Theatre
Professors. Jeffrey Milet, M.F.A. (Yale); Augustine Ripa, M.F.A. (Northwestern); Pam Pepper, M.F.A. (Ohio)
Associate professors. Erica Hoelscher, M.F.A. (Northwestern); Kashi Johnson, M.F.A. (Pittsburgh).
Assistant professors. Melpomene Katakalos, M.F.A. (California).
Adjunct professors. E. Laura Hausmann, B.F.A. (Boston Conservatory); R. Elizabeth Miller, Certificate (LAMDA); Pamela Richey, M.F.A. (Montana); Christopher Bohan, M.F.A. (Wayne State); Sue Ragusa, M.F.A. (Wisconsin-Madison); Kristian Ball, M.F.A. (Missouri); Andrew F. Southard, M.F.A. (Yale); William Whitney, Ph.D. (Wisconsin-Madison).
To study theatre is to examine its many internal disciplines. Acting and directing combine with design, technical theatre, dramatic literature and theatre history to form the body of our art. Students may pursue general theatre studies or focus on particular areas such as performance, design or history and literature. They may major in theatre, minor in theatre or participate strictly in our production program. Students may even complete a minor in theatre from outside the College of Arts and Sciences.
The bachelor of arts degree in theatre is granted after at least 48 credit hours of study. Because we believe that undergraduate theatre education should be broad based with an emphasis on diversity of experience, students are encouraged to take a variety of courses outside the major. Many students complete double majors. Those with the talents and aspirations for a career in theatre have gone to graduate schools offering intense, pre-professional training. Other majors who have not pursued a theatrical career have gone from our program directly into careers in business, social services, sales. Theatre study is an excellent preparation for vocations in which self presentation is important, such as law. The problem solving, analytical and interpersonal skills gained from this discipline are applicable across a wide range of careers. An understanding and appreciation of the complex art of the theatre will enrich a lifetime.
The department’s active production program is curricular and promotes collaborative projects involving students, faculty, staff and guest artists. Our large performance facility is the Diamond Theater, a 300-seat thrust theatre housed in the Zoellner Arts Center. The core of our work in this space is dedicated to productions featuring primarily student actors directed by faculty or guest artists. When possible, a highly qualified student may direct or design in this space. In addition to our own productions, we regularly invite outside professional performers and ensembles to work with us and perform. We also operate a lab theatre (Zoellner’s Black Box Theatre) for student and faculty experimentation. The availability of valuable hands-on experience and the very close working relationships developed between students and faculty uniquely characterize the department of theatre. The department enjoys a special relationship with Bethlehem’s professional theatre company, Touchstone Theatre. Performance and administrative internships with the company are available to qualified students and the department and Touchstone often collaborate on workshops and seminars.
Students interested in designing a major or minor in theatre should consult with the department chairperson. Experienced theatre students with questions regarding accurate placement in any theatre course should, likewise, consult with the chairperson.
Lehigh University is an accredited institution of the National Association of Schools of Theatre.
Theatre Major
Through the selection of appropriate electives, students may concentrate their major in one of these areas:
Acting/Directing
Design/Technical Theatre
Theatre History/Dramatic Literature
General Theatre Studies
The major in theatre consists of 48 hours distributed as follows:
Coursework required of all majors, 24 hrs
THTR 1 | Introduction to Theatre (4) |
THTR 60 | Dramatic Action, (4) |
THTR 87 | Scenography I, (4) |
THTR 127 | The Development of Theatre and Drama from Ritual to Renaissance (4) |
THTR 128 | The Development of Theatre and Drama from Renaissance to Present (4) |
THTR | Acting, any appropriate level (4) |
THTR 315 | Senior Study (0) |
Production Requirement, 8 hrs
Four courses from the following: THTR 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 35, 42, 45, 47, 67, 68, 69, 175. Advanced courses may be substituted.
Electives, 16 hrs
Four courses carefully selected with an advisor, emphasizing depth or breadth of study.
Recommended electives from other departments:
The departments of art and architecture, English, modern languages and literature, music and others all offer courses of value to a theatre major or minor. Consult with your advisor about enriching your academic career outside the theatre department.
Theatre Minor
The minor in theatre consists of at least 22 hours of course work selected in consultation with a departmental advisor. This includes at least five courses (18-20 hrs) and two active semesters in theatre production totaling at least four credits. Fulfill the production requirement through an approved production-oriented course. An approved minor in theatre will include some academic diversity beyond a single curricular area.
