2007-2008 Academic Catalog

Course descriptions


Course descriptions index


Theatre

THR 101, 201
THR 301, 401     1-3 Credits
Theatre Practicum (h)
Participation in drama workshop or lab production as performer or technical staff member. Credit in this course may not be applied to a major program in theatre. (0 + variable) Offered Fall, Spring


THR 121     3 Credits
Fundamentals of Acting (h)
Basic stage acting techniques for persons with little or no prior acting experience. Emphasis on physical, emotional and imaginative awareness. Monologues, character analysis, improvisation, auditions and scene work introduced. (3 + 0) Offered Fall, Spring


THR 130A      1 Credit
Beginning Jazz Dance
(Cross-listed with RECR 130A)


THR 130B      1 Credit
Intermediate Jazz Dance
(Cross-listed with RECR 130B)


THR 130C      1 Credit
Advanced Jazz Dance
(Cross-listed with RECR 130C)


THR 130D      1 Credit
Modern Dance
(Cross-listed with RECR 130D)


THR 130E      1 Credit
Beginning Ballroom Dance
(Cross-listed with RECR 130E)


THR 130F      1 Credit
Intermediate Ballroom Dance
(Cross-listed with RECR 130F)


THR 130G      1 Credit
Advanced Ballroom Dance
(Cross-listed with RECR 130G)


THR 130H      1 Credit
Beginning Ballet
(Cross-listed with RECR 130H)


THR 130J      1 Credit
Intermediate Ballet
(Cross-listed with RECR 130J)


THR 130K      1 Credit
Advanced Ballet
(Cross-listed with RECR 130K)


THR 130L &     1 Credit
Square Dance
(Cross-listed with RECR 130L)


THR 130M      1 Credit
Round Dance
(Cross-listed with RECR 130M)


THR 161    3 Credits
Introduction to Alaska Native Performance (h)
(Cross-listed with ANS 161)
For Native and non-Native students with no prior acting or theatre experience. Includes both academic and practical components to examine traditional Alaska Native theatre, mythology, ritual, ceremony and performance methods. Application of exercises and developmental scenes drawn from Alaska Native heritage. (2 + 3) Offered As Demand Warrants


THR 190     0 Credits
Audition or Portfolio Review Participation
Theatre majors are required to participate in auditions and/or portfolio reviews every semester. Theatre majors are also expected to attend all Theatre UAF productions (tickets are provided free) and to attend all theatre department "town" meetings.


THR 191     0 Credits
Audition or Portfolio Review Participation
Theatre majors are required to participate in auditions and/or portfolio reviews every semester. Theatre majors are also expected to attend all Theatre UAF productions (tickets are provided free) and to attend all theatre department "town" meetings. Offered Spring


THR 200X      3 Credits
Aesthetic Appreciation: Interrelation of Art, Drama and Music (h)
(Cross-listed with ART 200X and MUS 200X)
Understanding and appreciation of art, drama and music through an exploration of their relationships. Topics include the creative process, structure, cultural application and diversity, the role of the artist in society, and popular movements and trends. Also available via Independent Learning. (Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Fall, Spring


THR 215     3 Credits
Dramatic Literature (h)
(Cross-listed with FLM 215)
Studies of drama and forms of plays such as tragedy, comedy, melodrama, farce and tragicomedy. Emphasis on reading plays of the classic theatre designed to give basic knowledge of masterpieces of the world drama. (Next offered: 2008-09) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


THR 220     3 Credits
Voice and Speech for the Actor
Vocal training for actors through introduction to Fitzmaurice and Linklater techniques. Course will include basic vocal anatomy, introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet and monologue performance. (Prerequisite: THR 121 or permission of instructor.) (2 + 2) Offered As Demand Warrants


THR 221      3 Credits
Intermediate Acting (h)
Continued development of physical, emotional and imaginative awareness. Emphasis on comedy, improvisation and biomechanics. (Prerequisite: THR 121 or permission of instructor.) (1 + 4) Offered Spring


THR 225      3 Credits
Movement for the Actor (h)
Introduces principles of stage movement for actors. Attention will be paid to physical exercise, relaxation, centering and expressing creative impulse. Course will include introduction to the contact improvisation technique, clowning, stage combat, physical character development and scene work. (Prerequisite: THR 121.) (1 + 4) Offered As Demand Warrants


THR 241      4 Credits
Basic Stagecraft (h)
Materials of scene construction, painting, lighting design and their use, safe use of standard construction tools, fundamentals of theatre drafting. Theatre majors are encouraged to fulfill this requirement by their junior year. (2 + 5) Offered Fall


THR 245      3 Credits
Stage Management (h)
Organizational skills for a successful stage manager, completion of a prompt script including creating all forms and schedules necessary, working with actors, directors and designers. (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants


THR 247      3 Credits
Introduction to Theatrical Design (h)
(Cross-listed with ART 247)
Introduction to all the design elements used in the theatre. Analysis of line, texture, color and how they relate to designing for the theatre including costumes, scenery and lighting. (3 + 0) Offered Fall


