Courses Offered in Theatre and Speech Communication

This course will introduce students to the experience of academic exploration that is at the heart of a liberal arts education. Through study of one or more compelling questions or topics in a small seminar setting, students will practice creative and critical thinking and will learn to express themselves effectively and appropriately in a college setting. They will develop relationships and practices that allow them to effectively utilize college resources and become members of a community of learners. The specific topic of the seminar will be developed by individual faculty and will be announced in advance. First year seminars are required for first-year students and transfer students with fewer than 15 credits. Not open to students who have received credit for IDS 189 or another first year seminar course.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: First Year Seminar

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for the student to experience the knowledge and skills necessary for effective communication with other individuals on a day-to-day basis. The emphasis will be on becoming more aware of self and others in both public presentations and in interpersonal communication settings. This course satisfies the oral communication core requirement. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Oral Communication

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for the student to learn about communication in the business world. The emphasis will be on such technical speaking experiences as preparing and presenting reports, conducting interviews, and employing leadership, team-building, and sales techniques. This course satisfies the oral communication core requirement. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Oral Communication

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for the Non Native Speaker to gain experience in the art of public speaking as it applies to personal and professional life. Presentation skills, audience analysis, speech organization and critical thinking are developed. This course also emphasizes American English pronunciation and listening. ESL Oral Communication satisfies the oral communication core requirement. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Oral Communication

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for the student to gain experience in the art of oral communication in its broadest sense, as it applies to everyday life in electronic environments. Oral exercises, class discussions, and speeches will cover the steps necessary for effective audience analysis, message preparation, and delivery as well as effective online interpersonal communication. In online sections students are required to record presentations in front of a live audience. This course satisfies the oral communication core requirement. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Oral Communication

This course is designed to give students a broad overview about communication strategies in civic engagement and using the best communication practices to enact social justice/change. The course lectures, materials, and activities are designed to engage students in authentic and compelling dialogue about critical social issues found within the local, national or international contexts. Students will be expected to deliver speeches, lead discussions, critically analyze issues, and critique their own work, as well as that of others. This course satisfies the oral communication core requirement. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Oral Communication

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for students to create original solo writing and performance that examines the way a creative artist engages contemporary social and political problems. Through in-depth study of monologue, poetry, lyrics, and the history of spoken word, the student will learn creative expression and the art of social and political engagement. Presentation skills, audience analysis, speech organization, and critical thinking are developed. This course satisfies the oral communication core requirement. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Oral Communication

This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of persuasion and argumentation in contemporary life. This course includes analysis of persuasive techniques used in the mass media and of arguments applied to political and social issues. Emphasis will be placed on the development of each student's ability to express, advocate, and defend a point of view. This course satisfies the oral communication core requirement. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Oral Communication

This course will provide an overview of the basic theories and principles of interpersonal communication and will provide the student with an understanding of human interaction in a social world. This course explores communication competence, perception of self and others, nonverbal communication, language, listening, relationship building and relational contexts. Student will be given the opportunity to become more competent and empowered communicators. This course satisfies the oral communication core requirement. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Oral Communication

This course provides an analysis of the essence of leadership, leadership styles and a leader's dynamic vision and motivation are explored through the speeches and actions of influential leaders who represent a variety of social and political movements. Speeches are analyzed in terms of the speaker, the message, the effect, and the social environment in which the speeches were presented. This course satisfies the oral communication core requirement. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Oral Communication

The course is designed to acquaint the student with the theatrical process and to familiarize the student with the creative roles of the playwright, director, actor, designer, and technician. An appreciation of theatre is acquired through the reading and viewing of plays - both on and off campus, a study of the text, class discussion, and written critiques of productions. The student's creativity will be demonstrated by writing a short play and the completion of a design aspect of a play. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Creative Expression & Apprec

This course will introduce the student, through practice, to the various aspects of performing in the theater. It includes an introduction to the basic fundamentals of movement, voice and acting for the theater student. It is fully intended that what you learn in this class will serve as a foundation and be directly applicable to the rest of your performance courses and productions at Salem State. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Creative Expression & Apprec

This course is designed to give a basic understanding of safety principles, equipment, materials and processes used in the technical aspects of theatre production. Topics of study include costumes, lighting, scenic painting, and stagecraft. Three lecture hours and additional workshop hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

This foundational course is based in embodied learning and is intended to develop the actor's awareness of the physical self, develop strength, freedom, openness and effective use of the body. The actor will also explore rhythm, dynamic movement, and spatial and physical clarity. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: THE107

Credits: 3.00

This course is intended to provide the actor with a conceptual understanding of the mechanics of vocal production for the stage and to assist the actor in developing vocal self-awareness and a healthy, agile and expressive voice for the stage. Exercises will promote a connection to breath and body and a freeing and opening of the voice. Three lecture hours a week.

