Theatre

Professor Roten; Assistant Professor Jones; Emerita Rodgers

Overview of the Program in Theatre

The Program in Theatre offers a major in Theatre, a major in Theatre with a Musical Theatre Concentration and a K–12 Licensure to teach Theatre. Our varied performance opportunities include four main stage theatre productions, plus several studio productions each year. Auditions for Meredith College Theatre productions and Extra Theatre Company are open to all Meredith College students. Many of our courses fulfill general education requirements.

The Meredith College Theatre Program is a collaborative laboratory for exploring the extraordinary power of personal expression, conducting artistic scholarship and developing technical, creative, and critical skills within a liberal arts curriculum. Because the arts play a profound role in how we understand, imagine, and shape our world, our programs prepare students for a productive life in global society. Guided by professionally active faculty, students engage in a broad range of performance, research, and design opportunities throughout their academic careers. The purpose of the Theatre Program is to:

  • Support the Arts and Aesthetics component of general education;
  • Offer a major in Theatre and a Concentration in Musical Theatre;
  • Offer preparation for teacher licensure in Theatre K–12;
  • Offer experiential learning and performance opportunities;
  • Enrich the cultural and aesthetic life of the Meredith College community; and
  • Encourage student involvement in theatre beyond the Meredith community through service learning, internships, travel, participation in productions and arts organizations, and partnerships with lab schools.

The goals of the Theatre Program are met by:

  • Offering classes, performance opportunities, internships and partnerships, and research opportunities that challenge and encourage the creative and intellectual process;
  • Creating an active learning environment in which students learn the technological skills necessary for producing and promoting their art, weaving into the curricula and productions the tools for understanding and appreciating diverse cultures and their contributions to the arts;
  • Interacting closely with students as advisors and role models to ensure their growth as artistic professionals.

In addition to the courses of study, the Theatre Program offers students unique opportunities to study with renowned guest teachers, playwrights, actors, and directors each year. The Theatre Program typically presents a musical, a theatre for youth production, a significant classic, and a contemporary play each year. In addition, several student- led productions are performed. Guest artists often perform or serve as guest directors such as Anne Bogart, Beth Leavel, Wendy MacLeod, and Anne Washburn.

Each year, the Theatre Program participates in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. This opportunity allows students to appreciate the work being done at institutions of higher education all over the region and to compete for prestigious graduate school scholarships.

Career Directions

Theatre majors are prepared for careers in education, further graduate studies, performance, design, technical theatre or directing. Recent graduates are studying for their Master of Fine Arts degrees, teaching in the public schools, and pursuing careers in professional theatre.

Mission Statement for Theatre

The Theatre program at Meredith is student-centered and challenges women to strive, struggle, and achieve in the art of theatre. Dedicated, professional faculty guide each individual in an in-depth program of academically rigorous study in performance, production and design.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Theatre Program

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • create artistic works and scholarly documents;
  • apply a disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge base to their own work;
  • communicate effectively using written, visual, and physical means;
  • evaluate their work in an engaging, artistic and constructive way.

Theatre Majors

Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre must earn 37-39 credit hours. The required core courses encourage students to study all aspects of theatrical production. The additional courses provide the opportunity for the individual student to customize her course of instruction in consultation with her major advisor toward a greater overview or toward a focus on performance or production.

Theatre Major with a Musical Theatre Concentration

Students will be able to envision, create and produce artistic works, specifically in the field of Musical Theatre. Our rigorous program of study will educate and train students in the areas of Acting, Dance and Music, allowing them to meet the opportunities available in the work of Musical Theatre.

The K–12 Teaching Licensure in Theatre is designed for those students who wish to pursue the teaching of theatre as a profession. This program prepares students for licensure by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to teach theatre in grades K–12.

The goals of the curriculum are to insure:

  • competency in the teaching of theatre by guiding the student’s involvement in public performance of theatre;
  • development of visual and aural perceptions related to performance;
  • understanding of developmental and activity- oriented production processes such as acting, directing, scenic design, costume design, writing of traditional experimental theatrical forms, and basic technical operations related to productions;
  • familiarity with and competence in fundamental theatre techniques;
  • acquaintance with the historical and cultural dimensions of theatre as they include the works of leading playwrights, actors, directors, and designers, both past and present;
  • understanding and evaluation of contemporary thinking about theatre and related arts; and,
  • informed assessment of quality in works of theatre.

The objectives for the curriculum are to develop theatre teachers who would help students by:

  • communicating what playwrights seek to convey and how that is intensified through theatrical production;
  • assisting them in using and controlling the emotions for communication, strengthening the imagination, expanding intellectual horizons to include an aesthetic awareness, and providing a basic understanding and critical appreciation of theatre arts;
  • promoting skills in observation and communication and the ability to exercise critical thinking and make decisions through theatrical experiences;
  • encouraging their confidence, creative potential, personal discipline, involvement in the creative process, and ability to work effectively with others; and,
  • preparing them for future education, a vocational and/or vocational theatre arts experiences.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

THE-101: Performance Practica

The practicum is designed to give the student practical theatre experience through production, performance, or front of house work.

