These requirements are from an excerpt from the University Academic Catalog, which outlines the requirements for a student to earn the distinction of being a Castleton University graduate. The complete catalog is available online.
Students majoring in Theater Arts take the core Theater courses plus 12 credits of electives, and also select a concentration in Theater Studies (BA.THA.THS), Acting and Directing (BA.THA.ADD), or Technical Theater and Design (BA.THA.TTD).
All students graduating with a degree in Theater Arts should be able to:
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
THA 1001 |
Stage ProductionStudents participate in department productions, either as actors or in a technical capacity. Evaluation is based on the hours spent on production, the quality of the performance, the seriousness of purpose and, quality of participation. This course is repeatable for credit. Fee Fee $15. Every semester |
1 |
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
THA 1041 |
Theater AppreciationDesigned to develop an understanding and appreciation of the varieties of theatrical experience. This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding Frame of Reference. Fee Fee $15 Every semester |
3 |
THA 1111 |
StagecraftBasic course in the physical mounting of a stage production. Scenery, lighting, properties, sound and technical effects are examined. The course includes a weekly two hour lab and may include crew work on productions. This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding Frame of Reference, and may be repeated once for credit. Fee Fee $200 Every semester |
3 |
THA 2121 |
Acting IThis course will emphasize principles of acting at the beginning level. Emphasis will be placed on exercises and course work related to relaxation, talking and listening, body dynamics, concentration, sensory awareness, imagination, improvisation, actions and objectives in addition to other basic concepts related to the actor's process. Performance requirements include individual and group exercises and two-character scene work. This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding Frame of Reference. Every semester |
3 |
THA 2140 |
Design FundamentalsThis course will give students a solid foundation in design from which they can build upon in more advanced studies. Students will learn the basic elements of design and principles of composition as well as an overview of various periods and styles throughout history. Topics covered may include fundamentals in: color theory, drawing, painting, drafting, fashion, architecture, and various visual media. This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding Frame of Reference. Fee Fee $100 Spring, even years |
3 |
THA 3211 |
Directing IAn introductory directing course which deals primarily with script analysis and research methods in preparation for the directing of major productions for the theater. Fall, even years |
3 |
THA 4721 |
Theatre Arts Capstone IThe first of a two-semester sequence. This course will focus on the preparation of a physical portfolio, an online portfolio, and the development of theatre production proposals. Restrictions Senior standing Fall |
2 |
THA 4722 |
Theatre Arts Capstone IIThe second of a two-semester course. This course will focus on the development and implementation of a theatrical production. Restrictions Senior standing Spring |
2 |
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
THA 2011 |
Survey of Theater History IAn examination of the critical periods of Theater History from the Greeks through Shakespeare. Representative plays from each period will be explored, as plays are some of the best reflections of any particular culture. This course fulfills the World Views Frame of Reference. Fall |
3 |
THA 2012 |
Survey of Theater History IIAn examination of the critical periods in Theater History from French Neoclassicism to the present. Representative plays will be explored, as plays are some of the best reflections of any particular culture. This course fulfills the World Views Frame of Reference. Prerequisite: THA 2011. Spring |
3 |
THA 3310 |
Dramatic Theory and CriticismThis course examines the work of major playwrights and critical theories of western theater from the Ancient Greeks to the present. The class will rely heavily on extensive reading of dramatic literature and the theories and criticisms that followed as well as informed group discussions of the required reading. Fall |
3 |
Complete 5 of these courses
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
DAN 1040 |
Introductory Dance WorkshopIntroductory level workshop in specific dance techniques or styles such as ballet, jazz, modern or tap. This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding Frame of Reference. Fee Fee $30 Offered on an as needed basis |
3 |
DAN 2140 |
Intermediate Dance WorkshopIntermediate level workshop in specific dance techniques or styles such as ballet, jazz, modern or tap. This course fulfills the Aesthetic Understanding frame of reference. Prerequisite: DAN 1040 or permission of department or instructor. Fee Fee $30 Offered on an as needed basis |
3 |
THA 2110 |
Voice and DictionIn this course students will learn the skills necessary to produce a good speaking voice, correct faulty speech habits, and develop practices in public speaking. This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding Frame of Reference. Spring, even years |
3 |
THA 2122 |
Acting IIContinuation of THA 2121 with concentration on character analysis. Performance requirements will include monologue and scene study experiences. Prerequisite: THA 2121. Spring |
3 |
THA 2160 |
MusicalsAn examination of the Musical as a performing art from its roots to current day. Musicals will be explored from aesthetic, cultural, political, social, and historical perspectives. |
3 |
THA 2510 |
Scenic PaintingThis class is designed to introduce students to the study and practice of scenic art and scenic painting. Students will learn the fundamental techniques of painting and texturing associated with such basic scenic design applications as wood graining, marbling, stenciling, etc. This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding Frame of Reference. Fee Fee $300 Spring, odd years |
3 |
THA 3050 |
Stage MakeupA course in the art of makeup as a design element and augmentation of characterization. Various kinds of makeup and character types will be explored. The course will culminate in character analysis, design and makeup execution for a character. Fee Fee $100 Fall, even years |
3 |
THA 3120 |
