Theatre

The Theatre Minor gives students the opportunity to develop communication and creative problem-solving skills and they learn the art and technique of communicating a play to an audience. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of the various aspects of theatre production and their own artistic voice in a combination of classroom and laboratory environments. Within the minor, a student may focus on an area of particular interest (performing, directing, writing, etc.), but all students will become more proficient in collaboration, creative problem solving, interpretation, and self-awareness.

Curriculum

  1. THEA 135 Introduction to Performance

  1. Study of Theatre Production  (one unit)

  • (Directing, Design, Performance, Playwriting, Stage Management, etc)

One unit in directing, design, performance, playwriting or stage management, to be chosen from courses offered at Moravian or another LVAIC institution. Special topics, independent study or internship courses may be included, with approval of the program director.

  1. Study of Dramatic Literature or History (one unit)

Chose one of the following, or another approved Moravian or LVAIC course in dramatic Literature or Theatre History:

  • -THEA 330/ ENGL 330. Shakespeare
  • -ENGL 223. Modern Drama and Theater
  • -ENGL 224. American Drama and Theater
  • or special topics courses in Dramatic Literature or Theatre History, with approval of the program director.

4. Elective (one unit)

Chose one of the following:

  • A second theatre production course
  • A full unit of approved Vocal Music courses
  • A full unit of approved Dance courses
  • A second dramatic literature course

For foreign language students, this could include FREN360/THEA360 (20th-Century French Theatre), GERM350/THEA350 (20th-Century German Theatre), SPAN342/THEA342 (Love and Jealousy from Cervantes to Almodóvar), SPAN354/THEA354 (Emblems and Visual Culture in Early Modern Spain) or FOR115/THEA115 (Spanish Masterpieces in Translation) however, note that courses cannot count toward BOTH a major and a minor).

  • An approved arts management course
  • Internship or --Independent Study with approval of the program director. 
  • An approved LVAIC theatre course

NOTE: Other complementary courses-including special topics courses-may not be counted as the elective with approval of the Theatre Minor advisor.

5. Major Project  (one unit)

  • THEA 385

Performance of a major role, completion of a primary design, stage management of a fully staged production, etc. Typically completed in a student's senior year. TO INCLUDE: Process journal with entries for each rehearsal/session; Accompanying readings; Weekly meetings with advisor; Completion of a personal artistic statement that looks back over previous experiences including practicum, evaluates progress, and identifies strengths, challenges, and goals. 

6. PRACTICA (NON CREDIT BEARING REQUIREMENT)

Participation (in an approved capacity) in TWO theatre productions, with accompanying self-evaluation. Could be pre-production research, performance, building, painting, writing, directing, design, etc. One of the practica may be in a related discipline (such as Dance Company participation) if authorized by the minor advisor.

Courses

THEA 111. Theatre Practicum.  In this non-credit-bearing course, students participate in theatre production. A student may participate in pre-production research, performance, building, painting, writing, directing, design, stage management, or other hands on production activity approved by the instructor. The course counts toward completion of the Theatre Minor. With approval of the minor advisor, activity may be in a related discipline (such as Dance Company participation). Students complete the work, reflect on the process, and consider the work within the context of their larger involvement with theatre at Moravian. (no credit; repeatable)

THEA 135. Introduction to Performance. This course will introduce students to the craft of stage performance and provide them with hands-on experience and a usable approach to acting. Students will participate in exercises to develop performance and collaboration techniques applicable to Theatre, Television, Film, Radio and persuasive communication. (M6)

THEA 232. Art of the Theater. Aesthetic, historical, and production aspects of theater. Practical experience in production. Alternate years. (M6)

THEA 235. Shakespeare with Swords. Shakespeare with Swords offers a semester-long study in performing some of the most famous dramatic texts in Western literature. Students will learn how to “unpack” the dense language, find the music of the text, and bring centuries-old words to life on stage. Students will also be introduced to stage combat techniques (single sword) common in performance of Shakespeare, to the vocal and physical work required to perform on stage.  Prerequisite: THEA 135 OR THEA 232/ ENGL 232. (M6)

THEA 330. Shakespeare. The major plays. Spring, alternate years.   

THEA 385 or 385.2. Project. Exploration of an aspect of theatre in practice.

THEA 190-199, 290-299, 390-399. Special Topics.
THEA 286, 381-383. Independent Study.
THEA 384. Independent Research.
THEA 288, 386-388. Internship.
THEA 400-401. Honors.