The University of Texas at Arlington

Undergraduate Catalog 1999-2001

Theatre Arts

191 Fine Arts Bldg. • Box 19103 • 817-272-2650

The mission of the Theatre Arts Program in the College of Liberal Arts and the University of Texas at Arlington is to provide students an extensive education in the theatrical profession through applied, practical experiences acquired by performance and production opportunities; to provide students an extensive application of the art, craft, and management of theatre arts; to explore the components which comprise the theatrical event and to research new theories and applications; to provide a challenging educational environment for the Theatre Arts student, characterized by shared values, unity of purpose, diversity of opinion, mutual respect, and a commitment to lifelong learning; to offer the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree programs for Theatre Arts students and to provide courses which meet the Fine Arts core curriculum requirements of the University.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) Degree Program

Liberal Arts Requirements

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is a specialized degree and provides a thorough background in the liberal arts. Students seeking the B.F.A. elect courses chosen from the University and Liberal Arts core curricula outside the Theatre Arts Program.

Admission

In addition to the general requirements for admission to the University, the aspiring undergraduate must meet the following requirements for admission to the Bachelor of Fine Arts program:

•Submission of a supplementary application to Theatre Arts.

•An audition/interview.

•Upon acceptance, indication of area of specialization (performance or production/design).

Transfer students follow the same entrance procedures as freshmen and should realize that acceptance into the program is determined by the Theatre Arts faculty.

Candidates for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree must satisfy the requirements for the University and the College of Liberal Arts.

All freshmen and incoming transfer B.F.A. students are required to complete THEA 1304 or otherwise demonstrate their proficiency in technical theatre skills. All Theatre Arts majors enroll in one Theatre Practicum course (THEA 0181) each semester they are in residence at the University. All B.F.A. students who elect the performance option are required to audition for each major production each semester they are enrolled. Production activities and Theatre Arts disciplinary rules shall be governed by a student handbook, which is supplied to the student by Theatre Arts.

The Theatre Arts Program offers limited scholarships to deserving students. Work-study positions are also available. Contact Theatre Arts for information.

Senior Project

During the senior year of residency, all BFA students shall present a Senior Project, THEA 4391 or 4394. This project will enable the Theatre Arts faculty to assess the quality of that student's work and progress in the Program. Students must meet with individual faculty members to determine the nature and form of the project.

Requirements for a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre Arts

English

Six hours of composition.

Literature

Three hours of English or foreign language literature or other approved substitute.

Liberal Arts Elective

Three hours above the freshman level of literature, or social and cultural studies designated as taught in the College of Liberal Arts, or fine arts or philosophy, or technical writing.

Political Science

2311, 2312.

History

1311, 1312.

Mathematics

Six hours (level of college algebra or higher).

Science

11 hours, at least eight hours of which are in one laboratory natural science. The natural science core requirement was changed just prior to publication of the catalog, and there was not sufficient time for all departments to make corresponding revisions in their degree requirements. Students should refer to the core curriculum requirement on page 38 of this catalog and also consult with their academic advisor.

Fine Arts and Philosophy

Six hours from architecture, art, dance, music, theatre arts, or philosophy.

Social/Cultural Studies

Three hours of designated courses in archaeology, classical studies, communication, economics, history, humanities, linguistics, political science, social or cultural anthropology, social/political/cultural geography, social psychology, sociology or women's studies.

Electives

Sufficient to give the total number of hours required for degree.

Options

B.F.A. Performance

1303, 1304, 1307, 1343, 2306, 2352, plus 36 upper-division hours including 3300, 3304, 3315, 3340, 3341, 4300, 4301, 4303, 4304 4308, 3302 or 4302 and Senior Project.

Enroll in 0181 each semester they are enrolled.

The Bachelor of Arts Degree Program

Liberal Arts Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts degree is a general theatre degree and provides a thorough background in the Liberal Arts. Students seeking the Bachelor of Arts degree elect courses chosen from the University and Liberal Arts core curricula outside the Theatre Arts Program.

Admission

The student must meet the general requirements for admission to the University. Candidates for a Bachelor of Arts degree must satisfy the University and the College of Liberal Arts core requirements. The candidate for the B.A. degree must also complete an approved minor in the liberal arts. Advanced placement credits, if appropriate, may be applied toward these requirements.

All freshmen and incoming transfer B.A. students are required to complete THEA 1304 or otherwise demonstrate their proficiency in technical theatre skills. All Theatre Arts majors enroll in one Theatre Practicum course (THEA 0181) each semester. Production activities and discipline within Theatre Arts shall be governed by a student handbook, which is supplied to the student by Theatre Arts.

