre through work with individual songs, scenes, and ensemble pieces; analysis and characterization; and choreography. Addresses audition process, musical theatre history, and repertoire. Alternate years.

241 
AUDITIONS 
Examination of artistic and business aspects of acting as a career. A focus on the actor’s preparation for professional auditions for stage, film, commercials, and graduate programs.  

245
ACTING REALISM
Exploration of contemporary realism through intensive character analysis, monologue work, and scene study. Prerequisite: THEA 145.

246
FALL THEATRE COLLOQUIUM
A non-credit seminar in which faculty and students travel to a major theatre city in the United States or Canada  to view and discuss required plays, expanding their cultural and theatrical experiences. Enrollment in one Fall Theatre Colloquium over the 4-year course of study is required for all students majoring or minoring in Theatre. Pass/Fail. Non-credit seminar. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. This course may be repeated. 

247
SPRING THEATRE COLLOQUIUM
A non-credit seminar in which faculty and students travel either to Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival to participate in various professional activities or to New York City to view and discuss required plays, expanding their cultural and theatrical experiences. Enrollment in one Spring Theatre Colloquium over the 4-year course of study is required for all students majoring in Theatre. Pass/Fail. Non-credit seminar. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. This course may be repeated. 

303  
PERFORMING ARTS MANAGEMENT 
Overview of the performing arts industry and the manager’s role in leading and operating non-profit arts organizations. Prerequisites: ENGL 106 or 107 and THEA 100, or consent of instructor. 

315
SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE
Study of selected theatrical subjects, such as plays, writers, movements, or technical projects. Recent topics include stage management, sound design, stagecraft, and professional development. Prerequisite: 3 THEA courses. May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor when topics are different.

316
PROPS ARTISTRY
A methods course based on the practical application of properties design and construction in relation to the department’s production season. Fundamental crafting techniques include carving techniques, special effects, 3D printing, mold making, and casting. Prerequisite: THEA 146. Alternate years.

326
DIRECTING: ONE ACTS AND SHORT PLAYS
Continued exploration of the director’s role in the production process with emphasis on the director’s work in rehearsal. Practical application includes the direction of a one-act play with student actors. Prerequisite: THEA 226. Alternate years.

332
THEATRE HISTORY I
An investigation of Western theatre as the evolution of a multidisciplinary artistic, cultural, social, economic, religious, and political phenomenon. Dramatic texts representing specific eras are studied as historical evidence of theatre practice. Focuses on the origins of the theatre through 1700. Prerequisites: ENGL 106, 107, or consent of instructor. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement. Alternate years.

333
THEATRE HISTORY II
An investigation of Western theatre as the evolution of a multidisciplinary artistic, cultural, social, economic, religious, and political phenomenon. Dramatic texts representing specific eras are studied as historical evidence of theatre practice. Focuses on the early 18th century through the theatre today. Prerequisite: ENGL 106, 107, or consent of instructor. Alternate years. Fulfills either Domestic or Global Cultural Diversity Requirement.

345
ACTING: PERIOD STYLES
Exploration of various acting styles, including Greek, commedia dell’arte, Elizabethan, comedy of manners, absurdism, and expressionism. Practical application includes character analysis, monologue work, and scene study. Prerequisite: THEA 145.

415
SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATRE
Study of selected theatrical subjects, such as plays, writers, movements, or technical projects. Recent topics include stage management, sound design, stagecraft, and professional development. Prerequisites: THEA 332, 333, or consent of instructor.  May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor when topics are different.

426
ADVANCED DIRECTING
Practical application of script analysis and directing a production in the Mary L. Welch Theatre. Prerequisites: THEA 226 and consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

460
SENIOR PROJECT
The application of analytical and practical skills in a self-proposed project that allows students to demostrate expertise in their concentration.  Students are required to submit a formal written proposal by March 1 of their junior year that must be approved by all full-time Theatre Department faculty. This course is open to seniors only.

 

470 – 479
INTERNSHIP  
Students work off campus in professional theatres such as the George Street Theatre in New Jersey and the Walnut Street Theatre and Inter Arts Theatre in Philadelphia.

N80/N89
INDEPENDENT STUDIES 
Subjects for Independent Studies are chosen in conjunction with faculty members.

490-491
INDEPENDENT STUDY FOR DEPARTMENTAL HONORS 
Students who qualify for Departmental Honors produce a major independent project in research and/or theatre production.