Lighting DesignExplores the practical and artistic elements of lighting the stage. The fundamentals of instrumentation and control are explained. Also included will be systems of nomenclature and computer aided drafting techniques for the development of lighting plots. Emphasis will be on practical experience in developing the student's sense of lighting aesthetics. Fee Fee $100 Fall, odd years |
3 |
THA 3212 |
Directing IIAn intermediate directing course which deals with script analysis and research methods in preparation for the directing of major productions for the theater. The course is designed as a lab application with numerous directing projects assigned. Prerequisite: THA 3211 Spring, odd years |
3 |
THA 3331 |
Scene DesignAn examination of the elements of design as they relate to the translation and reinforcement of the dramatic image of a play script into the visual environment of a production. Includes development, completion and critical analysis of original projects. Lecture and workshop Repeatable once for credit Fee Fee $100 Spring, odd years |
3 |
THA 4020 |
Stage ManagementStudents study the function and role of the theatrical stage manager. Tools such as rehearsal and performance reports, a stage manager's book, and stage management kit will be employed. Fee Fee $30 Spring, odd years |
3 |
Complete 5 of these courses
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
THA 2110 |
Voice and DictionIn this course students will learn the skills necessary to produce a good speaking voice, correct faulty speech habits, and develop practices in public speaking. This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding Frame of Reference. Spring, even years |
3 |
THA 2122 |
Acting IIContinuation of THA 2121 with concentration on character analysis. Performance requirements will include monologue and scene study experiences. Prerequisite: THA 2121. Spring |
3 |
THA 2160 |
MusicalsAn examination of the Musical as a performing art from its roots to current day. Musicals will be explored from aesthetic, cultural, political, social, and historical perspectives. |
3 |
THA 3020 |
Acting for the CameraInstruction and practice in the basics of acting for both TV and film style productions: playing to the camera, shooting out of sequences, blocking, and other production considerations. Prerequisite: THA 2121, or consent of instructor. Alternate years |
3 |
THA 3123 |
Acting IIIAn advanced acting studio which deals with acting styles and advanced audition techniques. The course will culminate in acting juries. This course is repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: THA 2121 and THA 2122 Fall, Odd years |
3 |
THA 3124 |
Acting IVAn advanced acting studio that deals with acting theorists and their practices through scene study, analysis, and performance. Prerequisite: THA 3123. Spring Even years |
3 |
THA 3212 |
Directing IIAn intermediate directing course which deals with script analysis and research methods in preparation for the directing of major productions for the theater. The course is designed as a lab application with numerous directing projects assigned. Prerequisite: THA 3211 Spring, odd years |
3 |
Complete 5 of these courses
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
THA 2130 |
Fashion Construction and Pattern MakingThe method of shaping two-dimensional materials into three-dimensional garments is part sculpting, part building, and part drafting. This course is an introduction to the practical skills of sewing, the artistic skills of translating an idea or vision into physical form, and the engineering skills of transforming a set of numbers into a wearable structure. Throughout the semester students will research, discuss, and write about the contributions of fashion and costume to our material culture. May be repeated once for program credit. Lecture and workshop. Fee Fee $100 Fall, odd years |
3 |
THA 2510 |
Scenic PaintingThis class is designed to introduce students to the study and practice of scenic art and scenic painting. Students will learn the fundamental techniques of painting and texturing associated with such basic scenic design applications as wood graining, marbling, stenciling, etc. This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding Frame of Reference. Fee Fee $300 Spring, odd years |
3 |
THA 3050 |
Stage MakeupA course in the art of makeup as a design element and augmentation of characterization. Various kinds of makeup and character types will be explored. The course will culminate in character analysis, design and makeup execution for a character. Fee Fee $100 Fall, even years |
3 |
THA 3120 |
Lighting DesignExplores the practical and artistic elements of lighting the stage. The fundamentals of instrumentation and control are explained. Also included will be systems of nomenclature and computer aided drafting techniques for the development of lighting plots. Emphasis will be on practical experience in developing the student's sense of lighting aesthetics. Fee Fee $100 Fall, odd years |
3 |
THA 3220 |
Computer Aided Design for TheatreStudents will learn the use of computer aided design software specifically as it applies to theatre design; starting with basic two-dimensional shapes and working up to fully rendered three-dimensional models. This course fulfills the computing intensive requirement. Fee Fee $30 Fall, odd years |
3 |
THA 3331 |
Scene DesignAn examination of the elements of design as they relate to the translation and reinforcement of the dramatic image of a play script into the visual environment of a production. Includes development, completion and critical analysis of original projects. Lecture and workshop Repeatable once for credit Fee Fee $100 Spring, odd years |
3 |
THA 4020 |
Stage ManagementStudents study the function and role of the theatrical stage manager. Tools such as rehearsal and performance reports, a stage manager's book, and stage management kit will be employed. Fee Fee $30 Spring, odd years |
3 |
THA 4332 |
Advanced Design for the TheaterAn in-depth examination of a single area of design for the theater as it relates to the translation and reinforcement of the dramatic image of a play script into the visual environment of a production. Includes the development, completion and critical analysis of several original projects in either scenic, lighting, or costume design. It is expected that several of the student projects will be realized. Prerequisite: THA 3331 and THA 2140 or consent of instructor. Fee Lab fee $30. |
3 |
Any courses with the following designations: ART, ARH, MUS, THA, DAN. These do not have to be all in the same department.
The department recommends that students pursuing a Theater Arts degree take additional courses in English, Literature, Communication, and Film Studies, either as electives and/or to satisfy General Education requirements.