Theatre Arts
- Department Office: FA 207
- Phone Number: 507-537-7103
- Website: https://www.smsu.edu/academics/programs/theatrearts/
The primary objective of the Theatre Program is to provide a curriculum for the student interested in working in the professional theatre, teaching theatre, or studying theatre in graduate school. A major in theatre offers the student a comprehensive understanding of the Theatre Arts with the opportunity to specialize in teaching, directing, acting, designing, costuming, or playwriting. The program emphasizes student initiative, creativity, and responsible involvement. Classes are structured to provide a solid philosophical and practical approach to theatre. A grade of “C-” or better is required for major/minor coursework applied toward a degree in the Theatre Program.
The Theatre and Communication Studies Programs also offer students various combinations for majors and minors. See the Communication Studies section.
Note: Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits in order to graduate with a Bachelor's degree.
This course introduces the student to basic concepts in theatre, including the collaborative work done by theatre artists and the importance of the audience.
This introductory acting class combines improvisation, theatre games, and monologue and scene work intended to develop the imagination, creativity, and skill level of the theatre performer. May be taken on a credit/no credit basis by non-Theatre majors/minors.
A course designed to acquaint the student with the basic materials and techniques used in building stage scenery.
This course is a continuation of THTR 101, Acting I, and focuses on in-depth performance and analysis work to further develop the students ability to rehearse and perform a role effectively.
An introduction to the historical development and techniques of film and television. The courses includes viewing and discussion of representative selections. Consult the semester schedule for the area to be studied. Course is repeatable up to 12 credits.
This course introduces students to techniques directors, designers, actors, and dramaturgs use for analyzing, researching, and interpreting scripts in order to bring the scripts themes, characters, and environments to life on the stage.
This course will teach students the fundamental design principles and application techniques of stage make-up. Advanced make-up effects such as latex pieces, stage blood, and life masks will also be covered.
The object of this course is to teach the student the basic methods and materials used in creating stage costumes and accessories.
This course introduces students to theatrical costume design and fashion history. Students will expand their knowledge of clothing and accessories from different historical periods and design costumes for various plays and musicals paying close attention to the details of each era.
The course will concentrate on the basic principles of scene design, drafting for the stage, and theatrical model-making.
This course will teach students the theatrical art of lighting and sound design and engineering. The course focuses on analysis of a script and creating the world of the play through lighting and sound. Utilizing lighting and sound design techniques and equipment, this course will examine the art and mechanics of designing and executing theatrical lighting and sound.
This course will explore the roles and functions of stage managers in theatrical productions, and provide an opportunity to practice basic stage management skills, with an emphasis on organization, documentation, dissemination of information, and running technical rehearsals and performances.
A course designed to meet any special needs of students and faculty. Emphasis on in-depth study of an area of theatre arts not commonly covered in a general course.
This course provides the student practical experience associated with SMSU Theatre productions, through working in the Scene Shop, Costume Shop, as a designer, or on the installation crews for lighting or sound. Course is repeatable up to 3 credits
This course provides the student practical experience associated with SMSU Theatre productions, through directing or acting. Course is repeatable up to 3 credits.
This course provides the student practical experience associated with SMSU Theatre productions, through work as a stage manager, assistant stage manager, board operator, stagehand, dresser, hairdresser, house manager, usher, box office worker, etc. Course is repeatable up to 3 credits.
This course involves participation in a faculty-led Theatre study tour designed to introduce students to the history and current practice of theatre in London. Students will see productions, take backstage tours, and participate in workshops at theatres such as the National Theatre, Shakespeares Globe, and the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford, as well as visiting museums and cultural and historic sites. Prior to the trip, students will participate in several orientation sessions in order to prepare for the experience. Non-degree seeking students (such as alumni, employees, and community members) may take this course on a Credit/No Credit basis.
This class is two-fold in its presentation. First, students will be required to meet regularly with the instructor to discuss their time in New York City. Attention will be given to events, choices of productions, hotels, other attractions, and requirements for the class. Second, students will be traveling to NYC with one or more faculty members. During their time in NYC students will be exposed to Broadway and Off-Broadway theatre productions as well as various cultural activities and events (museums, historic sites, and other artistic endeavors).
