THEA 1005 - Acting for Non-Majors
3 credit hours
For non-theatre majors only. Basic theory and practice of acting for the non-theatre major. Emphasis on the understanding and exploration of the actor's tools and the application of basic skills through the creative process.
TBC: Creativity and Cultural Expression (Explorations)
THEA 1015 - Acting I
3 credit hours
Open to Theatre majors only. Fundamentals of the acting process examined through improvisation, characterization, text analysis, and basic acting technique.
THEA 1025 - Stage Craft I
3 credit hours
Lectures and practical experience in the techniques of planning, building, painting, and handling all types of scenery; knowledge of theatre architecture and how sets are mounted, shifted, and run.
THEA 1030 - Introduction to Theatre
3 credit hours
Overview of theatre as an art form. Appreciation and understanding of the production process. TBR Common Course: THEA 1030
TBC: Creativity and Cultural Expression (Discovery)
THEA 1820 - Discovering Drama: A Play Script Study
3 credit hours
Analysis of plays as a means to understand dramatic forms, components, and meaning.
TBC: Creativity and Cultural Expression (Explorations)
THEA 2000 - First Year Seminar in Theatre
2 credit hours
Prerequisite: Theatre majors only. Introductory study of theatre as an art and a profession with a focus on the expectations and requirements of the MTSU Theatre program.
THEA 2100 - Introduction to Production Practices
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Open to Theatre majors only. Corequisite: THEA 2900. Lectures and seminars in the techniques of planning, building, painting, and handling all types of scenery; knowledge of theatre architecture and how sets are mounted, shifted, and run. Laboratory hours and/or crew required.
THEA 2900 - Production Practices Lab
1 credit hour
Corequisite: THEA 2100. Examines the execution of the various scenic elements covered in THEA 2100 as well as the safety requirements of the scene shop and its equipment.
THEA 3000 - Sound Design for Arts and Entertainment
3 credit hours
Theory and practice of theatrical sound designers conducted through classroom lecture and practical project. Utilizes tools, equipment, and techniques of sound designers with emphasis on design process and critical methods of study. Technical performance production component expected. Laboratory hours required.
THEA 3050 - Theatrical Design Concepts
3 credit hours
A study of visual communication and aesthetic design for the theatre with an emphasis on design conception and process. An overview of the history of theatrical design and dynamics of collaborative process. Explores design process, theory, and principles through the execution of projects, papers, and examinations.
THEA 3100 - Make-Up Techniques for Performers
3 credit hours
Application of make-up techniques and concepts for performers in theatre, television, film, dance, opera, and other performing arts. Laboratory hours and/or crew requirement.
THEA 3200 - Introduction to Costume for Arts and Entertainment
3 credit hours
Overview of costume in the arts and entertainment; an orientation to costume, design, management, technology, wardrobe practices, and costume critique methods through projects developed through research, problem-solving, and documentation; focus on student career and portfolio development. Laboratory hours and/or crew requirement.
THEA 3270 - Musical Theatre Production
0 to 1 credit hours
Prerequisite: An audition will be required to enroll in the course as a performing cast member. Stage managers and technical crew will require the recommendation of an advisor. Production of a fully-staged musical work.
THEA 3300 - Scene Design
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: THEA 3050 or permission of instructor. Lectures and practical experience in planning and designing settings for the stage. Emphasis on forms and styles of scenery, historical period research designers, and new theatrical materials, methods, and techniques. Major projects in set design.
THEA 3310 - Theatrical Drafting: Theory and Technique
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: THEA 2100 or THEA 1025 or permission of instructor. Study of communication of the theatrical design concept through rendering, drafting, and technical drawing. Emphasis on developing drawing and drafting skills needed for theatre and entertainment design/technology utilizing both manual and CAD techniques.
THEA 3400 - Lighting for Arts and Entertainment I
3 credit hours
Lectures and practical experience in the methods and techniques of lighting for the stage. Emphasis on creation of lighting design for performance through the study and knowledge of electricity, circuity, instrumentation, control equipment, and fundamental properties of lighting design. Major projects in lighting design. Crew requirement.
THEA 3500 - Stage Movement
3 credit hours
A theoretical and practical study of stage movement. Styles and techniques for physical realization of character and performance.
THEA 3510 - Acting II
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: THEA 1015. A continuation of the principles explored in THEA 1015 with a greater emphasis on scene work, text analysis, and character development.
THEA 3520 - Voice for the Actor I
3 credit hours
A practical study of the human vocal mechanism and its use in acting. Techniques for breathing, alignment, resonance, articulation, and projection taught to help actors achieve a healthy, flexible, and expressive vocal instrument. Significant physical activity component required.
