Degrees
1. Bachelor of Arts in Theatre
The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre offers the study of theatre with a focus on acting, stage management, and directing within a liberal arts environment. This degree prepares students for successful entry into careers in theatre and film, as well as advanced academic study.
THEA 131 Introduction to Theatre
Credit 3 hours. A course designed to impart a deepened appreciation and understanding
of today's theatre by surveying both contemporary techniques and the contribution
of theatre to world culture. Consideration of the interrelation of all aspects of
theatre production and the contributions of various related arts. Open to all students.
(Fall, Spring).
THEA 201 Voice for the Actor
Credit 3 hours. Prerequisite: THEA 234. This course will focus on the development
of the actor's voice and speech techniques for stage and film. Emphasis will be placed
on how the voice is connected tot he mind (impulse), emotion, and body. Linklater
voice work, among other techniques, will be explored. Methods such as relaxation,
alignment, breathing phonation, resonation, articulation, vocal range, inflection
and rhythm skills will be developed through daily vocal warm-up and workout activities.
Students will learn the American sounds of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).
IPA will then be applied to learning stand American dialect which will serve as a
basis for applying IPA to other dialects. Six hours of laboratory per week.
THEA 217 Script Analysis
Credit 3 hours. Prerequisite: THEA 131. This course provides students with the skills
necessary to analyze dramatic texts. Students will be introduced to a wide range of
plays spanning various genres throughout theatre history. The basic skills needed
to understand a play will be learned through reading, attending productions, discussion
and a variety of analytical exercises. Analysis from the perspective of actor, designer
and director will be explored.
THEA 231 Stagecraft
Credit 3 hours. An introduction to technical Theatre, this course will provide the
student with a background in the tools, materials, techniques, and processes used
in the execution of theatrical designs. Scenery, lighting, stage and scene painting
will be discussed along with such specialty areas as properties, woodworking, and
construction techniques. This course includes a production/crew component as means
of applying the lecture material in an actual production setting. (Summer, Fall, Spring)
THEA 234 Introduction to Acting
Credit 3 hours. A course designed to familiarize the student with the history and
nature of the techniques of acting-concentrating on understanding and mastering skills
associated with body movement and vocal production in character analyses and performances.
Refereed performances, attention to television acting; a basic course. (Yearly).
THEA 240 Stage Movement
Credit 3 hours. Prerequisite: THEA 234 or permission of Department Head. A foundational
courses on the dynamics of the performer's body as a vital, expressive instrument
in theatrical production. Course focus is on building performer awareness of the body,
personal physical habits, and efficacy of the body as well as building performer strength,
flexibility, endurance, and release of unnecessary body tensions. This preparatory
work enables the student for further development in theatrical storytelling and character
development using physical approaches in tandem with character analysis; in augmenting
performer presence; and in creating ensemble and solo movement compositions through
improvisation and crafting.
THEA 250 Stage Management
Credit 3 hours. Prerequisites: THEA 131 and 231 or permission of Department Head.
This course is an introduction to stage management techniques and practical application
during the pre-production, rehearsal, and performance processes. Students will explore
the core functions and responsibilities of stage management including blocking and
calling techniques, organizational skills, and interpersonal communication. Methods
for documentation and communication of the rehearsal and production process will be
emphasized.
THEA 332 Acting for the Camera
Credit 3 hours. Prerequisite: Theatre 234. An in-depth study of the techniques required
for performing before the camera. Special attention paid to the technical considerations
specific to film/television acting. Emphasis on performance.
THEA 333 Design for Stage and Studio
Credit 3 hours. This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental elements
and principles of design and how they apply to the theatre experience of scenery,
and lighting design. Students will create a vocabulary for the discussion, appreciation
and evaluation of the theatrical design, and develop an appreciation, understanding
and respect for the work and contribution of theatre design and designers to the experience
of a theatre production. (Spring)
THEA 335 Advanced Acting
Credit 3 hours. Prerequisite: Theatre 234. A course designed for in-depth study of
varied dramatic roles. American and continental theories will be examined and applied
to advanced character analyses and performances. Extensive performance coupled with
professional critiques.
THEA 337 Makeup Design for Stage and Studio
Credit 3 hours. This introductory course will cover the methodologies and concepts
of makeup design for stage, screen and photography. Students will be instructed in
products, tools, and techniques of makeup application, basic and character makeup
design and application, special effects and prosthetics, as well as hair and wig styling.
