The introduction to Theaters and Show Business is a required course that will equip you with the skills to become a creative and critical thinker. It is a multidisciplinary survey of theatre history, aesthetics, and performance. The class also allows students to develop contextual knowledge and effective writing skills. Students will have the opportunity to watch live theatrical performances, and will be expected to write a critical review of each. In addition, this class will introduce students to dramatic literature from different periods, including classical and contemporary plays.
Students will learn about the origins of the theatre, its historical role in social and cultural interactions, and will appreciate the differences between contemporary and ancient theatres. Modernist and avant-garde theatre forms will be examined, as will the work of internationally renowned directors. You’ll also learn how to identify and analyze the key elements of theatrical production such as lighting, sound, and choreography.
Aside from watching live theatre, you’ll also get a taste of the creative process of performing artists by designing and creating your own production. For your design project, you’ll be guided through the creation of an undergraduate main stage production. While it might seem daunting, this course will show you the steps you need to take to succeed.
One of the more difficult parts of the class will be figuring out where to begin. Several topics will be addressed, including the origins of musicals, contemporary production dramaturgy, and the evolution of directing theory from the 1850s to the present. Depending on your interests and ability level, you might be assigned a project based on a specific theme. This course may be taken for credit three times, which will allow you to repeat the course up to six times.
Another interesting course is the Senior Seminar Program. This is a small group seminar, which will provide you the opportunity to interact with professors and other undergraduates in an informal setting. Each quarter, the program will have a different topic, which is designed to give you a more comprehensive overview of the department’s various areas of study. Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in arts administration, theater management, or any other esoteric field, the Senior Seminar Program is a great place to network with peers and experts alike. If you are interested in learning more about a particular topic, you’ll likely be able to find the answer to your questions in the program’s database.
The class will be taught by one of the department’s finest, and if you’re lucky you’ll be able to attend a fully staged season production. Of course, you’ll also have to make sure you have upper division standing. Also, the senior seminar program has a small enrollment cap, so your chances of actually getting a seat are a bit slim. But if you’re serious about getting a degree in the arts, this is the course to take.