Theatre
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, and 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 (Fowler Black Box Theater) 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. Performance and administrative internships are available to qualified students with guidance from a faculty mentor.
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 by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.
For more information, visit: https://theatre.cas.lehigh.edu/
Theatre Major
Through the selection of appropriate courses, 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 060 | Dramatic Action | 4 |
| THTR 087 | Performance Design | 4 |
| THTR 127 | History of Theatre I | 4 |
| THTR 128 | History of Theatre II | 4 |
| Thtr Acting (any appropriate level) | 4 | |
| AND | ||
| two courses from the following: | ||
| THTR 020 | Stagecraft I | 2 |
| THTR 025 | Costume Construction I | 2 |
| THTR 027 | Lighting Technology and Production I | 2 |
| Production Requirement, 8 hrs | ||
| Four courses from the following: | ||
| Stagecraft II | ||
| Stage Properties and Decoration | ||
| Basic Scene Painting | ||
| Costume Construction II | ||
| Lighting Technology and Production II | ||
| Sound Technology and Production I | ||
| Sound Technology and Production II | ||
| Performance | ||
| Stage Management | ||
| Backstage Crew | ||
THTR 068 | ||
THTR 069 | ||
| Special Projects | ||
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
Theatre Minor
The minor in theatre consists of 24 hours of course work selected in consultation with a departmental advisor. Typically, this includes five 4-credit courses and two 2-credit theatre production courses. The minor in theatre must include some academic diversity beyond a single curricular area. The department participates in an interdisciplinary minor in apparel design.
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 THTR 011, 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 THTR 011 prerequisite.
Courses
THTR 001 Introduction To Theatre 4 Credits
Foundations of theatre: historical, literary and practical.
Attribute/Distribution: HE, HU
THTR 011 Introduction To Acting 4 Credits
Preparation for scene study and characterization.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 020 Stagecraft I 2 Credits
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.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 021 Stagecraft II 2 Credits
A continuation of THTR 20 – Stagecraft I. Specialty tools, materials, methods and problem-solving. Practical experience in executing scenery for the stage.
Prerequisites: THTR 020
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 022 Stage Properties and Decoration 2 Credits
Creating props and decor for the stage. Production assignment as assistant property master.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 023 Basic Scene Painting 2 Credits
Painting for the stage. Production assignments painting with scenic artist.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 025 (DES 025) Costume Construction I 0,2 Credits
Introduction to the art of costume construction. Costume construction materials, techniques, tools and safety. Practical experience in executing costumes for the stage.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU, Q
THTR 026 (DES 026) Costume Construction II 0,2 Credits
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.
Prerequisites: THTR 025
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU, Q
THTR 027 Lighting Technology and Production I 2 Credits
Introduction to the art of lighting technology and production. Lighting techniques, tools and safety. Practical experience in executing lighting for the stage.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 028 Lighting Technology and Production II 2 Credits
Specialty equipment, methods and problem solving. Practical experience in programming the lighting console for production. Assignment as light board operator on a production.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 030 Sound Technology and Production I 2 Credits
Introduction to the theory, equipment and practice of sound reinforcement for the theatre, including microphone theory, speaker use and placement, digital audio networks, and live mixing.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 031 Sound Technology and Production II 2 Credits
Advanced Sound Reinforcement techniques including multiple source mixing, specialty equipment and audio system design and installation.
