Course Descriptions
THEA 100
Introduction to the LMU Theatre Experience
1 Semester Hour
An introductory course designed to enhance the student’s experience of the study of theatre arts, this course explores and explains theatre practice from varying points of view at LMU. Full-time faculty and staff members will lecture and discuss different approaches to learning, creating, and understanding theatre arts.
Course required by major.
Offered in the Fall semester only.
Theatre Arts majors only.
Credit/No Credit grading.
THEA 110
Beginning Acting
3 Semester Hours
An introduction to the interpretation of drama through the art of the actor.
Lab fee.
Non-majors and Theatre Arts minors only.
THEA 111
Introduction to Theatre Performance
3 Semester Hours
An introduction to the study of acting with a foundation in realism and physical actions. Emphasis is placed on a variety of critical and creative theories, and techniques to cultivate imagination, focus, embodied creativity, self-awareness, vocal and physical range, and script analysis. Suitable for beginners and students with some performance experience.
Lab fee.
Theatre Arts majors only.
THEA 112
Voice and Movement for Stage
3 Semester Hours
An introduction to develop and practice vocal and physical techniques designed to free the natural voice and body and to explore the relationship between the two as expressed in performance and basic communication.
Lab fee.
Theatre Arts majors/minors only.
Prerequisite: THEA 111, or 110-equivalent experince.
THEA 120
Basic Stagecraft
3 Semester Hours
An introduction to basic technical theatre organization and vocabulary, scenic materials, and construction processes. The course includes an overview of the relationship of scenography to production and reading/ executing basic graphic documents. A lab provides practical application of techniques and methods covered in lectures.
Lab fee.
Corequisite: THEA 121.
THEA 121
Basic Stagecraft Lab
0 Semester Hours
An application of basic modern theatrical practices in a lab format through hands-on experience in a scene shop. Course work correlates with instruction in THEA 120.
Corequisite: THEA 120.
Credit/No Credit grading only.
THEA 210
Scene Study and Presentation
3 Semester Hours
A concentrated approach to Stanislavski-based scene analysis and presentation. Emphasis on further development and integration of acting skills in voice, movement, interpretation, script analysis, and character development for performance.
Theatre Arts majors/minors only.
Prerequisites: THEA 110, 111 or equivalent experience.
THEA 220
Introduction to Basic Scene, Lighting, and Costume Design
3 Semester Hours
An introduction to the basic elements of production design and its interrelation to the idea of the play. Course will examine the script and explore the development of a concept and its application in the design disciplines. Conceptual and technical drawings are produced, emphasizing clear and concise communication.
Lab fee.
Corequisite: THEA 221.
THEA 221
Introduction to Basic Scene, Lighting, and Costume Design Lab
0 Semester Hours
Credit/No Credit grading.
Corequisite: THEA 220.
THEA 223
Lighting Design I
3 Semester Hours
This course explores the use of light as a medium and art form in contemporary theatre and dance through theoretical and hands-on work and exposes the student to the collaborative contribution of light in the performing arts.
Lab fee.
Prerequisite: THEA 220 or consent of instructor.
THEA 224
Scene Design I
3 Semester Hours
Combining the development of practical skills and imagination in the development of scenic design, this course explores the basics such as ground plan formation, research, textual analysis, color, basic rendering, drafting and model making techniques.
Lab fee.
Prerequisite: THEA 220 or consent of instructor.
THEA 225
Basic Stage Make-Up
2 Semester Hours
An introduction to the art and application of basic stage make-up required of working actors and performers. Recommended for acting students and cast members.
Lab fee.
THEA 227
Costume Design I
3 Semester Hours
This course explores costume design as developed from different genres of plays, styles, and/or periods. Emphasis is on the application of design elements, principles, research, process, fabric choice, and script analysis.
Lab fee.
Prerequisite: THEA 220 or consent of instructor.
