Theatre Arts

Professor: Fonzie Geary II
Associate Professor: Maggie Gayle

Dramatic art represents the culmination of all arts put forth for the purpose of advancing human interaction, reflecting and challenging broader culture, and fostering a firmer sense of the individual self. Students investing in the study of dramatic art will develop skills in oral communication, research methods, interpersonal relationships, and team building collaboration. In addition, students will develop skills in the critical evaluation of text and performance in a variety of perspectives including theoretical, cultural, and historical as a means of better understanding the world around them.

Theatre arts are required to participate in all Harlequin Theatre productions in some capacity.

NOTE

* Students may use THE 101 to satisfy core requirements. 

NOTE: To graduate with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from Lyon College, students must successfully complete a minimum of 120 semester credit hours comprised of our required Core curriculum (44-48 hours), the requirements of at least one major (credit hours vary per major), and a selection of our Liberal Arts electives. They must also earn at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average for all work taken at Lyon College and a 2.00 cumulative grade point average in their major, minor, and concentration.

Degrees

Courses

THE 101: Introduction to Theatre

Class Program
Credits 3

Survey of basic theatrical elements including acting, playwriting, directing, design, history, and dramatic literature that demonstrates the significance of theatre in society both Western and non-Western.

THE 104: Introduction to Technical Theatre

Class Program
Credits 3

An introduction to technical theatre and set construction. Lectures provide background and theory; laboratory hours teach hands-on skills needed in the technical theatre environment including scenery, props, lighting, sound, design, and scene painting.

THE 204: Costume Tech

Class Program
Credits 3

An introduction to costume technology. Lectures provide background and theory; laboratory hours teach hands-on
skills needed in a theatrical costume shop including sewing, patterning and alterations.

THE 205: Theatre Design

Class Program
Credits 3

An integrated overview of the theory and practice of design for the stage. Basic skills and crafts are emphasized as the building blocks for communication in theatre. Students will be introduced to and participate in the critique process, which teaches critical thinking and evaluation in order to improve the quality of student work.

THE 206: Scenic Painting

Class Program
Credits 3

An introduction to scenic painting for theatre. This is practical training with hands-on experience in technique. Students will be learning the process of painting a show through planning, research, color mixing, scenic painting techniques, and even how to clean up.

THE 210: Theatre Practicum

Class Program
Credits 1

Practical work on a Harlequin Theatre production as actor, backstage technician, or front of house personnel. No previous theatre experience required. Assignments are made by the instructor during the term student is registered. Maximum credit allowed for graduation is 4 credits. (200-level credits must be completed before 300-level credits)

THE 212: Theatre Practicum

Class Program
Credits 1

Practical work on a Harlequin Theatre production as actor, backstage technician, or front of house personnel. No previous theatre experience required. Assignments are made by the instructor during the term student is registered. Maximum credit allowed for graduation is 4 credits. (200-level credits must be completed before 300-level credits)

THE 232: Acting I

Class Program
Credits 3

This course serves as an introduction to Stanislavski-based theories, techniques, and repetition practices of acting. The training centers upon the Meisner technique. Students will learn the basic Meisner components beginning with repetition and continuing through doors and activities, followed by beginning scene work.

Prerequisite Courses

THE 301: Modern Drama

Class Program
Credits 3

A seminar-based course that examines Western playwrights from George Buchner (1835) to the present through reading and discussion. The seminar will vary from a survey to a concentration on selected playwrights.

THE 310: Theatre Practicum

Class Program
Credits 1

Practical work on a Harlequin Theatre production as actor, backstage technician, or front of house personnel. No previous theatre experience required. Assignments are made by the instructor during the term student is registered. Maximum credit allowed for graduation is 4 credits. (200-level credits must be completed before 300-level credits)

THE 312: Theatre Practicum

Class Program
Credits 1

Practical work on a Harlequin Theatre production as actor, backstage technician, or front of house personnel. No previous theatre experience required. Assignments are made by the instructor during the term student is registered. Maximum credit allowed for graduation is 4 credits. (200-level credits must be completed before 300-level credits)

THE 333: Acting II

Class Program
Credits 3

 This course serves as an extension of skills and concepts learned in THE 232. Students will learn more advanced components of the Meisner Technique such as Spoon River and more in depth character and script analysis. In addition, students will gain exposure in studying other major acting theorists and practitioners such as Adler, Strasberg, and Hagen.

Prerequisite Courses

THE 340: Playwriting Workshop

Class Program
Credits 3

An intensive writing workshop exploring the art of writing a play. Students will learn the art of rewriting, as well as the art of writing a play. Prerequisite THE 101 or permission of instructor.

THE 383: World Theatre History

Class Program
Credits 3

Survey of world theatre from its ritualistic beginnings to the present day. It will include readings of selected plays from world cultures. (Same as HIS 383)

Prerequisites

THE 101

THE 410: Senior Practicum I

Class Program
Credits 2

Advanced level focus on a specific area of theatre such as acting, directing, or technical design to be applied to the fall or spring main stage theatre production. The area of focus will be determined in consultation with the professor.

Prerequisites

THE 210 or 212, THE 232, and THE 310 or 312

THE 412: Senior Practicum II

Class Program
Credits 2

Advanced level focus on a specific area of theatre such as acting, directing, or technical design to be applied to the fall or spring main stage theatre production. The area of focus will be determined in consultation with the professor.

Prerequisites

THE 210 or 212, THE 232, and THE 310 or 312