GRADCMP: Comprehensive Examination

This course is a placeholder for matriculated master's students planning to take the departmental Comprehensive Examination. Successful completion of the Comprehensive Examination will result in a grade of P, unsuccessful students will receive a grade of NC. Students who do not successfully complete the Comprehensive Examination will be required to register for this placeholder course in each term for which they plan to take the examination (limited to three). 0 sh.

Prerequisites: Matriculation in Master's degree program required.

THTR501: Research Methods in Theatre (3 hours lecture)

Foundations in research and research methodologies. A survey of resources and methods (including critical, historical and textual) in theatre to assist students in assessing and designing research. Course must be completed in first two semesters of matriculation. 3 sh.

THTR504: Contemporary Theatre (3 hours lecture)

The theory and practice in today's professional theatre: writing, acting, directing and producing problems and trends of current theatrical fare. Open to all graduate students. 3 sh.

THTR505: Dramaturgy (3 hours lecture)

Introduction and overview of dramaturgy as a component of the creative team. Includes units on production dramaturgy, collaboration with directors, new play development, working with playwrights and adaptation. 3 sh.

THTR507: Theatrical Production (3 hours lecture)

Students pursue projects in one of the following areas: acting, directing, scenic design, lighting design, technical theatre or management. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. 3 sh.

THTR508: Internship: Theatrical Practice

Practical experience in theatre under supervision of staff member of professional, semi-professional or educational theatre, on- or off-campus. 3 - 7 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

THTR509: Special Topics in Theatre and Drama (3 hours lecture)

A selected topic in the history, literature, criticism of theory of theatre and drama not included in the regular departmental offerings will be examined in depth. May be repeated twice for a maximum of 6.0 credits. 3 sh.

THTR511: Tragic Elements in Drama (3 hours lecture)

The "evolution" of tragic theory as it manifests itself in each of the periods of theatre history and dramatic criticism. Included in the examination is an evaluation of representative tragic playscripts in terms of style, structure, "tragic devices", content, and performance. 3 sh.

THTR512: Comic Elements in Drama (3 hours lecture)

The "evolution" of comic theory as it manifests itself in each of the periods of theatre history and dramatic criticism. Included in the examination is an evaluation of representative comic playscripts in terms of style, structure, "comic devices", content, and performance. 3 sh.

THTR513: Modern and Contemporary Theatre History (3 hours lecture)

Theatrical history associated with Western culture from 1890 to the present; the contemporary theatrical scene and its direct heritage. Major emphasis on British and continental developments with some attention to American theatre. 3 sh.

THTR514: Non-Western Drama and Theatre (3 hours lecture)

Theatrical forms and dramatic literature of non-Western cultures (China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia, and Africa) in historical and contemporary contexts. The influence of these forms on modern Western theatrical theory and practice (Brecht, Artaud, Brook and others) will be examined. 3 sh.

THTR517: Theatre Criticism (3 hours lecture)

Historical review of the principles involved in theatre criticism from a literary perspective. While attention is given to selected historical periods, dramatic theorists and theatre critics, the focus of class is on contemporary critical methodologies that augment playscript interpretation and production. 3 sh.

THTR525: Advanced Acting Workshop (3 hours lecture)

A workshop of acting styles from the classical to the modern, highlighting traditional periods, including Greek, Elizabethan, Restoration, and realistic acting. The basic assignments of the course are scene study and class presentations, individual and partner work in assignments and exercises. 3 sh.

THTR534: Graduate Theatre Readings (3 hours lecture)

Reading and assessment of important texts in the theory, history, criticism and practice of theatre. Course must be completed within the first two semesters of matriculation. 3 sh.

THTR535: Advanced Directing Workshop (3 hours lecture)

A workshop in play directing, including analysis and direction of scenes from realistic and period style plays. Final project includes a director's analysis and prompt script or the equivalent work in a term report on a particular approach to directing. 3 sh.

THTR540: The Collaborative Process (3 hours lecture)

Course explores creative and collaborative strategies among the personnel involved in the mounting and production of a script: directors, designers, dramaturges and production personnel. It will explore techniques of script analysis, the creation of a production concept, and the effective implementation of this concept in all facets of production. 3 sh.

THTR545: Scenic Design I: The Legitimate Theatre (3 hours lecture)

Scene design as related to the play, director and audience. Theatrical styles, genres, multiple, unit and simultaneous settings discussed. Includes script analysis and design work with an emphasis on visualization of design concepts, perspective sketch and modeling techniques. 3 sh.

THTR546: Scenic Design II: Performing Arts (3 hours lecture)

Design problems inherent in musical comedy, opera and dance. Emphasis on planning, design and execution of scenery. 3 sh.

THTR554: Stage Lighting Design (3 hours lecture)

The theory and practice of lighting design from both pragmatic and esthetic points of view. The student will focus on the function and qualities of lighting as a design medium and its application to various styles of theatrical production. Student will develop several lighting plots and schedules. 3 sh.

THTR555: Advanced Problems in Technical Production (3 hours lecture)

Physical resources available to technician. Exploration of new materials and techniques as well as extensive work in standard techniques. Knowledge of drafting techniques helpful. 3 sh.

THTR575: Seminar Costume Design and Construction (3 hours seminar)

Costume as one visual element of design in the theatre. Research procedure, design theory, construction techniques, use of materials. 3 sh.

THTR580: Theatre Management (3 hours lecture)

The theatre as a business enterprise: production units; box office procedures; standard contractual arrangements; unions and their regulations; subscription management. Manager as a community relations specialist; publicity; the theatre as a community resource. Open to graduate students with a background in performing arts. 3 sh.

THTR581: Stage Management (1 hour lecture, 2 hours lab)

Experiential study of stage management including: pre-production script analysis, organizing a prompt script, function in production meetings, implementing rehearsal schedule and company rules, rehearsal duties, technical rehearsals, and running/closing the show. Student will participate in all productions. 3 sh.

THTR582: Production Management (1 hour lecture, 2 hours lab)

Experiential study of season scheduling; space scheduling; rehearsal scheduling; budgeting and pricing out costs for sets, costumes, lighting and props; management of backstage personnel; union contracts; and safety issues in the theatre and backstage. Course work supplemented by hands-on work on theatre/dance projects and spaces. 3 sh.

THTR599: Independent Study

Individual projects in theatre that result in significant research. May be repeated without limited as long as the topic is different. 1 - 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

THTR602: Capstone Project (3 credits independent study)

Student will create an independent culminating project under the direction of a faculty member. This project may be research or experiential, but it will result in a substantial written component. 3 sh.

THTR698: Master's Thesis

Independent research project done under faculty advisement. Students must follow the MSU Thesis Guidelines, which may be obtained from the Graduate School. Students should take THTR 699 if they don't complete THTR 698 within the semester. 6 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.