Theatre Courses
TH-105 Introduction to Theatre (Either Semester; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; F,H,CW) An introduction to the theatre experience. Areas of inquiry include: role of the audience; purpose of the theatrical event; dramatic literature and structure; performers; the role of the playwright, actor, producer, director and designers; includes hands-on experience.
TH-170 Performance Lab Fundamentals (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 2.00 Credits; F,CS) Performance Lab Fundamentals is taught by a rotating group of teachers from the United States and Canada culled from artists in The Gravity Partnership. This course is an introduction to the many practical performance techniques that will be covered in more depth during later years of study in Performance Lab. Performance Lab focuses largely on physical techniques and on various theatre pedagogies from all over the world. Performance Lab Fundamentals is intended as full year sequence for first-year Performance POE students and is a pre-requisite for entering Performance Lab. Prerequisites: Performance POE. Performance Labs must be taken in numerical order (ex: TH170, TH171, etc.).
TH-171 Performance Lab Fundamentals (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 2.00 Credits; F,CS) Performance Lab Fundamentals is taught by a rotating group of teachers from the United States and Canada culled from artists in The Gravity Partnership. This course is an introduction to the many practical performance techniques that will be covered in more depth during later years of study in Performance Lab. Performance Lab focuses largely on physical techniques and on various theatre pedagogies from all over the world. Performance Lab Fundamentals is intended as full year sequence for first-year Performance POE students and is a pre-requisite for entering Performance Lab. Prerequisites: Performance POE. Performance Labs must be taken in numerical order (ex: TH170, TH171, etc.).
TH-180 Theatre Arts Practicum (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 1.00-3.00 Credits; F,H) Credit option for students participating in theatrical productions. Students may receive credit for acting, technical, or administrative positions for a given production. Credit hours are dependent upon the role or position. Credit limits will be determined by the professor. Available by permission only.
TH-181 Theatre Arts Practicum (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 1.00-3.00 Credits; F,H) (See TH180).
TH-191 Technical Theatre Lab (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; F) This course is geared towards students of all skill levels. Students will gain hands on experience in many different technical aspects of physically producing a show from building sets, to equipment set ups, to lighting. This course deals with a number of different needs for a varied set of performances. Topics and schedule vary based on performance needs. In addition to the lab based learning students can expect a small number of reading assignments and class handouts (provided by instructor). Assignments and expectations also vary to fit the experience of each student. This is a hands on lab course and can be taken alone or in conjunction with Theatre Arts Practicum. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.
TH-192 Technical Theatre Lab (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; F) This course is geared towards students of all skill levels. Students will gain hands on experience in many different technical aspects of physically producing a show from building sets, to equipment set ups, to lighting. This course deals with a number of different needs for a varied set of performances. Topics and schedule vary based on performance needs. In addition to the lab based learning students can expect a small number of reading assignments and class handouts (provided by instructor). Assignments and expectations also vary to fit the experience of each student. This is a hands on lab course and can be taken alone or in conjunction with Theatre Arts Practicum. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.
TH-199 Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 1.00-4.00 Credits) Allows the department to offer special topics not normally offered. Departments may offer more than one special topic. Prerequisites vary by title.
TH-210 Living Theatre History (Variable; Variable; 3.00 Credits; H,CW) In this course, we investigate the history of theatre in the world until the late 19th Century. A fundamental premise is that theatrical style is intimately connected with the life of the culture out of which it grew. For each " major " historical theatrical era, we look at how the conventions of playwriting, performance, staging, and design reflect the life of that culture.
TH-221 Acting (Fall; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; F,CS) A study of the discipline of acting, including development of concentration methods, creative energy, fine tuning of the vocal and physical instrument and character analysis.
TH-222 Musical Theatre Scene Study (Variable; Variable; 3.00 Credits; F,CS) In this class we will explore the genre of musical theatre, and work on developing audition material for any play or musical you might encounter. We analyze how the text worksfor the actor, examining the use of language and character through the lyrics. The class is divided into several units: 1. In the History of Musical Theatre in America we begin to familiarize ourselves with the roots of the American musical, and get to know some key composers of the 20th century. We watch the DVD series " The American Musical " ; 2. Classic Musical Theater song selections; 3. The 16 bar and 8 bar cut; 4. Contemporary songs; and 5. Actors' choice. This course is open to Theatre Performance POE students as well as some students from other POE's who have particular interest and/or skill in Musical Theatre. Prerequisites: TH221.
