Program Type: Undergraduate minor related to major
Requirements for this program are current for
Fall 2022
Required credits in this minor: 24
The minor offers study of the art form in both theoretical historical context and the practice of live dramatic performance. Course offerings include theatre history and dramatic literature; acting, movement, and voice; directing; design and technology for scenery, costume, lighting, makeup, and sound; and stage and arts management.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Minor Requirements
Students may earn a BA or a minor in theatre arts, but not both.
Foundation Courses
Take exactly 4 course(s) totaling exactly 12 credit(s) from the following:
One Stop for tuition, course registration, financial aid, academic calendars, and more
TH 1321 - Fundamentals of Acting & Performance
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
A fundamental overview of acting that focuses on strengthening the vital connection between physical and vocal expression and uniting instinct and intellectual analysis. Classes focus on ensemble awareness, situation and script analysis, character development and dramaturgical skills. In this course students develop their ?acting instrument?: body, voice and imagination; they learn to make bold, specific choices in scripted and improvisational circumstances, they explore a range of physical and vocal expression, they develop the ability to respond and adapt to other performers onstage, and intensify their focus and presence in performance. Technique, theory and structured improvisation are incorporated with scene work and collaborative performance projects, offering an opportunity to assimilate the principles covered. The course explores scripted scenes and monologues as well as original-student generated work.
TH 1322 - Creating the Performance
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
An introduction to techniques of creating and directing performance, this course introduces students to the multiple paradigms of creating new and scripted work. Students examine the shifting role of the playwright, actor, and director as primary creator, interpreter, collaborator, and interdisciplinary artist and their relationship to a variety of performance modes. Students will direct traditional scripted scenes and collaborate to devise new work, exploring acting, writing, directing, and design to create solo and group performances. This course may be taken concurrently with some upper division courses. Specific approach may vary by instructor.
TH 1501 - Introduction to Design for the Theatre
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to Design for the Theatre explores the collaborative process of theatre making with a focus on theatrical design. Students will investigate scenic, costume, lighting, and sound design in an active environment through lectures, discussions, reading assignments, writing exercises, workshops, and experiential projects. This course aims to challenge students as creative thinkers and problem solvers along with preparing them for a future as collaborative theatre makers.
TH 1101W - Introduction to the Theatre
(AH, WI)
Credits:
3.0
[max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Th 1101W/Th 1101V
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
What is theatre? And what can it be? In this introductory course, we investigate the idea that while theatre is art, it also has consequences. Theatrical performance reflects, resists, and rewrites culture; it can (and does) perform the political by reimagining and transforming society. Through exciting examples of plays and productions from around the world, we investigate the history, politics, and aesthetics of theatre. We explore how the different components of theatre (from directing to acting, costume, and lighting design) come together to create powerful impact on stage. We read and discuss plays in class, see performances on stage, and hear from some of the Twin Cities?s most dynamic and committed artists. And we work on valuable writing skills that help us to deepen our understanding of theatre and communicate our insights to others. At the end of the class, we bring together everything we have been learning to make theatre in small groups.
No previous theatre experience is needed.
TH 1101V - Honors Section: Introduction to the Theater
(AH, WI)
Credits:
3.0
[max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Th 1101W/Th 1101V
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
What is theatre? And what can it be? In this introductory course, we investigate the idea that while theatre is art, it also has consequences. Theatrical performance reflects, resists, and rewrites culture; it can (and does) perform the political by reimagining and transforming society. Through exciting examples of plays and productions from around the world, we investigate the history, politics, and aesthetics of theatre. We explore how the different components of theatre (from directing to acting, costume, and lighting design) come together to create powerful impact on stage. We read and discuss plays in class, see performances on stage, and hear from some of the Twin Cities?s most dynamic and committed artists. And we work on valuable writing skills that help us to deepen our understanding of theatre and communicate our insights to others. At the end of the class, we bring together everything we have been learning to make theatre in small groups.
No previous theatre experience is needed. Prereq: Honors student
TH 3171 - Western Theatre & Performance Historiography: Part I
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Fall
What does it mean to represent? By focusing on a critical examination of this and similar questions, this course will investigate how performance events from the Ancient Greece to the French Revolution are brought to our attention, how they are made worthy of notice, and how they are rationalized as significant for theatre and performance history. By studying the theories of the Western origins of theatre and drama, the censoring of creative activities in the Ancient Rome or in the Renaissance England, the appearance of female actors and playwrights in Restoration, and the fashioning of a new economic type the eighteenth century, this course will ask: what are the consequences today of using or promoting these and not other representational practices?
