Theatre
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Theatre

Welcome to Theatre Wesleyan

As the only theatre in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex celebrating more than fifty-five years of production, we take great pride in our history as well as in our future. Our alumni can be found working on Broadway as performers & producers, in films and television as actors & art directors, on area stages as award winning performers & designers, and as dedicated educators all over the area. Our current students have opportunities to intern with local theatres and professional organizations, establishing working relationships before graduation.

Our faculty each work professionally in theatre and bring that experience to the classroom, including professional affiliations with Actors Equity, The Dramatists Guild, and USITT. Our professional network is vast and we regularly schedule workshops and master classes with other experts, including actors, casting agents, playwrights and designers.

Our black box space, The Thad Smotherman Theatre, is one of the largest of its kind in the country and features a movable lighting grid system powered by ½ ton chain motors. The flexibility of the ‘Thad’ gives our students the opportunity to work in a variety of theatrical configurations including thrust, arena, proscenium and stadium.

You have talent & ambition and we have scholarships & opportunities. We invite you to spend aday with us, visiting our classes and talking with our students and faculty. Because scholarships are limited, priority consideration is given to those applications received early.

Visit our official website


Careers

As one of the only theatres in the Metroplex celebrating more than fifty years of production, we take great pride in our history as well as in our future. Our alumni can be found working on Broadway as performers and producers, in film and television as actors and art directors, on area stages as award winning performers and designers, and as dedicated educators all over the area. Our current students have opportunities to intern with local theatres and professional organizations, establishing working relationships before graduation.

  1. Audio & Video Tech.
  2. Critic
  3. Editor
  4. Educator
  5. Motion Picture Projectionist
  6. Production
  7. Programming
  8. Publications
  9. Sales
  10. Set Design
  11. Sound Engineer Tech
Additional Resources
  1. Visit us at Theatre Wesleyan
  2. Office of Career Services
  3. O*NET - Obtain salary information, an occupations outlook and much more!
  4. Job Search Links - Scroll down to access links to current job openings!

Organizations

  1. Dramatists Guild
  2. Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
  3. Alpha Psi Omega - National Honor Society

 

Courses


Applied Lessons (1-3 hours)

TAP 1000. Freshman Level

TAP 2000. Sophomore Level

TAP 3000. Junior Level

TAP 4000. Senior Level

Section Numbers and Performance Areas for all TAP offerings

01—Performance: Acting, Directing
02—Playwriting and Dramaturgy; Theatre History
03—Design: Lighting, Scenic, Costume, Properties
04—Arts Management: Stage, Front-of-House, Box Office, Publicity/Graphics
05—Dance, Stage Combat
06—Voice

 

The Integrated Arts Core is comprised of four courses, one for each of the years of a typical undergraduate degree.

Elements of the Arts - IAC 1365 (ART, MUS & THA 1365)

This team-taught, cross-disciplinary course is designed to develop, explore, and integrate vocabularies of the arts, including architecture, dance, design, drama, literature, moving images, music, theatre, and the visual arts. Elements of the arts will be studied in terms of their unique application in specific disciplines as well as the ways in which they are shared among the disciplines. Students can expect to work outside their chosen majors and areas of specialization, to demonstrate understanding in a number of ways in various projects, and to document their experiences throughout the semester. The culmination of the semester will be the presentation of final individual and group projects.

Contexts for the Arts - IAC 2365 (ART, MUS & THA 2365)

This Integrated Arts Core component will introduce philosophical, international and aesthetic perspectives across the arts - architecture, dance, design, drama, literature, moving images, music, theatre, and the visual arts. The arts will be explored for the contexts in which they were/are made, for environments in which they are experienced today, and for changes in our perception of them over time and place. These explorations will consider socio-economic factors, belief systems, culture, race, gender, economics, and political influences. The course will utilize topic specific approaches, projects, team work, and direct investigations of cultural practices in the community. From this contact students are expected to develop a working knowledge that can be applied to their specific areas as well an understanding of how the arts interact with and influence each other. This “cultural partnership” will help students understand differences in communication styles and priorities as well as how the arts may be viewed and experienced outside our culture.

Innovations in the Arts - IAC 3365 (ART, MUS & THA 3365)

This cross-disciplinary course is a series of case studies concerning innovations in the arts from their inspiration and conception through their influences on current practice in areas such as architecture, dance, design, drama, literature, moving images, music, theatre and the visual arts. Specific topics will vary each semester. Students will conduct and present research on a variety of topics associated with the case studies and engage in a series of dialogues and exercises with guest artists from a cross-section of arts fields. For each innovation topic undertaken, students will develop an individual or group project to demonstrate understanding of the theories and principles presented in the case studies. Students can expect to work both inside and outside of their chosen majors and areas of specialization. The course will incorporate philosophical and aesthetic perspectives.