TH-223 Auditioning (Variable; Variable; 3.00 Credits; F,CS) In this class, we work on developing audition material for theatre, television, film, and commercials. By the end of this class you have four monologues and a song (for those who sing), and we put together a 4 minute showcase audition that you would be able to use at URTA or Strawhats. You also have gained experience with material that you might be likely to have handed to you by an agent or casting director. 1. Two Monologues: Contemporary/Contrasting; 2. Two Monologues: Classical/Contrasting; 3. 16 bar musical cut; 4. Cold Readings; 5. Commercial Copy; 6. Television/Film Copy; and 7. Headshots and resumes. Prerequisites: TH221.
TH-240 Voice and Speech I (Fall; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; F,CS) Voice and Speech I is intended to initiate a lifelong process of opening the body as the vocal instrument. We will focus on learning the basic principles of Fitzmaurice Voicework, with a specific semester-long focus on De-structuring. This course is intended to be taken as the first half of a year-long sequence. Course objectives include: increasing vocal range and expressivity, reducing vocal strain, communicating intention more effectively, and allowing creativity to flow through an embodied voice. Students must take courses TH240, TH340 in order .
TH-241 Voice and Speech II (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; F,CS) Voice and Speech I is intended to initiate a lifelong process of opening the body as the vocal instrument. We will focus on learning the basic principles of Fitzmaurice Voicework, with a specific semester-long focus on Structuring. This course is intended to be taken as the second half of a year-long sequence. Course objectives include: gaining vocal power, learning healthy vocal technique and care of the voice, aligning vocal support with character choices, and realizing natural use of increased vocal production. Students must do courses in order (TH241, TH341).
TH-260 Movement & Conditioning (Variable; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; F,CS) In order to prepare the body for movement in the extra-daily, performative environment of theatre, we will explore aspects of physical conditioning and locomotion. We will explore the dynamic presence of the actor using the Suzuki Method as our foundation. We will explore movement through observation and replication of found real-world examples. To reinforce the mind-body integrated nature of our work we will also have readings from neuroscience and kinesiology among others. It may be helpful to think of this course as part experimental laboratory, such as you might think of a science lab where you aquire analytical skills, and part Boot Camp. We will be working with the raw material of this course-bodily impulse, breath, voice, rhythm, spontaneity, space-to aquire skills for vocal and physical improvisation and movement.
TH-270 Performance Lab (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 2.00 Credits; F,CS) This is the advanced performance skills class for students enrolled in the Performance POE. Taught in collaboration with professional artists in The Gravity Partners, the course includes sections on: voice/speech/dialect work; several modes of movement training; styles of acting; advanced scene study; generating one's own performance piece; directing; and auditioning.
TH-271 Performance Lab (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 2.00 Credits; F,CS) This is the advanced performance skills class for students enrolled in the Performance POE. Taught in collaboration with professional artists in The Gravity Partners, the course includes sections on: voice/speech/dialect work; several modes of movement training; styles of acting; advanced scene study; generating one's own performance piece; directing; and auditioning.
TH-280 Theatre Arts Practicum (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 1.00-3.00 Credits; F,H) (See TH180).
TH-281 Theatre Arts Practicum (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 1.00-3.00 Credits; F,H) (See TH180).
TH-291 Technical Theatre Lab (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; F) This course is geared towards students of all skill levels. Students will gain hands on experience in many different technical aspects of physically producing a show from building sets, to equipment set ups, to lighting. This course deals with a number of different needs for a varied set of performances. Topics and schedule vary based on performance needs. In addition to the lab based learning students can expect a small number of reading assignments and class handouts (provided by instructor). Assignments and expectations also vary to fit the experience of each student. This is a hands on lab course and can be taken alone or in conjunction with Theatre Arts Practicum. Prerequisites: TH191 and TH192.
TH-292 Technical Theatre Lab (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; F) This course is geared towards students of all skill levels. Students will gain hands on experience in many different technical aspects of physically producing a show from building sets, to equipment set ups, to lighting. This course deals with a number of different needs for a varied set of performances. Topics and schedule vary based on performance needs. In addition to the lab based learning students can expect a small number of reading assignments and class handouts (provided by instructor). Assignments and expectations also vary to fit the experience of each student. This is a hands on lab course and can be taken alone or in conjunction with Theatre Arts Practicum. Prerequisites: TH191 and TH192 and TH291.
TH-299 Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 1.00-4.00 Credits) Allows the department to offer special topics not normally offered. Departments may offer more than one special topic. Prerequisites vary by title.
