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THEATRE PROGRAM
Accredited
by the National Association of Schools of Theatre
MISSION STATEMENT
In order to
provide a cohesive body of knowledge in the various fields of performance art,
the Department of Communication Studies and Theatre at Longwood is committed to
excellence in teaching, advancement of knowledge, and cultural enrichment. To
this end, the Department provides two programs of study: Traditional Liberal
Arts Studies in Theatre and Pre-professional Training for Theatre Practitioners.
Theatre
in the Liberal Arts
BACHELOR OF ARTS
in Visual
and Performing Arts
Concentration in Theatre
Applied Theatre
Generalist
That
the study of Theatre is integral to the Liberal Arts is beyond question. Before
there were studies in history, language, technology, or psychology, there was
theatrical performance. Through song, dance, and mimesis prehistoric peoples
sought to explain the relationship between their cultures and the universe.
Theatre is one of the most ancient and, therefore, one of the most traditional
of studies. Concepts of history and tradition, development of language, human
behavior, multiculturalism, psychological development, and even emerging
technologies have traditionally been the subjects and themes of dramatic
literature and performance from prehistory to today. With the broad array of
theatre course offerings at Longwood College students have the opportunity to
achieve a traditional and holistic view of the world through the study of
literature, performance art, and technological development. At the end of their
studies, students in the B.A. program will be prepared for graduate study in a
wide variety of traditional liberal arts fields and other areas (including law,
communication studies, and business) and for careers in education, production,
and performance.
Pre-professional
Training Program
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS in
Visual and Performing Arts
Concentration in Theatre
Specialist
in Performance
Specialist in
Technology
Specialist in Theatre Management
A
faculty and staff of theatre historians, theoreticians, and professional artists
mentor students who desire pre-professional training in Theatre Arts. The
function of these mentors is to provide excellence in teaching and training
through a sequence of theory, performance, and technical courses and through a
program of main stage and studio theatrical productions. Students may opt for
one of three tracks within the B.F.A. Specialist program: Performance,
Technology or Theatre Management. Longwood students are invited into the B.F.A.
program through auditions and examination of portfolios and are then evaluated
and adjudicated by the faculty at the end of each year. Continuation in the
B.F.A. program is competitive, and rigorous professional standards are applied.
Description
of DEGREE TYPES
I. Bachelor of Arts in
Visual and Performing Arts with a Concentration in Theatre
is a traditional liberal arts degree. As in other B.A. degrees within the School
of Liberal Arts and Sciences, competency in a foreign language and the pursuit
of a minor field of study are expected.
There
are two tracks in this degree program:
A.)
Applied Theatre
This specialization is designed for students who want to pursue careers
in the field of theatre in education. (An
Education Endorsement is required in this track.)
B.) Generalist
This specialization is designed for students who want to study theatre
(history, literature, theory, criticism, and aesthetics) in its broadest sense.
As in any liberal art, the study of theatre provides students with a holistic
curriculum and a broad background in thought, critical thinking, writing skills,
analysis, and a general knowledge of literature, philosophy, and technology, all
of which prepares them with a wide variety experiences and potential. Students
who wish to pursue the M.A. or Ph.D. in theatre work closely with their advisor
to design a curriculum that combines a solid basis in theatre aesthetics and a
strong background in another field, which would likely indicate a minor in an
appropriate field, such as English, History, Anthropology, or Philosophy.
II. Bachelor of Fine
Arts in Visual and Performing Arts with a Concentration in Theatre
is a pre-professional degree designed for students who, upon graduation, wish to
work in the professional theatre as performers, technicians, or managers or who
want to prepare for application to M.F.A. programs in graduate schools.
There
are three tracks in this program:
A.) Performance
This specialization is designed for students who want to pursue careers
as actors in professional theatres and for those who want to prepare for
application to M.F.A. programs in graduate schools. Students work closely with
the theatre performance faculty, who act as mentors. Performance students are
required to audition each semester for each main stage production. This track is
selective and competitive; students’ work and competencies are reviewed each
semester.
B.) Technology
This specialization is designed for students who want to pursue careers
as stage designers, lighting designers, technical directors, or costumers and
for those who want to prepare for application to M.F.A. programs at graduate
schools. Technology students work closely with the theatre design faculty and
staff, who act as mentors. Students are required to work in all design and
technology areas each semester. This track is selective and competitive;
students’ work and capabilities are reviewed each semester.
C.) Theatre
Management
This specialization is designed for students who want to pursue careers
as box office, house, or company managers in professional theatres and for those
who want to prepare for application to M.F.A. programs at graduate schools.
