Department of Theatre

Donald Guy, M.F.A., Interim Co-Chair

Dale Merrill, M.F.A., Interim Co-Chair

Professor: Nehring;

Associate Professors: Bradac, Washington;

Assistant Professors: Benitz, Guy, Kelly.

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Screen Acting

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance

Admittance to the theatre program is by audition/interview only.

The mission of the department of theatre is to provide programs that empower students to pursue career paths appropriate to their abilities, teach students professional ethics and reflect the liberal arts vision of the university.

The theatre department offers two programs. The bachelor of fine arts program is designed for students who plan to enter the world of theatre or film/television performance and require 72 credits. The bachelor of arts degree is a broad–based program encompassing not only performance but also history, production and technology. The BA requires 47 credits, which allows students to take electives in other disciplines, and makes it possible to pursue double majors or minors. These degrees provide excellent preparation for those who plan to attend graduate school, or enter the field of teaching.

Students pursuing a degree in the department of theatre must maintain at least a 2.000 GPA in the major. All courses in the major must be taken for a letter grade and passed with a "C" (not a "C–") or higher.

Extracurricular Opportunities

• A three–week London theatre tour.
• Mainstage productions of various styles each semester.
• Student–produced and directed plays.
• Location film work and on–going television productions.
• Internships with Southern California professionals.
• Opportunities to crew productions and/or design lights, costumes, or sets.
• The student–governed Coalition of Artistic Students in Theatre (CAST).
• Shakespeare Orange County (a professional theatre company associated with Chapman University during the summer, which offers student scholarships and apprentice programs).

Departmental Honors

Departmental honors are given to those students that have earned a departmental GPA of 3.300 or higher, exhibited a professional demeanor, and made an outstanding contribution of their time and efforts to the theatre department.

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre

Acceptance to the BA in theatre is by audition or portfolio review. The courses required within the major afford the student a strong core of theatre knowledge and experience in the areas of acting, directing, theatre technology, and history. Students are provided with a wide variety of production opportunities to demonstrate understanding of acquired knowledge. Working with their advisor students will choose an 18–credit area of study in directing, performance, or technology.

BA candidates must enroll in TH 119 and TH 170 during their first semester.

It is recommended that all theatre students take dance courses.

requirements (29 credits)

directing area of study (18 credits)

six of the following, at least 9 credits must be upper–division

performance area of study (18 credits)

six of the following

technology area of study (18 credits)

six of the following, at least 9 credits must be upper–division

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Screen Acting

Acceptance to the BFA in screen acting is by audition only and is for currently enrolled theatre and film production majors only. This is a single interdisciplinary degree offered cooperatively through the Chapman University Theatre Department part of the College of Performing Arts and Dodge College of Film and Media Arts.

The BFA in screen acting degree is offered to prepare students to work as performers in all recorded media, including film, television, and new media in addition to traditional live theatre. Students will be trained in and prepared to meet the current demands of the motion picture and television industries as well as the evolving and expanding opportunities in internet, portable media, and computer-generated digital effects which require actors to be familiar with green screen and motion capture performance techniques.

In this degree, students will study traditional acting techniques with a strong emphasis on techniques appropriate to, and specific to working in front of a camera. The curriculum is structured in a traditional sequence from introductory classes in film and acting basics to more advanced out-of-class film production work. The program will culminate in a 6-credit Senior Acting Workshop that will result in a reel for students to take into the industry. All screen acting students will be required to act in film production students' films, or other projects approved by the faculty in addition to auditioning for the theatre department stage productions. In some cases, it will also be possible for screen acting students to produce their own film projects.

Electives support further study in an area of interest, including traditional theatre acting, stagecraft, filmmaking, screenwriting, television, or digital arts.

core requirements theatre (27 credits)

core requirements film and television (27 credits)

four of the following (12 credits)

electives (6 credits)

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance

Acceptance to the BFA in theatre is by audition and is for currently enrolled theatre majors only. The program allows students to explore performance as an outlet for acquired technique. Students are provided sufficient opportunity to demonstrate their talent in campus stage, film and television productions, and are encouraged to pursue professional internships.

Students will be admitted to the BFA program in theatre performance upon entrance to TH 314 Voice Production and Techniques I and TH 379 Text Analysis and Scene Study. Admittance to TH 314 and TH 379 is by audition only.

BFA candidates must enroll in TH 119 and TH 170 during their first semester. Transfer students must audition for placement into performance classes.

It is recommended that all theatre students take dance courses.

requirements (66 credits)

two of the following (6 credits)

Minor in Theatre

A minimum of 9 credits must be upper-division.

requirements (18 credits)

one of the following (3 credits)

Course Descriptions – Theatre

TH 100 Introduction to Theatre Technology

This course is an overview and theoretical exploration of all non–performance aspects of theatre production. It will introduce production design and construction, including scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, theatrical production management, labor, facility, and money and time budgeting. This course carries a lab component. Fee: $75. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

TH 105 Theatre Practicum

This course gives students practical experience in the technical areas of the production program. Students will be given a production assignment and will perform specific activities related to that technical area. This course must be repeated four semesters for a maximum of 2 credits. P/NP. (Offered every semester.) ½ credit.