THEA 3540 - Musical Theatre Performance
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: THEA 3510 or permission of instructor. A musical theatre workshop performance class. Students expand repertoire by performing and observing new songs while exploring and experiencing the skills necessary to act a song.
THEA 3600 - Methods for Using Drama in the Classroom
3 credit hours
Methodology for using theatre and theatre techniques for teaching children in various venues. Motivational, self-directed learning through creative drama, improvisation, role-playing, and theatre games.
THEA 3620 - Methods and Assessment of Theatre in Secondary Education
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. Teaching methods and assessment for theatre in the secondary education classroom.
THEA 3700 - Fundamentals of Play Directing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: THEA 1015 and THEA 3820. Director as literary and production critic. Play analysis, production concepts, staging, theory and techniques; rehearsal methods and procedures. Scene work.
THEA 3800 - Introduction to Arts Management
3 credit hours
Management of a not-for-profit arts organization. Topics include organizational design, strategic planning, budgeting, marketing, and fundraising within the context of a visual or performing arts organization. Guest lecturers from regional arts organizations. Projects and discussion for individual interests in various arts disciplines.
THEA 3810 - Stage Management
3 credit hours
Explores the role and function of the stage manager in creating live theatre. Focuses on the duties, terminology, and required skills and traits of an effective stage manager. Laboratory hours required and/or crew requirement.
THEA 3820 - Script Analysis
3 credit hours
Analysis of plays for the purposes of directing, designing, or acting in productions.
THEA 3910 - Internship in Theatre
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, successful completion of 15 credit hours (not including THEA 4900), and permission of department. Students undertake supervised work experiences in a professional theatre setting and/or in arts education organizations. Experiences offered to enhance student's understanding and development of skills for work in the profession. Paper-based projects also required.
THEA 4110 - Make-Up Design and Creation
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: THEA 3100 or permission of instructor. Designed to meet individual and group needs; an intensive application of make-up design incorporating all aspects of make-up in the performing arts focusing on in-depth historical research, advanced techniques, hair/wig design, creative problem-solving, and portfolio and resume development. Laboratory hours required.
THEA 4190 - Topics in Make-up for Arts and Entertainment
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: THEA 3100 or permission of instructor. Designed to meet individual needs for advanced study in make-up for entertainment and the arts. Topics to be determined at time of scheduling. A maximum of 6 semester hours may be applied toward a degree.
THEA 4220 - Costume Design for Arts and Entertainment
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: THEA 3050 and THEA 3200 or permission of instructor. Costume design in the performing arts; an orientation to the costume application of design and development principles through costume design projects developed through research for various performance venues with a focus on student career and portfolio development.
THEA 4280 - Topics in Costume for Arts and Entertainment
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Designed to meet individual needs for advanced study in costume for entertainment and the arts. Topic to be determined at time of scheduling. A maximum of 6 semester hours may be applied toward a degree.
THEA 4290 - Problems in Theatre
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Designed to meet individual and/or group needs in all aspects of theatre arts. Topic and credit to be determined at the time of scheduling. A maximum of 6 semester hours credit may be applied toward a degree.
THEA 4380 - Rigging for Arts and Entertainment
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: THEA 1025, THEA 2100, or THEA 3400 or permission of instructor. Introduces students to the broad range of skills, tools, materials, and processes necessary for the safe and efficient rigging of scenery and effects. Topics include permanent rigging systems, production specific rigging solutions, fiber and wire rope, terminations, and operation. Crew/Production requirement.
THEA 4390 - Topics in Scenography
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Designed to meet individual and group needs for advanced study in theatre. Topic to be determined at time of scheduling. A maximum of 6 semester hours credit may be applied toward a degree.
THEA 4400 - Lighting for Arts and Entertainment II
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: THEA 3050 and THEA 3400 or permission of instructor. Advanced methods and theories of lighting design. Strong emphasis on practical projects, design processes, and critical methods of study. Includes components on theory/criticism.
THEA 4480 - Automated Lighting for Arts and Entertainment
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: THEA 3400. Methods and techniques of automated lighting for the stage; emphasis on creation of automated lighting design and programming for performance through the study and knowledge of electricity, control language, instrumentation, and programming fundamental properties of automated lighting design. Crew/production requirement.
THEA 4490 - Advanced Topics in Lighting for Arts and Entertainment
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Designed to meet individual needs for advanced study in lighting for entertainment and the arts. Topic to be determined at time of scheduling. A maximum of 6 semester hours may be applied toward a degree.
THEA 4510 - Meisner Technique
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: THEA 3510 or permission of instructor. Introduces the Meisner Technique as a means of actor training including repetition, activity, relationship, emotional preparation, interpretations, and scene study.
THEA 4520 - Acting for the Camera
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. For actors and film directors. Hands-on experience in camera-acting techniques and methodology, including tools to analyze a scene, create a believable character, and meet the technical demands required of an on-camera actor. Culminates in the production of a short film or scene.