Notes

Practica may be taken a maximum of eight times for credit.

THE-102: Performance Practica

The practicum is designed to give the student practical theatre experience through production, performance, or front of house work.

Notes

Practica may be taken a maximum of eight times for credit.

THE-103: Production Practica

The practicum is designed to give the student practical theatre experience through production, performance, or front of house work.

Notes

Practica may be taken a maximum of eight times for credit.

THE-104: Production Practica

The practicum is designed to give the student practical theatre experience through production, performance, or front of house work.

Notes

Practica may be taken a maximum of eight times for credit.

THE-105: Front of House Practica

The practicum is designed to give the student practical theatre experience through production, performance, or front of house work.

Notes

Practica may be taken a maximum of eight times for credit.

THE-106: Front of House Practica

The practicum is designed to give the student practical theatre experience through production, performance, or front of house work.

Notes

Practica may be taken a maximum of eight times for credit.

THE-114: Introduction to Theatre

This course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of the art of theatre through an exploration of Aristotelian dramatic theory; the principles of acting, and directing, and designs, and major events in theatre history. A student experiences theatre through the analysis of dramatic literature and criticism as related to play attendance.

THE-150: Voice and Articulation

A course designed to develop flexibility and expression in the human voice, it is intended for, but not limited to, students who wish to have a career in which strong verbal skills are important. Units include phonetics, accent reduction (Standard American English), projection, resonance, articulation, breathing, vocal anatomy, and vocal variety.

THE-188: Special Topics in Theatre

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

Required Prerequisites

Prerequisites vary with topic studied.

Notes

May be repeated for credit.

THE-214: Creative Dramatics

Creative dramatics is an area of study which involves drama experiences (pantomimes, improvisations, movement, songs, and games) which are process, not product-oriented for the growth and development of students rather than for the entertainment of the audience. This course includes lectures, readings, and practical opportunities for experience. Observations in area elementary schools and the development of a resource file are required.

THE-224: Acting I

The beginning acting student is introduced to the theories and practical skills of the Stanislavski system including relaxation, concentration, warm-up techniques, and improvisation exercises. Participation in scene study and monologue work, as well as applying the basics of scoring are explored.

Required Prerequisites

THE-114
May be taken without prerequisite course with instructor's consent. 

THE-245: Stagecraft

A study and application of the technical elements of theatre production. Major emphasis will be given to scenic construction and materials used in technical production. Laboratory hours will be arranged for practical experience in scenic arts and crafts.

Required Prerequisites

THE-114
May be taken without prerequisite course with instructor's consent. 

Notes

Course fee assessed.

THE-246: Lighting and Sound

An introduction to the basics of electricity, as they apply to theatre, and a survey of the fundamental lighting and sound processes and equipment.

Required Prerequisites

THE-245
May be taken without prerequisite course with instructor's consent. 

Notes

Course fee assessed.

THE-247: Costume and Makeup

An introduction to the basics of costume and makeup design and the processes of costume construction and makeup applications for the stage through practical laboratory experience.

Required Prerequisites

THE-245
May be taken without prerequisite course with instructor's consent. 

Notes

Course fee assessed.

THE-288: Special Topics in Theatre

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

Required Prerequisites

Prerequisites vary with topic studied.

Notes

May be repeated for credit.

THE-299: Research in Theatre

This course will provide opportunities for freshmen and sophomores to participate in an original research project with a faculty mentor. The research experience will culminate in a paper and presentation. A research proposal form completed by the student and faculty mentor is required for registration.

Required Prerequisites

THE-114

Notes

May be repeated for credit for a total of 6 credit hours. 
Completed and signed Research Study Forms must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.

THE-316: History of Theatre Classic-Romance

The course will guide the student through the cultural exploration of the origin and development of theatre, dramatic literature and its structure and genres, dramatic theory, the principles of performance, and techniques of production (including costuming, scenic design, and company structure), from the beginning to about 1870. Western and non-western theatre history will be examined. 

Required Prerequisites

THE-114

THE-317: History of Theatre Modern-Contemporary

The course will guide the student through the cultural exploration of the development of modern theatre, contemporary dramatic literature, modern dramatic theory, the principles of performance, and techniques of production (including costuming, scenic design, and company structure), from 1870 to the present. Western and non-western theatre history will be examined.

Required Prerequisites

THE-114
May be taken without prerequisite course with instructor's consent. 

THE-324: Acting II

Using the work done in Acting I as a foundation, this course focuses on the advanced acting theories of Stanislavski, including sense and emotion memory. Through scene work and monologues, the student explores more complicated characterizations, difficult dramatic genres, and the audition process.

