Theatre Arts
The Baylor University Department of Theatre Arts is an elite program combining an excellent liberal arts education with rigorous training in both academic and artistic fields of theatre study. The department has been named among the top 25 undergraduate theatre programs in the United States and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.
Our mission is to nurture a close-knit community of intellectually-curious and artistically-daring theatre practitioners while preparing students for future success through liberal arts education and professional training.
Entrance Requirement in Theatre Arts
In addition to admission to the University, prospective students must be admitted to the Department of Theatre Arts by application and a formal audition/interview conducted by the Theatre Arts Faculty. Refer to the Departmental Student Handbook for other curricular and co-curricular requirements.
Programs
Theatre Arts (THEA)
THEA 1101 Fundamentals of Voice and Movement I (1)
An introduction to the fundamentals of voice and movement for the actor with emphasis on freeing the natural voice and developing awareness of the voice and body as creative, expressive instruments. This course supports the work done in acting core courses.
THEA 1102 Fundamentals of Voice and Movement II (1)
A continuation of THEA 1101 with emphasis on the fundamentals of voice and movement for the actor, freeing the natural voice, and developing awareness of the voice and body as creative and expressive instruments.
THEA 1103 Introduction to Musical Theatre Voice 1 (1)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
Introduction to four of the five parts of healthy functional vocal production in Musical Theatre styles: Phonation, Relaxation/Alignment, Respiration and Articulation.
THEA 1104 Introduction to Musical Theatre Voice 2 (1)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
Introduction to Resonance (one of the five parts of healthy functional vocal production) in Musical Theatre styles with continued work on: Phonation, Relaxation/Alignment, Respiration and Articulation
THEA 1110 The Fine Arts: An Experiential Survey of Music, Art, Theatre, and Film (1)
Pre-requisite(s): Acceptance into the Fine Arts Living Learning Center
An exploration of four Fine Arts disciplines (film, art, theatre, and music) from an interdisciplinary perspective, with emphasis on specific performances and exhibitions, and a small group focus on new student experiences.
THEA 1301 Acting I: Realism (3)
Introduction to the basics of acting, including theatrical terminology, improvisation, scene study, and character analysis. Emphasis will be placed on an acting method based on the works of Constantin Stanislavski.
THEA 1302 Acting Realism: Scene Study (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 1380
An introduction to basic acting technique. Students employ the character analysis, basic object exercises, and other acting tools toward producing a character study based on a modern American play.
THEA 1306 Introduction to Theatre (3)
Develops an engaged understanding of live theatre and performance in contemporary society through an overview of the various artists, skills, crafts, traditions, and conventions that inform the creation of a theatrical event. Students with credit in Thea 1306 may not earn credit for Thea 1206.
THEA 1312 Scenic Elements (3)
Basic course in stagecraft. Technical crew lab included.
THEA 1316 Costume and Stage Makeup Elements (3)
Study and application of the theories and techniques of theatrical costuming, construction of theatrical clothing, and theatrical makeup. Technical crew lab included.
THEA 1324 Script Analysis (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 1380
Introduction to the process of script analysis, focusing on play structure, environmental research and character development, and culminating in a written play analysis.
THEA 1380 Theatre Aesthetics: Visual Storytelling (3)
An introduction to basic theatre aesthetics. Emphasis placed on elements and principles of design for visual storytelling.
THEA 1383 Theatrical Drafting (3)
Introduction to theatrical hand drafting techniques, tools and standards, including fundamentals of graphic problem solving by visualization of elements in three dimensional space.
THEA 2101 Applied Voice and Movement I (1)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 1102
THEA 2102 Applied Voice and Movement II (1)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 2101
Continuation of the work begun in THEA 2101 with emphasis on movement for the stage as it applies to realistic acting, as well as interpretive, post-modern theatre making.
THEA 2103 Musical Theatre Voice (1)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
Beginning work on vocal technique in various musical theatre styles. This course must be taken concurrently with THEA 3003.