Departmental Honors
The exceptional student may elect to pursue departmental honors in the senior year. This student must have a GPA of 3.3 in all theatre courses presented for the major. No later than the fall of the senior year the student, with faculty supervision, elects a special project in a particular area of theatre. This may take the form of preparing to direct a play, researching a role to be performed, preparing a design presentation or researching in an area of theatre scholarship in preparation for the writing of a substantial report. In the next semester, usually the spring of the senior year, the report or project would be executed. The student would enroll in two, four-credit independent study courses, one each senior semester.
The Acting Sequence
Students with little or no prior acting experience should elect Theatre 11, Introduction to Acting, as their first course. Students with some prior acting experience should consult with the department chairperson for accurate placement and waiver of the Theatre 11 prerequisite.
Courses in Theatre
THTR 1. Introduction to Theatre (4)
Foundations of theatre: historical, literary and practical. (HU)
THTR 11. Introduction to Acting (4)
Preparation for scene study and characterization. (HU)
THTR 20. Stagecraft I (2)
Introduction to the art of scenic construction and technical theatre. Scenic construction materials, techniques, tools, rigging and safety. Practical experience in executing scenery for the stage. (HU)
THTR 21. Stagecraft II (2)
A continuation of THTR 20 – Stagecraft I. Specialty tools, materials, methods and problem-solving. Practical experience in executing scenery for the stage. Prerequisite: THTR 20. (HU)
THTR 22. Stage Properties and Decoration (2)
Creating props and decor for the stage. Production assignment as assistant property master. (HU)
THTR 23. Basic Scene Painting (2)
Painting for the stage. Production assignments painting with scenic artist. (HU)
THTR 25. Costume Construction I (2)
Introduction to the art of costume construction. Costume construction materials, techniques, tools and safety. Practical experience in executing costumes for the stage. (HU)
THTR 26. Costume Construction II (2)
Continuation of THTR 25 - Costume Construction I, including pattern drafting, fitting, crafts and accessories. Materials, methods and problem solving. Practical experience in executing costumes for the stage. Prerequisite: THTR 25. (HU)
THTR 27. Lighting Technology and Production I (2)
Introduction to the art of lighting technology and production. Lighting techniques, tools and safety. Practical experience in executing lighting for the stage. (HU)
THTR 28. Lighting Technology and Production II (2)
Specialty equipment, methods and problem solving. Practical experience in programming the lighting console for production. Assignment as light board operator on a production. (HU)
THTR 30. Sound Technology and Production I (2)
Introduction to the art and technology of sound reinforcement. Audio theory, methods and practice. Practical experience in executing audio technical support for the stage. (HU)
THTR 31. Sound Technology and Production II (2)
Advanced techniques of sound technology and production. Specialty equipment, methods and problem solving. Practical experience in systems engineering, design implementation and trouble shooting. Assignment as sound engineer on production. Prerequisite: THTR 30 (HU)
THTR 35. Performance (2)
Performing in a department-approved production. May be repeated for credit. (HU)
THTR 42. Marketing and Publicity for the Theatre (2)
Theory and practice of marketing and publicity for productions. (HU)
THTR 45. Stage Management (2)
Organization, scheduling, coordination of various production specialties. Production assignment as assistant stage manager. (HU)
THTR 47. House Management (2)
Front of house coordination, audience services, interface with stage management and production team. Production assignment as house manager. (HU)
THTR 54. (CLSS 54) Greek Tragedy (3)
Aspects of Greek theater and plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides in their social and intellectual contexts. Pavlock (HU)
THTR 56. Jazz Dance (2)
