---

The description of classes below is provided for your information.
Not all classes are offered every semester.
Refer to the course schedule booklet to determine which classes are offered, when and by which professors. Please note prerequisites and other requirements.
If you have questions about specific classes, contact the theatre office.

100. Participation. (0)
Attendance/participation for Mainstage and Studio performances; and other events as established by the department. (Specific attendance/participation requirements will be established at the beginning of each semester.) Four semesters, or a minimum or eight University Theatre productions, are required of theatre majors. Participation in at least two or the eight productions must be in technical production. Two semesters, or a minimum of four University Theatre productions, are required of theatre minors. Participation in one of the four productions must be in technical production. Assignments for technical production are made through consultation with the technical and design faculty.

110. Introduction to the Theatre. (3hr)
For the theatre novice. A survey of the theory and practice of the major disciplines of theatre art: acting, directing, playwriting, and design. Participation in Studio and Mainstage productions. Students planning to major in theatre are encouraged to take Theatre 112. 
May be used to satisfy a requirement in Division III.

112. Introduction to the Theatre. (3hr) 
For the experienced theatre student. A survey of the theory and practice of the major disciplines of theatre art: acting, directing, playwriting, and design. Students planning to major in theatre are encouraged to take Theatre 112. Credit will not be given for both Theatre 110 and 112. Experience in Studio and Mainstage productions. May be used to satisfy a requirement in Division III.

126 Stage Makeup (1.5hr) 
A study of the design and application of theatrical makeup in relationship to historical period and character development.

130 Dynamics of Voice and Movement. (3hr)
Building awareness of the actor’s instrument through the development of basic vocal and physical skills, emphasizing relaxation, clarity, expressiveness, and commitment, along with spontaneity, centering, and basic technical skills.

140. Acting I. (3hr) 
Fundamental acting theory and techniques including exercises, monologues and scene work.

141. On-Camera Performance. (3hr) 
Introduction to the theory and practice of performing for the camera.  May include basic method acting, newscasting, commercials, and film acting.  (Also listed as Communication 116.) 

144. Mime. (1.5hr) 
An introductory study of basic mime forms. The student will gain skills and understanding of this theatrical form through practical exercises, readings, rehearsals, and performances

146. Performance Techniques. (3hr) 
A course focusing on acting styles appropriate to various modes of theatrical production. Specialized techniques such as dance, stage combat, etc., may also be included. (Suitable for non-majors.)

150. Introduction to Design  & Production (3hr)
An introduction to the architecture and technology of the theatre,  including the essentials of the operation of the scene shop, stage equipment, occupational health and safety. The course stresses the collaborative art of the theatre through an introduction to theatre design including script analysis, visual research, communication of the design, drafting, and color.

155. Stagecraft. (3hr) 
This introductory course focuses on contemporary materials, construction methods, and rigging practices employed in the planning, fabrication and installation of stage scenery. Emphasis on using current technologies for problem solving.

1880. The Contemporary English theatre. (1hr) (London Trip) An exploration of the English theatre through theatre attendance in London and other English theatre centers. Readings, lectures. Participants submit reviews of the plays and complete a journal of informal reactions to the plays, the sites and the variety of cultural differences observed. Two weeks. Offered in London before spring term. P-Permission of instructor. Pass/Fail only.

230. Advanced Dynamics. (3hr) 
Focus on opening and strengthening the actor’s instrument by building on work done in Theatre 130. P-Theatre 130.

245. Acting II. (3hr)
Advanced study and practice of the skills introduced in Acting I. P-THE 130 and 140

246. Period and Style. (3hr)
A study of social customs, movement, dances, and theatrical styles relating to the performance of drama in historical settings as well as in period plays. The course includes performances in class. P-Theatre 130 or 230 and 140.

250. Theatrical Scene Design. (3hr) 
A study of the fundamental principles and techniques of stage design. Drafting, model building, perspective rendering, historical research, and scene painting will be emphasized. P - THE 150

251. Costume and  Makeup Design. (3hr)
A study of the fundamental principles and techniques of costume and makeup design with an emphasis on historical research. The basics of costume rendering, costume construction and stage makeup will be explored. P - THE 150

252. Lighting and Sound Design. (3hr) 
An exploration of the lighting and sound designer’s process from script to production. A variety of staging situations will be studied, including proscenium, thrust and arena production. P - THE 150

259. Theatre Management: Principles and Practices. (3hr)  This course reviews the development of theatre management in the United States, with emphasis on the role of the producer; explores commercial and not-for-profit theatre with attention to planning, personnel, and the economics of theatre. Includes readings, lectures and reports.

260. History of Western theatre I [Beginnings to 1642].(3hr)
A survey of the development of Western theatre and drama 
 through the Greek, Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance theatres to 1642; includes lectures, readings and reports. (Suitable for non-majors.)

261. History of Western theatre II [1642 to the Present] (3hr)
A survey of Western theatre and drama from the French Neo-.  classic theatre through the English Restoration, the eighteenth century, Romanticism, Realism, the revolts against Realism and the post-modern theatre; includes lectures, readings and reports. (Suitable for non-majors.)

281. Acting Workshop. (1.5hr) Scene work with student directors utilizing realistic texts. Offered Pass/Fail only. P.- THE 140 or Permission of Instructor.

283. Practicum. (1-1.5hr) Projects under faculty supervision. May be repeated for no more than 4 credits. P - Permission of the department.

290. Special Seminar. (1.5-3hr) 
The intensive study of selected topics in theatre. May be repeated.

292. Theatre Honors. (3hr) A tutorial involving intensive work in the area of special interest for qualified seniors who wish to graduate with departmental honors. P - Permission of department.

294. Individual Study. (1-3hr) Special research and readings in an area of interest to be approved and supervised by a faculty adviser. May be taken for no more than 4 credits. P - Permission of department.

340. Directing. (3hr) An introduction to the theory and practice of play directing. P - THE 110/112,140 and 150; co-requisite THE 381 and 250. (For majors only)

344. Acting Shakespeare. (3hr) A practical study of varying styles in interpreting and acting Shakespeare’s plays from the time of the Elizabethans to the present day. P - THE 130 and 140. 

372. Contemporary Drama. (3hr) The course will consider varieties of form and substance in plays and performance texts from Godot to the present. Readings will cover such playwrights as Beckett, Pinter, Stoppard, Churchill, Wertenbaker, Albee, Shepard, Fornes, Mamet, Wilson, Soyinka, Fugard, and Foreman. (Also listed as English 394.)

375. American Drama. (3hr) A historical overview of drama in the United States, covering such playwrights as Boucicault, Mowatt, O'Neill, Glaspell, Wilder, Williams, Miller, Hansberry, Albee, Shepard, Norman, Hwang, Vogel, Mamet, and Wilson. (Also listed as English 375.)

381. Directing Workshop. (1.5hr) The practical application of directing techniques in realistic scene study utilizing student actors. This course is a co-requisite of THE 340.

385. Studio Production (1.5hr) 
The organization, techniques and problems encountered in the production of a play for the public. P - THE 340 and permission of department.

390, 391. Special Seminar (1-3hr) 
The intensive study of selected topics in the theatre. May be repeated.

392. Special Topics in Dramatic Literature. (1-3hr) Intensive study of selected plays and/or performance texts.

Note: Course Descriptions reflect the 2000-2001 Wake Forest University Bulletin. The Bulletin remains the official listing. 

---

Wake Forest theatre homepage compiled by Jonathan Christman
access 1,891   8/25/2005