TH 110 Introduction to Acting

This is a beginning acting course for students not majoring in theatre performance. The course includes relaxation work, ensemble exercises, beginning scene work, and an introduction to character–building. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

TH 113 Theatre Performance

Prerequisite, audition or consent of instructor. This course is designed for those students who have been given performance responsibilities in theatre productions. P/NP. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. (Offered every semester.) 1 credit.

TH 119 Introduction to Voice and Movement

Prerequisite, theatre major. This course is a study of the fundamentals of stage movement and vocal production. Course work includes ensemble–building, Alexander, Linklater exercises, Strasberg relaxation exercises, and the creation of physical and vocal warm–ups. All theatre majors are required to take this course during their freshman year. Fee: $75. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

TH 150 Theatre in World Cultures

This course is a study of theatre as a performing art, expression of religious faith, vehicle for social interaction, and popular entertainment. The role of theatre in world cultures, historical development of performance are explored through reading, videos, discussion, and attendance of live performances. Fee: $75. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

TH 170 Introduction to Theatre Studies

Prerequisite, theatre major. This course is a beginning study of theatre as an art form and popular entertainment. The emphasis is on analysis of dramatic styles, a brief synopsis of theatre history, as well as discussion, and criticism of contemporary theatre practices. Fee: $75. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

TH 201 Stagecraft

Prerequisite, TH 100. This is a course in the craft and methodology of scenic production for the stage. Fee: $100. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

TH 202 Theatrical Make–Up

This is an introduction to theatrical make–up. Students study stage make–up design and artistic skills, including both painting and three dimensional make–up. Often there are special opportunities for practical experience on actual productions. Theatre majors are advised to take the course in their freshman or sophomore year. Fee: $85. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

TH 204 Costume Construction

This course is designed as an introduction to the theatrical costuming construction process. The course gives students training in costume construction techniques, fitting, maintenance, tools, and other responsibilities involved in theatrical costuming. This course carries a laboratory component where students will gain hands–on experience. Fee: $75. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

TH 212 Tai–Chi for Theatre I

Prerequisite, theatre major. This course is a study in movement of the Yang Tai–Chi form. The first semester consists of the first twenty–two movements and the second semester consists of the remaining twenty–two movements for a total of forty–four movements. Tai–Chi I is a prerequisite for Tai–Chi II. (Offered fall semester.) ½ credit.

TH 213 Tai–Chi for Theatre II

Prerequisites, TH 212, theatre major. This course builds on the foundation of TH 212 and continues the art and mastery of the second twenty–two movements in Yang Tai–Chi. Students learn the movement of the Yang Tai–Chi form in order to enhance and explore their study of movement and acting. (Offered spring semester.) ½ credit.

TH 217 Introduction to Acting and Movement for Singers

Prerequisite, MUS 106. This is an introductory acting and movement course designed for singers. Course work includes relaxation work, ensemble exercises, scene work, and introduction to character building, and Stanislavski terminology and technique. (Offered every year.) 2 credits.

TH 219 Acting Fundamentals

Prerequisites, TH 119, theatre major. Course work includes beginning scene work, Stanislavski terminology and technique, playing to type, beginning rehearsal techniques, emotional realism, and performance analysis. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

TH 222 Fundamentals of Screen Acting

This introduction to screen acting begins by analyzing the similarities and differences between stage and screen acting. Course work continues into basic exercises that instruct students on basic screen techniques and will evolve into introductory scene work in front of the camera. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

TH 229 Experimental Course

This course is designed to provide additional opportunities to explore experimental areas and subjects of special interest. It may be repeated for credit provided the course content is different. (Offered as needed.) 1–3 credits.

TH 270 Theatre Management

Prerequisite, TH 100. This course will examine the business side of theatre through discussion and study of theatre management techniques, arts administration, accounting practices, box office and front–of–house procedures, marketing, publicity, and personnel. The differences and similarities of commercial theatre versus not–for–profit theatre will also be addressed. (Offered spring semester, alternate years.) 3 credits.

TH 290 Independent Internship

(Offered as needed.) 1-3 credits.

TH 299 Independent Study

(Offered as needed.) 1–3 credits.

