Theatre

THEA 1000 Introduction to the Theatre

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  4.5 - 0 - 4.5

Students survey the various facets of the art and craft of theatre, with emphasis on the relationship between theatre and culture as well as theatre's contributions to literature, film, and television. The course explores all elements and professions of theatre: the dramatist, the producer, the director, the actor, the production designers, the stage manager, the tech director and crew, and the role of the audience. It includes an overview of theatre history and theatrical genres.

Course is offered On-line

Skill Level


THEA 1110 Theatre Technology I

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  3 - 3 - 4

Beginning and experienced students learn the basic arts and crafts of technical theatre in a professional theatre environment. The course includes overviews of the procedure and safety issues and practices set construction, lighting, and costume. It is a prerequisite for admission to the certified Theatre Technology Apprentice program offered through the Omaha Community Playhouse.

Skill Level


THEA 1120 Theatre Technology II

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  2.5 - 4.5 - 4

Students continue work begun in THEA 1110 with focus on real work situations and experiences. Topics include overview and practice in properties, scenic painting, and sound design and support. Students also begin work in their chosen areas of emphasis. These areas include sound, lights, construction, scenic painting, costume, props, stage management, box office, and house management.

Prerequisites
(1) THEA 1110

Skill Level


THEA 1130 Theatre Technology III

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  2.5 - 4.5 - 4

Students continue the work begun in THEA 1110 and 1120 with focus on real work situations and experiences, continuing their rotation within their selected artistic areas of emphasis. These areas include sound, lights, construction, scenic painting, costume, props, stage management, box office and house management. Students begin the process of career development through the creation of professional materials such as resumes and portfolios.

Prerequisites
(1) THEA 1120

Skill Level


THEA 2010 Script Analysis

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  4.5 - 0 - 4.5

Students learn to do close readings of dramatic texts to explore themes and technical challenges. The course emphasizes analysis from technical, performance, and directorial points of view and the importance of unity in the technical elements of a production.

Skill Level


THEA 2020 Fundamentals of Acting I

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  4.5 - 0 - 4.5

This is a basic acting course for students with limited acting experience who have an interest in studying the demands and the discipline of acting, especially in live theatre. Exercises in relaxation, movement, voice, concentration, trust, partner/group interaction, improvisation, imagination, and memorization prepare students for basic character and scene work.

Skill Level


THEA 2021 Fundamentals of Acting II

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  4.5 - 0 - 4.5

This course is a continuation of THEA 2020 with further practice in characterization and scene work. Students develop two scenes and two monologues, with a focus on character development and the acting process.

Prerequisites
(1) THEA 2020

Skill Level


THEA 2030 Playwriting I

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  4.5 - 0 - 4.5

This course is an introduction to the craft of the playwright. Students study the fundamentals of dialogue, character development, and scene structure through writing exercises, workshops, and discussion. NOTE: THEA 2010 Script Analysis is strongly recommended as a co-requisite.

Prerequisites
(2) ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1310; or instructor approval

Skill Level


THEA 2031 Playwriting II

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  4.5 - 0 - 4.5

This workshop offers further study, practice, and analysis of playwriting. Students examine play submission guidelines and play production considerations.

Prerequisites
(1) THEA 2030 or instructor approval

Skill Level


THEA 2040 Movement for the Actor

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  4.5 - 0 - 4.5

This course includes the study and practice of physical techniques and approaches used to develop physical self-awareness, freedom of expression, flexibility and endurance, awareness of space and time, centers, and energy for characterization and performance.

Skill Level


THEA 2050 Voice for the Actor

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  4.5 - 0 - 4.5

Students study and practice vocal techniques to develop physical alignment and release, breathing and resonance, articulation and range, imagery, and text for performance.

Skill Level


THEA 2110 Theatre History I

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  4.5 - 0 - 4.5

Students critically examine cultural, political, philosophical, technical, and stylistic developments in theatre history from its origins to 1700 A.D. Topics include the evolution of acting, directing, technical theatre, theatre spaces, and forms of drama, and students discuss historically significant dramatic works.

Skill Level


THEA 2120 Theatre History II

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  4.5 - 0 - 4.5

This course covers the various developments in theatre history from 1700 A.D. to present.

Prerequisites
(1) THEA 2110 or instructor approval

Skill Level


THEA 2150 Stage Rigging

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  2 - 7.5 - 4.5

The course builds on concepts and skills introduced in Theatre Technology I with specific emphasis on stage rigging. It covers rigging topics including repair and maintenance, motorized rigging, trussing, and special applications in the lecture portion and reinforces them during labs under non-production conditions. Students apply fundamental skills in the installation of flying scenery as well as use of stage rigging equipment under show conditions.