Lectures, demonstrations and laboratory work will be completed in conjunction with
Southeastern Theatre productions, and assigned design projects. Purchase of drawing
materials and a basic makeup kit is required.
THEA 338 Costume Design for Stage and Studio
Credit 3 hours. This comprehensive course will cover the methodologies and concepts
of costume design for stage and screen. Students will develop skills in areas such
as rendering, costume history, research methods, play and character analysis, and
costume crafts. Lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory work will be covered in conjunction
with Southeastern Theatre productions, and assigned design projects. Purchase of drawing
materials required.
THEA 340 Acting and Directing Workshop
Credit 3 hours. Prerequisite: THEA 131 or permission of the Department Head. This
course is designed to explore the collaborative process in theatre making, drawing
on skills of performance, directing, and dramaturgy. Students will examine various
scenes and develop short performance pieces to present in class. Various methods for
devising performance will be investigated, including: text-based, image-based, improvisation,
site-specific, object-based, and character-based techniques.
THEA 400 Special Topics in Theatre
Credit 3 hours. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of Department Head. A
variable content course which treats subjects of special interest. The content will
change from semester to semester and will be advertised in advance. May be taken by
both majors and non-majors. May be repeated once for a total of 6 hours.
THEA 431 Play Production
Credit 3 hours. Prerequisite: Theatre 231 and 234 and Junior standing or permission
of the Department Head. Training in play reading and selection, evaluation of dramatic
literature, theatre management and promotion, costume and make-up, basic acting, and
organization of many facets of theatrical productions, auditions, rehearsals, and
performances. (Alternate years).
THEA 432 Theatre Directing
Credit 3 hours. Prerequisite: Theatre 231 and Theatre 234 and Junior standing or permission
of Department Head. Fundamental theories of directing for the stage. Students select,
cast, direct, and present scenes and/or short plays for class and public presentation.
(Alternate years).
THEA 433 Theatre History
Credit 3 hours. Prerequisite: THEA 131 or permission of the Department Head. The development
of the Western Theatre from the time of the ancient Greeks to the present. Emphasis
on the physical theatre and production styles. (Fall, Spring).
THEA 435 Children's Theatre
Credit 3 hours. An introductory course in theatre history as it applies to children.
Emphasis will be placed on the criteria for productions with children as the audience
and adults as actors and on productions using children as actors. Activities in the
use of creative dramatics will also be included.
TLAB 137/138, 237/238, 337/338, 437/438
Credit 1 or 2 hours each. Credit will be earned by successful completion of significant
work as determined by the instructor of record
THEA 403 Independent Study in Theatre
Credit 3 hours. Prerequisite: Junior standing and permission of the Department Head
and written permission of instructor. Areas of study may include, but are not limited
to, the following topics: Stage Combat, Musical Comedy, Playwriting, Arts Administration,
Stage Speech, Advanced Performance. Creative Dramatics, Character Makeup and Masque,
Refereed Directing, Dialects, Scenic Painting, and Community Theatre. (Varies).
THEA 404 Independent Study in Theatre
Credit 3 hours. Prerequisite: Junior standing and permission of the Department Head
and written permission of instructor. Areas of study may include, but are not limited
to, the following topics: Stage Combat, Musical Comedy, Playwriting, Arts Administration,
Stage Speech, Advanced Performance. Creative Dramatics, Character Makeup and Masque,
Refereed Directing, Dialects, Scenic Painting, and Community Theatre. (Varies).
Contact Us
Have a Question?
Please contact Chad Winters @ 985-549-2115 or Chad.Winters@southeastern.edu
2. Bachelor of Arts: Concentration in Theatre Design
Theatre Design CURRICULUM
THEA 131 Intro to Theatre
THEA 231 Stagecraft
ART 333/393 Sculpture II or 3D Modeling
THEA 333 Design for Stage & Studio
THEA 337 Makeup Design for the Stage
THEA 338 Costume Design for the Stage
THEA 431 Play Production
THEA 433 Theatre History
ART 433 Senior Project Visual Art + Design
Curriculum Sheets
Theatre Minor
The Minor in Theatre, consists of 21 credits of the following courses: THEA 131, 231, 234, 333 or 337, 431, 432 and three hours of Theatre labs (TLAB).
