Assistant Professor Frost, Chair
Professor Campbell, Professor of Theatre
Assistant Professor Dietrich, Scenic Designer
Assistant Professor Hankins, Technical Director
Theatre is the re-creation of a human experience. From a Christian perspective, the study of theatre provides a format to understand these experiences in the context of man’s relationship to God. Theatre at Belhaven provides students with the opportunities necessary to develop their God-given talents to function in the profession, to build on a liberal arts foundation for graduate studies in theatre, or to augment their liberal arts studies with a practical inclusion of the arts and performance in their Christian college experience.
The department offers opportunities for participation in course work and production for majors leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree. Bachelor of Arts programs in theatre are also available with a concentration in performance, production, or theatre ministries.
The foundations of liberal arts education are best projected in a general degree in theatre. The menu of courses provides the opportunity for individuals to pursue specific areas of interest with a complete overview of the discipline as background. Such a degree would be valuable as a platform for those seeking to continue in graduate work in theatre. In addition, junior college transfer students are more successful transferring their course load into a broader foundation of courses. The minimum number of hours in theatre courses required for a B.A. is 43. The core course requirement for all theatre majors includes: THE 120, 129 and lab, THE 135 and lab, 140 and lab, 250 and lab, 362, and 380. The remaining hours of theatre courses required for a general major includes THE 220 and lab, 230 and lab, 240 and lab, 462, and 499; plus 9 additional hours of Theatre Electives. Implicit in this major is saturation involvement in all aspects of theatre.
Major in theatre (Bachelor of Arts) with a concentration in performance requires a minimum of 42 hours. The core course requirement for all theatre majors includes: THE 120, 129 and lab, THE 135 and lab, 140 and lab, 250 and lab, 362, and 380. The concentration in performance will also require 220 and lab, 230 and lab, 320 and lab, 330 and lab, 415, 462 and 499. The consummating course in performance concentration is a senior project, THE 499, involving performing, directing, or some pre-approved project that demonstrates competency in the performance field. Implicit in this major is saturation involvement in all aspects of theatre performance and the satisfactory completion of studio-level audition requirements.
Major in theatre (Bachelor of Arts) with a concentration in production requires a minimum of 43 hours. The core course requirement for all theatre majors includes: THE 120, 129 and lab, 135 and lab, 140 and lab, 250 and lab, 362, and 380. The concentration in production will include THE 131, 132, 220 and lab, 240 and lab, 245 and lab, and two of the following; 340 and lab, 346 and lab, 347 and lab, 350, 430, 441 or 499. Implicit in this major is saturation involvement in all aspects of theatre production and the satisfactory completion of a studio-level portfolio of production experiences.
Major in theatre (Bachelor of Arts) with a concentration in theatre ministries requires a minimum of 42 hours. The core course requirement for all theatre majors includes: THE 120, 129 and lab, THE 135 and lab, 140 and lab, 250 and lab, 362, and 380. The concentration in theatre ministries will include 200, 220 and lab, 230 and lab, 300, 310, 335, and the successful completion of 445 which is direct involvement in a theatre mission project. It is strongly advised that the student also completes 441, an internship with an approved church or organization with an environment conducive to recognize and apply their theatre proficiencies. Majors in theatre ministries should consider a strong recommendation to minor in biblical studies.
Minor in theatre (not open to students majoring in theatre) requires 24 hours, including THE 120, 129 and lab, 135 and lab, 140 and lab, 220 and lab OR 240 and lab, 250 and lab. Additionally, 6 additional credit hours at a 300 or higher level is required to fulfill the 24 total credit hours.
Honors Program: The theatre department offers opportunities for students to enroll in honors courses from its department. The following are general education, elective, and major courses that may be taken as honors courses: THE 129 and lab, 196, 240 and lab, 250 and lab, 296, 300, 310, 320 and lab, 330 and lab, 335, 362, 380, 396, 430, 462, 495, and 496. For students majoring in this department, one must pass a minimum of nine hours of honors courses within the discipline and a minimum of nine hours from the honors courses of other departments. Each course must be passed with a B or better. No more than 18 hours are required for the honors degree. For other honor’s program policies, see “Honors Program” under the “Administration of the Curriculum” section of the catalogue.