Collaborations through the Arts - IAC 4365 (ART, MUS & THA 4365)

This culminating, cross-disciplinary IAC course is designed to inform, explore, and integrate processes of collaborating in the production and/or performance of the arts, including architecture, dance, design, drama, literature, moving images, music, theatre, and the visual arts. The course is designed in three segments. First, collaboration will be studied as a process of work in our culture, including the business arena, in order for students to collect strategies and processes helpful to such work in the arts. Next, specific instances and case studies of collaborative experiences in the arts will be studied for application guidelines and idea generation. Finally, students will complete the semester with the faculty facilitator in teams and groups, with a collaborative performance or academic presentation as the final project. Students can expect to work both inside and outside of their chosen majors and areas of specialization, and to demonstrate analysis and synthesis skills in a number of ways in class activities and the final project. The course will incorporate philosophical and aesthetic perspectives.



Courses

0040. Theatre Arts Practicum 0 hours

All full-time theatre arts majors and minors are required to attend practicum each semester. The course meets once each week for the purpose of conducting departmental business and assignments. All students will receive a grade of “P” or “F” in this course.

0050. Musical Theatre 0 hours

Performance in the annual musical show.

1105. Theatre Production Laboratory 1 hour

Students must sign up for theatre Production Laboratory the first four semesters they are enrolled as a Theatre major or minor. After successful completion of the entire four-course production laboratory sequence, the student must enroll each semester in THA 0040. Course work includes hands-on training with faculty members, staff, and professionals in costuming, front-of-house operations, lighting, performances, properties, publicity, scenery construction, and other production assignments from THA 0040. Theater fee applies.

1106. Theatre Production Laboratory 1 hour

Students must sign up for theatre Production Laboratory the first four semesters they are enrolled as a Theatre major or minor. After successful completion of the entire four-course production laboratory sequence, the student must enroll each semester in THA 0040. Course work includes hands-on training with faculty members, staff, and professionals in costuming, front-of-house operations, lighting, performances, properties, publicity, scenery construction, and other production assignments from THA 0040. Theater fee applies.

1300. Introduction to Theatre 3 hours

Prerequisite: Majors only
An introduction to the various aspects of theatre, including history, design, tech, acting, and management. Guest speakers who are working professionally in various areas of theatre may also present work- shops/lectures throughout the course. Laboratory hours in related theatre activities may be required. Theater fee applies.

1301. Acting I 3 hours

Prerequisite: Majors/minors or consent of instructor
The study of practical applications of improvisation, basic principles of acting, and scene work from plays. Theater fee applies. Theater fee applies.

1302. Acting II 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 1301 or the equivalent
A continuation of principles established in THA 1301 with emphasis on characterization and role preparation.

1365. Elements of the Arts (ART 1365, MUS 1365) 3 hours

This course is part of the Integrated Arts Core (IAC). See above for course description. IAC fee applies.

2101. Theatrical Stage Performance 1 hour

Credit for performance on stage in a major University production, with credit and grade to be contracted with the Chair of the Theatre Department upon completion.

2102. Technical Stage Performance 1 hour

Credit for the performance of technical and stagecraft skills in the production areas. Class credit and grade to be contracted with the. Chair of the Theatre Department May be repeated four times for credit.

2105. Theatre Production Laboratory 1 hour

Students must sign up for theatre Production Laboratory the first four semesters they are enrolled as a Theatre major or minor. After successful completion of the entire four-course production laboratory sequence, the student must enroll each semester in THA 0040. Course work includes hands-on training with faculty members, staff, and professionals in costuming, front-of-house operations, lighting, performances, properties, publicity, scenery construction, and other production assignments from THA 0040. Theater fee applies.

2106. Theatre Production Laboratory 1 hour

Students must sign up for theatre Production Laboratory the first four semesters they are enrolled as a Theatre major or minor. After successful completion of the entire four-course production laboratory sequence, the student must enroll each semester in THA 0040. Course work includes hands-on training with faculty members, staff, and professionals in costuming, front-of-house operations, lighting, performances, properties, publicity, scenery construction, and other production assignments from THA 0040. Theater fee applies.

2300. Script Analysis 3 hours

Through the study of selected plays from various styles and periods in theatre history, students learn techniques for analyzing play structure in a manner vital for the director, designer, playwright, and performer. Selections will vary each semester. Theater fee applies.

2303. Technical Theatre I 3 hours

A basic course studying various elements of scenery, costumes, lighting, and properties techniques and construction. Production organization is also explored as well as practical experience in backstage procedures. Three hours of lecture, weekly laboratory, and one crew assignment. Theater fee applies.

