Theatre

Leah R. Gallant-McFall, Professor

John O'Hagan, Professor

Trish Brown Schmit, Professor

Christine Calkins Steele, Professor

Faculty from other disciplines also support this program.

The performing arts play a vital role in a liberal arts education, the community, and society as a force that can educate, challenge, inspire, uplift, and heal both audience and artist. Realizing this potential requires skill in the art form, personal discipline, and humility—values our program strives to instill in our students. The Department of Theatre and Dance provides practical, rigorous, and thoughtful training that develops artistic, professional, and life skills for students to share with the world.

We offer our Theatre majors and Theatre minors and Dance minors multiple avenues through which to grow as artists, community members, and Christian Scientists. They demonstrate performance and production skills; critical thinking; historical and cultural awareness; and personal character through discipline, compassion, and humility. Throughout our program students put theory into practice in the classroom, in the costume and scene shops, in theatre and dance productions, on interdisciplinary abroads, through participation in regional festivals, and in workshops with visiting professionals and guest artists. The Theatre major capstone, THEA 420 Directing, encourages students to synthesize their training by producing and directing a one-act play. Dancers have the opportunity to choreograph for the yearly mainstage Dance Production. Students also have opportunities to design, build, and work in all aspects of technical production.

We value the interdisciplinary nature of a liberal arts education and foster an expansive approach to performing arts by recognizing the value of related arts: literature, creative writing, studio art, and music. In the performing arts the student-artist is the canvas, making inseparable the progression from theory to practice to performance. As a result, students grow in their understanding of themselves and in their empathy for others, becoming more compassionate, thoughtful, inspired human beings whose work extends far beyond Principia.

All practicum classes require proper registration for student participation. The maximum transferable credit for a major in theatre is five courses or 15 semester hours. The maximum transferable credit for a minor in theatre or dance is two courses or six semester hours. Non-credit theatre and dance production courses are not transferable.

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Departmental Learning Outcomes

  1. Performance and Production (TRAIN DEEPLY)

Students develop skills necessary to take part in the collaborative artistic process through expressive and articulate use of voice and body, work as part of an ensemble, and as a translator of text and direction into performance.

  1. Critical Thinking and Communication (THINK CRITICALLY)

Students demonstrate the ability to think and communicate clearly and effectively within the artistic discipline through research and analysis, articulating of vision, and evaluation and critique of both their own and others’ performances and production-related responsibilities.

  1. Character (GROW SPIRITUALLY)

Students demonstrate God-centered self-awareness, self-discipline, and self-reflection through performance and artistic endeavor. Students will self-assess their growth, demonstrate over limitations, and demonstrate professional standards and dispositions, including honesty, responsibility, openness and respect.

  1. Historical and Cultural Awareness (SHARE FREELY)

Students recognize the value and importance of the historical and cultural traditions of theatre and/or dance and share their passion for performance with the community.

College Wide Student Learning Outcomes of Principia College: Defining a Liberal Arts Education

The curricular and co-curricular programs at Principia College are designed for students to be lifelong learners, thinkers, and problem-solvers. To accomplish this, the College has established the following outcomes for its graduates.

Guided by Principle, Principia College students will demonstrate:

  1. Depth and breadth of knowledge
  2. Critical and creative thinking
  3. Effective communication
  4. Intellectual inquiry and engagement
  5. Active commitment to community and global citizenship

Major

Minor

THEA 050 Thea Practicum Mainstage Cast 0.0 SH [  ]

Practical application in a mainstage production of classroom courses in theatre performance. Students develop character, analyze text, research cultural and historical background, and engage with an ensemble through a rehearsal process in preparation for performance.

THEA 051 Thea Practicum Studio Cast 0.0 SH [  ]

Practical application in a studio production of classroom courses in theatre performance. Students develop character, analyze text, research cultural and historical background, and engage with an ensemble through a rehearsal process in preparation for performance.

THEA 052 Thea Practicum Mainstage Staff 0.0 SH [  ]

Practical application in a mainstage production of classroom work in the non-performance aspects of theatre, including stage management, assistant direction, choreography, dramaturgy, business management, publicity, etc. Students gain experience in the creative and technical aspects of production.

THEA 053 Thea Practicum Studio Staff 0.0 SH [  ]

Practical application in a studio production of classroom work in the non-performance aspects of theatre, including design, stage management, assistant direction, choreography, dramaturgy, business management, publicity, etc. Students gain experience in the creative and technical aspects of production.

THEA 054 Thea Practicum Mainstage Crew 0.0 SH [  ]

Practical application in a mainstage production of classroom work in technical theatre, including set and costume construction, and hanging and focusing lights, as well as additional crew work. Students gain practical experience in the technical aspects of production.

THEA 055 Thea Practicum Studio Crew 0.0 SH [  ]

Practical application in a studio production of classroom work in technical theatre, including set, costume, and lighting design, set and costume construction, and additional crew assignments. Students gain practical experience in the technical aspects of production.