| 120 | Understanding Theatre (3). This course introduces the student to an overview of all elements of theatre, including an investigation of the roles and relationships of all the participants of a theatrical event. The student is led to develop an understanding of and explore involvement with theatrical events in light of a Christian world perspective. Open to all students. |
| 129 | Biomechanics for the Performer and lab (2-1). This course introduces the student to the body and the voice as created and as creative instruments of expression. Each student will participate in presenting materials individually and in ensemble. It is an applied study of the foundations of human expression as it relates to stage performance. Applying movement to meaning through gesture. Applying sounds to make words and amplifying the text. Required for all theatre majors. Studio format. Concurrent enrollment in THE 129 and biomechanics lab is required. |
| 131 | Basic Drawing (3). Introduction to precision drawing or drafting as employed in theatre. The student will gain a basic knowledge of manual and digital forms of technical drawing. They will learn how to create, read, understand, and interpret drawings created for the theatre. |
| 132 | Design (3). Introduction to the theory and terminology of theatre design and practical application of design elements and principles through projects. Practice in using the elements of design, including an introduction to light, color, and composition as they relate to the various areas of theatre and design. |
| 135 | Mime, Pantomime, Commedia, Mask and lab (2-1). Applied ergonomics to personal performance contexts. Introductions to mime, pantomime, mask, stage combat, and personal style. Required for performance majors. Studio format. Concurrent enrollment in THE 135 and mime lab is required. |
| 140 | Stagecraft Fundamentals and lab (2-1). Study of the basic principles and techniques of the technical elements of theatre. The student will be introduced to stagecraft and set construction techniques, technical drawings, safety with and the proper usage of the power tools, and an overview of theatrical production organization and administration. Much of the lab time will emphasize the practical application of the material taught in class. Required of all theatre majors. Concurrent enrollment in THE 140 and stagecraft lab is required. |
| 196 | Theatre Honors Seminar I (1). Prereq: Department chair approval. As a result of this course the successful student shall gain an understanding of the process of creating theatre through personal involvement and discussion of various articles and texts on the theory or drama and various approaches to staging theatre. Students taking this course must have recommendation of the chair of theatre. |
| 200 | Introduction to Theatre Arts Ministry (3). Students investigate the historical, theological, and aesthetic relationships of theatre and religion, studying available Christian dramatic literature. Examples will be cited on the potential and limitations of how theatre arts ministry can be used as a discipleship, education, and evangelism tool. In addition to classroom examples, opportunities will be provided for site-based ministry observations. The course will give specific career directions for theatre arts-related ministries. |
| 220 | Production Supervision and lab (2-1). Principles of stage management, production management, and directing for the theatre. Concurrent enrollment in THE 220 and production lab is required. |
| 230 | Acting I and lab (2-1). Prereq: THE 129, 135 Further development of personal style as it applies to acting. The student will complete a résumé portfolio prototype and studio acting assignments. Concurrent enrollment in THE 230 and acting lab is required. |
| 240 | Technical Resources and Design and lab (2-1). Prereq: THE 140. Students will explore and apply principles of technical theatre within the areas of costumes, props, lighting, and sound production. Concurrent enrollment in THE 240 and resources and design lab is required. |
| 245 | Costume Construction and lab (2-1). Students will encounter an introduction to the principles and techniques of costume construction; including shop organization, management, cutting, sewing techniques, and wardrobe maintenance. Concurrent enrollment in THE 245 and Construction lab is required. |
| 250 | Makeup for the Stage and lab (2-1). This course is designed for those interested in learning makeup techniques. Through lectures, practical assignments, and evaluations, students will receive a solid foundation in the application of stage makeup. They will also explore how an actor can use makeup as a tool to express their character on stage. Concurrent enrollment in THE 250 and Makeup lab is required. |
| 296 | Theatre Honors Seminar II (1). Prereq: Department chair approval. As a result of this course the successful student shall gain an understanding of the process of creating theatre through personal involvement and discussion of various articles and texts on the theory or drama and various approaches to staging theatre. Students taking this course must have recommendation of the chair of theatre. |
| 300 | Administration and Activities of Theatre Arts Ministry (3). Prereq: THE 200 The focus of this course deals with the requirements involved in the management and operation of theatre arts as a ministry. Specific techniques will be provided for the operation of theatre arts ministry programs. Methods for designing activities will be given to foster efficient, effective and cooperative programs. Two different areas will be presented, including full-time theatre arts ministry and the arts ministry within a church. |
| 310 | Script Writing for Production (3). Designed for students interested in writing scripts for production from a Christian perspective, this course will cover the classical structure of playwriting, the unique requirements of writing for broadcast media including radio, television and film, and a general survey of the market for material used in churches. Students will complete exercises in writing character development, writing the scenario, and completing one acceptable script in the format of the student’s choice. |
| 320 | Directing and lab (3-1). Prereq: THE 220, THE 230. Students investigate and apply the stage director’s art and craft; play selection, casting, mounting the play, rhythm, characterization, and actor-director relationships. Concurrent enrollment in THE 320 and directing lab is required. |