THR 254      3 Credits
Costume Design and Construction I (h)
Introduction to theory and practice of costume design for the theatre, methods used to make costumes out of a variety of media. Projects include simple hat making, mask making, sewing and related costume crafts. (3 + 0) Offered Fall


THR 271      2 Credits
Let's Make a Movie (h)
(Cross-listed with FLM 271)
Produce a short dramatic video including concept and script development, basic camera and shooting techniques, working with actors, directing fundamentals, location scouting and production schedule development. Students do not need previous experience making movies to take this class. (Recommended: THR 241 and 121. Next offered: 2007-08.) (1 + 2) Offered Alternate Fall


THR 272      1 Credit
Let's Make a Movie: Post-Production (h)
(Cross-listed with FLM 272)
Post-production process of making a short fiction-based video including concept development, fill-in shooting techniques, working with actors and editing techniques. Production work required. Complete post-production work for the student movie created in THR/FLM 271 during the previous semester. (Prerequisites: THR 271. Next offered: 2007-08.) (1 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


THR 280      2 Credits
Modern Dance (h)
Introduction to dance combines elements of modern, jazz and improvisational styles. Includes warm-up, stretches, locomotor movements (walking, running and leaping), set dance combinations and improvisational activities. Specific readings, individual journals and informal dance presentations required. Open to all experience levels. (1.5 + 1.5) Offered Fall, Spring


THR 290      0 Credits
Audition or Portfolio Review Participation II
Theatre majors are required to participate in auditions and/or portfolio reviews every semester. Theatre majors are also expected to attend all Theatre UAF productions (tickets are provided free) and to attend all theatre department "town" meetings. Offered Fall


THR 291      0 Credits
Audition or Portfolio Review Participation II
Theatre majors are required to participate in auditions and/or portfolio reviews every semester. Theatre majors are also expected to attend all Theatre UAF productions (tickets are provided free) and to attend all theatre department "town" meetings. Offered Spring


THR 310      3 Credits
Acting for the Camera (h)
(Cross-listed with FLM 310)
Apply skills introduced in fundamentals of acting, intermediate and advanced acting to acting for the camera. Through exercises and scene study, the class will expand each performer's range of emotional, intellectual, physical and vocal expressiveness for the camera. Act in numerous on-camera exercises, television and film scenes. May be  repeated twice for credit. (Recommended: THR 221 and 321. Prerequisites: THR 121. Next Offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


THR 321      3 Credits
Advanced Acting (h)
Refinement of physical, emotional and imaginative awareness. Emphasis on study and performance of monologues and scenes exploring emotionally based character-building methods. Course will also include audition technique and preparation for the professional world of acting. (Prerequisite: THR 221, or permission of instructor.) (1 + 4) Offered Alternate Fall


THR 331     3 Credits
Directing Film/Video (h)
(Cross-listed with FLM 331)
Introduction to the history, theory and basic concepts of film direction. Includes interpretative script analysis, creative visualization, conceptualization, use of space, working with actors and designers, and direction of short scenes and videos. (Prerequisite: THR 121, THR 215 or permission of instructor.) (1 + 4) Offered Spring


THR 332      3 Credits
Directing Theatre (h)
(Cross-listed with FLM 332)
History, theory and basic concepts of stage direction. Interpretive script analysis, creative visualization, conceptualization, use of space, working with actors and designers and direction of short scenes. (Recommended: THR 121.) (3 + 0) Offered Spring


THR 334W      3 Credits
Movies and Films; Watching and Analyzing (h)
(Cross-listed with FLM 334)
Rotating thematic topics in the art of classic cinema (films) and popular mass media (movies). Comparative analysis of classics and recent motion pictures is used to present elements of film language, analysis and criticism. (Prerequisite: ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Spring


THR 341     3 Credits
Intermediate Stagecraft (h)
An examination of the less common scenic materials with methods and techniques for their use. Students will spend approximately $40 for materials. (Prerequisite: THR 241 or permission of instructor.) (2 + 2) Offered As Demand Warrants


THR 343      3 Credits
Scene Design (h)
Principles and techniques of theatrical scene design. Includes designing projects directed at solving particular scenic problems or in a specific scenic style with specific physical limitations. Students will spend approximately $40 for materials. (Prerequisite: THR 241 or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


THR 347O      3 Credits
Lighting Design (h)
(Cross-listed with ART 347O and JRN 347O)
Principles and techniques of theatrical lighting design. The student will conduct practical experiments and design projects applying the experience gained from the experiments. Student will spend approximately $40 for materials for this class. Also available via Independent Learning. (Recommended: THR 241 and 247. Prerequisites: COMM 131X or 141X. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


THR 348      3 Credits
Sound Design in the Theatre (h)
Exploration and application of the elements of design as they relate to sound for theatre, dance, other art forms, and life in American and other cultures. Production work is required. (Recommended: THR 241 and 247. Next offered: 2008-09.) (2 + 2) Offered Alternate Spring


