WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY THA: THEATRE ARTS

THA: THEATRE ARTS THA 199. Transfer Credits. 1-10 Credits.

Transfer Credits.
College of Arts and Humanities Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
Courses THA 200. Theatre Practicum. 1-3 Credits.
THA 100. Theatre Survey. 1 Credit. This course is designed to provide theatre arts majors and minors the opportunities to
This class is a survey course designed to introduce students to the full range of the Theatre participate in and learn skills directly related to specific areas of theatrical production.
process including directing, performance, design, dramaturgy and management. Pre / Co requisites: THA 200 requires prerequisite of THA 104 or THA 116.
Typically offered in Fall. Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.
THA 101. Spotlight on Theatre: Appreciating Live Performance. 3 Credits.
A survey of theatre as a humanity by exploring how theatre reflects and comments on its THA 201. Introduction to Standardized Patient Performance. 3 Credits.
time and place. This course teaches the student what to listen for, and what to look for, when This course will prepare students for the effective portrayal of standardized patients, who
attending a live theatre performance. will enact, in a consistent and measurable way, a patient/client in a medical or healthcare-
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement. related situation. Students will enact case studies throughout various disciplines, spanning:
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer. Sports Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition, Health, Social Work, and Speech-Language Pathology;
collaborating with students in West Chester's various healthcare services programs.
THA 103. Acting I. 3 Credits. Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
A course designed to introduce the basic skills and techniques needed by the developing actor Typically offered in Spring.
to create successfully a character for performance on stage.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement, Speaking Emphasis. THA 203. Acting II. 3 Credits.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring. This is a course designed to give the student a deeper appreciation regarding the creation
of character in a theatrical context. The student will learn to employ several techniques to
THA 104. Stagecraft. 3 Credits. create a character that is physically grounded and emotional truthful. By exploring the use
This course combines exciting classroom instruction and discussion with "hands-on" of personal resources, application of circumstances and real life observation, and detailed
supervised production assignments or equivalent shop time. The scope of this course is physical examination, the student will be able to apply the artistic imagination in the
intended to cover the basic elements of technical theatre, including the physical space, development of characters for performance with particular emphasis on plays from the
lighting, basic sound systems and the scene shop. Labs included in this course are meant to modern and contemporary cannon.
serve as an introduction to the everyday procedures and systems incorporated in technical Pre / Co requisites: THA 203 requires a prerequisite of THA 103.
theatre, lighting technology, and scenic construction. The course requires participation and a Gen Ed Attribute: Speaking Emphasis.
general interest in the topic. Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring. THA 204. Scene Painting. 3 Credits.
Studio course designed to introduce students to basic skills and techniques of scenic painting.
THA 106. Acting for the Camera. 3 Credits. Pre / Co requisites: THA 204 requires prerequisites of THA 104 and THA 113.
A course designed to introduce the basic skills and techniques needed by the developing actor Typically offered in Spring.
to successfully create a character for a performance on film or television, or in a commercial.
Typically offered in Spring. THA 206. Graphics for the Stage. 3 Credits.
An exploration of graphic solutions used in the various stages of planning and executing a
THA 113. Script Analysis. 3 Credits. setting for the theatre. Scenic design, stage technician drafting techniques, and perspective
Introduces and applies methods for analyzing scripts intended for theatrical performance. techniques used exclusively in the theatre.
Additionally explores an in-depth methodology of reading, analyzing, and understanding a Pre / Co requisites: THA 206 requires prerequisite of THA 104.
play script intended for production. Investigate techniques used to determine how to read a Typically offered in Fall.
play for its structure, scrutinizing the playwright's methods of creating theatre through plot,
character and imagery. Scripts inform the theater practitioner, distinctly from other forms of THA 208. Scene Construction and Rigging. 3 Credits.
literature, by actively asking the theatre artisan to present questions to the audience through This course develops a familiarity with scenic construction techniques and materials. Practical
the production's presentation. The class learns to identify ethical questions that script brings solutions to technical problems are discussed. Other topics include theatre safety, technical
forward. The class will discover the importance of the issues in relation to the script, today's drawing, and budgeting. This course is a requirement for technical majors but an elective for
world, the performance choices and the audience's perception of the choices made. all other theatre majors.
Gen Ed Attribute: Ethics Requirement. Pre / Co requisites: THA 208 requires prerequisite of THA 104.
Typically offered in Spring. Typically offered in Spring.
THA 116. Costume Construction. 3 Credits. THA 210. Stage Makeup I. 3 Credits.
Theory and practice in theatrical costuming including organization, construction, drafting, Theory and practice in design and application of various types of makeup for the stage.
dyeing, painting, and wardrobe management. Laboratory required. Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring. THA 214. Stage Properties. 3 Credits.
THA 118. Voice for the Performer. 3 Credits. Explores the research, design, craft, skills, and solutions involved in providing theatrical
The goal of vocal training is the understanding of the individual voice. Voice training seeks properties, defined generally as the smaller objects that complete the costume and
to uncover the potential for a naturally produced vocal sound with all its capabilities and visual setting for a given show production. Students will learn the basic vocabulary for
limitations. communication and collaboration with all production staff during the production process.
Typically offered in Fall. Students will learn how to create source and scrapbook files, property plots, maintenance and
security during and after, organizing and storage of stage properties.
THA 181. Voice Class I. 1 Credit. Pre / Co requisites: THA 214 requires prerequisites of THA 104 and THA 116.
Class instruction in singing skills for nonmusic majors. Previous voice study not required. Typically offered in Fall.
Typically offered in Fall.
THA 182. Voice Class II. 1 Credit.
Class instruction in singing skills for non-music majors.
Typically offered in Spring.