TH 3172 - Western Theatre & Performance Historiography: Part II
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Spring
?Dare to Think? is the motto for a critical examination of representational practices from the Age of Enlightenment until the Postmodern Condition today. We will discuss how theatre makers and thinkers responded to this call by offering playtexts and performance practices which challenged mainstream theatre in the era of the revolutions in time and space?Symbolism, Futurism, Dada, Surrealism; Agit-Prop, Theatre of the Oppressed, Theatre for Social Change; Black, Feminist, Queer Theatres; and Pixelated Revolutions. We will investigate histories, politics, and aesthetics of theatre and performance in a variety of cultural and ideological contexts.
TH 4177W - Analysis of Dramatic Literature
(WI)
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Fall
This course trains students in the analysis of dramatic literature and develops their research skills in theatre studies, helping them understand plays within their contexts of origin and production. Taking a single theme (ex. madness, or death and mourning) the class brings together contemporary and historical plays from around the world, exploring how theatre offers a unique site to stage differences, understand marginalized experiences, and imagine alternative visions of the world. Assignments break down the writing process into its component parts, and guide students in developing a sustained interpretation of a play of their choice.
TH 5103 - The Theatre Dramaturg
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Periodic Spring
Theoretical/practical aspects of dramaturgy in American theater. Historical perspectives. Research/production history of classics. Development of new scripts. Dramaturgical structure and interpretive choices. Dramaturgy as it relates to playwrights/directors. Preparing/editing the rehearsal script. Production dramaturgy.
TH 3152W - Global Avant-Gardes: Theatre, Music, Modernity
(HIS, WI)
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
GloS 3152W/Th 3152W/Th 5152W/
Typically offered:
Every Spring
What does it mean to be an avant-garde artist in the Global South? In postcolonial Africa and Asia, where arts were linked to national modernization projects, artists have played a key role in shaping citizens? identity, alongside schools and universities. While participating in modernizing projects, avant-garde artists maintained independence from state institutions and voiced criticism of dictators. This course examines avant-garde performance in several locations of the Global South, analyzing dramas of national history, modernist music, activist theater, cosmopolitan dance, transnational cultural circuits, and politically radical performances.
Reading historical, social, and performance studies, we will develop methods for analyzing performances that aim to make transformative social interventions. These include textual analysis, ethnography, performance analysis, and tracking transnational cultural exchange. You will apply select methods in your final research paper, which centers on an avant-gardist cultural phenomenon in the contemporary Global South.
TH 5152W - Global Avant-Gardes: Theatre, Music, Modernity
(HIS, WI)
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
GloS 3152W/Th 3152W/Th 5152W/
Typically offered:
Every Spring
What does it mean to be an avant-garde artist in the Global South? In postcolonial Africa and Asia, where arts were linked to national modernization projects, artists have played a key role in shaping citizens? identity, alongside schools and universities. While participating in modernizing projects, avant-garde artists maintained independence from state institutions and voiced criticism of dictators. This course examines avant-garde performance in several locations of the Global South, analyzing dramas of national history, modernist music, activist theater, cosmopolitan dance, transnational cultural circuits, and politically radical performances.
Reading historical, social, and performance studies, we will develop methods for analyzing performances that aim to make transformative social interventions. These include textual analysis, ethnography, performance analysis, and tracking transnational cultural exchange. You will apply select methods in your final research paper, which centers on an avant-gardist cultural phenomenon in the contemporary Global South.
TH 3311 - Asian American Theater
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
AAS 3311/Th 3311
Grading Basis:
OPT No Aud
Typically offered:
Periodic Fall & Spring
Through submerging students in both theater history and practice, this class brings students closer to the history, experiences, and politics of Asian Americans. Why are Asian American stories needed, and how do we tell them? What are the artistic and social agendas driving the making of Asian American theater? How have the styles of performance shifted? While we will be actively working on readings and original theater projects, you don't need to be a theater expert to enjoy this class. Topics will include reading plays by Frank Chin, David Henry Hwang, Wakako Yamauchi, Naomi Iizuka, and others; looking at the history of Asian American theater companies; discussing creative approaches to casting, acting, directing, and design; and building collaborations among companies, audiences, and communities.
AAS 3311 - Asian American Theater
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
AAS 3311/Th 3311
Typically offered:
Periodic Fall & Spring
Through submerging students in both theater history and practice, this class brings students closer to the history, experiences, and politics of Asian Americans. Why are Asian American stories needed and how do we tell them? What are the artistic and social agendas driving the making of Asian American theater? How have the styles of performance shifted? While we will be actively working on readings and original theater projects, you don't need to be a theater expert to enjoy this class. Topics will include reading plays by Frank Chin, David Henry Hwang, Wakako Yamauchi, Naomi Iizuka, and others; looking at the history of Asian American theater companies; discussing creative approaches to casting, acting, directing, and design; and building collaborations among companies, audiences, and communities.