Prerequisites: THTR 030
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 035 Performance 2 Credits
Performing in a department-approved production.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, CC, HU
THTR 045 Stage Management 2 Credits
Organization, scheduling, coordination of various production specialties. Production assignment as assistant stage manager.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 053 (ASIA 053) Bollywood Dance 2 Credits
Bollywood is a term compounded from "Bombay" (now Mumbai) and “Hollywood.” Bollywood dance is the movement form used in Indian films - a unique and energetic style inspired by Indian folk dance and Indian classical dance, Middle Eastern, and modern dance. Explore how each of these unique styles combine to create modern Bollywood dance. Learn the fundamental movements, gestures, and expressions that create the Bollywood dance aesthetic, and how they are applied in choreographed sequences.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 055 (ASIA 055) Indian Classical Dance 2 Credits
Introduction to the history and practice of Bharatanatyam, a classical dance style of India. Understanding basic footwork, hand gestures, and body movements, and how they are combined to convey emotion, meaning, and imagery. Traditional repertoire, music, terminology, and the spectator's experience of the dance.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 056 Jazz Dance 2 Credits
In this class, students will explore that many different styles of Jazz in parallel to the African Diaspora along with the American vocabulary and vernacular. Students will explore Stile's spending from Broadway jazz to contemporary jazz to modern jazz to commercial Jazz. Learning the foundation that contributes to these styles. Fee required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 057 Modern Dance 2 Credits
Modern dance styles and combinations. Fee required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 060 (ENGL 060) Dramatic Action 4 Credits
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.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, HU, W
THTR 065 (ENGL 065) Introduction to Playwriting 4 Credits
An introduction to writing for the stage, with an emphasis on creating characters, exploring story and structure, experimenting with theatrical language, and working within the context of theatrical history and the wider world. This course combines in-class exercises with seminar-style discussion of the student's work.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, CC, HU, W
THTR 066 (AAS 066) Hip Hop Dance 2 Credits
Techniques, vocabulary, and history behind the various elements of the Hip Hop Movement. Focus upon the cultural influence of Hip Hop dance styles, and the overall social influence of the Hip Hop Movement.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 067 Backstage Crew 2 Credits
Production run crew assignment.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 072 (DES 072) Textile Design I 4 Credits
Textile printing has brought about revolutionary changes in textile design. Textile Design utilizes digital photography, scanning, drawing and image editing software to create botanical and geometric patterns for textiles.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 076 (AAS 076) Hip Hop Dance II 2 Credits
Students familiar with the music genres and basic dance tropes of the Hip Hop movement will explore, develop, and apply them in combinations that weave the various elements of Hip Hop culture into a high energy dance. Focus on Hip Hop dance as it influences the contemporary world view and global aesthetics.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Prerequisites: THTR 066 or AAS 066
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 077 Ballet 2 Credits
Classical ballet for beginners and those who have had some training. Fee required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 087 (DES 087) Performance Design 4 Credits
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.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, CC, HU
THTR 088 (DES 088) Digital Rendering 4 Credits
Explore the use of modern technology to develop and communicate design ideas with speed, clarity, and visual punch. Strategies geared toward increasing the young designer’s confidence in presenting artistic concepts. Learn the basics of Photoshop and SketchUp and then apply those skills in creative execution of scenic, costume, and lighting renderings.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 089 (DES 089) Introduction to Fashion Design 4 Credits
An introduction to conceptual garment design. Research, devise, and develop collections of apparel and accessories. Basic elements of design, fashion theory, design processes, and rendering techniques.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, CC, HU
THTR 111 (DES 111) Sound Design 2 Credits
Introduction to the study of the techniques and equipment used for theatrical sound design. Elements include audio theory, script analysis, field recording and editing audio in digital audio workstations.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 126 (ARCH 126, ART 126) History of Interior Design and Decor 4 Credits
Survey of architectural interiors and décor examining public and domestic spaces and their contents in terms of period and style. Exploration of major art and design movements through the lens of interior spaces and objects within the context of
culture and society.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, HU
THTR 127 (ENGL 127) History of Theatre I 4 Credits
A multi-cultural survey of dramatic literature and theatrical practice from its ritual origins to the 18th century.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, HU
THTR 128 (ENGL 128) History of Theatre II 4 Credits
A multi-cultural survey of dramatic literature theatre and theatrical practice from the 18th century to the present day.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, HU, W
THTR 129 (DES 129, WGSS 129) History of Fashion and Style 4 Credits
Global trends in dress and culture 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.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, HU
THTR 130 Drafting For The Theatre 4 Credits
Theatre drafting techniques and conventions. Material, methods and theory in stage graphics. Model building techniques and practice. An introduction to computer drafting.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 132 (AAS 132) Hip Hop Theatre 4 Credits
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. Must audition. Consent of instructor required.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, CC, HU
THTR 135 Playwriting II 4 Credits
For students interested in continuing and deepening their writing for the stage. Instructor approval required.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, CC, HU, W
THTR 140 (AAS 140) African American Theatre 4 Credits
Studies in African American theatre: literary, and practical and historical.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, HU
THTR 144 Directing 4 Credits
Introduction to the theatrical director’s art. Research, rehearsal techniques, scene work. Acting experience as determined by the department or consent of chair.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Prerequisites: (THTR 060)
Attribute/Distribution: AL, CC, HU
THTR 145 Advanced Stage Management 1-4 Credits
Advanced application, practice, and leadership development of stage management role and skills: production assignment as stage manager.
Attribute/Distribution: AL
THTR 147 Acting Modern Realism 4 Credits
Characterization and scene study in modern realistic drama e.g. Ibsen, Chekov, O’Neill, Hellman, Miller and Williams.
Prerequisites: THTR 011
Attribute/Distribution: AL, CC, HU
THTR 148 Acting Contemporary Drama 4 Credits
Characterization and scene study in modern contemporary drama.