Credits: 3.00

This course is designed for the Theatre student’s direct involvement in the mounting of current Salem State Theatre productions. Basic principles and practices of production will be applied. Six laboratory hours per week.
Prerequisites: THE108

Credits: 3.00

This course is designed for the Theatre student's direct involvement in the mounting of current Salem State theatre productions. Students will be working on various aspects of theatre production which may include the construction and painting of scenery, the hanging and focusing of lighting instruments, and the construction of costumes. Six laboratory hours per week.
Prerequisite: THE108

Credits: 3.00

Emphasis is placed on the directorial process and the director's relationship with actors and contributing artists. Script analysis, stage conventions, basic techniques of blocking, stage notation, audition, rehearsal and production processes for the director will be studied. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: THE101, THE107.

Credits: 3.00

This course is designed for BFA Theatre Arts Performance, Directing, and Playwriting concentration students and will serve as a performance lab in the spring of the second year of study. In this course students will collaborate on creating an original, full-length theater piece using a variety of devising and improvisational techniques. Students will work as an ensemble or group to devise this performance employing all the elements of theater including simple lighting, set, sound, costume, etc. around a chosen theme. The course will introduce the basic history and context for devised and ensemble based theater as well as offer methods for employing this theory into the practice of composing theater in a studio setting and will culminate in a public performance for an audience.
Prerequisite: THE216

Credits: 3.00

This course examines the development of World Theatre from antiquity to the early 19th century. Emphasis is placed on Theatre as a cultural, social, political and religious barometer of the times. Representative plays, playwrights and practices are examined. Three lecture hours per week. Not open to students who have received credits for THE300.
Prerequisite: THE101.

Credits: 3.00

The course examines the development of World Theatre from the early 19th century to contemporary theatre. Emphasis is placed on Theatre as a cultural, social, political and religious barometer of the times. Representative plays, playwrights and practices are examined. Three lecture hours per week. Not open to students who have received credits for THE301.

Credits: 3.00

This course provides the student with a step-by-step process to the writing of a theatrical script. Beginning writers will learn to utilize effective structure, intriguing characters, and powerful dialogue in their created work. Emphasis will be on first draft evaluation and effective revision. As members of a writing group, students will also analyze plays that help to model logical and imaginative construction techniques. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite; THE107.

Credits: 3.00

This is a study of the fundamentals needed to present a design. Sketching, figure drawing, perspective drawing and various color media will be explored. Three lecture hours and additional laboratory hours per week. Not open to students who have received credits for THE414.

Credits: 3.00

This course is an introduction to acting technique based on the Stanislavski approach to acting for the stage. It is designed to develop the ability to play dramatic action honestly and believably using contemporary and post-modern drama from the late twentieth century and early twenty-first century. Course work includes exercises, monologues, and scene work and requires outside of class preparation and rehearsal. Three lecture hours per week. Not open to students who have received credits for THE303.
Prerequisites: THE101, THE107.

Credits: 3.00

This is an intensive workshop in auditioning situations faced in professional theatre. The student will develop a greater self-awareness to aid in the selection of audition material. The student prepares and presents a wide range of audition material both serious and comic, covering several periods and styles. Three lecture hours a week.
Prerequisites: THE111, THE110, THE216

Credits: 3.00

This course is an introduction to the art and craft of theatrical Stage Management. Students in the Stage Management program will be prepared to be Assistant Stage Managers and design/technical students will understand the function, duties, and responsibilities of the professional Stage Manager. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: THE101, THE108.

Credits: 3.00

This course will familiarize students with the basic techniques and tools used in the painting of theatrical scenery. Emphasis will be placed on practical application of these skills. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

This course introduces visual design elements and principles through analytical and practical applications. Particular emphasis is placed on script analysis from the point of view of theatrical designers: Scenic, Costume, Lighting, and Sound. The course focuses on the prominence of research and the collaborative process required creating cohesive theatrical productions. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: THE101, THE108.