THEA 101 Acting I 3.0 SH [GEA]

Basic acting technique and improvisation methods. Includes voice work and stage movement.

THEA 102 Oral Interpretation 3.0 SH [GEA]

Instructs students in the necessary techniques for effective oral reading. Valuable for students of theatre, mass communication, and literature, as well as for others who want to make the written word come alive - at home, in business, or on the platform.
Class Level Restriction: Freshman and Sophomore only.

THEA 140 Stagecraft 3.0 SH [  ]

An introduction to basic design and construction techniques, and may include scene painting and lighting, in support of department productions.
Fee=$50.00.

THEA 201 Acting II 3.0 SH [  ]

Continues work done in THEA 101, with added emphasis on more advanced monologues and scene study. Some work may explore dramaturgy beyond contemporary naturalism.
Prerequisite: THEA 101.
Field of Study Restrictions: Theatre Majors and/or Minors only.

THEA 209 Irish Dramatic Literature 3.0 SH [  ]

A survey of modern and contemporary Irish dramatic literature from the late 19th century to present day. Representative plays will be read with emphasis on theatre as live performance. Discussions will explore the social, political, and cultural context of the plays and performances.

THEA 210 Dramatic Literature 3.0 SH [  ]

A survey of dramatic literature from the 5th century B.C.E. to present day. Representative plays will be read with emphasis on theatre as live performance. Discussions will explore the social, political, and cultural context of the plays and performance.
Prerequisite: THEA 101 and THEA 201.

THEA 220 Intro to Theatrical Design 3.0 SH [GEA]

A project-based course focusing on three major aspects of theatrical design: set, costume, and lighting. Students will produce set and costume designs and learn fundamentals and practical skills with lighting. The course may also include technical theatre topics like scene painting, prop making, and stage makeup, depending on projects that may be happening in the theatre in a given semester.
Fee=$50.00.

THEA 225 Voice and Speech 3.0 SH [GEA]

This course introduces vocal techniques, including Linklater voice work designed to "free the natural voice" of the student actor or public speaker. Through breathing, relaxation, alignment, and physical awareness exercises, students increase their ability to be expressive and honest in their vocal communication. Texts used include poetry, Shakespeare sonnets, and dramatic literature.

THEA 230 Theatre Movement 3.0 SH [GEA]

Focuses on movement techniques and skills inspired by the demands of the stage, including physical alignment and release, expressive movement, ensemble exploration, and physical embodiment of character.

THEA 235 Writing for the Stage & Screen 3.0 SH [GEA]

This course is a skill-development class as well as a creative thinking/writing experience. With the end goal of producing a short play for the stage, and a short screenplay (suitable for inclusion in an Artist's Portfolio), this course examines the elements and effects of dramatic writing, and explains how to "Save the Cat.".

THEA 260 Theatre Topics 1.0-3.0 SH [  ]

Group study of selected topics in theatre. The title will be extended to describe the current topic. May be taken four times provided the topics differ.

THEA 272 The History of Theatre 3.0 SH [  ]

The course examines the history of theatre within political, religious, socio-economic, and technological contexts. Both Western and non-Western influential theatrical venues, writers and their works, actors, designers, directors, and theoreticians are studied.

THEA 285 Theatre Costuming 3.0 SH [  ]

A comprehensive study of the history, design, and construction of theatrical costuming. Includes hands-on experience in the areas of design sketches and renderings, color, fabric, and lighting studies as well as field trips to local museums, theatre tours, and productions.
Fee=$60.00.

THEA 290 Theatre History & Literature I 3.0 SH [GEH]

Theatre History & Literature I is an in-depth survey course designed to show plays in their historical and cultural contexts. A valuable part of a liberal arts perspective, this course travels the world through time to spotlight the development of ritual and theatrical practices, and the literature that is generated. Part One (THEA 290) covers the period "Origins to Shakespeare.".

THEA 291 Theatre History & Lit. II 3.0 SH [GEH]

Theatre History & Literature II is an in-depth survey course designed to show plays in their historical and cultural contexts. A valuable part of a liberal arts perspective, this course travels through time to spotlight the development of ritual and theatrical practices worldwide, and the literature that is generated. Part Two (THEA 291) covers the period "Kabuki to the Present.".

THEA 301 Acting III 3.0 SH [  ]

This course extends the performer's acting technique developed in Acting I and Acting II. Scene work includes some specific period styles and is worked to performance level. Specific emphasis is given to vocal and physical development of the characters performed.
Prerequisite: THEA 101 and THEA 201.
Class Level Restriction: Sophomore and Junior and Senior only.

THEA 325 Voice for the Actor 3.0 SH [  ]

Building on the skills developed in Voice and Speech, this class explores the Linklater vocal progression in greater depth and incorporates techniques of other voice teachers, such as Patsy Rodenburg and Cecily Berry. Students analyze and perform more challenging texts both individually and as an ensemble.
Prerequisite: THEA 225.
Class Level Restriction: Junior and Senior only.
Field of Study Restrictions: Theatre Majors and/or Minors only.