The Theatre Arts Program offers limited scholarships to deserving students. Work-study positions are also available. Contact Theatre Arts for further information.

Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts

English

Six hours of composition.

Literature

Three hours of English or foreign language literature or other approved substitute.

Liberal Arts Elective

Three hours above the freshman level of literature, or social and cultural studies designated as taught in the College of Liberal Arts, or fine arts or philosophy, or technical writing.

Foreign Language

1441, 1442, 2313, and 2314 or equivalent.

Political Science

2311, 2312.

History

1311, 1312.

Mathematics

Six hours (level of college algebra or higher).

Science

11 hours, at least eight of which are in one laboratory natural science. The natural science core requirement was changed just prior to publication of the catalog, and there was not sufficient time for all departments to make corresponding revisions in their degree requirements. Students should refer to the core curriculum requirement on page 38 of this catalog and also consult with their academic advisor.

Fine Arts and Philosophy

Three hours from architecture, art, dance, music, philosophy, or theatre arts.

Social/Cultural Studies

Electives

Sufficient to give the total number of hours required for a degree.

Major

1302, 1304, 1307, 2306, 3300, 3301, 3305, 3307, 3315, and nine hours 3000/4000 level within Theatre Arts, for a total of 36 hours, not including Theatre Practicum 0181.

Minor

18 hours, nine of which must be 3000/4000 level, in a field outside Theatre Arts, selected after consulting with an advisor.

Total

128 hours, of which at least 36 must be 3000/4000 level, plus exercise and sport activities (EXSA) or ROTC or marching band as required.

Teacher Certification in Theatre Arts

Theatre Arts programs provide for teacher certification at the secondary teaching level and elementary teaching levels. Students interested in Texas Teacher Certification should consult the School of Education section of this catalog for the most recent changes in requirements regarding admission to teacher education, completion of University programs in preparation for certification, and eligibility for certification after graduation. Students whose major is Theatre Arts complete 36 semester hours in the major field, not including Theatre Practicum 0181. All certification candidates in Theatre Arts enroll in Theatre Practicum 0181 each semester. Students seeking teacher certification with a major in Theatre Arts should complete the courses as listed below:

•Elementary Certification, Theatre Arts Major
THEA 1302 or 1303, 1304, 1307, 1343, 3300, 4300.
Six hours from THEA 3301, 3302, 3305, 3307, 3320.
Six hours from THEA 4302, 4303, 4304, 4309, 4330, 4343.

Six hours advanced (3000/4000) level in Theatre Arts.

All Theatre Arts majors enroll in THEA 0181 each semester.

Consult the School of Education for further requirements.

•Secondary Certification, Theatre Arts Major
THEA 1302 or 1303, 1304, 1307, 1343, 3300, 4300
Six hours from THEA 3301, 3302, 3305, 3307, 3320.
Six hours from THEA 4302, 4303, 4304, 4309, 4330, 4343.
Six hours advanced (3000/4000) level in Theatre Arts.
All Theatre Arts majors enroll in THEA 0181 each semester.
Consult the School of Education for further requirements.

B.F.A. Production/Design

1302 or 1303, 1304, 1305, 1307, 1343, 2306, plus 36 upper-division hours including 3300, 3301, 3302 or 4302, 3304, 3305, 3307, 3315, 4303, 4304, 4305 or 4306, 4343 and Senior Project.

Enroll in 0181 each semester they are enrolled.

Total

128 hours, of which at least 36 must be 3000/4000 level, plus exercise and sport activities (EXSA) or ROTC or marching band as required.

Computer and Oral Competencies

Students majoring in Theatre Arts are required to demonstrate computer use and oral communication competencies. Computer use proficiency can be demonstrated by (a) successful completion of CSE 1301 or BUSA 2303, or (b) passing the University computer competency exam. Oral communications proficiency must be demonstrated by successful completion of THEA 1302 or 1303. Students should discuss these options with their undergraduate advisor who may also provide a list of other courses approved by the University to met these requirements.

Theatre Arts Faculty

Director

Associate Professor Kongevick

Associate Professors

Chapa, Gaupp, Maher

Specialists

Granger, Inman, Simons

Theatre Arts (THEA)

Prefix and number in parentheses following the U.T. Arlington course number and title is the Common Course Number designation.

0181. THEATRE PRACTICUM (0-4) 1 hour credit (DRAM 1120). Open to all students interested in participating in dramatic productions on-stage, backstage, or front of house. Considers aspects of play production which may include scenery construction, publicity, costumes, and lighting. Practicum students participate in auditions and are assigned to production crews. May be repeated for credit. All Theatre Arts majors register for 0181 each semester.

