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Meadows School of the Arts
Associate Professor Claudia Stephens, Chair
Professors: Rhonda Blair, Carole Brandt, Kevin Paul Hofeditz, Cecil O'Neal; Associate Professors: Michael Connolly, Charles Helfert, Greg Leaming, Bill Lengfelder, Virginia Ness Ray, Gretchen Smith, Barbara Somerville, Claudia Stephens; Assistant Professors: Dan Day, Russell Parkman, Sara Romersberger, Steve Woods; Artist-in-Residence: Clarence Gilyard; Adjunct Instructors: Linda Blase, James Crawford, Steve Leary, Melinda Robinson, Giva Taylor, Kathy Windrow.
Undergraduate education in the Division of Theatre reflects a commitment to the rigorous study of theatre within a liberal arts context. To this end, undergraduate theatre majors pursue course work not only in theatre, but also in the social and natural sciences, literature, the arts and humanities, and other areas of human culture and experience. A faculty adviser works closely with each student to develop a program of study best suited to the individual's needs and career goals. In addition, the Division of Theatre presents an annual season of public productions chosen for their timeliness, public appeal, and suitability for training. Practical experience in all areas of theatre operation is considered a vital part of the educational program.
The Division of Theatre is housed in the well-equipped facilities of the Owen Fine Arts Center. These facilities include the Greer Garson Theatre (a 380-seat classical thrust stage), the Bob Hope Theatre (a 400-seat proscenium theatre), the Margo Jones Theatre (a 125-seat "black box" theatre), the Ruth Collins Sharp Drama Building, and the Hamon Fine Arts Library.
Prospective theatre majors at SMU are admitted by audition and interview. All prospective students prepare an audition, consisting of two contrasting monologues and a song. Candidates may also be asked to demonstrate improvisational skills. Students seeking admission into the B.F.A. in Theatre Studies program may also be asked to demonstrate ability in their particular area of interest by supplying writing samples, portfolio materials, etc.
Transfer Students. Admission procedures for applicants seeking to transfer from other schools are the same as those for first-year applicants. Transfer students may begin work only in the fall term.
Students must continually demonstrate a high order of talent and commitment in both class work and production work to progress in the curriculum. At the end of each term the faculty of the Division of Theatre evaluates each student's progress, examining all aspects of a student's academic and production participation.
Every student meets with the faculty to receive this evaluation. An unsatisfactory evaluation is accompanied by the reasons for this evaluation and the terms for continuation in the program. An unsatisfactory evaluation may also result in a student's immediate dismissal from the program.
The Division of Theatre offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre with a specialization in Theatre Studies, and the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre with a specialization in Acting.
When the total number of hours required to satisfy the General Education requirements and the major requirements along with the major's supporting course requirements exceeds 122 term hours, students in such majors will be exempt from three (3) hours of Perspectives and an additional three (3) hours taken from either Perspectives or Cultural Formations.
The B.F.A. degree in Theatre with a specialization in Theatre Studies reflects our commitment to theatre training within the context of liberal education. Based on the Division's philosophy that an understanding of and experience with the actor's process is essential to education and training in all areas of theatre, all undergraduate theatre majors focus on foundational actor training during the first two years of their program of study. Focused study in one area of theatre, chosen from Directing, Playwriting, Stage Management, Critical Studies, and Design is required to complete the major. With the approval of the student's theatre adviser and the Chair of the Division of Theatre, this emphasis may be individualized to suit the specific goals of the student. All Theatre Studies students must complete at least one upper-level course in Directing, Playwriting, Critical Studies, and Design.
Credit Hours
General Education Curriculum: 35
Division of Theatre:
Dramatic Arts Today (THEA 1303, 1304): 6
Stage Makeup (THEA 2263): 2
Running/Construction Crews (THEA 2140, 2141, 2142): 3
Practicum (THEA 2240, 2241, 2242): 6
Acting I, II (THEA 2303, 2304): 6
Voice for the Stage I, II (THEA 2305, 2306): 6
Movement I, II (THEA 2307, 2308): 6
Introduction to Stage Management (THEA 2361): 3
Acting III, IV (THEA 3303, 3304): 6
Theatre and Drama History I, II (THEA 3381, 3382): 6
One 12-credit-hour emphasis chosen from:
Directing, Playwriting, Stage Management, Design, or Critical Studies: 12
Theatre Electives: 14
Electives: 9
Meadows Elective/Corequirement: 3
TOTAL: 123
The B.F.A. degree in Theatre with a Specialization in Acting is a unique program of specialized acting study within a liberal arts context. Although it is concerned with intense study of acting at the highest level, and shares faculty with SMU's graduate professional actor training program, the undergraduate acting major is not, nor does it seek to be, a professional training program. If theatre artists are to make the most meaningful and powerful theatre possible, they must acquire personal and intellectual experience of the world in which they live concurrently with theatre training. Upon completion of two years of foundational actor training, students in the acting major receive advanced training in the areas of acting, stage movement, and stage voice.