TH-310 20th Century Innovations (Variable; Variable; 3.00 Credits; H,CW) Investigates artists, theories, practices, and productions that were significant innovations in the 20th Century World Theatre. The course is a discussion/lecture course inviting students into a deeper experience of how and why the art of theatre took such a diverse and wild ride in the last century.
TH-321 Contemporary Scene Study (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; F,CS) In this class we delve into scene work from contemporary plays and playwrights who were writing between the years of 1980 to the present. We learn about the play, the playwright and the historical context of the piece. We work in-depth on script and character analysis, moment-to moment work, physical transformation, breath work, and truthful playing of the scene, folding in principles of Open Source Forms to our progression. This course is intended for Theatre Performance POE students. Prerequisites: TH221 and Performance POE.
TH-322 Non-Naturalistic Scene Study (Variable; Variable; 3.00 Credits; F,CS) In this class, we delve into scene work from contemporary non-naturalistic plays and playwrights who were writing between the years of 1960 to the present. We learn about the play, the playwright and the historical context of the piece. We work in depth on script and character analysis, moment to moment work, physical transformation, breath work, and truthful playing of the scene, folding in principles of Open Source Forms to our progression. Prerequisites: TH221 and TH321 and Performance POE.
TH-323 Modern Drama Scene Study (Variable; Variable; 3.00 Credits; F,CS) In this class we delve into scene work from plays and playwrights who were writing between the years of 1860-1950 in a canon of work commonly known as Modern Drama. We learn about the play, the playwright and the historical context of the piece. We work in depth on script and character analysis, moment to moment work, physical transformation, breath work, and truthful playing of the scene, folding in principles of Open Source Forms to our progression. This course is intended for Theatre Performance POE students. Prerequisites: TH221 and Performance POE.
TH-324 Performing Shakespeare (Variable; Variable; 3.00 Credits; F,CS) In this class, we study techniques for performing the work of William Shakespeare; analyze how the text works for the actor; investigate how to develop characters; examine the use of verse and prose; and perform speeches, soliloquies, and scenes. This course is intended for students who are enrolled in the Performance POE. Prerequisites: TH221 and Performance POE.
TH-340 Voice and Speech I (Fall; Yearly; 2.00 Credits; F,CS) Voice and Speech I is intended to initiate a lifelong process of opening the body as the vocal instrument. We focus on learning the basic principles of Fitzmaurice Voicework, with a specific semester-long focus on De-structuring. This course is intended to be taken as the first half of a year-long sequence. Course objectives include: increasing vocal range and expressivity, reducing vocal strain, communicating intention more effectively, and allowing creativity to flow through an embodied voice. Students must take courses TH240, TH340 in order.
TH-341 Voice and Speech II (Spring; Yearly; 2.00 Credits; F,CS) Voice and Speech II is intended to initiate a lifelong process of opening the body as the vocal instrument. We focus on learning the basic principles of Fitzmaurice Voicework, with a specific semester-long focus on Structuring. This course is intended to be taken as the second half of a year-long sequence. Course objectives include: gaining vocal power, learning healthy vocal technique and care of the voice, aligning vocal support with character choices, and realizing natural use of increased vocal production. Students must do courses in order (TH241, TH341 etc).
TH-355 Studies in Drama (Either Semester; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; F,H) These courses examine cultural currents, theatrical elements and particular voices of playwrights from various areas and styles of dramatic literature. The courses subtitle will change as we study different categories of plays. Examples include: Modern America Drama, Contemporary Women Playwrights, World Drama, and Avant-Garde Drama.
TH-361 Modern Drama (Variable; Variable; 3.00 Credits; F,H,CW) Prerequisites: EN110 or TH105.
TH-365 Modern American Drama (Variable; Variable; 3.00 Credits; H,CS) We study plays written by American playwrights starting with Eugene O'Neill and continuing through plays from contemporary American theatre. Topics include: What is theatre " ecology " ? What is distinct about American playwriting? How have modern American plays reflected or begun trends in theatre in the Unites States and throughout the world? How is the spirit or soul of our country in these plays? How are these plays reflective of gender, racial, economic, social, philosophical, political issues of American society?
