Department of Theatre
Department Chair: Susan Whitfield
Department Secretary: Judy Wilkins (208) 496-2077
Department Faculty: Gary BensonJohn BidwellHyrum ConradOmar HansenRoger MerrillRobert NelsonSusan Whitfield

 
          The  Department  of  Theatre  currently  offers  an  Associate  Degree  in  Arts  and  Sciences  with  majors  in  Thetre  Arts  and  Technical  Theatre.    These  degrees  are  designed  to  allow  the  student  to  transfer  successfully  to  another  college  or  university  theare  program,  or  to  a  professional  training  school.
          For  students  seeking  Teacher  Certification  in  Secondary  Education,  the  Department  of  Theatre  offers  a  Theatre/Speech  composite  as  set  by  the  Idaho  Board  of  Education.
          Students  seeking  a  Bachelor  of  Arts  Degree  in  University  Studies  may  work  with  their  advisor  to  choose  classes  appropriate  to  an  emphasis  in  Theatre  Arts  or  Technical  Theatre.
 
Department of Theatre
Department  of  Theatre  currently  offers  an  Associate  Degree  in  Arts  and  Sciences  with  majors  in  Theatre  Arts  and  Technical  Theatre.    These  degrees  are  designed  to  allow  the  student  to  transfer  successfully  to  another  college  or  university  theatre  program,  or  to  a  professional  training  school.
          For  students  seeking  Teacher  Certification  in  Secondary  Education
 
Program Description
 


A.A.S.  in Technical Theatre (257)
The Major in Technical Theatre is a transfer program designed for students planning a career in scenic, lighting or costume design, as well as scenery and property consruction, and lighting execution.
Technical Theatre Majors must complete the following 18 credits of Core Courses in theatre with at least a "B" grade point average: TA 115, 116, 121, 123, 126, 219 and 402.
TA 219 must be taken the first semester of the freshman year for Technical Theatre Majors.

General Education Requirements

For a complete listing of the General Education and University Requirements go to General Education


Core
 Take all of these courses 
Theatre Core
 TA 115
 TA 116
 TA 121
 TA 219
 TA 219L

AND
      Take 1 Course      

      TA 123M
      TA 123W

Sample Sequence of Courses

Consult with your advisor as you plan each semester.
 
A.A.S.  in Technical Theatre
First Semester
TA 1153
TA 1262
TA 2193
Religion2
General Education6
Total Credits16
Second Semester
TA 1162
Religion2
General Education8
Major Courses6
Total Credits18
Third Semester
TA 1212
TA 123M3
TA 123W3
Religion2
General Education6
Major Courses3
Total Credits19
Fourth Semester
TA 4023
Religion2
General Education8
Major Courses3
Total Credits16
 


A.A.S.  in Theatre Arts (258)
The Major in Theatre Arts is a transfer program designed for those planning to pursue a career either as a teacher or a performer. Theatre Arts majors must complete the following 23 credits of Core Courses with at least "B" grade point average: TA 115,116,121,123,126,219,225 or 233,401,and 402.

General Education Requirements

For a complete listing of the General Education and University Requirements go to General Education


Major Requirements

 Take all of these courses 

 TA 126
 TA 225
 TA 233
 TA 401
 TA 402


Core
 Take all of these courses 
Theatre Core
 TA 115
 TA 116
 TA 121
 TA 219
 TA 219L

AND
      Take 1 Course      

      TA 123M
      TA 123W

Sample Sequence of Courses

Consult with your advisor as you plan each semester.
 
A.A.S.  in Theatre Arts
First Semester
TA 1153
TA 1162
TA 123M3
TA 123W3
Religion2
General Education6
Total Credits19
Second Semester
TA 1212
TA 2193
TA 219L0
TA 223M3
TA 223W3
Religion2
General Education7
Total Credits20
Third Semester
TA 1262
TA 2252
TA 4013
Religion2
General Education5
Major Courses2
Total Credits16
Fourth Semester
TA 4023
Religion2
General Education9
Major Courses2
Total Credits16
 


B.A.  in Theatre & Speech (930)


General Education Requirements

As you fill the General Education and University Requirements take the classes listed below and then go to General Education for a complete listing of the requirements

It is recommended that you take the following GE Courses: Rel 121, 372, Eng 111, 311, 313, 314, 315, 315, 373, Math 108 or 110, FA 100, Faml 210, a Physical and Biological Science, and an American Institutions course.
 Take all of these courses 

 COMM 102
 COMM 120
 COMM 230
 COMM 350
 COMM 352
 COMM 397R
 ED 200
 ED 300
 ENG 373
 REL 121
 REL 122
 SECED 205
 SECED 252
 SECED 322
 SECED 405
 SECED 492