TH 301 Drafting for the Stage

Prerequisite, TH 201. This course is designed to give students experience in the drafting and construction drawing techniques of theatre production. Historical discussion of the art and craft of theatrical scenic production and current trends in theatre technology will be included as well as a discussion of the use of computers and CAD. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

TH 307 Lighting for the Stage

Prerequisite, TH 100, or consent of instructor. This course presents students with the fundamentals of stage lighting. A detailed description of electrical theory, instrumentation, equipment, and an overview of the lighting design process are utilized. This course carries a laboratory component where students gain hands-on experience. Fee: $75. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

TH 309 Scene Painting

Prerequisite, TH 100. This is a course in the basic techniques, materials and methods used in painting scenery for theatre, film, and television. This course offers practical, hands–on experience such as color theory, highlight and shadow, paint mixing, grid and layout, base painting, cartooning, lay–in painting, and detail painting. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester, alternate years.) 3 credits.

TH 312 Movement for the Performer

Prerequisites, TH 212, 319. This course is an exploration of advanced stage movement based on work of masters such as Tadashi Suzuki, Frederick Mathias Alexander, Moshé Feldenkrais, and Anne Bogart. It may include physical character development, Kabuki theatre physical techniques, Noh theatre physical techniques, mask work, gestural communication, and proxemics. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

TH 313 Theatre Performance

Prerequisite, audition or consent of instructor. Designed for those students who have been given increased performance responsibilities in theatre productions. P/NP. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. (Offered every semester.) 2 credits.

TH 314 Voice Production and Techniques I

Prerequisites, TH 212, 319, consent of instructor. This is a course in the advanced principles of vocal production and stage usage. This course integrates a variety of production processes including Linklater, Berry, Alexander, Feldenkrais, and Fitzmaurice, to further develop alignment, respiration, phonation, resonation, and articulation for the actor. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

TH 315 Acting Styles

Prerequisite, TH 319. This course will consist of advanced work in specific acting styles which include Greek, Restoration, and Commedia del'Arte, including Jean–Baptiste Moliere. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

TH 316 Acting Shakespeare

Prerequisite, TH 119. This course provides students with an approach to playing Shakespeare. Particular emphasis will be placed on the explication and scoring of text through the investigation of poetic speech and use of heightened language. Exercises will be based on the bringing of 'self' to text. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

TH 318 Acting for the Camera I

Prerequisite, TH 319. This course will focus on basic acting techniques for film and television. The student will participate in various exercises and perform on camera in three scenes. It may be repeated once for elective credit. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

TH 319 Building a Character

Prerequisites, TH 219, theatre major. Coursework includes further application of acting techniques with focus on character development and scriptural analysis. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

TH 323 Acting for Television Workshop

Prerequisite, TH 222. Students will be guided through all areas of working with television directors and the demands of production. Students will work with student directors, under the guidance of both theatre and film/television faculty, on three short projects using state of the art equipment provided by Dodge College. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

TH 326 Playwriting

Prerequisite, TH 150, or 170, or consent of instructor. This course is an introduction to the art and craft of dramatic writing for the stage in which the student will study structure, theme, and character while pursuing a completed one–act play. Students work one–on–one with their instructor, meeting every week for teaching/discussion. (Offered every semester, reading and conference only.) 3 credits.

TH 329 Experimental Course

(Same as TH 229.)

TH 345 Musical Theatre

This course will introduce and train actors in the performance style necessary for acting in musical theatre. It will include an overview of various musical theatre performance styles, an exploration of the performance of solo numbers and duets, a unit on scene work as it leads to musical performance, and directed performances. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

TH 350 London Theatre Tour

Prerequisite, An interest in dramatic literature and theatre. Taught concurrently with ENG 346. A concentrated study of British theatre, dramatic texts, and theatrical productions, the London Theatre Tour takes place during a three–week stay in London and Stratford, and includes several pre–trip class meetings on campus. (Offered interterm, alternate years.) 3 credits.

TH 370 Script Analysis for Production

Prerequisites, TH 201, 204, 307, or consent of instructor. This course is a study of the play, from page to stage, with emphasis on critical analysis of structure, genre, theme, style, character, language, dramatic event, and point of view as it relates to the production areas of design and execution. (Offered spring semester, alternate years.) 3 credits.

TH 379 Text Analysis and Scene Study

Prerequisites, TH 319, audition. This course, designed for BFA theatre performance candidates, is analysis driven. The course explores various techniques for text analysis and scene study with a focus on exploration of rehearsal options over performance demands. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

TH 388 Directing for the Theatre I

Prerequisites, TH 100, 170, 319. This course is a close, practical examination of the craft of play direction. Production techniques are covered as an essential part of the overall subject. The student director solves specific problems through the direction of scenes. This course includes a laboratory component. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

TH 389 Directing for the Theatre II

Prerequisite, TH 388. This course continues the practical examination of the craft of play direction. It continues production techniques as an essential part of the overall subject. The student director solves specific problems through the direction of scenes. Emphasis is placed on play analysis and structure. Each student will direct a one–act play. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

TH 399 Independent Study

(Offered as needed.) 1–3 credits.