Credit Hours
General Education Curriculum: 35
Division of Theatre:
Dramatic Arts Today (THEA 1303, 1304): 6
Stage Makeup (THEA 2263): 2
Running/Construction Crews (THEA 2140, 2141, 2142): 3
Practicum (THEA 2240, 2241, 2242): 6
Acting I, II (THEA 2303, 2304): 6
Voice for the Stage I, II (THEA 2305, 2306): 6
Movement I, II (THEA 2307, 2308): 6
Improvisation (THEA 2324): 3
Introduction to Stage Management (THEA 2361): 3
Acting III, IV (THEA 3303, 3304): 6
Voice for the Stage III, IV (THEA 3205, 3206): 4
Movement III, IV (THEA 3207, 3208): 4
Theatre and Drama History I, II (THEA 3381, 3382): 6
Acting V, VI (THEA 4303, 4304): 6
Voice for the Stage V, VI (THEA 4105, 4106): 2
Movement V, VI (THEA 4207, 4208): 4
Business and Professional Aspects of the Theatre (THEA 4309): 3
Electives: 9
Meadows Elective/Corequirement: 3
TOTAL: 123
The Minor in Theatre Studies offers an exploration of the component parts of the theatre experience: theatre history and dramatic literature; the actor's process; theatre design and the creation of the physical environment of the play; and the role of the audience in the theatrical event. The minor in Theatre Studies provides both practical and theoretical involvement and is available to all students.
Eighteen term hours are required and are distributed as follows:
Credit Hours
Dramatic Arts: Mirror of the Age (THEA 1380): 3
Running/Construction Crew and Practicum (scenery, lighting,
or costumes) (THEA 2140, 2240, or 2141/2241, or 2142/2242), orFashion: History, and Culture (THEA 2319), or
Spectacle of Performance (THEA 2321), or
Introduction to Design for the Theatre (THEA 3313): 3
The Art of Acting (THEA 3311): 3
Theatre and Drama History I (THEA 3381), or
Theatre and Drama History II (THEA 3382): 3
Two additional courses from categories 2 and 4 above, or from
the following courses:
Creative Dramatics (THEA 4373)
Studies in Theatre, Drama, and Performance (THEA 4381)
Studies in Theatre, Drama, and Performance (THEA 4382)
Studies in Theatre, Drama, and Performance (THEA 4383)
Studies in Theatre, Drama, and Performance (THEA 4384)
Directed Studies (THEA 5301): 6
TOTAL: 18
At least three courses must be taken at the 3000 level or higher. The minor does not offer performance opportunities outside the classroom.
The following classes are open to all students.
1380. Mirror of the Age. Introduction to theatre emphasizing the role of the audience in the experience of performance. Semiotic and communications models are used to explore the dynamic interaction and changing relationship between performance, audience and society. Theatre-going experiences are discussed and analyzed.
2319. Fashion: History and Culture. How and why does what we wear tell us who we are? A study of clothing: its role in and reflection of various historical cultures, including the relationship between fashion, art, architecture, and the decorative arts of selected time periods. For majors and nonmajors.
2321. Spectacle of Performance. Ever wonder how they do that? Spectacle is part of our life and culture. Students will learn to deconstruct spectacle and analyze its influence upon themselves and society at large. Go backstage to experience firsthand how effects are achieved. Students will be required to attend performances in a wide range of "live" venues and discuss what they observe, enabling them to view performance on a critical level. For majors and nonmajors.
3311. The Art of Acting. Basic work in acting, voice, and movement for the nonmajor. Relaxation, concentration, imagination, and the actor's exploration and use of the social world.
3313. Introduction to Design for the Theatre. An analytical study of stage design, including an introduction to the basic history, principles, and languages of stage design. The course will include text analysis, elements and principles of design, and critical discussion of current theatre productions. For majors and nonmajors.
3314. Lighting Design: Theatre, Film, and Television. An introduction to the practice of lighting design. Students will be required to study techniques, complete projects, and make presentations in the discipline.
3316. Scene Design: Theatre, Film, and Television. An introduction to the practice of scenic design. Students will be required to study techniques, complete projects, and makes presentations in the discipline.
3318. Costume Design: Theatre, Film, and Television. An introduction to the practice of costume design. Students will be required to study techniques, complete projects, and make presentations in the discipline.