AND
It is recommended that you take the following GE Courses: Rel 121, 372, Eng 111, 311, 313, 314, 315, 315, 373, Math 108 or 110, FA 100, Faml 210, a Physical and Biological Science, and an American Institutions course.
 Take all of these courses 

 COMM 102
 COMM 120
 COMM 230
 COMM 350
 COMM 352
 COMM 397R
 ED 200
 ED 300
 ENG 373
 REL 121
 REL 122
 SECED 205
 SECED 252
 SECED 322
 SECED 405
 SECED 492


Major Requirements

 Take all of these courses 

 TA 126
 TA 225
 TA 320
 TA 401
 TA 402
 TA 405
 TA 424

Sample Sequence of Courses

Consult with your advisor as you plan each semester.
 
B.A.  in Theatre & Speech
First Semester
COMM 1203
TA 1153
Religion2
General Education7
Total Credits15
Second Semester
COMM 1021
TA 1212
Religion2
General Education8
TA 1233
Total Credits16
Third Semester
COMM 397R1
SECED 2051
TA 1162
TA 2193
Religion2
General Education7
Total Credits16
Fourth Semester
COMM 3523
ED 2002
SECED 2521
TA 1262
Religion2
General Education8
Total Credits18
Fifth Semester
COMM 3503
ED 3003
TA 4013
Religion2
General Education3
Total Credits14
Sixth Semester
SECED 3222
TA 3203
TA 4023
TA 4243
Religion2
General Education2
Total Credits15
Seventh Semester
SECED 4052
TA 4053
Religion2
General Education8
Total Credits15
Eighth Semester
SECED 49210
General Education7
Total Credits17



Minor in  Theatre Arts (160)



Minor Requirements

 Take all of these courses

 TA 115
 TA 116
 TA 121
 TA 126
 TA 219
 TA 219L
 TA 260
 TA 401
 TA 402

AND
      Take 1 Course

      TA 123M
      TA 123W

     AND
      Take 1 Course

      TA 225
      TA 233




Minor in  Theatre Arts Education (161)



Minor Requirements

 Take all of these courses

 TA 115
 TA 116
 TA 121
 TA 219
 TA 219L
 TA 260
 TA 320
 TA 424

 
Course Descriptions

TA 106 Individual Coaching (1:0:0)
Fee:  $80.00
Prerequisite: TA 121: Voice Diction or TA 123: Acting 1, and consent of instructor.
Personal attention to individual needs beyond classroom practice, for students seeking help in voice, oral interpretation, and/or acting. Private lessons for students who have completed at least one basic course (TA 121,or TA 123 or TA 219 and/or TA 319, 320, 362, or who have participated in a BYU-I production)
 
TA 115 Introduction to Theatre (3:3:0)
Fullfills GE Arts requirement.
Non-performance oriented. This course is designed to develop discriminating appreciation of theatre in relation to the other fine arts. Fundamentals of play analysis and dramatic structures are included. Many facets of theatrical production and the artists who accomplish them are discussed.
 
TA 116 Dramatic Structure and Analysis (2:2:0)
Fundamentals of play analysis and dramatic theory. Recommended to be completed before Sophomore year.
 
TA 117 Introduction to Film Art and Analysis (3:2:0)
Fullfills GE Arts requirement.
Developing analytical skills for understanding and appreciating the best of motion picture art; basic history, theory, and aesthetics of film.
 
TA 117L Lab: Introduction to Film Art and Analysis (0:0:3)
Required lab for students enrolled in TA 117: Introduction to Film Art and Analysis. Lab MUST be taken concurrently with course.
 
TA 121 Voice Diction (2:2:1)
A fundamental course designed to teach vocal production skills for the stage. Emphasis is given to learning and developing vocal skills in preparation for voice interpretation. Recommended for students in Elementary or Secondary Education, English and Broadcasting.
 
TA 123M Acting 1 (3:3:1)
Theory and practice in the basic skills of acting; intensive and integrated work on vocal, physical, emotional, improvisational and perceptional skills.
 
TA 123W Acting 1 (3:3:1)
Theory and practice in the basic skills of acting; intensive and integrated work on vocal, physical, emotional, improvisational and perceptional skills.
 
TA 126 Stage Makeup (2:2:2)
Theory and practice of theatrical makeup.
 
TA 219 Beginning Technical Theatre (3:3:0)
Prerequisite: (TA 219 is a prerequisite for other design and technical theatre courses.)
An introduction to the theory and practice of scenery construction, painting, lighting, and rigging. Laboratory experience includes actual participation working backstage in university productions. Technical Theatre minors must enroll in this course during the first semester of their freshman year.
 
TA 219L Beginning Technical Theatre Lab (0:0:2)
Required lab for students enrolled in TA 219: Beginning Technical Theatre. Lab MUST be taken concurrently with course.
 