Required Prerequisites

THE-224
May be repeated for credit to a maximum of four times.

THE-335: Scenic Design and Painting

The course will explore the art of scenic design and painting. The student will be exposed to the process of drafting, rendering and building three-dimensional models for stage settings. She will also practice the techniques used by scenic artists to paint backdrops and faux finishes for the theatre.

Required Prerequisites

THE-114 and THE-245
May be taken without prerequisite course with instructor's consent. 

Notes

Course fee assessed.

THE-350: Modern Drama

A study of modern theatre from 1875 to the present, this course will look at the development of drama through playwrights and their works. Beginning with Ibsen, Strindberg, Chekhov, and Shaw, the class will explore important twentieth century plays and conclude with contemporary drama. Work will include substantial reading and writing, with viewing and reviewing of performances.

Required Prerequisites

ENG-200

Notes

Also offered as ENG-350. 

THE-370: Playwriting

An introduction to the basic tools of playwriting, students will explore the fundamentals of writing for the stage through formal and informal exercises. They will learn how to use constructive criticism to improve their work and the work of others. The semester will culminate with a performance of staged readings of the students' projects.

THE-388: Special Topics in Theatre

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

Required Prerequisites

Prerequisites vary with topic studied.

Notes

May be repeated for credit.

THE-390: Audition and Interview

This course is intended to instill professional behaviors, better auditioning techniques, and polished interview skills to upper level Theatre majors. A team taught course of study, Performance students will hone their auditioning skills under the instruction of various instructors and invited guest artists in the industry. Design and technical students will undergo rigorous portfolio building, training and review by various instructors and invited guest artists. Interview skills will also be a focus for both populations.

Required Prerequisites

THE-114

THE-424: Acting III Meisner Training

Building on the skills learned in Acting II, the advanced acting student will deepen her understanding of the craft of acting through the study of the Meisner approach. 

Required Prerequisites

THE-324

THE-425: Directing

Basics of casting, staging and play analysis are reviewed. Scenes are presented in class. A one-act play must be produced for public performance. 

Required Prerequisites

THE-114

THE-480: Internship: Area of Specialization

This course consists of an internship in theatre management or in production, and an evaluation of the experience under the guidance of an on-campus instructor. The student will work with a theatre company or an arts organization to explore contemporary theatre practices.

Required Prerequisites

THE-114
May be taken without prerequisite courses with instructor's consent. 

THE-488: Special Topics in Theatre

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

Required Prerequisites

Prerequisites vary with topic studied.

Notes

May be repeated for credit.

THE-490: Project: Area of Specialization

A project, selected by the theatre major in consultation with her advisor, which will focus on her area of specialization [performance, production, management, etc.].

Required Prerequisites

Instructor's consent required.

THE-496: Seminar in Musical Theatre

The study of the history of musical theatre; analysis of musical scripts and characters; performance of scenes and excerpts.

Required Prerequisites

THE-114
May be taken without prerequisite course with instructor's consent. 

THE-498: Honors Thesis in Theatre

An introduction to theories, methods, and ethics of aesthetic inquiry. In conjunction with a Theatre faculty mentor, the student will formulate and execute an original research project that will culminate in a research paper and/or performance work. A "Research Course Information Form" completed by the student and the faculty mentor is required for registration. The research project must meet Honors Program Thesis requirements as well as the expectations of the Theatre faculty.

Required Prerequisites

Senior standing in the Honors and/or Teaching Fellows Programs only.

Notes

Completed and signed Research Study Forms must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.

THE-499: Research in Theatre

This course will provide opportunities for juniors and seniors to participate in an original research project with a faculty mentor. The research experience will culminate in a paper and presentation. A research proposal form completed by the student and faculty mentor is required for registration.

Required Prerequisites

THE-114
Junior or Senior standing

Notes

May be repeated for credit for a total of 6 credit hours. 
Completed and signed Research Study Forms must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.

THE-580: Advanced Internship in Theatre

This course provides an academic connection to and context for students in a supervised internship with a professional or semi-professional theatre company as performers, designers, or production crew or staff. Students will work 40 hours per credit as part of the company in specified areas.

Required Prerequisites

Admission to the Professional Certificate in Theatre Program

THE-590: Advanced Practicum in Theatre

An advanced practicum in professional theatre designed to give students practical knowledge and experience preparing them for careers within the national not-for-profit and commercial theatre. Students must work 40 hours per credit in Musical Theatre, Theatre Performance or Design/Technical Theatre with an approved professional theatre company.

Required Prerequisites

Admission to Professional Certificate in Theatre Program

THE-735: Methods of Teaching Theatre

This course provides basic instruction in teaching methods for theatre, using behavioral instructional objectives as the basis for development. Students will develop a philosophy of teaching theatre; organize units and lesson plans; question, criticize, and reformulate assumptions about the nature of their work through reflection on their own teaching methods. 

Required Prerequisites

THE-214