Credits: 3.00

Emphasis is placed on theories and techniques of advanced directing topics including but not limited to classical theatre, musical theatre, epic theatre, new plays, adaptation, and devising. These special topics will be studied through a combination of seminar, lecture, and creative course work. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: THE 204.

Credits: 3.00

This advanced course in acting explores scene and monologue work through the verse of Moliere and Shakespeare comedies. Emphasis will be on the language, manners, and behavior necessary to embody characters. Course work includes reading, discussion, class exercises, historical research, rehearsal and prepared scenes and monologues. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: THE316

Credits: 3.00

This course is designed to train students in the careful analysis of dramatic texts. Emphasis will be on written research and reflections of the playable dramatic values in the environment, the characters, the dialogue and the structure of a play; and how these playable dramatic values energize actors, directors, designers, and other theatre artists in their work. Development of the student’s own critical writing is emphasized. Three lecture hours per week..
Prerequisites: W-1, THE101

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Written Communication-Level II

This course is a study of construction methods and materials needed for building stage costumes. It involves class work in sewing, patterning, and altering techniques, as well as discussion of design interpretation, construction scheduling, and shopping methods for the costumer. Three lecture hours and additional laboratory hours per week.
Prerequisite: THE102.

Credits: 3.00

In this advanced movement course, students will apply somatic movement techniques to recognize and expand out from their own personal habits and to widen their range of movement vocabulary. They will work towards the creation of character using the body as a creative source for their work as performers. The actor will also develop significant strength, stamina, flexibility, balance and coordination. This course includes various physical disciplines including but not limited to Body-Mind Centering, Viewpoints, stage combat and clowning.
Prerequisite: THE316.

Credits: 3.00

This course is designed to give a basic understanding of safety principles, equipment, materials and processes used in the technical aspects of theatre production. Topics of study include costumes, lighting/sound, and stagecraft. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: THE108.

Credits: 3.00

This course is a study of the technical aspects of lighting for the theatre. Emphasis is on equipment; electrical, light, and color theory; scheduling; and the implementation of the design concept. Three lecture hours and additional laboratory hours per week.
Prerequisite: THE108

Credits: 3.00

This is a study of the tools, techniques, conventions, and symbols used in drafting, with special attention given to specific techniques for the stage. Much of the drafting will be done on CAD, a computer drafting program. Three lecture hours and additional laboratory hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

This is a study of materials and techniques in Theatre construction. Advanced woodworking, costume construction, welding, plastics, foams, fabrics, dyes, patterns, and lighting equipment are covered. Three lecture hours and additional laboratory hours per week.
Prerequisite: THE108

Credits: 3.00

This is a study of the history of architecture, design, decoration, furniture, and costuming through the ages. The evolution of materials, construction techniques, and designs are examined. Emphasis is on styles most commonly found in the period with dramatic literature. Students are required to visit the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: W-I course.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: The Human Past

This is a scene study class that focuses on developing imaginative, emotional and physical creativity and expression. Drawing from the approaches of Stanislavski, Grotowski and others, the actor will learn to use the imagination, body and voice to connect inner impulse to clear, articulate and effective acting choices. Mid-twentieth century American and European drama are the subject of the scene work. Three lecture hours per week. not open to students who have received credits for THE403.
Prerequisite: THE216.

Credits: 3.00

This course is designed to give a basic understanding of equipment, materials and processes of Theatrical Properties Production and Management. Topics of study will include basic upholstery, basic furniture construction, introduction to casting and molding,introduction to Photoshop/paper props, weapons safety, and special effects. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: THE 108, and THE 201 or THE 202.

Credits: 3.00

This is a course designed to acquaint the student with major theoretical and critical writings of drama and explore their relevance to the contemporary Theatre. The course includes analysis and written reflection of historical and contemporary dramatic theories, plays, and criticism. Development of the student's own critical writing is emphasized through the critique of theatre productions. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: THE206, THE207, and successful completion of W-II category requirement.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Written Commun-Level III

This advanced course deals with acting methodologies which will include advanced Stanislavski techniques and may include improvisation, theatre games, clown, and other contemporary approaches. Early realism in Europe from the late nineteenth to the early twentieth century are the subject of the scene and monologue work. Three lecture hours and additional rehearsal hours per week.
Prerequisites: THE110, THE111, and THE316

Credits: 3.00

This advanced course in acting explores scene work in Greek and Shakespearean tragedies. Emphasis is on organic believability and epic scale integrated through the language and physicality of each style. Course work includes mask work, class exercises, extreme physicality, historical research, outside rehearsals and prepared scenes. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: THE306, THE316.