TA 223M Acting II (3:4:2)
Prerequisite: TA 121: Voice Diction and TA 123: Acting 1.
May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor.Continuation and advancement in the basic skills of acting; intensive and integrated work in vocal, physical, emotional, improvisational and perceptional skills.This course features continued and advanced study of basic acting skills: voice characterization, character physicality, emotional life, actions and perception. It refines the ability of each student to choose, prepare, and perform dramatic literature for auditions and performances.
 
TA 223W Acting II (3:4:2)
Prerequisite: TA 121:Voice Diction and TA 123: Acting 1.
May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor.Continuation and advancement in the basic skills of acting; intensive and integrated work in vocal, physical, emotional, improvisational and perceptional skills.This course features continued and advanced study of basic acting skills: voice characterization, character physicality, emotional life, actions and perception. It refines the ability of each student to choose, prepare, and perform dramatic literature for auditions and performances.
 
TA 225 Stage Dialects (2:2:1)
Prerequisite: TA 121 Voice & Dictation
An intense study of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and its direct application and use with dialects in performance. Students acquire understanding of several and mastery of some dialects for stage work. Understanding and mastery of the International Phonetic Alphabet is major focus of the class.
 
TA 233 Movement for Theatre (2:2:2)
This movement course will strengthen the performance skills of actors, singers, and dancers by refining kinesthetic awareness and nonverbal expressiveness.This course is designed to help each student become more aware of his/her body's movement and expressive potential. Dance elements of time, space and motion are explored and applied to the work of actors, directors, singers and dancers. Development of kinesthetic awareness and physical control are essential components of this course.
 
TA 250 Contemporary Arts Ensemble (1-2:0:0)
Prerequisite: For members of comic frenzy inprov acting troupe. Selections by audition only.
Contemporary Arts Ensemble Production.
 
TA 260R Theatre Practice (1-2:0:0)
Prerequisite: Consent of production director.
Roles are assigned by audition. Audition notices are posted outside the Theatre Office (Snow 120) eight weeks before preformances. All enrolled students are eligible to audition. Students interested in working backstage, please visit the Theatre Office (Snow 120) for information. Four to twelve hours of lab per week. This course provides credit for students who are participating in departmental theatrical productions as actors, technicians, etc. Participation in the creative process of theatrical production: acting, directing, scenery, lighting, makeup and costuming.
 
TA 317 Theatrical Design for Educators (2:0:0)
Prerequisite: TA 219
To explore the major disciplines of theatrical design: scenery, lighting, and costumes, and to learn the elements and principles of design. To practically apply knowledge of design elements and principles through design projects. To examine the practical constraints of designing for secondary education facilities, and formulate a plan for utilizing stock.
 
TA 318R Scene Painting (3-6:2:4)
Prerequisite: TA 219 or consent
This course follows a cognitive/kinesthetic model, topics are discussed in a classroom environment adn then sack technique well be executed by students in a lab environment.
 
TA 319 Fundamentals of Scene Design (2:2:2)
Prerequisite: Credit only. TA 219: Intro to Technical theatre or consent of the instructor.
A course designed to teach aspiring high school teachers and designers the fundamentals of scenic design. A course designed to teach prospective high school drama teachers and aspiring design students the fundamentals of scenic design. Course content will include philosophies of scene design through the ages, design elements and practical skills. Students will be required to read at least four scripts and create designs for them. The final project is practical and cumulative.
 
TA 320 Stage Lighting (2:2:2)
Prerequisite: TA 219: Beginning Technical Theatre or consent of instructor. Credit only.
An introductory course designed to teach prospective high school drama teachers and aspiring design students the fundamentals of lighting design. Course content will include philosophies of lighting design, color in lighting and lighting controls. Students will be required to read and design from required script. The final project will be practical and comprehensive.
 
TA 321 Readers Theatre (4:4:2)
Prerequisite: Completion of TA 121: Voice Diction and/or consent of instructor. Contact the instructor listed in the Course Catalog for permission to enroll.
Theory and practice of readers theatre as it pertains to adapting literature, directing and performing narrative theatre. An introduction to story theatre and narrative theatre for young audiences.
 
TA 322 Interpretation and Storytelling (2:2:1)
Prerequisite: Completion of TA 121: Voice Diction.
Develops proficiency in storytelling, interpreting and performing poetry, stories, scripture plays, historical documents, and other aspects of reading aloud. Introduces students to the craft of storytelling. This course is strongly recommended for those studying Elementary or Secondary Education, English, or Broadcasting. Introduction to the craft, art and profession of storytelling and oral interpretation of literature.
 