THEA 2104 Sophomore Voice for Contemporary Musical Theatre (1)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
Acting technique and character development, in conjunction with vocal technique, as they relate to traditional musical theatre styles, in small group/ensemble roles with repertoire before 1965. This course must be taken concurrently with THEA 3003.
THEA 2105 Singing for the Actor (1)
Pre-requisite(s): Instructor permission required
Preparing the actor to participate in singing roles including ensemble work, straight plays with music, and Shakespeare sonnets. The course will also cover vocal technique, sight singing, and harmony/group singing. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 3 hours.
THEA 2113 Workshop in Traditional Musical Theatre I (1)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
Application of techniques and skills learned in the voice class in a performance setting using materials from traditional musical theatre styles pre-1965.
THEA 2114 Workshop in Contemporary Musical Theatre I (1)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
Application of techniques and skills learned in the voice class in a performance setting using materials from contemporary musical theatre styles from 1965 to the present.
THEA 2298 Ballet I (2)
Ballet with emphasis on technique and vocabulary. Theatre Arts majors may substitute this class for one semester of Human Performance.
THEA 2299 Jazz I (2)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 2298
Jazz techniques, vocabulary, and styles relevant to character/theatre dance. Theatre Arts majors may substitute this class for one semester of Human Performance.
THEA 2301 Acting: Physical Methods (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 1302
An Introduction to the physical methods of Acting, focusing on Viewpoints.
THEA 2302 Acting: Shakespeare (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 1302
Exploration of the acting challenges of Shakespeare's plays, through studies of text sense and structure, and exercises for developing breath, relaxation, vocal energy, and creative acting choices.
THEA 2316 Stage Makeup (3)
Study and application of theories and techniques of theatrical makeup. Technical crew laboratory included.
THEA 2370 Technology Fundamentals for Theatre (3)
Introduction to essential software and technologies utilized in the creation of a live theatrical production.
THEA 2371 Lighting and Sound Elements (3)
General principles and practices of stage lighting and theatrical sound technology. Technical crew laboratory included.
THEA 2374 Theater History I (3)
Historical investigation of theatre practice, performance, and dramatic literature from ancient times through the Renaissance.
THEA 2375 Theater History II (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 2374
Historical investigation of theatre practice, performance, and dramatic literature from the Renaissance through the nineteenth century. Emphasis on Europe and North America.
THEA 2383 Theatrical Drawing and Rendering (3)
Principles and practices of drawing, rendering, and modeling techniques used for the theater.
THEA 2385 Technical Theatre for Non-Theatre Majors (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of the Instructor An introductory study of the tools, techniques, and concepts related to the technical aspects of theatre production
THEA 2390 Stage Management (3)
The art and craft of stage management, including the role and responsibilities of the stage manager.
THEA 3001 Production Lab (0)
Pre-requisite(s): Junior standing
Evaluation of acting and crew work for all major productions, thesis production, qualifying productions, and weekly workshops. May be taken a maximum of 3 times.
THEA 3003 Studio for Applied Musical Theatre Voice (0)
Studio is a co-requisite for applied musical theatre voice. In studio class, songs are workshopped in order to gain confidence in acting technique, movement, and character development, in conjunction with vocal technique in various musical theatre styles. This course must be taken concurrently with THEA 2103, 2104, 3103, 3104, 4103, or 4104.
THEA 3103 Advanced Musical Theatre Voice (1)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
Develops musical theatre vocal technique in various musical theatre styles, employing acting techniques, movement, musicality, and character development. This course must be taken concurrently with THEA 3003.
THEA 3104 Junior Voice for Contemporary Musical Theatre (1)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
Acting technique and character development, in conjunction with vocal technique, as they relate to traditional musical theatre styles, in small group/ensemble roles with repertoire before 1965. This course must be taken concurrently with THEA 3003.
THEA 3106 Production Lab II (1)
Pre-requisite(s): Junior standing and THEA 3105
Continuation of THEA 3105.
THEA 3113 Workshop in Traditional Musical Theatre II (1)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 2113 and consent of instructor
A continuation of THEA 2113.