TH 3321 - Acting I
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Fall
Acting I explores the acting process using the canon of 20th century realism. The class will cover the basics of embodiment for the actor, observation as the root of character creation, analysis of text from an actors perspective, and rehearsal techniques. The core of the course is the preparation of scenes and monologues in class. Students will also complete a variety of class compositions, readings, and will see and analyze live performances.
TH 3330 - Physical Approaches to Acting
Credits:
3.0
[max 6.0]
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Dynamic physical approach to acting. Expanding expressiveness/creativity. Strengthening connections between physical/vocal expression. Uniting instinct and intellectual analysis. Techniques as advanced by Delsarte, Meyerhold, Grotowski, Kantor, Suzuki, Barba, etc., and structured improvisation, are incorporated in solo/collaborative performance projects.
prereq: 1322, [3314 or concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 3314], audition, instr consent
TH 3361 - Introductory Musical Theater
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F or Aud
Typically offered:
Periodic Fall & Spring
History of American musical theater. Videos/discussions, basic music theory, voice, dance, acting, audition techniques. Solo/ensemble presentations for public class performance.
TH 3381 - Theater Storytelling and Solo Performance
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Spring
Live storytelling and solo performance as theatrical art form. How to turn personal experiences into stage stories. Guests perform, discuss their work, and critique student work. Students develop short monologues/performances and conclude with original solo theater performance/story.
TH 3521 - Introduction to Scenic Design for Theatre and Performance
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Spring
This course explores the role of the scenic designer in imagining theatre in space and time. We will shape the arena of dialogue between performer and audience. We will propel action through spatial composition. We will make concrete the tensions and conflicts of the play. We will investigate the composition of emotional and visual space of the theatre. We will communicate ideas by honing skills of drawing, drafting, rendering, modeling, and presentation.
TH 3531 - Introduction to Theatrical Costume Design
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Spring
Costume design process, including, researching, script analysis, the costume designer's role throughout the production process, and design problems.
prereq: TH 3571
TH 3541 - Introduction to Lighting Design for the Theatre
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Spring
Principles and processes in lighting design and lighting technology. Collaborative process of the lighting designer through individual and group projects in a theater, including script analysis and visual literacy through sketching, drafting, and light lab projects. Individual and group projects in composition, color theory, instrumentation, control (dimming), and programming as they apply to theater, opera, and dance.
TH 3559 - Introduction to Sound Design for the Theatre
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Basics of audio design for theatre. Script analysis, audio editing, music research, basic system design, paperwork, cue building. Basic components of audio design. Final project will involve applying skills to partially realized design.
prereq: 1501
TH 3571 - Introduction to Technology for the Theatre
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
This course is constructed to help each student experience the processes of theater production by working hands-on with production technologies & methodologies. Students will be divided into three teams for the entire semester which will move through several production disciplines & instructors; Scenic, Costumes, & Lighting in rotations of eight class sessions each, and Audio for two class sessions. These classroom projects are reinforced with 4 hours per week of Lab [ practical application and practice ] in one of the shops. We will explore the interrelationship of Production Practice through three key elements; Production Processes & Modes of Communication - [ Visual, Narrative, Data Sets ]. Production Space Systems & Equipment - [ Large Tools, Permanent Infrastructure, Auxiliary/ Temporary Infrastructure ]. Production Skills & Techniques - [ Small Tools, Proprietary Theater Equipment, Construction/ Installation Techniques ].
TH 3711 - Beginning Directing
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to/application of techniques/theories of stage direction. Script analysis, composition, blocking, rehearsal methods, improvisation, actor coaching, scene production.
prereq: 1101, 1321, 1322
TH 3716 - Stage Management
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Production process, pre-production to maintaining/closing. Managing rehearsals, communication, conflict resolution. Individual/group projects: promptbook building, blocking notation, Cue placement/execution, scene breakdowns, creating/maintaining checklist, building a form library.
prereq: 1501 or instr consent
TH 4322 - Acting for the Camera
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Differences between stage acting and acting for camera. Hands-on experience with film equipment. Scenes/monologues rehearsed/performed for camera. Videotape playback for class critique.
prereq: 1301 or 3321
TH 5117 - Performance and Social Change
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F or Aud
Typically offered:
Periodic Fall
Reading, writing, research, presentations and workshops explore activist performance projects. Theories of social formation and ideology provide framework to discuss/animate theater's potential for social change.
prereq: Jr or sr or grad student
TH 5355 - Puppetry: Techniques and Practice in Contemporary Theater
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Fundamentals of puppet and object theater/performance are introduced through traditional/contemporary puppetry forms. Focuses on object theater, toy theater, hand puppets, and shadow/Bunraku-style puppets. Readings, in-class screenings of videos/slides. Students build/create series of short works for in-class performance.
prereq: [[3513 or concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 3513], instr consent] or grad student