Credits: 3.00

This course provides further study of voice for the development of a healthy, flexible, free and expressive voice. Emphasis will be on the exploration of embodied and extended voice, the creativity of the voice as “mask,” and the intersection of the voice, body and breath with text and memorization of a variety of texts. Exercises will include, but are not be limited to, work with Patsy Rodenburg and Roy Hart techniques. Three lecture hours a week.
Prerequisites: THE111, THE307N, THE316.

Credits: 3.00

The student will develop skill in the use of British and American stage dialects, and European Union accents. Study of the International Phonetic Alphabet will be included. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: THE407A and senior class standing.

Credits: 3.00

This is a study of the materials used and engineering problems encountered in the moving of scenery for performance. The use of wagons, revolves, treadmills, traps, and flying apparatus will be covered. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: THE310, THE314.

Credits: 3.00

This course is designed to be a synthesis of the student's accumulated knowledge of dramatic literature, script analysis and acting training and the role that this synthesis takes in the crafting of a theatrical performance. Students will read and analyze contemporary dramatic writing, develop monologues and short scenes, and workshop their pieces through the process of staging. The goal of the course is to demonstrate how the theatre artist can market his/her talents through self-created performance and showcase vehicles. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: THE316.

Credits: 3.00

This course is an advanced study of the art and craft of sound design. It will explore the abstract world of sound as it relates to live theatre, as well as the tools of the sound designer and audio engineer. Design approaches, editing and recording techniques, and the aesthetics of sound as it is applied to design for the stage will be examined. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: THE 101, THE 302.

Credits: 3.00

This course explores the advanced skills necessary for conceptualization of scenic design. Through extensive script analysis and historical period research; the student will design scenery for various theatrical productions: plays, musicals, opera, and dance. Students will explore scenic design for a variety of production venues: proscenium, thrust, arena, black box and found spaces. Student will prepare design packages for scene design including: drafted ground plans, drafted elevations, and fully built painted scale models. Three lectures per week.
Prerequisites: THE101, THE108, THE302

Credits: 3.00

This course is an advanced study of the art and craft of the professional theatre Stage Manager. Students in the BFA Stage Management option will be prepared for the job of Stage Manager in regional and professional theatre. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: THE220, THE307N.

Credits: 3.00

This course is an advanced study of the art and craft of lighting design. It will explore the abstract world of light and shadow, mood and composition, as well as the tools of the lighting designer. Design approaches, techniques, and the aesthetics of light as it is applied to lighting design for the stage, as well as dance, will be examined. Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisite: THE101, THE302.

Credits: 3.00

Individual projects relating to the student's particular area of concentration in Theatre will be undertaken. This course is conducted on an individual basis with an assigned faculty member from the Department of Theatre and Speech Communication. It is open to Senior Theatre Arts majors only, and permission of the Department Chairperson is required.

Credits: 3.00

In this capstone course, the student participates in the creation and performance of an evening recital for public viewing and faculty critique or in a faculty-approved leading role in a department production in either the Fall or Spring semester of their Senior year. A thesis book consisting of all research, analysis and acting choices is to be submitted, including a career or business plan. Work will be in close conjunction with a faculty advisor.
Prerequisites: Open only to Seniors in BFA Performance Option or by permission of the Department Chairperson.

Credits: 3.00

Students will assume the role of the set, light or costume designer or a major technical position such as technical director, master electrician, cutter, draper, etc. for a major Salem State Theatre production. Open only to Seniors in the BFA Technical Theatre and Design Options.

Credits: 3.00

Emphasis is placed on the creative process of directing one fully-realized theatrical production, tracking the earliest pre-production conceptualization and research through the final closing night, in live performance. The BFA directing track culminates in this capstone experience. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: THE304 or permission of department chairperson.

Credits: 3.00

This course is designed to record the student's direct supervised involvement in the many aspects of Departmental theatre production. This course provides the application of the basic principles and practices addressed in the theatre courses THE101 Introduction to Theatre Arts, THE108 Intro to Stagecraft, and/or THE110 Movement for the Stage. The pass/fail grade will be based on the successful completion of assigned cast or crew positions for Departmental Productions. Production Positions earning Theatre Participation non-degree credits are listed and explained in the Theatre Handbook and are available in the Department Office. Required of theatre arts majors. Theatre Participation does not give degree credits and has no impact on GPA, but completion is required for graduation.

