Rock Valley College
Rockford, Illinois

Course Descriptions

Theatre    THE

THE 110

Theatre Practicum I

Theatre Practicum I is designed to give the student practical experience in costuming, stage management, lighting, scene construction, prop construction, and box office management that is not available in a standard classroom setting. Students will increase their efficiency, enjoyment and understanding of the various methods of producing theatrical productions using actual production requirements as a learning tool.

Prerequisite: None

Credit: 1 semester hour

 

THE 111

Theatre Practicum II

Theatre Practicum II is designed to continue to give the student practical experience in costuming, stage management, lighting, scene construction, prop construction, and box office management that is not available in a standard classroom setting. Students will increase their efficiency, enjoyment and understanding of the various methods of producing theatrical productions using actual production requirements as a learning tool.

Prerequisite: THE 110

Credit: 1 semester hour

 

THE 121

Performance of Literature

Performance of Literature is designed to increase the student's understanding of the study and performance of literature, such as essays, letters, novels, poetry and short stories with an emphasis on using voice and movement to interpret the works and communicate that interpretation to an audience. Students will study literary theory, literary analysis, the relationship between the text and the performer and the development of movement and vocal skills. The emphasis is on developing the student's interpretation skills through the performance of selected literature.

Prerequisite: None

Credit: 3 semester hours

 

THE 133

Introduction to Theatre

Introduction to Theatre is designed to acquaint students with the theoretical principles of acting, directing, scene design, set construction, costuming, makeup, lighting for the stage, and sound. A survey of theater history and dramatic literature provides a basis for informed critical viewing and for future studies in theater.

Prerequisite: None

Credit: 3 semester hours

 

THE 134

Stagecraft and Theatre Lighting

Stagecraft and Theatre Lighting is an introductory course in the principles, procedures, and practices of technical theatrical production using practical experiences in conjunction with departmental presentations. Basic methods of safe scenery construction, scene painting, lighting equipment, and property building are explored. The class emphasis is on safety in a scenic shop.

Prerequisite: None

Credit: 3 semester hours

 

THE 135

Acting I

Acting I is an introduction to the basic elements of acting as an art form. The course centers on exercises to develop the expressiveness of the body and voice combined with a study of the mental and emotional processes of the actor. The class emphasis is on basic performance skill development.

Prerequisite: None

Credit: 3 semester hours

 

THE 136

Directing

Directing is an introductory course in the art of directing for the theatre using a problem-solving approach in surveying the director's responsibilities. Particular attention is focused on the organizational, managerial, and planning functions of the director. The class emphasis is on practical directing problem solving.

Prerequisite: None

Credit: 3 semester hours

 

THE 137

Costuming

Costuming is an introductory course in the design and construction of theatrical costumes. The course is designed to give students a basic understanding of historical costuming, basic safety procedures, techniques of costume and accessory construction, machine and tool use. The course also includes an introduction to sewing—both hand and machine, cutting, draping and pattern drafting and costume shop organization. Practical experience is gained through the construction of costumes for productions.

Prerequisite: None

Credit: 3 semester hours

 

THE 210

Theatre Practicum III

Theatre Practicum III is designed to continue to give the student practical experience in costuming, stage management, lighting, scene construction, prop construction, and box office management that is not available in a standard classroom setting. Students will increase their efficiency, enjoyment and understanding of the various methods of producing theatrical productions using actual production requirements as a learning tool.

Prerequisite: THE 111

Credit: 1 semester hour

 

THE 211

Theatre Practicum IV

Theatre Practicum IV is designed to continue to give the student practical experience in costuming, stage management, lighting, scene construction, prop construction, and box office management that is not available in a standard classroom setting. Students will increase their efficiency, enjoyment and understanding of the various methods of producing theatrical productions using actual production requirements as a learning tool. Upon completion of the four Practicum credits, the student will have a portfolio review in preparation for transfer to a baccalaureate program.

Prerequisite: THE 210

Credit: 1 semester hour

 

THE 220

Summer Theatre Workshop

Summer Theatre Workshop is an introduction to the unique challenges of outdoor theatre. Students will receive an overview of the production process through a series of lectures and will then select one or more major areas of emphasis. Students will be exposed to production theory through class presentations and readings. Practical experience will be gained through production assignments.

Prerequisite: None

Credit: 3 semester hours

 

THE 234

Design for the Theatre

Design for the Theatre is an introductory design class concentrating on scenic, lighting and property design. The students will take projects from initial design conceptualization through working drawings. Basic drafting—both manual and CAD, mechanical perspective rendering, model construction and lighting theory will be explored in relationship to various dramatic scripts. The class is designed to give the student an introduction to all aspects of theatrical design.

Prerequisite: None

Credit: 3 semester hours

 

THE 235

Acting II

Acting II builds upon the skills developed in the basic acting course. It focuses on the development of characterization skills, communication with other actors on stage, and the ability to handle various styles of dramatic literature. The class emphasizes scene work, character-building and character definition with performance outcomes.

Prerequisite: THE 135

Credit: 3 semester hours

 

THE 236

Directing II

Directing II builds on the skills developed in the basic directing course. It focuses on the development of stage movement through picturization, script analysis, period research, conceptual communication and the actual production of a one-act play. The class emphasis is on directorial communication and conceptualization with a performance as the final outcome.

Prerequisite: THE 136

Credit: 3 semester hours

 

THE 237

Stage Makeup

Stage Makeup is an introductory course in the basics of designing, applying, and creating theatrical makeup. It will introduce the student to the principles of light, shade and color as they relate to makeup. Students will study character makeup, fantasy makeup, various modern mediums, prosthetics, mask making, facial hair and practical applications. The course emphasis is on both design and application.

Prerequisite: None

Credit: 3 semester hours