THR-Theatre Courses

THR 100. Introduction to the Theatre. 3 Hours.

Understanding the theatre experience through class lectures, reading and writing assignments, demonstrations, discussions, and viewing theatre performances. This course meets Blazer Core Creative Arts with Flags in Global Multicultural Perspectives & High Impact Practices/Collaborative Assignments and Projects.

THR 102. Introduction to Cinema. 3 Hours.

Study and discussion of foundational and influential films, emphasizing their historical context and development of the art form over time. Writing is a significant component of this course. This course meets Blazer Core Creative Arts with a Flag in Global Multicultural Perspectives.

THR 105. Introduction to Dance. 3 Hours.

Understanding the dance experience through class lectures, movement activities, demonstrations, discussions, and viewing performances. This course meets Blazer Core Creative Arts requirement with a flag in Global/Multicultural.

THR 106. Jazz I. 2 Hours.

Basic movement and combinations based on modern jazz, Broadway/theatrical styles, and popular jazz forms. May be taken 3 times for a total of 6 hours.

THR 107. Tap I. 2 Hours.

Basic rhythmic studies and combinations based on Broadway/theatrical tap styles. May be taken 3 times for a total of 6 hours.

THR 108. Ballet I. 2 Hours.

Fundamentals of classic ballet technique with emphasis on analysis and proper execution. May be taken 3 times for a total of 6 hours.

THR 124. Theatre Technology: Scenery and Lighting. 3 Hours.

Scenic construction techniques and execution of stage lighting via lectures, demonstrations, and practical application. Emphasis in tools, materials and procedure. 40 lab hours outside of scheduled classes required.

THR 125. Theatre Technology: Costumes and Makeup. 3 Hours.

Fundamentals of costume construction, finishing and manipulation. Basic stage makeup techniques. Lectures, demonstrations and practical experience. 30 lab hours outside of scheduled classes required. Need instructor permission.

THR 140. Musical Theatre Class Voice. 1 Hour.

In Musical Theatre Voice I, students will begin an exploration of musical theatre singing voice by focusing on vocal production, specifically the Estill Voice Training System. Students will learn the 13 Figures for the voice and the foundations for the Estill Voice Training System.

THR 154. Beginning Acting. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the basic principles of acting. Exercises in talking and listening, actions and objectives, subtext and internal monologue.

THR 160. Theatre Cornerstone. 1 Hour.

The objective of this course is to introduce incoming freshmen to the professional performing arts industry and the UAB Department of Theatre community. Its primary objective is to prepare students for a successful collegiate career in the study and practice of theatre. Course required for majors in the first fall semester of residency.

THR 200. Plays on Film. 3 Hours.

Understanding major genres of drama through lecture, analysis, reading scripts, and viewing performances. This course meets Blazer Core Creative Arts with a flag in Global and Multicultural Perspectives.

THR 202. Voice and Movement for the Actor I. 3 Hours.

This course seeks to integrate voice and body in order to develop a free, flexible, and dynamic voice and body for the actor. Students will explore body work in order to develop kinesthetic awareness in the centering, grounding, and release of tension which are essential to the freeing of the voice. Students will explore expanded field of awareness as well as breath release, support for sound, resonance, embodying sounds, vocal hygiene, and vocal dynamics with applications to speaking text.

THR 203. Voice and Movement for the Actor II. 3 Hours.

A continuation of Voice and Movement for the Actor I with special emphasis on voice/body integration, field of awareness, breath support, range, dynamics, phrasing, tempo-rhythms. Students will explore how to use the voice working with a variety of dramatic texts. Additionally, students will explore principles of the Alexander Technique. May be repeated two times with permission of instructor.
Prerequisites: THR 202 [Min Grade: C]

THR 204. Beginning Production Practicum. 1-2 Hour.

Practical directed production experience in conjunction with actual production. THR 204 and THR 404 may be repeated for a combined total of 8 hours.

THR 205. Beginning Performance Practicum. 1 Hour.