THEA 3114 Workshop in Contemporary Musical Theatre II (1)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 2114 and consent of instructor
A continuation of THEA 2114.
THEA 3297 Tap I (2)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 2298
Tap with an emphasis on the basic steps, rhythms, and music theory related to the dance.
THEA 3298 Ballet II (2)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 2298
A continuation of Ballet I, refining technique and developing broader ranges of movement.
THEA 3301 Acting: Advanced Realism (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 2302 and upper-level standing
Correlating advanced acting techniques and the performance requirements of important realistic playwrights. Students will analyze, rehearse and perform scenes from playwrights of the early independent theater movement and from a range of contemporary playwrights.
THEA 3302 Acting: Advanced Auditioning (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing An exploration of auditioning techniques and professional auditioning practices in the Theatre
THEA 3303 Theatre for Young Audiences (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 1302 and upper-level standing
An applied study of the dramatic literature and production techniques of theater intended for young audiences. Emphasis will be on techniques of acting and the creation of new material.
THEA 3304 Acting: Playwright Study (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
The application of advanced acting techniques to the unique style and period conventions of an individual playwright. May be repeated once for credit with study of a different playwright(s).
THEA 3310 Introduction to Standardized Patient Methodology (3)
See HP 3312 for course information.
THEA 3316 Costume Draping and Patterning (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 1316
Technical skills with emphasis on interpreting two-dimensional drawings into three-dimensional costumes by manipulating fabric through draping, patterning, and construction.
THEA 3323 Costume Crafts (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 1316 or consent of the instructor
Technical skills with an emphasis on 2D and 3D techniques in creating and modifying specialty costume pieces.
THEA 3324 Directing I/Script Analysis (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 1380 and upper-level standing
A study of play analysis for beginning directors. Workshop laboratory required.
THEA 3325 Directing II (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 3324
Continuation of THEA 3324. A study of techniques of play direction. Fundamental consideration of blocking and director-actor communication. Workshop laboratory required.
THEA 3326 Costume Design (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 1316
Development and execution of costume designs for a variety of theatrical situations. Lectures, design projects, critiques, and discussions.
THEA 3327 Advanced Makeup Techniques (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 1316
This course builds on introductory skills learned in THEA 1316 (Costume and Makeup Elements). Students will study advanced application skills and tools for character transformation with makeup, masks, and 3D elements.
THEA 3333 Theatre in Cultural Context (3)
Pre-requisite(s): For theatre majors only or consent of instructor
An exploration of theatre production and theatrical history particular to a specific region of the world, with references to regional historical, political, social, cultural, artistic, and architectural influences. Course may be repeated for a maximum of six semester hours if topic varies.
THEA 3341 Master Works in Drama (3)
See GTX 3341 for course information.
THEA 3352 Japanese Theatre and Culture (3)
See JPN 3352 for course information.
THEA 3363 Metal-Working for the Theatre (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 1312
Prepares students for various aspects of metal-working for the theatre, including safety, welding, cutting, and shaping.
THEA 3370 Scene Design (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 1312 Survey of theatrical design and scene designers, and the realization of students' designs as floor plans, renderings, and models
THEA 3371 Lighting Design (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 2371 Lighting design in theatrical production and as an artistic tool in manipulating three dimensional space
THEA 3372 Scene Painting (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 1312; upper-level standing
Introduction to large scale painting. Students execute texture techniques.
THEA 3373 Short-form Playwriting (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 1324
Development of techniques and skills of dramatic writing through practice in creating short-form original dramatic work.
THEA 3380 Sound Design (3)
The creation and implementation of sound design for theatre; also applicable to film, music production, video games, and live events. Includes the artistic process of design and the development of technical abilities and conceptual approaches to sound manipulation.
THEA 3383 Computer Aided Drafting and Modeling (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 1383
Computer aided drafting to incorporate many of the principals covered in THEA 1383 (hand-drafting for the theater). Utilize both the vector based Vector works software and the floating point algorithm based AutoCAD software.
