THT: Courses in Theatre Arts
Department of Fine Arts
THT 104-108 Theatre Practicum 1-2 credit
Students can earn one to 2 credits each semester by participating in
theatre productions as actors, directors, or technical personnel under
the guidance of qualified theatre artists. A minimum of 30 hours
of participation is required for each hour of credit; enrollment and
grading will be arranged at the end of each semester by the staff. Each
semester.
THT 111 Introduction to Acting 3 credit
This is an introduction to stage acting. This course is designed to free
the beginning actor from tension and self-consciousness by becoming
involved in exercises designed to develop concentration and imagination
as well as interpersonal communication skills appropriate for
stage performance. As a prerequisite to other acting classes, the course
provides basic terminology and technique. Each semester.
THT 118 Theatre Appreciation 3 credit
A course that aims to develop discerning audience skills through study
of theatre in its different forms such as educational, community, and
professional, as well as related performing media such as dance, vaudeville,
comedy, and live popular musical performance. Emphasis is
placed on learning the aesthetic basics of acting, design, interpretation,
and performing arts theory. This course also requires attendance from
a menu of performance opportunities in Helena. Fall semester.
THT 121 Stagecraft 3 credit
This is a practical course in stagecraft. This includes construction
and design of scenery and properties, stage lighting and sound. Skills
involve carpentry, painting, reading design plans, and methods of
assembling the set on stage. Participation in current productions is
arranged. Fall semester.
THT 150 Introduction to Arts Management 3 credit
A course designed to give an understanding of the contemporary business
of art-making in the U.S., emphasizing rural artists’ challenges. It
will touch on related career opportunities and the skill-sets necessary
for arts managers and artists. It will introduce students to practical
experience in developing and applying some of these skills. Fall semester.
THT 160 Improvisation 3 credit
This course will give practical knowledge and experience in improvisational
theatre. Study will include Theatre games, and improvisational
exercises developed by Viola Spolin and by the Mark Taper Forum.
Coursework will develop skills in American Mime, juggling, voice and
body movement, and animal images. Fall semester.
THT 212 Acting: Advancement Methods 3 credit
This is the study of roles and scenes with emphasis upon character
analysis and development, as well as styles of production, such as Greek,
Elizabethan, Commedia and Restoration theatre.
Prerequisite: THT 111. Spring semester.
THT 220 Scenic Art 3 credit
A practical course offering instruction in the materials, tools and techniques
of scenic artists, as well as a look at the history of scenic art. The
majority of class sessions will be spent on scene painting techniques
and application. Students will learn common faux finish and mural
techniques and paint two pieces of scenic art, architectural and environmental.
No prerequisites: Fall semester, even-numbered years.
THT 221 Stagecraft II 3 credit
A course in more advanced stagecraft techniques. Areas of focus will
be stage machinery, rigging systems, sound and lighting systems. Skills
will include welding and steel construction techniques, lighting and
electrical safety, and construction management skills. Participation in
current productions is arranged. Spring semester.
THT 223 Costuming 3 credit
This is a practical course in the theory, art, and practice of costuming.
Besides studying the evolution of clothing styles throughout the ages,
each student, after learning how to read and follow a pattern, will build
an article of clothing. Spring semester; odd-numbered years.
THT 224 Stage Make-Up 3 credit
By completing a series of make-up projects, the student will learn the
principles and techniques of applying make-up: realistic and nonrealistic;
two-dimensional and three-dimensional. In addition, the
student will study facial anatomy, the aging process, and the principles
of light and shadow as they apply to stage make-up. Spring semester;
even-numbered years.
THT 304 Theatre Internship 1-3 credit
An intensive “hands-on” learning experience designed to fit the individual
student’s vocational and avocational goals. Each student will
be given major responsibilities in the areas of technical theatre, stage
management, directing, house management, promotion and publicity,
box office, etc., under the tutelage of the professional staff at Helena’s
area theatres. Consent of instructor is required. Offered fall, spring, or
summer term under special arrangement. A written report is due upon
completion of the internship. The grade will be assigned by the professional
at the area theatre. Fall semester, even-numbered years.
THT 311 Play Directing 3 credit
A practical course in the principles and techniques of bringing a play
from the page to the stage. The course provides step-by-step practice
in how to approach the play, how to find its dramatic values, and how
to direct the production with these aims in mind. Prerequisite: THT
111; THT 212; consent of instructor. Fall semester.
THT 318 History of Theatre I 3 credit
The story of the theatre beginning with its origins in the rituals of
primitive man through the cultural explosion of the Renaissance. In
addition to the text, several plays representative of the major theatrical
ages will be read for insights into how the physical stage, the styles of
acting and production, and theatrical convention influenced the dramatic
literature of the various periods. Fall semester; even-numbered years.
THT 319 History of Theatre II 3 credit
A continuance of the story of the theatre, from the English Restoration
and through its objective imitation of nature at the end of the 19th
century, to its return to subjective reality and ritual in modern times. In
addition to the text, several plays representative of the major theatrical
ages will be read for insights into the physical stage, the styles of acting
and production, and theatrical convention influenced the dramatic
literature of the period as well as the modern theatre. Fulfills writing
intensive requirement. Spring semester; odd-numbered years.
THT 321 Sound and Stage 3 credit
This course gives focus on two key functions in theatre: Stage Management
and Sound Design. This course features discussion and practical
application in both areas. The first eight weeks are spent on Stage
management theory. Students who complete this class are eligible to
serve as stage managers for Performing Arts productions. The last 8
weeks of the semester are spent on Sound Design, and students will
create a show design recording. Prerequisite: THT 121. Fall semester,
odd-numbered years.
THT 322 Scene Design 3 credit
This is a practical study of the scenic design process. The course focuses
on drafting skills, theatrical design formats, research for scenic design
and model building. Prerequisite: THT 121 or consent of instructor.
Fall semester, odd-numbered years.
THT 323 Stage Lighting 3 credit
This is a practical study of the lighting design process. The course
leads the student step-by-step from script analysis through plotting
a finished design. Individual areas of exploration include light and
color theory, electricity, and lighting instrumentation and control
systems. Prerequisite: THT 121 and THT 322. Spring semester,
even-numbered years.
THT 348 History of Film 3 credit
An overview of the history of film from its beginnings in the late 19th
century through its exciting growth into the most popular performing
art of this century, including a study of film’s social impact, stars,
directors, business management history, and recent video revolution.
The course will also offer weekly viewing selections of many of the
great films of cinematic literature. Spring semester.
THT 403-404 Theatre Projects 1-3 credit
An opportunity for qualified theatre students to participate in Carroll
College theatre productions as primary designers. Under the guidance
of the instructor, the student may direct or design the set, costumes, or
lighting for a full-length play. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.
Offered each semester by arrangement.
THT 422 Advanced Design Practices 3 credit
A senior-level course that will build upon the foundation skills learned
in THT 322 Scene Design and THT 323 Stage Lighting. The intent
of this course is to move students to a working knowledge of the
professional design skills and methods. Activities include advanced
perspective drafting, model making, computer design/drafting,
and portfolio presentation. Students will be polishing their skills in
preparation for opportunities beyond graduation. Spring semester,
even-numbered years.
THT 426 Survey of Drama 3 credit
For advanced students, this course will confront issues in world theatre.
Areas to be covered include dramaturgy, criticism; play writing,
dramatic theory, and the avant-garde. Contemporary and historical
writers will be covered. Additionally students will study the parallel
development of art and physics. Spring; odd-numbered years.