TH 406 Study in Theatrical Design

Prerequisites, TH 204, 301, 307, or consent of instructor. This is a individual study/seminar course in one or more areas of theatrical design: set, lighting, costume, and sound. This course is designed to prepare students for further study in a specific area. Students will gain an understanding of the materials and techniques used for design and presentation in the theatrical environment. Fee: $100. (Offered on a Reading and Conference basis only.) 3 credits.

TH 414 Voice and Production Techniques II

Prerequisite, TH 314. This is a course in the principles of American stage speech as designated by the International Phonetic Alphabet (International Phonetic Association). It integrates a variety of speech and vocal processes including Linklater, Machlin, Skinner, and Fitzmaurice to further develop phonation, resonation, and articulation for the actor. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

TH 415 Advanced Acting Styles

Prerequisites, TH 315, 319. This course includes advanced work in specific acting styles including work from Bernard Shaw, Bertolt Brecht, Noel Coward, Harold Pinter, Anton Chekov, and Samuel Beckett. All periods and styles will be utilized in this investigation of problems and techniques particular to each period and style. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

TH 416 Advanced Acting Shakespeare

Prerequisite, TH 316. This course will provide the student with an advanced approach to playing Shakespeare. Particular emphasis will be placed on research of the style, historical drama, and Shakespeare's place in theatre. Additional coursework includes modern applications of Shakespeare, scoring of text, investigation of poetic speech, and use of heightened language. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

TH 417 Audition Workshop

Prerequisite, TH 379. This is the capstone course for BFA majors, which will offer preparation and practical experience in auditioning for professional theatre, film/television, and/or related media. Students are required to spend additional monies to prepare professional pictures and resumes. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

TH 418 Acting for the Camera II

Prerequisite, TH 318. This course will focus on advanced acting techniques for film and television performance. The student will participate in various exercises and perform on camera in three scenes with film/television directors. It may be repeated once for elective credit. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

TH 426 Advanced Playwriting

Prerequisite, TH 326, or consent of instructor. This is an advanced course in the techniques of dramatic writing. It is expected that the student will have already written a play. Special problems and modern approaches to writing for theatre will be covered as the student writes a full–length play in a one–to–one situation with the instructor. (Offered every semester, reading and conference only.) 3 credits.

TH 429 Experimental Course

This course is designed to provide additional opportunities to explore experimental areas and subjects of interest. It may be repeated for credit provided the course content is different. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

TH 453 Dramatic Literature and History I

Prerequisite, TH 170, or equivalent. This course is an intensive study of the theatrical history and plays from the classical Greek to pre-Ibsen realism. Plays to be studied include Œdipus, Medea, Lysistrata, Everyman, The Tragedy of Dr. Faustus, Hamlet, Tartuffe, Phaedra, and others. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

TH 454 Dramatic Literature and History II

Prerequisite, TH 170, or ENG 200/300 level literature course. This course is an intensive study of the theatrical history and plays from pre-Ibsen realism to the contemporary period. Plays to be studied include Hedda Gabler, The Cherry Orchard, Waiting for Godot, The Caretaker, among others. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

TH 455 Topics in Theatre

Prerequisites, TH 170, 319, or equivalent. This is a special topics course. Each topic will have a specific syllabi and bibliography. This course includes the study of specific time periods, styles of works of directors, actors, or writers of theatre. Research and analysis of key themes, theatrical movements, and presentational styles relating to specific topics will be emphasized. Sample topics might include Shepard, Williams, The Group Theatre, and musical theatre. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

TH 456 The History of Acting in Film

A detailed study of the history of performance in English speaking motion pictures from the invention of cinema to the present day. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

TH 470 Stage Management

Prerequisites, TH 201, 204, 307, or consent of instructor. This course is an overview and investigation of the skills and techniques needed to stage manage a theatrical production. This course offers theoretical and practical discussion into the rigors of theatrical stage management and production. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

TH 479 Rehearsal and Performance

Prerequisite, TH 379. This course is designed to provide the actor with the opportunity to develop new techniques for performance based on an investigation of the rehearsal process. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

TH 489 One Act Play Production Workshop

Prerequisite, TH 389. Students in the workshop will produce, direct, or act a bill of one–act plays during the fall semester only. Student responsibilities cover all aspects of production as well as acting, crewing, stage managing or directing. Fee: $100. (Offered fall semester.) 1–3 credits.

TH 490 Independent Internship

(Offered as needed.) ½ -3 credits.

TH 497 BFA Showcase

Prerequisite, TH 417. This course, along with TH 417, is the capstone for all BFA theatre majors. This course consists primarily of scene work that will culminate in a showcase before industry professionals in Los Angeles. Fee: $150. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

TH 499 Individual Study

Individual research and projects. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. (Offered every semester.) 1–3 credits.