Practical directed performance experience in conjunction with actual production. Requires audition. THR 205 and THR 405 may be repeated for a combined total of 8 hours. Requires permission of instructor.

THR 206. Jazz II. 2 Hours.

Intermediate exploration of jazz idiom, musicality, and technique, with emphasis on theatrical and choreographic styles. May be taken 3 times for a total of 6 hours.
Prerequisites: THR 106 [Min Grade: C]

THR 207. Tap II. 2 Hours.

Advanced exploration of tap genre, with emphasis on musicality and technique. May be taken 3 times for a total of 6 hours.
Prerequisites: THR 107 [Min Grade: C]

THR 208. Ballet II. 2 Hours.

Continued study of classic ballet technique. May be taken 3 times for a total of 6 hours.
Prerequisites: THR 108 [Min Grade: C]

THR 210. Introduction to Theatrical Design. 3 Hours.

Study and application of elements of design in theatre setting. Roles of scenic, lighting, and costume designers and their collaborative relationship with director.

THR 215. Playwriting I. 3 Hours.

Study and practicum in fundamentals of scriptwriting for live performance. Writing is a significant component of this course.
Prerequisites: EH 101 [Min Grade: C]

THR 216. Screenwriting I. 3 Hours.

Study and practicum in fundamentals of scriptwriting for screens large and small. Writing is a significant component of this course.
Prerequisites: EH 101 [Min Grade: C]

THR 220. B.A. Performance Showcase I. 1 Hour.

Work in this course leads to a public presentation of scenes and monologues by freshman and sophomore performance students. Scenes and monologues that students have learned in courses over the two most recent semesters will be developed and refined for the B.A. Performance Showcase.
Prerequisites: THR 154 [Min Grade: C]

THR 226. Drawing and Rendering for the Theatre. 3 Hours.

Emphasis on rendering styles and drawing skills used in developing costume, scenic, and lighting designs. Studies in color theory, basic perspective, illustrating light source and figure drawing. Work in a variety of media and styles.

THR 230. Stage Management. 3 Hours.

The role and responsibilities of the stage manager for live theatrical events. Emphasis on managerial theory and practice.

THR 235. Analysis of Dramatic Literature. 3 Hours.

An examination of seminal dramatic works from the Ancient Greeks to the present day. Students will apply structural analysis to these works, focusing on their dramatic action, character development and language, in order to mine the ideas contained in them and determine how these ideas might be articulated to audiences in a live stage production.
Prerequisites: EH 101 [Min Grade: C]

THR 254. Intermediate Acting. 3 Hours.

Second part of a three part sequence. This course explores and applies the techniques of the acting process as prescribed in Constantin Stanislavaski's text, AN ACTOR PREPARES: given circumstances, character objectives, physical objectives, internal and external characterization techniques.
Prerequisites: THR 154 [Min Grade: C]

THR 258. Musical Theatre Performance I. 3 Hours.

This course offers an exploration of musical theatre performance by focusing on vocal production and historical style. Emphasis will be placed on specificity of performance, both vocally and physically, so that students will be able to accurately and successfully perform in different styles of musical theatre from early musicals through the 1960s. This course will also look at the relationship of the written vocal score to performance and the historical context of each piece.
Prerequisites: THR 154 [Min Grade: C]

THR 259. Musical Theatre Performance II. 3 Hours.

This course continues an exploration of musical theatre performance by focusing on vocal production and historical style. Emphasis will be placed on specificity of performance, both vocally and physically, so that students will be able to accurately and successfully perform in different styles of musical theatre from the 1970s through the present. This course will also look at the relationship of the written vocal score to performance and the historical context of each piece.
Prerequisites: THR 258 [Min Grade: C]

THR 261. Musical Theatre Showcase I. 1 Hour.

This course focuses on rehearsal and performance techniques through practical exploration of ensemble songs from assigned musical theatre selections leading to proficiency in performance skills and preparation for graduation and the profession.

THR 281. Drama in Performance. 3 Hours.