THEA 240
Western Theatre History and Literature I
3 Semester Hours
A study of the theatre (literature, playhouse, performance conventions) of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, the Medieval world, the Renaissance, and the Elizabethan period. (Fall)
THEA 245
Western Theatre History and Literature II
3 Semester Hours
A study of the theatre (literature, playhouse, performance conventions) from the 17th century to the 20th century. (Spring)
THEA 250
Theatre Practicum: Crew
0-2 Semester Hours
This course provides mentored hands-on experience in technical theatre through participation in construction or running crew for Theatre Arts departmental productions.
May be repeated for up to 6 semester hours with a maximum of 2 semester hours in any given technical area.
Theatre Arts majors/minors only.
THEA 251
Theatre Practicum: Performance
0-3 Semester Hours
The application of actor training methods and techniques to departmental theatrical productions.
May be repeated for credit up to 9 semester hours.
Lab fee.
Audition required.
THEA 253
Playwrights Center Stage
0-3 Semester Hours
An introduction to new play development, theory, and practice, designed for writers, actors, and technical/production managers. The course focuses on the development of new scripts through the interaction between actors and writers with the possibility of staged readings and/or workshop productions.
May be repeated for credit up to 6 semester hours.
Lab fee.
Consent of instructor or Co-Chairperson required.
THEA 266
Introduction to Camera Acting
3 Semester Hours
An introduction to the basics of acting for the camera. Exercises and scenes will be taped.
Students will also learn basic camcorder, microphone, and lighting usage.
Lab fee.
Prerequisite: THEA 111 or equivalent experience.
THEA 270
Stage Management
3 Semester Hours
This course studies and practices the job duties and skills required of Production Stage Managers where all phases of production are examined from both theoretical and real world models including those with educational, community, regional, and Broadway theatres.
Lab fee.
Prerequisite: THEA 120 or consent of instructor.
THEA 298
Special Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
THEA 299
Independent Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
THEA 300
Theatre in Los Angeles
3 Semester Hours
Theatre-going and appreciation designed for the potential audience member through first-hand meetings with theatre artists and attendance at Los Angeles productions.
Lab fee.
May be repeated up to 6 semester hours.
THEA 310
Intermediate Scene Study
3 Semester Hours
A continuation of THEA 210, this course continues toward the development of the integration of acting skills in scene and text analysis, accessing emotional life, voice, movement, interpretation, and character development for performance. This course is a deeper and more rigorous exploration of the acting process.
Theatre Arts majors/minors only.
Prerequisite: THEA 210.
THEA 312
Voice Development
3 Semester Hours
A course designed to free the natural voice, to develop a full vocal range, and to practice techniques toward compeling and articulate vocal expression and communication.
THEA 313
Reader’s Theatre
1-3 Semester Hours
This course develops the techniques for reading literature through the exploration of vocal flexibility and expression, textual interpretation and analysis, and the development of character through skillful and informed vocal choices.
May be repeated for credit up to 9 semester hours.
THEA 314
Intermediate Acting for Non-Majors
3 Semester Hours
A continuation of THEA 110; students will further explore the elements of character development and scene analysis.
Non-majors and Theatre Arts minors only.
Prerequisite: THEA 110 or consent of instructor.
THEA 315
Alexander Technique
3 Semester Hours
A course open to all majors designed to improve the relationship and use of the body, voice, and breath. Through application of the Alexander Technique, interfering habitual blocks of tension and personality are transformed for greater command over the physical and emotional instrument. Movement ease and coordination as well as improved posture are achieved through informed choices.
THEA 320
Intermediate Scene Design
3 Semester Hours
This course examines the theory and practice of scene design and manipulation of stage space. Special emphasis is placed on the development of a point of view toward the production of the play as related to all aspects of theatrical design.
Lab fee.
Prerequisite: THEA 220, 224, or consent of instructor.
THEA 321
Intermediate Lighting Design
3 Semester Hours
This course examines the theory and practice of lighting design. The core of this course is a series of discovery projects using minimal resources, to explore the use of light in the theatre. Through this exploration, students will discover a variety of approaches to developing a successful lighting design.
