Theatre Arts

This course will focus on the tools and craft of playwriting - how to write dialogue, shape characters, create scenes and structure whole plays. Through reading, writing and discussion the class will seek practical application of the concepts we explore. In brief, this is a writing workshop – where the practice of playwriting begins not with brilliance, but by finding the time and space and presence of mind to write.

Students cast in a main stage production or senior project collaborate as actors in the process of developing, rehearsing and performing the production for a public audience.

The course offers an overview of the formal elements that distinguish one theatrical period from another. By the end of the course the student will be able to 1) accurately list and define the scriptural and performance elements of most Western dramatic forms, 2) accurately identify the historical period of a play based on analysis of dramatic elements and 3) effectively develop and execute research of a play to gain greater depth of the knowledge concerning that play.

Acting students select, develop and practice a portfolio of monologues to showcase their unique gifts. Students also will practice instant script analysis, cold-reading and improvisational audition skills, learn how to locate regional audition opportunities, and prepare a professional resume and marketing materials. (This course is strongly recommended for KCACTF Irene Ryan nominees.) 

This is a 7-week course (2nd seven weeks.)

Student performers and presenters discover and develop their unique style of story-telling and increase their range of expression via practical exploration of the body-voice-emotional life connection and the mechanics of speech production.  Finding your voice and discovering your personal balance between preparation and improvisation is the ultimate self-empowerment.

Students are taught the basic skills required to integrate script analysis, production decharacter development and staging techniques to realize a specific theatrical vision for an audience. Experiential learning opportunities arise as Directing students facilitate the work of Acting Styles students in classroom exercises, scene work and a final collaborative project for public presentation.

This course will focus on the tools and craft of playwriting — how to write dialogue, shape characters, create scenes and structure whole plays. Through reading, writing and discussion the class will seek practical application of the concepts we explore. In brief, this is a writing workshop — where the practice of playwriting begins not with brilliance, but by finding the time and space and presence of mind to write. This class will require additional meetings to be scheduled during the semester for group work, writing instruction and other activities. These times will be flexible, but the class does require that students have some time available for such meetings, as well as time for extensive reading.

During this course, each student will focus on crafting their senior capstone experience. In this course, you will clarify your learning goals, project objectives, evidence of learning, and timeline as your individual senior capstone proposal. This is a 7-week course during the first seven weeks.

Advanced practical experience in offstage positions for Theatre Arts productions. Students will participate in specialized leadership roles involved in the theatrical process, including direction, deset construction, costume construction, stage management, dramaturgy and more.

Following an approved learning contract, students will work on assignments and projects personalized to their needs and goals. Assignments and projects include advanced design problems, continued technique development, and building the portfolio and resume. Intended for students clearly planning on a career in theatrical design or those interested in developing the advanced skills necessary for acceptance into graduate schools and professional internships.