1302. VOCAL FUNDAMENTALS (3-0) 3 hours credit (DRAM 2336). Introduction to the fundamentals of vocal production. Emphasis on relaxation, breathing techniques, and the creation of vocal sound. Credit will not be granted to B.F.A. students in the performance option. (Formerly listed as Voice and Diction.)

1303. PERFORMANCE FUNDAMENTALS I: VOICE AND MOVEMENT (3-0) 3 hours credit. The use and training of the voice. Includes specialized techniques of vocal production, physical relaxation and coordination of voice and body. Required of all majors in Theatre Arts. Prerequisite: permission of faculty.

1304. STAGECRAFT I (2-4) 3 hours credit (DRAM 1330). Equipment, materials, methods, and procedures for the fabrication of scenery and properties for theatrical production. Service on crews in productions as required for one semester. Required of all theatre arts majors. $45 course fee.

1305. INTRODUCTION TO THEATRICAL DESIGN (3-0) 3 hours credit. Basic aesthetic skills of color, line, texture, and form, and the interactions of these elements in all visual arts. Mechanics and techniques of illustration and rendering of design ideas.

1307. ACTING I: FUNDAMENTALS (3-0) 3 hours credit (DRAM 1351). Study and exercise in fundamentals of the actor's craft. Emphasis on the development of basic acting techniques including: characterization, objectives, action and script analysis. Performance requirements may include improvisation, monologues, and scene study.

1343. INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE (3-0) 3 hours credit (DRAM 1310). Acquaints the student with major phases of theatrical activity and production research. Considers the duties and contributions of director, actor, scene designer, costumer, and others involved in play production. Students may be required to attend and review productions.

2306. THE CRAFT OF COSTUME (2-4) 3 hours credit. Introduction to the process and application of the fundamental skills of costuming and costume design preparation methods, including color and fabric, the techniques of construction, stitching, dyeing, stenciling, fabric printing, pattern and draping methods, non-traditional ornamentation and use of fabrics, as well as script/character analysis and charting. $45 course fee.

2352. ACTING II: SCENE STUDY (2-4) 3 hours credit (DRAM 1352). Acting technique exercises to enhance and develop acting skills through scene study. Methods of characterization, research, and role preparation. Both presentational and representational approaches. Prerequisite: THEA 1307 and permission of faculty. $30 course fee.

3300. DIRECTING I (2-4) 3 hours credit. The techniques of staging plays. Play interpretation, casting, rehearsal procedure, staging, and the role of the director in character analysis and creation. Prerequisites: THEA 1304, 1307, 1343, 2306, 2352, and permission of faculty. $45 course fee.

3301. SCENE DESIGN I (3-0) 3 hours credit. History, theory, and basic concepts of design methods with application for stage, television, and film. Prerequisites: THEA 1304, 1305, 1343, 2306, and permission of faculty. $25 course fee.

3302. STAGE MANAGEMENT (2-4) 3 hours credit. Theory and techniques of managing a production from auditions through closing night. Service on crews in productions is required for the semester. Prerequisite: THEA 1304 and 1343.

3304. STAGECRAFT II (2-4) 3 hours credit. Paint and the effect of lighting on paint; basic principles of stage lighting. Prerequisites: THEA 1304, 1305, 1343, 2306, and permission. $45 course fee.

3305. LIGHTING DESIGN I (2-4) 3 hours credit. Basic design principles and techniques and their application. Theories and application of optical control and distribution. Service on light crews in productions as required. Prerequisites: THEA 1304, 1305, 1343, 2306, and permission of faculty. $30 course fee.

3307. HISTORY OF COSTUME (3-0) 3 hours credit. Historical styles and trends of fashion to the present as applied to stage, television, and film. Prerequisites: THEA 1304, 1343, 2306, and permission of faculty.

3315. THEATRICAL MAKE-UP (3-0) 3 hours credit. Types, styles, and techniques of make-up application for stage, television, and film. Prerequisites: THEA 1304, 1305, 1343, 2306, and permission of faculty. $35 course fee.

3320. PLAYWRITING (3-0) 3 hours credit. The art and craft of constructing a play. Students write playlets, scenes, and one-act plays for in-house production and/or instructor evaluation. Prerequisites: THEA 3300 and permission.

3340. PERFORMANCE FUNDAMENTALS II: VOICE FOR THE ACTOR (3-0) 3 hours credit. Further development of techniques covered in THEA 1303. Freeing the voice through exercises and experiences in relaxation, physical awareness, breath, vibrations, resonance, and articulation. Focus on awareness and the release of habitual patterns that restrict the voice. Movement and alignment techniques are explored as are the uses of movement and gesture in specific performance contexts. Prerequisite: permission of the faculty.