Jazz dance styles and combinations. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: fee. (HU)
THTR 57. Modern Dance (2)
Modern dance styles and combinations. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: fee. (HU)
THTR 58. (CLSS 58) Greek and Roman Comedy (3)
Study of comedy as a social form through plays of Aristophanes, Menander, Plautus, and Terence. Pavlock (HU)
THTR 60. (ENGL 60) (GC 60 Attribute) Dramatic Action (4)
How plays are put together; how they work and what they accomplish. Examination of how plot, character, aural and visual elements of production combine to form a unified work across genre, styles and periods. Recommended as a foundation for further studies in design, literature, or performance. (HU) FALL
THTR 065. (ENGL 065) Introduction to Playwriting (4)
An introduction to writing for the stage, with an emphasis on creating characters, maintaining tone, shaping metaphor, and using the resources available to theatre artists to a writer's best advantage. This course combines in-class exercises with seminar-style discussion of the student's work. (HU)
THTR 67. Stage Crew (2)
Production run crew assignment. Can be repeated for credit. (HU)
THTR 68. Costume Crew (2)
Production run crew assignment in wardrobe, hair and makeup. Can be repeated for credit. (HU)
THTR 69. Lighting Crew (2)
Production run crew assignment as master electrician. Can be repeated for credit. Permission of instructor. (HU)
THTR 77. Ballet (2)
Classical ballet for beginners and those who have had some training. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: fee. (HU)
THTR 87. (DES 87) Scenography I (4)
Introduction to the process of creating integrated designs in theatre production. The study and practice of the principles of visual representation, historical and conceptual research and the study of theatrical styles. (HU) SPRING
THTR 111. (DES 111) Sound Design (2)
Techniques, materials, and methods of designing sound for theatrical production (HU)
THTR 127 (ENGL 127). The Development of Theatre and Drama from Ritual to Renaissance (4)
Survey of Western theatre and dramatic literature from ritual origins to the Renaissance. (HU) FALL
THTR 128 (ENGL 128). The Development of Theatre and Drama from Renaissance to Present (4)
Survey of Western theatre and dramatic literature from the renaissance to the present. (HU) SPRING
THTR 129 (WS 129). History of Fashion and Style (4): also C/L w/ (DES 129)
Dress and culture in the Western Hemisphere from pre-history to today. The evolution of silhouette, garment forms and technology. The relationship of fashion to politics, art and behavior. Cultural and environmental influences on human adornment. (HU)
THTR 130. Drafting for the Theatre (4)
Theatre drafting techniques and conventions. Material, methods and theory in stage graphics. Model building techniques and practice. An introduction to computer drafting. (HU)
THTR 132 (AAS 132). Hip Hop Theatre (4)
Introduction to the creation and performance of Hip Hop theatre. Exploration of the history and culture of Hip Hop through original written material, live performance, music, film, video and web based content. Public performances. Prerequisite: Audition. Consent of instructor. (HU)
THTR 135. (ENGL 135) Playwriting II (4)
For students interested in continuing and deepening their writing for the stage. Instructor approval required. (HU)
THTR 140 (AAS 140). African American Theatre (4)
Studies in African American theatre: literary, and practical and historical. May be repeated for credit. (HU)
THTR 144. Directing (4)
Introduction to the theatrical director’s art. Research, rehearsal techniques, scene work. Prerequisites: THTR 60, Dramatic Action, and acting experience as determined by the department, or consent of chairperson. (HU) SPRING
THTR 145. Advanced Stage Management (1-4)
Advanced Application, practice, and leadership development of stage management role and skills: production assignment as stage manager.
THTR 147. Acting Modern Realism (4)
Characterization and scene study in modern realistic drama e.g. Ibsen, Chekov, O’Neill, Hellman, Miller and Williams. Prerequisite: THTR 11.
THTR 148. Acting Contemporary Drama (4)
Characterization and scene study in modern contemporary drama. Prerequisite: THTR 11.