Understanding theatre as an important cultural dialog among text (drama), performance, and audience by analyzing professionally staged and videorecorded productions of classical and contemporary plays. Writing is a significant component of this course.

THR 300. Exploring the African-American Creative Experience. 3 Hours.

Contributions of African Americans to theatre and dance. Creative process and application of creative process through live performance.
Prerequisites: THR 100 [Min Grade: C] or THR 200 [Min Grade: C] or THR 235 [Min Grade: C]

THR 306. Jazz III. 2 Hours.

Advanced study in Jazz technique and musicality with complex combinations and understanding of theatrical style. May be taken 3 times for a total of 6 hours.
Prerequisites: THR 206 [Min Grade: C]

THR 315. Playwriting II. 3 Hours.

Advanced Study and practicum in playwriting with emphasis on creating works for production and/or publication. Writing is a significant component of this course.
Prerequisites: THR 215 [Min Grade: C]

THR 316. Screenwriting II. 3 Hours.

Advanced study and practicum in writing feature-length screenplays, with emphasis on creating works for production, sale, and/or publication. May be repeated 1 time for a total of 6 hours.
Prerequisites: THR 216 [Min Grade: C]

THR 318. Stage Combat. 3 Hours.

Fighting for the stage and screen.

THR 323. Lighting Design. 3 Hours.

Exploration of the theory and practice of lighting design for live performance.
Prerequisites: THR 124 [Min Grade: C] and THR 210 [Min Grade: C] and THR 235 [Min Grade: C]

THR 325. Theatre Sound Design and Technology. 3 Hours.

Principles and practice of designing, engineering and propagating audio for live theatrical productions.

THR 326. Scenic Design. 3 Hours.

Exploration of the theory and practice of scene design for live performance.
Prerequisites: THR 210 [Min Grade: C] and THR 235 [Min Grade: C]

THR 327. Costume Design. 3 Hours.

Exploration of the theory and practice of costume design for live performance through individual projects and collaborative work. Basic principles of design, characterization and rendering techniques are emphasized.
Prerequisites: THR 210 [Min Grade: C] and THR 235 [Min Grade: C]

THR 343. Experimental Performance. 3 Hours.

This course explores alternative approaches to creating performance. In addition, the course focuses on the psychology of the actor and examines techniques to reduce performance anxiety. The work culminates in the creation of a solo piece.
Prerequisites: THR 154 [Min Grade: C]

THR 355. Advanced Acting. 3 Hours.

Advanced level class in actor training. Students will be introduced to specific period styles acting techniques for Shakespearean drama, restoration drama, and emerging changes for performance techniques in the plays of Henric Ibsen and Anton Chekhov.
Prerequisites: THR 202 [Min Grade: C] and THR 254 [Min Grade: C]

THR 360. Internship. 3 Hours.

Experience in non-academic theatre under supervision of professional staff. Interns may work in single area of specialty or in rotation throughout host theatre operation and may contract for single term or academic year.

THR 361. Musical Theatre Showcase II. 1 Hour.

This course focuses on rehearsal and performance techniques through practical exploration of duet scenes and songs from assigned musical theatre selections leading to proficiency in performance skills and preparation for graduation and the profession.
Prerequisites: THR 261 [Min Grade: C]

THR 365. Directing I. 3 Hours.

Basic principles of staging, picturization, composition, focus, and movement. Text analysis, directorial scoring, and actor/director dynamics.
Prerequisites: THR 210 [Min Grade: C] and THR 235 [Min Grade: C]

THR 377. Acting for the Camera. 3 Hours.

A study of acting techniques for film and television.

THR 401. NYC Showcase. 1-2 Hour.

Preparation of songs, monologues and scenes for presentation to casting directors and agents. Students enrolled in this course will be required to cover costs associated with travel to New York City.

THR 404. Advanced Production Practicum. 1-2 Hour.

Practical directed production experience in conjunction with actual production. Prior to taking THR 404, student must have completed the 3 required practicum credits. THR 204 and THR 404 may be repeated for a combined total of 8 credits.