THEA 3390 Marketing for the Performing Arts (3)
Audience development principles and marketing techniques for both commercial and non-profit arts organizations. Emphasis on live theatre. Technical crew lab included.
THEA 3398 Theatrical Props: Construction and Management (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 1312 and consent of instructor
Practical study of the design, construction, organization, and implementation of theatrical properties in production.
THEA 3V9R Research (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of the instructor
Undergraduate research undertaken with the supervision of a faculty member. May be taken for a maximum of 6 hours.
THEA 4102 Theatre in the Professional World (1)
Pre-requisite(s): Senior standing and consent of instructor
Prepares majors for the transition from academia to the professional arena.
THEA 4103 Senior Voice for Traditional Musical Theatre (1)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
Acting technique and character development, in conjunction with vocal technique, as they relate to traditional musical theatre styles, in small group/ensemble roles with repertoire before 1965. This course must be taken concurrently with THEA 3003.
THEA 4104 Senior Voice for Contemporary Musical Theatre (1)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
Acting technique and character development, in conjunction with vocal technique, as they relate to traditional musical theatre styles, in small group/ensemble roles with repertoire before 1965. This course must be taken concurrently with THEA 3003.
THEA 4107 Production Lab III (1)
Pre-requisite(s): Senior standing and THEA 3106
Evaluation of acting and crew work for all major productions, thesis production, qualifying productions, and weekly workshops.
THEA 4108 Production Lab IV (1)
Pre-requisite(s): Senior standing and THEA 3106
A continuation of production methods learned in THEA 3106.
THEA 4112 Advanced Professional Development (1)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 4102
Development of audition and interview materials required for Showcases, auditions, and employment in the Theatre. This course is reserved for Students attending the Senior Showcase in New York City.
THEA 4113 Workshop in Traditional Musical Theatre III (1)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 3113 and consent of instructor
A continuation of THEA 3113.
THEA 4114 Workshop in Contemporary Musical Theatre III (1)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 3114 and consent of instructor
A continuation of THEA 3114.
THEA 4190 Portfolio Development (1)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
Development of design portfolios and presentation skills needed for professional employment in theatrical design.
THEA 4215 Art as Civic Practice: Engagement, Collaboration, and Inclusivity (2)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing
Engagement, collaboration, and inclusivity through the lens of arts-based practices as they are related to three key groups: ourselves, organizations, and communities, including community-based artistic programming across fine arts entities.
THEA 4297 Jazz II (2)
Continuation of Jazz I, refining technique and exploring different styles of jazz and character dance.
THEA 4298 Tap II (2)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 3297
Continuation of Tap I, refining technique and exploring advanced rhythms and steps.
THEA 4299 Musical Theatre Dance (2)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 2299
Application of dance techniques and skills learned in Theatre Dance classes, focusing on the dance audition and the expectations for Theatrical dance practitioners.
THEA 4301 Acting for the Camera (3)
Preparation for professional performance in television and film.
THEA 4306 Research Methods in Sustainable Design (3)
Students will explore research modalities engaged by designers in performance, including movements in sustainable design, integrated scenography, and community engagement. They will also participate in engaged learning components to investigate real-world questions in diverse community contexts.
THEA 4308 Advanced Theatre Theory (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Senior level standing
Great texts of dramatic theory ranging from Aristotle and Zeami through to Emile Zola and Bertolt Brecht. Theoretical ideas on the aesthetics, efficacy and morality of theatre have interacted with plays at various time periods.
THEA 4321 History of Costume (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing or consent of instructor
A study of dress from Egyptian times to the twentieth century.
THEA 4322 History of Decor in the Western World (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing
Major historical movements and periods in architecture and decorative arts in the West, with special attention to how these trends relate to theatrical design.
THEA 4326 Advanced Costume Design (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 3326
Advanced principles and practices of costume design, with an emphasis on the design team/director collaboration.
THEA 4335 Creative Dramatics (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
Education, theory, and philosophy that will cultivate the techniques of creative dramatics and develop the skills needed for human interaction in dramatic play. Lab required.