2305. Technical Theatre II 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 2303 or the equivalent
A continuation of THA 2303. Specific course content varies per semester as the principles of scenery, lighting, production, and crew organization are explored. Practical experience in backstage techniques. Three hours of lecture, weekly laboratory, and one crew assignment.

2307. Theatre Voice Production 3 hours

A basic course in voice production with emphasis on speech sounds and general American speech dialects, pronunciation and projection.

2310. Teaching the Theatre Arts 3 hours

A methods course designed to give theatre arts majors a realistic approach to teaching in the public school system.

2313. Acting for the Camera 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 1301, 1302, or the equivalent. Theatre arts majors only
The study and practical application of acting techniques for the television and film media with emphasis on commercials, audition techniques, and preparation of headshots and résumés.

2314. Film Production 3 hours

A continuation of principles established in THA 2313 with additional emphasis on film production.

2315. Movement for Actors 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 1302 or consent of instructor
The development of the body for acting. Areas of study include conditioning for flexibility and expression, mime, mask, movement for character development, and other movement techniques required for performance such as combat and period dance.

2365. Contexts for the Arts (ART 2365, MUS 2365) 3 hours

See above for course description IAC fee applies.

3152. Theatre Internship I 1 hour

Prerequisite: Consent of theatre department chair
A practical, experimental approach to performance and production using the internship program to provide training and experience more advanced than that provided during the normal academic year. Each student will outline a contract of specific requirements based upon that individual's needs, goals, and skills and file it with the student's theatre advisor.

3252. Theatre Internship I 2 hours

Prerequisite: Consent of theatre department chair
A practical, experimental approach to performance and production using the internship program to provide training and experience more advanced than that provided during the normal academic year. Each student will outline a contract of specific requirements based upon that individual's needs, goals, and skills and file it with the student's theatre advisor.

3302. Directing 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 1301, 2300, 2303, 3310
The study of play interpretation, casting, rehearsal procedure, staging, and the role of the director.

3303. Scene Painting and Design (ART 3303) 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 2303 or ART 1301 or 1311
The study and practice of stage painting and design techniques. One 3-hour lab required. Theater fee applies.

3304. Acting III 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 1302 or consent of instructor
Scene work with concentration upon the individual needs of the performer.

3305. Acting IV 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 2300, 3304, or consent of instructor
Scene and monologue work with a concentration on acting in plays with heightened language.

3306. Scene Design 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 2303
The study of the basic concepts and elements of design. Methods include script study, visualization, and execution in drafting, sketching, and rendering.

3307. Playwriting I (ENG 3307) 3 hours

Prerequisite: ENG 1301, 1302, or the equivalent
The study of the techniques of dramaturgy with practical application in the writing of drama.

3310. Theatre/Stage Management 3 hours

Study of the techniques and skills involved in stage management. Three hours of lecture and practical application in University theatre productions.

3311. Theatrical Costume Design 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 2303
Survey of historical styles and trends with emphasis on silhouettes, motifs, and accessories. Practical application with basic costume design and construction techniques. Theater fee applies.

3312. Theatrical Makeup 3 hours

Study of the design and application of makeup for the stage. Areas explored include theory, color, materials, character analysis, aging, fantasy, and three-dimensional makeup. Three hours of lecture/demonstration and one crew assignment. This course may not be used to satisfy the general education fine arts requirement. Theater fee applies.

3313. Acting Styles: Shakespeare 3 hours

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Advanced exercise and scene study dealing with the techniques of approaching both Shakespeare's verse and prose.

3314. Acting Styles: Auditioning 3 hours

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Preparatory steps for interviews, auditions, selection of material, proper dress, demeanor and media; résumé writing; and various class projects in both legitimate and musical theatre.

3315. Acting Styles: Musical Theatre 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 1301, 1302, 2300, or consent of instructor
Scene and monologue work with a concentration on performing, acting, and singing in musical theatre genre.

3316. Acting Styles: Comedy/Improvisation 3 hours

Prerequisite: 1301, 1302, 2300, or consent of instructor
Advanced exercise and scene work with a concentration on the creative technique and performance style of acting extemporaneously. The student will work in a variety of situations using improvisation as a rehearsal technique and performance style for comedy and drama.

3317. Acting Styles: Periods and Styles 3 hours

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
An advanced acting course for students who wish to study acting style and techniques related to specific periods of world theatre from the Greeks to Ibsen. An in-depth treatment of characterization and interpretation with a special emphasis on the language and movement of the period.

3321. Stage Lighting 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 2303 or consent of instructor
The mechanics, control, and art of lighting for the stage. Studies include the nature of light, color, instrumentation, dimmers, and basic lighting design. Practical application with University theatre productions.

3341. History of the Theatre I 3 hours

The study of the development of theatre from the Egyptians to the French Neoclassicists, with emphasis on the particular periods, plays, and theatrical styles which have influenced contemporary stage productions. Theater fee applies.