Theatre management students work closely with the theatre faculty and staff, who
act as mentors. Students are required to work in all front-of-house areas each
year. This track is interdisciplinary, selective, and competitive; students’
work and capabilities are reviewed each semester.
Graduation Requirements
Core Courses -- Required
of all Theatre students
| Thea
113
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Acting I/3 credits
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| Thea
240
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Technical Theatre/3 credits
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| Thea
330
|
Theatre History I/3 credits
|
| Thea
331
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Theatre History II/3 credits
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| Thea
461
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Senior Thesis/3 credits
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| Thea
492
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Internship/3 credits
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Take three credits from the
following:
| Thea
102
|
Theatre Performance/1 credit
|
| THEA 103
|
Theatre Production/1 credit
|
| Total/21
credits
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Bachelor
of Arts Degree
Visual and Performing Arts
Theatre Concentration: Applied
Theatre or Generalist
(3 credits must be a foreign language at the 202 level or above.)
| C.
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Major Requirements. Applied Theatre/33-34 credits;
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Generalist/33 credits.
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Applied Theatre:
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Theatre Core/21 credits
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Upper division theatre electives/12-13 credits
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Generalist:
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Theatre Core/21 credits
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Upper division theatre electives/12 credits
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| D.
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Minor and/or Education endorsement. 18-34 credits.
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| THEA
370
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Theatre/Speech
Education in the Classroom/3 credits
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See professional education requirements:
NK-12 Endorsement
Add-On Endorsements
|
(For those who are seeking careers in educational theatre, student
teaching may be substituted
for the Internship.)
| E.
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General Electives/10-27 credits
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| F.
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Total Credits Required for B.A. in Visual and Performing Arts, Theatre
Concentration - 120
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Bachelor
of Fine Arts Degree
Visual and Performing Arts
Theatre
Concentration: Specialist in Performance, Specialist in Technology, or
Specialist in Theatre Management
(3 credits must be a foreign language at the 202 level or above.)
| C..
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Major Requirements. 54 credits.
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Specialist in Performance:
Theatre Core/21
credits
| Thea
215
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Voice and Mvmt I/3 credits
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| Thea 315
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Voice and Mvmt II/3 credits
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| Thea 316
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Acting II/3 credits
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| Thea 317
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Acting III/3 credits
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| Thea
320
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Directing I/3 credits
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| Thea 340
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Scene Design I/3 credits
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| Thea 342 |
Lighting Design/3 credits
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| or
Thea 345
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Costume Design I/3 credits
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| Thea
413
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Acting IV/3 credits
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Upper-division Theatre Electives/9 credits
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SPECIALIST
IN TECHNOLOGY:
Theatre Core/21 credits
| Thea 241
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Drafting/3 credits
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| THEA 340
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Scene
Design I/3 credits
|
| Thea 341
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Scene
DesignII/3 credits
|
| Thea 342
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Lighting Design I/3 credits
|
| THEA 343 |
Lighting
Design II/3 credits
|
| Thea 344
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Scene Painting/3 credits
|
| Thea 345 |
Costume Design I/3 credits
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| THEA 346 |
Costume Design II/3 credits
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| THEA 447
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Design
and Technology/3 credits
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|
Upper-division Theatre Electives/6 credits |
Specialist in THEATRE MANAGEMENT
Theatre
Core/21 credits
| Thea
275 |
Stage Management/3 credits
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| Thea 399
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Theatre Management/3 credits
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| Thea 103 |
Theatre Production (Box Office Practicum) 3 credits
plus
|
| Business Core 24 credits (which
are:
)
|
| ACCT 240 |
Principles
of Accounting I/3 credits |
| ACCT 242 |
Principles of Accounting II/3 credits
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| ACCT 296 |
Legal
Environment/3 credits
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| CIMS 170 |
Computer
Applications/3 credits
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| MANG 360 |
Principles of Management/3 credits |
| MANG 362 |
Organization Behavior/3 credits
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| MARK 380 |
Principles
of Marketing/3 credits
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| MANG 465 |
Human
Resource Management/3 credits
|
| D.
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General Electives/24 credits
|
| E. |
Total credits required for
B.F.A. in Visual and Performing Arts, Theatre
Concentration - 120 |
MINOR
IN THEATRE
19
credit hours including:
| THEA 102
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Theatre Performance/1 credit
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| THEA 103
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Theatre Production/1 credit
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| THEA 113
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Acting I/3 credits
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| THEA 240
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Technical Theatre/3 credits
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| THEA 330
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Theatre History I/3 credits
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| THEA 331
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Theatre History II/3 credits
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|
ELECTIVES/6
credits |
THEATRE
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
General
Education Course *
Writing
Intensive Course **
Theatre 101.