Students will travel to the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) in Region 5, held one week in January in one of the Region 5 states (MN, ND, SD, IA, NE, KS). At the festival, students will participate in workshops and competitions and attend performances, will participate in required pre-and post-festival meetings, and turn in materials documenting their experiences at the festival. This course may be taken multiple times to a maximum of ten credits.
Students in this course will interact with and learn from a theatre professional in an intensive hands-on workshop setting, focusing on one of the major areas of theatre, such as acting, directing, design, technology, playwriting, or stage management. This course may be taken multiple times to a maximum of 10 credits.
This course is a continuation of THTR 230, Script Analysis I, and students will apply script analysis techniques to scripts in styles other than Realism, such as Absurdism, Post-Modernism, etc.
This is a continuation of THTR 140 (Stagecraft I), and further develops the students ability to work with materials and apply advanced techniques used in building stage scenery.
This course concentrates on vocal, improvisational, listening, and performance skills to increase students ease, clarity, spontaneity, creativity, energy, naturalness, and concentration in on-camera performances.
The study and application of advanced acting techniques, theories, and styles for the stage. Course work includes rehearsal techniques, scene and monologue work. The focus of the course varies with each offering (e.g. Modern Styles, Period Styles, Shakespeare Performance, etc.) and typically relates to one or more productions in the SMSU Theatre season. The course may be taken multiple times to a maximum of 12 credit hours.
This course is a continuation of THTR 243 - Costume Construction I. Students will focus on expanding and refining their costume and millinery skills and talents. Projects will be student-driven and may contribute to theatrical productions, depending on the SMSU Theatre season.
This course is a continuation of Costume History and Design I (THTR 244). Students will work with the instructor in choosing play productions and historical eras of which they would like to study. Students will expand their knowledge of clothing and accessories from different historical periods and design costumes for various plays and musicals paying close attention to the details of each era.
An introduction in concepts in text analysis, planning skills, and rehearsal methods needed to realize the text as a theatrical experience. The student is required to apply these techniques in producing a scene to be performed as a final project.
This course is a continuation of THTR 341, Acting for the Camera I, and further develops the students character analysis and on-campus performance skills in additional genres and with more challenging scripts.
This course is a continuation of THTR 350 Directing I and further develops the students directing skills through experience with additional techniques, styles, and approaches, as well as with more challenging scripts.
This course is a continuation of THTR 265 Stage Management I and will continue to explore the roles and functions of stage managers in theatrical productions. The course will provide an opportunity to practice advanced stage management skills, with an emphasis on organization, documentation, dissemination of information, and running technical rehearsals and performances. A key component to this advanced class is the possible opportunity to network with a professional stage manager.
Working with the guidance of a faculty mentor, the student will develop, complete, and present a capstone project in his or her primary interest area (e.g. design, directing, acting, stage management, playwriting, dramaturgy, etc.).
This survey class begins with the origins of theatre in regard to ancient rituals and the Greeks, and traces its development up to and including the works of William Shakespeare.
This course traces the development and increasing diversity of theatre practice, styles, and theories around the world from the 1600s to the present day.
This course looks at the application of advanced make-up techniques. Students will work with various prosthetic and mask making tools and create more advanced make-up designs.
This course is a continuation of THTR 245 (Scenic Design I), and further develops the students skills in scene design by focusing on advanced design principles and techniques.
This advanced course will further instruct students on the theatrical art of lighting and sound design and engineering. The course focuses on detailed analysis of a script and creating the world of the play through lighting and sound design techniques and equipment. Further utilizing lighting and sound design techniques and equipment, this course will examine the art and mechanics of designing and executing theatrical lighting and sound.
A course designed to meet any special needs of students and faculty. Emphasis on in-depth study of an area of theatre arts not commonly covered in a general course.
Permits the student to develop an interest under faculty guidance in an area normally not provided by the curriculum.
Through this course, the student spends at least 15 hours observing or working in a professional, hybrid, or university theatre, for a production company, or in another approved setting, to gain a better understanding of the theatrical working world. This course is repeatable for credit, up to 8 credits.
This course requires that a student obtain an off-campus internship with another college, a professional theatre group, or a touring theatre company. This course may be taken multiple times to a maximum of 12 credit hours.