THEA 335 Creative Theory and Practice 1.0-3.0 SH [  ]

This course serves as a laboratory for the performing artist (theatre and/or dance) to solidify his/her own artistic practice and process, to analyze and evaluate best practices in their discipline, and to articulate the transformative power of the performing arts within a community.
Prerequisite: THEA 101 or a minimum of two dance technique classes and DANC 370.

THEA 340 Advanced Voice and Movement 3.0 SH [  ]

Students will build on skills developed in Voice and Speech and in Theatre Movement, deepening their understanding and practice of techniques necessary to the actor's craft.
Prerequisite: THEA 225 and THEA 230.
Field of Study Restrictions: Theatre Majors and/or Minors only.

THEA 350 Thea Practicum Mainstage Cast 1.0-3.0 SH [  ]

Practical application in a mainstage production of classroom courses in theatre performance. Students develop character, analyze text, research cultural and historical background, and engage with an ensemble through a rehearsal process in preparation for performance. May be offered for variable credit from one to three semester hours. May be taken more than once.
Fee=$20.00.

THEA 351 Thea Practicum Studio Cast 1.0-3.0 SH [  ]

Practical application in a studio production of classroom courses in theatre performance. Students develop character, analyze text, research cultural and historical background, and engage with an ensemble through a rehearsal process in preparation for performance. May be offered for variable credit from one to three semester hours. May be taken more than once.
Fee=$20.00.

THEA 352 Thea Practicum Mainstage Staff 1.0-3.0 SH [  ]

Practical application in a mainstage production of classroom work in the management area including stage management, assistant direction, choreography, dramaturgy, business management, publicity, etc. Students gain experience in the creative and technical aspects of production. May be offered for variable credit from one to three semester hours. May be taken more than once.

THEA 353 Thea Practicum Studio Staff 1.0-3.0 SH [  ]

Practical application in a studio production of classroom work in the non-performance aspects of theatre, including design, stage management, assistant direction, choreography, dramaturgy, business management, publicity, etc. Students gain experience in the creative and technical aspects of production. May be offered for variable credit from one to three semester hours. May be taken more than once.

THEA 354 Thea Practicum Mainstage Crew 1.0-3.0 SH [  ]

Practical application in a mainstage production of classroom work in technical theatre, including set and costume construction, hanging and focusing lights, as well as additional crew work. Students gain experience in the technical aspects of production. May be offered for variable credit from one to three semester hours. May be taken more than once.

THEA 355 Thea Practicum Studio Crew 1.0-3.0 SH [  ]

Practical application in a studio production of classroom work in technical theatre, including set and costume construction, hanging and focusing lights, as well as additional crew work. Students gain experience in the technical aspects of production. May be offered for variable credit from one to three semester hours. May be taken more than once.

THEA 360 Acting Shakespeare 3.0 SH [GEA]

Trains students in the fundamentals of Shakespearean acting, including cultural and historical context of Shakespeare’s plays, fundamentals of textual analysis, and performance. When offered as part of an abroad, it may include workshops/lectures from the Globe Theatre and Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, as well as the Principia classroom. The course culminates in scenes/full production of a Shakespeare play.
Class Level Restriction: Sophomore and Junior and Senior only.

THEA 401 Advanced Acting Topics 1.0-3.0 SH [  ]

Advanced course in acting focused on specific performance techniques. Areas covered are style, audition techniques, improvisation, voice, movement, and specific acting methods such as the Chekhov Technique. Subject matter will change based on the needs of the students. The title will be extended to describe the current topic. May be taken four times provided the topics differ.
Prerequisite: THEA 101, THEA 201, and THEA 301.
Class Level Restriction: Junior and Senior only.

THEA 402 Spec Creative or Research Proj 1.0-3.0 SH [  ]

Advanced creative or research project in performance or scholarship. May be repeated for a maximum of nine semester hours, three of which may apply toward the major or minor.
Class Level Restriction: Junior and Senior only.
Field of Study Restrictions: Theatre Majors and/or Minors only.

THEA 420 Directing 4.0 SH [  ]

Practical application of skills acquired in Acting I, II, and Practicum through working with actors to direct scenes and one-act plays. The fundamental directing principles of text analysis, communication, picturization, blocking, and design principles are learned and practiced.
Prerequisite: THEA 101, THEA 201, either THEA 210 or THEA 272, and either THEA 301 or THEA 352.
Class Level Restriction: Junior and Senior only.
Fee=$50.00.

THEA 494 Theatre or Dance Internship 3.0-6.0 SH [  ]

Practical experience in one of the various areas of theatre and dance (management, performance, technical theatre, or dramaturgy). May be offered for variable credit from 3 to 6 semester hours. May be repeated up to a total of 9 semester hours.
Class Level Restriction: Sophomore and Junior and Senior only.