Issues in Theatre. This course is
designed for students who are interested in exploring modern society in the
context of performing arts. Through a series of readings, videos, and live
performances, students will see how theatre is an integral part of human
culture. 4 credits. *
Theatre 102.
Theatre Performance. This practicum course is open to students who
are cast in Longwood Theatre productions. May be repeated for credit four times.
Prerequisite: Audition. 1 credit. *
Theatre 103.
Theatre Production. This practicum course is open to students who
work in technical and management areas of Longwood Theatre productions. May be
repeated for credit four times. Prerequisite: Portfolio/permission. 1 credit. *
Theatre 113.
Acting I. This studio course is an introduction to the art of
performance in the theatre. 3 credits.
Theatre 215.
Voice and Movement I. This studio course is an introductory
exploration of the physical and vocal skills required for effective performance.
Emphasis is placed on developing self-awareness and control of the actor's
instrument through relaxation and tension-release, proper breathing techniques,
the improvement of resonance, articulation and projection. 3 credits.
Theatre 240. Technical Theatre.
This course will give the student a basic understanding and appreciation of the
technical side of theatre. It will provide a knowledge of the safe and proper
way to handle scene shop equipment. 3 credits.
Theatre 241.
Drafting for Theatrical Design. This is a lecture-studio course that
deals with the fundamentals of theatrical drafting and mechanical drawing for
those students who will be taking scene design, scene painting, and/or lighting
design. Prerequisite: THEA 240 - minimum grade of C or permission. 3 credits.
Theatre 250.
Creative Dramatics for the Classroom. This studio course is a
practical exploration of resources, techniques, and application of creative
dramatic activities for the classroom. 3 credits.
Theatre 275. Stage Management.
This lecture-studio course explores the role and responsibilities of the stage
manager in academic, community, regional, and professional theatre settings.
Prerequisite: THEA 240 - minimum grade of C.
3 credits.
THEATRE 292. Internship in Theatre.
A semester-long, on-the-job learning experience designed to apply the
principles of theatre. 1-18
credits.
Theatre 295.
Special Topics in Theatre. This directed study opportunity geared
toward freshmen and sophomores who want to explore a special course of study in
Theatre Arts. 1-3 credits.
Theatre 311, 312.
Studies Abroad. This course is intended for transfer of credit
earned abroad in the study of theatre. Prerequisite:
Permission. 1-18 credits.
Theatre 315.
Voice and Movement II. This studio course is a continued exploration
of the physical and vocal skills required for effective stage performance.
Emphasis is placed on the development of the actor’s instrument through the
study of period movement and the use of heightened language and verse. Classes
are a combination of lecture, demonstration, and experiential exercises. Content
is directed toward the specific needs of the actors. Prerequisite: THEA 215 -
minimum grade of C. 3 credits.
Theatre 316.
Acting II. This studio course is designed to develop fundamental
acting skills through classroom exercises, scene study, and character analysis.
Prerequisite: THEA 315 - minimum grade of C.
3 credits.
Theatre 317.
Acting III. A practicum course in acting designed to further develop
the actor’s analytical, vocal, and physical skills. Emphasis will be placed on
exploring advanced performance concepts in a variety of dramatic styles.
Prerequisite: THEA 316 - minimum
grade of C. 3 credits.
Theatre 320.
Directing I. This course introduces the student to the tools and
techniques used by the interpretative artist in the production of a play.
Training involves workshop exercises and scene studies. Prerequisite: THEA 316 -
minimum grade of C. 3 credits. **
Theatre 330.
History of Theatre I. This course is a study of the dramatic
literature and the history of stage practices during the time of the Ancient
Greeks to the time of Shakespeare. Prerequisite: ENGL 101 - minimum grade of C.
3 credits. **
Theatre 331.
History of Theatre II. This course is a study of the dramatic
literature and the history of stage practices from the time of the English
Restoration to the Modern Period. Prerequisite: ENGL 101 - minimum grade of C. 3
credits. **
Theatre 340.
Scene Design I. This is
a lecture/studio course in which students analyze scripts for scenic needs and
create scenic designs. Work on department productions required. Prerequisite:
THEA 240 - minimum grade of C or permission. 3 credits.
Theatre 341.