THEA 4351 Automated Lighting (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 2371
Design techniques and the programming of automated lighting fixtures on various lighting consoles.
THEA 4365 Advanced Directing I (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 3324
Directing techniques for departures from realism, with an emphasis on postmodern theatre, musical theatre, and verse drama. Workshop required.
THEA 4366 Advanced Directing II (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 4365
Continuation of THEA 4365. Workshop required.
THEA 4370 Advanced Scene Design (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 3370; and upper level standing
Development and execution of scenic designs for a variety of theatrical situations. Lectures, design projects, critiques and discussions.
THEA 4371 Advanced Lighting Design (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 3371
Developing and executing lighting designs for a variety of situations. Lectures, design projects, cue composition, and critique and discussion.
THEA 4373 Playwriting (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 3373
A study of the art and craft of playwriting with an emphasis on play structure, development of the personal voice, use of dramatic irony, and character development.
THEA 4376 Theater History III (3)
Historical investigation of theatre practice, performance, and dramatic literature from the early twentieth century to the present.
THEA 4377 The Theatre and Christianity (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing or consent of instructor
An exploration of biblical perspectives concerning creativity and the arts with a special emphasis on theatre and the performing arts.
THEA 4378 Dramaturgy: Theory and Practice (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 4376 and consent of instructor
Investigation of the functions and methods of the dramaturg such as choosing a season, audience enrichment, new play development, researching production history, and understanding dramatic structure and theory.
THEA 4379 Advanced Studies in Contemporary Theatre and Drama (3)
Topics related to leading contemporary playwrights, current issues of dramatic style, and emerging trends in theatrical practice. May be repeated once for credit with different content.
THEA 4380 Performing Arts Management (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing
Organizational structure, fundraising techniques, and board development for non-profit professional and commercial performing arts organizations. Includes contracting with professional unions, budgeting, and season planning. Technical crew lab included.
THEA 4388 Advanced Theatrical Props (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 3398
Design, construction, organization, and implementation of theatrical properties in production; includes specialized training in additional tools and techniques.
THEA 4390 Advanced Stage Management (3)
Pre-requisite(s): THEA 2390
Role and responsibilities of the stage manager using the Regional Theatre or LORT Stage Manager model. Explores budgeting, seasonal planning and responsibilities in touring and non-theatrical situations.
THEA 4395 Stage Combat (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing and consent of instructor
Actor movement in stage combat (armed and unarmed) with emphasis on proper technique, safety, and theatricality. May be repeated once for credit with different contents.
THEA 4398 Technical Direction for Theater (3)
Four basic areas of technical direction: creating technical drawings, estimating a set, choosing materials used in the theater, and scheduling the building of sets for the theater. This course may be repeated once with a different topic.
THEA 4V75 Music Directing for Musical Theatre (1-3)
Pre-requisite(s): Instructor Approval
A practical approach to teaching music, conducting ensembles, collaborating with directors, evaluating voices, and improving vocal technique. Designed for students interested in learning how to Music Direct Musicals and Theatre performances. The students will audition, cast and direct members of the community of all ages in mini-cabarets.
THEA 4V98 Professional Internship (1-3)
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing
Internship in Theatre and/or the Entertainment industry fulfilled in cooperation with an approved organization. The student will participate in formal training and directed activities in Theatre, Television, Film, Music or other Industry related fields.
THEA 4V99 Special Studies in Theater Arts for Majors (1-3)
Pre-requisite(s): Senior standing and consent of instructor
Advanced studies in special theater topics. May be repeated for up to six hours credit.
THEA 4V9R Research (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of the instructor
Undergraduate research undertaken with the supervision of a faculty member. May be taken for a maximum of 6 hours.
THEA 4VC5 Production Capstone (1-3)
Pre-requisite(s): Senior standing and consent of instructor
Advanced practicum in production performance design technical theater or management. May be repeated with different topic not to exceed six credit hours.