THR 405. Advanced Performance Practicum. 1 Hour.

Practical directed performance experience in conjunction with actual production. Requires audition. Prior to taking THR 405, student must have completed the 3 required practicum credits. THR 205 and THR 405 may be repeated for a combined total of 8 hours.

THR 406. Special Topics in Dance. 1-3 Hour.

Specialized subjects in dance taught as opportunity allows. Musical Theatre major or Permission of Instructor.

THR 410. Production Participation. 0 Hours.

Directed experience in performance and production participation for a Theatre UAB production. Enrollment limited to Theatre and Musical Theatre majors and Theatre minors who have completed all required Production and Performance Practicum requirements. Requires permission of instructor.

THR 411. Contemporary Musical Theatre Dance Styles I. 2 Hours.

An advanced level of analysis and practice of contemporary musical theatre dance styles. Physical awareness, alignment, muscular tone, coordination, strength, and flexibility will be emphasized and analyzed for control and communication. There will be various styles introduced: Contemporary, Jazz, Street-Funk, House, Locking, and Hip-Hop.
Prerequisites: THR 206 [Min Grade: C]

THR 412. Contemporary Musical Theatre Dance Styles II. 2 Hours.

A continuation of Contemporary Musical Theatre Dance Styles I. An advanced level of analysis and practice of contemporary musical theatre dance styles reflecting the contemporary commercial musical theatre market. Physical awareness, alignment, muscular tone, coordination, strength, and flexibility will be emphasized and analyzed for control and communication. There will be various styles introduced: Contemporary, Jazz, Street-Funk, House, Locking, and Hip-Hop.
Prerequisites: THR 411 [Min Grade: C]

THR 420. Teaching Theatre in the Secondary School. 3 Hours.

Course provides the student with a complete understanding and utilization of the knowledge and skills needed to teach theatre at the secondary school level.

THR 425. Pattern Drafting. 3 Hours.

Students will learn garment terms, their application, and flat pattern techniques for garment development. The course requires 20 lab hours, in addition to regular class meetings.
Prerequisites: THR 125 [Min Grade: B]

THR 430. Auditioning. 3 Hours.

This course prepares the actor for graduate school and professional auditions. A working method is explored for the preparation of classical and contemporary audition pieces.
Prerequisites: THR 154 [Min Grade: C] and THR 202 [Min Grade: C]

THR 435. Dialects. 3 Hours.

Students will develop the knowledge and skills to describe and recreate oral postures, placement, and rhythms of various stage dialects.
Prerequisites: THR 202 [Min Grade: C]

THR 440. B.A. Performance Showcase II. 1 Hour.

Work in this course leads to a public presentation of scenes and monologues by junior and senior performance students. Scenes and monologues that students have learned in courses over the two most recent semesters will be developed and refined for the B.A. Performance Showcase.
Prerequisites: THR 254 [Min Grade: C]

THR 450. Costume History and Period Style for the Theatre. 3 Hours.

A selective study of clothing, architecture, furniture and decorative arts of different historical eras, with emphasis on popular theatrical eras and styles. Includes an examination of the societal, cultural, and economic influences which shape historical style.
Prerequisites: EH 102 [Min Grade: C] or EH 107 [Min Grade: C]

THR 451. Musical Theatre History and Script Analysis. 3 Hours.

Exploration of the origins and development of musical theatre, from the mid-18th century to the present day. Students will develop a critical sensitivity to the medium and will learn to analyze the music, plots, characters and situations of musical theatre.
Prerequisites: EH 102 [Min Grade: C] or EH 102 [Min Grade: C]

THR 455. Advanced Studio in Performance. 3 Hours.

Advanced exploration of special topics related to acting through performance including but not restricted to period styles, dialects, ensemble work, solo performance, or any other specialized genre.
Prerequisites: THR 154 [Min Grade: C]

THR 461. Musical Theatre Showcase III. 1 Hour.