Scene Design II. This is an advanced lecture/studio course analyzing
scripts for scenic needs and creating scenic designs. Work on department
productions required. Prerequisite: THEA 340 - minimum grade of C. 3 credits.
Theatre 342.
Lighting Design I.
A lecture/studio course dealing with the basic skills necessary to the
beginning lighting designer. Work on department productions required.
Prerequisite: THEA 240 - minimum grade of C. 3 credits.
Theatre 343. Lighting Design II.
This is a lecture/studio course that will help to expand and develop the
technical and artistic skills of the lighting designer. Work on department
productions required. Prerequisite: THEA 240 - minimum grade of C. 3 credits.
Theatre 344. Theory and Practice of
Scene
Painting. This is a lecture/studio course dealing with the fundamentals of
scene painting, color theory, and their practical application. Work on
department productions required. Prerequisite: THEA 341 - minimum grade of C. 3
credits.
Theatre 345. Costume Design.
This is a lecture/studio course that will give the students a basic
understanding of costume design for theatrical production. Work on department
productions required. Prerequisite: THEA 240 - minimum grade of C. 3 credits.
THEATRE 390.
Directed or Independent Study.
Must be approved by the head of the department.
May be repeated as 391. 1-18
credits.
Theatre 399. Theatre Management.
This course is designed to acquaint students with the problems and
challenges facing producers and administrators who work in not-for-profit
organizations, such as LORT theatres, dance companies and symphonies. Students
explore concepts and procedures for staffing, fundraising, financing, marketing,
planning, scheduling, and front-of-house management. Prerequisites: ENGL 101;
ACCT, 240, 242; CIMS 170 - minimum grades of C.
3 credits.
THEATRE 408. Directing for the Teacher.
In this course students are
introduced to the methods, techniques, and vocabulary of the educational
director. Students will learn how
to use space, create stage pictures, learn stage composition, and learn how to
break down and interpret the text. In addition, students will develop skills in planning,
rehearsal procedures, and working with young adults.
Prerequisite: THEA 250 -minimum grade of C. 3 credits.
Theatre 413. Acting IV.
This course is an advanced practicum for actors, designed to address
individual needs and interests. Emphasis is placed on preparing for professional
auditions. Prerequisite: Permission; GPA 2.5 minimum. 3 credits.
Theatre 420. Directing II.
This course is a continuation of THEA 320, with emphasis placed on play
analysis, methods of presentation, coaching performers, scene studies, and
one-act play projects. Prerequisite: THEA 320 - minimum grade of C. 3 credits.
**
Theatre 430. Modern Drama.
In this course students will explore a catalog of traditional and avant-garde
plays of the modern period and are required to read a significant body of modern
dramatic criticism. Texts will be analyzed in the context of social and
political movements, genre, and style. Prerequisite: ENGL 101 - minimum grade of
C. 3 credits. **
Theatre 431.
American Drama. This course is a study of the major developments of
American theatre and drama, essentially from the 1920s to today. Major
playwrights, stylistic developments, and the history of staging practices during
the modern period are studied. Also explored are areas such as the American
musical theatre, Broadway, off-Broadway and regional theatre movements.
Prerequisite: ENGL 101 - minimum grade of C. 3 credits. **
Theatre 432. Elizabethan and Jacobean Theatre.
This course is a practical study of selected works by Shakespeare and his
contemporaries and involves the interpretation of text and the gathering of
research sources. Prerequisite: ENGL 101 - minimum grade of C. 3 credits.
**
Theatre 447. Design and Technology.
This is an advanced studies course in the technical aspects of theatrical
production. Prerequisites: THEA 240 and permission. 3 credits
Theatre 461. Senior Seminar.
This is a capstone course, requiring a final creative/theoretical thesis,
portfolio, resume, and exit exam in Theatre History and Literature, and the
creation of personal Web-site. Prerequisite: Senior standing; GPA minimum 2.5. 3
credits. **
Theatre 490. Directed or Independent Study.
Must be approved by the head of the department.
1-18 credits.
THEATRE 492.
Internship in Theatre. A
semester-long, on-the-job learning experience designed to apply the principles
of theatre. 1-18 credits.
Theatre 495. Special Topics in Theatre.
In this course, topics will vary from semester to semester, according to the
expertise of the guest artist. Specific descriptions are available from academic
advisors at the time of each offering. The course may be repeated for credit
when topics change. Prerequisites: Permission and standing as a junior or
senior. 1-3 credits.
THEATRE 498.
Honors Research in Theatre.
Students conduct research in theatre under the direction of a faculty
member and the Senior Honors Research Committee.
May be repeated as 499. 3
credits.
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