2023-2024 CATALOG - THA: THEATRE ARTS 1

THA: THEATRE ARTS WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY

THA 216. Fundamentals of Design. 3 Credits. THA 307. History of Theatre/Drama II. 3 Credits.
The exploration of multiple elements of production design to create a foundation of Examination of plays, players, and methods of theatrical production from Modern Theatre
communication for future designers, technicians, actors, directors, and stage managers. 1875 to 1900 through Contemporary Theatre 1975-Present.
Students will learn how to manipulate design principles to support and enhance theatrical Pre / Co requisites: THA 307 requires a prerequisite of THA 113.
productions. In a collaborative, interactive learning environment, students will gain comfort Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis.
with the creative process and learn to present creative ideas in a manner consistent with Typically offered in Spring.
expectations of the theatre industry. THA 312. Children's Theatre. 3 Credits.
Gen Ed Attribute: Speaking Emphasis. Production of children's theatre for stage and television. Course elements will include script
Typically offered in Fall & Spring. analysis and production values, publicity, and tour preparation. Students enrolled in the course
THA 218. Virtual Production Techniques. 3 Credits. will create a complete production.
This course explores several software programs used to generate and communicate elements Typically offered in Spring.
of production design. THA 313. Playwriting Workshop I. 3 Credits.
Typically offered in Fall. Writing the play: possibilities and limitations of the stage. Attention to sets and costuming
THA 221. Musical Theatre Fundamentals. 1 Credit. where relevant. Characterization by action and dialogue. Problems of establishing motivation.
Beginning study of musical notation to provide skills to read and interpret musical theatre The play's totality in theme, character, and action. Informal readings of student work.
vocal lines. Apply basic piano skills necessary to "hear" the musical notation and transfer it to Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis.
the voice. Typically offered in Fall.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 221 requires prerequisite VOI 181. THA 315. Sound Design. 3 Credits.
Typically offered in Fall. An in-depth study of sound and how it relates to theatrical production.
THA 250. Race and Gender in American Theatre. 3 Credits. Typically offered in Fall.
This course will focus on how some traditionally marginalized groups have been examined and THA 316. Costume History/Design. 3 Credits.
portrayed in American theatre. The history of European and American costume and its application to the period production.
Gen Ed Attribute: Diversity Requirement. The process of designing costumes in various styles will be explored. Students are required to
THA 280. Musical Theatre Private Voice. 1 Credit. design costumes for periods studied.
Private voice lesson for BA Theatre major, musical theatre concentration students only. Pre / Co requisites: THA 316 requires prerequisites of THA 113 or permission of instructor.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add. Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring. Typically offered in Fall.
Repeatable for Credit. THA 318. Dialects for the Performer. 3 Credits.
THA 300. Career Preparation. 2 Credits. Dialects and regionalisms for the stage.
Designed to educate second semester juniors or first semester seniors on career path options in Pre / Co requisites: THA 318 prerequisite requires THA 118.
the field immediately following college. Typically offered in Spring.
Typically offered in Fall. THA 319. Musical Theatre Repertoire. 3 Credits.
THA 301. Directing I. 3 Credits. This course will acquaint students with styles of composition and vocal presentation through