3381, 3382. Theatre and Drama History I and II. An examination of key moments in the history of Western theatre and drama. Particular attention is given to selected dramatic texts and their social and cultural contexts, and to the dynamic interaction and changing relationship between performance, audience and society as this is influenced by the advent of actors, playwrights, designers, and directors, and by changes in theatre architecture and the social definition of space.
4373. Creative Dramatics. Creative problem-solving using the medium of improvisational theatre. Develops spontaneity and a sense of humor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
4381, 4382, 4383, 4384. Studies in Theatre, Drama, and Performance. An examination of selected topics in theatre, drama, and performance. Texts, topics, and critical approaches vary.
2101, 2201, 2301, 3201, 3303, 3304, 4101, 4201, 4303, 4304, 5301. Directed Study.
1303, 1304. Dramatic Arts Today. An introduction to theatre and performance for entering theatre majors. Considers basic artistic concepts, disciplines, and vocabulary common to this program, providing an elementary foundation in theatre with an emphasis on acting.
2011, 2012. Production. Rehearsal and performance in a Division of Theatre production. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
2140. Lighting Running/Construction Crew. Practical application of skills and knowledge studied in THEA 2240 to the mounting and running of a theatrical production; involves either serving on the running crew of a Division production or completing 65 hours of work mounting a production. Theatre majors should complete this course by the end of the junior year. Departmental approval required for nonmajors. Must be taken concurrently with or subsequent to completion of THEA 2240.
2141. Scenery Running/Construction Crew. Practical application of skills and knowledge studied in THEA 2241 to the mounting and running of a theatrical production; involves either serving on the running crew of a Division production or completing 65 hours of work mounting a production. Theatre majors should complete this course by the end of the junior year. Departmental approval required for nonmajors. Must be taken concurrently with or subsequent to completion of THEA 2241.
2142. Costume Running/Construction Crew. Practical application of skills and knowledge studied in THEA 2242 to the mounting and running of a theatrical production; involves either serving on the running crew of a Division production or completing 65 hours of work mounting a production. Theatre majors should complete this course by the end of the junior year. Departmental approval required for nonmajors. Must be taken concurrently with or subsequent to completion of THEA 2242.
2240. Lighting Practicum. An introduction to the backstage crafts of theatrical lighting intended to give the student a broad understanding of the basic principles and technical procedures used in the design of lighting. Fifty-hour lab required. Departmental approval required for nonmajors.
2241. Scenery Practicum. An introduction to the backstage crafts of theatrical scenery intended to give the student a broad understanding of the basic principles and technical procedures used in the design of scenery. Fifty-hour lab required. Departmental approval required for nonmajors.
2242. Costume Practicum. An introduction to the backstage crafts of theatrical costume intended to give the student a broad understanding of the basic principles and technical procedures used in the design of costumes. Fifty-hour lab required. Departmental approval required for nonmajors.
2263. Stage Makeup. Instruction in basic makeup, wig and hair styling, and beard building.
2303. Acting I. Exploration of the actor's imagination and the nature of acting, embracing training concepts of ease, honesty, sense memory, and concentration.
2304. Acting II. Beginning script work, in which the actor learns to analyze a scene for its events and to particularize these events in a series of expressive action tasks. Sophomore course. Prerequisite: THEA 2303.
2305, 2306. Voice for the Stage I and II. Connecting text/sound impulses to acting challenges, an introduction to breath and volume support, and vocal exercises.
2307. Movement I. Teaches students to individuate internal energies of the body; to use these energies to move the body to create precise statuary mime for the stage; and to begin to synthesize physical listening skills for ensemble acting. Skills taught include juggling, Hatha yoga, corporal mime, illusionistic pantomime, Tai Chi Ch'uan, and the improvising of mime pieces.
2308. Movement for the Stage II. Increases students' physical listening skills and practices these in unarmed stage combat. Skills taught include T'ui Sh'uo, Chi Sao, foil fencing (left and right), French sabre, Kung-fu animals, and conventions of unarmed stage combat. Prerequisite: THEA 2307.
2324. Improvisation. Exercise of actor spontaneity and intuition through theatre games and improvisation.
2361. Introduction to Stage Management. An exploration of the methods and techniques of theatrical stage management, including preproduction planning, scheduling, and conducting rehearsals and performances. Assignments are both theoretical and practical. Permission of instructor required for nonmajors and first-year students.
3011, 3012. Production. Rehearsal and performance in a Division of Theatre production. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
3205, 3206. Voice for the Stage III and IV. Experiences and exercises designed to free and develop the voice of the actor, explorations of speech sounds, text work. Alleviating physical barriers to sound production, beginning to discover a full vocal range of 2-3 octaves. Prerequisites: THEA 2305, 2306.