Lab fee.
Prerequisite: THEA 220, 223, or consent of instructor.
THEA 322
Intermediate Costume Design and Construction
3 Semester Hours
This course examines the craft of designing, planning, and constructing costumes, including beginning pattern-drafting.
Lab fee.
Prerequisite: THEA 220, 227, or consent of instructor.
THEA 331
Classical Spirit in Drama
3 Semester Hours
An exploration of the classical drama throughout major periods.
THEA 336
Romantic Spirit in Drama
3 Semester Hours
An exploration of the romantic drama throughout major periods.
THEA 341
Realistic Spirit in Drama
3 Semester Hours
An exploration of the realistic drama throughout major periods.
THEA 343
Shakespeare: Stage and Screen
3 Semester Hours
A study of the interpretation of Shakespeare by actors, directors, and designers in theatre opera, ballet, film, and television from the 17th century to the present.
THEA 346
Avant-Garde Spirit in Drama
3 Semester Hours
An exploration of the avant-garde drama throughout major periods.
THEA 347
African Spirit in Drama
3 Semester Hours
An exploration of African theatre and theatre of the African diaspora in the United States, the Caribbean, and elsewhere.
THEA 348
Asian Spirit in Drama
3 Semester Hours
An exploration of the Asian drama throughout major periods.
THEA 349
Hispanic Spirit in Drama
3 Semester Hours
An exploration of theatre of the Spanish language in the Western Hemisphere and in Europe, as well as theatre of the Latin traditions in the United States.
THEA 361
Acting: Method and Technique
3 Semester Hours
A hands-on exploration of varied approaches toward actor training and the development of individual approaches toward working with a text in preparation for performance.
Lab fee.
Theatre Arts major/minors only.
Consent of instructor required.
Prerequisites: THEA 110 or 111, THEA 210.
THEA 366
Acting for the Camera
3 Semester Hours
This course builds on basic camera acting knowledge and experience through various filmed exercises and scenes.
Lab fee.
Theatre Arts major/minors only.
Consent of Co-Chairperson and insturctor required.
Prerequisite: THEA 266.
THEA 370
Directing for the Theatre I
3 Semester Hours
This course examines and practices basic elements of stage direction. Students will explore script analysis from a director's point of view, develop and practice effective communication with actors and designers, and learn to identify elements of direction that communicate story, theme, and concept.
Lab fee.
Theatre Arts majors/minors only.
Prerequisites: THEA 111, 120, and 220.
THEA 375
Directing for the Theatre II
3 Semester Hours
Continuation of THEA 370, with emphasis on advanced theory and practicum.
Theatre Arts majors/minors only.
Consent of Co-Chairperson and instructor required.
Prerequisite: THEA 370.
THEA 398
Special Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
THEA 399
Independent Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
THEA 400
Playwriting
3 Semester Hours
An introduction to the techniques of writing one-act plays for the theatre.
THEA 401
The Creative Process
3 Semester Hours
This course is designed to guide development in a wide range of substantial creative writing projects including the exploration of music, literature, and art that correlate to a specific theatrical project, requiring research and interviews with professionals in the chosen field of study.
May be repeated once for degree credit.
Consent of Co-Chairperson or instructor required.
THEA 410
Advanced Scene Study
3 Semester Hours
A concentrated approach to advanced scene analysis, with emphasis on working with styles of performance such as classical/rhetoric-based texts, texts from the theatre genres/ performance styles.
Theatre Arts majors, minors only.
Prerequisite: THEA 210.
THEA 412
Movement For the Actor
3 Semester Hours
The exploration of the acting process through the use of the body, and how an unblocked natural physical connection can expand range, versatility, and full range of expression.
Theatre Arts majors/minors only.
Consent of instructor required.
Prerequisites: THEA 111 and 112.
THEA 413
Devised Ensemble Theatre
3 Semester Hours
An introduction and exploration of various contemporary ensemble-devising methods towards the creation of new works for the stage. Through research, writing, physical theatre, and workshop techniques, students will develop the tools to collectively conceive, develop, and present original theatrical work.