TH-366 Women Playwrights (Variable; Variable; 3.00 Credits; H,CS) Women playwrights are generally " under-studied " and " under-read " in academia. A hot focus on " gender " in our study would miss a whole universe of other ideas in these plays. Such a singular study would also promote the very thinking that these playwrights would avoid-that they first " women " and then " playwrights " . And yet, look up a few inches to the title of the course. It is a hard trap to avoid, especially when trying to look at an under-studied group of artist. Still, let's admit that the course needs a title and that we are studying plays written only by women. Let's also commit to pursuing lines of thinking and discussion that honor these playwrights and plays vital to our contemporary theatre.
TH-370 Performance Lab (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 2.00 Credits; F,CS) This is the advanced performance skills class for students enrolled in the Performance POE. Taught by Professor Clarke in collaboration with professional artists in The Gravity Partners, the course includes sections on: voice/speech/dialect work; several modes of movement training; styles of acting; advanced scene study;generating one's own performance piece; directing; and auditioning.
TH-371 Performance Lab (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 2.00 Credits; F,CS) This is the advanced performance skills class for students enrolled in the Performance POE. Taught in collaboration with professional artists in The Gravity Partners, the course includes sections on: voice/speech/dialect work; several modes of movement training; styles of acting; advanced scene study; generating one's own performance piece; directing; and auditioning.
TH-373 Forms of Drama (Variable; Variable; 3.00 Credits; F,H) An inquiry into the nature of form and structure in dramatic literature. The course incorporates lecture and discussion with script reading and outside readings in philosophy and critical analysis. The course subtitle will change as different forms/ genres are examined. Examples are tragedy and melodrama, comedy and farce. Prerequisites: TH105 or EN341 or TH361 or one of the TH core courses.
TH-380 Theatre Arts Practicum (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 1.00-3.00 Credits; F,H) See TH180.
TH-381 Theatre Arts Practicum (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 1.00-3.00 Credits; F,H) See TH180.
TH-391 Technical Theatre Lab (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; F) This course is geared towards students of all skill levels. Students will gain hands on experience in many different technical aspects of physically producing a show from building sets, to equipment set ups, to lighting. This course deals with a number of different needs for a varied set of performances. Topics and schedule vary based on performance needs. In addition to the lab based learning students can expect a small number of reading assignments and class handouts (provided by instructor). Assignments and expectations also vary to fit the experience of each student. This is a hands on lab course and can be taken alone or in conjunction with Theatre Arts Practicum. Prerequisites: TH191 and TH192 and TH291 and TH292.
TH-392 Technical Theatre Lab (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; F) This course is geared towards students of all skill levels. Students will gain hands on experience in many different technical aspects of physically producing a show from building sets, to equipment set ups, to lighting. This course deals with a number of different needs for a varied set of performances. Topics and schedule vary based on performance needs. In addition to the lab based learning students can expect a small number of reading assignments and class handouts (provided by instructor). Assignments and expectations also vary to fit the experience of each student. This is a hands on lab course and can be taken alone or in conjunction with Theatre Arts Practicum. Prerequisites: TH191 and TH192 and TH291 and TH292 and TH391.
TH-398 Professional Training Intensive (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 1.00-3.00 Credits; F,CS) The schedule for the course work is intentionally brief-typically two weeks-but very intense (4 hours a day minimum). Theatre artists from the Gravity Project, a professional theatre company in residence at Juniata, focus on one area of training. Areas of study may include: Skinner Releasing; Fitzmaurice Voicework; Ashtanga Yoga for performers; speech and dialect work; auditioning/career preparation; various dance trainings; clowning; scene study.
TH-399 Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 1.00-4.00 Credits) Allows the department to offer special topics not normally offered. Departments may offer more than one special topic. Prerequisites vary by title.
TH-405 Directing (Variable; Variable; 4.00 Credits; F,H,CS) The basic principles of stage directing are offered with areas of inquiry and practical application in: script selection and analysis, audition/casting techniques/considerations, rehearsal preparation, the prompt script, working with designers, decision making, working with actors, being a director/guide( vision, focus, note- taking, and giving), and bringing a script/actors/designers to performance. Each student will select and work on a one-act script which, will be presented to the public in a spring semester festival. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing and permission of the instructor.
TH-406 Theatre Seminar (Variable; Variable; 3.00 Credits; F,H) An intensive concentration on a specific topic. Possible topics of inquiry are: a particular author's canon of work, personal and cultural influences on the literature (e.g. Brecht, O'Neill, etc.) a specific genre, sub groups, or practice (e.g. Women playwrights, commedia dell'arte, The Group Theatre, etc.), the interrelationship of theatre and other art forms (e.g. Performed work and Performance space, etc.). Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing and TH105 or TH205 or EN341 or EN361.