An introduction of the theories and techniques of stage direction with emphasis on various genres of musical theatre.
prerehearsal planning, play selection, script analysis and promptbooks, casting and blocking. Pre / Co requisites: THA 319 requires prerequisite THA 103, THA 203, VOI 181, THA 221 and
Pre / Co requisites: THA 301 requires prerequisites of THA 103, THA 113, and THA 216. DAN 130.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add. Typically offered in Fall.
Gen Ed Attribute: Ethics Requirement. THA 320. Staging Architecture and the Decorative Arts. 3 Credits.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring. This course aims to enhance the design students knowledge of architectural and decorative
THA 303. Acting Shakespeare. 3 Credits. arts time periods culminating in their ability to adapt and modify them for the various types
A course for the advanced student actor focusing on techniques essential for developing roles of historically known theatre staging. Focus is on the European, early American worlds
from classical texts with a particular emphasis on the plays of Shakespeare. Characterization, 1500-1900's, the architecture, decorative arts, and the economic and social conditions out of
text analysis and scansion will all be covered. It is recommended that the student take THA 118 which they sprang.
and DAN 130 prior to enrollment in this course. Pre / Co requisites: THA 320 requires prerequisite of THA 113 or permission of instructor.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 303 requires prerequisite of THA 203. Typically offered in Spring.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add. THA 323. Physical Traditions in Performance. 3 Credits.
Typically offered in Spring. This course examines multicultural and historical non-storytelling traditions of performance
THA 304. Scene Design. 3 Credits. that stem from actor-driven creation. Throughout theatrical history significant innovations
This course identifies and explores the processes involved in creating a scenic space that is both and practices grew from creative work established not by playwrights and directors, but
practical and expressive. Skills in set design, representational painting, scenic drafting, and rather from actors themselves. This is non-text driven work relying on improvisational
script interpretation are developed. characterization within the structure of a historical tradition. This class studies these traditions
Pre / Co requisites: THA 304 requires prerequisites of THA 113 or permission of instructor. in order to empower the actor as a part of the creative process and generate a sizeable skill set
Typically offered in Spring. for use in all theatrical settings.
THA 305. Lighting Design for the Stage. 3 Credits. Pre / Co requisites: THA 323 requires prerequisite DAN 130, THA 118, THA 203.
Exploration of lighting as a means of artistic communication in the theatre. The course covers Typically offered in Spring.
the aesthetics, tools, technology, and the graphic methods used to light a play. Special topics THA 325. Scene Into Song. 3 Credits.
in lighting for other performing arts will be discussed. This course is designed to develop within the student actor a technique for approaching a total
Pre / Co requisites: THA 305 requires prerequisites of THA 113 or permission of instructor. performance in musical theatre, integrating the spoken word with song toward a seamless
THA 306. History of Theatre/Drama I. 3 Credits. presentation alongside a partner.
Examination of plays, players, and methods of theatrical production from its origin up to the Pre / Co requisites: THA 325 requires prerequisite: THA 103, THA 203 and THA 319.
Italian Renaissance. Typically offered in Spring.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 306 requires a prerequisite of THA 113.
Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis.
Typically offered in Fall.