May be repeated once for degree credit.
Theatre Arts majors only.
Consent of instructor required.
Prerequisites: THEA 111 and 112.
THEA 422
Advanced Costume Design
3 Semester Hours
Advanced study in theatre costume construction including pattern-making, advanced sewing techniques, and millinery.
Prerequisite: THEA 322 or consent of instructor.
THEA 425
Scene Painting
3 Semester Hours
This course is a guide to the tools and techniques used in modern scene painting.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
THEA 426
Advanced Scene and Lighting Design
3 Semester Hours
This course is an advanced study of scene design and lighting design for the theatre with emphasis on their roles as creative members of a collaborative team.
Prerequisites: THEA 320 and 321.
THEA 427
Scene Painting Lab
0 Semester Hours
Basic scene painting techniques and practices are demonstrated and applied in full scale painting projects. Lab fee covers cost of brushes, paint, and material. Paint clothes required.
Corequisite: THEA 425.
THEA 430
Special Author/Genre Seminar
3 Semester Hours
Study of Shakespeare or other topics in selected authors and/or dramatic genres.
May be repeated only when a different genre and/or author is studied.
THEA 435
Special Period Seminar
3 Semester Hours
Study of 20th Century American Drama, American Drama through the 19th Century, Modern British Playwrights, 17th and 18th Century Comedy, or other topics in theatre history.
May be repeated only when a different topic and/or period is studied.
THEA 450
Theatre Practicum: Crew
3 Semester Hours
Students are instructed and mentored as they assume positions of managerial or creative responsibility and/or leadership in mounting deparmental productions.
May be repeated for credit up to 9 semester hours.
Theatre Arts majors/minors only.
Prerequisite: THEA 250.
THEA 451
Theatre Practicum: Performance
0-3 Semester Hours
The application of further developed actor training methods and techniques in departmental theatrical productions.
May be repeated for credit up to 9 semester hours.
Lab fee.
Audition required.
THEA 453
Playwrights Center Stage
0-3 Semester Hours
A theory and performance course in new play development methods. Practice and participation as writers, actors, and production managers/assistants or new play interns in staged readings and/or workshops.
May be repeated for degree credit up to 6 semester hours.
Consent of instructor required.
THEA 461
Acting: Special Genre
3 Semester Hours
An exploration in advanced acting techniques for particular genres such as musical theatre, comedy of errors, Shakespeare, Chekhov.
May be repeated for credit up to 9 semester hours as long as course content is different.
Theatre Arts majors/minors only.
Consent of instructor required.
THEA 463
Acting: Auditions and Cold Reading
3 Semester Hours
A course in the development and practice of cold-reading, audition, and interview techniques/skills necessary to obtain professional work in the performing arts. Students will develop an effective and organized business approach toward their careers by learning how to market their talent, develop a professional portfolio, necessary for the audition and interview process.
Lab fee.
Theatre Arts majors/minors only.
Consent of instructor required.
THEA 467
Career Development
3 Semester Hours
An overview of current trends in casting toward professional work in theatre, television, and film with visits from professional artisits such as agents, managers, actors, casting directors, and the possibility of participation in a professional showcase.
Lab fee.
Theatre Arts majors/minors only.
Consent of Co-chairperson and instructor required.
THEA 490
Senior Thesis: Project
3 Semester Hours
Preparation and presentation of performance or research thesis.
Theatre Arts majors only.
Consent of Co-chairperson and instructor required.
THEA 491
Surviving as an Artist
1 Semester Hour
This course builds an understanding of the unique requirements and challenges that life as an artist in our society presents. Students will be introduced to many aspects of the artistic life, including but not limited to personal finance, unions, professional conduct, and how to develop and sustain career opportunities.
Theatre Arts majors/minors only.
Credit/No Credit grading.
THEA 498
Special Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
THEA 499
Independent Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
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