| 330 | Acting II (3-1). Prereq: THE 129, 135, and 230. Analysis and application of techniques of period movement and acting, including Elizabethan style, and the cultural implications to performance. Concurrent enrollment in THE 330 and acting II lab is required. |
| 335 | Mime, Mask and Clown as Applied in Ministries (3). Prereq: THE 135. Performance-oriented studio geared toward developing materials and applying them to a ministry context. Required for theatre ministries majors. |
| 340 | Theatre Administration and Management and lab (3-1). Prereq: THE 220 A study of the business of theatre, budgeting, feasibility studies, funding, publicity/promotion, master scheduling, and event handling. Internship with a theatre or performance organization. Concurrent enrollment in THE 340 and administration/management lab is required. |
| 346 | Lighting and lab (2-1). Prereq: THE 240 and THE 131, 132. An introduction to the principles and techniques of theatrical lighting in relation to a unified stage production. Correct light placement, effective use of color and cues as well as drawing, labeling, and reading a light plot are required. Concurrent enrollment in THE 346 and lighting lab is required. |
| 347 | Set and Props and lab (2-1). Prereq: THE 140 and THE 131, 132. An introduction to the principles and techniques of set design and props in relation to a unified stage production. Proper drawing, labeling, and use of scale plans and models as well as the design and accumulation of performance props to accurately convey the playwright’s intents and director’s vision are required. Concurrent enrollment in THE 347 and sets and props lab is required. |
| 350 | Costume Design and Illustration (3). Prereq: THE 245, and THE 132 This course is an introduction to the principles and techniques of costume design and illustration in relation to a unified stage production. Students will survey the history of costume and the work of professional designers. Through character analysis, moodboards, figure drawing, rendering, and computer-aided illustration, students will learn to come up with original and character-appropriate costume concepts. |
| 362 | History of Drama Literature (3). A study of the major plays and playwrights throughout theatrical history, from the Greeks to modern day. Students will read plays, study and discuss the backgrounds of the plays, take notes, view film excerpts when appropriate, and write and discuss essays based on material studied. |
| 380 | Survey of World Theatre (3). A survey of the history of theatre and its role in the identity of the respective cultures. Particular emphasis will be given to its statement in relationship to the deities of each culture and the role of man’s condition regarding that relationship. Required for theatre majors and theatre ministries majors. |
| 396 | Theatre Honors Seminar III (1). Prereq: Department chair approval. As a result of this course the successful student shall gain an understanding of the process of creating theatre through personal involvement and discussion of various articles and texts on the theory or drama and various approaches to staging theatre. Students taking this course must have recommendation of the chair of theatre. |
| 410 | Playwriting (3). Prereq: THE 310 This course is designed as an advanced study in the art of dramatic writing for the stage. Students will develop story ideas from concept through development and scripting to produce a full-length script for stage. Several styles and genres of plays will be explored and will include treatments and scripting exercise, free form writing and dialogue construction; as well as an examination of the process of getting a play produced. |
| 412 | Screenwriting (3). Prereq: THE 310 An advanced study in the art of dramatic writing for the screen. Students develop story ideas from concept through development and scripting to produce a full-length screenplay; examining genre and its effect on structure, and studying techniques in scripting that enable clearer communication of story. |
| 415 | Shakespeare (3). Study of the major plays with emphasis on performance. Shakespeare is studied not only as an individual author but also as an apex from which English-language literature both preceding and antedating his achievement can be defined. |
| 430 | Digital Audio Design (3). Prereq: THE 240 This course presents creative application of digital sound editing for media. Students will learn to design, create and edit sound using standard audio equipment and computer software. Editing pre-recorded music, creating realistic sound environments and representing visual art with sound will be some of the specific techniques investigated in the course. |
| 441 | Internship (1-3). Supervised practical experience in theatre. May combine work in residence with a theatre or ministry entity, site visitations to various facilities in pursuit of a particular pre-approved topic, or a combination of documented experiences in the field. Approval of the department chairman is required. Refer to “Student Intern Programs and Practicums” for further requirements. |
| 445 | Mission Trip (1-3). A travel seminar with significant hands-on ministry, usually in a cross-cultural setting. Should be taken for one (1) hour credit during the semester preceding the mission trip for the purposes of preparation. There will be an emphasis on understanding and relating appropriately to those of other backgrounds while carrying out a ministry project. May be taken for a maximum of three credits. Approval of the department chairman is required. |
| 462 | Modern Drama (3). Reading and study of drama from Ibsen and Strindberg through Beckett and the postmodern dramatists. Includes British, Irish, American, and continental dramatists. |
| 495 | Directed Studies (1-3). This course is designed to give students applied experience in special areas of theatre activity. |
| 496 | Theatre Honors Seminar IV (1). Prereq: Department chair approval. As a result of this course the successful student shall gain an understanding of the process of creating theatre through personal involvement and discussion of various articles and texts on the theory or drama and various approaches to staging theatre. Students taking this course must have recommendation of the chair of theatre. |
| 499 | Senior Project (1-3). Culminating process in coordination with and upon approval of Theatre department faculty. |