3341. ACTING III: ADVANCED SCENE STUDY (2-4) 3 hours credit. Further development of techniques covered in THEA 1307-2352; basic principles of character building. Emphasis on the development of a role through script, exercises, and scene work. Prerequisites: THEA 1307, 2352, and permission of faculty. $30 course fee.

3346. STAGE COMBAT (3-0) 3 hours credit. Basic skills in hand-to-hand stage combat. Slapping, punching, kicking, and falling techniques. $20 course fee.

3373. SPECIAL TOPICS: WOMEN IN THE ARTS (3-0) 3 hours credit. An interdisciplinary course; includes art, music, dance, theatre, and literature. May vary in emphasis depending upon the instructor's field and theoretical perspective. May include works of women artists, the portrayal of women in the arts, the status of women in the arts, and feminist theory and criticism in the various disciplines. Cross listed as WOMS 3373; credit will be granted only once.

4300. DIRECTING II (2-4) 3 hours credit. Continuation of THEA 3300. Students will direct scenes and one-act plays. Prerequisites: THEA 3300. $50 course fee.

4301. ACTING IV: STYLES (2-4) 3 hours credit. Selected acting styles exploring images, text, movement and development of the actor throughout history. The use of various acting techniques to condition the actor to meet the demands of classical literature. Prerequisites: THEA 3300, 3341, and permission of faculty. $30 course fee.

4302. THEATRE MANAGEMENT (3-0) 3 hours credit. Management-producer responsibilities applicable to community or professional theatre with attention to box office, marketing, production coordination, press and community relations, funding and grantsmanship, unions, and business management structures. Prerequisite: permission of faculty.

4303. CLASSICAL THEATRE HISTORY (3-0) 3 hours credit. The development of world theatre from its beginnings through the Renaissance. Analysis of representative plays of each period with particular emphasis on drama in its historical context. History of acting, costuming, and directing. Prerequisites: THEA 1304, 1343, 2306, and permission of faculty.

4304. MODERN THEATRE HISTORY (3-0) 3 hours credit. The development of Western theatre from the Renaissance to the present. Analysis of representative plays from Europe, England, and America. Development of the modern stage, acting methods, and production techniques. Prerequisites: THEA 4303 and permission of faculty.

4305. SCENE DESIGN II (3-0) 3 hours credit. Continuation of THEA 3301. Distinctions among stage, television, and film design, interaction of one with another, advanced methods, and application of scene design concepts. Prerequisites: THEA 3301 and permission of faculty. $30 course fee.

4306. LIGHTING DESIGN II (3-0) 3 hours credit. Specialized topics and advanced design technique and application principles. Participation on light crews in departmental productions required. Prerequisites: THEA 3305 and permission of faculty. $30 course fee.

4308. ACTING FOR THE CAMERA (3-0) 3 hours credit. An advanced acting course to acquire film and video technique. Prerequisites: THEA 1303, 1307, 1343, 2352. $20 course fee.

4309. DRAMATIC THEORY (3-0) 3 hours credit. Major documents in evolution of dramatic theory, from classical foundations through major movements in contemporary criticism. Prerequisites: THEA 1304, 1343, 2306, and permission of faculty.

4330. HISTORY OF U.S. THEATRE (3-0) 3 hours credit. The evolution of theatre in the United States from its beginning in colonial times to the present day. Representative plays from various periods are studied. Prerequisites: THEA 1304, 1343, 2306, and permission of faculty.

4341. ACTING PROFESSIONALLY (3-0) 3 hours credit. Acting techniques including stage dialects, the actor's audition, and the business of acting. Prerequisite: THEA 1303, 1307, 1343, 2352, and permission of instructor. $20 course fee.

4343. COSTUME AND DESIGN (2-4) 3 hours credit. Theory and practice of costume design and application of those principles to theatrical production. Prerequisites: THEA 3307 and permission of faculty. $30 course fee.

4391. CONFERENCE COURSE (3-0) 3 hours credit. Topics assigned on an individual basis covering individual research or study in a designated area. May be repeated as topic changes. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

4393. SPECIAL TOPICS (3-0) 3 hours credit. Special studies in drama and theatre. Topic varies from semester to semester. May be repeated as topic changes or until a maximum of six credit hours is attained. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

4394. HONORS THESIS/SENIOR PROJECT (3-0) 3 hours credit. Required of all students in the University Honors College. During the senior year, the student must complete a thesis or project of equivalent difficulty under the direction of a faculty member in the major department.

4395. INTERNSHIP (3-0) 3 hours credit. Individual research through working with a professional theatre organization. Individual conference to be arranged. Prerequisites: senior standing, permission of program director and instructor.