THEA 4560 - Acting III
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: THEA 3510 or permission of instructor. Audition technique. A practicum for selecting, preparing, and performing a variety of audition monologues. Develop skills in cold reading; prepare a professional resume; discuss headshots; and research the role of agents, casting directors, and unions in the casting process.
THEA 4590 - Topics in Acting
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: THEA 3510 or permission of instructor. Designed to meet individual needs for advanced study in acting. Topic to be determined at time of scheduling. A maximum of 6 semester hours may be applied toward a degree.
THEA 4600 - Storytelling
3 credit hours
Instruction and experience in the art of storytelling. Individually designed course requirements for educational, professional, corporate, and personal storytelling techniques.
THEA 4610 - Theatre in Education
3 credit hours
For current and prospective teachers. Integration of drama across the curriculum. The creation, construction, performance, and touring of a play for elementary school children.
THEA 4620 - Theatre Education Practicum
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: THEA 3620 or permission of instructor. Participation in the K-12 theatre classroom setting with class discussions and readings about the teaching experience. Advanced theatre curriculum development for the K-12 level.
THEA 4690 - International Studies in Theatre
3 credit hours
A short-term international theatre experience designed to broaden international and cultural awareness and to promote international theatrical exchanges. Class may be repeated for up to six credit hours if destination is the same country or up to a total of nine credit hours if the country designation varies.
THEA 4700 - Advanced Play Directing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: THEA 3700. Case studies and problem solving of rehearsals and production. Director's relationship with designers. Investigation of style. Rehearsal and presentation of a one-act play.
THEA 4710 - Director and Designer Collaboration
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Two of the following: THEA 3050, THEA 3200, THEA 3300, THEA 3400, or THEA 3700. Examines the theory and practice of collaboration in the theatre through creative laboratory projects. Presentation of directorial ideas and execution of design ideas to replicate the professional process.
THEA 4800 - Theatre History I: Greek Period to Restoration
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. The development of drama and the theatre; critical study of representative plays of the period.
THEA 4810 - Theatre History II: Restoration to Present
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. The development of drama and the theatre; critical study of representative plays of the period.
THEA 4815 - Advanced Stage Management
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: THEA 3810 with C (2.0) or better. An in-depth study of the theory, practice, and responsibilities of stage managers in live production settings.
THEA 4840 - Musical Theatre History
3 credit hours
(Same as MUHL 4840.) Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. A comprehensive history of musicals from the 1840s to the present that explores the effects of culture, economics, and politics of each era on musical theatre.
THEA 4890 - Topics in Playwrights and Dramatic Theory
3 credit hours
Selected major playwrights linked by theme or a particular genre of dramatic theory; an intensive examination of plays which either survey playwrights' careers or represent a significant portion of a genre's canon. May be repeated for credit once.
THEA 4900 - Production Practicum
1 credit hour
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Specific area of study in relation to a particular theatrical event or production during a given semester. Topics range from the performance to technical crews. A maximum of 4 semester hours credit may be applied toward a degree.
THEA 4950 - Directed Studies
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Available only to students who have completed 50 percent of the coursework in theatre; permission of department required. Individualized intensive instruction for students to pursue research and creative activity in a specialized area with faculty mentorship. A maximum of 6 semester hours may be applied toward a degree.
THEA 4990 - Senior Seminar in Theatre
1 credit hour
Prerequisite: Theatre majors only; senior classification. A capstone to the Theatre major's undergraduate career and preparation for transition to the professional theatre or graduate study. Includes lectures, workshops, professional guest speakers, and discussion sessions. Students will complete various paper-based projects including resume and portfolio construction.
Tucker Theatre accommodates major music, dance, theatrical, and television productions,
along with performances in intimate settings and a wide variety of events such as
award ceremonies, films, pageants, recitals, product launches, receptions, and meetings.
For event information, Please call 615.494.8810. For Tickets call, 1.888.718.4253.
Thank you!
All events at Tucker Theatre are scheduled through our production office. Call 615/898-2181
between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday for rental information.
The Anderson Studio Theater is a flexible black box space. It is primarily used for
student-produced performances. The space is perfect for smaller, more intimate productions.
MTSU has two fully equipped dance studio spaces for rehearsals and dance classes.
Both rooms have a full mirror wall, as well as easy-to-use audio equipment.
The Scenic Studio is designed for the construction of our scenic elements for all
Theatre and Dance productions, as well as stagecraft classes.
The Costume Studio is designed for the production of costumes for all Theatre and
Dance productions, as well as costuming classes.
The Design Studio is equipped with a state-of-the-art light box and an ETC Ion lighting
console that allows designers to work on a scale model of Tucker Theatre. Students
also have access to the computer lab and drafting materials.