2 2023-2024 CATALOG - THA: THEATRE ARTS

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY THA: THEATRE ARTS

THA 342. History of Musical Theatre. 3 Credits. THA 419. Music Theatre Repertoire. 3 Credits.
In this course students will study the historical background of the true American art form, Research, preparation and performance of a variety of music theatre genres.
Musical Theatre. There will be an emphasis placed on the development of the genre Typically offered in Spring.
throughout its time. In addition to studying the history of the genre's development, this course
also studies the influential shows, artists and music that have provided major contributions to
the growth of the art form.
Typically offered in Spring.
THA 350. Audition Techniques. 3 Credits.
Auditioning is an integral part of performance and musical theatre course of study. As a
professional, semiprofessional, and amateur one must audition to participate onstage. This
course will move beyond foundation acting courses and translate onstage/onscreen work
into an auditioning environment. Guest industry professionals, audition simulations, and
critiques from the instructor will build and strengthen an audition portfolio that is carefully
and uniquely crafted to each student's individual needs, strengths and type. Upon completing
this course a performer will have multiple tools and a comprehensive understanding of this
vital component of professional theatrical practice.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 350 requires prerequisite THA 203.
Typically offered in Fall.
THA 399. Directed Studies in Theatre. 1-6 Credits.
Research, creative projects, reports, and readings in theatre. Students must apply to advisers
one semester in advance of registration.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Repeatable for Credit.
THA 400. Professional Apprenticeship. 3-15 Credits.
This course provides a structured and supervised work experience in theatre. Students must
submit an application to the department chairperson for permission.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Repeatable for Credit.
THA 401. Directing II. 3 Credits.
Play direction as a creative aspect of stage production with emphasis on exploration of
concept, techniques of rehearsing a play and working with actors, and the role and function of
the stage manager.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 401 requires prerequisite of THA 301.
Typically offered in Spring.
THA 404. CAD for the Stage. 3 Credits.
To develop the student's ability in utilizing the AutoCAD Release 14 environment to draft and
plot scenic designs and technical drawings for the theatre.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 404 requires prerequisite of THA 218 or permission of instructor.
Typically offered in Spring.
THA 406. Advanced Scene Study. 3 Credits.
A special topics class for the advanced student actor with study and scene work in a variety of
period, modern, and contemporary styles. Students will focus on the physical, intellectual, and
emotional demands inherent in the text as they move from textual analysis to performance.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 406 requires prerequisite THA 303, THA 118 and DAN 130.
Typically offered in Fall.
THA 410. Behind the Mask: Revelations of Italian Culture Through Renaissance
Theatre Practices. 3 Credits.
Students will travel to Italy to study Italian Renaissance Theatre and to perform in the very
streets and city squares where Italian Renaissance actors performed 500 years ago. In doing
so, students will gain a better understanding of Italian culture. Classes will be taught in
Commedia dell'Arte, Italian Puppetry, Ancient Greek Theatre, Stage Combat, Mask Making,
and Puppet Construction. Several supplemental courses may be taught in Archery, Italian
Language, Physical Fitness for the Physical Theatre, Tarantella (Italian Folk Dance) and Italian
Cooking.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Gen Ed Attribute: Foreign Language Culture Cluster, Italy (Italian) Culture Cluster.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Summer.
THA 414. Stage Management. 3 Credits.
Duties and responsibilities of the theatrical stage manager throughout the production process.
Pre / Co requisites: THA 414 requires prerequisite THA 104, THA 116, and THA 216 or
permission of instructor.

2023-2024 CATALOG - THA: THEATRE ARTS 3