This course focuses on rehearsal and performance techniques through practical exploration of scenes and solo songs from assigned musical theatre selections leading to proficiency in performance skills and preparation for graduation and the profession.
Prerequisites: THR 361 [Min Grade: C]

THR 462. Special Topics. 1-3 Hour.

Specialized subjects taught as opportunity allows.

THR 465. Directing II. 3 Hours.

Preparing performances. Director/actor communication in rehearsal, rehearsal motifs, rehearsal organization, and finishing production. Actual direction of one-act play for laboratory performance.
Prerequisites: THR 365 [Min Grade: C]

THR 470. Individual Project in Design and Production. 1-3 Hour.

Directed individual study in topics related to theatrical design and production. Individual Project in Design: The design of costumes, scenery, lighting, audio, or makeup for a mainstage production under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Individual Project in Production: Assume the position and execute the responsibilities of a specific production position, such as a cutter/draper or technical director, while under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Proposals for individual projects must be approved prior to registration.

THR 471. Advanced Studio in Scenery. 3 Hours.

Advanced exploration of special topics related to scenic design and production. May be repeated for credit.

THR 472. Advanced Studio in Costumes. 3 Hours.

Advanced exploration of special topics related to costume design and production. May be repeated for credit.

THR 473. Advanced Studio in Lighting. 3 Hours.

Advanced exploration of special topics related to lighting design and production. May be repeated for credit.

THR 474. Advanced Studio in Audio. 3 Hours.

Advanced exploration of special topics related to audio design and production. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: THR 210 [Min Grade: C] and THR 235 [Min Grade: C] and THR 325 [Min Grade: C]

THR 481. Theatre History to 1860. 3 Hours.

An exploration of Western theatre from 500 B.C. to 1860 by focusing on the Classical, Medieval, Renaissance, Restoration, and Enlightenment periods. The original historical and performance contexts of plays written during the period will be considered to illuminate the cultural and political role of theatre through the ages. The class format includes lectures, class discussions, group exercises, and creative and research projects.
Prerequisites: THR 235 [Min Grade: C]

THR 482. Theatre History from 1860 to Present. 3 Hours.

An exploration of nineteenth and twentieth century Western theatre, focusing on Romanticism, Realism and Non-Realism. Also introduces students to the most popular forms of traditional non-Western theatre to explain their influence on the European avant-garde. Emphasis will be placed on seminal plays, theatre spaces and design, acting techniques, and directing styles. The class format includes lectures, class discussions, group exercises, and creative and research projects.
Prerequisites: THR 235 [Min Grade: C]

THR 491. Theatre Capstone. 1 Hour.

An exploration of further educational or career opportunities for theatre graduates. Preparation for the next steps after graduation by developing such items as a detailed career plan, resumes, and websites and learning about graduate school opportunities, contracts, unions, agents, taxes and other life strategies. THR 492 Capstone Experience project will also be introduced, giving students the opportunity to begin formulating project ideas for this culminating project.

THR 493. Musical Theatre Capstone. 2 Hours.

An exploration of the business of musical theatre including information about contracts, unions, agents/managers, casting directors, taxes and other life strategies in order to develop a specific plan for the next steps after graduation. Students prepare themselves for professional careers by developing such items as resumes, audition material, headshots and websites.

THR 494. Capstone Experience. 1 Hour.

The Capstone Experience is a mentored production, performance or written project intended to serve as summary experience for senior theatre majors. Examples of these positions could be a role in a main stage production; a research project related to the producing of theatre; a collaborative performance project, a realized design, a comprehensive portfolio, a directing scene etc. The Capstone Experience must be completed while the student is an academic senior and must be approved by their mentor and the faculty member of record for the capstone.

THR 496. Honors Project. 3 Hours.

Admission into the departmental honors program.

THR 499. Individual Studies. 1-3 Hour.

Directed individual study in theatre topics unrelated to design and production. Proposals for individual projects must be approved prior to registration. May be repeated for credit.