THR 351      3 Credits
Makeup for Theatre (h)
Theatrical makeup for actors, teachers, directors and other theatre workers; makeup materials and use, age and character makeup, injuries and horror, Kabuki, cross-gender, animal, illusory and plastic relief, crepe hair beards, and influence of lighting. Student will spend approximately $85 for materials and book for this class. (1 + 4) Offered Spring


THR 355      3 Credits
History of Fashion and Dress (s)
Social history of costume in Western civilization, from Ancient Greece to the present time. Includes instruction in the methods of research used to find visual source material and assignments that exercise these research skills. (Recommended: HIST 101 or HIST 102.) (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants


THR 361      3 Credits
Advanced Alaska Native Performance (h)
(Cross-listed with ANS 361)
In-depth study of Alaska Native theatre techniques and tradition, including traditional dance, song and drumming techniques, mask characterizations and performance application and presentation of a workshop production developed by the students during the semester. (Prerequisite: ANS/THR 161.) (2 + 3) Offered As Demand Warrants


THR 410      3 Credits
Styles Acting (h)
Exposure to the rigorous physical, vocal, intellectual and emotional demands of period acting. Focus on monologue and scene study from texts including Greek tragedy, commedia, Shakespeare and Elizabethan theatre, the theatre of Moliere and restoration comedy. May be repeated twice for credit. (Recommended: THR 225. Prerequisites: THR 121, THR 221 and THR 220.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


THR 411W      3 Credits
Theatre History I (h)
Theatrical form and practice from its origins in storytelling and ritual through the French Neoclassic theatre. (Prerequisites: ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X; junior standing; or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


THR 412W      3 Credits
Theatre History II (h)
Theatrical form and practice from the English Restoration through the present. (Prerequisites: ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X; Junior standing; or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


THR 413W      3 Credits
Playscript Analysis (h)
Investigation of the structure of playscripts designed to develop skills in analysis and interpretation for performance. (Prerequisites: ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X; junior standing; or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


THR 416W      6 Credits
Performance Studies Abroad
(Stacked with NORS 616)
Intensive course for actors, directors, designers, technicians and playwrights interested in script development/training with the participation of international theatre professionals. Develop new scripts and performances in a multicultural environment under the supervision of a theatre faculty member. Previous faculty and student work abroad includes: Russia, Zambia, South Africa and Scandinavia. Course requirements vary according to the project. (Prerequisite: ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X or permission of instructor.) (3 + 9) Offered As Demand Warrants


THR 417      1-6 Credits
Internship in Theatre Practice (h)
Supervised practical work experience to provide application of course work in a professional, semi-professional or community theatre environment. Internships can be in direction, acting, design, management and technical theatre. Internships have included Perseverance Theatre, Fairbanks Shakespeare Theatre, Fairbanks Drama Association and OutNorth Theatre. Course may be repeated twice for a maximum of 12 credits. (Prerequisites: Upper-division standing, permission of instructor, and student must have completed at least 18 THR credits. Recommended: Previous THR credits should be in the student's concentration area: direction, design, etc. Note: Internship must be arranged in coordination with advisor, student and host institution.) Offered As Demand Warrants


THR 447      3 Credits
Lighting Design II (h)
Further exploration and application of elements of design (color, texture, intensity, line, composition) as they relate to lighting for theatre, dance, other art forms and life. Production work required. (Prerequisite: THR 347 or permission of instructor.) (2 + 2) Offered Alternate Fall


THR 456      3 Credits
Advanced Topics in Costume Design
and Construction (h)
Rotating thematic topics in advanced methods and materials used in the design and construction of costumes for the theatre. Topics may include projects in design, advanced sewing and pattern drafting, millinery, masks, corsetry, or painting and dyeing, as demand warrants. May be repeated for credit. (Prerequisite: THR 254 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


THR 470      3 Credits
Advanced Film and Video Directing (h)
(Cross-listed with FLM 470)
In depth investigation into the history, theory, basic concepts of film and video direction, script preparation, story board, blocking actors and staging the camera and sound editing. Projects include directing and shooting short videos. (Recommended: THR 331. Next offered: 2008-09.) (1 + 6) Offered Alternate Fall


THR 482      2 Credits
Dance Performance (h)
Exploration and performance of expressive dance and movement. Includes development of an original choreography for public performance. Course is for advanced dance, acting and directing students with varying experience. (Prerequisite: THR 280 or movement performance experience.) (1.5 + 1.5) Offered As Demand Warrants


THR 485      3 Credits
Edward Albee, Prince William Sound
Theatre Conference (h)
Intensive, practical theatre experience in new play development, workshops and readings. Offered in conjunction with the 10-day Edward Albee Prince William Sound Theatre Conference in Valdez, Alaska. Includes working with leading American playwrights and directors to develop new plays. (Prerequisite: Theatre experience or courses in any of the following areas: acting, directing, playwriting, dramaturgy and design; or permission of instructor. (Student pays separate conference fee of about $150 directly to conference.) (1 + 6) Offered Summer


THR 499      3 Credits
Thesis Project (h)
Final step in acting/directing/design or playwright training which involves performing a leading role on main stage, or a one-person show, or a directing/designing/writing project for the UAF season. (Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.) (1 + 4) Offered Fall, Spring