Credits: 0.50

This course is designed to record the student's direct supervised involvement in the many aspects of Departmental theatre production. This course provides the application of the basic principles and practices addressed in the theatre courses THE101 Introduction to Theatre Arts, THE108 Intro to Stagecraft, and/or THE110 Movement for the Stage. The pass/fail grade will be based on the successful completion of assigned cast or crew positions for Departmental Productions. Production Positions earning Theatre Participation non-degree credits are listed and explained in the Theatre Handbook and are available in the Department Office. Required of theatre arts majors.Theatre Participation does not give degree credits and has no impact on GPA, but completion is required for graduation.

Credits: 0.50

This course is designed to record the student's direct supervised involvement in the many aspects of Departmental theatre production. This course provides the application of the basic principles and practices addressed in the theatre courses THE101 Introduction to Theatre Arts, THE108 Intro to Stagecraft, and/or THE110 Movement for the Stage. The pass/fail grade will be based on the successful completion of assigned cast or crew positions for Departmental Productions. Production Positions earning Theatre Participation non-degree credits are listed and explained in the Theatre Handbook and are available in the Department Office. Required of theatre arts majors. Theatre Participation does not give degree credits and has no impact on GPA, but completion is required for graduation.

Credits: 0.50

This course is designed to record the student's direct supervised involvement in the many aspects of Departmental theatre production. This course provides the application of the basic principles and practices addressed in the theatre courses THE101 Introduction to Theatre Arts, THE108 Intro to Stagecraft, and/or THE110 Movement for the Stage. The pass/fail grade will be based on the successful completion of assigned cast or crew positions for Departmental Productions. Production Positions earning Theatre Participation non-degree credits are listed and explained in the Theatre Handbook and are available in the Department Office. Required of theatre arts majors. Theatre Participation does not give degree credits and has no impact on GPA, but completion is required for graduation.

Credits: 0.50

This course is designed to record the student's direct supervised involvement in the many aspects of Departmental theatre production. This course provides the application of the basic principles and practices addressed in the theatre courses THE101 Introduction to Theatre Arts, THE108 Intro to Stagecraft, and/or THE110 Movement for the Stage. The pass/fail grade will be based on the successful completion of assigned cast or crew positions for Departmental Productions. Production Positions earning Theatre Participation non-degree credits are listed and explained in the Theatre Handbook and are available in the Department Office. Required of theatre arts majors. Theatre Participation does not give degree credits and has no impact on GPA, but completion is required for graduation.

Credits: 0.50

This course is designed to record the student's direct supervised involvement in the many aspects of Departmental theatre production. This course provides the application of the basic principles and practices addressed in the theatre courses THE101 Introduction to Theatre Arts, THE108 Intro to Stagecraft, and/or THE110 Movement for the Stage. The pass/fail grade will be based on the successful completion of assigned cast or crew positions for Departmental Productions. Production Positions earning Theatre Participation non-degree credits are listed and explained in the Theatre Handbook and are available in the Department Office. Required of theatre arts majors. Theatre Participation does not give degree credits and has no impact on GPA, but completion is required for graduation.

Credits: 0.50

This course is designed to record the student's direct supervised involvement in the many aspects of Departmental theatre production. This course provides the application of the basic principles and practices addressed in the theatre courses THE101 Introduction to Theatre Arts, THE108 Intro to Stagecraft, and/or THE110 Movement for the Stage. The pass/fail grade will be based on the successful completion of assigned cast or crew positions for Departmental Productions. Production Positions earning Theatre Participation non-degree credits are listed and explained in the Theatre Handbook and are available in the Department Office. Required of theatre arts majors. Theatre Participation does not give degree credits and has no impact on GPA, but completion is required for graduation.

Credits: 0.50

This course is designed to record the student's direct supervised involvement in the many aspects of Departmental theatre production. This course provides the application of the basic principles and practices addressed in the theatre courses THE101 Introduction to Theatre Arts, THE108 Intro to Stagecraft, and/or THE110 Movement for the Stage. The pass/fail grade will be based on the successful completion of assigned cast or crew positions for Departmental Productions. Production Positions earning Theatre Participation non-degree credits are listed and explained in the Theatre Handbook and are available in the Department Office. Required of theatre arts majors. Theatre Participation does not give degree credits and has no impact on GPA, but completion is required for graduation.

Credits: 0.50