3342. History of the Theatre II 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 3341 or consent of instructor
A continuation of THA 3341, involving the theatre from the French Neoclassicists to the present. Theater fee applies.

3343. Survey of Musical Theatre (MUS 3343) 3 hours

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
A survey of major writers, composers, and production trends in both the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

3365. Innovations in the Arts (ART 3365, MUS 3365) 3 hours

See above for course description . IAC fee applies.

4152. Theatre Internship II 1 hour

Prerequisite: Consent of theatre department chair
A continuation of Theatre Internship I or a different assignment with the same requirements as stated in Theatre Internship I.

4252. Theatre Internship II 2 hours

Prerequisite: Consent of theatre department chair
A continuation of Theatre Internship I or a different assignment with the same requirements as stated in Theatre Internship I.

4301. Senior Project 3 hours

Prerequisites: Senior standing, all required Theatre courses, 2.5 cumulative GPA, consent of Theatre faculty
Each student will work independently, meeting regularly with an assigned faculty member for assessment of progress and response to work. Specific requirements for this course will be determined by the student and instructor and must be submitted in written form for approval by the Chair of the Department. Each Senior Project must contain a research component, include appropriate documentation, and culminate in a public presentation for the Department. Students desiring to take THA 4301 should turn in a written proposal to the Department Chair at least two months prior to registering for this course. May not be repeated for credit.

4302. Advanced Directing 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 3302 and consent of instructor
A continuation of skills from THA 3302 with emphasis on directing styles. Laboratory assignment can be the directing of a one-act play.

4307. Playwriting II (ENG 4307) 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 3307 and consent of instructor
Conducted as a seminar, this course is an intense application of the material from THA 3307 Playwriting I with each student producing a completed play (one act or full length) by the end of the course.

4311. Dialects 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 1302 and 2307
The study and practice of the analytic tools which enable actors to acquire and master dialects of English. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet and ear training to distinguish speech sounds, students will develop a variety of dialects and apply them in performance projects.

4321. Modern Drama (ENG 4321) 3 hours

A survey of the modern drama beginning with Ibsen. This course may not be used to satisfy the general education fine arts requirement.

4335. Shakespeare: Histories and Comedies (ENG 4335) 3 hours

Critical reading and discussion of selected comedies and histories. This course may not be used to satisfy the general education fine arts requirement.

4336. Shakespeare: Tragedies (ENG 4336) 3 hours

Critical reading and discussion of selected tragedies. This course may not be used to satisfy the general education fine arts requirement.

4352. Theatre Internship II 3 hours

Prerequisite: Consent of theatre department chair
A continuation of Theatre Internship I or a different assignment with the same requirements as stated in Theatre Internship I.

4356. Comic Drama (ENG 4356) 3 hours

A study of comedy from Aristophanes to the present in drama of the Western world.

4365. Collaborations through the Arts (ART 4365, MUS 4365) 3 hours

See above for course description. IAC fee applies.

4370. Scene Design II 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 3306
Advanced studies in scene design with practical application in University theatre productions.

4371. Costume Design II 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 3311
Advanced studies in costume design with practical application in University theatre productions.

4372. Stage Lighting II 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 3321
Advanced studies in stage lighting with practical application in University theatre productions.

4373. Theatrical Makeup II 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 3312
Advanced studies in theatrical makeup with practical application in University theatre productions.

4374. Children's Theatre 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 3302
The study of techniques and skills involved to create and produce the various types of children's theatre with practical application in University theatre productions.

4375. Playwriting III 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 4307 and consent of instructor
Conducted as a seminar, this course is an advanced study of the skills and techniques of playwriting, with each student creating a completed play (one act or full-length) by the end of the course.

4376. Properties Design and Construction 3 hours

Prerequisite: THA 2303 and 2305
Study of the techniques and skills needed to analyze, research, and construct various stage properties and special effects with practical application in University theatre productions.

Did you know?

Each student is assigned to a faculty advisor who assists the student plan out their programs of coursework, schedule, and discuss career planning and options.

Joe Allen Brown
Joe Allen Brown
Theatre and Mass Communication
Dean of Freshman Success and Professor of Theatre Arts and Mass Communication

Texas Wesleyan’s approach to students is very personable, Brown said. Programs are designed to treat “each student as a unique individual.”

Read More
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contact Information

School of Arts & Letters
Location: PUMC 2nd Floor
Phone: 817-531-4900
Fax: 817-531-6503
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm

Theatre Department or Upcoming Productions
Phone: 817-531-5867
Email: theatre@txwes.edu

Box Office Information
Phone: 817-531-4211
Website: Theatre Wesleyan Box Office


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