THTR 152. Stage Make-up (4)
Theatrical make-up techniques for the actor and designer. (HU)
THTR 154. (DES 154) Scene Painting (4)
Study and practice of basic and advanced methods of painting for the theatre. Includes basic elements and principles of design, color theory, the influence of light, atmosphere and aesthetics for the theatre. (HU)
THTR 161. (Arch 161) Performing Arts Venue Design and Technology (4)
Designing theatres. Theatre equipment systems and acoustics. Function and form. ((HU)
THTR 166. (ENGL 166, GCP 166, GS 166) The Playwright as Traveler (4)
This class will read and analyze plays and critical essays to discern how playwrights navigate the tricky ethical and artistic enterprise that is travel. The material is challenging and will require students to utilize analytic tools culled from various disciplines including political economy, literary criticism, feminism and queer studies. We will focus on aesthetic devices that either foreground or obscure questions of politics, power, race, gender and class. Concepts such as ideology, orientalism, interpellation and hegemony will be covered. (HU)
THTR 175. Special Projects (1-4)
Theatrical topics of current or special interest. Can be repeated for credit. (HU)
THTR 181. Theatre Management (4)
Concepts, techniques and practices related to managing the theatrical enterprise. (HU)
THTR 185. Production Seminar (1-4)
Practicum in various approaches to theatre production, e.g. performance ensemble. Prerequisite: audition, or consent of the chairperson. Can be repeated for credit. (HU)
THTR 186. (DES 186) Lighting Design (4)
An introduction to the art and practice of lighting design for the theatre. Script analysis, research, and the interplay of lighting technology and design. Students will develop a sense of the dramatic while creating a portfolio of lighting designs. Prerequisite: THTR/DES 087. (HU)
THTR 188. (DES 188) Scenic Design (4)
An introduction to the art and practice of scenic design for the theatre. Script analysis, research, drafting and modeling techniques. Students will develop a sense of the dramatic while creating a portfolio of scenic designs. Prerequisite: THTR/DES 087. (HU)
THTR 189. (DES 189) Costume Design (4)
An introduction to the art and practice of costume design for the theatre. Script analysis, research, and rendering techniques. Students will develop a sense of the dramatic while creating a portfolio of costume designs. Prerequisite: THTR/DES 087. (HU)
THTR 211 (Germ 211). German Drama (4)
Drama as a literary genre; plays from various periods of German literature. (HU)
THTR 218 (Germ 218). Goethe’s “Faust” (4)
Study of Goethe’s play with an introduction to the Faust tradition. (HU)
THTR 221. Breaking into the Business (4)
This course will explore the world of the professional actor with comprehensive coverage of all aspects of the acting profession. Abundant information on auditioning techniques, the tools of the actor, the acting unions, professional theater companies, graduate and professional training programs and the world of film & television will be examined.
THTR 222. (ENGL 222) Readings in Non-Realism (4)
Through close readings and analysis of a variety of non-realistic play scripts, this class catalogs what a grammar of non-realism might look like. Students will conduct close readings of non-realistic scripts that make use of the grammar available to the writer writing for the stage. (HU
THTR 236. Acting Presentational Styles (4)
Elements of characterization and scene study in presentational dramatic literature from classical through post-modern periods. Prerequisite: 100-level acting course, or consent of chairperson. (HU)
THTR 244. Acting Shakespeare (4)
Monologue scene study and ensemble work from Shakespeare’s dramatic and poetic canon. Prerequisite: 100-level acting course. (HU)
THTR 245. Advanced Directing (4)
Continuation of Theatre 144. The director’s voice. Supervised practical experience. Prerequisite: THTR 144. (HU)
THTR 253. Scene Painting II (4)
Applied advanced scene painting methods for the theatre. Shop management for the scenic artist. Collaboration with designers and stage technology. Prerequisite: THTR 154. (HU)
THTR 255. (ENGL 255) The Collectively Devised Text (4)
This class explores theater as a vehicle for civic engagement. Theater artists as varied as Moises Kaufman, the Civilians, Cornerstone, Culture Clash and Caryl Churchill have worked on scripts that were devised either in whole or in part collectively. Students will outline a plan for choosing a theme, identifying stakeholders, generating text and either writing or shepherding a full-length script to completion. Instructor approval required. (HU)
THTR 260. Design Practicum (1-4)
Scenic, costume, lighting or sound design for the theatre. Realized design production assignments and portfolio building. Collaboration, process and presentation. Prerequisite: Dept. Permission. Repeatable for credit. (HU)
THTR 275. Internship (1-4)
Professionally supervised work in theatres and theatrical organizations in the areas of performance, design, technical theatre, theatre administration and management. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: consent of chairperson. (ND)
THTR 315. Senior Study (0)
Seminar for senior theatre majors. Enhancement of current theatre studies while preparing for further theatre studies or activity. (ND)
THTR 318. (FREN 318) Drama in the Twentieth Century (3)
Contemporary French drama with an analysis of its origins and movements. Armstrong (HU)
THTR 328. (ENG 328). Shakespeare (4)
An introduction to Shakespearean drama including comedies, histories, tragedies, and romances. Emphasis on textual study, cultural contexts, and performance strategies. Hawkes, Traister (HU)
THTR 351. Advanced Special Projects (1-8)
Independent study in theatre. Prerequisite: consent of the chairperson. Can be repeated for credit. (HU)
THTR 361. Research in Theatre Technology (1-4)
Solving technological problems in theatre. Application of new technologies. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: consent of chairperson. (HU)
THTR 387. (DES 387) Scenography II (4)
Advanced projects in theatrical design. Portfolio readiness and resume preparation. Prerequisite: THTR/DEX 087 and either 186, 188 or 189. (HU)