3207. Movement III. Teaches extension of energy and physical listening skills. Skills taught include quarterstaff, rapier and dagger, court sword, and broad sword. Prerequisite: THEA 2308.
3208. Movement IV. Allows the student to process personal experience into the movement and sound of a character. Skills taught include clowning, LeCoq figures, and neutral mask. Prerequisite: THEA 3207.
3219. Musical Theatre Acting and Performance. The basics of acting in musical theatre: script analysis, blocking, character development, and scene study. Includes introduction to musical theatre movement and audition techniques. Students will culminate this course with a series of performed musical scenes. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
3303. Acting III. A synthesis of first- and second-year work to the end of an individual system by which actors approach the presentation of characters through their ability to present themselves effectively. Prerequisite: THEA 2302.
3304. Acting IV. Continuation and extension of THEA 3303, consisting of special projects in characterization studies. Prerequisite: THEA 3303.
3331. Playwriting I. Creative exploration in the development of performance scripts with emphasis on structural vocabularies of story, plot, character development, and dramatic action.
3332. Playwriting II. Intermediate techniques of playwriting with emphasis on developing individual style and voice; writing one-act plays. Prerequisite: THEA 3331.
3341. Collaboration: An Introduction to Directing and Design. Researching the history of designer/director relationships and creating and conceptualizing various approaches to texts, with a goal of achieving a working vocabulary in the collaborative language among theatre artists. The course culminates in a director/designer presentation and/or performance.
3342. Stage Direction. Production styles and methodologies evidenced in the art of major modern directorial innovators. Directing projects required. Prerequisites: THEA 3341 and permission of instructor.
3361, 3362. Stage Management I. Fuller explanation of the methods and techniques of theatrical stage management. Prerequisite: THEA 2361.
4011, 4012. Production. Rehearsal and performance in a Division of Theatre production. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
4105. Voice for the Stage V. A continuation of the voice curriculum to further enrich the actor's technique and address any outstanding issues in the work. The vocal workout keeps the actor in tune with his/her instrument while preparing to enter the profession. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
4106. Voice for the Stage VI. A continuation of the voice curriculum including the study of the International Phonetic Alphabet and dialect/accent work and the addition of specific skills for a variety of media. Cold reading skills, studio time and use of microphones, and commercial work for radio and television spots are addressed. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
4204. Acting for the Camera. An intensive approach to acting for film and television. Students will work with actual scripts and copy.
4207. Movement V. An exploration of historical movement and dance including selected dances, movements, and manners of the 16th through the 20th centuries, focusing on the embodiment of the style of those periods. Emphasis is placed on the dress, movement, and manners of the Renaissance and Classic Baroque periods. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
4208. Movement VI. Physical self-study explored through mask work including Neutral Mask, the masks of the commedia dell'arte, Character Mask, and European Clown. The exploration begins with finding a physical neutral, moves through the playing of the stock masked commedia characters and their counterparts in plays by Shakespeare and Moliere, and culminates with finding one's own personal clown. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
4303, 4304. Acting V and VI. An actor's approach to classic texts through scene study, monologues, and lecture/demonstration. Emphasis is on Shakespeare and his contemporaries.
4309. Business and Professional Aspects of the Theatre. A preparation for graduating actors that includes compiling résumés, photographs, use of cold readings, monologues, and scene work with a variety of scripts for repertory or summer theatre casting.
4331. Playwriting III. Advanced work in the development of performance scripts for the stage with emphasis on full-length works. Prerequisite: THEA 3332.
4332. Playwriting IV. Advanced techniques of writing for the stage, including rehearsal and performance or produced theatrical event. Focuses on professional aspects of playwriting. Prerequisite: THEA 4331.
4341. Special Studies in Directing I. Advanced project studies in stage direction with emphasis on the interplay between director and other artistic collaborators (playwrights and/or designers). Prerequisites: THEA 3342 and permission of instructor.
4342. Special Studies in Directing II. Advanced techniques in the interpretation of established dramatic literature and/or creation of original work for the stage. Emphasis on collaboration between director and playwright. This course is for the student seriously considering directing as a career. Time will be spent on exploring professional career choices for the young director. Prerequisites: THEA 4341 and permission of instructor.
4351. Historical Cultures Within Theatrical Design. Using the elements of design, the course will focus on the exploration of political, social, economic, and artistic influences of various artistic cultures in history, and how the designer uses this information to create a theatrical production, film, or opera. Junior/senior-level course.
4361, 4362. Stage Management II. Fuller explanation of the methods and techniques of theatrical stage management. Prerequisite: THEA 3361, 3362.
5398, 5399. Production Research and Development. Script analysis, background research, and performance design for the actor, designer, director and dramaturg.
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