Prerequisites: THTR 011
Attribute/Distribution: AL, CC, HU
THTR 152 Stage Make-up 4 Credits
Theatrical make-up techniques for the actor and designer.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, CC, HU
THTR 154 (DES 154) Scene Painting 4 Credits
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.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 155 (DES 155) Model Building and Rendering 4 Credits
The art and practice of model building and rendering for the stage. Special techniques including scale furniture, soldering, acrylic painting and hand drafting.
Attribute/Distribution: AL
THTR 172 (DES 172) Textile Design II 4 Credits
Building on skills and concepts developed in Textile Design I, students will develop their own voice in textile, apparel and accessory design.
Prerequisites: DES 072 or THTR 072
Attribute/Distribution: HU
THTR 175 Special Projects 1-4 Credits
Theatrical topics of current or special interest.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, CC, HU
THTR 177 (JST 177, REL 177) Jews and the Broadway Musical 4 Credits
The history of American musical theater is deeply interwoven with the history of American Jews. This course examines how Jews have taken part in musical theater on multiple levels-as composers, lyricists, producers, and performers, among other roles. It also examines how Jews are depicted in Broadway musicals, with particular attention to gender and ethnicity.
Attribute/Distribution: HE, HU, W
THTR 185 Production Seminar 1-4 Credits
Practicum in various approaches to theatre production, e.g. performance ensemble. Must audition, or consent of the chairperson required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, CC, HU
THTR 186 (DES 186) Lighting Design 4 Credits
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.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, CC, HU
THTR 188 (DES 188) Scenic Design 4 Credits
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.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, CC, HU
THTR 189 (DES 189) Costume Design 4 Credits
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.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, CC, HU
THTR 236 Acting Presentational Styles 4 Credits
Elements of characterization and scene study in presentational dramatic literature from classical through post-modern periods. Must have completed 100-level acting course.
Prerequisites: THTR 147 or THTR 148
Attribute/Distribution: AL, CC, HU
THTR 244 Acting Shakespeare 4 Credits
Monologue scene study and ensemble work from Shakespeare’s dramatic and poetic canon.
Prerequisites: THTR 147 or THTR 148
Attribute/Distribution: AL, CC, HU
THTR 245 Advanced Directing 4 Credits
Continuation of Theatre 144. The director’s voice. Supervised practical experience.
Prerequisites: (THTR 144)
Attribute/Distribution: AL, CC, HU
THTR 253 Scene Painting II 4 Credits
Applied advanced scene painting methods for the theatre. Shop management for the scenic artist. Collaboration with designers and stage technology.
Prerequisites: THTR 154
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU
THTR 260 Design and Technical Practicum 1-4 Credits
Scenic, costume, lighting or sound design or technical production projects for the theatre. Realized design or technical theatre production assignment and portfolio-building. Collaboration, process and presentation. Consent of department required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: HU
THTR 272 (DES 272) Advanced Textile Design Workshop 4 Credits
Building on skills and concepts developed in Digital Textile Design II, students work towards a maturing studio practice within an atmosphere of rigorous critique. Further exploration in the conceptual research and material tools of surface design in textiles developed in DES 072 and 172, with experimentation in broader media is encouraged. An expansion of knowledge of textiles and apparel in the 21st Century will inform the development of a design practice and portfolio. Prerequisite: DES 172 / THTR 172.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Prerequisites: DES 172 or THTR 172
Attribute/Distribution: HU
THTR 275 Internship 1-4 Credits
Professionally supervised work in theatres and theatrical organizations in the areas of performance, design, technical theatre, theatre administration and management. Consent of department chair required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: ND
THTR 300 Apprentice Teaching 1-4 Credits
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
THTR 315 Senior Study 0 Credits
Seminar for senior theatre majors. Enhancement of current theatre studies while preparing for further theatre studies or activity.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: W
THTR 328 (ENGL 328) Topics in Shakespeare 3-4 Credits
This class explores why Shakespeare’s plays and poems still resonate today. We will focus in particular on how Shakespeare’s plays have been used to explore questions of gender, race and social class. We’ll read some of the “greatest hits” as well as a few lesser-known works, focusing first on how these texts were understood in the time they were written and then on why and how they inform our perspective today.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, HU, W
THTR 351 Advanced Special Projects 1-8 Credits
Independent study in theatre. Consent of department chair required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: HU, W
THTR 389 Honors Project 1-8 Credits
Opportunity for undergraduate majors in Theater to pursue a project for departmental honors. Department permission required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: W