TH-431 Acting Styles (Variable; Variable; 3.00 Credits; F,CS) This course is intended to equip performers with skills to face the challenges of rendering a performance in a specific style. Some styles carry so much cultural baggage that performers seem overwhelmed, and not knowing where to begin, resort to approximating a performance style that's " in the neighborhood " of safe cultural assumptions. Central questions that will guide our explorations this semester: What is style in the theatre? How does a performer access the style of a play, a historical period, or a genre? Might we consider every play, every production to have a style? How might physical, gestural, breathing, rhythmic, footwork be encoded in a particular play's style? How might I audition or begin to perform in a play whose style seems so difficult to access " off the page " ? Prerequisites: TH221 and permission of the instructor.
TH-470 Performance Lab (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 2.00 Credits; F) This is the advanced performance skills class for students enrolled in the Performance POE. Taught in collaboration with professional artists in The Gravity Partners, the course includes sections on: voice/speech/dialect work; several modes of movement training; styles of acting; advanced scene study; generating one's own performance piece; directing; and auditioning.
TH-471 Performance Lab (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 2.00 Credits; F) This is the advanced performance skills class for students enrolled in the Performance POE. Taught in collaboration with professional artists in The Gravity Partners, the course includes sections on: voice/speech/dialect work; several modes of movement training; styles of acting; advanced scene study; generating one's own performance piece; directing; and auditioning.
TH-472 Performance Lab (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 2.00 Credits; F) This is the advanced performance skills class for students enrolled in the Performance POE. Taught in collaboration with professional artists in The Gravity Partners, the course includes sections on: voice/speech/dialect work; several modes of movement training; styles of acting; advanced scene study; generating one's own performance piece; directing; and auditioning.
TH-473 Performance Lab (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 2.00 Credits; F) This is the advanced performance skills class for students enrolled in the Performance POE. Taught in collaboration with professional artists in The Gravity Partners, the course includes sections on: voice/speech/dialect work; several modes of movement training; styles of acting; advanced scene study; generating one's own performance piece; directing; and auditioning.
TH-480 Theatre Arts Practicum (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 1.00-3.00 Credits; F,H) See TH180.
TH-481 Theatre Arts Practicum (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 1.00-3.00 Credits; F,H) See TH180.
TH-490 Theatre Internship (Variable; Variable; 2.00-9.00 Credits; H) See Internships in the catalog. Corequisite: TH495. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and Jr. or Sr. standing.
TH-491 Technical Theatre Lab (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; F) Students will gain hands on experience in many different technical aspects of physically producing a show from building sets, to equipment set ups, and to lighting. This course deals with a number ofdifferent needs for a varied set of performances. Topics and schedule vary based on performance needs. In addition to the lab based learning students can expect a small number of reading assignments and class handouts (provided by instructor). Assignments and expectations also vary to fit the experience of each student. This is a hands on lab course and can be taken alone or in conjunction with Theatre Arts Practicum. Prerequisites: TH191 and TH192 and TH291 and TH292 and TH391 and TH392.
TH-492 Technical Theatre Lab (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; F) Students will gain hands on experience in many different technical aspects of physically producing a show from building sets, to equipment set ups, to lighting. This course deals with a number of different needs for a varied set of performances. Topics and schedule vary based on performance needs. In addition to the lab based learning students can expect a small number of reading assignments and class handouts (provided by instructor). Assignments and expectations also vary to fit the experience of each student. This is a hands on lab course and can be taken alone or in conjunction with Theatre Arts Practicum. Prerequisites: TH191 and TH192 and TH291 and TH292 and TH391 and TH392 and TH491.
TH-494 Senior Capstone (Fall; Yearly; 1.00-3.00 Credits; F) The Theatre Capstone provides an opportunity for senior theatre students to demonstrate excellence in acting, movement, vocal technique, and either writing or interpretation of existing text of their choosing. Seniors will gain hands-on directing experience through the completion of their piece, and will be working with a professional designer. Student projects will be based on proposals and may include live performances or film projects. Capstones will be presented to a public audience and mentored by faculty. Seniors may register for this course at between one and three credits, depending on credit needs.
TH-495 Internship Research Seminar (Variable; Variable; 2.00-6.00 Credits; H) See Internships in the catalog. Corequisite: TH490. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor .
TH-TUT Theatre Tutorial (Variable; Variable; 1.00-4.00 Credits) See Catalog.