TA 324 Special studies in Theatre: Actors and Emotion (2:2:2)
Prerequisite: TA 123: Acting 1.
A performance skills course for actors, singers, and dancers which focuses upon methods for generating complete and honest emotional experiences while performing. Alba Emoting and New School Acting techniques will be taught and integrated. Monologues and scenes will be created and refined utilizing these methods.
 
TA 335 Song Interpretation (4:4:2)
Prerequisite: None, but if you do not read music, passing the class will be extremely difficult.
Concentrated practical work with textual analysis, emotional, physical characterization, staging/blocking techniques, types of progression in songs, auditioning, and centering the dramatic focus within a song.This course fosters specific and unique creation of character by performers while singing. Two distinctive methodologies for analyzing, interpreting, staging and performing solos and audition material are taught and refined.
 
TA 352 Drama in the Elementary Classroom (2:2:0)
Using theatre techniques such as creative dramatics/improvisation, puppetry, storytelling, reader's theare, choral reading, and theatre production for children as tools to enrich all subject matter taught in the elementary classroom.
 
TA 360R Theatre Practice (1-2:0:0)
Prerequisite: Consent of production director.
Roles are assigned by audition. Audition notices are posted outside the Theatre Office (Snow 120) eight weeks before preformances. All enrolled students are eligible to audition. Students interested in working backstage, please visit the Theatre Office (Snow 120) for information.This course provides credit for students who are participating in departmental theatrical productions as actors, technicians, etc. Four to twelve hours of lab per week. Participation in the creative process of theatrical production: acting, directing, scenery, lighting, makeup and costuming.
 
TA 362 Introduction to Theatrical Costume Design (2:2:3)
A practical course covering the principles and practice of the design and selection of costumes for historical, modern and non-realistic plays. Study of the relationship of costume to character and production. Theory and practice of theatrical costume design.
 
TA 374 Theatre/Stage Management (2:2:2)
Prerequisite: Open to students of Junior standing with an emphasis in Theatre or Technical Theatre.
Theory and practice of organizing, developing and managing a theatre company from its conception to opening night and beyond. A course designed to acquaint the student with the logistics of building a theatre company.
 
TA 390R Special Studies in Theatre 1-4 (1-4:0:0)
Taught on an "as needed" basis. Instruction in special skills, taught as needs arise based on theatre department productions.
 
TA 395 Travel Study (0.5-3:3:0)
Prerequisite: It is suggested that the following courses be completed prior to enrollment: TA 115, TA 123, TA 219, TA 319.
Travel study course for students in theatre education degree program as well as minors and theatre clusters. Theatre is studied in a variety of cities including workshops, galleries and museums.
 
TA 398 Internship (1-4:0:0)
Prerequisite: Must be sophomore or above.
 
TA 401 Theatre History I (3:3:0)
Prerequisite: TA 116: Dramatic structure and analysis.
The first half of theatre history: the origins of theatre, Greek, Roman, Medieval, Italian Renaissance, Spanish, Elizabethan and Asian. An exploration of what in the past (during the times and places specified) has made theatre what it is today.
 
TA 402 Theatre History II (3:3:0)
Prerequisite: TA 116: Dramatic Structure and Analysis. For students with an emphasis in Theatre, TA 401 is a prerequisite for TA 402. For students with an emphasis in Technical Theatre students, TA 401 is not required.
The second half of theatre history: Renaissance and Baroque, French and Italian, English 1642-1800, 18th-Century European and American, Romanticism, Realism, Contemporary, and Postmodern Theatre. This course covers the development of theatre after Shakespeare's day to the present, discussing the arrival of new styles, showing the influence all of these time periods and how the people involved have shaped the theatre we know today.
 
TA 405 Theatre and Speech Methods (3:3:0)
Explores, analyzes, and practices theories, methods, and techniques utilized by effective theatre and speech teachers in the secondary schools.
 
TA 424 Beginning Director (3:3:1)
Prerequisite: Students with Junior status who have completed TA 123: Acting One, or consent of instructor.
May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor. An introduction to the basic principles of directing, coupled with extensive experience in directing two scenes and a one-act play; designed to prepare students for directing assignments in church, educational, and community theatre.Basic principles of directing for the theatre, coupled with extensive practicum experience.
 
TA 460R Theatre Practice (1-2:0:0)
Prerequisite: Consent of the production director.
Roles are assigned by audition. Audition notices are posted outside the Theatre Office (Snow 120) eight weeks before preformances. All enrolled students are eligible to audition. Students interested in working backstage, please visit the Theatre Office (Snow 120) for information. Four to twelve hours of lab per week. Participation in the creative process of theatrical production: acting, directing, scenery, lighting, makeup and costuming.This course provide credits for students who are participating in departmental theatrical productions as actors, technicians, etc.This course provide credits for students who are participating in departmental theatrical productions as actors, technicians, etc.