Prerequisites
(1) THEA 1110 or instructor approval

Skill Level


THEA 2160 Principles of Stage Lighting

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  2 - 7.5 - 4.5

This course builds on concepts and skills introduced in THEA 1110 with specific emphasis on stage lighting. It covers lighting topics including wiring and repair of electrical cables, basic color theory, and refraction principles in the lecture portion and reinforces them during labs under non-production conditions. Students apply fundamental skills in light console operation and temporary installations of lighting systems under show conditions.

Prerequisites
(1) THEA 1110 or instructor approval

Skill Level


THEA 2170 Stage Management

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  4.5 - 0 - 4.5

This course is an introduction to the creative and administrative work of stage management including responsibilities and methods in rehearsal and productions, union considerations, and communication skills for collaboration.

Skill Level


THEA 2200 Arts Administration

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  4.5 - 0 - 4.5

This course is an overview of issues relevant to the operation of arts organizations, including publicity, promotion, box office and admission, facilities management, programming, and planning.

Skill Level


THEA 2480 Introduction to Dramatic Literature I

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  4.5 - 0 - 4.5

Students examine the elements of drama, notable dramatic works, and the major dramatic genres from antiquity through the 17th century. (Cross-listed as ENGL 2480)

Prerequisites
(1) ENGL 1020; or ENGL 1240; or THEA 2010 with instructor approval

Skill Level


THEA 2481 Introduction to Dramatic Literature II

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  4.5 - 0 - 4.5

Students examine the elements of drama, notable dramatic works, and the major dramatic genres from the 18th century through contemporary times. (Cross-listed as ENGL 2481)

Prerequisites
(1) ENGL 1020; or ENGL 1240; or THEA 2010 with instructor approval

Skill Level


THEA 2900 Special Topics in Theatre

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  0 - 0 - 0

This course permits instruction in special content areas not included in other Theatre courses.

Prerequisites
(1) Instructor approval

Skill Level


THEA 2901 Special Topics in Playwriting

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  1.5 - 0 - 1

This course addresses specific playwriting topics such as documentary theatre, community-based or devised theatre, adaptation from non-dramatic texts, solo performance, and more. It may also accommodate special availability of noteworthy playwright teaching artists.

Prerequisites
(1) THEA 2030 or instructor approval

Skill Level


THEA 2910 Special Topics: GPTC

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  1.5 - 0 - 1.5

This course focuses on the first step in producing a play: the play reading. Students attend 15 hours of readings and critique sessions of new plays at the Great Plains Theatre Conference's PlayLabs. Students examine the dramaturgical elements of the plays (structure, world of the play, language, characters, plots, and themes), the production components outlined in the stage directions (casting, staging, tech/set design), and the discussion of the works by panelists and audience members. They keep a journal of their observations and responses to PlayLabs and submit a short paper that synthesizes their discoveries about the types of plays being written and the challenges playwrights face in refining and, ultimately, seeing their work produced on stage.

Skill Level


THEA 2920 Theatre Practicum

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  0 - 0 - 0

Students earn credit for practical theatre production experience in topics such as design, construction, performance, and promotion.

Prerequisites
(1) Instructor approval

Skill Level


THEA 2981 Cooperative Study I

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  0 - 120 - 3

This course is a cooperative education experience provided by MCC and the Omaha Community Playhouse. Students work a minimum of 165 hours per quarter in conjunction with the Playhouse and its staff. Students who successfully complete this course sequence receive an apprentice certificate.

Skill Level


THEA 2982 Cooperative Study II

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  0 - 120 - 3

This course is a cooperative education experience provided by MCC and the Omaha Community Playhouse. Students work a minimum of 165 hours per quarter in conjunction with the Playhouse and its staff. Students who successfully complete this course sequence receive an apprentice certificate.

Skill Level


THEA 2983 Cooperative Study III

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  0 - 120 - 3

This course is a cooperative education experience provided by MCC and the Omaha Community Playhouse. Students work a minimum of 165 hours per quarter in conjunction with the Playhouse and its staff. Students who successfully complete this course sequence receive an apprentice certificate.

Skill Level


THEA 2984 Cooperative Study IV

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  0 - 120 - 3

This course is a cooperative education experience provided by MCC and the Omaha Community Playhouse. Students work a minimum of 165 hours per quarter in conjunction with the Playhouse and its staff. Students who successfully complete this course sequence receive an apprentice certificate.

Skill Level


THEA 2985 Cooperative Study V

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  0 - 120 - 3

This course is a cooperative education experience provided by MCC and the Omaha Community Playhouse. Students work a minimum of 165 hours per quarter in conjunction with the Playhouse and its staff. Students who successfully complete this course sequence receive an apprentice certificate.

Skill Level


THEA 2986 Cooperative Study VI

Lecture/Lab/Credit Hours  0 - 120 - 3

This course is a cooperative education experience provided by MCC and the Omaha Community Playhouse. Students work a minimum of 165 hours per quarter in conjunction with the Playhouse and its staff. Students who successfully complete this course sequence receive an apprentice certificate.

Skill Level